Monday Volume 520 20 December 2010 No. 93

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 20 December 2010

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Mr Hayes: Of course, I know Nottingham very well— House of Commons rather better, I might say, than the hon. Gentleman. [Interruption.] No, I do not say that in anything other than the kindest possible way. As a result however, I am Monday 20 December 2010 well aware of some of the issues associated with disadvantage in that city. Might I suggest that the hon. The House met at half-past Two o’clock Gentleman read the work of the late Ken Coates, “Poverty: The Forgotten Englishmen”, a definitive study of poverty in St Ann’s, Nottingham? We will fight to PRAYERS preserve the interests of disadvantaged people, for that is our mission. Education Maintenance Allowance [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] 3. Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): What assessment he has made of the effect on post-16 participation rates of replacing the education Oral Answers to Questions maintenance allowance. [31424]

7. Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) (Lab): What assessment he has made of the effect on EDUCATION post-16 participation rates of replacing the education maintenance allowance. [31428]

The Secretary of State was asked— The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): Vocational Education May I take this opportunity to wish you, Mr Speaker, and every Member of the House the compliments of the season and a very happy Christmas? As we all know, 1. Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): What recent Christmas is a season of unexpected largesse when representations he has received on the objectives of Members will find gifts of all shapes and sizes suddenly vocational education; and if he will make a statement. descending into their laps from all quarters. In that [31422] respect, Mr Speaker, may I also say that I hope you, like every Member, has the chance to enjoy a well-filled The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong stocking this Christmas time? [Interruption.] It is a Learning (Mr John Hayes): The Secretary of State for tradition of this time. Education has asked Professor Alison Wolf to carry out a review of vocational education. I am working closely Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Behind you! with her on the development of vocational learning. Professor Wolf’s public call for evidence promoted a Michael Gove: Behind me there are many Members large number of submissions, and she will report in who support our position on EMA and they, like me, spring 2011. are committed to making sure that young people participate in education and training until they are 18. Therefore, Guy Opperman: My head teacher at the Prudhoe we will replace EMA with a fund that can more effectively community high school makes the point that rural areas target those young people who actually need the support such as south Northumberland are at a huge disadvantage to enable them to participate in learning. given that their transport costs, travel times and poor infrastructure seem to be tailored to an urban model. Shabana Mahmood: My constituency has the highest Will rural areas get a voice in future, and will a member unemployment rate in the country. In order to reverse of the ministerial team meet the head teachers from my that, young people in Birmingham, Ladywood need to region in the spring? stay on post-16, to gain skills and qualifications to enable them to find work. EMA is vital in that. At City Mr Hayes: As I am sure my hon. Friend may have college in my constituency, 68% of students receive anticipated, I will be delighted to meet him and the EMA, and they tell me that scrapping it will have a representatives of those organisations. We are absolutely devastating impact on students in the poorest areas, clear there should be a vocational pathway that is as and put them off staying on. Why are the Government rigorous and accessible as the academic route, and it kicking the ladder from under the feet of young people should be available to people in rural areas, which is trying to get on? why I am particularly conscious of transport and other issues that might inhibit that. Michael Gove: I am very grateful to the hon. Lady; she makes her point with characteristic passion and her Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): How question is, typically, well informed. At a time when, as can we see more young people in vocational education if the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury said, “There the Minister is taking the axe to the education maintenance is no money left”, we have to ensure that every penny we allowances, 4,000 of which were paid to people in my spend is targeted on those most in need. I am sure that city of Nottingham? When the Education Secretary the hon. Lady agrees that it is important that policy is told The Guardian on 2 March this year that he would based on evidence, and the evidence suggests that some not be scrapping EMAs, should they not have taken who are in receipt of EMA would continue in education that statement at face value? without it. Therefore, we are going to make sure that the 1161 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1162 money we have is targeted more effectively on those Andy Burnham (Leigh) (Lab): I start by reciprocating who need it most, and more details will become apparent on behalf of the Opposition Front-Bench team the in the new year. good wishes of Government Front Benchers, including the Secretary of State. We are grateful for the gift that Bridget Phillipson: On the issue of evidence, the he has delivered to us today, although I cannot promise independent Institute for Fiscal Studies has said that that the good will is going to last for this entire Question the economic benefits of EMA will outweigh its costs; Time. the money put in delivers results in the long term. Will I would like to treat the House to the full quotation the Secretary of State ensure that the replacement scheme referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham for EMA is just as cost-effective? East (Chris Leslie) a moment ago: “Ed Balls keeps saying that we are committed to scrapping the Michael Gove: I am very grateful to the hon. Lady for EMA. I have never said this. We won’t.” her question, which is also characteristically well informed. Will the Secretary of State today apologise to the 600,000 I have great respect for the IFS, and it has previously young people who receive EMA and who took him at reported that there is no statistically significant information his word? that EMA has either raised the attainment of young women or increased participation rates among young men. We will ensure, however, that the replacement is Michael Gove: I am grateful for the generous seasonal sufficiently well targeted to ensure that it provides value words offered by the right hon. Gentleman, but when it for money. I must stress that it is in everyone’s interests comes to apologies, it is those of us on the Government that more young people stay on in education for longer. Benches who are waiting for an apology from him and from all his colleagues who were in government. When Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con): he says that we should spend money on this, that or the Does the Secretary of State agree that where discretionary next thing, one thing is never acknowledged: his and his spending to help students participate in full-time education colleagues’ responsibility for the dire economic mess in is available, it should be focused on specific barriers that which we were left. As a result of forming the coalition they face, rather than be a one-off, tokenistic payment Government, two parties are working together to get us that might not actually meet the needs of, for instance, out of the mess that his party left us in. May I suggest many disabled students for whom participating in education that he gives us all a Christmas present: a single act of will cost far more than £30 a week? contrition? He should give us a single word for the economic mess that he created: sorry. Michael Gove: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for making that point, and I thought it uncharacteristically Andy Burnham: When we hear bluster like that, we discourteous of Labour Members not to listen to him in see a pattern repeating itself. It is school sport all over silence. As the only Member of this House to have again: a bad decision with dodgy statistics to justify it. attended a special school, he speaks with a degree of Let us take the Secretary of State’s only argument authority that Labour Members would do well to pay against EMA head on: the 90% deadweight. On the attention to. He makes the point crystal clear: we need Government’s own figures, because of EMA 76,000 young to ensure that there is sufficient discretionary support people stay on who might otherwise have become NEETs— for students who are living with handicaps and who those not in education, employment or training. Research have suffered from disability. I am only sorry that for the Audit Commission puts the annual cost of a Labour Members saw fit to greet his comments with the young person not in education, employment or training sort of grumbling and mumbling more appropriate to a at £55,000, and 76,000 times £55,000 is more than student union than the mother of Parliaments. £4 billion. Do these figures not demolish the Government’s last remaining argument against EMA and show that Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): I agree with the the IFS is right to say that EMA more than pays for Secretary of State that the money paid as part of EMA itself? should be much better targeted. The current arrangements for the learner support fund exclude payments for travel, Michael Gove: I am grateful for that display of mental so can he assure me that travel costs will be considered a arithmetic, which means that Carol Vorderman’s place legitimate part of the future discretionary learner support on Countdown can easily be succeeded by the right fund? hon. Gentleman. [Interruption.] It is time to bring it back, if only to provide him with a platform equal to his Michael Gove: My hon. Friend makes a very good talents. The truth is that only 12% of young people who point, describing one of the reasons for reviewing the are eligible for EMA say that they would not participate travel entitlement for all students and learners. We want without it. We need to ensure that money is better to make sure that any support we provide is to overcome targeted on those who need it most. His Government barriers, which include travel to work costs, as well as commissioned the National Foundation for Educational paying for rent, subsistence or the supply of textbooks Research to conduct a survey on who was receiving and other materials that are needed. It was striking that support and who should receive support to stay in during the Labour leadership election the right hon. learning. That report, commissioned by his Government, Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) said that he would pointed out that it would be beneficial better to target be happy to see EMA go if it were replaced by an financial support at the most vulnerable groups—that allowance for travel, so there is a consensus that the was the case made by my hon. Friend the Member for current system is capable of reform. It is one that unites Blackpool North and Cleveleys (Paul Maynard). The the two Front-Bench teams, even if it does not embrace right hon. Gentleman’s own Government’s research points everyone in the House. out that this money is spent inefficiently. Of course it 1163 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1164 was spent inefficiently under his rule, but this coalition ratings for educational attainment, especially in maths Government will ensure that the money available for 16 and science. My personal experience of A-levels and my to 18-year-olds is targeted at those who need it most, so more recent experience of speaking to examiners show that those in the poorest circumstances get more. that the number of topics that students have to cover to get exactly the same A-level has contracted. That is a Andy Burnham: I have seen enough of the right hon. worrying trend; will my hon. Friend look into it with Gentleman in action to know that weak jokes clearly Ofqual? mean he is in trouble. I think we can now safely give him his end-of-year report card. On Building Schools for the Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend is right to raise those Future, school sports and now the education maintenance concerns. That is why it is so important to involve allowance he has shown poor attention to detail and a universities and learned societies in A-level development failure to do his homework. On the big decisions, things and to ensure that qualifications in this country are on a that people care about, he is cavalier— par with those in the highest performing jurisdictions in the world. That is why we have asked Ofqual to review Mr Speaker: Order. The right hon. Gentleman will the impact of the recent changes to A-levels, to which resume his seat. This is Question Time. We must have my hon. Friend referred. We are talking to universities short questions and short answers, so may I ask the about how we can ensure their effective involvement in right hon. Gentleman to conclude his question? determining the knowledge and aptitude expected in A- levels, not only in science subjects and maths but in Andy Burnham: Let me quote briefly from the Secretary other academic subjects, too. of State’s White Paper. It states: “No-one is helped when poor performance remains unaddressed.” Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): We Will he make a new year’s resolution today to live by the welcome the review of the science and maths curriculum, same exacting standards as he expects schools to apply but why are this Government so obsessed with science, to their teachers? technology, engineering and maths—the STEM subjects? Will this Government’s war on the humanities in the Michael Gove: I am afraid that that performance fell universities not affect the balance of teaching in our below even the right hon. Gentleman’s flawed standards. schools? Why are this Government quite so philistine? The truth is that the shadow Education Secretary needs to learn that, instead of simply providing a draft of an Mr Gibb: I think that that is an unnecessary comment. op-ed piece as a question, he needs to come up with We have made it very clear—my right hon. Friend the policies that will convince people that he has learned the Secretary of State is on record countless times talking lesson of his Government’s defeat. He cannot simply about the importance of history, and I have talked say that the answer to every problem is more money. He about the importance of geography. The international cannot simply say, as he said during the leadership baccalaureate, which we have introduced, sets out a key election, that he wants minimum that we expect schools to teach: English, maths, a modern foreign language and history or geography “closer ties to the trade union movement” as a humanity. That demonstrates the importance that at the same time as that trade union movement is calling we attach not only to STEM subjects but to the humanities. for an all-out assault against this Government. He cannot consistently move to the left, opportunistically— Esther McVey (Wirral West) (Con): The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has produced a report noting Mr Speaker: Order. The Secretary of State will resume that broad choices about STEM subjects are taken his seat. That response—I use the word response, rather between the ages of 11 and 14. I agree with looking at than answer, advisedly—has nothing to do with the A-level science subjects, but should we not concentrate subject matter on the Order Paper. particularly on helping younger children progress into science and maths? Science and Maths A-levels Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend is absolutely right and it is 4. Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): What disappointing that too few young people study the three plans he has to review the curriculum for science and separate sciences—biology, chemistry and physics—through mathematics A-levels. [31425] to GCSE. That is why we have introduced the concept of an English baccalaureate: to encourage a broad The Minister of State, Department for Education (Mr range of academic subjects to be taught and taken up to Nick Gibb): We will ensure that A-levels assess the the age of 16, particularly in maths and the other knowledge that universities demand from candidates. STEM subjects. We have asked the regulator, Ofqual, to examine how to ensure that re-sits and modularity are not damaging Child Care in-depth study and we are working with it to develop a process for involving universities and learned societies 5. Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): What plans he has in the design and development of A-levels, which commands to ensure the availability of high-quality, affordable wide support. Mathematics and science A-levels will be child care in all areas. [31426] reviewed through the new arrangements in due course. The Minister of State, Department for Education Dr Thérèse Coffey: I thank my hon. Friend for that (Sarah Teather): Local authorities have statutory duties answer. I am sure that he shares my concern that we to secure sufficient child care for working parents and have slipped down the international competitiveness to assess child care provision in their area. They also 1165 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1166 have a duty to secure 15 hours a week of free nursery including how the funding will flow from local authorities education for 38 weeks per year for all three and four- to institutions and what guidance is required to administer year-olds. Statutory guidance requires local authorities the fund effectively. to take into account the quality, flexibility and accessibility of places and the range of provision available to meet Emma Reynolds: I thank the Secretary of State for the needs of parents. that answer. Some 4,000 young people in Wolverhampton benefited from the education maintenance allowance Phil Wilson: What assessment has the Minister made last year and, as my right hon. Friend the hon. Member of the effects of removing the requirement from Sure for Leigh (Andy Burnham) and my hon. Friend the Start children’s centres to provide child care? Member for Houghton and Sunderland South (Bridget Phillipson) have said, the Institute for Fiscal Studies Sarah Teather: That has not happened. What has demonstrates that the EMA is cost-effective. Has there been removed is the requirement to provide full day-care been a cost-benefit analysis of the EMA’s replacement services in the most disadvantaged areas. We have done and will the loss of productivity of the young people that because early-years providers have consistently told whom the replacement will fail to support be taken into us that in some areas the demand is not there. When account? that happens, children’s centres find that they have to subsidise child care, or at least empty places, at the Michael Gove: There was a cost-benefit analysis under expense of providing early-intervention programmes the previous Government of the EMA by the NFER—that that might have made a real difference for those families. is enough initials—which pointed out that it would be This is simply about providing flexibility. In areas where more beneficial and would cost less to target funds on demand continues, I would expect local authorities to the learners who are in the most need. want their children’s centres to go on providing that service, but where the demand is not there, it does not Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): make sense to divert money that could be better spent. This Government are to increase the compulsory age of education to 18, thereby removing the need to incentivise Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): The Independent 16 to 18-year-olds to stay in education. Does my right on 5 May quoted the Deputy Prime Minister as saying hon. Friend agree that that will increase social mobility that if we offer vocational and academic studies? “Sure Start is one of the best things the last government has done and I want all these centres to stay open.” Michael Gove: Yes, my hon. Friend makes an impeccable How many Sure Start children’s centres does the Minister point. We are committed to raising the participation estimate will close down next year on his and her watch? age, and we have funded the raising of the participation And I wish her a merry Christmas. age. The Opposition have not yet explained how they would pay for the maintenance of the EMA or any of Sarah Teather: I also wish the hon. Gentleman a their other spending cuts, but I look forward to hearing merry Christmas and a happy new year. from hon. Members in the course of the next half hour how they would pay for their promises. Sure Start children’s centres are at the heart of the Government’s programme for early years. They are Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): Three thousand, absolutely vital, and that is why we asked the hon. seven hundred and fifty-six young people have lost Member for Nottingham North (Mr Allen) to do the EMA in Tottenham, and Tottenham now has the highest work on early intervention that will be coming forward unemployment in London. In light of that cut, will the in the new year. It is also why we are considering Secretary of State tell the House how many apprenticeships piloting payment by results—to try to make sure that he has delivered since May? local authorities have an incentive to do such work. There is a legal duty to ensure that there are sufficient Michael Gove: We have secured funding for an additional children’s centres available, but the hon. Gentleman will 75,000 apprenticeships beyond those that the previous be well aware that it is for local authorities to decide. Government secured. As a result of that additional However, I have been very clear with local authorities investment, we will be making sure that young people that we expect them to look at the evidence on early have a better chance than they had under the previous intervention and to make sure that they prioritise it. I Government. think that children’s centres are an absolutely vital part of that work. Children’s Centres

Education Maintenance Allowance 8. Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): What steps his Department is taking to ensure that 6. Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): children’s centres meet the needs of new parents. What recent discussions he has had with head teachers, [31429] teachers and governors of educational establishments on the implementation of any replacement for The Minister of State, Department for Education education maintenance allowance. [31427] (Sarah Teather): The early-intervention grant contains enough money to maintain the network of Sure Start The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): children’s centres so that they are accessible to all and We are currently working with representatives of schools, supporting families in greatest need. Local services, colleges and training providers to finalise the arrangements including outreach, family support and health have a for the enhanced discretionary learner support fund, critical role in linking new families to centres that use 1167 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1168 evidenced-based programmes. The Department of Health The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education will shortly provide more detail on its plans to recruit (Tim Loughton): Schools have been protected in this 4,200 extra health visitors to provide increased support spending round. The schools budget has been protected to all families. in cash terms, and in addition schools will receive the pupil premium. Funding for local authorities has been Andrea Leadsom: Does my hon. Friend agree that the reduced, so local authorities will need to prioritise most profound impact on a baby’s life is its earliest services where they have greatest effect and look at relationship with its parents or carers, and that the best opportunities for delivering services more cost effectively, thing that Sure Start children’s centres can do is to which will include working with other local authorities. provide support for those new parents in forming those relationships that will lead to lifelong mental health? Natascha Engel: Deincourt school in my constituency was closed on the understanding that its pupils would Sarah Teather: I absolutely agree. That is why the move to the neighbouring school in Tibshelf, which was Government are committed to recruiting so many new waiting for Building Schools for the Future funding to health visitors. It is also why we have doubled the family expand. Deincourt students have now arrived at Tibshelf nurse partnership programme, which particularly supports but the BSF money, of course, has not. Tibshelf is now very young families who are vulnerable and has been facing the prospect of having its services cut as a result shown to have a dramatic impact on child development of the local government funding settlement. What has and that bond between parents and child. the Minister got against Tibshelf school? Tim Loughton: I assure the hon. Lady that neither I Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does nor the ministerial team has anything against Tibshelf the hon. Lady agree that cutting the money provided to school. I remind her that Derbyshire has been allocated Sure Start children’s centres can hardly be a good idea? £91 million of capital funding support for BSF, and to Is it not a fact that the budget is shrinking, and that the date it has been paid £25 million in conventional funding budget for the new health visitors will come out of that for BSF, too. If there are special circumstances regarding for the children’s centres? That means an overall decline that school, I am sure that she will make representations in the amount of money. to the ministerial team accordingly, and that we will respond. Sarah Teather: No, that is not true. The early-intervention grant is a substantial, flexible grant that contains more Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): When Tony than enough money to maintain the network of Sure Blair came to power, he said that his first three priorities Start children’s centres. It is a deliberately flexible grant were education, education, education. During the Labour because we want local authorities to think innovatively Government, however, standards fell in reading, science about the way in which they link services together. I and maths. Does the Minister agree that what counts is want them to use the assets that are children’s centres. I not the amount of money one puts in, but how it is want them to make sure, for example, that they are spent? providing family support in children’s centres and perhaps providing services for older children where that is Tim Loughton: My hon. Friend makes a very important appropriate. The flexible grant, which is larger than that point, which, although not just about education, is for Sure Start, should allow them to do that. more starkly about education than anything else. Just investing money without focusing it on the quality of Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): How will the the outcomes does not make for a good investment, and work of the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) this Government see things differently from the previous on the foundation years—improving life chances for Government, who purely grandstanded on the amount disadvantaged children—help to inform my hon. Friend’s of taxpayers’ money that they could throw at a problem, approach to the early years? without taking account of the quality of the outcomes for the students leaving our schools. Sarah Teather: The report by the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) is an extremely useful Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): It is the end of contribution to the debate, especially given his focus on term, and if the Minister had been a pupil in my A-level prioritising early years, which supports the work that economics class I would have to give him a grade E, the Government are already doing to make sure that we because, although he shows some understanding of are investing particularly in a free entitlement for two- basic economic concepts, he cannot seem to grasp the year-olds, which will become statutory by 2013. We are difference between a real-terms change and a money also taking forward the work that he did on life chances change in a budget. I will give him the chance to re-sit, indices, which will support the wider work of the however. Now that his Department has admitted that Government on child poverty. schools will see a real cut in their budgets amounting to 3.4% or £170 per pupil by the end of the spending review period, will he finally admit that there is no real Local Government Allocations pupil premium, just a pupil con?

10. Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): Tim Loughton: The hon. Gentleman knows full well What assessment he has made of the effects of local that, if his Government had left any money in the kitty, government funding allocations on services provided to none of those funding assessments would be necessary. schools by local authorities; and if he will make a The truth is that schools funding, above many other statement. [31431] things, has been protected, with an extra £3.6 billion in 1169 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1170 cash terms by the end of the comprehensive spending others, supports our new approach to school sports, review period. In addition, pupil premium money will with a new emphasis on encouraging participation in be focused on those pupils most in need—those who competitive sports. were most neglected by his Government. Clive Efford: This is a very humiliating day for the International League Tables Secretary of State. He wrote a letter to Baroness Campbell, saying that he would spend the £162 million in funding for school sport through schools, but we now know that 11. Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) he has secured only less than half that money. So, it was (Con): What steps his Department is taking to increase his intention to pass on those cuts and make schools the ranking of schools in England in international responsible for them, not to take responsibility for them league tables of educational attainment. [31432] himself. If Baroness Campbell is so involved in developing school sport, why did it take 600,000 people to sign a The Minister of State, Department for Education petition before he even met her? Should he not get up at (Mr Nick Gibb): The OECD’s programme for international that Dispatch Box and apologise? student assessment—PISA—report, published on 7 December, shows that this country fell from fourth to Michael Gove: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman 16th in science, from seventh to 25th in reading and for his question, but he should do his homework first. I from eighth to 28th in maths. The lessons from PISA on met Baroness Campbell on two occasions before we the hallmarks of high-performing systems are clear, and made our announcement: I enjoyed dinner with her and they are reflected in the direction of policy in our White I enjoyed meeting her when we were launching our Paper, “The Importance of Teaching.” school sports Olympics at a school sports partnership in south-east London. I subsequently met Baroness Stephen Phillips: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for Campbell and many other sports people. I have been that answer. According to the OECD report that he meeting more sports people in the course of the past mentions, UK teenagers in full-time education were two weeks than I might have anticipated at this time of outscored by their peers from, among other countries, year, and every one of those conversations has been Estonia, Liechtenstein and Slovenia. Does he agree fruitful and constructive. As a result of those conversations, that, if the previous Government’s watchword was supposed we have ensured that we are able to strip out the to be education, education, education, the record that bureaucracy that characterised the worst of the previous they left for this Government and for far too many of Government’s legacy and concentrate on building on our young people was one of failure, failure, failure? the best. That is why not just Baroness Campbell but Dame Kelly Holmes has said that our approach to Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend raises a very good point. school sport is right. In the spirit of seasonal good However one wants to describe the previous Labour cheer, I hope that the rest of the House will get behind Government’s record, it is clear that we have fallen in those two fantastic, female standard-bearers for sport. the international educational attainment rankings, and that is why our White Paper focuses on reducing the Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): May I say how bureaucracy that confronts our schools. We want to refreshing it is to have a Government who listen to trust professionals and to increase the autonomy of representations and are prepared to think again? However, schools. In our White Paper, we have a real focus on will the Secretary of State give the details of any change behaviour, on raising standards of reading, on raising as soon as possible to people who will be affected? the quality of the curriculum and on reviewing the Redundancy processes are already in place, including at national curriculum—should I go on Mr Speaker?—in a school in my constituency in relation to the roles of all the policy areas that we intend to implement over the development manager, part-time assistant and coming years in order to improve the quality of education administrative worker for sports schemes. in this country and to see a rise in our international rankings. Michael Gove: The important point about our scheme is that we are giving schools additional money to support the participation of more children in competitive sports. School Sports Funding As the Under-Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham 12. Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): What discussions he (Tim Loughton) pointed out, we are ring-fencing schools had with Baroness Campbell and the Youth Sport spending in cash terms and ensuring that the pupil Trust during his review of school sports policy. [31433] premium is there to help the most disadvantaged. There will also be additional funding for every secondary The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): school to ensure that it can maintain, if it wishes, its full Baroness Campbell and the Youth Sport Trust have role in a school sports partnership. However, let me been closely involved in developing our proposals to make it clear: that money is for head teachers to spend. create an Olympic and Paralympic-style school sport We are making sure that the bureaucracy that tied their competition. The Department for Culture, Media and hands in the past goes. Sport is leading that work and has held regular meetings with a range of interested bodies, including the Youth Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): John Barker Sport Trust. Ministers and officials from this Department runs the school sports partnerships in Bolsover and attend those meetings. My officials and I have had a works at Tibshelf school, which has already been mentioned range of discussions with Baroness Campbell in the today, in my constituency. If the Secretary of State course of developing our wider proposals for school could, under this new deal, give him a job running the sport, and we are delighted that she, like so many whole Bolsover school sports partnership and provide a 1171 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1172 new school building at Tibshelf as well, he would kill to be taken to the next stage of development, subject to two birds with one stone. The school sports partnership the approval of the governing bodies. In addition, Landau will be happy; the Tibshelf people will be happy; and Forte academy in Tamworth opened in September for the 100-year-old school in Tibshelf that is being held up 11 to 16-year-old pupils, and its new sixth-form centre by pit props will be replaced. Can he give that guarantee? will open in September 2011. Across England, there are now well over 350 academies, of which 158 have opened Michael Gove: I have to say that if I leave the House during this academic year. at the end of today having made the hon. Gentleman a happy man, I will consider my political career to have Christopher Pincher: I am grateful to my hon. Friend reached its peak. I seriously accept both the case that he for that answer. Will he, with me, congratulate all the makes for capital funding for Tibshelf school, which is other secondary schools in Tamworth that are now in his constituency, not that of the hon. Member for pursuing academy status beyond the dead hand of the North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), and the case LEA? Will he agree to support, to the best of his ability, for support for the gentleman he mentions. I am sure those potential academies and academies sponsored by that the money will be there to ensure that that gentleman E-ACT that may wish to offer sixth-form provision if can carry on his good work. As the Under-Secretary, there is demand for it in the town? my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham, made clear, capital funding is available for Mr Gibb: I congratulate Queen Elizabeth’s Mercian Derbyshire and I will ensure that capital funding is in school, Belgrave high school, Rawlett community sports future targeted on those areas of greatest need. There college and Wilnecote high school on seeking academy are few areas of greater need than those that the hon. status. The OECD research is clear that autonomy at Gentleman represents, and few are lucky to have such school level, combined with objective external assessment, an eloquent advocate. is the key to success. We are keen to improve the quality of sixth-form provision and to look at all proposals. In Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): We welcome the the case of Tamworth, that would mean considering Secretary of State’s humiliating climbdown on the school this in the light of the new sixth-form centre that is sports partnerships. It is hard to know what is most currently being built and due to open next year. disgraceful: the refusal to meet Baroness Campbell or the way the Government badmouthed the Youth Sport Education in Hospital Trust, the hundreds of school sports co-ordinators and the thousands of volunteers. The Secretary of State said that school sports partnerships had failed, another Minister 14. Dr Daniel Poulter (Central Suffolk and North slammed them and even the Prime Minister said they Ipswich) (Con): What funding his Department provides had a terrible record. Now, in the face of a storm of through local authorities for the education of children protest, the Government claim to be leaving them in with chronic medical conditions who spend significant place until shortly after the Olympics, albeit with periods of time in hospital. [31435] dramatically less funding. We hope that the Secretary of State learns a lesson from this, which is just the latest The Minister of State, Department for Education shambles he has presided over. Will he acknowledge (Sarah Teather): My Department does not collect this that school sports partnerships have not failed and have information, but we are committed to ensuring that not got a terrible record, and will he promise to back children with long-term illnesses receive as normal an them up to the Olympics and beyond? education as possible. Statutory guidance published jointly with the Department of Health sets out the Mr Speaker: Order. In future, questions must be national minimum standards for the education of children briefer, and I know that the Secretary of State will now who are unable to attend school because of medical provide an example of a brief reply. needs.

Michael Gove: I am very grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s Dr Poulter: I thank the Minister for her reply. I am pre-written question, which was so old that it could sure she is aware of the excellent work done by all staff have been a primary source in a GCSE history paper in hospital school rooms in looking after pupils who and so long that one could have used it instead of the have long-term illnesses. Will she join me in congratulating Bayeux tapestry. Anyway, I am very happy to say that Ipswich hospital school room on treating, on average, the money is now there from the budget that we had 2,200 pupils every year who have chronic medical already allocated for sport. If only he had been paying conditions? Does she agree that it is very important that attention during the Opposition day debate that we had all local education authorities invest properly in these four weeks ago, he would have known that. school rooms and ensure that they have permanent staff who can work properly with children who are the most Academies Programme vulnerable and the most sick?

13. Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): What Sarah Teather: I certainly join the hon. Gentleman in recent progress has been made on his Department’s congratulating those involved in the example from his academies programme in (a) Tamworth constituency constituency. This is an issue to which I feel personally and (b) England. [31434] very committed, having spent many of my teenage years in and out of hospital, experiencing not always good The Minister of State, Department for Education educational provision in hospital schools. I am afraid (Mr Nick Gibb): Ministers have recently agreed proposals that not everybody is as lucky as the hon. Gentleman’s for two new academies to replace four Tamworth schools constituents. I am very committed to working on this 1173 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1174 issue with the Department of Health to try to ensure Mr Speaker: Order. I encourage the Minister to address that quality is as good across the country as it has been the House. It is no good his looking behind him, because in his constituency. hon. Members cannot hear him.

Miss Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): Of course a Local Government Allocations child who is off school ill may not necessarily be in hospital, so their education has to take account of that. 18. John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): What Will the hon. Lady have a word with her colleagues in assessment he has made of the effect on school budgets the Department for Work and Pensions about this? The of funding allocations to local authority education way that the benefit system works, particularly regarding services for 2011-12. [31439] disability living allowance, means that many such families are finding it very difficult to provide security to their The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): children so that they can learn, because their mobility The Government recently announced the 2011-12 school allowance or care allowance is stopping and starting as funding settlement. Indeed, the Minister of State, my the children move in and out of hospital, and that is hon. Friend the Member for Bognor Regis and causing huge disruption because the family cannot plan Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), has just been dilating on it. and their finances are on a precarious footing. The schools budget will stay at a flat cash per pupil rate, before the addition of the pupil premium. The actual Sarah Teather: The hon. Lady is correct to say that level of budget for each school will vary according to its particularly now, when there is more of a focus on not local authority’s funding formula and pupil numbers. being in hospital and being treated in the community, There will be a minimum funding guarantee, so that no children with chronic medical conditions are less likely school will see a reduction, compared to 2010-11, of to be educated in hospital schools. I am sure that my more than 1.5% per pupil before the pupil premium is colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions applied. will take note of her comments, which I will bring to their attention. John Cryer: May I return to reality for a couple of minutes? I represent some of the poorest wards in School Standards London, and that is against some pretty stiff competition. The schools in those wards face a sharp increase in 17. Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): What recent pupil numbers over many years, in particular over the representations he has received on school standards in next year or two. At the same time, funding is being cut, (a) Central Devon constituency and (b) England. whatever the Secretary of State says. Even taking account [31438] of the pupil premium, funding per pupil will reduce. Is that what he had in mind when he drew up his plan? The Minister of State, Department for Education (Mr Nick Gibb): No representations have been received Michael Gove: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, on school standards in Central Devon. We have, of but the truth is that facts are chiels that winna ding. The course, received many representations about standards facts are that we are ensuring that the education budget in schools nationally. In 2010, at key stage 2, 78% of increases by £3.6 billion. pupils in Central Devon achieved level 4 or above in English and maths combined, compared with Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): In real terms? 73% in England. In 2009, at key stage 4, 55.5% of pupils Michael Gove: That is in real money, actually. It will in Central Devon achieved five or more GCSEs at grade increase by £3.6 billion over the next four years. The A* to C, including English and maths, compared with Labour party could guarantee increases in education 50.9% in England as a whole. funding only for two years; we have guaranteed them for four, along with £2.5 billion for the poorest children Mel Stride: I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. and £1.1 billion to take account of pupil numbers. We Historically, Devon has suffered from a lower dedicated are delivering growth in education spending that Labour schools grant than other parts of the country. Will he could not afford and could not promise. That is a confirm that he is looking closely at per pupil funding, vindication of the progressive goals that the coalition and that schools in my constituency can expect a fairer has set itself. deal in the future? Topical Questions Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend will be aware that last Monday we announced the school funding settlement T1. [31447] Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): If he will for 2011-12. The overall schools budget is being maintained make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. at a flat cash per pupil rate so that as pupil numbers rise, the overall budget rises. In addition, we are introducing The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong a pupil premium, which will be worth £625 million next Learning (Mr John Hayes): I am delighted to say that year, and will provide schools with £430 for every pupil the Government are looking closely at the matters that who is known to be eligible for free school meals. In affect disadvantaged students who attend the college Devon, the dedicated schools grant is £4,602 per pupil that my hon. Friend represents. and the capital amount is £24.6 million for 2011-12. We recognise that the school funding system is currently Jane Ellison: The Minister has visited South Thames unfair, opaque and illogical. A number of local authorities, college in my constituency. Like many further education particularly those in the F40 group, believe that they are colleges, it has warmly welcomed the freeing up of not funded correctly. We will consider that over the colleges from bureaucracy, and the extra freedoms and longer term to address that unfairness. flexibilities that they have been granted. Such colleges 1175 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1176 would like more information, if the Minister can provide which they desperately need. We must help them to it, on how they might use the enhanced discretionary shake off the people who have trafficked them, in many support fund to support the most disadvantaged young cases under the most gruesome circumstances. people, particularly those who are starting two-year courses. T5. [31452] Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): Can the Minister confirm that the budget for the new early Mr Hayes: I was pleased to visit the college with my intervention grant, which includes funding for Sure hon. Friend and I am delighted that it recognises the Start, will be almost 11% lower next year than the progress that we are making in giving colleges additional current funding for the various programmes, and 7.5% freedom, so that they can innovate and excel. I understand lower in 2012? Can she tell the House by what from looking at the figures before today that the college definition of flexibility that is not a cut? has among its learners a number of disadvantaged students. We will look closely at these matters to ensure The Minister of State, Department for Education that those students get every opportunity to fulfil their (Sarah Teather): The hon. Lady will be aware, especially potential, for my party is the party of Wilberforce, if she has listened to the answers to previous questions, Shaftesbury and Disraeli, and the elevation of the people that when her party was in government it unfortunately is in our hearts. spent all the money. We simply cannot fund everything at the same level as before; otherwise we will never be T2. [31449] Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) able to tackle the deficit. (Lab): On the education maintenance allowance, will the Secretary of State comment on two findings of the By producing a flexible grant, we are responding to Institute for Fiscal Studies? The first is that the A-level what local government has asked us to do. It has asked results of recipients are, on average, four grades higher us, especially at a time when money is difficult, to create on the UCAS tariff than those of people who do not one large, flexible budget to ensure that it can prioritise receive EMA. The second is that the so-called based on local need. That means it will be able to fund dead-weight costs of the EMA are less than those of things in a different way. If we tell local government initiatives that the Government are introducing, such that it has to fund things in one exact way, with certain as the relief on employers’ national insurance priorities and in a certain order, it has no flexibility to contributions. Does that not show that the focus on local areas. A flexible grant will allow it to Government are making less a policy based on prioritise funds and change the way in which it provides evidence and more a cut based on ideology? services locally.

The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): T4. [31451] Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): I am That is a very good question, actually—much better currently representing two families in my constituency than any of those from the Labour Front Bench. who have been unable to get their children into a Unfortunately, the evidence does not stack up. The IFS primary school along with their older siblings, owing to actually pointed out that there had been no increase in infant class size legislation. That has caused participation and only a modest increase in attainment, considerable distress to the families involved. Will my and the National Foundation for Educational Research hon. Friend review the impact that infant class size pointed out that the dead-weight cost was roughly legislation is having on families who wish their children 88%, so only 12% of students were participating who to attend the same primary school? would not otherwise have participated. Clearly we can have more effective targeting. Just because many policies The Minister of State, Department for Education carry a dead weight, that does not mean that all policies (Mr Nick Gibb): As my hon. Friend knows, the School should. Neither, indeed, should all Front Benches carry Standards and Framework Act 1998 places a duty on dead weight. local authorities and schools to limit the size of infant classes taught by one teacher to 30 pupils. It makes T3. [31450] Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) exceptions for exceptional circumstances, such as when (Con): My right hon. and hon. Friends will be aware of a child moves into an area outside the normal admissions Operation Golf, the Metropolitan police’s operation in round and there is no other school within a reasonable London that has identified several hundred trafficked distance. Under current legislation, however, siblings children on the streets of the capital, mostly from are not included in the list of permitted exception eastern Europe. What consideration have they given to criteria. We announced in the White Paper a review of ensuring that those children receive a decent education the school admissions framework so that it will be while they remain in the United Kingdom? clearer for parents, and that review will consider the over-subscription criteria, including siblings and the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education important issue of twins and children from multiple (Tim Loughton): My hon. Friend makes a very good births. In other words, yes. point, and I recently had a meeting with the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the T7. [31454] Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Young Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (James Brokenshire), people may be forgiven for thinking that the who takes the lead on trafficking. We want to ensure Government do not like them very much following not only that those children are picked up at the border their decisions on EMA, tuition fees and the future whenever possible and that we can track their whereabouts jobs fund, and the destruction of the youth service. in this country, but that when we do know their whereabouts Can we assume that they have abandoned “Aiming we work with local education authorities to ensure that High for Young People”, the 10-year strategy for they get the education to which they are entitled and positive activities? As many local authorities are not 1177 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1178 now fulfilling their statutory duties under the Michael Gove: I always enjoy visiting the north-east. I Education Act 2005, will the Secretary of State particularly enjoyed my visit a couple of weeks ago, intervene? when I had the chance to visit the Duchess high school, Alnwick, and schools in Stanley and Consett. I already Michael Gove: Another beautifully read question. I have a packed schedule for the day to which the hon. can tell the hon. Lady which Government betrayed Lady refers—I am due to be in Newcastle and Stockton— young people—the one whom she supported, who left but I hope that I can visit North Tyneside, because I young people with a huge burden of debt around their also want to visit south Tyneside to congratulate a necks and record levels of youth unemployment. A school in Whitburn that has opted to become an academy. higher number of young people were not in education, I have to remind the House that the number of schools employment or training when they left office compared that have opted to become academies under this with what they inherited. She has a right cheek to ask a Government has dramatically increased. Ninety-four question like that at this time of year. The first thing she schools have converted, 40 more will convert in January, should do is apologise on behalf of the previous and 333 have applied to convert, including 64 in the last Government for the dreadful mess in which they left the week alone. [Interruption.] That is a record of reform economy. of which the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) can, I am afraid, only dream. Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I endorse the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Torbay (Mr Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): There is considerable Sanders). The Government have listened and responded concern among many parents that elements of the on school sports partnerships. I urge the Secretary of current sex and relationships education contribute to State to ensure that the system is put right as quickly as the early sexualisation of children. What can the Secretary possible so that staff do not lose their jobs. May I draw of State do to reassure the House that parents and his attention to a Westminster Hall debate last week governors will have significant local input into the and an excellent suggestion from me on how the rest of framework for sex and relationships education in the it could be funded? curriculum review, so that they can know what is being taught in their local schools? Michael Gove: I have always benefited not just from listening to the hon. Gentleman, but from reading his Michael Gove: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend speeches in Hansard. I am thinking of having them for raising that issue. There is a recognition across the bound and giving them as Christmas gifts to many of House that we need to strike a sensitive balance between my friends. On this occasion, I will read with particular the need to protect the innocence of young people and attention his contribution to that debate, which I am the need to equip them for the modern world. To my sure will make us all happier in the new year. mind, that means that sex education needs to be both inclusive and rigorous, and ultimately subject to parental Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab): Will the Secretary of veto. Parents must have the right to withdraw their State or one of his ministerial colleagues agree to meet children from sex education if they consider it inappropriate, me to discuss Nottinghamshire county council’s proposed and a right to be informed on a local basis how that closure of Gedling school in my constituency? It is a curriculum is generated. It is right that sex education is well supported school and there has been a big campaign a compulsory part of the national curriculum. My against its closure, but despite that, the county council Department wants to look at the guidance it provides, is to continue with its proposals. in consultation not just with faith groups but with other organisations such as Stonewall, to ensure that the Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman was a distinguished correct balance between inclusivity, tolerance and respect schools Minister. I should be delighted to meet him at for innocence is maintained. the earliest opportunity. Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): In September, Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I raised concerns on behalf of my constituents about The Secretary of State will be aware that North Yorkshire Seaham school of technology, and the Secretary of is the most rural and largest county in the country. We State kindly wrote back indicating the criteria that have problems with school transport, even outside the would be applied to replace schools cancelled under the current extreme weather conditions. Will he give an Building Schools for the Future programme—notably undertaking that the pupil premium will apply first and those in the worst state of dilapidation and where there foremost to rural counties such as North Yorkshire, and are pressures on schools rolls. May I remind him that not inner-city schools? Seaham school of technology is in a serious state and is the only school serving a population of about 26,000 in Michael Gove: The pupil premium will apply equally the town of Seaham? He indicated in his letter that he across the country, and we will ensure that the disadvantaged would try to respond by the end of the calendar year, children in North Yorkshire who deserve it will receive and I am now looking for that response. it on the same basis as every other disadvantaged child. Michael Gove: That is a fair constituency case. As I Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): Since pointed out in reply to an earlier question, I am interested October, I have been requesting that the Secretary of in supporting schools in County Durham and the north-east State visit two schools in my constituency, but as yet I that have faced difficult circumstances, and I have had have had no reply. As he will be in North Tyneside on the chance to see schools in Consett and Stanley that 3 February, will he commit to visit Longbenton and are also in a bad way and need support. They have Seaton Burn community colleges? embraced academy solutions, and if the hon. Gentleman 1179 Oral Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Oral Answers 1180 wishes to explore such a solution for Seaham, I would Mr Gibb: It is still too often the case that a child’s be delighted to explore that. In any case, I will look background will determine educational outcome and closely at the situation he described to see what can opportunities in life, which is something that the coalition be done. Government are determined to tackle. That is why we have introduced a pupil premium starting at £430 per Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): The 2009 OECD child qualifying for free school meals, rising to a total of assessment of UK schools referred to earlier concluded £2.5 billion by 2014-15, and it is why we are focusing on that 77% of the differences between schools in student raising standards of behaviour in schools and supporting performance is explained by differences in socio-economic teachers and head teachers to take a zero-tolerance backgrounds—only Luxembourg has a higher figure. approach to poor behaviour. It is also why we are What assessment has the Minister made of that, and putting such an emphasis on children learning to read what will the Government do to address the situation? and using systematic synthetic phonics. 1181 20 DECEMBER 2010 Temporary Immigration Cap 1182

Temporary Immigration Cap In the light of this chaos, it is surprising that the Home Secretary has not chosen to come to the House to answer for her actions, so let me ask the Minister for 3.32 pm Immigration two sets of questions. Ed Balls (Morley and Outwood) (Lab/Co-op) (Urgent First, on the consequences of the error, can the Question): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Minister tell the House what the status is of those who Department if she will make a statement on Friday’s applied under the illegal cap but were rejected? Will High Court decision on the temporary immigration their applications now be granted retrospectively? Can cap. the Minister tell the House how many more migrants he expects to enter the UK because of the failure to The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): In implement the cap? In the light of that, is it still the June, when the Government announced that we would Government’s target to cut net migration to the tens of consult on how to implement a permanent limit on thousands by 2015, as the Prime Minister pledged before economic migrants, we also said that we would impose the election, or is this mistake one reason why the Home an interim limit until the permanent one took effect. Secretary is trying to water the target down to just an This was to avoid a surge of applications in anticipation “aim”? of the permanent limit. Secondly, on how we got into this mess in the first The interim limit was given effect through changes to place, did the Minister and the Home Secretary ask for the immigration rules that were laid before Parliament, and receive legal advice before the summer about the and on which an oral statement was made. On Friday legality of the temporary cap and the rushed way in we received the judgement that the changes announced which they were introducing it? Is it correct that he and provide an insufficient legal basis for the operation of the Home Secretary were warned by officials and lawyers the interim limit. The judgment was based on a technical that there was a risk of legal challenge if Parliament procedural point known as Pankina grounds. The Court was bypassed in that way? If he and the Home Secretary decided that this meant that more detail about the did disregard legal advice, did they have the support of manner in which the limit is set, including its level, senior Home Office officials in so doing? Finally, will should have been included in the immigration rule the Minister now agree to lay before Parliament all the changes laid before Parliament. legal advice on which the decision to proceed was I would like to make it clear that the judgment of the based, to dispel the impression that he and the Home Court was concerned solely with the technicalities of Secretary have acted in a reckless and chaotic manner, how the interim limits were introduced. It was in no way and to show that she has nothing to hide? critical of, or prejudicial to, the Government’s policy of applying a limit to economic migration to the United Damian Green: There were, I think, one or two Kingdom, either permanently or on an interim basis. substantive questions in the midst of that bluster. On The policy objective of a limit in migration has not been the right hon. Gentleman’s first point, about why the called into question, and I am now considering what Home Secretary is not here, it seems perfectly reasonable steps are required to reapply an interim limit consistent that if a question is asked about immigration, the with the findings of the Court. Tomorrow I will be Immigration Minister should answer it. He will also be laying changes to the immigration rules that will set out aware that there is a serious counter-terror operation the details that the Court required. This will enable us going on today. I would suggest that he and other to reinstate the interim limits on a clear legal basis. Opposition Front Benchers who are attempting to bluster The House will be interested to know that tomorrow their way through this should recognise that fact. I will also be laying changes to the rules to close The right hon. Gentleman asked a substantive question applications under the tier 1 general route from outside about the status of those who applied, but whose the United Kingdom immediately, as the original level applications were not granted. The answer is that, as he specified on this tier has been reached. I can reassure is aware, the judgment was handed down on Friday; the House that the policy of using these limits as part of however, as he does not seem to be aware, the written our overall policy of reducing net migration is unchanged. judgment will not be available until January. Until the Home Office receives that written judgment, it is obviously Ed Balls: On 28 June the Home Secretary herself impossible for us to decide whether to appeal against came to the House to announce, without consultation, Friday’s judgment. All the questions that he asked an immediate and temporary cap on non-EU migration. about that are, therefore, simply inoperative until we see Details of the cap were then posted on the Home Office the written judgment. I am happy to confirm that, as website, but not presented to Parliament. On Friday the the Home Secretary has said, it is still our target to High Court ruled that the Home Secretary’s actions bring immigration down from its uncontrolled, were, in fact, illegal. Lord Justice Sullivan said: unsustainable level under the previous Government. As “There can be no doubt that she”— for the idea of publishing all legal advice given to the Home Secretary— Ministers, the right hon. Gentleman will be aware that “was attempting to sidestep provisions for parliamentary scrutiny…and this is a not a practice that was ever followed by the her attempt was for that reason unlawful.” Government of whom he was a member. [Interruption.] As a result, the Government’s much-heralded cap—deeply In response to the right hon. Gentleman’s sedentary unpopular with business—does not today exist. As heckling, I am happy to assure him that the announcement Lord Justice Sullivan said, that the Home Secretary made on 28 June was changed “no interim limits were lawfully published…by the secretary of as a result of the Pankina judgment, but clearly all legal state…there is not, and never has been, a limit on the number of judgments are open to interpretation. What I will set applicants who may be admitted”. out in a written statement tomorrow will absolutely 1183 Temporary Immigration Cap20 DECEMBER 2010 Temporary Immigration Cap 1184 clear up the legal issues and address the narrow technical was given on Friday but we do not have the written points made by the judge, and will mean that the judgment yet, and we will not get it until January. It is interim limits can proceed on a completely legal basis. I clearly absurd to ask us to decide what to do about hope that the House is reassured by that. individual applications in advance of deciding whether to appeal against the judgment, and we cannot do that Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): What until we have the judgment in writing. is very clear is that the policy is not being challenged. Has the Minister had any discussions with other Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): Does Departments, such as the Cabinet Office, about what the Minister agree that it is a bit rich for the shadow lessons can be learned about how the process has to be Home Secretary to talk about chaos, given the parlous followed, and what consultation needs to be carried out? state of the immigration system that the new Government inherited? Damian Green: That is a perfectly valid question. We are in constant discussions with the Cabinet Office. Damian Green: My hon. Friend makes a perfectly There are, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, many court good and valid point. The reason why we needed the cases involving immigration issues. The lesson that I interim limit was that we inherited an immigration draw from this is that more and more should be put in system that was in complete chaos. We said at the the immigration rules and not simply in the guidance election that we were going to introduce a permanent notes. We have already started to adopt that as a policy, limit that would come into force next April. Between and will do so in the future. that point and next April there would have been an unimaginably large surge in applications if we had not Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): May I assure the imposed an interim limit. It is a perfectly sensible policy, Immigration Minister that, whatever the courts decide, and we will take steps tomorrow to ensure that it meets there is huge support in the country, including in Labour the Court’s requirements so that it can continue to do constituencies, for the policy that the coalition Government the essential job of bringing immigration numbers back are pursuing? Of course, if he were able to bring those down to a level with which this country can feel comfortable. measures within the law that would be an advantage, but voters want to see the numbers coming down. Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The Minister will know that, in paragraph 110 of the Home Affairs Select Damian Green: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman Committee’s report on the immigration cap, we warned for that question. He shows a wisdom on this issue that that this might happen. It is not just this Government is not available to the shadow Home Secretary, and he is but successive Governments who have legislated on right about what the public are asking—in Conservative, immigration without giving Parliament the opportunity Liberal Democrat and Labour constituencies—about to scrutinise what was happening. Can he give the our policy of introducing a limit. The shadow Home House an assurance that the consultation that he is now Secretary has said: undertaking on students and on the permanent cap will “as many of us found in the election, our arguments on immigration not be affected in any way by the judgment? Clearly, if were not good enough”, there are lessons to be learned from the judgment, when and I have to say that they are still not good enough. he gets it, it will be important to extend that consultation period. Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): How does the Minister think the voters of Oldham East and Damian Green: I absolutely can give the right hon. Saddleworth, which borders my constituency, will react Gentleman that guarantee. I was grateful for the Select when they hear that the shadow Home Secretary opposes Committee’s report; as ever, it was extremely thoughtful limiting economic migration? and useful. The judgment has no effect at all on the permanent limit, and the lessons will certainly be learned. Damian Green: I imagine that the voters of Oldham As he will have seen, our consultation on the permanent East and Saddleworth—who have great knowledge of cap was a genuine consultation, and the policy that we immigration, owing to the unfortunate activities of my announced at the end of it was welcomed by many predecessor in this job—will take the view that the business groups, including the CBI and the British Labour party is, as ever, attempting to mislead them Chambers of Commerce, that had expressed worries completely on immigration, and that that is why it about it in advance. That shows that this Government’s should not be trusted. consultations are genuine, that we listen to people and to Parliament, and that we change policies in sensible Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): ways after those consultations. Can the Minister please answer the question that my right hon. Friend the shadow Secretary of State asked Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): For the benefit him earlier? What is the status of those who applied of my constituents, will the Minister make clear beyond under the illegal cap and were rejected, and will their any shadow of doubt that the ruling, which is simply applications now be granted? I draw to his attention the about process, will not deter the Government from their example of the international scientist who was unable aim of reducing net migration from hundreds of thousands to come to this country to take part in a cancer research to tens of thousands? project. Damian Green: I am happy to give my hon. Friend Damian Green: I am sorry that the hon. Lady did not that complete assurance. As I said, the ruling is technical. listen to the answer that I gave the shadow Home We want to obey it as fast as possible, which is why we Secretary, but I am quite happy to repeat it. The judgment will change the rules tomorrow. I think that the only 1185 Temporary Immigration Cap20 DECEMBER 2010 Temporary Immigration Cap 1186

[Damian Green] Damian Green: I am interested to hear what my hon. Friend’s constituents say. They are representative of people in the House who do not want a reduction in many people around the country in wanting this issue immigration and a sustainable immigration system are to be gripped, after 10 years of chaos. I am happy to those on the Opposition Front Bench. assure my hon. Friend that that is precisely what we are doing, and precisely what we will continue to do. Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): Can the Minister confirm that this is not the first occasion on Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): which Ministers have had difficulties with the courts? Unless I misheard him, which is perfectly possible, the Can he also confirm that Ministers in his Department—he Minister said that tier 1 was being closed with immediate and the Home Secretary—received clear and unambiguous effect because the cap had been reached. Does that legal advice from their officials before they introduced include the two-year post-study visa? Will it too be this temporary measure? closed immediately? Damian Green: No. What is being closed is the tier 1 Damian Green: Ministers in all Governments receive general visa for people from outside the United Kingdom. clear legal advice before any measure is introduced. The That was part of the interim cap, and that is what will hon. Gentleman has been around for long enough to be closed tomorrow. As the hon. Lady knows, from know that all Home Office Ministers have had issues April we will completely recast tier 1 to make it a tier for with the courts. Indeed, that was happening even before exceptional people such as entrepreneurs and investors—the he and I entered the House. I should love to stand here brightest and best people, whom the country needs and and say that it will never happen again, but I have been from whom we continue to benefit. around for too long to say that. Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): Would my hon. Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): Does the Minister Friend care to comment on the immigration controls agree with the shadow Home Secretary that Labour’s that he inherited from the last Government? Does he arguments on immigration during the general election know that, according to the shadow Home Secretary, campaign were not good enough? Labour “actually addressed”immigration—that, according to him, Damian Green: I do agree with the shadow Home “We’d put in place controls on immigration”? Secretary on that point. He has said many interesting things about immigration—facing both sides of the Damian Green rose— issue, as he frequently does. However, I think that the country has decided. People want immigration limits, Mr Speaker: Order. As he has helpfully reminded the they want immigration brought down, and they elected House, the Minister is very experienced, and I know this Government to do precisely that. that he will want to relate his answer to the policy of the Government rather than that of the Opposition. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): As the Minister appears to be under some pressure from employers in Damian Green: I shall be happy to do so, Mr. Speaker. the private sector and the academic and research institutions The Government’s policy is to operate an immigration with regard to the operation of the cap, is it such a good cap, and to operate an interim cap on the way to a idea to reimpose a temporary cap tomorrow, rather permanent cap as part of a much wider set of measures than letting the consultation run its course and then that will bring immigration down to sustainable levels. coming up with a more thoughtful answer early next The only thing that I can say about the previous year? Government’s policies is that immigration was running at totally unsustainable levels, causing social tension and pressures throughout the country. I am surprised Damian Green: I think that the hon. Gentleman is, that the shadow Home Secretary did not take the perhaps understandably, confused about the nature of opportunity to apologise for that. the consultation. The consultation was on the permanent limit. That consultation is now over, and my right hon. Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): Did the Minister Friend the Home Secretary made a statement a few consult the Attorney-General? Given that he has said weeks ago which was, indeed, welcomed by business he is going to re-impose the cap, can he now tell us what groups. We have laid to rest the legitimate concerns that the status is of those who have applied during the business groups had about the operation of the permanent period? cap, which will now proceed—as was always intended— from April. Damian Green: This is the third time I have been asked that question, and I will give the same answer for Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The “Listening the third time. Until we get the details of the judgment to Wellingborough and Rushden” survey has shown we do not even know whether we will appeal against it, that for the last two years immigration has been the No. so until then it is impossible to discuss sensibly the 1 issue. My constituents would congratulate the coalition status of those who applied and were turned down Government on what has been their most popular between July and now. [Interruption.] As I have said, measure, and would urge the Minister to continue the Labour Members can keep asking that question, but policy. they will keep getting the same, truthful, answer. 1187 20 DECEMBER 2010 European Council 1188

European Council Britain will not be part of it. Crucially, we have also ensured that the current emergency arrangements are 3.50 pm closed off when the new mechanism comes into effect in The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): With 2013. Both the Council conclusions and the introduction permission, Mr Speaker, I should like to make a statement to the decision to change the treaty itself—the actual on last week’s European Council. Britain had three document that will be presented to this Parliament for objectives at this Council: first, to help bring stability to its assent—are clear that article 122 the eurozone, which is in Britain’s interests; secondly, to “will no longer be needed for such purposes” make sure that Britain is not liable for bailing out the eurozone when the new permanent arrangements come and that into effect; and thirdly, to build on the progress we “Heads of State or Government therefore agreed that it should made with the 2011 EU budget, with tougher settlements not be used for such purposes.” in the years to follow. Both the Council conclusions and the decision that Let me address each of the three objectives in turn. introduces the treaty change state in black and white the First,nooneshoulddoubtthatstabilityintheeurozoneis clear and unanimous agreement that from 2013 Britain inourinterests.Nearlyhalf ourtradeiswiththeeurozone, will not be dragged into bailing out the eurozone. LondonisEurope’sinternationalfinancialcentre,andno Before the Government agree to this treaty change, one can deny that the eurozone faces very real challenges Parliament must, of course, give its approval—and if at the moment. Wesee that in the Irish situation, and with this treaty change is agreed by all member states, its Spain and Portugal paying interest rate penalties in the ratification in this country will be subject to the terms financialmarkets.Britain’sapproachshouldnotbesimply of our EU Bill, and so will be subject to primary to say, “Well, we told you monetary union would require legislation. fiscal union,” and leave it at that. We want to help the Thirdly, let me turn to the issue of the EU budget. eurozone to deal with the issues it faces. We have a clear Securing a tight budget for the future remains my interestinothermemberstatestakingfiscalandstructural highest priority for the European Union. I believe that action and in the cleaning up of banks’ balance sheets. it is a priority shared by the vast majority of people in The fact that we have set out a path to deal with our own this country. At the last Council, we managed to do deficit and seen our own interest rates come down lends something that we have not done in previous years. We weight to our argument. were faced with a situation where the Council had Following the dinner, at which leaders of all the EU agreed a 2.91% increase—that was not the UK’s position; countries had a wide-ranging discussion on the state of we had wanted a tougher settlement, but we were the eurozone, eurozone leaders issued a statement saying outvoted—yet the European Parliament went on and that they called for a 6% increase. Instead of just splitting the “stand ready to do whatever is required” difference between what the Council asked for and what to return the eurozone to stability. Part of that is the the Parliament called for, which is what happened last new permanent mechanism for assisting eurozone countries year, Britain led an alliance of member states to reject that get into financial difficulty. Enabling eurozone decisively the European Parliament’s request. We insisted countries to establish such a mechanism is in our interests, on no more than the 2.91% increase that the Council but how that mechanism is brought about is equally had previously agreed. Many predicted that this would important. After the October Council I made it very clear be impossible and that Britain would be defeated, but to the House that any possible future treaty change we succeeded, which will save the British taxpayer several would not affect the UK, and that I would not agree to hundred million pounds compared with what could it if it did. I also said that no powers would be transferred have happened. from Westminster to Brussels. At the Council we agreed the establishment of a permanent mechanism with a We also agreed a new principle that from now on, the proposed very limited treaty change. This change does EU budget must be in line with what we are doing in not affect the UK, and it does not transfer any powers our own countries. We did this by taking the initiative from Britain to the European Union. and galvanising others to join us. We sent a clear message that when we are making cuts at home, with Secondly, on the issue of liability for any potential tough decisions on pensions, welfare and pay, it is bail-out of the eurozone in future, Britain is not in the simply not acceptable to go on spending more and more euro and we are not going to join the euro, and that is and more through the European Union. At this Council, why we should not have any liability for bailing out the I wanted to keep up the momentum on the EU budget eurozone when the new permanent arrangements come by forging an alliance with like-minded partners and into effect in 2013. In the current emergency arrangements starting to work towards securing a tougher settlement established under article 122 of the treaty, we do have for future budgets. such a liability. That was a decision taken by the previous Government, and it is a decision that we disagreed with At the weekend Chancellor Merkel, President Sarkozy at the time. We are stuck with it for the duration of the and I, together with the Prime Ministers of Finland and emergency mechanism, but I have been determined to the Netherlands, sent a letter to the President—[HON. ensure that when the permanent mechanism starts, Britain’s MEMBERS: “That’s an alliance?”] Well, it involves the liability should end, and that is exactly what we agreed three largest countries in Europe. We sent a letter to the at the European Council. President of the European Commission setting out our The Council conclusions state that this will be a goals for the 2012 and 2013 budgets and the longer-term “stability mechanism” for financial perspective, which covers the rest of this decade “member States whose currency is the euro”. right up until 2020. It states clearly our collective view This means it is a mechanism established by eurozone that countries for eurozone countries. “the action taken in 2011 to curb annual growth” 1189 European Council20 DECEMBER 2010 European Council 1190

[The Prime Minister] make it happen. The Foreign Secretary admitted in November that this treaty change offers a pretext for a in European spending should be “stepped up” in 2012 referendum, but it would clearly be absurd to use it to and 2013. Together, we say that there must be a real-terms try to derail the whole of Lisbon. That is the problem—the freeze in the period 2014 to 2020. I want us to achieve a Prime Minister’s absurd position before the election, decade of spending restraint in Europe, and the three and the fact that he was believed. biggest powers in Europe—the three biggest net contributors The Prime Minister also used to say that he would to the budget—have committed to that. I believe that take the first opportunity to repatriate powers over this is an important step forward. employment and social legislation to Britain, but we There are two problems that Europe must urgently heard nothing of that in his statement. It is no wonder address. The first is that the eurozone is not working that his Back Benchers are not very happy with him on properly. It needs major reform, and it is in our interests Europe, because he led them up the garden path. He not to stand in the way of that. Indeed, as I have said, “I am one of you. I feel your pain. I am the great argued, we should be actively helping the eurozone to Eurosceptic.” Can he explain, most of all for the benefit deal with its issues. Secondly, Europe as a whole needs of his Back Benchers, why he has abandoned those to be much more competitive. Collectively, we must pre-election commitments? We know that he has broken press ahead with measures that will help European his promise to parents on child benefit and to young countries pay their way in a world where economic people on education maintenance allowance, but things competition internationally is becoming ever fiercer. We have got so bad that he is even breaking his promises to must expand the single market in areas such as services, his own Eurosceptics. press forward on free trade and, crucially, avoid burdening businesses with costly red tape. We must promote stability, Let me turn to the economy. The agreement on a jobs and growth. That is the agenda that this Government permanent crisis mechanism for the eurozone after are pursuing in Europe, and I commend this statement 2013 does not address the challenges faced by Europe’s to the House. economy right now. I think that he and I would agree on that. Does he agree that eurozone members should do more to promote stability in the eurozone before 2013? Edward Miliband (Doncaster North) (Lab): I thank Does he also agree that we need European action to the Prime Minister for his statement. I want to ask him promote growth for there to be any chance of serious about three issues: the agreement on the European export growth in the United Kingdom? The Prime budget, the treaty change, and the wider but perhaps Minister’s plans, with VAT set to rise and spending cuts most fundamental question of all, European growth. kicking in, rely on an extra £100 billion of exports to First, on the budget, I welcome the call for restraint the UK over five years. More than 50% of exports, as he in the European budget in the years ahead. On the said, are to Europe, but the European Commission budget for this year, we heard from the Prime Minister forecasts slowing growth next year. after this Council, in his own modest way, rather what we heard after the previous Council: he applauded the In our view, the Prime Minister should be doing more outcome because he said that it avoided the ultimate sin to work with colleagues in Europe to improve prospects of European negotiations—simply “splitting the difference” for growth. He should do three things in particular: between positions. But that rather depends on whose first, he should argue that all countries engaging in positions we are talking about. fiscal consolidation, including Germany and the UK, should do so at a pace that supports economic growth Let me remind the Prime Minister of some rather domestically and across Europe as a whole; secondly, he inconvenient facts. He originally wanted a freeze in the should ensure that those countries facing problems, budget, whereas the European Parliament wanted a including Ireland, are not locked into repeated rounds 5.9% increase. He did not just want a freeze back in of austerity measures, with higher taxes and lower August; he was still arguing for one days before the spending hitting the growth those countries need to pay previous European Council in October. Perhaps he can down their debts and recover; and, thirdly, he should tell the House what figure splits the difference between ensure that Europe’s voice in the G20 argues for a 0 and 5.9%. By my reckoning it is about 2.9%, which is growth-oriented strategy.Given the nature of his statement, the outcome we ended up with after his negotiations. So people will wonder whether he sees the connection after all his rhetoric, his grandstanding and his description between his optimistic forecast about exports and growth of this as a “victory for common sense”, we have ended and the summit he attended this weekend. up splitting the difference. I congratulate him on his heroic achievement. The Prime Minister’s problems on Europe reflect his wider domestic approach. He breaks his promises and We welcome the Prime Minister’s support for the thinks one can reduce an economic policy to a pure treaty change agreed at the Council. It is right that the deficit reduction policy with no focus on growth and eurozone should replace its ad hoc arrangements with a jobs. In 2011, he needs to stop spending his time in more permanent mechanism, but we have to ask why Europe trying to grandstand and start engaging on a the Prime Minister has to fall over himself to try to growth agenda for Europe and Britain that can help us justify accepting a fairly minor change. He is simply here at home. showing—I congratulate him on this—a sensible piece of what might be called “Europragmatism”. Of course, his problem is that, before the election, he claimed not The Prime Minister: The right hon. Gentleman talks to be the Europragmatist but the great Eurosceptic. We about grandstanding, but for the past couple of years all remember his cast-iron guarantee, and his promise we were told endlessly that we were going to be isolated that if there was any chance at all of a reopening of the in Europe, that we would have no allies in Europe and treaty and a referendum on Lisbon he personally would no friends in Europe, but when we put together an 1191 European Council20 DECEMBER 2010 European Council 1192 alliance of the three biggest countries in Europe for European Union. We have to win the argument in budget restraint, the first thing he ought to do is stand Europe—too many are opposed to Turkish membership. up and congratulate us. I think that all the arguments are in favour and that we Let me take the right hon. Gentleman’s three questions should push this as hard as we can and keep opening in turn. First, on the budget, he talked about some those chapters to show that we are doing so in good inconvenient facts. Let me give him some inconvenient faith. facts from last year. Last year, when we had a Labour Government, a 3.8% increase was proposed by the Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Before the European Council and supported by that Government. Prime Minister boasts so much about freezing the budget, The European Parliament then came forward with a he might reflect on the fact that although that will save 9.8% proposed increase, and they split the difference so the British rebate, it means the common agricultural the budget went up by 6%. That is what happened last policy will not be reformed for several years. It also year, supported by Labour. The difference between that means that there will be no money for our new partners and what we achieved is hundreds of millions of pounds. in east Europe. From Margaret Thatcher to Tony Blair, That is what this Government’s actions have saved. British leadership was based on acts of solidarity with When it comes to changing positions, I note that in her poor, incoming members of the EU. The Prime Minister statement after the European Council the shadow Foreign is the first one to sign up to the Sarkozy-Merkel agenda Secretary said that “Labour voted against” this budget of being as mean as possible to our new friends and rise “from the beginning”. That is simply not true—Labour allies in east Europe. MEPs opposed our call for a freeze in the European Parliament. The Prime Minister: I do not accept that the only way Secondly, on treaty change, the right hon. Gentleman we can make progress with helping partners in eastern does not seem to understand that this very limited Europe is by having an ever-rising EU budget. Indeed, treaty change is in our interests so we should support it. there are countries in eastern Europe that support the We should use this opportunity to get rid of the risks of position we take that the budget should not go up and Britain being drawn further into eurozone support in that we should spend the money better. As I have the future. We are liable to that because of the weak argued before, we should be making more progress on actions of his Government before the last election. It is transparency and using it as a weapon to shine a light absolutely right that we use our negotiating capital to on the EU budget and some of the disastrous ways in make sure that Britain is not liable when the new which it is spent. It is an absolute counsel of despair to mechanism comes in. What we are doing, once again, is say that the only way we can help other countries in clearing up the mess left by Labour. Europe is with an ever-rising budget: it is not. The third issue that the right hon. Gentleman raised Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Whilst the new was the economy. He says that we should call for bail-out mechanism has thankfully comforted the markets, measures that will achieve greater stability in Europe, do not many of our EU partners need to rein in their but that is exactly what we are doing. Just imagine what public spending, follow Britain’s example and introduce stability we would get in Europe if he were sitting at the some meaningful financial austerity measures? Council table saying that we should not be bothering with deficit reduction. We would be putting ourselves in The Prime Minister: To be fair to other countries in the same camp as Ireland, Portugal and other countries. Europe, the conversation around the Council table is Finally, the right hon. Gentleman tells me how unhappy very much about the action that everyone is having to my Back Benchers are, but I would swap their unhappiness take. Britain has set quite a pace in setting out a for that of his Back Benchers any day of the week. I am five-year programme about how we are going to do this sure that they will want to remember that important and what we have seen in Britain is market interest rates thing at Christmas time—always keep your receipts in coming down since the election, whereas in other European case you want to exchange for something bigger. countries they have sometimes gone up. What is required is some credible fiscal plans. Fiscal consolidation alone Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): As a happy will not settle down the eurozone but that has to be a Back Bencher, I congratulate the Prime Minister on part of it. winning the budget battle with the European Parliament, where there was clearly no splitting the difference. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): It is clear that, Enlargement was also on the agenda. On Turkey, does despite everything the European Union has done, the he agree that the problems that many predicted would euro is still in crisis—and that crisis will not end any have occurred by now do not seem to have materialised? time soon. Has the Prime Minister been aware of or However, we still seem to have deadlock, with no new involved in any private discussions about how the euro chapters being opened and no progress being made on might be deconstructed in a controlled way? the Ankara protocol. The General Affairs and External Relations Council said last week that progress is now The Prime Minister: We had a very good discussion expected without further delay: how does he see that at the dinner, which involved all EU members, not just materialising? eurozone members. As someone who has never supported Britain’s joining the euro and who has always had The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right that we concerns that the currency area was not optimal—as I should push for progress with Turkish accession—and said in my statement, I would make the argument that we are. I raised this with the Hungarian Prime Minister with a single currency, a move towards a single fiscal when he came to Downing street last week because policy was needed, but that was never done—I must say Hungary is going to hold the future presidency of the it is profoundly not in Britain’s interest to see the 1193 European Council20 DECEMBER 2010 European Council 1194

[The Prime Minister] whose corruption he unveiled should be banned from the European Union, and that Senator McCain in the break-up of the eurozone. If that happened, there would United States of America is supporting a similar ban. be very bad consequences not just for eurozone countries, Will he support a ban? but for Britain. We should take a hard-headed, practical view and recognise that 44% of our exports go to The Prime Minister: The Government continue to eurozone countries. If that broke up, it would be bad for raise all these cases and issues around them with the Britain. We should be making positive suggestions about Russian authorities. Our embassy in Moscow is closely what eurozone countries can do to make sure that they watching developments in the cases of Mr Khordorkovsky get the stability and growth that we all need. There is and Mr Lebedev, and we remain very concerned about fiscal consolidation, active monetary policy, cleaning Mr Magnitsky’s case, as raised by the hon. Gentleman. up bank balance sheets, getting ahead of the markets We await with interest the conclusion of the official and showing that we want this to be a success. That is investigation into the case, which was announced by what needs to happen and, as I say, standing on the President Medvedev in November 2009. sidelines and saying, “Well, we told you this wasn’t a great idea” is not the right approach. Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (LD): I congratulate the Prime Minister on a robust Several hon. Members rose— performance in Brussels. Resisting the Parliament’s demand for an extravagant budget was absolutely the right thing Mr Speaker: Order. Although it is not my normal to do. As he looks ahead towards the justified freeze on practice to call a Member who was not present at the the budget post-2014—and not just because of the very start of the statement, I note that the hon. Member weather—can he assure us that it does not mean that for Stone (Mr Cash) chairs the European Scrutiny the budget will be frozen, but that subsidies that are not Committee and therefore, exceptionally, I shall call the justified and expenditure that is wasted will be replaced hon. Gentleman on this occasion. by, for example, expenditure on energy and climate change issues, which are both the priority of this Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I am extremely Government and ought to be the priority of the European grateful, Mr Speaker. I really only came here to wish the Union as well? Prime Minister a happy Christmas. Does the Prime Minister share the concern of many of us that the The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend makes a good present financial mechanism is unlawful, and that Britain point, which goes to the point made by the former is exposed until 2013 while the black hole of Portugal Europe Minister, the right hon. Member for Rotherham and Spain opens up before us? Does he therefore think (Mr MacShane), which is that we must do better at there are serious grounds for challenging the unlawfulness trying to re-order the priorities of the European budget, of it and not exposing the British electorate to the but I do not accept that we can do that only by allowing prospect of having to contribute to that while suffering an increase. I accept that we are taking a tough position, such severe austerity cuts? because we are trying to get a freeze with major partners for 2014 to 2020, but we also want budget reform and The Prime Minister: I thank you, Mr Speaker, for reform of the CAP. We are in the vanguard of arguing your leniency. No European statement would be complete for that because we want to see the money better spent. without a question from my hon. Friend the Member It is right to set out down this path and try to achieve for Stone (Mr Cash). He may have a good point. those goals. Article 122 of the treaty refers to help in the case of natural disasters and other emergencies. There are some Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The Prime Minister people who question whether it should have been used will recall that six months ago he and other EU leaders in this way to support eurozone countries. set out the Europe 2020 strategy as a successor to the That argument was had and was conceded under the Lisbon agenda, which was agreed in 2000. Is he confident previous Government in two ways. First, they agreed that nothing discussed at the weekend will affect the the establishment of the mechanism. Secondly, if we go benchmarks that were set in June? With the European back to the Nice treaty, it was the then Europe Minister, Union, what is important is not just getting an agreement, the right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), but making sure that countries meet benchmarks on who is in his place, who argued from the Dispatch Box jobs and growth. that it was perfectly okay for article 122 to go to qualified majority voting, which is where we are today. The Prime Minister: The right hon. Gentleman makes So in two ways the previous Government made a bad a good point, which is that we should not amend those mistake. As I say, we are clearing up the mess and we benchmarks, but the Europe 2020 document is slightly will certainly do that from 2013, but the mechanism disappointing, because Europe’s real problem is that it remains in place till then. has become uncompetitive, has expensive welfare systems and overbearing pension systems and is not complete as Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Was there any discussion a single market. We need a more robust conversation in at the Council of the case of Sergei Magnitsky, who was Europe about how we get growth—how we reform and working on behalf of a British investment firm in improve the structure of our economies to get growth. Russia and was tortured and murdered a little over a Europe 2020 is only part of that, and we should be year ago? I am sure the Prime Minister is aware that more ambitious for next year. there was a vote in the European Parliament last week, supported by MEPs from all parties in this House, to Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): As say that those who took part in his murder, who have another happy Back Bencher, may I convey the thanks not faced any criminal prosecution at all, and those of the British taxpayer for the hundreds of millions of 1195 European Council20 DECEMBER 2010 European Council 1196 pounds that the Prime Minister saved us over the weekend? That seems to me to be quite a good belt and braces—no However, I should be interested in the clarification of need, no use; and it is not just in the Council conclusions, an issue. The problems in the eurozone are likely to but in the introduction to the treaty article itself. occur between now and 2013. What is the extent of Britain’s liability under the emergency arrangements Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): signed up to the previous Labour Chancellor? This seems to have been a pretty significant Council, as a result of which we will have treaty changes that will The Prime Minister: I am glad to hear that my hon. involve legislation here. Treaties cannot be amended, so Friend is a happy Back Bencher. The answer to her we will have a debate but not be able to amend them. Is question is that a mechanism was established under the Prime Minister aware that, for this Council, the article 122 of the Lisbon treaty, allowing the European House did not have a pre-Council debate in the Chamber, Union to spend the headroom between its budget and on the basis that the Leader of the House said—and the the money it can spend under the previous financial Foreign Secretary will whisper to the Prime Minister—that deal on such bail-outs. The headroom was ¤60 billion, it is Back-Bench business? If the Prime Minister takes some of which has been used with respect to Ireland, Europe seriously, how on earth can he defend a discussion and the mechanism is established under qualified majority on something as significant as that being Back-Bench voting. That is the problem we face, so we are dealing business? with that in the fastest way we can by saying that, when the new mechanism comes in, it will rule out action The Prime Minister: The hon. Lady is so astute about under the old mechanism. Of course, as they like to say this House she even knows when I am being whispered in Limerick, we shouldn’t have started from here. to while sitting down. I am hugely impressed because she is absolutely right. I answer her in two ways. First, Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Why is the the new Backbench Business Committee—some of its Prime Minister so besotted with the idea that he wants members are in the Chamber—has 30 days a year in Turkey in the European Union and, possibly, the eurozone? which to discuss such matters. Secondly,—this is the Eighty million Turks will be on the move, and it will not important thing—at this Council, we agreed the type of be two-way traffic. How can that improve financial treaty change and gave some clarity about what needs stability? to be done. However, there is now a proper process, The Prime Minister: I know lots of people in Turkey I which means that this Parliament has to be formally would willingly swap with the hon. Gentleman. Maybe consulted, which it will be, before the treaty change goes we could have a transfer. I would make a serious argument, through and there will then be a proper process of however, which is that, if we want the European Union parliamentary approval. It is all very well the shadow to be a force for stability in our world, we should try to Chief Whip chuntering from the Front Bench, but I do include a country that wants to look to the west, is a not remember the previous Government being anything democracy and wants to be part of the European like as generous as to give 30 days for the consideration economy. All those would be great advantages for the of Back-Bench business. We just dreamed of such things European Union. in those days. Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Will Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): the Prime Minister clarify whether the minor treaty May I say that I agree with the hon. Member for amendment will specifically exclude Britain from any Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart): it is extraordinary liability, or whether that will merely be implied? Will he that we did not have a pre-Council debate? I also wish also ensure that article 122 is never used again for that to press my right hon. Friend on the question raised by purpose under the treaty? The reason I ask so specifically my hon. Friend the Member for West Worcestershire is that the previous practice of Europe has not always (Harriett Baldwin). The Prime Minister said that we been to do precisely what it has implied it might do, and will not have liability for the eurozone after 2013, we really want to have that nailed down. and we very much hope that that is correct. However, the European stabilisation mechanism seems to be an The Prime Minister: I think my hon. Friend asks open-ended liability. On 22 November, the Chancellor absolutely the right question, because there is a history said: in Europe of such agreements not always being stuck “we would certainly not be in favour of somehow replenishing to, and of there being a rather federalist ratchet. That it”.—[Official Report, 22 November 2010; Vol. 519, c. 43.] was why I was very clear that we needed language, not Are we going to refuse to replenish the European just in the European Council conclusions, about article 122 stabilisation mechanism while it continues to exist? not being used in future. I actually wanted it in the article that will be presented to this House for us to look The Prime Minister: As I have said, the stabilisation at as a treaty amendment, so, in what is called the mechanism is based on the difference between the European recitals—don’t worry, I’m not going to start singing—or budget and its headroom. That is a fact set out in the the introduction to the article, it says: decision made by the right hon. Member for Edinburgh “As this mechanism”— South West (Mr Darling). The debate in Europe at the the new mechanism— moment is about replenishing the other facility. That is “is designed to safeguard the financial stability of the euro area as known as the facility rather than the mechanism, which, whole…Article 122…of the TFEU”— of course, Britain is not in. That is a eurozone facility, the treaty on the functioning of the European Union— and there is a debate in Europe about whether that “will no longer be needed for such purposes. Heads of State or should be topped up and increased. Obviously, from Government therefore agreed that it should not be used for such our perspective, we are keen on Europe using the facility purposes.” rather than the mechanism. 1197 European Council20 DECEMBER 2010 European Council 1198

Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): The The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman is entirely permanent mechanism will not be introduced until June right. We did discuss at the European Council the 2013. Meanwhile, we are left with this temporary problems in Côte d’Ivoire, and we took a very clear mechanism, which is widely viewed as inadequate to the view, which is that everyone there should accept the task. That is likely to mean repeated austerity measures result of the election and support the United Nations, on behalf of Spain, Portugal and perhaps others who as we support the United Nations and its continued are caught in this contagion. That cannot be good for presence in that country. the United Kingdom and its export performance. What is the Prime Minister doing to raise our case at a Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): What progress did European level? my right hon. Friend make in persuading other countries in the European Union of the merits of a single market The Prime Minister: I would make two points to the in services, not just for their companies here but for our hon. Gentleman. First, as I have described, there is the companies there? mechanism, which has that headroom. However, eurozone countries should be using the eurozone facility. We do The Prime Minister: This is an argument that we can not have a say over eurozone member states’ financial win and have got to win in Europe. We now have and fiscal policies, so it makes much more sense for like-minded Governments who want to see completion eurozone countries to raise that money and subsidise of the internal market, progress on services and progress each other if that is what they choose to do. That is on Doha, with countries like the Netherlands, Finland what the eurozone facility, which is hundreds of billions and Germany all wanting to see a more open-market of euros, rather than ¤60 billion, is there to do. I make Europe. We have to push this very hard, because it is the one other point to the hon. Gentleman: only a limited growth agenda. Clearly, fiscal stimulus is not available amount can be done to help countries just by making to Europe because everyone has such large budget these transfers. There must be fundamental reforms in deficits. The best stimulus that we could give to the those countries, whether that involves cleaning up banks, European economy and our economy is to make these dealing with labour markets, having more active monetary structural changes. policies or making their fiscal policies real. All those things will make a difference. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Do I take it from the Prime Minister’s statement and the facility that he has shown in his answers for using Euro-jargon that he Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): In noting the Prime has gone native on Europe? Minister’s considerable achievements in the European Council, does he agree that it is critical that Britain plays an important role in creating a vibrant, dynamic The Prime Minister: I am very sorry—I will do my European economy, so that we can get on with the job best. It is extremely difficult when there is a mechanism, of being competitive with the far east and other growing a facility, and article 122, which used to be article 100 economies? before it was changed by QMV in the Nice treaty. [Interruption.] There is also the recital, and as I said earlier, I am not going to sing. There is a lot of junk that The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is entirely right, you have to mug up on, but the basic principles are and this also relates to the previous question. Of course, simple—get in there, stand up for your country, and do everyone in Europe wants to see higher growth rates. a good deal. That is one of the ways we will get deficits down and ensure that we have more jobs in our countries. However, Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): A structural lack Europe needs to ask itself, “How can we get higher of competitiveness is one of the fundamental problems growth?” That should be done by completing the single underlying the current crisis. Can the Prime Minister market, extending it to services, taking a more forward say whether there was any discussion of the Lisbon position on the Doha round and, frankly, stopping 2020 agenda and how it will differ from the original some of the things that the European Union is currently Lisbon agenda in 2000, which failed dismally to make doing that add massive costs and burdens to business. Europe the most competitive and dynamic economy in At the European Council dinner, I pressed the point the world by 2010? very strongly that unless Europe starts making those decisions, people will not take its growth strategy very The Prime Minister: We did discuss the 2020 agenda. seriously. I think there is a feeling among a number of other Heads of Government that it is all very well—it has Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): The Prime some good targets and a lot of sensible things about Minister has not referred to one of the most important investing in skills and education and the rest of it—but issues that is currently going on internationally, and I it does not really do the hard things that we need to do would be grateful to know whether it was considered in Europe to make our economies more competitive and discussed in the European Council—that is, the with those in the far east. That is the agenda that we deteriorating situation in west Africa, specifically the need now—not just easy-to-agree targets and headlines fact that the former defeated President of Côte d’Ivoire, but the tough things we need to do to make us more with the support of the military and brutal thugs, is competitive. clinging on to power and threatening to expel the United Nations from that country. What is the European Union, Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): In with its common security and defence policy, going to opposition, the Prime Minister spoke regularly about do to assist the African Union and the UN to restore the need for radical reform of the common agricultural democratic government in Côte d’Ivoire? policy, but there is no reference to it in the statement he 1199 European Council20 DECEMBER 2010 European Council 1200 made today. Can he assure the House that, in pursuit of European Council and argued that deficits were not a this alliance with France and Germany over the budget, problem, their fellow socialists in Portugal, Spain and he is not abandoning the principles of CAP reform that Greece, who are in difficult circumstances, would think are shared across this House? that they had gone completely and utterly mad.

The Prime Minister: I can absolutely give the hon. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): During the Gentleman that assurance. There has been no back-stairs summit, did the Prime Minister talk to Government deal between us and the French. What has happened is leaders about the growing levels of unemployment in that the French and the Germans have agreed with us some European countries, the increasing severity of that, with all the difficult things we are doing in our public spending cuts and the impoverishment of working- own countries, it is a real priority to stop the endless rise class families, which is growing as a result? Did they in the EU budget. That has been done without any discuss the danger of the whole of Europe tipping into guarantees about what happens or does not happen to recession because of the drive to cut public expenditure CAP reform. I remain passionately committed to reforming and lay off public sector workers, whereas the socially the CAP. That is right for Europe and for Europe’s just thing to do would be to maintain social levels of farmers, and it would leave room in the European expenditure? budget to spend the money in a more sensible way. The Prime Minister: Yes—of course we had that Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): May I just conversation. We had a conversation about how we can put it on record that I am a very jolly Back Bencher, create growth and jobs in Europe. However, if one particularly as I received the Prime Minister’s Christmas listens to the left-wing leaders of Portugal, Greece and card this morning? Along with the vast majority of my Spain talk about the problems in their economies, they constituents, I would very much have welcomed a cut to say that they know that they must deal with their the EU budget. However, back in the real world, will the deficits and show that they have a plan to get their Prime Minister confirm that the decisions and arguments deficits down. At the moment, their interest rates are he has made in the past few weeks are good for the rising higher and higher, making growth more difficult. long-term future of the United Kingdom? The idea that there is an alternative socialist wonderland where one can forget about how much money one is The Prime Minister: I thank my hon. Friend; I am borrowing is for the birds. glad that Royal Mail is working effectively. [Interruption.] Opposition Members are shouting, “Where are ours?” Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I am the Any unhappy Back Benchers who do not feel that they happiest of Back Benchers now that we have a Prime are getting enough love from their Front Benchers can Minister who stands up for British interests in Europe— join the love train and get a “Happy Christmas” card although I have not received a Christmas card. Does the from me. Prime Minister agree that the biggest scandal of the previous Labour Government was their surrender of Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): Bankers’ bonus Mrs Thatcher’s rebate, the result of which is that we will payments rankle with ordinary hard-working families. pay £41 billion to the EU in the next five years, which is Did the Prime Minister discuss—formally or informally— twice what we paid in the previous five years? with his colleagues at the summit making a collective EU agreement to limit bankers’ bonus payments? The Prime Minister: The card is in the post. I want to make my hon. Friend not just happy, but ecstatic. He is The Prime Minister: Normally, there are long discussions right about the rebate. We now get lectures from the about banks and bonuses. We had a lot of discussion Labour party, saying that we were not tough enough on about the need to improve the performance of banks, the European budget. That is from the people who gave their balance sheets and their lending practices, but away the rebate and in return got absolutely nothing. there was no long discussion about bank bonuses. There have been good international agreements on bank Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): The eurozone bonuses, and we have added to them in this country economy is vital to manufacturing and defence firms in through the bank levy, which will raise more in every Pendle, which export products across Europe and the year than the previous Government’s bonus tax raised globe. Alongside currency fluctuations and economic in just one year. uncertainty, many businesses say that red tape and bureaucracy is the main challenge that they face. Was Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): Does my right that issue addressed at the European Council? hon. Friend agree that what is best for the poorer countries of eastern Europe, which were mentioned The Prime Minister: I am glad that my hon. Friend earlier, is best for people in this country? That is economic asked that, because it is exactly the point that I made at recovery in Europe. Although he rightly says that fiscal the dinner of the 27 member states. We have to go changes alone will not deliver that, without fiscal changes through what would make a difference in creating more and restraint not only by Governments but by the EU, growth in the European Union. Of course, there are there will be no sustained economic recovery. positive things that we have to do, such as completing the single market and extending it to services. However, The Prime Minister: My hon. Friend is right. Some there are also things that we should stop doing. There is Labour Members talk as if there were a choice between a problem of endless directives coming through that going for growth and dealing with the deficit. The truth add to the cost of business. There are some things that is that the deficit must be dealt with to get the confidence Europe must stop doing to give businesses the chance to that is needed for growth. If Labour Members sat in the invest and expand. 1201 20 DECEMBER 2010 High Speed Rail 1202

High Speed Rail money, I propose that a spur route be constructed as part of the second phase of the network, opening at the 4.34 pm same time as the routes to Manchester and Leeds. I have today asked HS2 Ltd to carry out further work on The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip such a spur route, with a view to public consultation Hammond): With permission, Mr Speaker, I want to later in this Parliament alongside the routes to Manchester make a statement on the Government’s plans for the and Leeds. For the period prior to the opening of that development of a national high-speed rail network, and second phase, high-speed rail travellers to the airport on the proposed route that we will put forward next will be able to change to fast Heathrow Express services year for public consultation. at Old Oak Common, where there will also be a direct One of the coalition’s main objectives is to build an interchange with Crossrail. economy that is more balanced both sectorally and With regard to a link to HS 1, HS2 Ltd’s report geographically, and that will deliver sustainable economic identifies that a connection can be made via a new growth while also delivering on our climate change tunnel from Old Oak Common to the North London targets. Investment in infrastructure, and transport line near Chalk Farm, from where existing infrastructure infrastructure in particular, will be a key part of that can be used to reach the HS 1 line north of St Pancras. approach. To deliver economic growth and carbon That proposal is significantly cheaper than any other reduction, we must provide attractive alternatives to option for a direct link, and it will enable direct trains to short-haul aviation while addressing the issue of scarce run from the midlands and the north to Europe without rail capacity between city centres. Network Rail has affecting existing service levels on the North London calculated that by 2024 the west coast main line will line. Such a tunnel can be constructed only before the effectively be full, with no further enhancements that Old Oak Common interchange comes into operation, could reasonably be made to meet future demand. so the link will be included in the phase 1 scheme put The Government believe that the best long-term solution forward for consultation. to those challenges is the development of a national The Government believe that the construction of a high-speed rail network. Our proposed strategy is a high-speed rail network will support economic growth Y-shaped network, to be delivered in two phases, the and the rebalancing of the UK economy, but we recognise first being a line from London to the west midlands and that the proposed line will have significant local impacts the second the onward legs to Manchester and Leeds, on the areas it passes through and that we have a duty with connections to points further north via the east to do everything practically possible to mitigate those and west coast main lines. impacts. That is why, since my appointment as Secretary Our proposals will provide an unprecedented increase of State, I have reviewed the proposals of the previous in capacity on the key north-south routes out of London Administration. I have looked at the case for high-speed through a combination of new infrastructure and released rail, at the corridor options for a north-south route, at capacity on existing lines. Reliability will be improved the different route options put forward by HS2 Ltd and and journey times between major cities slashed. Central in detail at the route option recommended in its March Birmingham will be brought within 49 minutes of report. I have reached the conclusion, as the previous London—potentially less for non-stopping services—and Administration did, that the route option recommended within one hour five minutes of Leeds. The released in March represents the most appropriate general alignment capacity on the west coast main line offers the possibility for the high-speed railway between London and the of commuter-frequency fast services to London from west midlands. places such as Coventry and Milton Keynes. However, before finalising the detailed route that I By running trains seamlessly on to existing inter-city am publishing today for consultation, I travelled the routes, the proposed network will also bring Glasgow length of it and talked directly to local authorities, and Edinburgh within three and a half hours of London, property owners, and many of the protest groups and which is fast enough to induce a major shift of passengers their Members of Parliament, and I commissioned from domestic aviation. In the longer term, we will also additional work on the options for improving the proposed explore with the Scottish Government the options for alignment. As a consequence, significant amendments further reducing journey times to Scotland. have been made to both the vertical and horizontal The development of a high-speed rail network has alignment, and to the proposed mitigation measures. In been a key factor in our decision on additional runways total, around 50% of the preferred route proposal published at London’s airports, which is why we said from the in March has been amended in some respect. outset that any such network must be linked to our I am confident that solutions have now been found principal gateway airport and integrated with the European that can significantly mitigate the impacts of the railway high-speed network via High Speed 1. In June, I asked at local level which, when properly understood, will HS2 Ltd to carry out additional work on such links. I reassure many of those who have been understandably have studied that work and the recommendations of apprehensive about the potential impact on their lives Lord Mawhinney’s review, and I have also examined and their property values. For instance, in Primrose Arup’s proposals for a transport hub near Iver. Hill, work to identify the most appropriate locations for I have concluded that a spur route to the airport, the necessary vent shafts has shifted the proposed tunnel, running on the surface close to the M25 for part of its and thus also the vent shafts themselves, to the north, length, is the best option. It is lower-cost than the other away from the most sensitive areas of that part of options considered by HS2 Ltd, will keep journey times London, locating them alongside the existing railway. between London and Birmingham to a minimum and Between Amersham and Wendover, opportunities will retain the flexibility to be extended into a loop in to cover sections of the proposed cutting to create a future. To deliver the best possible value for taxpayers’ green bridge and a longer green tunnel have been 1203 High Speed Rail20 DECEMBER 2010 High Speed Rail 1204 incorporated into the route design to reduce its visual Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): I thank impact and avoid severance of public rights of way. By the Secretary of State for early sight of his statement. moving the alignment away from the historic property Today, he is facing a rising tide of criticism over the of Hartwell house, HS2 Ltd has been able to ensure that transport chaos gripping the country, so it is unlucky the line would not be visible from the house itself and that he is scheduled to update the House on high-speed that additional earthworks and planting can be undertaken travel on a day when most people would settle for travel to further reduce visual and noise impacts. In the most at any speed at all. As he knows, it was Labour in northerly section of the route, an improved alignment government which set out a vision for a high-speed rail has been identified that would move the line further line running from London to Birmingham from 2026, from Lichfield. and on to Leeds, Manchester and Scotland in phases during the following years. I pay tribute to the tenacity Despite our best efforts at mitigation, however, we and determination of his predecessor, the noble Lord will not be able to avoid all impacts on property Adonis, whose exhaustive work on the scheme has values. Where a project that is in the national interest allowed the right hon. Gentleman to pick up and run imposes significant financial loss on individuals, it is with the vision he has set out today for high-speed rail. right and proper that they should be compensated fairly for that loss, so I have asked my officials to prepare a I recognise the importance of increasing rail capacity range of options for a scheme to assist those whose and connectivity, particularly in respect of the west properties will not be required for the construction of coast main line and the Chiltern line beyond 2020. I the railway, but who will none the less see a significant assure the Secretary of State that Labour remains diminution of value as a result of the construction of committed to investing in a world-class rail system, and the line. that high-speed rail could have an important role to play in delivering it. That is why we began the planning The forthcoming consultation will include proposals process when in government—in fact, I suspect that his for such a scheme, which will sit alongside the statutory proposals probably have more support on the Labour blight regime, which covers those whose properties would Benches than on the Benches behind him. He is the one need to be taken to build the line. I am publishing today sitting in a divided Government, although for once the on my Department’s website, and placing in the Library divisions do not involve the Liberal Democrats. No of the House, a set of reports by HS2 Ltd that sets out doubt, he will find out in due course whether he has for each route section the options considered and the done enough today to persuade the Secretary of State changes proposed, together with detailed maps showing for Wales, who is in her place, not to resign in protest at the revised preferred route from London to the west his plans. midlands in full. That route will form the basis for the We have just embarked on a fundamental review of public consultation, which I expect to begin in February our policies, just as the Conservatives did after the next year. Prime Minister became leader of his party—and just When the consultation is launched, I will also publish like the leader of the Liberal Democrats, who appears a revised business case, a full appraisal of sustainability, to have looked again at all his party’s policies since noise contour maps and route visualisations, all of joining the Government. It would be ridiculous for our which can be completed only now that the final preferred future support for high-speed rail not to be at the heart route for consultation has been determined. Let me be of that review—and it will be at the heart of it—given clear that the consultation will encompass the Government’s that it is a £30 billion commitment on future Parliaments. strategy for a national high-speed rail network, the In the meantime, however, the Secretary of State has the choice of corridor and the detailed line of route that I support of Labour Members as he moves forward with have outlined for the initial phase from London to the the next stage of planning the route he has set out west midlands. As part of the consultation process, today. roadshows will be held along the length of the preferred It would be good if the Secretary of State were to route from London to the west midlands to ensure that show the same determination and commitment to other local people have the opportunity to find out more critical investment in our rail industry—investment needed about the project and to discuss specific concerns with now, not in future Parliaments. He has cut and delayed those involved in developing the scheme. the vital investment we had planned for this Parliament; It is my view that a high-speed rail network will he has delayed the new generation of inter-city express deliver a transformational change to the way Britain trains and cut our plans for 1,300 new carriages; he has works and competes in the 21st century. It will allow the delayed much of the electrification that we planned and economies of the midlands and the north to benefit cut Great Western line electrification beyond Bristol much more directly from the economic engine of London, and into Wales; and he has delayed the Thameslink and tackling the north-south divide more effectively than Crossrail schemes, which will not now benefit passengers half a century of regional policy has done, expanding until 2018—or is it now 2019? It keeps slipping. labour markets and bringing our major conurbations We have set out an additional £7.5 billion of capital closer together. The consultation exercise that we will investment from which significant sums would have launch in the new year will be one of the biggest and been invested in our rail networks in this Parliament. most wide-ranging ever undertaken by any Government, Does the Secretary of State realise that because he has and I urge all hon. Members with an interest to participate cut so much spending in this Parliament while post-dating and to encourage their constituents to do so. These a £30 billion cheque for a high-speed rail scheme, the proposals have the support of political and business cost of which will fall in future Parliaments, people may leaders from all parts of the United Kingdom, and I well be sceptical about the extent of his commitment to hope they will gain cross-party support in this House. I Britain’s railways today? Does he understand how he commend this statement to the House. puts at risk public support for future investment such as 1205 High Speed Rail20 DECEMBER 2010 High Speed Rail 1206

[Maria Eagle] passenger numbers. He is right to continue the work, which Labour began, to prepare for high-speed rail in high-speed rail, given that he cannot even get the investment the UK. However, we must also see investment in rail to keep our trains and other transport infrastructure schemes that will benefit the country and assist growth running during severe weather? and economic recovery now, not just in 15 to 20 years’ Does the Secretary of State also understand the time. We must see investment in technology to improve anger that will be felt in communities across the country the resilience of the network to severe weather, and we when people hear him claim that his support for high-speed must see passengers protected from the spiralling cost rail is due to concern about the north-south divide in of fares. If the Secretary of State is really serious about Britain? His party’s support for high-speed rail is a fig maintaining a consensus on high-speed rail and building leaf to disguise the fact that it has no strategy for public support for his plans, he should think again investment, jobs or growth in the north. If he were about some of the decisions that he has taken in his first really bothered about the north-south divide, he would few months in the job. He should think again about cuts not be supporting the scrapping of the regional development to new carriages, the delays to electrification and the agencies, the future jobs fund and the education massive hike in fares. maintenance allowance, or the trebling of student fees, the delaying of broadband roll-out or the increase in Mr Hammond: I will start with the good bits. I thank VAT to 20%—another broken promise from both the the hon. Lady for what I think was her support for the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. If he were next stage of the process—going through the consultation really bothered about the north-south divide, he would and introducing a Bill later in this Parliament, if that is not be loading the largest cuts on to councils in the what we decide as a result of the consultation. I am also midlands and the north. If he were really bothered happy to pay tribute, as she did, to the work of my about transport links beyond the south, why is it that immediate predecessor in developing the case for high-speed authorities in the north are facing the biggest cuts in rail, although it is worth noting that not all his predecessors their road maintenance and local travel projects, with seemed to have been quite so committed to the project. Merseyside facing cuts of 49% and Manchester cuts of I am afraid that it is the hon. Lady who lacks credibility, 42%, while midlands and southern counties are doing in talking about our failure to invest in the railway. She much better? can talk about a decade of Labour investment as much Let me ask the Secretary of State some specific as she likes. What most people will have noticed is a questions about the scheme that he has announced decade of driving us towards the brink of bankruptcy. today. What impact will the changes to the route, the What we have done is salvage a substantial programme additional compensation and hardship payments, and of investment in rail infrastructure—a programme the the other commitments that he has made today have on scale of which neither she nor many commentators the £750 million that he has allocated in this spending outside this place predicted we would be able to continue period? Can he offer an assurance that that will not with— the context of the extreme fiscal constraints that have a knock-on effect on other rail schemes already we face. We have gone ahead with Crossrail and facing cuts and delays, and that it will not set a precedent Thameslink, and with a programme of additional rail for compensation in other cases where infrastructure is vehicles—“gone ahead with”, not merely announced driven through people’s homes and businesses? He has unfunded promises, which is her legacy. We will go previously referred to the construction costs for major ahead with the inter-city express programme, as I have projects in the UK being significantly higher than for already announced. We will announce to Parliament comparable projects elsewhere in Europe. What progress the details of that programme, along with the electrification has he made, working with Infrastructure UK, to find associated with it, in the new year. The hon. Lady can ways of bringing down the cost of the scheme to the go on all she likes about proposing £17 billion of taxpayer? additional investment. Her party has no economic plan, no policies and no credibility. Will the Secretary of State confirm whether the cost of the trains to run on the high-speed line has been Turning to the specifics of the hon. Lady’s response, included in the figures used for the cost of the scheme; the high-speed rail investment that we are proposing or, as with other schemes, such as Crossrail, do they will be approximately £2 billion a year over a period of constitute separate expenditure yet to be identified? 16 years. That is roughly what we are spending now on One of the things missing from the debate on high-speed Thameslink and Crossrail, so large infrastructure projects rail to date has been the likely cost of using the service. can be funded while the investment in the mainstream Does he agree that if all taxpayers are to contribute so main line railway is funded as it is now. significantly to the cost of constructing the route, it The hon. Lady asked about our commitment to high cannot be a service with ticket prices outside the grasp speed rail as a means of addressing the north-south of most people? Does he agree that many people will divide, and she reeled off a string of tried and failed question his commitment to take the line beyond mechanisms for addressing that persistent problem. We Birmingham, when he is restricting his proposed legislation have decided to take a new approach to closing the gap to the first part of the route? Why is he not taking between economic growth rates in the north and south, powers in the hybrid Bill to build the line to the north of and the experience of other countries suggests that Birmingham? investment in strategic infrastructure is the best way to The Secretary of State’s party has no credibility when deliver that outcome. it comes to investing in our railways. We remember the The hon. Lady asked whether the change of route 18 years of Tory under-investment in Britain’s railways, and the exceptional hardship scheme will impact on the and the botched privatisation, which resulted in years of £750 million that has been set aside for HS 2 during this instability and uncertainty. It was Labour that delivered Parliament, and the answer to that is no. She also asked years of sustained investment, leading to a doubling of whether there would be an impact on other rail schemes’ 1207 High Speed Rail20 DECEMBER 2010 High Speed Rail 1208 budgets, and the answer is again no. The HS 2 budget is himself noted how high it would be. There would be ring-fenced; other rail schemes are typically funded large gantries and viaducts crossing motorways. At the through Network Rail and through support to train time, he said that he would ask HS2 Ltd whether it operators. could do anything to mitigate the impact. He did not The hon. Lady asked about the compensation scheme. mention North Warwickshire in his statement; is he I have indicated that we will seek to go further than has able to give people in the area any good news? happened with previous such infrastructure schemes in Mr Hammond: I think that my hon. Friend is referring the UK, because it is right and proper that individuals to the point at which the railway will cross the M6 at who suffer serious financial loss in the national interest Coleshill. At my request, HS 2 looked into whether it should be compensated. She also asked whether we will was possible to build under the motorway, but I am be setting a precedent in that regard. She should be afraid that that is not technically possible. HS 2 has aware that developing European jurisprudence in the managed to reduce the height of the proposed flyover area of property rights and the need for Governments by a modest amount, but I am afraid that it will still be to compensate is pointing towards more generous quite high at Coleshill. compensation becoming the norm, and I suspect that that will be the case for future projects. Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): Will On construction costs, yes, we are of course anxious the Secretary of State confirm that what he has announced to get such costs down to something closer to European will involve the demolition of 350 flats in my constituency, norms. The hon. Lady will know that Sir Roy McNulty the building over of a well-loved park, and the abandonment is carrying out a review, one element of which relates to of a proposal to rebuild a girls’ Catholic secondary the cost of UK rail construction, and Infrastructure school on the part of the site that has been taken over? UK is also engaged in that issue. A report will be While people in Primrose Hill may welcome the minor published in April. She asked whether the cost of the changes that he has announced, they will feel a little trains is included in the total figure, and I can confirm surrounded if there is to be a further tunnel on the other thatitis. side of Primrose Hill, emerging at Chalk Farm, because The hon. Lady also asked about the assumption with they will have a tunnel on both sides. Does the Secretary regard to ticketing and to the prices of tickets. I can tell of State accept that HS2 Ltd really ought to go back to her that the business case modelling assumes the same the drawing board? The idea that the connection of a ticket pricing structures as those that are now in place significant network will be dependent on a spur connecting on the west coast main line. In practice, however, the HS 2 with HS 1 is preposterous, and the company really west coast main line and High Speed 2 will be in ought to start again. competition with each other. The operator of High Speed 2 will have a very large number of seats to fill, Mr Hammond: Before the right hon. Gentleman describes and we anticipate that the processes of competition in the proposal as preposterous, he should look at what the marketplace will create opportunities for passengers has been published and consider it carefully. It is a who are prepared to buy advance tickets and to shop on carefully worked-out engineering solution that provides the internet to get bargains for travel between London, a value-for-money answer for people who believe that it the midlands and the north. is essential for trains to run directly from the midlands and the north of England, through the channel tunnel, Finally, the hon. Lady asked about the strength of and onwards to the European high-speed network. our commitment to going beyond Birmingham. With The right hon. Gentleman asked about the impact on respect, when her party was in government, its position his constituency, which arises largely from the planned was always focused on a line from London to Birmingham. expansion of Euston station. Yes, there will be a number It was us who took the debate beyond Birmingham and of property demolitions and replacements. It is planned made the case for Manchester and Leeds. Indeed, the to replace the properties that I have seen alongside the business case for this railway, for the connection to railway in his constituency with new properties. Some Heathrow airport and for the connection to HS 1 of the existing properties date from the 1920s and depends on a railway that forms a complete network 1930s, and could do with being replaced. As he said, linking Britain’s four principal population centres, so I part of a small park will also be required. can assure her of that commitment. The detailed design for the replacement Euston station I put it to the hon. Lady, however, that if we had has not yet been completed, but it is possible that it will sought to carry out the detailed work required for a be largely below ground level. At present, a large piece hybrid Bill that covered the entire route, including the of the structure effectively creates a barrier down the legs to Manchester and Leeds, it is unlikely that we middle of the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency, would have been able to introduce such a Bill until the separating east from west. Camden council is keen for end of this Parliament. Our decision was therefore to that barrier to go, and for a natural pattern of streets to introduce a hybrid Bill to deal with the London to be opened up at the back of Euston station. I hope that Birmingham section—which is already a massive we shall be able to facilitate that through this project, undertaking—in 2013, and that, while that Bill is going and to bring a positive benefit to the people of Camden. through Parliament, we should continue our detailed work on the legs to Manchester and Leeds, so that they Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): can be included in a further hybrid Bill in the next My right hon. Friend is well aware that my constituency Parliament. has been severely blighted by the proposed route of the high speed railway, and he has received about 500 letters Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): The Secretary from me explaining quite how devastating that is for my of State kindly visited my constituency to investigate constituents, so I shall not dwell on that now. Let me the impact of the route there. He will recall that he ask him, however, whether this is really the best value 1209 High Speed Rail20 DECEMBER 2010 High Speed Rail 1210

[Andrea Leadsom] point at which the first phase to Birmingham is opened. That is because the trains we will operate on this proposed for money and the best solution to the undoubted need railway will run straight off the high-speed line and on for new transport infrastructure. In particular, is the to the classic line, dropping the speed down to the line demand for seats really going to grow by 3% every year, speed of the classic line, but allowing passengers to as has been forecast to make the economic case? Is it enjoy the benefit of the journey-time saving between really true that people do nothing when they are sitting London and Birmingham. on a train, and that that is dead time? There is also a lack of connectivity: there is nothing in it for anyone Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): I hope it who is under the track. is in order, Mr Deputy Speaker, briefly to congratulate Let me say finally—as you are looking at me crossly, you on your brave announcement yesterday, and to Mr. Deputy Speaker—that there is a risk that other welcome you to the club. trains will be axed later to make way for HS 2 trains on Has my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State had the platforms. I should be grateful for the Secretary of an opportunity to study the experiences of countries State’s comments on that. such as France, Germany and Spain and the lessons they learned in the construction of their high speed Mr Hammond: I can reassure my hon. Friend on the lines? I am thinking in particular about their very last point. Other trains will not be axed to make way for effective schemes to minimise noise pollution. Also, HS 2 trains. This will be a dedicated high-speed passenger please can we ensure that our new railway infrastructure line, and it will not affect other railways. is not a series of new ugly concrete constructions, but My hon. Friend asked about the impact on South instead that we have structures of which we can proud, Northamptonshire. Obviously I am well aware of her as we have had in the past with, for example, the Forth concerns: I spend most Sunday afternoons signing letters bridge and Brunel’s tunnels and viaducts? to her and my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan). We have gone to great Mr Hammond: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for lengths to try to minimise the impacts on my hon. his question. Yes, we have looked very closely at what Friend’s constituents and the communities she serves. If has happened in France and at what is happening in she looks at the maps and plans we have published Spain, and we have drawn on the experience of those today, she will see that we have been able to achieve a countries in modelling the business case and addressing reduction in the impact, and I hope that, during the the approach to mitigation. My hon. Friend’s question course of the consultation, I will be able to engage with reminds me to make a rather important point. We will local communities about the mitigation measures that not be committing to orders for trains for this railway will be put in place, including extensive planting, bunding until almost 2020, so there is another 10 years’ worth of and sound barriers to reduce that impact further. On train design development before the commitment has to the question about growth in passenger numbers, the be made. model the Office of Rail Regulation uses is based on demand for travel growing broadly in line with the Frank Dobson: Like for the aircraft carriers. economy and all the evidence suggests that that is the case. Those growth forecasts are robust and we expect Mr Hammond: Well, they were your aircraft carriers, them to be achieved. and I am not going to let the right hon. Gentleman Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): anywhere near designing our trains; that is for sure. High Speed 2 is about vital economic development, as The Eurostar trains that run on HS 1 were designed well as about providing essential additional capacity for nearly 20 years ago and have concentrated power cars at passengers and freight, but when will the Secretary of front and rear. There will therefore be about 30 years of State explain how this essential economic development evolution in train design in respect of reducing noise will take place, and will he guarantee that the line will and increasing fuel efficiency between the design of the run past Birmingham so as to bring benefits to the Eurostar trains and the design of the trains that will run north, as well as between London and Birmingham? on these lines. I also say to my hon. Friend that where we can hide Mr Hammond: The hon. Lady is, I think, repeating this line, we will hide it. Where we cannot hide it, we will the suspicion—I can only describe it as that—of the ensure that it is architecturally designed and that it is Opposition spokesman, who expressed some concern something that people are pleased to look at, not a that we might not be going to continue beyond Birmingham. British Rail engineering-style eyesore. Our firm intention is to go to Leeds and Manchester. Indeed, the business case will be based on the completion Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Given the of the Y network to Manchester and Birmingham, but I massive cuts to regional and local transport systems would not like anyone to be— that have already been announced and the fact that the Frank Dobson: And Leeds? capacity problem could be dealt with by investment in the existing west coast main line, why are the Government Mr Hammond: Yes, and Leeds. However, I would not wasting billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money on this like anyone to be under the illusion that benefits for scheme? people living north of Birmingham will begin to accrue only when the second phase is built. The point of Mr Hammond: Because the capacity problem could reconnecting the first phase of the line to the west coast not be dealt with by further investment in the west coast main line is that people travelling to Manchester, Liverpool main line. [Interruption.] The hon. Gentleman says and Scotland will enjoy journey-time savings from the that it could, but if he looks at the engineering reports 1211 High Speed Rail20 DECEMBER 2010 High Speed Rail 1212 that have been published, he will see that, in practice, it Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): I commend could not. We are going ahead with additional rail cars my right hon. Friend on his statement and the speed and additional train sets on the west coast main line, with which he has brought forward these proposals. He and the Network Rail route utilisation study published is particularly right to reject some of the criticisms of two weeks ago shows that by 2024 the line will be the Opposition, because I recall that their conversion operating at capacity between London and Manchester, came only with Lord Adonis and that proposals for and London and Birmingham. It is not possible, because anything beyond Birmingham were tacked on only in of the design of the infrastructure—we are not just March this year. What discussions has my right hon. talking about platform lengths—to put longer trains on Friend had with Transport for London? Beyond Old a railway that is designed in the way that the west coast Oak Common, what dispersal measures will be needed main line was designed. If he recalls the chaos that in London? lasted for years when the west coast main line was upgraded a couple of years ago and if, on the back of Mr Philip Hammond: By the time the HS2 railway is that, he is seriously proposing that we should add two built, the improvements and upgrades to the Northern additional tracks to its entire length while resignalling line—for which we confirmed our investment funding the whole thing, he needs to think again. in the recent spending review statement—will be completed. Dispersal will take place, it is estimated, with about one Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): I congratulate third at Old Oak Common, with passengers dispersing the Secretary of State on having the foresight to add a principally on to Crossrail, and about two thirds at connection from High Speed 2 to High Speed 1. Can he Euston, with the upgraded Northern line. I have also tell me what the capacity will be for this link and so give asked HS2 to consider remodelling the station at Euston, this House an indication of the proportion of services so that Euston Square station can be incorporated into from Birmingham that will be able to be through services the main Euston station, giving access to additional to the continent? underground lines.

Mr Hammond: The determining factor, of course, Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): These will be commercial considerations: how much passenger things are never easy, and the Secretary of State has load there is and where interchanges might be made in said that he has done a lot of listening. When he sets up the system between Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, the roadshows for the new proposals, will he personally Old Oak Common and the route through the channel attend them to hear what citizens have to say about his tunnel. However, the proposed single bore tunnel will new plans? have capacity for four trains per hour in each direction. Mr Hammond: I am not sure that that will be practical, in view of the number and frequency of the roadshow Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): The events. I can absolutely assure him that I will attend at Secretary of State’s response to the hon. Member for least one—probably more than one—but I certainly North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) will bring little comfort cannot promise to attend all of them. Perhaps I might to people in Warwickshire or those living on the outskirts elaborate on this point. We intend to hold specific, of Coventry.I wish to ask the Secretary of State specifically locally focused roadshows at multiple points along the about the increase in the frequency of service between line of the London to Birmingham part of the route, Coventry and London that he mentioned in his statement. where the exact route alignment has been defined. We Does he understand that what will anger a lot of people envisage that those discussions will mainly be about is the blighting, which can go on for many years? What local impacts. We also intend to hold a series of more sort of compensation scheme will he offer? Normally, broadly based meetings across the UK to discuss the such schemes are based on market values, but the broader principles of high speed rail and some of the market value of some of the properties involved is set to more strategic issues about the route choices. drop drastically. Can he answer that one? Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): I welcome my Mr Hammond: The consultation will set out the right hon. Friend’s announcement, which I believe will proposals for compensation. Of course compensation help address the north-south divide. Has he made a arrangements have to be based on market value, but detailed estimate that is available to Members of the they should be based on the unblighted market value of huge economic benefits of this scheme to the north of the property in question. On the frequency of services England? from Coventry to London, one of the points that I have tried, on several occasions, to make to the hon. Gentleman Mr Hammond: A full business case showing the economic and to other hon. Members is that the west coast main benefits of the proposed railway will now be updated on line will change radically in nature once this railway is the basis of the route that I have set out today. That will built. It will no longer be primarily about long-distance be published at the commencement of the consultation trains from Scotland, Preston, Manchester and Liverpool; in February. it will be about long-distance commuter services. Places such as Milton Keynes and Coventry will be well within Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): I commuting range of London with fast commuter services. am suspicious, even though I do not want to be. I want I say to him that if he looks around the south-east, he to give the Secretary of State complete support, but will find that one of the great drivers of prosperity is the 90% of investment in railways already goes into the ability of people to get into London quickly and reliably south-east. As he said, £2 billion a year goes into on frequent services. The ability to extend that to stations Crossrail and £2 billion a year into Thameslink. Now on the west coast main line will greatly benefit the he is suggesting that another £2 billion a year should go population of those areas. into the Birmingham-London link. It would partially 1213 High Speed Rail20 DECEMBER 2010 High Speed Rail 1214

[Graham Stringer] project—we have to get to Manchester and Leeds first. The appropriate time to start discussing that third phase remedy the north-south divide if the work was started will be when we start the detailed design work on the in the north and moved to the south. If he cannot do second phase. that and really wants the support of northern MPs, the hybrid Bill should cover the lines to the north, too. Will John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Can we he consider that? support High Speed 2 as a movement toward sustainability and welcome the Government’s communication with Mr Hammond: I understand the hon. Gentleman’s people? I refer particularly to the extension to HS 1, suspicion. It is in the blood, I suspect. I also understand which allows the modal shift from airlines to railway his point, and it would help to allay these concerns if, in usage. Will the Secretary of State consider supporting some way, we could include in the first hybrid Bill the way in which the A45 is to be moved to within specific commitments to Manchester and Leeds. We Birmingham international airport so that the runway cannot include detailed route alignments and land extension is in place for when High Speed 2 comes acquisition because that would make the Bill vast and it through? would probably be in Committee for about five years. I take on board his points, and also any suggestions he Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman has thrown a might have about how we might do that practically, slightly separate question at me there, but I can confirm which is something that I have also discussed with my that I have had discussions with Birmingham airport, predecessor. Everyone who wishes this project well and indeed the NEC, and they are strong supporters of understands the need to give strong reassurance to the project. Like many others, they see it as opening up those communities around Manchester, Leeds, South huge opportunities for them. Yorkshire and the east midlands that stand to benefit Birmingham airport will be about 30 to 35 minutes’ from the second phase. travel from London Heathrow on the high speed rail link. That is less time than it currently takes one, with a Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): May I, too, offer my fair wind, to get from terminal 4 to terminal 5 at best wishes and support to you, Mr Deputy Speaker? Heathrow. The opportunities are quite significant. Having travelled down this morning on a very packed train from Leeds, may I say how much I welcome this Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): statement? I am looking forward to seeing HS 2 come to Returning to Birmingham, but this time to the spur that Leeds. Given that trains going in and out of the station goes into Birmingham, I was intrigued by the Secretary in Leeds are expected to see a 40% increase in the of State’s announcement on compensation and enhanced number of passengers, what extra capacity does compensation schemes. Do they apply only to the main the Secretary of State think that HS 2 will bring to the line or also to the spur into the centre of Birmingham? long-suffering passengers in Leeds and the north of As well as applying to private individuals, do they apply England? to institutions such as universities with halls of residence that are somewhat inconveniently located on some of Mr Hammond: The route will more than triple the the routes? potential capacity available to passengers. I suspect that Mr Hammond: The exceptional hardship scheme, the very packed train that my hon. Friend experienced which is the scheme in place to deal with people who this morning might have been due to some specific have an urgent and pressing need to move and cannot problems on the east coast main line caused by overhead do so because of the effects of uncertainty around the cable difficulties. I welcome his support. This will be a proposals, applies to the complete alignment of the major deliverer of economic regeneration to Leeds and, route into Birmingham. It applies to residential properties, in the next economic cycle, I hope that Leeds can but not to commercially owned properties. It is unfortunate resume the dash for growth and regeneration that it has that the halls of residence to which the hon. Lady so clearly pursued over the past few years. refers—a virtually new building—sit across the route of the railway. If the railway goes ahead, that commercially Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): The owned property, or at least part of it, will have to be Secretary of State will be aware of the strength of demolished and full compensation will be paid. I expect support among the Scottish business community and that it will be rebuilt in full with the proceeds of that the Glasgow and Edinburgh economic partnership for compensation. the principle of extending high speed rail to Scotland. When does he expect to open detailed discussions with Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I call John the Scottish Government about the financing of high McDonnell—I am sorry, I mean Jeremy Lefroy. speed track in Scotland, should the Scottish Government decide to accommodate that? Can he give us an indicative Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): Thank you, Mr Deputy timeline, if those discussions prove successful, for when Speaker. I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement. we might expect to see high speed track in Scotland? He said that after the first stage of the project is complete, trains will run on the existing west coast main Mr Hammond: It is important for the hon. Gentleman line northwards. Given the limit on the number of train to note that the benefit is incremental. Once we have paths on that line even now, what effect will that have on high speed to Birmingham, that will shorten journeys to existing services and timetables? Glasgow and Edinburgh, and once we have high speed to north of Manchester, that will shorten them still Mr Hammond: The major constraints on capacity are further. We are committed to discussions with the Scottish south of Manchester, particularly on the Birmingham Government, but that would be a third phase to the to London stretch, but clearly there will still be constraints 1215 High Speed Rail 20 DECEMBER 2010 1216 on capacity as there is not infinite capacity available. We Severe Winter Weather expect a significant proportion of train paths in the early days will be on the London to Birmingham and 5.25 pm London to Manchester routes with a smaller number The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip going on northwards, reflecting current patterns of Hammond): With permission, I would like to make a passenger demand. statement on the continuing severe winter weather. We are facing exceptional conditions. It looks set to be the Mr Deputy Speaker: And now the ever-patient John coldest December since 1910 with average temperatures McDonnell. 4° to 5° below the norm for December. Many areas have had record low temperatures, and snowfall has been the John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): Thank most widespread since 1981. The forecast is for continued you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I say to the Secretary of State severe cold and further snowfall through the coming that I am just grateful we are getting a train set for week and over Christmas and the new year. Christmas and not a third runway at Heathrow. He has Transport services have suffered extensive disruption referred to the Heathrow link, the Mawhinney review in the past few days, and there is a likelihood, I am and the Arup proposals for a transport hub near Iver afraid, of further disruption through this week. I recognise and has concluded that there should be a spur to the that this is particularly stressful just a few days ahead of airport running close to the M25. Does that mean that the Christmas break, and I understand the frustration the Iver hub will or will not take place? of those who are trying to get away or, indeed, trying to get home. Mr Hammond: We do not favour the proposal for the Transport services were also disrupted in the first Iver hub as a way of delivering high speed rail passengers spell of winter weather that came unusually early, at the into Heathrow. It is worth noting that the proposals end of November. That period tested the systems which, that Arup worked up on its own account—it was not in some case, had performed so very poorly earlier this commissioned to do so—around the hub at Iver were year. The then Government asked David Quarmby, originally intended as a proposal for getting traffic from chairman of the RAC Foundation and a former the Great Western main line into Heathrow. HS 2 came chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, to conduct a along as a bit of an add-on to that proposal, and Arup review of last winter’s resilience. His initial report was may still wish to pursue it as a proposal that is of issued in July and a final report was published in interest for that purpose, but it is not our preferred October. It made 28 recommendations, some of them route for getting high speed rail passengers into Heathrow. directed at central Government, some at local government, and some at transport operators. Many of those recommendations have already been implemented, although some will necessarily take longer. On 2 December I asked David Quarmby, in the light of the weather conditions that we were then experiencing, to conduct an audit of the implementation of his recommendations and to make any further observations that he felt necessary. This is an independent report and I understand that David Quarmby intends to publish it tomorrow. One of the principal recommendations of the first Quarmby report concerned salt—levels of stocks that local authorities should hold, dosage rates for optimum use of stocks and the acquisition of a strategic stockpile by central Government. Local authorities went into this period with significantly better salt stocks than last winter and the Highways Agency, on the Government’s behalf, had purchased 300,000 tonnes of salt to form a strategic stockpile, of which over 150,000 tonnes is already at UK ports, with the remainder scheduled for delivery through December and early January. Over the past few days, highway authorities across England have been focused on delivering their planned salting and snow clearance to keep their local strategic road networks open. Together they had ready some 1.25 million tonnes of salt at the start of the winter. As hon. Members would expect, salt usage has been significantly above the norm for the time of year and so my Department decided two weeks ago to procure, as a precautionary measure, up to an additional 250,000 tonnes of salt, to replenish the strategic stockpile as salt from it is released to local authorities. Last Friday the Department for Transport offered 30,000 tonnes from the strategic stockpile to local authorities to provide reassurance over the holiday period. That allocation has been taken up and will be delivered over the next few days. 1217 Severe Winter Weather20 DECEMBER 2010 Severe Winter Weather 1218

[Mr Philip Hammond] We recognise that the cost, both economic and social, of this level of disruption can be great. Winters such as The strategic road network inevitably suffered severe this year’s and last have been rare in modern Britain, disruption in the wake of heavy snowfall this weekend, but we need to consider whether we are now seeing in but recovered reasonably rapidly and, with isolated our weather a step change that might justify investment exceptions, has operated effectively since Saturday in equipment and technologies to reduce the impact of afternoon. Similarly, heavy snow and the formation of severe weather. I will assess advice on that subject from ice at very low temperatures caused some disruption on the Government’s chief scientific adviser, Professor Sir rail networks on Friday and Saturday, but the rail John Beddington, and we will work with transport industry has pulled together to keep essential services operators to examine the business case in each sector running, using special timetables where necessary, and I for increased investment in winter resilience where that am pleased to report that commuter services into main makes sense—recognising always that spending more conurbations this morning are close to normal. Transport on winter preparedness inevitably means that there will for London has successfully followed its winter weather be less to spend on other priorities. plans and has been able to run a near-normal service This is not just about making sure that people can across its network. However, issues with Eurostar are travel and goods can be delivered. Disrupted transport ongoing and have been well reported today, including links, combined with cold weather, increasingly impact the impacts of very severe weather in northern France. on other essential services. In particular, they threaten Disruption due to weather conditions of this extremity the vulnerable in our communities. To help those most is inevitable, and the measure of resilience is the networks’ in need to stay warm in the coldest parts of the country, speed of recovery from such events. On that measure, the Government have so far this winter paid out some the strategic road network and the rail network have £355 million in cold weather payments, through an performed broadly satisfactorily, in view of the exceptional estimated 14.2 million payments to affected households. circumstances. The experience at airports, and at Heathrow In addition. winter fuel payments for pensioners have in particular, has however been different. Conditions been protected at the higher rate for this winter, with have been difficult throughout north-west Europe, with 12.9 million payments made to those older people who Frankfurt, Charles de Gaulle and Schiphol airports all meet the qualifying conditions. We have also taken struggling to cope at times. This afternoon, just before I precautionary steps to ensure that the health services came into the Chamber, it was being reported that are well prepared, with local plans in place to deal with Brussels airport will close until Wednesday because it the extra demands that this type of weather brings. has run out of de-icer. But, yesterday’s whole-day virtual Despite those steps, weather of this severity can cause closure at Heathrow, coupled with continued substantially unexpected problems for many people, including those reduced capacity, presents a very real challenge from who would not normally consider themselves vulnerable, which the system will struggle to recover quickly. but who might be in serious difficulty if, for example, I spoke this morning to BAA, the airport operator, their boiler breaks down or they cannot get to the local and to British Airways, its principal user. I am clear that chemist to collect their medication. With support from BA made the right call on Saturday to cancel its flights the Government, the Local Government Association in anticipation of the airport’s closure. Had it not done will therefore work closely with local authorities in so, the scenes of the terminals on Saturday night that England to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in we witnessed on our TV screens could have been much place across the country. Individual local authorities worse. will publicise information locally on how to access those Heathrow operates, at normal times, at some 98% of advice services ahead of the Christmas holiday period. full capacity, so when there is disruption caused by Severe weather poses significant challenges to the snow or by the need repeatedly to close runways or energy supply industry. Difficult driving conditions have taxiways for de-icing, capacity is inevitably lost and a affected fuel oil and coal suppliers’ ability to make backlog builds up. There is still a large amount of work deliveries, particularly to more remote areas away from to be done to restore Heathrow to full capacity, and the strategic road network. That has resulted in delivery further snow and severe icing is anticipated over the backlogs, which suppliers have been working hard to next few days. reduce in difficult circumstances. Distributors are doing The immediate focus at Heathrow must therefore be all they can to prioritise deliveries to vulnerable customers on maximising the number of flights with the available and to people who are running short of fuel. Working infrastructure, and in order to do that I agreed with with the Government, the Federation of Petroleum BAA this morning to a relaxation of restrictions on Suppliers has issued a code of practice to its members night flights for the next four days. Operating hours will to help them prioritise orders to those most in need and be extended until 1 am, and arrivals for repatriation to alert local authorities when they are aware of a risk flights will be allowed through the night. None the less, of potentially vulnerable households running short of BAA advises that, with further severe weather forecast, heating oil. Heathrow is likely to be operating at reduced capacity The severe weather has also led to a very high forecast until Christmas. of demand for gas, which is expected to be more than Conditions in the terminals overnight on Saturday 26% above the normal for this time of year. As a result, were very difficult, with some 2,000 passengers stranded. the National Grid issued a gas-balancing alert yesterday Once the airport has returned to normal operation, my to provide a signal to the market to bring on additional officials will work with BAA to understand how that supplies and to reduce demand from large users on situation arose and what it plans to change to ensure interruptible contracts. There is no reason to expect any that we do not experience a repeat. It is clear from my disruption to domestic customers, or to commercial discussions this morning that some preliminary conclusions customers unless they have interruptible contracts. My have already been drawn. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and 1219 Severe Winter Weather20 DECEMBER 2010 Severe Winter Weather 1220

Climate Change has today issued a written statement The reality is that Transport Ministers were caught that provides more information on that issue. off guard by the arrival of winter early this year, and Nationally, we will continue to do whatever is necessary failed to keep the country moving at a time when so to support essential services and provide advice to many people need to travel to be with their family and businesses and householders on steps they can take to friends. I am afraid that some of the right hon. Gentleman’s help themselves and others. So, for example, we have words today still sound complacent. Why was only published a snow code to give common-sense advice to 100,000 tonnes of salt for the roads in place at the start householders and businesses to help them clear snow of the month, when the report said that 250,000 tonnes and ice safely from pavements and public spaces without was needed? Can he confirm which local authorities fear of legal action. As an emergency measure, we have currently have salt stocks below the new benchmark of relaxed the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours and working- 12 days’ worth of salt? What conversations has he had time rules to mitigate the effect of the severe weather on about services to deal with the abandoned cars and critical parts of the supply chain that have been badly jack-knifed vehicles that have caused much of the delay? hit by the weather. We published guidance for local What steps has he considered to manage traffic flows highway authorities on the range of actions that can be better—for example, by not letting people join a motorway taken to ensure optimum use of salt stocks, and over such as the M5 when it is already blocked, so that they the next few days we will publish updated technical will end up sitting in their cars not going anywhere? He advice based on the latest research findings, so that all said in his statement that the strategic routes have authorities can adopt best practice. We have also confirmed operated effectively since Saturday afternoon or evening: to farmers that they can use red diesel in tractors and tell that to the people who were stuck for 13 and a half other equipment to help salt and clear snow from public hours on the M40 trying to travel towards London. roads during extreme weather. On our railways, why does the update report that the We are not yet through this period of extreme weather. Secretary of State has received in the past few days My priority at the moment remains working with the contradict the claim that the rail industry has sufficient transport industries to allow us to return to normal as equipment? Why are essential measures such as anti-icing fast as the continued freezing temperatures this week capability on trains and new hot fluid distribution on to permit. I will also be working with ministerial colleagues tracks not going to be in place until February, according and officials from other Departments, with whom I to the most recent update—a little bit too late? have been in contact daily since Friday, to continue Does the Secretary of State accept that the most monitoring the situation, assessing the risk of further frustrating thing for passengers is lack of information? disruption and taking whatever action is needed. Those Why is it, therefore, that the new unified national real-time arrangements will continue for as long as necessary passenger transport information system to allow passengers through the holiday period. I can assure the House that to find out where their trains actually are, not what the wherever Government action can help to ease the impact timetable says, will not be in place until 2014? He said of severe weather or mitigate its effects, we will not that the railways had kept essential services running and hesitate to take such action. I commend this statement that commuter services were running well and close to to the House. normal, but people were stuck at Peterborough and King’s Cross last night with very little information Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): I thank about when the east coast main line was going to get the right hon. Gentleman for updating the House. After back to normal. a weekend of chaos across the country, during which The chaos that we have seen at our major airports is there have been severe transport problems on our roads, not only unacceptable but risks damaging our international railways and runways, families struggling to get together reputation. It is just not good enough to pass this off as for Christmas are furious that they have spent hours a private sector problem, as the Secretary of State did stuck in their cars at stations or airport terminals. What earlier. Passengers stuck at Heathrow and Gatwick for has really frustrated people has been the total lack of days on end have every right to feel abandoned by this information available. They understand that things will Government. Other countries have kept planes flying go wrong when we experience such severe weather and and airports open, yet here passengers have been left on no one—not even me—is suggesting that the Government planes for hours on end without food and drink, and can, or ought to be able to, control the weather. However, others have been forced to sleep on terminal floors with the Government should be able to control how prepared no blankets and poor information. The winter resilience we are for that weather, and they can co-ordinate report found that those in the aviation sector information so that those travelling can make and alter their plans accordingly. “anticipate and manage the effects of severe winter weather to a very high standard of resilience”. Right from the first hit of severe weather at the start That is surprising given what we have seen in the past of this month, the right hon. Gentleman and his few days. Will he examine whether there has been any Department have seemed woefully ill-prepared for winter, complacency among those at our airports? He referred despite the fact that the report on winter resilience that to some preliminary conclusions following his conversations we ordered in government has been sitting on his desk today, but he has not told us what they are. It might be since July. The 17 recommendations in the interim useful to know. report and the 11 recommendations in the final report have clearly not been put into action with the urgency Is it not the case that the chaos that we have seen has that they demanded. At the last Transport questions, he as much to do with this Government’s values as their said that those recommendations had been implemented, competence? The Prime Minister’s close ally, the hon. yet in his statement he said that some of them will Member for Grantham and Stamford (Nick Boles), necessarily take longer. Well, which is it? gave the game away this weekend when he said: 1221 Severe Winter Weather20 DECEMBER 2010 Severe Winter Weather 1222

[Maria Eagle] beginning of winter. Of course, many local authorities that were operating at or close to the threshold are now “I mean, bluntly, there comes a question in life…Do you considerably below the 12 days’ resilience level, although believe planning works…or do you believe it can’t work? I believe some local authorities have much more substantial stocks. it can’t work, David Cameron believes it can’t, Nick Clegg believes If they wish, local authorities will be resupplied from it can’t. Chaos therefore in our vocabulary is a good thing.” the strategic reserve that we have built. In turn, the The right hon. Gentleman has obviously volunteered strategic reserve will be replenished from the salt that his Department to pilot this new approach to government we are currently sourcing from locations across the and become the official Department for Chaos. He is world, including south America, the middle east, India doing quite well, actually. No wonder he has been and Australia. dubbed the “No Transport Secretary” this morning. The hon. Lady asked about vehicles joining motorways. People want competence from Ministers. They want The police have powers to prevent vehicles from entering good-quality information when disruption happens. They a motorway, if they deem it appropriate to do so. want co-ordination of recovery and mitigation across The hon. Lady also mentioned the situation at the the entire system. They want help when they need it; airports, and I am happy to agree that what has happened they do not want to be left to fend for themselves as at Heathrow airport is not acceptable. We have to work though there were no such thing as society. Will the with the airport operators and the airlines to work out right hon. Gentleman now learn the lessons of the past how to avoid such situations. I can give her further month and finally get a grip on the transport chaos that clarification on the early conclusions that have been threatens to see Christmas cancelled for families up and shared with me by the airport operator. It recognises down the country? that it was a mistake to continue trying to operate the schedules that it was using on Saturday, and that it Mr Philip Hammond: After a heavy dump of snow, should have made a decision earlier to cut severely the we have had a heavy dump of political opportunism number of flights departing and arriving, so that the airport from the hon. Lady. She talks of chaos, but does she would not be congested with aircraft when the snow remember the chaos last year when the Government of came in. That is the kind of practical lesson learning whom she was a member ran out of salt and had to stop that must be done. We will work with the airport gritting the roads because they had not bought enough operators to ensure that next time, such lessons are of the stuff? They had not prepared at all. I will take no learned and implemented. lectures from her on preparedness. Local authorities, Finally, the hon. Lady had the audacity to ask why the Highways Agency, rail operators and Network Rail the rail equipment that Quarmby recommended in his have all entered this winter better prepared than they October report is not in place and operating. The were last winter. answer is clear: Labour did not order it when it was in The hon. Lady talked about Quarmby’s interim report government. We have ordered it, but it does not appear and final report, and the implementation of his by magic, simply by snapping your fingers; these things recommendations. Of course action on some of the have a lead time and must be done properly.The equipment recommendations has not been completed yet—it requires will be in place by the end of the winter, and it will make capital investment and the procurement of new equipment, our railways operate more effectively. such as de-icing equipment for trains in the south-east. The first of that equipment has been delivered and Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): fitted, and is undergoing proving trials. As soon as the Northumberland has had very heavy snowfall over a proving is complete, the remaining 20 units will be very long period, so I welcome the efforts being made to rolled out. She cannot sit here with no plan, no suggestion get domestic oil deliveries to remote homes, where and nothing constructive to offer, simply lobbing rocks people are getting really desperate. May I ask the Secretary from the sidelines, and expect to be treated seriously. As of State to talk to his colleagues in the Department for for our delivery on Quarmby’s recommendations, I Communities and Local Government? Local authorities suggest that she wait to see his report on the audit that such as Northumberland are having to spend heavily he has carried out. He is their man, he was appointed by from their reserves to keep roads open, at just the time their Government, and he is now auditing our response when that Department is saying that using reserves is to his recommendations. She should wait and see what the way to fund redundancies. he has to say before making such ridiculous points. We were not caught off guard by the onset of winter, Mr Hammond: My understanding, which the Local but we were caught off guard by the severity of the Government Association confirms, is that all local weather, as was everybody in this country. The hon. authorities are saying that they are adequately funded Lady asked about the recommendation that a to deal with the contingencies of the severe weather, strategic stockpile of 250,000 tonnes of salt be built. and that funding constraint will not be a problem in The Highways Agency has purchased 300,000 tonnes of responding to the situation this winter. salt, 156,000 tonnes of which has been delivered. The remainder is scheduled to be delivered over the next Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): three weeks. If one is building a strategic stockpile, In this exceptional weather, can the Secretary of State there is no need to replenish local authority stocks assure us that he has adequate means of becoming throughout the length of the winter, nor for every last aware of the emerging problems as well as the current ounce of it to be sitting in place on 30 November. ones? Will he explain the powers and influence that he is The hon. Lady asked how many local authorities are ready to use to alleviate the situation, whether by providing below the 12 days’ resilience level recommended by additional resources, improving co-ordination or ensuring Quarmby. That threshold was recommended for the a better flow of information? 1223 Severe Winter Weather20 DECEMBER 2010 Severe Winter Weather 1224

Mr Hammond: We are operating a cross-departmental The hon. Gentleman is also right to focus on information. ministerial team approach, because we need to consider Nobody likes to have their travel plans disrupted, but matters such as health, the protection of vulnerable one of the interesting features of human psychology is people and energy supplies. There is also a huge role for that somehow, things are never quite as bad if people local government in responding to a situation such as know what is going on. As he will know, we have the current one. We are receiving four-hourly update committed to introducing an airport economic regulation reports on the situation, including Met Office forward Bill during this Parliament. One thing that we are forecasts, and over the past few days we have been committed to doing in that Bill is ensuring that airport convening daily to consider the current situation, the operators’ financial incentives are clearly aligned with expectations for the next 24 hours and the actions that the needs and interests of passengers. I will ensure that are needed. As I said in my statement, when there is supplying information is part of that matrix, so that the something that the Government can do, bearing in operators will do it because it is in their financial mind that we do not own or operate many of the interests. That certainly seems to be a motivating factor. transport networks—such as relaxing the ban on night flying at Heathrow or the restrictions on drivers’ hours—we Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): The will do it. Secretary of State will be aware that a delegation of Kent MPs recently met the management of Southeastern Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I spent eight Trains to discuss the chaos and deep passenger hours at Heathrow terminal 3 on Saturday, and there dissatisfaction caused by the bad weather a few weeks was no information whatever about what was happening ago. The latest conditions have yet again led to much to flights. On the other hand, people who were due to disruption to services for Southeastern passengers. When fly with British Airways from terminal 5 had advance the franchise is considered for extension in 2012 will he notice and did not travel to the airport. The question consider, among the other necessary factors, Southeastern’s must be: why did operators such as Virgin Atlantic not poor service delivery during adverse weather? cancel their programmes? Will the Government look into that? Mr Hammond: Of course we examine the performance of train operators, and it is absolutely right that Mr Hammond: We will, and my hon. Friend’s question Southeastern’s performance was very poor during the has to be addressed to the operators. British Airways bout of cold weather at the end of November. However, made the call on Saturday morning to cancel all flights, in the current weather conditions, the information that I because it considered it certain that the airport would have on Southeastern’s performance over the past 72 hours have to close. I have spoken to Willie Walsh today, and is far less clear-cut. The disruption has been no more he has told me that based on the forecast he saw on than is to be expected in the extreme weather, and as I Saturday morning, any airport anywhere in Europe, bar understand it, commuter services into London on none, would have had to close. BA therefore made the Southeastern by and large operated normally this morning. decision to pull all its flights. The lesson that is emerging for BAA, which it will Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): The public expect take away from the situation, is that it has to be more Ministers to be players, not just spectators. Snow happens, proactive in examining forward forecasts, and that when but it is the urgency of the response that matters. The airlines do not make a decision to stop flights, the Secretary of State said nothing about whether Cobra operator might have to make that decision for them, to has been meeting, nothing about what the Government avoid large numbers of people being stranded in terminals. offices are doing to co-ordinate their response, and very little about what he has done with the various companies John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I and airports. He has not said whether he has asked hope that the Secretary of State will join me in thanking them why they do not have senior management down many of my constituents and their colleagues who work there dealing with the problems, why the train companies at Heathrow for trying to get the airport open and fully have not got information to people who have waited for operational again in the most difficult circumstances. hour after hour on trains and platforms, or why the I join the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone) police are not taking action to get people off the motorway. in saying that the lesson to be learned from the last With the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate occasion when such a problem occurred, although not Change sitting next to him, he did not say why he has on the same scale, was about information. We thought not done anything about the exploitation of fuel oil and that lesson had been learned. BAA and the individual bottled gas. Does he think that that is why he is rumoured airlines must be required not only to take decisions to be one of the early victims of the new year reshuffle? soon enough, but to communicate them proactively and directly to customers travelling with them. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): MayIsay that we want very short questions? Obviously, it would Mr Hammond: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman be helpful—[Interruption.] Order, Mr Penning. It would for giving me the opportunity to record my thanks, and be helpful if the Secretary of State could also shorten the thanks of the Government, to the hundreds of his answers, although I understand that this is a very workers who have been out, often in temperatures of important subject. minus 10°C or minus 11° C, clearing snow and de-icing through the night, as well as caring for passengers Mr Hammond: I can shorten the answer to that stranded in terminals. They have done a fantastic job, question, Mr Deputy Speaker. The right hon. Gentleman and I am afraid they will have to go on doing that offered nothing constructive, and people watching will fantastic job for the next few days. see that he has nothing to offer except a meaningless 1225 Severe Winter Weather20 DECEMBER 2010 Severe Winter Weather 1226

[Mr Philip Hammond] services are well prepared throughout this cold snap, but he will also recall that last winter, a number of A rant. I told him in the statement that a cross-ministerial and E departments were forced to close because of the team is meeting regularly and that regional resilience severe weather, including ones close to my constituency. teams are in operation. What discussions has he had with the Department of What is the right hon. Gentleman talking about, Health to ensure that the emergency services, and saying that none of the senior management are at particularly the ambulance service, are given robust airports? Of course senior management, both of the support to ensure that they can continue to give a full operators and the airlines, are there managing the situation service throughout this difficult time? hands-on. He had better ask the police why they are not taking action, because they take the action that they Mr Hammond: I have been in discussion with my believe is appropriate. right hon. Friend the Health Secretary. As I understand it, this morning, there were no major problems across As for fuel, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of the NHS—all NHS services are operating reasonably State for Energy and Climate Change has asked the well. Of course, there have been isolated problems of Office of Fair Trading to look into—[Interruption.] getting staff into hospitals. In some cases, including in Labour Members seem to think that we should introduce my county, Surrey, local 4x4 owners have volunteered to some kind of Moscow-style central control over everything. drive staff to A and E departments. Such voluntary The fuel oil business in this country is operated through action will help to reinforce the resilience of the NHS. hundreds of small independent firms, and if price collusion Ambulance services are coping well at the moment, but or illegal activity is driving up the price to consumers, if there are difficulties, the military stands ready to the OFT will report back to my right hon. Friend and provide support with 4x4 vehicles if it is needed. he will take the appropriate action. Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): Will my right The last time the Secretary of State gave a statement on hon. Friend explain why some operators stopped flying the weather, I asked him about winter tyres. He told me when runways had been cleared and were still open? that he did not think them appropriate for this climate Secondly, why did it take four hours to remove a tanker and this country, and indeed that David Quarmby from the M1, the country’s main arterial road, on looked at the matter. Try as I may, I could find no Saturday afternoon, resulting in massive delays for reference to winter tyres in the Quarmby report. The southbound traffic? only advice I found was from the Highways Agency, Mr Hammond: I am not sure whether my hon. Friend which says: is referring to a tanker accident on the M25 on Saturday “The safest option in these conditions is to fit winter weather afternoon. tyres which are specifically designed to provide extra grip and improved levels of safety”. David Tredinnick indicated dissent. Will the Secretary of State please now reconsider his response? Mr Hammond: There are problems in recovering tankers after accidents. I am aware of the accident on Mr Hammond: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for the M25, after which there was some possibility at first giving me the opportunity to clear something up—I of having to pump the contents out of the tanker before clearly mangled my words in my reply to her. I was it could be moved. In the end the fire brigade allowed it trying to convey that in the circumstances of the UK, to be moved without the contents being removed, shortening and given the cost of fitting winter tyres, I do not the closure of the motorway by about three and a half believe it appropriate to mandate their use. However, I hours. am happy to confirm on the record that for those who can afford winter tyres—not just the cost of buying Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): What them, but the costs of putting them on and changing my right hon. Friend the Member for Warley (Mr Spellar) them back at the end of the winter, and of storing was asking for was leadership. People are sleeping on summer tyres—they provide significant additional grip airport floors, being turfed off trains, and frozen in for motoring in such cold conditions. their cars, and they are cold in their homes because they Snow chains, however, are a different matter. It is are not getting deliveries of domestic fuel. Where is the illegal to use snow chains on roads that are not covered Prime Minister? He is the invisible “Cam”, but he in compacted snow, because they cause considerable should be taking the leadership position on this. damage to the road surface.

Mr Hammond: I can tell the hon. Gentleman that Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con): Will the people who are sleeping on airport floors and who are Secretary of State join me in commending the nation’s having their travel plans disrupted are not helped by army of gritters who were out overnight—in Suffolk, such ridiculous rants from him and his colleagues. that involved temperatures down to minus 12°C—to Those people need a calm, measured and considered keep our roads open? Will he also answer a question response to the problems, which is what the Government that was put to me by several constituents? Can he are giving. This is an extreme weather event, and this continue his steadfast and solid leadership of the past Government will do better than the previous Government few days, rather than responding to the histrionic did last year. opportunism displayed by the Labour party?

Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con): Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend makes an important In his statement, the Secretary of State touched upon point. People who are watching this debate on the BBC the steps that are being taken to ensure that health News channel in an airport terminal will not find the 1227 Severe Winter Weather20 DECEMBER 2010 Severe Winter Weather 1228 laughter and hilarity of Opposition Members, or the year in funding their winter activities. However, the unconstructive rants from some but not all Opposition hon. Gentleman raises an important point about the Back Benchers, at all edifying or helpful to their cause. I extent of gritting and salting that local authorities plan am happy to join him in commending the stalwart work to carry out. Those resilience plans will have been put in of the people who man the fleets of gritters, who are out place well ahead of the winter, and they should be well every night in all conditions doing their important publicised locally. In some areas, the plans will not work. include the salting and gritting of footways. I believe that there is a role for civic society to play in that. Many Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): What assessment people, if they can get their hands on a supply of salt have the Government made of the ability of aircraft and grit, would be prepared to shovel a bit on to the and train operators to advise people who have been pavements around their homes and their neighbours’ delayed of their statutory rights in respect of compensation? homes. I commend local authorities that have taken In slower time, will he arrange to meet insurance companies action to make supplies of salt and grit available for to ensure that they respond positively to the demands of such neighbourly action. people who have missed trains and flights, and had holidays ruined, or who have had pipes burst or damage Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): Does the done to their homes? Minister share my concerns that in stark contrast to the Mr Hammond: The right hon. Gentleman raises some excellent work of many local authorities, developers important points. I can tell him that the Treasury has responsible for unadopted roads all too often do not been talking to the insurance companies to ensure that react quickly enough to adverse weather conditions? people have the appropriate information and that companies can respond to inquiries about the extent of their cover. Mr Hammond: I am afraid that I must tell my hon. Often, those people will be in a real-time situation—stranded Friend that the maintenance of unadopted roads is in an airport, for example—and will want to know what entirely a matter for the owners of those roads. Typically, costs they can and cannot incur in trying to complete that will ultimately be a matter for the owners of properties their journey. That is important. that front on to those roads, who often finance such The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that there work through their service charges. Like the rest of us, have been developments in the past year or so in European but through a rather different mechanism, they must jurisprudence with regard to compensation arrangements decide whether they want to pay more in service charges and the obligations on airlines to look after people who so that they have a greater level of winter resilience for are stranded at airports. However, when the problem is their roads. caused by, for example, extreme weather conditions, compensation would not normally be payable as such. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): Despite some of the heaviest snowfalls for decades in Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): What Newcastle, we managed to keep most of the public discussions has the Secretary of State had with Southern transport system going for most of the time. However, Railway about its performance during this bad weather? as my hon. Friend the Member for Workington (Tony Do Southern Railway and Network Rail need to invest Cunningham) said, many people found that they could in snow-clearing equipment to ensure that services run not make it to the end of their streets because of ice and more smoothly in future? snow on the pavements. Given that, rather than simply commending councils that make grit available to local Mr Hammond: I can tell my hon. Friend that I had a residents, is it not time for a requirement for people to conference call with Southern Railway management have access to the grit that will enable them to get on and Network Rail’s route director on Wednesday afternoon with their lives? to talk about their preparations for this bout of cold weather. We also spoke about some of the medium-term Mr Hammond: The hon. Lady might revel in the plans—I hesitate to call them that, but I am talking thought of a centralised state where people in Whitehall about plans for beyond the end of this week. They are press buttons and issue commands to local authorities, looking to install experimental heated rail sections as but we happen to take a different view of the world. well as to invest in additional clearance equipment. Local authorities are responsible bodies answerable to Clearing snow and ice from the railway is primarily a their electors. They must make decisions about their Network Rail responsibility, but train operators are priorities, and if they get it wrong, local residents know increasingly considering installing anti-icing equipment what to do about it. on their trains to supplement what Network Rail does.

Tony Cunningham (Workington) (Lab): Will the Minister Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): This at least consider additional funding for local authorities? time last year, the ramp leading down to the parliamentary In my area, the local authority is struggling desperately car park was covered in snow. It closed the car park. I to keep streets open and roads clear, but an additional offered to clear it myself, but was told that I was not problem that people tend to forget is pavements. Many qualified to do the job. I said, “Well, I’ve done it of my constituents are fearful of leaving their homes in before”, but the answer came back, “Well, you can’t do case they fall, so will he at least consider additional it because of health and safety”. Will my right hon. funding? Friend clarify the snow code he has introduced to ensure that we do not succumb to these ambulance-chasers? Mr Hammond: As I said a few moments ago, local There are people in Britain who have that get-up-and-go authorities indicate—the Local Government Association attitude and who want to get out there and clean the confirms this—that they will not have difficulty this streets, but who are worried about being sued under 1229 Severe Winter Weather20 DECEMBER 2010 Severe Winter Weather 1230

[Mr Tobias Ellwood] guaranteeing to the House that either he or one of his team will be in Whitehall during the recess, not at the legislation and the direction of travel introduced by end of the phone or travelling to some place else—not Labour, with health and safety getting such precedence. that they could—but at their desks, every day of the [Laughter.] recess?

Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Mr Hammond: We have said—I said it in the Labour Members may laugh, but they will remember statement—that we will continue with the arrangements this being a serious problem last winter, with people in place for as long as necessary. We held teleconferences being afraid to clear snow and ice outside their homes over the weekend with Welsh Assembly Government and afraid to act as good neighbours. One of Quarmby’s members, Scottish Ministers and regional resilience teams recommendations was that we publish a snow code, around the country. It is not practical to get all those compliance with which would give people a high level of people together in a single room—nor is it desirable protection from civil action. We have done that, and I when travel is dangerous and difficult—but I can assure hope that people will respond by acting in that neighbourly the hon. Gentleman that the team in place will continue fashion. to monitor the situation on a daily basis for as long as it is necessary. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Will the Secretary of State confirm that the Government have failed to Mr Sam Gyimah (East Surrey) (Con): I agree with the keep the emergency grit stocks at full capacity? Despite Secretary of State that in these times, calm and focused warnings of arctic blasts for weeks, grit stocks have action is more important than histrionic responses. Will been rationed, and emergency supplies are said to be he let me know what steps he has taken to ensure that 80,000 tonnes lower than they should be. If this is true, the airport de-icer supply chain is sufficiently robust why has it happened and which Minister will be resigning? and resilient to cope with the adverse weather conditions over the coming days? Mr Hammond: I know that the hon. Gentleman is new and was not in the House last winter. He asked whether we are keeping emergency grit stocks at full Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend raises a real issue. I capacity. There were no emergency grit stocks last winter. talked to Gatwick airport on Wednesday, and it told me In fact, there were no grit stocks at all last winter. Local that it was full to capacity with runway de-icing fluid. authorities and the Highways Agency have bought grit By yesterday evening, however, it had used about 90% of for their own use, and this year, for the first time ever, those supplies, although fortunately it will be resupplied we have a strategic stockpile of salt—more than 300,000 tomorrow. However, the supply chain for airport de-icer tonnes of salt have been ordered for that stockpile, is tightly stretched, and we are monitoring the situation 156,000 tonnes of which have been delivered, and the on a daily basis with operators. Alternative products remainder of which will be delivered between now and can be—and are—used in other places around Europe, the middle of January. A further 250,000 tonnes have and if supplies get really tight, operators will have to been sourced, and we are currently arranging transport display some flexibility. to get it to the UK. I do not suppose that he has the faintest notion of the logistics involved in trying to Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and uplift 250,000 tonnes of salt from around the world at Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): My constituents are now short notice and to ship it to the UK in specialist enduring their 23rd successive day of arctic weather. vessels, so perhaps, before asking such a silly question Schooling has been disrupted, the economy impacted again, he will think about what is involved. and elderly and vulnerable constituents have effectively been imprisoned in their own homes for more than Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): The Secretary three weeks. Owing to the exceptional weather, North of State will have noticed that the spirit of Christmas Lanarkshire council requested military assistance, but it has augmented the already happy-go-lucky nature of was denied. Will the Secretary of State tell me now, or the shadow Secretary of State. However, she made one find out on my behalf, who took the decision to deny serious point in her reply to the statement, and it was military assistance, and on what grounds? about information. Some companies are using premium rate telephone numbers to get information to travellers. Mr Hammond: I can look into the specific case, but I Surely the Secretary of State will be able to use some of can tell the hon. Gentleman the general rules on the his fantastic influence to try to make these information provision of military assistance. The Ministry of Defence lines free of charge in this current crisis. will offer assistance to local authorities or other responders where the latter can demonstrate that no other means of Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend is right that in many delivering the required response are available. If contractors cases the only lever we have over private companies is to or own resources are available, military assistance will apply pressure. This is the first I have heard of this issue, not normally be provided. Where the military has unique but if he has specific examples, I will be happy to follow equipment, or where no alternative source of manpower them up. is available, the MOD will look at requests sympathetically. We have to do it that way. We must not end up in a Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Many emergency situation where local authorities think that they can and council workers will be working over the Christmas reach for military manpower as a simple, low-cost solution period dealing with the aftermath—and, indeed, the to every problem. They have to exhaust all other avenues ongoing nature—of the weather conditions. Will the first. However, I will look into the case he raised and Secretary of State prove that he is not complacent by write to him later this afternoon. 1231 Severe Winter Weather 20 DECEMBER 2010 1232

John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): I thank Points of Order the Secretary of State for his statement and commitment to consider when “just in time” becomes “just too late”. I ask him to remind the Opposition that salt is not a 6.19 pm panacea and that when temperatures fall below minus Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): On a point of 5°, there is little that can be done. That should be order, Madam Deputy Speaker. In answering an urgent recognised. One of the legacies left to this Government question earlier today, the Minister for Immigration by the Opposition is insufficient gas storage. Not only referred to a major ongoing anti-terrorist operation that, but it was not completely full at the start of winter. taking place across the country today, with arrests Furthermore, gas has been exported when taken out of being made in my constituency and that of my right storage. Will he commit to talking to the Secretary of hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff South and Penarth State for Energy and Climate Change about this issue? I (Alun Michael). Could you tell me whether you have am particularly concerned that we are not maintaining received any information from the Home Office or the storage when we could. Home Secretary about whether she intends to come to the House, either later today or tomorrow, to update us Mr Hammond: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of on the nature of this major anti-terrorist operation? State is aware of the issue that my hon. Friend raises. Historically, the UK has had lower gas storage capability Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): I can say than many of our continental neighbours, but it is an to the hon. Gentleman that I have not received notification issue that my right hon. Friend intends to address as of any statement on the matter that he has raised. I soon as possible. understand his particular interest, and I am sure that those on the Government Benches have taken note of Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): Stafford is a proud his point of order and that, should we need to be given railway town. Will the Secretary of State join me in any information, either he or the House will be informed congratulating rail workers up and down the country directly. who have kept services going under often atrocious conditions? I pay particular tribute to staff in Stafford Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): On a point last night, who went the extra mile in giving information of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. After the statement under difficult circumstances. on high-speed rail by the Secretary of State for Transport, I went to the Vote Office to obtain the details—the devil Mr Hammond: I am happy to join my hon. Friend in often being in the detail—for my constituency, which is congratulating staff across the railways. They have been where the main terminal is located. I was told that it was operating in extremely difficult conditions, and I have contained in a 1,000-page document that had not been seen for myself something of a blitz spirit where people made available to the Vote Office, and I was advised to have been mucking in. Some of the old divisions between go to the Library. I went to the Library, which had one Network Rail and train operators seem to have melted CD-ROM that it was not possible to download or away under the weight of the snow—if that is the right forward to Members. I was told that CD-ROMs might way to put it. Railway staff put in a fantastic performance have been sent to Members, but they have not arrived as over the weekend to get the railways operating normally—by yet. This is another instance of what is becoming a and large—this morning. frequent occurrence—it occurred last week with the reports on court closures, and it occurred earlier in the Session with Building Schools for the Future—whereby the Government think that making available very limited data, in an inadequate, electronic form, is sufficient to give Members notice of what is happening in their constituencies. It would be a welcome ruling from you, Madam Deputy Speaker, to say that when statements are made to this House, Members should have details that explain the important implications for their constituents of what is being told to the House.

The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Philip Hammond): Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I hear the hon. Gentleman’s point. The documents are extremely voluminous, and it is not practical to deliver them in printed form to every Member, but my understanding is that a CD-ROM has been sent to every Member whose constituency is affected. I will go out of the Chamber now and ensure that that has happened, and if it has not, I will ensure that it happens straight away.

Madam Deputy Speaker: I am grateful to the Secretary of State. It is obviously important that Members of Parliament have the information that they need with regard to statements, and I will pay attention to what he has said. In the past, he has, with his normal courtesy, 1233 Points of Order 20 DECEMBER 2010 1234

[Madam Deputy Speaker] Firearms Control [Relevant document: The Third Report of the Home written to me in the Chair to update me on the situation, Affairs Committee, Session 2010-11, on Firearms Control, in case I need to raise it with Mr Speaker. I hope that HC 447.] that deals with the point of order raised by the hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter). 6.22 pm The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick Herbert): I beg to move, That this House has considered the matter of firearms control. I believe that I speak for the whole House when I say that as we start this debate on firearms control today, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the victims and all those who had to deal with—and are still dealing with—the consequences of the shootings in Cumbria in June, and in Northumbria in July. Those events shocked the nation. Twelve men and women were murdered, and 11 were injured by Derrick Bird in Cumbria. One man was killed and two people were injured by Raoul Moat in Northumbria. Today’s debate fulfils an earlier Government commitment to discuss firearms control in the House in the light of this summer’s tragic events. Although I appreciate that there may be some concern that this debate has not been held until now, I am sure that hon. Members agree that one advantage in doing so is that we now have both the independent Association of Chief Police Officers review and the Select Committee on Home Affairs report on firearms control, which has been published only today, to inform us.

Mr Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): Given that the Home Affairs Committee report was published only this morning, given that we are on a one-line Whip, given that the Chamber is empty and given that Westminster itself is effectively empty, why have the Government deliberately chosen to debate this issue—an issue that I know the Minister is sincerely concerned about—on today of all days?

Nick Herbert: The hon. Gentleman knows that we were committed to holding this debate. We particularly wanted to hold it in Government time, even though there were a number of opportunities to hold it in other time. We wanted to wait for the outcome of the Home Affairs Committee’s inquiry, which has reported only today, and we did not want to wait any longer, so there was a difficult balance to strike. However, I assure him that we will listen carefully to the views expressed on both sides in this debate as we consider the issues, including what he says and what his constituents say. I hope that he knows that we have made every attempt to listen carefully to the views of local people who were affected by those incidents, as well as the views of the wider public and of hon. Members. Indeed, a number of Ministers have visited the communities affected by those events, and we fully appreciate the impact that they have had on the people who live and work in those areas. The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary visited Cumbria in the immediate aftermath of the shootings. I was able to visit and meet some of those affected, along with the hon. Member for Copeland (Mr Reed), in late August. The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (James Brokenshire) made a similar visit last week, and he also visited 1235 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1236

Northumbria in the wake of those shootings. I want to decisions made and actions taken by the constabulary express my admiration for the local communities who on firearms licensing were reasonable. Mr Whiting did were forced to react to those horrific incidents, and who not identify any immediate changes to legislation that did so with such courage and dignity. Both the Under- would have prevented those offences. However, he did Secretary and I have met PC David Rathbone on different suggest a number of general improvements that he occasions, the officer who was blinded after being shot thought might improve public safety. Those included a by Raoul Moat. We were deeply impressed by his courage number of suggestions that have been taken up by the and his stoicism. Indeed, I am sure that the whole Home Affairs Committee, to which I shall refer later. House wishes to pay tribute to the police officers in It is clear that, following two events of this scale, Cumbria and Northumbria who had to respond, in lessons must be learned to ensure that, wherever possible, many cases unarmed, to the events as they unfolded. action is taken to help prevent such crimes from occurring again. It is crucial that proper controls are placed on Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Does my those individuals who seek to own a firearm. However, right hon. Friend recognise that although plenty of it is also important to acknowledge, when discussing people in Rothbury—where people were in fear for a this issue, that licensed firearms are only one side of the long time because of the presence of the gunman—are debate. It is generally acknowledged that the vast majority astonished that he was able to be in possession of of guns used in crime are illegally held. firearms, equally, there are many people who, while sharing that astonishment, believe that those who genuinely Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): My use firearms for sporting purposes, in a proper, licensed right hon. Friend raises an important aspect of the manner, should not be penalised for the behaviour of debate in mentioning the difference between weapons that terrifying man? that are lawfully owned and those that are not. I want to Nick Herbert: I agree with my right hon. Friend’s quote page 10 of the Select Committee report, which sentiments. It appears that the weapons used by Raoul states: Moat were unlawfully obtained, unlike those used by “There is a lack of data in the public domain showing the Derrick Bird. Later, I shall underline the importance of extent to which legally-owned firearms are used in gun crime, ensuring a proportionate response to such incidents partly because it is difficult to collect accurate data”— while nevertheless recognising that some areas might because the gun is not always left at the scene of the need a tightening up of controls, albeit one that recognises crime — the legitimate needs and recreations of those living in “and partly because the Home Office does not routinely publish the countryside or elsewhere who take part in such the data that it does collect.” sporting activities. May I invite my right hon. Friend to reconsider this, and to put into the public domain more information Tony Cunningham (Workington) (Lab): The Minister about whether the firearms used in such events are has quite rightly paid tribute to the police. Will he also legally or illegally held? join me in paying tribute to the civil nuclear police, who played such a sterling and difficult role in those terrible Nick Herbert: Of course we will consider all the times that we all went through? recommendations in the Select Committee report carefully. Nick Herbert: I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving We are also considering very carefully the question of me the opportunity to do that. One of the things that what data the Home Office should collect. We need to was impressed on me when I visited Cumbria and strike the right balance between imposing ever more received a briefing from the chief constable of the onerous conditions on local police forces and ensuring Cumbrian constabulary and his team was the role that that the necessary data are collected centrally, and we the police at Sellafield—the civil nuclear constabulary— will have more to say about that in due course. I played in helping to respond quickly to the events as certainly take my hon. Friend’s point on board, however. they unfolded. I also pay tribute to the hon. Member for Much of the harm caused to our communities by Copeland and my right hon. Friend the Member for firearms is caused by those who are not licensed to own Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith), who have admirably a gun. The Government attach great importance to provided a voice to their constituents. I know that in tackling the problem of illegal firearms, and we will tight-knit communities, the effects of such events have continue to work to ensure that whatever measures been all the greater. The hon. Gentleman and my right necessary are taken to cut the use of illegal firearms in hon. Friend have shown great leadership in their criminal activity. By setting up the national crime agency, communities, particularly in Cumbria, where so many we will be introducing a body that will build on the people lost their lives. Serious Organised Crime Agency and that will be Although the police investigation in Cumbria is ongoing, empowered, in partnerships with police forces, to target and inquests in both Cumbria and Northumbria are yet the types of serious crime that frequently involve illegal to be held, a review carried out by assistant chief firearms and to eliminate them from our communities. constable Adrian Whiting, chair of the ACPO firearms Combining early intervention work with tough enforcement, and explosives working group, recently reported its and empowering local communities to prevent the spread findings. Mr Whiting has extensive knowledge of the of violence, will be crucial. This area of work will be subject matter, and we are grateful to him for his report. informed by the Government’s new crime strategy, which The review considered whether the decisions made and will be published shortly. actions taken in granting and renewing the firearms and It is important, however, to emphasise that gun crime shotgun certificates issued to Derrick Bird were appropriate, thankfully remains relatively rare in this country.Provisional or whether any actions could have been taken to prevent data indicate that firearm offences accounted for just the tragedy from occurring. Mr Whiting found that the 0.2% of all recorded crime in 2009-10, and that figure 1237 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1238

[Nick Herbert] Mr Reed: Can we please now dispense with the notion of a knee-jerk response? It is six months since the events has been going down. However, that still equates to in my constituency, and we have now had the very nearly 8,000 recorded offences. Gun crime causes significant thorough and considered report from the Association and lasting harm to individuals, families and communities, of Chief Police Officers and the excellent work of the and, however small the number of incidents that occur Home Affairs Select Committee. The notion of a knee-jerk in the context of the overall number of crimes, the response now is just not applicable. impact of these incidents must never be underestimated. Thirty-nine lives were lost to gun crime last year, and Nick Herbert: I am sure that the hon. Gentleman there were 336 serious injuries. That is unacceptable, agrees, however, that it is fair for the Government to and we must work to bring the numbers down. look at the Home Affairs Committee’s report, which was published only today, and to consider it carefully. Mr Reed: Between 1997 and 2008-09, 742 people When I referred to a knee-jerk response, what I meant were murdered with firearms in this country. Given that was that it would be wrong to rule in or out without it was the atrocities in Scotland in March 1996 that led further consideration anything that the Select Committee to the last meaningful review of gun ownership legislation, has recommended. It is right that we should consider and in the light of the events of this year, does the these issues carefully, and he will see that there are areas Minister agree that Parliament now needs to change in which we believe action should be taken. and tighten the gun laws in this country?

Nick Herbert: I certainly agree that it is necessary to Brandon Lewis (Great Yarmouth) (Con): Does my review the gun laws, as the Home Affairs Committee right hon. Friend agree that it is important to take the has done, and to consider whether sensible measures time to review all the reports, including today’s report might be taken to improve them and, in specific areas, from the Home Affairs Committee, carefully and to tighten them. I am not sure whether I agree with the ensure that any formal response by the Government hon. Gentleman’s implication that there needs to be a does not criminalise, either by implication or in reality, wholesale change in our gun laws that would restrict the the hundreds of thousands of people who use firearms legitimate ownership of guns, because most incidents totally legally for sporting purposes and the industries relate to illegal ownership, and I believe that that is that feed off them? Does he agree that we must not run where we need to focus our enforcement activity. the risk of those people and those industries being criminalised, even by implication, and that we must John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): focus of the illegal use of firearms? The Minister knows that a review by the Select Committee is not the same as a Government review of this matter. Nick Herbert: Again, I accept my hon. Friend’s counsel. What are the Government doing? We intend to strike a proper and proportionate balance here, and we will respond in a timely fashion to the Nick Herbert: With the greatest respect to the hon. Select Committee’s report. We will then come forward Gentleman, we have said that we will take on board the with any specific proposals. Select Committee’s recommendations, which were published It is frequently said that we have some of the toughest only today, and that we are considering the matter very gun controls in the world. Firearms control in this carefully. I will speak in a moment about a measure that country has a long history and has evolved gradually, has already been introduced, and I will give a broad with frequent tightening of the legislation by Parliament. indication of an early response to the Select Committee The first British firearms controls were introduced by report. There has also been a review by the Association the Vagrancy Act 1824. Firearms certificates have been of Chief Police Officers. The Government have certainly required since 1920, and shotguns have required a certificate responded to the incidents that have taken place in since 1967. There have since been amendments to the Cumbria and Northumbria, but I believe that we are Firearms Act 1968, which sets out the framework for doing so in a careful and considered manner. today’s legislation, in response to the shootings in Hungerford in 1987 and in Dunblane in 1996, banning Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): A resident semi-automatic weapons and handguns respectively. I of Northampton to whom I am particularly devoted is think that right hon. and hon. Members on both sides my aunt, Diana Ellis, and she has always said, “If it is would agree that the system has been made progressively not broken, don’t fix it.” Will my right hon. Friend tougher. In its current state, it places tight restrictions reassure her, and many hundreds of thousands of other on individuals who wish to own a gun. Guns are used people in this country, that Her Majesty’s Government legitimately for pest-control and sporting purposes, and will not act in a knee-jerk fashion on this matter and the Government certainly do not believe that such further increase the legislative burden? activities should be curtailed provided that there are proper controls, but it is of course right to keep those Nick Herbert: Yes, I will reassure my hon. Friend of controls under review and, in particular, to reconsider that. We will carefully consider the recommendations them in the light of recent incidents. put forward by the Select Committee and others, and we will take action where we judge it necessary and proportionate, and where it will help to secure public Mr Ellwood: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for safety. We will not, however, produce a knee-jerk response his generosity in giving way. to these events. Indeed, the fact that the Government The debate is entitled “Firearms Control”. It deals have not done so, and that we are nevertheless considering with a wide variety of guns and their use. I invite my the issues carefully and with an open mind, has been right hon. Friend to consider the use and legality of generally welcomed throughout the country. handguns As he has said, they were made illegal following 1239 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1240 a disaster, but given that we are to host the Olympic that he has picked up those three points makes it clear games, we are in the embarrassing position of having to that the Government understand the nature of the send a British Olympic shooting team abroad to train. I inquiry and the need for further consideration of the have been in touch with my right hon. Friend about the recommendations. Can he give me an idea—without issue, and I feel that it should be examined. We need necessarily specifying a month—of the approximate cognitive legislation, such as the new Bill, rather than time within which the Government will respond to the an outright ban. report?

Nick Herbert: My hon. Friend has illustrated the Nick Herbert: My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary importance of striking the right balance. We all understand tells me that he is going to say “two months” in his why the action was taken in response to the dreadful winding-up speech. I hope that the right hon. Gentleman Dunblane incident in 1997. However, the issue of considers that a suitable period within which to respond competitive shooting at the Olympics has been raised to such a sensitive issue. with the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, who I am The issue of the mental health of applicants for sure would be happy to discuss it with my hon. Friend. firearm and shotgun certificates has also been raised. The Government welcome the timely report on firearms As the Committee has noted, it has now been agreed control that was published today by the Home Affairs between the British Medical Association and the Committee. I thank the Committee, under the chairmanship Association of Chief Police Officers that the police will of the right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith notify a GP of the grant and renewal of a firearm Vaz), for its work on the issue. As I have said, we will and/or shotgun certificate. The implementation of that consider its recommendations carefully, not least in the arrangement is being sought within the next six months. light of today’s debate. The House will understand that In essence, the process will involve a system of notification it would not be right for me to respond in detail today, by way of a standard letter, which means that GPs will but I want deal with three key points. be in a position to alert the police if they have any First, the Committee recommended that the Government concerns. The police will then be able to request a should codify and simplify the laws relating to firearm medical report under the procedures mentioned at the ownership. As I made clear when I mentioned the start of the debate. I believe that that is a welcome history of firearms legislation, those laws are widely move. There will be further discussions in due course dispersed across different Acts of Parliament. Furthermore, about the possibility of placing a marker on computerised they are very complex. I believe that the issue would medical records to create a more enduring record of benefit from further attention, and we will therefore which patients own a firearm. consider that recommendation carefully. I believe that that development indicates that the Secondly, the Committee recommended tighter authorities have been able to take sensible steps to restrictions on the granting of firearms licences to improve the operation of firearms laws in the light of individuals who have engaged in criminal activity. That public concern. However, I agree with the Select concern clearly arose from the shootings in Cumbria, Committee’s suggestion that requiring firearms applicants and I raised it with the chief constable myself when I to undergo a compulsory medical check would be costly visited the area in August. There may be an opportunity and would be regarded as disproportionate. for careful adjustment, but that will depend on the Overall, the Committee’s contribution to an ongoing nature of the offence. I know that the Under-Secretary subject of consideration is very useful, and we will of State for the Home Department, my hon. Friend the consider it fully before deciding on our final course of Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (James Brokenshire), action. As we consider our response, it will be important will listen carefully to what is said in the debate and will to provide an opportunity for wider engagement with use it to inform any future decisions. However, we the issues, and we will announce shortly how we will welcome the Committee’s recommendation. ensure that it is provided. Thirdly, the Committee raised the issue of the age at which an individual is permitted to shoot. I understand Mike Weatherley (Hove) (Con): Will the Minister why that issue has been raised, but I think it important also consider instances where sentencing may have been to appreciate that many young people enjoy shooting in too lenient? I understand that the sentence for illegal a safe and responsible manner. Assistant Chief Constable handling of firearms is five years’ imprisonment and Adrian Whiting told the Committee: that the sentence for an aggravated offence is seven years, but that that is rarely upheld in the courts. Will “The evidence in relation to young people shooting does not give any cause for concern”. the Minister consider whether we can strengthen the position by increasing the sentence, if it does not constitute We will of course consider the Committee’s response in a sufficient deterrent? full, but it is important for legislative changes to be proportionate. Nick Herbert: I think that I am right in saying that such sentences have been toughened considerably in Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Will the Minister recent years. As my hon. Friend knows, we recently give way? published a Green Paper on sentencing. There will be an opportunity to respond to it, and he will be welcome Nick Herbert: Of course I give way to the Chairman to do so. We will, of course, consider further representations of the Select Committee. about the levels of offences, but I think that this is a question of enforcement as much as penalties. Keith Vaz: We published our report only 18 hours ago, so I do not expect the Minister to respond to each Sir Alan Beith: Is the Minister satisfied that the and every one of its 22 recommendations, but the fact arrangements that have been discussed with the BMA 1241 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1242

[Sir Alan Beith] set out some initial thoughts about the report and to raise some of the issues that will certainly impact on will extend to encouraging GPs to report cases in which this policy area in the weeks and months to come. a personality disorder of some kind is apparent? Such a Having read the report this morning, I commend it as disorder might not be a treatable mental illness, but it excellent. The Committee undertook extensive deliberations might be a pretty clear indicator that someone should and produced some thoughtful recommendations. I not be in possession of firearms. appreciate that the Government will wish to consider them carefully before responding fully in due course. I Nick Herbert: I agree. It is important for GPs, who also note the strong feeling on both sides of the firearms will be in the best position to raise concerns, to use the control debate, and I thank those groups and organisations system of notification in a way that ensures that such who have provided helpful and thorough briefing material. issues can be taken into account by the police. We should also note that changes to firearms control It is absolutely right, in the wake of such major legislation are often a result of tragic events such as incidents as were experienced in Cumbria and Northumbria, Hungerford and Dunblane. This is clearly a very sensitive to reconsider the legislation that controls firearm ownership issue. in this country, but we must also ensure that our response is considered, proportionate and evidence-led. As the I read with great care the report of the debate on the Prime Minister said shortly after the shootings: Cumbrian shootings that was held in the House at the instigation of my hon. Friend the Member for Copeland “we should not leap to knee-jerk conclusions on what should be done on the regulatory front… You can’t legislate to stop a switch (Mr Reed). He has been unanimously praised for the flicking in someone’s head and this sort of dreadful action taking leadership he showed in his community both at the time place.” and since. I pay tribute to him as well, and to other hon. Public safety will always be our watchword, and if there Members from that area whom I know also worked is a clear need to make specific changes to legislation, tirelessly at that time. I took particular note of my hon. we will not hesitate to present proposals. We remain Friend’s comments about reviewing firearms control in committed to considering the present range of firearms the wake of the tragedy in his constituency. He felt that controls in a measured way. we should not have a knee-jerk reaction, and that it was important to collect all the facts and consider all the I look forward to what I am sure will be a thoughtful evidence before reaching conclusions. That is the right and constructive debate on this important and sensitive approach. There is agreement across the political spectrum subject. We will listen carefully to points raised by all that there must be mature consideration of the key Members this evening, and we will use them to in issues in respect of firearms control. My hon. Friend shaping our response to such incidents. also made telling remarks about the media, and their portrayal of what had happened in his community. The 6.49 pm Select Committee also commented on that. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): Unfortunately, my hon. Friend has had to leave the May I begin by echoing the Minister’s comments about debate early tonight, and he has made clear his concerns the victims and their families who were caught up in the about its being scheduled just a few days before the dreadful events over the summer in Cumbria and House rises for Christmas. It should also be noted that Northumbria, and by paying tribute to the wider he is on paternity leave at the moment, but he felt so communities in those areas who went through very strongly about this issue that he made a special effort to distressing and upsetting times? I also commend the come to the House. I know he will look to the Government work of the emergency services, not only when the to respond to the Select Committee’s recommendations events took place, but in the following weeks and months. by way of an oral statement in the House—rather than In particular, I pay tribute to David Rathband, who was a written statement—so that there can be further debate so tragically injured by Moat in the Northumbria shootings. on these issues. Tony Cunningham: My hon. Friend rightly pays tribute Let me say a little about the historical context to our to the emergency services, but will she also pay tribute debate. Since the 1920s, we have used legislation to to the Churches in my area? The people at that time control firearms. That is now set out in 34 pieces of needed a lot of spiritual support. It was offered by the legislation. The main one is the Firearms Act 1968, Churches, and I thought they did a fantastic job. which, as the Minister said, has been amended many times. It is widely agreed that we now have some of the Diana Johnson: I am very happy to pay tribute to the strictest gun controls in the world. Churches, and I also know that my hon. Friend spent a Shotguns are used for pest control, game shooting great deal of time working with the communities and and target shooting. There are 1,366,082 shotguns in making sure that the families and victims had everything England and Wales, held on 574,946 certificates. they needed. Applications are made under section 2 of the 1968 Act. This debate is timely. The Select Committee on Home There are also 138,728 firearms certificates, which cover Affairs report on firearms control was published at one 435,383 guns in England and Wales, including barrels minute past midnight. It examines in detail whether, in and sound moderators. The majority are sporting rifles the light of the dreadful events in Cumbria and that are used for pest control, deer stalking and target Northumbria earlier in the year, we need to change our shooting. The application process for firearms, under firearms legislation. We must remember, of course, that section 1 of the Act, is different. not all the reports on the events in Cumbria and We must recognise the important role of shooting as Northumbria are available. Although we have had less a legitimate recreational activity in this country. In than 12 hours to consider the Committee’s findings and 2005, the Labour party set out its charter for shooting, recommendations, it will be useful for us now to start to which recognised that there was no connection between 1243 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1244 legitimate sporting shooting and gun crime. We also The view was also presented to the Select Committee know that the sport of shooting is a £1.6 billion industry, that the medical records of firearm certificate holders in which 70,000 people are employed in full-time jobs. I should be tagged. That would enable a GP who becomes note from the Select Committee report that it, too, concerned about a person’s health to notify the authorities. recognises that thousands of people use firearms in The Select Committee rejected that approach. The recreation and in their employment, and that it in no Information Commissioner’s Office raised concerns about way wishes to restrict such activity. However, it is always the effect of tagged medical records, the British Association helpful to test the effectiveness of firearms control and for Shooting and Conservation believes that this would review current thinking on it. create a further burden on GPs, and GPs were concerned After the shootings by Derrick Bird on 2 June, when about the issue of liability. he killed 12 people and injured a further 11, the Association of Chief Police Officers was asked to produce a report, Mr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): Does the hon. as Derrick Bird was in lawful possession of firearms. Lady agree with the following comments by Dr John The report’s remit was to look both at that specific case Canning, who is a general practitioner in Middlesbrough and any wider issues. It was produced by the ACPO and the chairman of the British Medical Association’s lead on firearms licensing and chair of the ACPO professional fees committee? He said: firearms and explosives licensing working group, Assistant “As a GP, I can give no judgment to someone’s fitness to hold a Chief Constable Adrian Whiting, and was published on weapon, particularly forecasting the future. What I can do is 2 November. provide factual evidence about the past. It is impossible, and I The report made three key recommendations. First, it have spoken to other colleagues in specialities such as psychiatry who say equally that it is impossible to predict the future.” recommended the establishment of formal links between GPs, mental health services and police forces to enable Diana Johnson: Clearly, the decision about whether a medical professionals to alert the police if they have certificate should be issued rests finally with the police. concerns regarding certificate holders. Secondly, it said The information that GPs can provide should be factual the cost of any GP report should be borne by the and based on what they know. applicant. Thirdly, it recommended that formal approaches should be made to members of an applicant’s Some 93% of shooters are male, the majority being family at the grant and renewal of the certificate. It is over the age of 40. That group does not go to their GP clearly very helpful to have this report as a further as often as they perhaps should, so the opportunity to source of information for the Select Committee and the identify problems may be limited; it has been made Government to reflect upon. clear that Derrick Bird had little contact with his GP. In Let me now address a few of the specific addition, the Independent Police Complaints Commission recommendations in the Select Committee report. First, has identified only six individuals a year where involvement on the role of GPs and their involvement with firearms with a medical practitioner might have had an effect in control, the Committee welcomed the recent agreement notifying the authorities that there was a problem. So between ACPO and the British Medical Association this issue has to be kept under review in the weeks and that the police will alert GPs to every new and renewal months to come. licence application. That is an important step in ensuring The law relating to young people and firearms control that the licensing authority receives accurate medical is complicated and, at times, confusing. Members of the information about applicants. It carries on some of the public who read the report will raise an eyebrow when work started under the previous Labour Government, they see that 26 10-year-olds currently hold shotgun and we support the change. licences. The report by ACPO did not examine the age It is interesting to note that an applicant may also at which a certificate can be issued to a young person, as approach their GP as a person of good character to act that was not relevant to the events in Cumbria, nor did as a referee or counter-signatory for a certificate application. this give ACPO any particular concern when considering If a GP becomes worried about his patient, the BMA the wider issues. However, the report referred to has issued guidance that doctors should inconsistencies that could be addressed on some issues—for example, the definition of an “occupier” in relation to “be prepared to breach confidence and inform the appropriate authorities if necessary.” the supervision of a young person. The Committee commented on the need for a review of the minimum That is very important in respect of those who have age limits on the use of firearms and the eligibility for held licences for some time. firearms certificates, with the aim of reducing the Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South inconsistency and complexity associated with the use of Pembrokeshire) (Con): Does the hon. Lady not agree firearms by children. that what she has just said might put off a legitimate holder of a certificate who feels that their health might Mr Ellwood: The hon. Lady raises an interesting be, for whatever reason, deteriorating from going to point about the age at which people should be exposed their GP at all, because they might believe that their or given access to weapons. I have had the opportunity certificate would be in jeopardy? That would constitute to work with some youngsters who, in a different world, a substantial danger not only to the public, but to that would not get to see these weapons. They would see person’s health. them on telly and in video games, and they would consider them as trophies—the bits of kit that youngsters Diana Johnson: Those points were aired at the Select need to have. By allowing such youngsters to use these Committee. I know the BMA has taken a certain view, weapons in a safe environment and exposing them to and it has decided on giving this particular advice to how they work, they gain respect for these weapons and their GPs. However, I will have a little more to say about their air of mystery is removed. Does she agree that GPs and the people who go to see them more regularly. more such education is required, so that the youth of 1245 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1246

[Mr Ellwood] process. We know that police forces are facing 20% cuts to their budgets over the coming years. Clearly this type today are allowed to understand the importance and of work is one of those areas that the report by Her danger of these weapons and the respect that they must Majesty’s Revenue and Customs was referring to when give them? it said that although only 11% of police officers were available to the public, 89% were performing important Diana Johnson: I hope that the Government will work on behalf of the public, and I am sure that the consider that very point when they consider the Committee’s Police Minister will agree that dealing with firearms recommendations. We need to wait to see how they will licensing falls into that category. respond to the issue. Interestingly, the Police Minister Tony Cunningham: My hon. Friend will be very much talked about the need for a proportionate response and aware that Cumbria police authority will be announcing recognised that young people are involved in many strict and deep cuts. I hope that she agrees that one of positive activities involving shooting, for example, through the cuts that we do not want is in the number of officers the Scout Association, which holds an annual rifle dealing with firearms licensing. competition. In addition, the use of target shooting activities is increasing in the schools sector, Sport England Diana Johnson: My hon. Friend makes a very important provides funding for shooting and the activity is also point. Shooting organisations have already expressed recognised by the Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme. concern about the impact of spending cuts on the Let me now deal with the recommendation relating rigour of the licensing process and they worry that they to criminal activity. Concerns have been raised that are going to see an erosion of the number—at least—of people with criminal convictions have been able to firearms inquiry officers and firearms licensing managers. obtain certificates. It appears that people with suspended The organisations gave evidence to the Committee sentences are not prevented from obtaining a certificate, suggesting that the consistency, quality, efficacy and and the Committee agreed that that needs to be examined. general speed of licensing may well suffer. Those concerns The Committee also recommended that those who receive were shared by Mr Whiting, who told the Committee shorter custodial sentences should not be allowed to that he had already had to recommend to chief officers possess firearms, and we agree that that should be that things such as home visits, which are part of our considered seriously by the Government. The Committee national policy on both grant and renewal, are conducted also noted that police licensing officers are now encouraged in person. A number of forces conduct these cases by to take into account intelligence about criminal behaviour telephone and, and sometimes, by post. He is concerned that has not resulted in convictions, as well as convictions that such arrangements will be placed under increasing resulting in non-custodial sentences, when considering pressure in the forthcoming climate in which policing whether to grant a licence. The Committee felt that it will operate. He does not foresee a wholesale collapse, must be made explicit in police guidance that officers but he did say that there is a risk of erosion in respect of are expected to take such behaviour extremely seriously, some of the practices that are currently recommended. particularly in cases of bind-overs, arrests and police Such important work will need to be protected and the call-outs for domestic violence, and that accumulation Committee has highlighted one way of doing this: by of convictions should also be carefully examined. increasing fees. That leads me to the recommendation about the Discussion was also had about the need to iron out further consultation that should be undertaken when an the bulge in renewals, which has come about through application is made for a shotgun or firearm licence. the implementation of previous legislation. The suggestion The Committee suggested a requirement to consult the is to extend the life of a proportion of certificates over domestic partners of applicants on whether to grant a the course of a number of renewal cycles. We understand licence in order to try to identify whether there are that police representatives have made proposals on how domestic issues of which a firearms licensing officer such a system might operate, with estimated savings of should be aware. I noted when I read the report that the £2 million, which have not, thus far, been taken up. The Committee was particularly concerned about the use of Opposition feel that an opportunity to make savings in firearms in domestic violence incidents. Evidence was this way is one that the Government should consider given to the Committee about a system introduced in urgently. Canada, whereby the current spouse or recent ex-spouse The report also addressed air weapons offences. The is required to sign the application form of any individual Committee recognised that airguns do not require licences applying for a firearms licence. Any failure to do so yet cause a great many problems for communities. There prompts an additional level of investigation by the is legislation governing their use which the Committee registering authorities. Since the system was introduced feels could be better enforced, and the Opposition would the gun murder rate of women has reduced by 40%. The also support better enforcement. ACPO lead has also said that adults in a domestic As for the recommendation on legislation on firearms relationship should be inquired of when an application control, it is accepted that there is a great deal of such is made for a firearm or shotgun. The Opposition legislation. The Committee calls for a simplified, clear believe that this recommendation merits serious and consistent approach. One suggestion would be to consideration by the Government, and I was particularly have one type of certification for all firearms. The pleased that the Police Minister talked about examining Committee recommends pursuing stronger provisions the matter and making careful adjustments, where for section 1 applications, but that will obviously be a appropriate. matter for the Government to consider. The Committee recommended that fees should be Interestingly, the Committee also cites the experience raised to cover the costs of licensing to ensure that in the US of the application process for handguns in funding cuts do not jeopardise the rigour of the licensing Washington DC, and that seems to be far more 1247 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1248 comprehensive in its approach, requiring fingerprints that we need to continue to be measured. I am delighted and compulsory training. It is interesting that the Prime that my right hon. Friend the Minister said that he Minister says that he will give careful consideration to would do that. the possible consolidation of legislation. The Committee’s Firearm control has been considered repeatedly for recommendations included regulations for miniature more than 100 years. The Pistols Act 1903 regulated the rifle ranges and the report identified problems with sale of pistols and later Acts placed conditions on the deactivated and replica guns, too. The Committee ownership of firearms—such as the need to apply for a rejected the idea of a reduction from five-year certificates certificate to own a firearm or shotgun. The Firearms to two. Act 1968 forms the basis for our gun laws and has been In conclusion, the report is well-researched and takes amended 34 times since then, creating the confusing a sensible approach. It contains a sensible analysis of and complex system to which the Committee referred. what is working well and of what possible changes need Shotguns were used by both Moat and Bird, the to be considered. I look forward to the Government’s perpetrators of the crimes that took place earlier this response and, linked to this, their publication of their year, and the latter was licensed to own his. Incidentally, crime prevention strategy. I reiterate that I hope we will in an interview given to the BBC, one of Bird’s victims be able to keep to the timetable of two months for the who survived the incident, himself a shotgun owner, Government’s full response and that an oral statement described the current gun laws as “rigorous”, an opinion on this important issue will be made in the House so shared by the independent inquiry into the incident. My that there will be an opportunity for all hon. Members right hon. Friend the Prime Minister also said: to question the Government on their approach to the report’s recommendations. “You can’t legislate to stop a switch flicking in someone’s head”. 7.11 pm Perhaps he, too, had been listening to Goldie Lookin’ Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): The events Chain, but he was absolutely right. It appears—this earlier this year in which two gunmen took the lives of seems to be the general consensus among those involved 13 other people using shotguns were deeply tragic. The in the case—that no rule, regulation or more fierce public interest in the two cases and the questions asked application of the current processes would necessarily about the efficacy of our gun laws are certainly have prevented the tragedy. understandable, and I therefore welcome this debate. I It should be remembered that, although we share also welcome the publication of the Home Affairs with many of our neighbours in Europe and the Committee’s report, although I cannot say that I agree Commonwealth a comparatively low rate of gun homicide, with all its recommendations. we also have some of the most stringent gun laws in the Seneca the younger once said, world. A balance must be struck between legitimate use “quemadmodum gladius neminem occidit, occidentis telum est” and safeguarding the public. I am not convinced that or ever tighter regulation is likely to prevent each and every death caused by firearms, whether intentional or “a sword never kills anybody, it is merely a tool in the killer’s hand”. accidental, but it could prevent law-abiding, responsible Almost 2,000 years later, the satirical Welsh rap group citizens from using firearms in a legitimate, socially Goldie Lookin’ Chain brought the message up to date acceptable manner. with their 2004 hit “Guns don’t kill people, rappers This morning the Home Affairs Committee released do”—and Chris Moyles took it even further with, “Guns its report on firearms control. I agree with its conclusion don’t kill people, rabbits do”. Please be assured that I that the legal construct of the various laws is rather do not highlight the lyric as a slur on the rapping complex and confusing. It recommends codification community, but rather in support of the message of the and simplification of the law, so that firearms owners song, which is that each holder of a gun is responsible and the police are clear about the circumstances of for its mode of use. ownership and responsibilities. I welcome the proposals In this country, by and large, we have not historically to try to simplify the law. I also welcome the potential seen widespread gun ownership, or indeed gun crime. inquiry into creating a single licensing system for section As is the case under the American constitution, we 1 firearms and shotguns. originally had the right to bear arms, but that right was In considering the role of GPs in the issuing of overturned by the Firearms Act 1920. Unlike our American licences, I am not suggesting that simplification should cousins, however, the public have shown little appetite be used as an excuse further to tighten already stringent for domestic gun ownership—long may that continue— regulation. The move to involve GPs in the process of other than for use a countryside management tool or awarding firearms certificates seems to be little more—dare among interest groups who use firearms in their leisure I say it—than an exercise in bureaucracy. As my hon. and sporting time. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr Offord) has said, My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East there is strong evidence to suggest that one cannot (Mr Ellwood) has already mentioned page 10 of the necessarily predict somebody’s future capacity in terms report and the disproportionate focus on those who of owning a firearm. legally hold firearms as opposed to those who hold Firearms are used in 6% of homicides, and known them illegally. In paragraph 12, on page 58, the Committee licensed firearms are used in 0.6%, so the move to refers to the fact that there is no evidence of include GPs is quite interesting. The idea of tagging “an increase in misuse of lethal firearms” medical records has already been described as potentially since the last review of holding the licence renewal draconian, particularly in the light of fears about the period at five years rather than two. I am not suggesting security of NHS medical records. I join the Committee that there has been a knee-jerk reaction, but that shows in dismissing calls for mandatory medical checks, because 1249 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1250

[Dr Thérèse Coffey] rifle. Rather than spending our time and energies picking off legitimate owners as easy targets—I include young we cannot look into the future, and because of the people in that—we should be grappling with the more guidance that has been given, which I thought was difficult, but much more important, question of how to stronger than that. I thought that GPs were already tackle the criminal fraternity on the illegitimate use and obliged to notify the police of people in their practices manufacture of guns. who are potential threats to the community. As the hon. Young people have been mentioned, and although Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson) there is no connection with the recent incidents I take said, there was no suggestion that Mr Bird had recently this opportunity to remind the House that 10 years ago seen his GP, and there were only six people in a year the Government of the time said there should be no with whom such checks by a GP might have had an effect. ban, and no minimum age for the issuing of licences, Let me turn now to employment in the sector. If we because supervised shooting is an important way of choose to go down the route of investigating a simplification encouraging young people to use weapons appropriately. of the law, it is imperative that any changes proposed The use of illegal handguns in our inner cities to have at their heart ring-fencing the rights of legitimate commit crimes, including murder, has gone relatively users, as those people play an important economic and unreported by the media, who seem happy to focus social part in our communities. In September 2004, a more on anomalous cases than on the real problem at report was undertaken on behalf of the British Association hand. Some 55% of all firearm offences occur in just for Shooting and Conservation, the Country Land and three police areas—the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester Business Association and the Countryside Alliance in and West Midlands areas—and many involve handguns. association with the Game Conservancy Trust, entitled Given that those weapons are already illegal, I reiterate “The Economic and Environmental Impact of Sporting that we should not legislate further to ensure tighter Shooting”. It found that some 70,000 people are employed control of weapons but should ask ourselves, as has by the sport shooting industry, and in my area, the east been mentioned in relation to air rifles, how we can of England, £140 million was brought into the economy better enforce current laws. through the sport. Indeed, seven constituents wrote to me about this matter and told me how they wanted to I hope that the planned introduction of a dedicated be able to continue shooting, seeing it as valuable as border police force will bring material results in reducing pest control and also as a sport that they enjoy. the smuggling of illegal weapons into England. I understand that there is a problem with the smuggling of illegal Nationwide, shooting is worth a total of £1.6 billion. weapons, particularly from eastern Europe, but we also That does not take into account other forms of shooting need to tackle the illegitimate use of guns already on such as shooting in gun clubs, which are also popular, our shores and the ability of criminals to manufacture and serve a social as well as an economic purpose. guns by adapting decommissioned or other guns. This, Felixstowe rifle club, for example, was first formed in in all likelihood, requires not the introduction of new 1900. More than 100 years later, it is still going strong laws or regulations but a range of measures and enforcement and has formed links with a number of local charities by the police. and local schools. It offers lessons to a number of local children as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award, and With gun and knife amnesties our police forces have is one of only a few clubs in the country that caters for done good work in attempting to clear those weapons blind shooters, which is interesting. from our streets and take them out of the hands of youngsters who feel that they need to carry a knife to Dr Daniel Poulter (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich) feel safe. Amnesties have taken place across the country (Con): I am sure that my hon. Friend is aware that and should continue; indeed, I call on people in my Suffolk has the lowest recorded level of gun crime in the constituency and elsewhere who hold a gun in their United Kingdom. Does she agree that that is in spite of house to ask themselves whether they still need it. the fact that we have 97,000 licences for shotguns and However, it is equally important to look into the causes firearms in the east of England, which suggests that the of gun crimes. What makes somebody pick up a gun or focus should be on dealing with unlicensed shotguns a knife before they leave the house, and what can we do rather than licensed guns? to persuade them that they do not need to purchase an illegal weapon, let alone use it? Dr Coffey: I could not agree more strongly with my It seems to be an increasing feature of gang culture to hon. Friend and neighbour. That message is reinforced use or brandish a firearm or to kill somebody with one not only by my constituents who have contacted me but as a way of going up the respect agenda. We need to cut by patrons of my local, who are all regular shooters and that out of our culture, and I welcome some of the work wish not to be demonised for being so. that has been done on that. Felixstowe rifle club is one of many that had to adapt to the 1997 ban on handguns, which seems to have put Simon Hart: My hon. Friend made an interesting an end to the sport of pistol shooting but done little to point about whether young people should be allowed to prevent the use of handguns in crime. Although legitimate access weapons at an early age. Is she aware of any handgun owners have given up their weapons, criminals evidence to suggest that having access to firearms when show no sign of abating their use of them: in 1980 young leads to illegal use of them later in life? handguns were used in 529 robberies, and by 2008 the number had risen to 2,565 cases—down from a peak of Dr Coffey: I am not aware of any evidence whatever 3,544 cases in 1992. In 2008 handguns were involved in on that. Across our country, organisations such as gun 28 of the 39 firearms-related homicides that year—almost clubs and the combined cadet force are often where three quarters of all murders perpetrated using a gun. youngsters first come into contact with weapons and In contrast, only seven involved a shotgun and three a are taught to use them appropriately. I am concerned 1251 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1252 that the inappropriate and illegal use of illegal weapons This is a debate that we would rather not have, as we is a growing phenomenon, perhaps in gang culture, but would rather consider these matters when there had not I do not equate the two. been a tragedy of this kind. However, the Committee’s report was not—I hate to use this word and everyone Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): I met Wiltshire says that we should not use it—a knee-jerk reaction. We army cadets this week, and they made big play of the were keen not to react in that way and we wanted to fact that the respect for weapons is taught. That should review the previous Select Committee report on this be taken into consideration. subject, which was 10 years ago. It was appropriate to reconsider the issue and to draw on the terrible experiences Dr Coffey: I support that view. Two of the schools of Cumbria and Northumbria. that I attended had cadet forces and it was seen as a privilege, which was not handed out lightly, to fire such Tony Cunningham: I should like to pay tribute to all weapons. the emergency services, but specifically to the health I conclude by reminding hon. Members that we are workers who suffered as a result of the shootings in not in this House to turn the entire population of Great west Cumbria. Perhaps hon. Members can imagine Britain into criminals one interest group at a time. dealing with the consequences of shotgun wounds and Knee-jerk legislation might make great headlines but it bullet wounds: it must have been absolutely horrific, does not necessarily solve the problem. It does nothing traumatic and terribly difficult for the doctors and to allow innocent lawful people to go about their daily nurses to deal with. I wanted to put on the record my business, and it certainly does not stamp out all criminality. tribute to their work. I therefore encourage the Government to consider the different proposals seriously but not necessarily to say Keith Vaz: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to do that regulating or making more laws is the appropriate so. In an emergency of this kind, many people are reaction to the cry that more must be done. Let, instead, involved in alleviating the pain and distress of members the legacy of these tragic deaths be a catalyst for a of the local community—the list is endless. I want to renewed attempt to focus on our existing laws, to elucidate pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Workington the real causes of gun crime and to tackle criminals, not (Tony Cunningham), to the right hon. Member for the innocent. Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) and to my hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Mr Reed), who wanted to stay for the entire debate but had a long-standing 7.26 pm commitment that he could not break. The debate was Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): It is a great pleasure scheduled after that commitment was made. We all to follow the hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey). remember the way in which my hon. Friends the Members I am afraid that I do not have her command of Latin or for Copeland and for Workington and others represented popular music, but I listened with great interest to what the views of their constituents day after day on a she said. Judging by the number of Members present, I 24-hour basis, and we all hope that we will never be in am sure that others will make an equally important that situation in our own constituencies. contribution to this very important debate. This is, in a sense, a House of Commons day. There It is not often that on the very same day that Parliament was not a single area of disagreement between the two produces a report the Government hold a debate on the Front-Bench teams. There are points that Members in same subject. I have not experienced this kind of all parts of the House will want to emphasise, but there choreography before, but I am delighted that they have is agreement that we should look carefully at the reports chosen to have this debate so soon after the Select that have been produced. I pay tribute to members of Committee on Home Affairs published its report. I the Select Committee. Again, I apologise on their behalf. confess that when the Committee heard about the debate Most of them very much wanted to be present for the being held on 20 December, we worked very hard to debate today but the severe weather and constituency make sure that our report was ready for the House to commitments have prevented them from attending. They consider, because it would have been rather odd to have worked hard to make this a unanimous report where published it after the debate. I know that some who consensus was the order of the day. The report is not represent constituencies in the relevant area have had intended to have a go at any group in society. concerns about the timing of the debate, but the I knew very little about firearms when I began the Government pledged to hold it by a certain time and inquiry. That is why I was delighted to be involved in they have kept their promise—obviously, they could not it—not delighted for the reasons that I mentioned, but hold it tomorrow because of the winter Adjournment pleased to gain some expertise in an area that I know debate. nothing about. As Members of Parliament, we are The debate gives us an opportunity to consider what supposed to be experts on everything, and it is not often has happened in this tragic year in which so many that we say we know nothing about a subject. However, communities were touched by the violence of Raoul I knew nothing about firearms. The nearest I had got to Moat and Derrick Bird. It is right that the Minister a firearm was a water pistol when I was much younger. began and the shadow Minister, my hon. Friend the I thank the hon. Member for Carmarthen West and Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart) who was extremely Johnson), completed the sequence of paying tribute to helpful to the Committee in a number of ways and to all those who have been involved in this matter, including me personally. We asked that firearms be brought into the emergency services and the relatives who gave the Committee so that we could look at the various evidence to our Committee in such a passionate and types. Sometimes it is difficult for lay members—I am a eloquent way. lay member—to understand the difference between a 1253 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1254

[Keith Vaz] get him to alight on a particular figure. I was very surprised that there were 26 children aged 10 who had section 1 firearm, a shotgun, a pistol and an air weapon. shotguns, even though I have a 15-year-old son who is The hon. Gentleman arranged for that to happen. I in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme. When he thank the Serjeant at Arms and the Deputy Serjeant at heard that I would be speaking about the subject, he Arms for allowing us to bring the weapons into the said, “You’re not going to ban us from doing this, are Committee. I think we gave them a bit of a fright when you?” I said, “I’m not going to ban you from doing the firearms came in, but it was important for us to look anything, apart from being on the computer for too at them. long.” I valued immensely my visit to Bisley, where I met so We have asked the Government to consider the question many talented individuals who had represented our of age. The hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal need not country in shooting at the highest level and had won fear. We are not coming to a conclusion; we are just gold medals at the recent Commonwealth games. They saying that the matter requires further thought. were not bulky men with big muscles, though there were some of those about—not members of the Committee. Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): I heard Some were women, who had shot so successfully. One the right hon. Gentleman this morning on Radio 4 on of them hung all four of her gold medals around her this subject. It was not clear from his response why he neck. I no longer need to be convinced of the importance felt the need for a review. He did not seem to be of the sport. When we look at the figures, showing the suggesting that there was any particular problem in hundreds of thousands who apply for a licence in good respect of the age at which children could hold a licence faith, with excellent characters, and get their licences, or could shoot. we know that we must be careful if we try to change the law. Keith Vaz: I was trying to hedge a little because we That is not what the Committee suggested to any have our personal views based on our interest in the great extent. Like the hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal, subject, but the Committee as a whole took no view. I we suggested measures that we think can improve the think it was right not to take a view because we had not situation. Hindsight is a wonderful gift and none of us taken a huge amount of evidence on the age limits. We possesses it. We do not know what is going to happen in therefore did not want to interfere with the current the future. It is terribly difficult for the Government of arrangements. We thought further examination was the day, having had so many difficulties to deal with in merited. As I said at the beginning of my speech, I am the events that took place in Cumbria and Northumberland, not an expert on these matters so it came as a surprise and to call it right. If anything happens in the future, to me that children as young as 10 were able to shoot. It and the odds are that it will—the evidence before us had to be explained to me at Bisley what they were all suggested that it will happen at some stage—we do not up to and that they were doing it for a purpose. I want people to be blamed for having failed to take understood much better when I had heard that. action. Some of our proposals are direct recommendations: Mr Ellwood: The right hon. Gentleman’s report raises we made 22 recommendations. Some are an invitation a number of issues, and this one is worth looking into in to the Government to consult further—for example, on more detail. More information is required if we are to the age at which children may apply for a licence. I was dabble with the numbers. It is clear that people cannot confused about that, as were the Clerks and members of own ammunition until they are a lot older. It is clear the Committee. Therefore, for the convenience of the that they cannot even use a weapon unless they are House, we set out the current law in a table that appears supervised or of a certain age. By discussing the ages, on page 42 of the report. we are getting into semantics and away from questions As the table shows, it is possible to apply for a licence about when the gun will be used and in what context. for a shotgun at any age, but for a section 1 firearm, one We are talking about the age of 10, when children can apply only from the age of 14. One may use a cannot even buy ammunition or use it unless they are shotgun under supervision at any age, but, for a section supervised. 1 firearm, in certain circumstances, it is from the age of 14 with a certificate. To be in possession of a firearm Keith Vaz: The hon. Gentleman is right. That is why unsupervised, the minimum age is 15 for a shotgun and we batted the issue over to the Government for them to 14 for a section 1 firearm. To purchase or hire a firearm look at. I know that the Under-Secretary of State for and/or ammunition, the age is the same—18. the Home Department, the hon. Member for Old Bexley We did not suggest an age to the Government. We and Sidcup (James Brokenshire) is the parent of two recommended that the Government look at the various very young children, because they are regulars at the ages. They may decide that there is no empirical evidence Westminster kids club party. Any parent would be that a change is needed. However, we suggested a number concerned if they were not in the know about what is of areas for consideration: the age at which an individual going on. We are not saying, “Let’s make it 10.” Let us is permitted to shoot under supervision in the controlled consider the issues and let the Government perhaps environment of a shooting range, the age at which an come back with a view in the two-month timetable that individual is permitted to shoot under supervision outside they have given themselves. such a controlled environment, and the age at which an My second point is about the 34 pieces of legislation individual is permitted to shoot unsupervised. covering this area of policy. It is a no-brainer that we No age is specified in the report, although Mr Whiting need to consolidate. We need to make sure that the said when I pressed him that he thought it should be 10. police and those responsible for holding such firearms That was under pressure from the Chairman seeking to know the law, which needs to be clear, so that nobody is 1255 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1256 under any misapprehension. That is why clarity of law a tick. So far, in our three reports, we have totalled and consistency are extremely important, and that is an about 60 recommendations, and there are 22 in the easy one for the Government, as the Minister hinted in report before us. We look forward to ticking as many as his very careful speech from the Dispatch Box. possible. If we cannot tick them, and if the Government There was a debate in the Committee about the role have a better measure to put in place, we will give them of GPs, but we concluded that we can live with the the credit they deserve. The Minister and the Government reasonable deal struck between the British Medical have handled the matter sensitively and carefully and Association and the Association of Chief Police Officers— the Opposition Front Benchers have dealt with it in an and therefore the Home Office. We should not try to equally proper way. This is the House at its best, and I interfere in the judgment of a general practitioner. Let hope that the debate continues along those lines. the general practitioner alert the authorities if he or she feels that it has to be done. GPs will be very careful when they write their references or provide any information 7.45 pm to those making such decisions, because they will not Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): I welcome want to make mistakes. They also have a duty of the opportunity for this debate today. I suspect that confidentiality, however. The Committee was reluctant whatever day the Government had chosen, some hon. to intervene on that duty, but we felt it necessary to Members might have felt it inappropriate, but the fact bring it to the attention of GPs themselves, if they that the debate is taking place today has not stopped us needed reminding, because they have a crucial role in from having a well-informed discussion with Members ensuring that proper consideration is given when licences who clearly have an interest in the subject. I welcome are granted. also the fact that the matter is under active consideration by the Government. Tony Cunningham: Before my right hon. Friend concludes, will he comment on the Committee’s report It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Members for concerning the media? My hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson) and for Copeland (Mr Reed) was extremely disturbed by the Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) and, indeed, the right hon. way in which the media covered the terrible shootings in Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), who, as the west Cumbria. hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North has said, have given the matter mature consideration. The whole Keith Vaz: Yes, we considered that issue in the inquiry, debate has been approached in a consensual and mature and it is in the report, although I cannot remember the manner. exact paragraph. With such tragic events, the media I further welcome the Committee revisiting the report tend to go to the scene, and there is 24-hour coverage, from 10 years ago. One of the Committee’s strengths is which understandably upsets local residents. One witness, that it revisits reports and checks whether recommendations it might have been Professor Shepherd or the witness have been implemented. I also welcome the recent from the health authority— innovation of placing recommendations on the website, so that we can see what progress is made against them. Tony Cunningham: Professor Ashton Whether the Government see the 66 recommendations in the last three reports as separate targets, I do not Keith Vaz: Professor Ashton, I thank my hon. Friend. know, but, given that the Government are duty-bound Professor Ashton said that the constant media coverage to respond to the Committee’s reports, it might be might encourage others to do the same, so one has to be appropriate for them to respond to the recommendations very careful not to glamorise what happens. as well. The report has a section on key facts, and I shall read It is perfectly appropriate and right that, after the just a couple. The most recent figures show that there tragic incidents involving Derrick Bird and Raoul Moat, are 138,728 firearm certificates, covering 435,000 firearms, the House should consider our gun control laws and and 574,946 shotgun certificates, covering 1.366 million approach the issue in a suitably sombre and non-political shotguns. That is a huge number, but the number of atmosphere. We owe that to the families, who suffered cases, tragic though they are, in which legally held so grievously from those senseless murders, and to the firearms have resulted in homicide, deaths or injuries, is emergency services, who had to deal with those matters very small indeed. That is not to excuse the number or on the day and in the aftermath. It is incumbent on us to say it is not important, but it needs to be seen in to propose solutions that reduce risks not only effectively, proportion to the number of guns that are about. but proportionately, and we must rely on policies with a So the Committee has not sought to condemn or sound evidence base. So, we, as a House and as a criticise; all it has sought to do unanimously is to make Government, should propose solutions that identify the suggestions, so that, by closing the loopholes and ironing differences between and risks associated with legal and out the creases, our already tough law becomes not illegal firearms. necessarily tougher, but slightly better. It is up to the On illegal firearms, I am sure that there is a consensus Government to adopt the measures that we suggest. in the House that the current Government, just like the They have given themselves a two-month timetable, for previous Government, must maintain pressure on those which I am most grateful, and we look forward to who import and convert weapons, and on the gangs re-examining the issue. that use weapons. As the hon. Member for Suffolk We have decided to publish our recommendations in Coastal has said, we need to rely on the border force to a grid on our website—we decided to do that after the try to intercept weapons as they come into the country. hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom We also need to rely on the national crime agency, when Brake) left the Committee—and, as soon as the it is set up, to deal with what is a national issue, and we Government meet those recommendations, we give them need to ensure that the duty of co-operation that will be 1257 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1258

[Tom Brake] case that involves Newsquest. That organisation has done some good work on, for example, ensuring that placed on the elected police and crime commissioners there are no sex ads in its newspapers. However, I regret operates effectively, so that they can deal collectively that in relation to a murder—not a gun-related murder—in with a matter of national importance. my constituency, it has pursued a particular case again On legal firearms, Members have quoted some of the and again. The victim’s family are suffering the consequences statistics. According to the briefing that Members have because, any time there is a development in the case, it received from the British Association for Shooting and gets covered locally and the family, who want to put the Conservation, it is difficult to demonstrate a relationship matter behind them, see it constantly reported on the between gun crime and legitimate gun ownership. The front pages of the paper. Clearly, that may currently association provides statistics showing that, for instance, and in the future affect all the families involved in the in Scotland in 2005-06, although gun crime fell by Cumbrian incident and, indeed, the incidents involving 6%, and was 28% lower than nine years previously, Raoul Moat. The media should carefully consider that there was an increase in privately owned firearms, the matter themselves and take appropriate action. number of which was at a five-year high in that country. The final thing that I want to mention about the So, there does not appear to be a correlation between Select Committee report is the fact that, interestingly, it gun crime and legitimate gun ownership, and the association did not recommend centralising gun storage. In the provides a number of other statistics to support that Select Committee’s view, there were perhaps advantages contention. Indeed, handguns were banned following in having gun storage located in different places, rather Dunblane, but they continue to be regularly used and than in a central point. If guns were located in a central are the weapon of choice in gun crime. point, it could be more attractive to someone who One should not draw any rapid conclusions about wanted to get hold of a large number of guns in one how to address the issue of gun crime through the location. Will the Minister say whether he has received licensing of legal weapons. We have heard the comments representations from any organisations or individuals of the right hon. Member for Leicester East, the Chairman on changes proposed by arm’s length management of the Home Affairs Committee, on the subject of organisations? An ALMO in my area, Sutton Housing young people and shooting, and I understand why his Partnership, has introduced a policy of not allowing Committee called for the review. I, too, am surprised people to store guns in their properties, because it is about the different age groups and about the issues on concerned about those guns getting into illegal hands. access to guns and ammunition and when someone However, the evidence that we have before us perhaps needs to be supervised and when they do not. Therefore, suggests that, in some respects, those guns might be it is perfectly right for him to pass the buck to the safer there than they would be if they were all located in Government, which is something the Committee rarely one particular point. When the Minister responds, I does. He did not quite use that phrase, but I think he hope he will discuss that point. was quite happy to hand over responsibility for that It is clearly right that, as the House—and, indeed, the review to the Government. I can see the need to do so, Select Committee—addresses these issues, we consider although I am not sure whether he has identified a the risks associated with illegal and legal firearms. particular problem that requires such a review to be Collectively, we should formulate a response that addresses undertaken. those issues and ensures that the families affected by On legal firearms, there is the matter of the number these tragedies can see that the Government have responded of firearms on private premises. Hon. Members will proportionately. The Government need to take measures know that the British Shooting Sport Council does not that reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the consider the number of guns held by an individual to be future, without having an undue impact on a sport that an issue. That therefore does not necessarily need to be millions of people enjoy. Indeed, my wife enjoyed the considered when discussing gun controls, particularly in sport of shooting when she was a teenager. We do not relation to legal firearms. When dealing with that issue, want to have a disproportionate impact on a fraternity it is essential that we rely on the evidence of what the who pursue a sport in a perfectly legal fashion. When risks are and how they can be addressed. I want to draw the Minister responds, I hope that he will take on board Members’ attention to a couple of the Home Affairs those two, at times, conflicting considerations. It is the Committee’s recommendations, which warrant further Government’s responsibility to ensure that both those investigation. The right hon. Gentleman has referred to matters are addressed in a proportionate manner. the 34 laws. I am sure it would be of great advantage to clarify or simplify that matter. There should be tighter 7.56 pm restrictions and clearer guidance to the police on the granting of firearms and shotgun licences to individuals Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): Every year, who have engaged in criminal activity. Again, the deaths from gunshot wounds are an all-too-common Government should consider more carefully whether occurrence in our country, as a result of homicide and people subject to suspended sentences should be allowed suicide. Before this debate, I read a report prepared by to hold firearms. the Gun Control Network, which monitors the firearms The Opposition spokesperson, the hon. Member for incidents that take place in our country. That report Kingston upon Hull North, raised a strong point about makes for shocking reading. the need for greater consultation with domestic partners, In one month alone—November—the Gun Control both current and ex-partners. That matter is certainly Network has highlighted huge numbers of firearms worthy of Government investigation, as is the greater incidents. They include seven fatal shootings, five of enforcement of air weapon offences. The media have which were apparent homicides—three in north London also been drawn into the matter as a result of how they and two in the west midlands. In London, two men died sensationalise these crimes. In passing, I shall refer to a after a double shooting in Islington and another victim 1259 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1260 died when he was shot in a car in Finchley. In the west long overdue for a new, simpler, unified piece of legislation midlands, a man was shot dead in a house in Bilston covering the ownership of firearms. As I have said, I and a man whose body was found in Smethwick had would like to see a complete ban on guns, although I died from a gunshot wound to the head. accept that that will not happen in the foreseeable Two apparent suicides were also reported for that future. However, it is appropriate to ban the private month. A man is thought to have taken his own life storage of firearms in people’s own homes. I cannot see after he was seen in a street in Ashington, Northumberland how anybody in this House can legitimately argue that with a gun, and a man was found dead at his stables somebody should be able to store firearms in their own near Rosewell, Midlothian in a suspected shotgun suicide. home. Why is that necessary? There is no foolproof Thirteen other victims were shot—five with airguns and method of dealing with this other than a complete ban imitation weapons. A teenager was shot in Croydon and on firearms, but taking them out of people’s homes two men suffered leg injuries when they were shot in would be a huge step in the right direction towards Clapham. In Merseyside, a man was shot in the legs in a preventing the sorts of appalling massacres that we street in Huyton. A victim was shot in the stomach with have seen in Hungerford, Dunblane and Cumbria. a shotgun in Croxteth and a man was shot in the leg in That is one of the measures that I would like to see, Stockbridge village. In south Yorkshire, a man sustained but we could go further. The hon. Member for Carmarthen a minor injury when a shotgun was fired through the West and South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart) has referred window of a house in Totley, Sheffield. to the notion that a person who has a firearms certificate Five other people were hit by pellets from ball-bearing might be deterred from seeing their GP, if they felt that guns or air guns. In Shropshire, a boy was struck by a that GP could report them to the police as not being a pellet from a ball-bearing gun in Oswestry and a cyclist fit and proper person to continue to hold a firearms was shot in the head with an airgun in Arleston. In certificate. However, there is a way round that: a mandatory, south Yorkshire, a jeweller in Rotherham was shot in annual medical test to check on individuals who hold the face by an armed robber with a ball-bearing gun, firearms certificates would ensure that they are mentally and in Suffolk a woman and a teenager were struck in capable and fit and proper people to continue to do so. the head by airgun pellets on the same street but in That measure would get over the problem that the hon. separate attacks in Lowestoft. A man was shot in the Gentleman has mentioned. hand by police in Copthorne, West Sussex. He was later Other hon. Members have referred to the Prime charged with possession of an imitation firearm with Minister’s comments in the wake of the Cumbrian intent to cause fear of violence. shooting, when he said that nobody can I make this point because the pro-gun lobby likes to “stop a switch flicking in someone’s head”. imply that people who take part in so-called legitimate Adopting the approach that I am suggesting would not shooting activities are extremely responsible. We have be foolproof but it would be a considerable step forward heard a lot of talk about knee-jerk reactions, but whenever in preventing the sorts of terrible incidents that we have there is an appalling incident such as the one in Cumbria, seen. I urge the Minister to take it on board and there is always a knee-jerk reaction from the pro-gun respond to it appropriately. lobby. The House should consider the sobering thought The Association of Chief Police Officers has considered that back in 1987, when Michael Ryan was indulging in this issue and has made a number of recommendations, a massacre in Hungerford, killing 17 people and injuring including the involvement of the medical profession 15 others, Thomas Hamilton was seen to be a fit and through allowing police to see the medical details of proper person to hold a firearms certificate. Yet we applicants and permitting a formal approach to applicants’ know the tragic consequences in 1996 in Dunblane, families to ensure that they are happy for their family where Thomas Hamilton killed 18 people and injured member to obtain a firearms certificate. That would be 15 others. When Thomas Hamilton was indulging in a huge step forward. We need, as a Parliament, to take that killing spree, Derrick Bird in Cumbria was deemed appropriate steps. In the past, we have taken measures a fit and proper person to hold a firearms certificate, that clearly have not gone far enough, and we need to and we know what happened earlier this year when go considerably further. I accept that these measures 12 people were killed and 11 were seriously injured. need to be proportionate, but how do we judge what is In my view, the country would be a far better place if proportionate when we see the number of innocent lives guns were completely banned and nobody was allowed that have been lost as a result of people who have held to own them. I recognise that that might be a step too firearms legitimately and then, through the inadequacy far at this stage, but it is essential that this Parliament of our legislation, been able to go on a killing spree? I takes action to address the gun culture in our country. It hope that the Minister will deal with those points. is a frightening statistic that almost 5,000 young people— We need to take more robust measures in relation to 5,000 children—hold a firearms certificate. What kind the illegal ownership of firearms. I would not allow of message is that sending out to the country at large? I children to have firearms certificates at all, but addressing am a councillor in Derby as well as a Member of the age at which young people are able to do so would Parliament. In a park in Normanton in Derby, there be a good step in the right direction in terms of the was a tragic and fatal incident in which a young man of signal it sends. We also need to look at other measures 15 years of age was shot dead with a gun. I accept that that we can take by working with young people and that gun was obtained illegally. However, when the law supporting youth organisations, which do some excellent of the land allows 5,000 children legitimately to hold a work in bringing home to young people the consequences firearms certificate, it sends a very bad signal. of gun crime. That would prevent more tragic incidents As my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon such as the one that occurred in the ward that I represent Hull North (Diana Johnson) has pointed out, there are in Derby, where Kadeem Blackwood, a young man of 34 separate pieces of firearms legislation. The time is 15 years of age, had his life tragically cut short. We have 1261 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1262

[Chris Williamson] was the scene of a gun rampage less than 20 years ago. A number of residents who were affected by it were to empower youth organisations to enable the sort of appalled recently when a sports shop decided to sell educative work that would help to turn young people guns. I must say that it does so in a safe and controlled away from firearms. environment, with regular checks by the police. Does my hon. Friend agree that residents should have a Keith Vaz: I, too, was concerned about this when I greater say, perhaps through the planning process, over began the inquiry. My hon. Friend has spoken very whether such shops should be allowed to set up in the passionately about these matters. Does he not accept, high street? however, that it would be very odd if we did not allow people the chance to enjoy their sport in a shooting Chris Williamson: My hon. Friend makes a pertinent range, in properly controlled circumstances with a proper point. I hope that the Localism Bill, which was published licence? last week and which will give local residents greater Chris Williamson: My own view is that I would ban power over planning matters, will enable what he has guns, and there would not be shooting ranges because described. We need to take account of local people’s people would not have guns. However, at the end of the views on such matters. Many opinion polls find that day, politics is the art of the possible. If we could have many people find the gun culture in our country utterly the properly controlled circumstances that my right repugnant and unacceptable. Frankly, I think that people hon. Friend has mentioned but also, within that context, find it an affront to decency when such shops crop up prevent people from having private storage of firearms on our high streets. in their own homes, that would deal with his point and I hope that the Government will take on board the also prevent the potential for the sorts of terrible massacres recommendations of the Home Affairs Committee, and we have seen in some parts of the country. that they will take my comments seriously. I accept that I take an absolutist position on this issue, but I recognise Mr Offord: Is the hon. Gentleman saying that he that short of taking an absolutist stance, the Government wants images of weapons to be banned, for example in can go further. In my view, the Government have a rap music, which we heard about earlier, and in American moral obligation to go further to prevent incidents such TV and big screen movies? That is where young people— as those in Hungerford, Dunblane and Cumbria from particularly those in the urban environment that he is ever happening again in our country. focusing on—see the images and glamorisation of such crimes and tragic deaths. 8.14 pm Chris Williamson: I agree that the violent images that Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): It is a we see on our screens and the references to weapons in pleasure and an honour to participate in this important rap music do not help. However, I do not think that that debate and to follow the hon. Member for Derby North sufficiently explains why young people use guns to the (Chris Williamson) who, if nothing else, has reminded extent that they do these days. That is why it is so us why it is important to have a proper, thorough debate important that we give the necessary resources not just on this issue, rather than to jump to conclusions before to the police, but to youth organisations that turn we know all the details and understand the ramifications young people away from firearms and make them realise of any legislation that we wish to make. the consequences of using firearms. There are consequences not only for the victims of firearms incidents, but for I will begin with a declaration of interest. In the the lives of those who use them. The life of the young armed forces, I shot a number of weapons avidly. I am man who killed the teenager in my constituency, and involved with the training of the Olympic pistol team that of his family, has been destroyed as a result of that and am vice-president of the British Shooting Sports incident. Council, which is an umbrella organisation that deals with a number of associations from across the board in Simon Hart: Does the hon. Gentleman accept that in the shooting fraternity. the absence of a total ban, there is evidence to suggest This debate was always going to focus on the three that when people are given responsible access to firearms huge tragedies that have affected British society and, at an early age, under proper supervision, it reduces the indeed, Parliament—the Hungerford, Dunblane and chance that they will end up in the terrible circumstances Cumbria shootings. I hope that I speak for all hon. that he has described? Instead of it being a negative, it is Members in saying that our thoughts go out to the a positive. The Home Affairs Committee and others families whose lives remain shattered by those have pointed to plenty of examples that suggest that it is unprecedented events. Those events are as shocking as a good thing. they are unprecedented. The responsibility of dissecting what went wrong is enormous. It involves not only Chris Williamson: I am not sure that I accept the hon. helping the victims’ families to come to terms with the Gentleman’s analysis. I certainly do not accept the point events and to seek justice, but recommending changes with regard to young people, or any people, using to the law that might prevent similar incidents. firearms to shoot live quarry. Perhaps using firearms in a shooting range is a different matter, but I am not sure I am pleased that there was a delay after the Cumbria that I agree. shootings in which to take stock and regroup before debating or deciding on firm legislation. The legislation Mr Alan Campbell (Tynemouth) (Lab): My hon. will therefore be based not on passion, but on logic. Friend is making a powerful, brave and challenging There is a desire to act swiftly, but we must also act speech, which is important in this debate. However, I do soberly. Given that we can see such tragic images unfolding not agree with many of his conclusions. My constituency in real time, thanks to 24-hour television, it is understandable 1263 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1264 that the majority of people, and indeed journalists, were Chris Williamson: I think the hon. Gentleman is horrified by the events that we saw and called immediately conflating two issues. Young people involved in gang for tougher action. culture already see the illegal ownership of firearms as a I gently remind the House that it is not only such badge of honour, and regrettably they are all too willing massacres that we must consider. Gun crime, in one to use them. That is a separate matter from my point, form or another, is committed in every hour of every which is that allowing young people to have a firearms day, sometimes with tragic results. Those events do not certificate sends the inappropriate signal that it is legitimate take place in the media limelight or on our television for them to have firearms at their disposal. That is why sets, but they do shatter the lives of the individuals who it is important that we empower youth organisations to are affected in exactly the same way. When we debate deal with the illegal ownership and use of firearms by the major issue of firearms control, we must not let the young people in gangs. issues become polarised by looking simply at the major tragic events. Mr Ellwood: I completely disagree with the hon. The world of legal gun ownership and use, and the Gentleman, and I would encourage him to go out and laws that govern it are extremely complex. On the speak to the clubs and so on that participate in shooting. whole, it operates with the high level of responsibility I have been involved in initiatives that take people from that society expects. As has been said, 34 Acts of the gang culture, but who have yet to be exposed to guns Parliament relate to firearms. I was pleased that in the and the world of crime, to a range so that they can report, the right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith understand what happens there. That teaches them Vaz) called for some kind of consolidation of that some respect for the weapons that they have previously legislation. The Prime Minister has made it clear that it seen in video games or on television and thought they is not possible to legislate to stop a switch being turned wanted. If he sees such initiatives, he might come back in somebody’s head, but we can make it easier for those to the House with a very different view. who have to use the legislation to operate in this environment. Justin Tomlinson: On youth engagement, surely the We cannot un-invent the weapon. It has legitimate best thing to do is to involve sports clubs, the Army uses in the rural community, in sports, including Olympic Cadet Force and other proper organisations that can sports, and in law and order. However, weapons can and provide respect for weapons and hands-on knowledge, do fall into the wrong hands. The bullet may be the rather than some do-gooding youth worker saying, cause of death, but it is the owner’s finger that is guilty “Just don’t do it.” of causing harm. Our job here in Parliament is to ensure that the public are properly protected. There Mr Ellwood: My hon. Friend makes a powerful point, must be a balance in law between our being a fair and I look forward to his speech, which I hope will society and allowing legal gun ownership, and ensuring elaborate on that point. that guns do not fall into the wrong hands. I welcome the general thrust of the Home Affairs The hon. Member for Derby North spoke at some Committee’s report, which states: length about wanting to ban guns entirely. I hope he did “We do not believe that a total outright ban on ownership and not wish to mislead the House by saying that he was use of section 1 firearms and shotguns would be a proportionate calling for children not to have access to guns and that it response to the risks posed by these weapons.” was ridiculous that children could have a licence at the I fully agree with that, and we should bear it in mind age of 10. He knows that a child cannot be in possession that only one in every 330 crimes involves a gun. If we of any weapon unsupervised while under 14, or under exclude air weapons, firearms offences decreased by 15 in the case of a shotgun. We have to keep the full 17% in 2008-09, the last year for which figures are context of the law in perspective, and that is why the available. debate is important. I have huge concerns about the data that are available. The hon. Member for Derby North rattled off a series Chris Williamson: Does the hon. Gentleman agree, of horrible events, but he did not once say whether the though, that at the age of 14, an individual is a child weapons involved were illegal. In the key facts section and not fully aware of the consequences of the use of a on page 3 of the Committee’s report, there is a long list firearm? Does he agree that if we are still to have guns of facts and figures about crimes, but again there is no in society, some consideration should be given to increasing indication of whether the guns used were illegal or the age at which an individual can have a firearms legal. It would be a lot easier for us to debate the matter certificate, perhaps to 18, when they are an adult? in detail and with understanding if we had that information. Mr Ellwood: The hon. Gentleman puts his point on the record, but what is the consequence of making Mr Offord: Is my hon. Friend aware that the shooting weapons illegal? It makes them a trophy, a gang culture in Finchley that the hon. Member for Derby North accessory and an object of desire for certain people. (Chris Williamson) mentioned was actually a gangland Introducing people to a wide variety of guns at a very hit? I do not believe that the person involved held the young age takes the mystery out of the weapon and firearm legally, but even if they did, that crime did not teaches them respect. The Duke of Edinburgh’s award just occur because firearms are legal. scheme, the Scouts and the cadets operate guns. I would like to see statistics on the respect or otherwise that Mr Ellwood: My hon. Friend makes a valid point. As people gain by being exposed to guns at an early age. If I said in an intervention, the Home Office does not we had that, the hon. Gentleman would then be in a collect or produce such data. The situation is tougher commanding position to say whether the current situation because the perpetrator of the crime does not conveniently worked, and we could move forward from there. leave their weapon at the scene, but nevertheless, statistics 1265 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1266

[Mr Ellwood] The report suggests tighter restrictions and better guidance in the granting of firearms and shotgun licences that differentiate the use of illegal and legal weapons to individuals who have engaged in criminal activity would be helpful, as the hon. Member for Derby North already. Does the Minister believe that those serving said. suspended sentences should qualify for a firearms or I am concerned about the data. There were 14,250 weapons certificate? recorded offences, but we do not know how many There is also the need to consider previous un-convicted involved the use of illegal guns. There is some breakdown behaviour. This is when the police are allowed to consider analysis, because some categories of weapons are illegal, evidence and information on their database that do not such as handguns—there were 4,275 incidents involving form part of a criminal conviction. This gets a bit handguns and all those are illegal. Imitation weapons blurred, however, so I think that the Minister needs to are not totally illegal, because they are used on TV sets be clear on whether such evidence or intelligence can be and so forth, but they can be altered. We do not know taken into consideration. Furthermore, the idea of how many are illegal. Those data would be helpful when consulting domestic partners and ex-spouses is moving we debate the Government’s recommendations. us into another blurred area. If the person is an ex-spouse, Paragraph 14 on page 10 of the report states: it suggests that things have not gone too merrily. Would “There is a lack of data in the public domain showing the an ex-spouse really want to help his or her former extent to which legally-owned firearms are used in gun crime”. partner? Again we are getting into a blurred area that I hope the Minister can qualify that in his summation. could be prone to abuse. Can such statistics be made public? In its evidence to the Committee, the Home Office states that I was interested to read what has been learned from “the evidence suggests that the vast majority of crimes involving practices in America, where they have a two-year licence firearms are carried out with illegally-held guns”. instead of a five-year approach. Fingerprints have to be Parliament has a duty not to throw the net of legislation submitted, and there must be an hour of firearms across the entire gun community in the hope of pulling training along with further registration every three years. up some illegal weapons. Is the Minister aware of what America and other countries are doing, and could we learn anything from them? Hon. Members have pointed out the contribution that legal shooting activities make in our country. More One of my biggest concerns, however, is about the than 1 million people participate in one form of shooting blending of licences issued under section 1 of the Firearms or another—whether for game, clay pigeon or targets. Act 1968 and shotgun licences. This is not a sensible That makes a huge impact on the economy. The industry move. The present system of shotgun licensing is more is worth more than £1 billion and involves the equivalent effective and efficient because it focuses on the person, of 70,000 full-time jobs. not the firearm, whereas with section 1 firearm licences, A recent Cambridge study showed that two thirds of a lot of time is wasted on the minutiae of the firearm the shooting community is also involved with the type, calibre and whether the person should hold one. I management and conservation of our countryside. The shall give some examples of where section 1 licences industry is therefore not simply about using guns and might not work: a vermin controller would have to go weapons, but about a relationship with the areas in through a huge amount of red tape, at great cost to which shooting takes place. Around £250 million a year himself and the police, just to swap a .22 inch rifle for is spent by those involved with gun communities. That another; or a deerstalker changing his weapon of choice goes towards the habitat and wildlife management of from a .308 inch rifle to a .270 inch rifle would have to those areas. go through the entire process from the start. That would The importance of exposure to weapons at an early apply to any change from one calibre to another. It does age was mentioned. I hope that we agree on that now. not make sense. However, one section of the 1968 Act Such exposure takes the mystery and glamour out of requires that good reasons be given and conditions set, the weapon. That is recognised by the Government, and I believe that that should remain in place. because Sport England invests heavily to try to take out My next concern is about paragraph 84 of the report, that mystery, so that people are not encouraged to get which deals with current police guidance on firearms hold of an illegal weapon just to be part of a gang. legislation. The guidance is out of date. Lord Cullen’s There is too much legislation, going back to the report on Dunblane suggested that better training must Firearms Act 1968. Firearms are also an aspect of the be put in place for our police, but there is still no Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 and of subsequent violent standard training on firearms certification in the UK. crime legislation. When there is a big terrorist explosion That must definitely change. This also relates to the in the UK, there is a desire for the Government to be point about the Olympics that I mentioned in an seen to do something and for them to look strong on intervention. This is an example—I look to the hon. the day, but I am pleased that we have taken a slower Member for Derby North—of legislation being hammered approach towards firearms legislation. through this place at a rate of knots that did not serve It would be useful for the Minister and the Committee this country well. Yes, a handgun was used in that to qualify the role of general practitioners. I agree that a horrible massacre, but there are ways to prevent handguns relationship between the police and GPs should be from being used by the general population. For example, developed when the police are deciding whether to they could be held and stored in armouries and taken award a licence, but should a certificate be granted out only by professionals. That would mean that people before or after a GP assessment? The Association of could still use them. It would also mean that our Chief Police Officers report states that we should go Olympic team could train in the UK. That would be a further and suggests some form of tagging, but that sensible approach to the use of handguns on which the would be a step too far. Minister knows that I have been lobbying hard. 1267 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1268

Chris Williamson: If the hon. Gentleman believes it those who want to use them illegally. I very much appropriate to store handguns in a secure armoury, welcome this debate, and I am delighted to have had the would he agree that it would be appropriate to store all opportunity to speak in it. I look forward to hearing the firearms in a secure armoury in a similar way? Minister’s concluding remarks and to our being able to debate the legislation when it comes through in, I Mr Ellwood: That is exactly how this debate should understand, the spring. proceed. I am saying that on this issue, about which I have endeavoured to learn a lot, it makes sense to allow handguns to be used in the UK, if they are kept under 8.37 pm lock and key and if appropriate measures are put in Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South place, such as a requirement that the safe be opened by Pembrokeshire) (Con): Let me start by associating myself three key owners. That would make sense. If the hon. with the comments of many right hon. and hon. Members Gentleman would like to roll that out further, he could about the dreadful incidents in Cumbria and other put forward that proposal. The point that I am making, places. I was present at the June Westminster Hall however, is that because of the legislation handguns debate introduced by the hon. Member for Copeland were made illegal, yet there is now more handgun crime (Mr Reed). As a proud representative of a rural area, I and it is the one area that is growing. can only think in horror of the effect that such an incident would have on my community. Everything that Mr Offord: In addition to the number of handguns I say should be understood in that context. held illegally, is my hon. Friend aware that between Since that time there have been some encouraging 1997 and 2006—since the legislation was introduced—the signs of an emerging consensus, among organisations number of offences increased? and authorities, on what would be a proper, responsible, Mr Ellwood: My hon. Friend makes my point, which measured and proportionate way forward. Like other is why it is important to debate such matters thoroughly speakers, I would like to dwell on just three aspects of before we jump to a conclusion that we believe will that, which are the availability of firearms to young satisfy the nation’s appetite and anger. That is our role; people, the use of medical records in the application it is what Parliament must do. This place operates badly process, and the thorny issue of what constitutes a when we rush through legislation, a point reflected in proper form of certification. the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and other examples. I shall start by establishing some context. One passage My final observation on the detail is about the proposals in the Home Affairs Committee report states: on the clarification of the age. There is no point in “Certainly licensed firearms do not appear to be used in the going into that further, but just to elaborate, no one majority of cases.” under the age of 14 can own any form of weapon. They That, I would suggest, is something of an understatement. may be able to have a piece of paper saying that they I was pleased that the right hon. Member for Leicester have a certificate, but they cannot use a weapon East (Keith Vaz), the Chairman of the Committee, unsupervised. That is a sensible way forward. clarified that point earlier this evening. However, he did My penultimate point—a point made in an earlier not go as far as the Committee did in April 2000, in its intervention—is about the Press Complaints Commission. second report of that Session, which said: There is no need for me to dwell on this, but hon. “A common theme to many submissions is that illegally held Members will be aware that my family have endured our weapons pose a far greater danger to public safety than those own tragedy, with the loss of my brother in a terrorist which are held in conformity with the present controls…it is clear that those determined to live outside the law are unlikely to attack. When it happened we were deluged by the respect the law’s requirements when they wish to acquire or use a media, which is exactly what happened in Dunblane, in weapon.” Cumbria, and so forth. The media pile in with such an Other Members have mentioned the way in which the intense and relentless level of intrusion that it really law has performed in certain areas. It will come as no becomes an invasion, and this at a time when people surprise to them that 52% of firearms offences in 2008-09 feel at their most vulnerable. I spoke to those at the were committed with handguns, which were of course Press Complaints Commission, which has a process to prohibited in 1997. That illustrates the point that both deal with the problem. Unfortunately, they are not the the Select Committee reports have made, albeit with a people whom those affected would naturally want to different emphasis. phone up when such things happen. However, it is important to send out the message that when such The Committee went on to say: events take place, the media have a responsibility to act “The proportion of licence holders who use their guns in crime responsibly—and not as they do at the moment, which is tiny”, is very invasively indeed—and to give people the space and added: to manage their grief. “Many representations were made to us…about the legitimate To conclude, firearms are part of the dangerous and enjoyment of shooting…and the wider benefits that shooting complex world that we live in. However, we ignore at brings to the UK economy.” our peril the growth of gun crime on our streets. We Other speakers have touched on that point today, but it cannot wish away the problem by legislating against is fair to re-emphasise that there are different approaches those who use guns responsibly. It is the duty of the to firearms in urban and rural areas. In rural areas they Government and Parliament to ensure that we carefully are seen more as an essential tool of the trade than they monitor what is happening on our streets, in our society might be in other parts of the UK. The shadow Minister, and in our communities. It is also important to have the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana that balance of legislation, so that we support those Johnson), who is not in her place, spoke of the Opposition’s who want to use guns and weapons legally, and deny recognition that 70,000 jobs were associated with the 1269 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1270

[Simon Hart] Michael Ryan, Thomas Hamilton and Derrick Bird been subject to a medical examination resulting in their shooting industry—if I can call it that—and the fact firearms certificates being removed and their guns taken that the industry injects £1.6 billion into the economy. away from them? My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) also said that £250 million is devoted to Simon Hart: Let repeat what I said to the hon. wildlife and habitat management. That is a significant Gentleman in an earlier intervention. The fact is that industry; to put it in context, it is not dissimilar in size there are individuals who may be perfectly healthy and to the UK film industry. competent when they apply for and are granted certificates, I want to dwell first on the issue of young people. but in subsequent years may feel that their health is Paragraph 7.7 of the Home Office’s “Firearms Law: changing in a way that poses a potential threat to the Guidance to the Police 2002” is no doubt familiar to ownership of their certificates, and as a result may feel many. It states: fearful about approaching their GP in case their circumstances are changed forcibly. That is not good “It is in the interests of safety that a young person who is to either for their health or for public safety. I understand handle firearms should be properly taught at a relatively early age.” why the hon. Gentleman has made his point, but sadly, I do not think that there is any evidence to suggest that Others have expanded on that, including Assistant Chief the outcome would have been any different if different Constable Adrian Whiting, as the Minister said in his measures had been in place at that time. opening remarks. I can see no evidence—emerging or otherwise—to suggest that young people who have access Chris Williamson: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? to firearms pose any danger whatever to society; in fact, quite the opposite. It is well within the capability of Simon Hart: I will, but that is not an indication— parents to make sensible and responsible decisions about the activities of their children. They do so pretty effectively Chris Williamson: I thank the hon. Gentleman— every day of the week, and this is no different. There is simply no evidence to suggest that we should conjure up Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Two theories that would have a long-term downstream impact Members cannot be on their feet at the same time. Is the on shooting in the UK. hon. Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart) giving way? In case that is not sufficient evidence, I will quote a comment made at the weekend by Anita North, the Simon Hart: Yes, of course. Commonwealth games 2010 gold medallist and record holder, who said: Mr Deputy Speaker: I call Chris Williamson. “People choose their sport at a young age. We have some extremely talented shooters in the GB team who started in their Chris Williamson: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, early teens. If they hadn’t been able to get involved so young, they and I thank the hon. Member for Carmarthen West and might now be taking part in some other sport rather than winning South Pembrokeshire for giving way. medals for shooting.” I think that the hon. Gentleman’s argument reinforces I shall turn now to the contentious issue of medical my own point. Does he agree that rather than a voluntary records, and start by taking careful note of the Information arrangement—which I acknowledge could deter people Commissioner’s concerns about the security of data on from going to their GP for fear of losing their firearms the names and addresses of certificate holders. Large certificate in the circumstances that he has outlined—there numbers of individuals within medical practices could should be a mandatory test, perhaps annually? If he have access to this sensitive material, the leaking of does not agree, will he explain why? which could pose a significant risk. There is therefore legitimate concern about the proportionality of this Simon Hart: I apologise for the earlier exchange, measure. The Independent Police Complaints Commission Mr. Deputy Speaker. could identify only six cases in which medical involvement My answer to the hon. Gentleman’s question is no. I at the granting or renewal stage of a licence might have will give my reasons for that answer in due course. I made a contribution to the prevention of crime. think that it is quite difficult to come up with a concept As we have heard, some medical practitioners—not that would appeal to those who, like the hon. Gentleman, many, but some—are unfavourably disposed to firearms start from the absolutist position—which he is perfectly ownership, meaning that licence holders might not visit entitled to take—that nothing short of a total ban on all their GP when they need to. A GP wrote to me only this forms of firearms, whatever their purpose, is acceptable. weekend to say: However, I shall do my best in the few moments that I have left. “our overriding duty is to our patients, to give them the best advice and guard the confidences they give us. A patient is not Let me try to nail the theory that consulting the going to tell me things if I am going to pass information on to the spouse, or ex-spouse, of a certificate applicant or holder authorities. We are the guardians of the patient’s confidence, not is somehow in the interests of safety. I cannot think of a agents of the state”. more divisive and potentially litigious proposition. Some That position is reflected not only by the GP who of the healthiest marriages and family arrangements bothered to get in touch with me but by many others are based on strong disagreement about almost every across the country who have been in touch with other important issue, and arrangements of that kind often hon. Members. survive rather longer than others. On a flippant level, I think that such consultation would be a ridiculous Chris Williamson: Does the hon. Gentleman feel that intrusion into the way in which people conduct their the tragic massacres that took place in Hungerford, lives. On a more serious level, I think that in acrimonious Dunblane and Cumbria could have been avoided if circumstances in which a marriage fell apart, the idea 1271 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1272 that an offended ex-spouse, male or female, should have Apart, perhaps—although I doubt it—from the unlikely a say in the future enjoyment of his or her partner is and absolutist solution suggested by the hon. Member ludicrous. I have read, seen and heard no evidence for Derby North (Chris Williamson), no system is going suggesting for one minute that that would have contributed to be 100% watertight. I suggest that the consolidation greatly to a lessening of the chance of serious crime approach is the best way of establishing a proper balance involving shotguns or firearms. The idea that we can between the legitimate interests of users—whether expect spouses to become moral adjudicators on recreational users or those who use weapons as part of applications is clearly nonsense. the nuts and bolts of their daily job—and the legitimate safety concerns. A consolidation would achieve that Finally, let me deal with the difficult question of without compromising the coalition’s unequivocal certification. Here, the devil really is in the detail. I may commitment not to introduce legislation that unnecessarily have got this wrong—I am sure that the right hon. impacts on people’s daily existence so that they are Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) will put me right unable to conduct their businesses or live their lives free if I have—but it seems to me that there is an implication from state interference. If the coalition can get us to that it would improve the position if the baseline criterion that stage, and not be too distracted by some of the for applications for shotgun certificates were aligned eye-catching but—I venture to say—dangerous suggestions with that applying to section 1 firearms. I cannot imagine we have heard this evening, that would be a not that it is being suggested that the opposite should be the unreasonable place to reach. case, so I assume that the criterion for all shotgun certificate applications would rise to the section 1 level. Like my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal 8.53 pm (Dr Coffey), I can see why that might be attractive on Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): It has the face of it, but I feel that it could be devastating to been a pleasure to sit through the entire debate, and I the shooting and gun trade in the United Kingdom. Let look forward to hearing the closing speeches from the me quote at this point: “It would be one thing for a respective Front Benches. I come to this debate as a person to require good reason to hold a certificate for a holder of a shotgun licence and the owner of a shotgun. shotgun (i.e. a reversal of the current burden of proof I am also very proud that we in South Derbyshire have whereby the Chief Officer shall not grant a shot gun one of the finest rifle clubs, at Swadlincote, and excellent certificate if he is satisfied that there is no good reason), cadet forces and shooting clubs at Newton Solney, a but quite another to require good reason to possess parish for which I am still a councillor. each and every shotgun, as is currently the case with rifles.” We have fantastic shoots in South Derbyshire that are very important to the local economy, and it is interesting My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East to note the juxtaposition between people who handle (Mr Ellwood) picked up on that, and put it rather more guns and those such as my good friend the hon. Member succinctly than I have managed. With this change in for Derby North (Chris Williamson). There could not circumstances would come all sorts of requirements at be a more obvious distinction between a city dweller variation stage, some of which are practically deliverable and somebody who is proud to live in the countryside. but some of which would impose an extraordinary burden, both financial and otherwise, on the already Chris Williamson: Just for the record, I grew up in the hard-pressed police force. If we consider the sheer number countryside and am very familiar with it, and I regularly of shotguns in legitimate hands—they outnumber section walk in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, so it is not 1 firearms by about five to one, I think—we see that the legitimate, worthy or in any way relevant to suggest that burden that we would be putting on firearms officers I do not understand the firearms issue because I happen and the police force in general is huge. The Select to live in the city at the moment. Committee is not as clear as it might be about precisely what the implications are, but perhaps that could be Heather Wheeler: You have put that on the record, clarified. sir. Interestingly, I recall that we went through great angst last time around with a report produced when Sir All reasonable people will have looked on with horror Ivan Lawrence was Chairman of the Home Affairs as the various disasters we are discussing unfolded, Committee. That report created huge ructions in the most recently those in June and July, and they would shooting community because of the resulting legislation, accept that some consolidation of the existing legislation which is why tonight’s debate is important. I commend is an acceptable and sensible way forward. However, it the current Chairman of the Select Committee, because does not necessarily follow that that consolidation should the 22 recommendations are very fair. They contain result in wholesale changes, as there is no evidence to nuances, which I am sure the Government will examine suggest that such changes, had they been made earlier, for the next two months, and the consultation will go on would have altered the tragic events that took place. from there. My abiding feeling is that I do not believe I agree with many other Members that evidence and that there will be a knee-jerk reaction to anything. principle must be the two foundations of any changes One of the dreadful phrases I use is, “We mustn’t made by this or any other Government. Of course the throw the baby out with the bathwater.” But shooting is efforts of the enforcement agencies and the Government an extremely important part of our economy and our should principally be directed at the eradication of gun sporting heritage, and I believe that we will do extremely crime, rather than unnecessarily penalising legitimate well in the Olympics: all that must not be sucked into firearms owners. Sadly, so far as I can see, none of the the great concern we have when a few people involve proposals in the Select Committee report would have themselves in tragic incidents. It is absolutely frightening altered the outcome of the events that we have discussed that the pressure and power groups almost seem to be this evening. trying to put down great history, important parts of the 1273 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1274

[Heather Wheeler] country and the police need to deal with that trade effectively, including on our borders. In some inner economy and the sporting tradition of this country. cities, however, dealing with education in schools, None of that must change because of tragic incidents particularly in deprived areas, and the police working that take place in this country. with communities to highlight the problems of gun I, too, agree that it would be very worrying if the crime would be a far more effective way of dealing with different types of licences were put together—even if illegally committed acts and with communities where there were to be a part A licence and a part B licence— there are problems with gun crime. In many rural because confusion would arise, even for the police, who communities, however, people hold gun licences and are deal with this on a day-to-day basis. May I put on the very law abiding. Earlier in the debate I talked about record how excellently the Derbyshire police force handles Suffolk, where people use guns for pest control. I do not licensing arrangements? I can tell the Minister that the shoot—I have no interest in shooting—but we must force gets it; Derbyshire’s police absolutely understand accept that the number of law-abiding citizens who do the difference between the different types of certificates. not commit crime and who do not have any interest in We ought to leave it with the professionals, and we misusing their guns, use guns for sport and for pest ought not to dabble any further. control. We must accept that legislation must be effective and targeted on the causes of illegal gun crime in this country. It should not be focused on a knee-jerk reaction 8.57 pm to one or two terrible events that results in banning Dr Daniel Poulter (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich) guns for those who use them for legitimate, law-abiding (Con): It is a great pleasure to follow my hon. Friend sport or pest control reasons. the Member for South Derbyshire (Heather Wheeler), Based on my experience as a doctor, I want to pick up who talks from her own experience of holding a shotgun on the issue of medical practitioners. Would it necessarily licence, and the excellent speech of my hon. Friend the be useful for medical practitioners to have to tick a box Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire every year for the 97,000 people in the east of England (Simon Hart). Given that more than 700 people have who have gun licences? Is it important that those medical died as a result of gunshot injuries and gun crime over practitioners should be consulted annually? Far too the past 13 years, it is a great tragedy that we are having often in my professional life, I saw the pointless forms this debate only because it takes something such as the we had to fill in. We ticked the boxes but it did not terrible events in Cumbria to bring this issue to the improve patient care or make things any safer. It is attention of the House. The work that the right hon. important that we do not stigmatise people with mental Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) has done with health conditions. People are perfectly competent and the Committee on this matter is greatly to his credit and able to make informed choices. They are not necessarily is very valuable. going to be more likely to run off and commit a gun However, we need to highlight a few key issues and crime than someone who does not have a mental health strands. First, the distinction has not always been made condition. We need to be careful not to draw that clearly in this debate between gun crimes perpetrated by stigma into the debate. To be perfectly frank, a piece of people who were holding illegal weapons and those who paper signed on one day of the year does not necessarily hold legal weapons. Many of those 742 gun crime mean that in three, six or nine months, that person will deaths were caused by people holding illegal weapons not have seen their mental state deteriorate considerably. and not by people who have legal gun licences. I made Ticking a box does not mean that we will make things the point in an intervention that Suffolk has the lowest any safer, and the case has not been proven. rate of gun crime in the UK—we are very proud of We know that when medical practitioners have a that, notwithstanding those incidents involving air rifles serious concern about the conduct of a patient—for in Lowestoft mentioned by the hon. Member for Derby example, a fear that a patient is a paedophile or the North (Chris Williamson)—yet 97,000 gun licences are knowledge that a patient might be a danger to themselves held by those in the east of England, which is a very or to the public—they take it into their own hands to high level. That shows that there is not necessarily a breach medical confidentiality. There are many such causal effect between owning a gun licence and committing cases. They breach medical confidentiality because the a gun crime. We know that gun crimes tend to happen in duty to society is greater than the duty of confidentiality. deprived urban areas, where those who commit crime We have to trust them—we should not put an onerous do not hold gun licences. The key thing is to draw that burden on medical practitioners that will not necessarily distinction, because if we are to legislate on this issue, be effective. we must ensure that it is effective and addresses the key areas. Simon Hart: If there was a situation in which my hon. One thing we must do is to broaden out this debate. It Friend was required to make such observations and is about firearms control, not just the terrible events in somehow failed to pick up on a patient’s mental health, Cumbria, Hungerford or Dunblane. We need to ensure which led to a dreadful tragedy, what would be the legal that the legislation and recommendations passed in this and professional implications for his trade? House will make things better. It is very difficult, because we have not heard any conclusive evidence this evening Dr Poulter: There is always a blame culture, and we that changing the legislation to deal with licensed firearms would have to be careful that a simple form that a will make any significant difference. doctor had to sign on one day of the year could not be We know that there are issues with tackling the gun used as a sledgehammer to hit that doctor or medical culture in our inner cities. In dealing with that culture, practitioner over the head later on because somebody we need to stop the illegal trafficking of guns in this perpetrated a bad act. As I have said, and as I think my 1275 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1276 hon. Friend accepted in making his point, someone’s In making their interventions, they showed how these mental state can deteriorate quickly—a switch can be events have affected their constituents and made a flicked in someone’s mind and it is impossible to legislate significant contribution to the debate. for that. Simply involving a doctor in this process will My right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester East not make that any less possible. (Keith Vaz), the Chair of the Select Committee, told us It is not only with gun crime that a switch can be that the Committee had made every effort to publish flicked in that way, as we saw in north Wales with the the report in time for today’s debate, so we are extremely Peter Moore case. In 1995, he killed four men with a grateful for the hard work that members of the Committee knife in a random rampage. It is not just with gun crime have done on behalf of the House in order to inform that people temporarily lose control and go on a the debate. It is a shame that it is taking place on a day rampage—it happens with other weapons. In America when there is a one-line Whip and the weather is so there have been cases with samurai swords. We have to inclement that undoubtedly some Members who would be careful not to legislate on the basis of one or two have wanted to be present cannot be here. My hon. terrible tragedies, such as that in Cumbria. That is an Friend the Member for Copeland was unavoidably taken important point for the House to consider. away. I know he was extremely disappointed not to be able to participate in the debate. Sir Alan Beith: I am interested in this argument and I agree that a box-ticking exercise is no use, but GPs in My right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester East rural communities will often be aware if patients are emphasised the need to avoid regulation that would put gun licence holders and might well pass on information our sports people who take part in firearms events at a if they are seriously concerned. The questions is what to disadvantage. He highlighted the issues surrounding the do in urban communities in which GPs might be unaware various age limits relating to guns. In order to save time, who is a gun licence holder. As my hon. Friend says, the I shall not read them out from the table on page 42, as problem is often the illicit gun holder who does not have he did. As my right hon. Friend pointed out, these have a licence anyway. been batted over to the Government to consider and we look forward to their response to the anomalies identified Dr Poulter: My right hon. Friend makes a very good by the Select Committee. point. Let us consider how effective that piece of paper— We look forward, too, to the codification of the that box-ticking exercise—would be in an urban community. 34 pieces of legislation that have been introduced over The turnover of patients in most GP practices in areas the past century to regulate guns in the UK. My right such as Camberwell, where I was a medical student, is a hon. Friend referred to the need for GPs to recognise third of patients every year. Therefore, such a measure their crucial role in alerting police to the potential might not work because, with such a high turnover, it is dangers posed by some of their patients who have gun not easy to keep track of patients who move and licences. migrate around London and fall in and out of registers. As my right hon. Friend said, the people we are dealing The hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) with in urban areas are not those with licences but those compared the attitudes of people in the USA with those who possess handguns illegally. Community engagement of people in the UK, highlighting the fact that there and education in schools is so important in addressing was little appetite among people in the UK for owning those issues. guns. They do not have the same attitude as people in We have had a very good debate and I will not talk the USA to the right to own a gun. She said that for much longer. Members need to ask whether further changes to gun control would not have stopped the legislation that would give doctors more onerous incidents in Cumbria or Northumberland, and questioned responsibilities to fill out forms, and that would make it the need to regulate further, but she called for action on more difficult for people to have gun licences, would criminal behaviour, an issue highlighted in the Select make anybody safer. I think the answer is conclusively Committee report. no. We cannot legislate for terrible tragedies such as The hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington that in Cumbria. Unfortunately, they will happen no (Tom Brake) called for an evidence-based approach to matter what we do. It is easy, as the right hon. Member making changes and stressed the need for any changes for Leicester East said, for us and the media to get the to be proportionate. He wanted the issue of imports to retrospectoscope out and judge things retrospectively in be addressed and spoke of the potential role of elected the hysteria of political debate. We need to legislate for police commissioners in future in tackling gun crime. the reality, which is that law-abiding gun owners who He, too, cautioned against regulating in a way that have a licence do not tend to misuse them. For the would impact on sport, which was a regular feature of reasons I have given, I do not think that there is a the debate. conclusive case for strengthening the legislation. My hon. Friend the Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson) was a major dissenting voice in the 9.8 pm debate. He gave figures for November which showed Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Like everyone who has a large number of incidents involving firearms to taken part in the debate, I want to express my sympathies support his case for stricter regulation. His preference for those who were involved in the incidents in Cumbria was for a complete ban on gun ownership, but he and Northumberland, particularly David Rathband, recognised that that view might not command a majority the police officer who was blinded by Raoul Moat. I in the House. He urged the Government to look at the join others in paying tribute to my hon. Friend the recommendations of the Select Committee and to regulate Member for Copeland (Mr Reed), the right hon. Member more stringently in future. He also called for a mandatory for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) and my hon. annual medical test and a complete ban on guns being Friend the Member for Workington (Tony Cunningham). stored in homes. 1277 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1278

[Clive Efford] Mr Ellwood: It has been made clear that we cannot legislate against another attack. Sadly, there is likely to The hon. Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) be another attack such as Dunblane or Cumbria, and reminded us that gun crime takes place all too frequently indeed another terrorist attack. The purpose of us—of in our society and that our job as legislators is to protect this place—is to ensure that we have the correct legislation, the public. He called for more data to be collected by and interestingly the Committee Chairman admitted the police on whether guns used in crimes were legal or that his knowledge of firearms extended only to carrying illegal. Again, that is an issue referred to in the Select a water pistol. Does the hon. Gentleman agree, therefore, Committee report. He mentioned the important role of that, unless we have a cognitive, sober and detailed sports people in wildlife conservation, a theme picked debate to ensure that we understand the full issue, our up by the hon. Member for Carmarthen West and decisions in this place will not be made on solid grounds? South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart), who referred to the vital role and the money invested by people involved in Clive Efford: I agree. The Committee Chairman made gun sports in wildlife conservation and husbandry. He that point himself, noting that he and members of the also expressed concerns for the future of firearms sport, Committee had gone to great lengths to understand a as did many Members hon. Members, and he was great deal, had been educated and had even had their concerned to ensure that GPs do not become agents of views changed on certain aspects of what I would call the state who are required to breach patient confidentiality the legitimate firearms industry and legitimate firearms in passing information to the police. sport. It is important that people are well informed when they legislate, whether on guns or anything else. The hon. Member for South Derbyshire (Heather That is the logical thing to expect of people involved in Wheeler) paid tribute to the Swadlincote gun club and passing legislation. cited the importance of shoots to her local economy. I have never held a gun, let alone fired one, apart from an The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, the air rifle that somebody else owned when I was young, right hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs but I had a friend who managed a shoot, and we had (Nick Herbert) made a number of commitments on the interesting conversations about the investment and recommendations. He said that the Government would contribution that shoots make to local economies, so I consider reviewing convictions in terms of the renewal have nothing but respect for people in that industry. The or revocation of licences. On additional regulation, we hon. Lady opposed the recommendation of a single would not want the police to spend more time enforcing licence, but she commended Derbyshire police on their regulations on the legal ownership of arms at the expense handling of the licensing process. of dealing with the illegal use of arms. In addition, the police should be identifying and following up cases The hon. Member for Central Suffolk and North where we might want to call into question someone’s Ipswich (Dr Poulter) laid claim to the lowest rate of gun ownership of a licence, rather than investing a great crime in the country and questioned whether evidence deal of time in renewals. That is why the Select Committee showed that changes to gun regulations would make a recommends that, rather than having a renewal period difference. He, too, said that we need to focus on and of every two years, the existing five-year period should target illegal gun crime, and he referred, from his be retained. professional experience, to the danger of stigmatising people with mental health conditions and breaching The Minister also indicated that he would consider patient confidentiality. the issues surrounding ages and the recording of what types of weapons have been used and whether they are My hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull legal or illegal. During the debate, several hon. Members North (Diana Johnson), who opened the debate for the referred to the need for there to be a crime reduction Opposition, made a number of points. She mentioned strategy to tackle wider illegal activities—for example, the considerable possible savings from staggering the the issues surrounding the illegal drug trafficking industry, renewal of existing licences and dealing with the bulge organised violent crime and the use of weapons in in renewals that the introduction of previous legislation domestic violence incidents. All those matters were caused. We will be interested to see the Government’s referred to by the Select Committee and we would like response to that. She also wanted the Government to to see them mentioned in the Government’s response. respond to the Committee’s 22 recommendations, and they say that they will do so within two months. Given Many hon. Members have said that we must not have the importance of the issue, we would also like confirmation a knee-jerk reaction, and I think we would all agree that that they will do so on the Floor of the House in the if one legislates in haste, one repents at leisure. However, form of an oral statement. we should remember that individuals such as Derrick Bird had legal access to firearms and therefore it is Keith Vaz: First, may I congratulate my hon. Friend absolutely right for the Select Committee and the House on his long-overdue elevation to the Front Bench? Some to review the laws on the licensing of guns. of us have already received e-mails following the publication The report makes it clear that we have the tightest of various reports, and this is a debate that should regulations on the licensing of firearms anywhere in the include the public. We as parliamentarians need to have world and that we have a relatively low level of gun the final say, but it would be worthy of us to allow a crime, despite all the serious incidents there have been. more general debate on some of the issues. The report concludes that legal firearms do not appear to be used in the majority of cases where weapons are Clive Efford: I could not agree more. The wider discharged or used in crimes. In legislating, we should public—in particular, those communities directly affected prioritise public safety. If we introduce regulations, they by such incidents—will want to respond to the should not harm the future of the legal use of weapons recommendations of my right hon. Friend’s Committee, in the pursuit of sport but, where necessary, we should and to have some input into the Government’s response. legislate to protect the public. 1279 Firearms Control20 DECEMBER 2010 Firearms Control 1280

9.23 pm made a well-informed, thoughtful contribution that highlighted many of the themes that come through in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Assistant Chief Constable Whiting’s review, as well as Home Department (James Brokenshire): I congratulate the need to grapple equally with the criminal issues and the hon. Member for Eltham (Clive Efford) on his those of the law, which I will reflect on in later comments. promotion to the Front Bench and wish him well in his As the Chair of the Select Committee has said, those of new role. This has been an interesting and well-informed us with a non-classical education have also been educated debate, which has highlighted some of the themes that in the use of Latin. emerge when considering the difficult and, at times, emotive issue of the control of firearms. I thank the Chair and his Committee for their very People who possess firearms legally usually conduct helpful and informative report and pay tribute to the themselves safely and conscientiously and are among detailed and careful examination that they have conducted. the first to condemn the criminal misuse of firearms. I will respond in slightly further detail on the issues However, following the tragic events in Cumbria and relating to age and to the role of doctors, but let me deal Northumbria, there has been a ready recognition of the now with changes to the law and consolidation. As I need for a debate about firearms laws and licensing. At said to the Select Committee when I appeared before it the outset, I pay tribute to all those who have been to give evidence on this specific point, I recognise that touched by those desperately sad events—the families there are two potential themes. The law itself is complex, of those who have lost loved ones; the victims who have but so is the way in which it is interspersed in several survived such traumatic incidents; and the police, the different pieces of legislation. I therefore hear the calls emergency services and other organisations, such as for consolidation as well as simplification. church groups, that have been involved in all those We will have to consider the matter carefully, because, incidents. Our thoughts and prayers are particularly as I said to the Select Committee, when one starts to with the families and those who have been touched by change the law, new avenues for legal challenge can be this in some way. opened, and there is a lack of certainty attached to new During the debate, there have been calls for consideration legislation. We will carefully consider the points that of the issues to be thorough, proportionate and having have been raised by the Select Committee, and in the due regard to informed opinion on what, as we have interim we will consider the need for revised Home heard, is undoubtedly a complex and emotive subject. Office guidance to present the existing legislation as We have had an interesting and wide-ranging debate clearly and simply as possible. This matter has been that has met all those considerations. As my right hon. raised by other hon. Members, ACPO and other interested Friend the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice parties, and we will consider their points in detail. said in his opening remarks, the Government are very My hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and much in listening mode, and today’s debate has been Wallington (Tom Brake) highlighted the important invaluable in setting out the main issues and the arguments contribution of firearms in sport, and thereby raised for and against particular changes to the law. We will the broader context in which we must consider this reflect carefully on everything that has been said and issue. He raised a specific issue about arm’s length wish to take into account any other views from interested management organisations in social housing. I have not parties before deciding what further measures might be received any representations on that point, but perhaps needed to improve public safety. there are specific issues with regard to landlords and We have already taken delivery of Assistant Chief tenants that fall outside the issues that we have been Constable Whiting’s useful and informative peer review debating. I am willing to consider any specific points of the tragic shootings in Cumbria, and we have also that he subsequently wants to raise. seen the report by Assistant Chief Constable Sue Fish on behalf of ACPO’s criminal use of firearms group. I Tom Brake: Does the Minister have a ministerial have met them both since the publication of their view, or a personal view, on whether it is appropriate for reports and discussed with them in detail their an ALMO or a council to introduce a ban on the recommendations. possession at home of legally held firearms? In the course of the next two months, we will respond to the recommendations made by the Home Affairs James Brokenshire: There may be matters relating to Committee, which has just reported on its own investigation landlords and tenants. We must consider carefully the into whether there is a need for changes to the way in issue of storage, as the Home Affairs Committee has which firearm and shotgun certificates are issued, monitored done. I am happy to reflect on that matter further, but or reviewed as a means of preventing gun violence. We we must be careful and cautious so that we do not to will consider that carefully. As part of that, we will also impose restrictions without properly considering their consider the need for a broader debate and consideration. implications. Such restrictions might create more risk, The Government will seek to strike a balance in ensuring rather than reducing the risk. However, he has fairly that our controls are targeted fairly and proportionately. highlighted the issue. I pay tribute to the hon. Member for Copeland The hon. Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson) (Mr Reed), who has been unable to be here today for described the shocking impact of gun crime by highlighting reasons that I fully recognise. I am sure that he will want specific examples and issues. This will always be an to be part of the continuing considerations and discussions emotive issue, on which there are strongly held views, on this important and sensitive issue. We will seek to and I thank him for bringing that context to this evening’s continue bilateral discussions with him as matters progress. proceedings. He wanted further clarification on GPs, I will seek to reply to a number of the points made and I will come to that. during this wide-ranging and interesting debate. My My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) (Mr Ellwood) discussed the Olympics, which is a matter 1281 Firearms Control 20 DECEMBER 2010 1282

[James Brokenshire] On the matter of age, it is important to remember that the police grant a certificate only if they are satisfied that we have corresponded on and discussed. I have that a gun can be held safely and without risk to the inquired of the Minister for Sport and the Olympics public. That means that a young person is subject to the whether the existing restrictions are hampering preparations same checks regarding suitability, storage and so on as for the 2012 games, and I am advised that they are not. an adult. In such cases, it is usual that the young We will review the arrangements post-2012 to consider person’s parents or another responsible adult will supervise whether further changes are required. them and take responsibility for the weapon when it is not in use. As my right hon. Friend the Minister for Mr Ellwood: Only those who have been selected for Policing and Criminal Justice said earlier, the Government the squad have been given licences to participate in believe that it is important to focus on whether shooting training in the UK. Will the Minister consider the long activities are conducted safely and responsibly. We have term and the legacy of the Olympics? Looking forward received no evidence to date that there has been any to the next games, we will still need to be able to train in misuse as a result of the existing provisions, but we will the UK. reflect on the concerns that have been raised both in the Home Affairs Committee’s report and in the debate James Brokenshire: I know that my hon. Friend feels today. strongly about sporting development. As I have said, we There is much for the Government to take away from have considered the matter with Ministers at the today’s debate. We will genuinely reflect on what has Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and they are been said, along with the other sources of evidence and satisfied with the current arrangements. We will continue opinions. The focus of this evening’s debate has largely to keep the matter under review after the Olympics. been on the legal holding of weapons, but we recognise My hon. Friend the Member for Carmarthen West the important contribution of the National Ballistics and South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart) highlighted the Intelligence Service, which has done extraordinarily issue of shotguns and the different regime of section 1 good work in setting out the intelligence picture on the licences. That point was taken up by my hon. Friend the illegal use of weapons. We are also looking to strengthen Member for South Derbyshire (Heather Wheeler). The the approach to serious organised crime through the issue is complex, and we are examining the overlap and creation of the national crime agency, which will be an the common test of fitness for purpose. A Home Office important step forward in bearing down on such crime. working group, which includes representatives of the We will also deal with the criminal gangs that often sit police and shooting interest groups, is working to devise behind the use of illegal weapons and the sad tragedies a single application form. That group will look into the that affect many of our communities. feasibility of a single certificate, too, but we recognise We will form a view on what more might be done not the complexity of the arguments involved. As my hon. only to help prevent further tragedies, such as those in Friend the Member for Carmarthen West and South Cumbria and Northumbria, but to ensure that we have Pembrokeshire has said, the devil is in the detail. effective and proportionate firearms controls. Although we have stringent firearms controls—Assistant Chief It was instructive to hear the contribution of my hon. Constable Whiting has said that they are “robust”—we Friend the Member for Central Suffolk and North keep them under review and are prepared to tighten Ipswich (Dr Poulter) on the need for a broader debate them further if necessary. The Home Affairs Committee’s on firearms control, and I agree with him. It was report, the input of ACPO and others and the points equally interesting to hear about his experiences as a made in today’s debate are important contributions in doctor. that regard, and all options are open for discussion. A number of matters will require further examination Question put and agreed to. and consideration, as the Chair of the Home Affairs Committee indicated. Some may require legislation, but Resolved, we might be able to deal with some in other ways. On That this House has considered the matter of firearms control. that point, doctors have an important role to play and we welcome the agreement between the British Medical Business without Debate Association and the Association of Chief Police Officers that the police will notify a GP of the grant or renewal ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS of a firearms or shotgun certificate. They are seeking to Ordered, implement the arrangement within six months, and in That Mr David Anderson be discharged from the Environment, essence it will involve a system of notification by way of Food and Rural Affairs Committee and Barry Gardiner be added.— a standard letter. That will mean that GPs are in a (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) position to alert the police if they have concerns, and the police will then be able to request a medical report PETITION under the procedures that normally apply to licensing. ACPO will now draw up a more detailed paper on the Feed-in Tariffs matter, and the BMA will produce guidance for doctors. The system is a welcome step forward, and there will be 9.40 pm further discussions about the possibility of placing a Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): I present marker on computerised medical records to create a this petition on behalf of my constituent, Mr Savile more enduring record of which patients own a firearm. Burdett, of Axminster in Devon. He is petitioning the A number of privacy and other issues mean that that House to ask the Secretary of State to amend existing requires detailed consideration, but I welcome the steps legislation in December 2010 so that photovoltaic solar that have been taken thus far. collection systems may be installed by any householder 1283 Business without Debate 20 DECEMBER 2010 1284 who believes himself competent either alone or with the Mobile Phones (Health Effects) assistance of others whom he chooses, provided that the Motion made, and Question proposed, That this system is inspected for electrical safety by his local House do now adjourn.—(Mr Dunne.) authority or by a local electricity supply authority. The Petition states: 9.41 pm The Petition of Savile Burdett, of Axminster, Devon, Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab): Good Declares that the Petitioner believes that the present regulations evening Mr Speaker, and good evening Minister. concerning Feed-in Tariffs for photo voltaic generated energy in It is a great testament to science and maths writers homes are unfair, reward richer rather than poorer people and such as Ben Goldacre and Matt Parker that no self- deter new ideas and technical development; that Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) were introduced by the Department of Energy and Climate respecting politician can make speeches in the House of Change (DECC) to start on 1st April 2010; that these are payments Commons without taking heed of the science behind for various energy saving systems including photo voltaic solar their contribution, so at the outset let me tell the Minister generated electricity (pv solar); that payments are made to the that I am sure we both agree that public health decisions householder, to encourage energy saving and consequential reduction must be grounded in scientific facts and that our public of carbon emissions and additionally to encourage the growth of policy must be evidence based. As we have both read the industry; that, provided the system is installed to certain around this subject, we will probably agree that there is preset standards by MCS certified companies, specified payments are made for each unit of electricity generated; that additionally, no conclusive evidence to prove the link between mobile when more is generated than is needed by the householder at the phone use and brain cancer. time, an export tariff is paid for electricity exported to the Grid; Let me contradict myself at the beginning of this notes that if, however, the system is not installed by MCS certificated speech by making an allegation for which I have little companies it will not be eligible to receive the FIT generation factual evidence. From my experience of nearly a decade tariff or the guaranteed FIT export tariff; notes that the Petitioner in the House, it is my view that the more an industry or believes that there are a number of disadvantages to this system; that the current regulations give some degree of monopoly power organisation wishes to hide something unpleasant or do to certain companies, by in effect charging a householder who something unpopular, the more lobbyists it employs to chooses to forgo the MCS certificate guarantees and either have talk to MPs. The $1 trillion telecoms industry hires a lot the system installed by a contractor whom he trusts, but who is of lobbyists. not MCS certified, or to do the work himself, which may be I do not seek to persuade the Minister that there is a cheaper; notes that householders who install their own equipment link between brain cancer and the radiation emitted by or use a contractor who is not MCS certified receive no payment for surplus electricity generated and supplied to the Grid; and mobile phones, but I want to convince her to take a further notes that the current regulations may deter development, sceptic’s eye to the recommendations before her in by discouraging developers from installing and testing new future public policy. A number of scientists and technologies. The Petitioner therefore requests that the House of epidemiologists believe that although there is no certainty Commons asks the Secretary of State to amend existing legislation that mobile phone use causes tumours, there are ample during November 2010 so that photo voltaic solar collector causes for concern. At the very least, I ask her to look at systems may be installed by any householder who believes himself the work of Siegal Sadetzki or the earlier work of Allan competent, alone or with the assistance of others whom he Frey, and to read “Disconnect”, a recently published chooses, provided the system is inspected for electrical safety by his Local Authority or by the local electricity Supply Authority. book by Devra Davis, and the work of Henry Lai. And the Petitioner remains, etc. Some of those scientists and writers challenge the conventional thinking in the telecoms industry. I make [P000871] no apology for giving their case a hearing in the Chamber tonight, although I accept that they are not the only voices in the debate. I should like to tell the Minister first why the industry needs to put a greater emphasis in its communications to consumers on the potential risks that mobile handsets cause, and secondly, why I am concerned about independent research. I shall also outline what I think needs to be done to remedy those two problems. The Minister is new to her post, but she could make a big difference to public policy before she gets that promotion that I am sure she deserves in the imminent reshuffle that we read about in the papers. The mobile industry is big business and an important player in the UK economy. Ofcom’s most recent figures from its communications market report show that operator-reported retail revenue currently totals £30.4 billion. Mobile retail revenues are £14.9 billion; mobile voice call minutes amount to 118 billion; data volumes over mobile networks increased by 240% in 2009; and more than 96 billion text messages and 600 million picture messages were sent in 2009. The Office for National Statistics estimates that mobile phone ownership has increased from 65% in 2001 to 81% in 2009 and, worldwide, 5 billion people are using mobile phones. In the UK, that means that there are now more mobile phone connections than there are people—an estimated 80 million. 1285 Mobile Phones (Health Effects)20 DECEMBER 2010 Mobile Phones (Health Effects) 1286

[Mr Tom Watson] probably be shocked to learn that each handset differs and that the manufacturers give different guidance on One of the key concerns of scientists such as Devra using phones. Davis is labelling. She says that the labelling of phone Improved labelling has support among many academics products in store, online and in the literature a person and organisations, such as the EM Radiation Research receives with their phone is woefully inadequate. I also Trust, which was brought to my attention by my hon. accept the case from statisticians such as Matt Parker Friend the Member for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson), who disagree with me. Matt told me today: and Powerwatch. “The only basis for precautionary labelling mobile phones Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Like me, Mr would be on a hunch. There is no evidence for it. Of course we should continue research, and make sure it is independent and Speaker, you have young children. Also like me, you will unbiased, but there is no need to give people the impression that be concerned if there is compelling evidence of the they should alter their use of mobiles when there is absolutely no dangers of mobile phone handsets or masts. My constituent basis for it”. Eileen O’Connor, of EM Radiation Research Trust, has drawn to both my attention and that of my hon. Friend Yet the mobile phone companies themselves provide the strong evidence that exists of the dangers of precautionary advice—it is just difficult to find it. If electromagnetic radiation, particularly to children. Does someone wanted to make a judgment on whether to he support calls for the Government to investigate the purchase a phone based on its specific absorption rate, safety of mobile phone handsets and masts, and either which indicates how much electromagnetic radiation is to issue stronger guidance or to legislate on the basis of absorbed by body tissue while using a mobile phone—the that evidence? higher the SAR, the more the radiation is absorbed—or on how close to their head they can hold the phone, Mr Watson: Yes, and I am going to make the case they could not do so at the point of sale, because the that the science should leave no stone unturned. If my information is simply not there. It is not available on the hon. Friend lets me develop my argument, I am sure shop floor or at the click of a button online. that he might want to comment on it later. I suspect that most sales staff would not be able to Improved labelling has support among many academics recommend which phone a consumer should buy based and organisations. For example, Alasdair Philips from on its radio frequency exposure either. Yet we know Powerwatch has stressed to me that safety advice should that the legal departments of mobile phone manufacturers be included in an obvious position, such as the “Getting are all now slipping into the fine print a warning about started” section of a new phone booklet, not buried in holding a phone against the head or body. That, in the back pages of the manual. I cannot vouch for those itself, is not enough, and they are not giving this information organisations, but they are entitled to have their voices enough prominence in their literature. Why are the heard in this House. It is often hard for independent manufacturers printing these warnings, after years of organisations to be heard above the cacophony of voices denying that there was any risk of radiation, if they are from telecoms lobbyists. of the view that there is no cause for concern? Apple, for We might even need to go one step further. The example, suggests that users of the iPhone should keep Government should consider the merits of obliging about five eighths of an inch between the handset and manufacturers to place health advice and SAR ratings the head. Research in Motion—the manufacturer of on the outside of handset boxes. Ohio Congressman the BlackBerry—is even more cautious, saying that Dennis Kucinich is pressing Congress to look at passing people should keep a distance of about an inch. a similar law. He summed up his thoughts perfectly when he recently said: For the average user, those warnings require a magnifying “Until we know for sure, a labelling law will ensure that glass to read. They are usually in point 8 font size or cellphone users can decide for themselves the level of risk that below and make up part of the little slip tossed aside they will accept…mobile phone companies should not be the when a phone is unpacked. If someone managed to ones making that decision for us.” struggle through any of these booklets and reached the San Francisco aims to become the first city in the USA advice, they would be one of only a handful of people to require large wireless retailers to display a device’s ever to have managed it. How many people even know SAR rating prominently. The regulation will come into that radio frequency exposure comes from the phone’s force at the start of February next year. Lawmakers in antenna? Not many, I suspect. How many people know Oregon and in Californian cities are considering similar that this exposure is stronger when a phone is kept in steps. Around the world, other nations are extending clothing, which weakens the signal, causing the power the cautionary approach. to increase? How many people know that it is recommended, if mobiles are carried on belts or in The German Government, for example, has introduced pockets—[Interruption.] I am sorry, would the Whip, the Blue Angel phone label. In order for mobile phone the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr Dunne), like to get manufacturers to be able to display the BA sign on their in? Is he seeking to intervene? No? products, their SAR ratings must not exceed 0.6 W per kilogram. Although the German Government’s current How many people know that it is recommended that safe limit is in line with the EU level of 2 W per if mobiles are carried on belts or in pockets, the liquid kilogram, it is perhaps the first recognition that the crystal display and keypad should face towards the EU’s rating is already much more lenient than that of body? The fact is they do not. Hardly anyone knows the US, Canada or New Zealand. In Germany, the what advice is given on the use of handsets. Although Federal Office for Radiation Protection publishes the all phones sold in the UK fall within the SAR guidance SAR ratings of all mobile phones on sale in Germany. of 2 W per kilogram in 10 grams of tissue for Why not put the ratings on our direct.gov website, so electromagnetic radiation absorbed, most users would that British consumers who are interested in the issue 1287 Mobile Phones (Health Effects)20 DECEMBER 2010 Mobile Phones (Health Effects) 1288 can get the facts? The bottom line is that consumers phones is recommended until the situation is clarified. should be given enough information about SAR levels Following the publication of that report, Sir William to allow them to make an informed purchasing choice. Stewart himself said: At the moment, they cannot do that. This Government “The fact is that the widespread use of mobile phones is a believe in transparency, and I applaud them for that. I relatively recent phenomenon and it is possible that adverse believe in the power of information. The Minister can health effects could emerge after years of prolonged use. The ensure that consumers are far better informed about the evidence base necessary to allow us to make firm judgements has science around their mobile phones, should they be not yet been accumulated”. interested. The report’s findings make it clear once again that this is not a settled issue. On the risks of mobile phones, thousands of studies have been published in scientific journals, forming the Further research, such as the 2004 Karolinska Institute basis for systematic reviews by health agencies. The study, published worrying findings on a link between balance of evidence to date would suggest that there are mobile phones and ear tumours. The institute’s research no short-term established adverse health effects on the suggested that using a mobile phone increased the risk brain from mobile phones. To pretend that the long-term of acoustic neuroma by 3.9 times on the side of the effect of exposure to such devices over more than a head on which the phone was used. There was no decade is known, however, is false. It is not known, and increase on the other side of the head, giving an overall the matter will not be settled until the science leaves no rise in risk of 1.9 times. The report went on to conclude stone unturned. Despite the mobile phone lobby’s claim that regular mobile phone use over a decade or more otherwise, many key and respected studies have suggested might increase the risk of benign tumours. Like the that there may well be a link between mobile phones Stewart report and the NRPB report, the Karolinska and brain cancers. Although such studies do not identify Institute’s study makes it clear in its findings that this is a causal link, they insist that further research is warranted not a settled issue. Further research is needed. Well-respected and emphasise the need for caution in public policy epidemiologists such as Dr Lennart Hardell of Orebro making. As far back as 2000, for example, the Stewart university in Sweden have also found that links between report said that the use of mobile phones is not totally mobile phones and cancer might exist. “without potential adverse health effects”. Bill Esterson: Since my constituents drew this matter Although Sir William’s report said that there was no to my attention, I have looked into the details, as my evidence of a health risk to either adults or children at hon. Friend has done. I have reached the conclusion the time, it said that children should be discouraged that it is important, as a parent, to take precautions and from making “non-essential” calls until further research to restrict the use of mobile phones by children in had been completed. anything other than an emergency. I urge the Government to take that point seriously, even at this stage, as well as Bill Esterson: My hon. Friend seems to be saying that taking on board all the other points that my hon. there is strong evidence that is worthy of further Friend has made about carrying out further investigations. investigation. He mentioned the fact that manufacturers give warnings, but that they are sometimes difficult to Mr Watson: Even with my own beloved children—my find. Does he think the manufacturers issue those warnings five-year-old and my two-and-a-half-year-old—I sometimes to cover themselves legally, just in case there is a problem, have to persuade them not to grab my mobile phone. or perhaps because they have strong evidence? Does he The precautionary principle should apply, but it is very agree that, either way, it is imperative that the Government hard for parents. This is why public information is very take action now? important. As I was saying, Dr Hardell, in his study “Long-term Mr Watson: An optimist would say that they are use of cellular phones and brain tumours: increased adopting the precautionary principle in regard to health. risk associated with use for 10 years”, has reviewed A pessimist might say that they are adopting such a epidemiological studies that found that phone users had principle because of possible legal cases. Either way, an increased risk of malignant gliomas. In carrying out they are not doing enough to provide clear packaging. his review, he found a link—although not a causal The doubts about the long-term health impacts of link—between phone use and a higher rate of acoustic mobile phones continue to be highlighted by the neuromas. He also found that tumours were more likely Department of Health’s own guidance, to which I am to occur on the side of the head that the handset was sure the Minister will refer. Many parents are probably used. His study indicated that one hour of cell phone not even aware of the guidance, however. It states that use per day significantly increased tumour risk after children should 10 years or more. He also makes the case that this is far from a settled issue. “use mobile phones for essential purposes only” In May, the hotly anticipated Interphone report for and the World Health Organisation suggested that those “keep calls short—talking for long periods should be discouraged.” who engage in heavy phone use could be at risk, but This advice was influenced by the Stewart report. stopped short of establishing any firm links from the We also had the National Radiological Protection data. The Interphone study is the largest study to date Board’s report, “Mobile phones and health”, in 2004. into phone use and head and neck tumours. That review updated Stewart, and its main conclusion Although there were suggestions of an increased risk was that there was no hard evidence at present that the of glioma at the highest exposure levels, the report went health of the public had been adversely affected by the on to state that use of mobile phone technologies. The report does, “The possible effects of long-term heavy use of mobile phones however, state that some uncertainties remain and that require further investigation.” a continued precautionary approach to the use of mobile The research team was divided on its findings— 1289 Mobile Phones (Health Effects)20 DECEMBER 2010 Mobile Phones (Health Effects) 1290

10 pm Significantly, Lai has found that 67% of studies without Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). industry funding show some biological effect of radiation from wireless communication, compared with only 28% of Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House studies that receive some form of industry funding. do now adjourn.—(Mr Dunne.) “That’s not trivial,” he recently told The New York Times. Like Dr Davis, Lai has been pressing for the Mr Watson: That is a quaint tradition in the House, commissioning of more non-industry research, not only Mr. Speaker. I had forgotten that I had to engage in it on brain cancer but on other possible biological and when I was a Whip. health effects. The voices of Davis and Lai should be heard in the debate in the UK. Davis in particular has The fact that the research team was divided on its highlighted the distortion of research during the last findings did not prevent the UK-based GSM Association, decade by a “show me the bodies” approach to the which represents the global mobile phone industry, evidence. I believe that there may well be merit in their from deciding that the report supported a consensus arguments. that there was “no established health risk”, while deriding As they say, it may simply be too early to expect what it considered to be errors in the report. mobile phone users to develop brain tumours. Davis Despite what the mobile phone lobby continues to also highlights in her latest book, “Disconnect”, how tell us, all those studies have one thing in common. The when the Hiroshima bomb survivors were tested after issue of whether mobile phone use increases the risk of 10 years, researchers found no evidence of brain cancer, brain cancers remains open. The link between phones yet some 30 years later an abundance of cases were and cancer may turn out to be like Creutzfeldt-Jakob found. While the mobile phone industry may point out disease, in the case of which our original fears did not that the official statistics show that the incidence of come to fruition, or it may turn out to be like the link brain cancer has changed relatively little, the absence of between tobacco and lung cancer. The truth is that we any epidemic right now is not an argument for complacency. simply do not know. Further independent research over At present, we are awaiting the outcome of the cohort a longer period is needed. At this point I must issue a study on mobile communications and health—COSMOS. statistics health warning. Matt Parker has implored me It differs from previous attempts to examine links between to make it clear that we will never reach the point of mobile phone use and diseases such as cancer and saying, “Mobile phones do not cause cancer”; there will neurological disorders in that it will follow users’ behaviour merely be more and more studies showing that there is in real time. Most other large-scale studies have focused no reason to believe that they do not. on asking people already suffering with cancer or other I suspect that one academic who would challenge diseases about their previous mobile use. They have also Matt’s view that we should only act if the numbers tell been conducted over a shorter time frame. While the us to do so is Dr Devra Davis, author of the brand-new COSMOS study will look at long-term use over 10, 20 book “Disconnect”. If the Minister has not yet had a and 30 years, I think we need to be reassured that it will chance to read Davis’s book, I urge him to do so. be properly independent. At present, COSMOS is being Former United States Assistant Health Secretary Philip funded by the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Lee has described it as Research Programme, a UK body that receives hefty funding from the industry as well as Government. “A critically important book that is a must-read for parents In addressing some of the shortcomings, I have and policy makers. A surprising, well-documented, and compelling highlighted a lack of independent research. I believe the call for action.” Government must pressurise mobile phone companies Dr Davis specialises in the way in which the environment to set up an independent fund for research that has the affects our health. She has previously written books full confidence of all interested parties. This fund should stating that the tobacco industry was not initially honest support academics and allow them to examine the risks about the links between cigarettes and cancer, and that without interference. Academics and researchers should the debate in Britain about the dangers of asbestos not be fearful of having funding withdrawn based on lasted for a century. She insists that the mobile phone what the outcome of their work might be. industry has behaved in the same way, working—often Setting up a truly independent fund for research is with Government help—to discredit independent scientists, the least these companies can do given their huge profits. while ensuring that others toe the line for fear of losing Vodafone already stands accused of £6 billion in tax their funding. She says in her book: avoidance, just as the NHS and the rest of the public “Those studies that have been paid for by the industry tend to sector is facing massive budget cuts. The phone giant find that there’s not a problem. Studies that are independent—while may have denied the claims, but it has now become a there are fewer—tend to show there is a problem. I don’t think symbolic target for protests against the coalition’s cuts. that’s an accident. This has had a chilling effect on the ability of The UK Uncut campaign, organised through Twitter policy-makers to form policy.” against Vodafone, continues to attract demonstrations Dr Davis’s worry about just how independent some at stores across the country. While no Members would of those studies are is backed up by others, including support breaking the law, we can all understand why such noted people as the well-respected Henry Lai, a Vodafone’s consumers feel very angry at its current tax research professor at the University of Washington. Lai arrangements. began laboratory radiation studies in 1980, and found The Government should not let themselves be pushed that rats exposed to radio frequency radiation had around by telecoms lobbyists. It is time the Government damaged brain DNA. He maintains a database of a took back the 900 mHz—the low frequency—spectrum further 400 scientific papers, from different academics, that they gave to Vodafone and O2 for nothing in the on possible biological effects of radiation from wireless 1980s. When a similar section of spectrum was sold in communication. Germany it raised £2.9 billion, roughly the equivalent 1291 Mobile Phones (Health Effects)20 DECEMBER 2010 Mobile Phones (Health Effects) 1292 of the cuts made to higher education this year. We can debate. I know that he takes a particular interest in this get a lot of independent university research with that and all other matters of technology, both nationally kind of money. and in his constituency. He is absolutely right to say To conclude, I hope I have shown the Minister the that we must heed scientific fact, but his insight into following things. Labelling and packaging is inadequate reshuffles is perhaps lacking in a certain degree of and guidance is buried too deeply in the small print of fact—or perhaps he knows something that I do not, packaging booklets. Also, the widely held view among from sources unknown. However, I wish to thank him manufacturers that mobiles are safe is not yet beyond for his flattering comments. doubt, as I hope I have shown with reference to the At the last count there were a staggering 80 million major studies; virtually every piece of major research is mobile phones in the UK, and the number is still rising inconclusive or recommends further study.An independent steadily. More than 12 million people own a smartphone fund would also give academics and researchers the in order to access the internet and other web-based confidence that future funding would not be withdrawn technologies. The benefits of mobile phones are clear in based on the outcome of their findings. The mobile terms of social networking and rapid communication, industry should use its huge profits to make a sizeable and they help people to feel safer and in touch. They are contribution towards putting this into practice. also a way of including people. I feel more comfortable When I applied for this debate, I thought that the knowing that my children have mobile phones and that House’s main business might finish early today. I can contact them, as they can me, wherever they are. I Notwithstanding the eagerness of the Whip to get home, am sure that my parliamentary office would say the that perhaps allows me to add one additional point as same about contacting me, particularly during the recess. this debate is entitled on the Order Paper, “Effect of The hon. Gentleman is right to say that mobile mobile phones on human health”. This week, I talked technology has also raised significant health worries. to a man who nearly broke down in tears when he Many people are extremely concerned about the effect explained to me that his privacy had been violated by a of electromagnetic radiation from phones, and we should rogue private investigator listening to his mobile phone understand and acknowledge those worries. We messages for a News International newspaper. Phone should answer them on the basis of the evidence and we hacking had affected his mental health. should ensure that appropriate protections are in place, Illegal hacking has caused great distress to those in so that not only is everyone safe, but everyone feels the privileged position to know whether they were one safe—and the hon. Gentleman has demonstrated that of the potential 3,000 targets of the News of the World—for that is not necessarily the case. that is what one of the investigating officers in the Bill Esterson: The planning Green Paper that the Mulcaire/Goodman case admitted last week. Like me, Conservatives published before the election stated that the victims express amazement that nearly every tabloid the party would newspaper in the United Kingdom failed to report that A-list Hollywood actor, Sienna Miller, was the victim of “review potential health issues related to mobile phone masts in the light of ongoing scientific research.” a phone hack. The distress caused to her by mobile phones speaks for itself. The victims were amazed not Can the Minister tell us how that review is going, and if to read in every national newspaper that Take That a similar one is being carried out on handsets? front man Robbie Williams no longer uses a mobile Anne Milton: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his phone because he was sick of being hacked. They are intervention, but may I suggest that he may be jumping asking questions and they will find peace of mind only the gun a little? I have only been speaking for about two when they know that their mobile phone is secure and minutes, and I will come to all those issues if he gives that everything has been done to investigate their case. me a bit more time. With more News of the World executives implicated The independent expert group on mobile phones and in the scandal only last week, with the admission that health was set up in 1999, partly as a response to public News International is paying the legal fees of the Prime concern. It was tasked with reviewing the health effects Minister’s director of communications and with the of mobile phone technology. As a newly elected councillor, Information Commissioner saying only last week that I was acutely aware of the considerable concerns among he will investigate the loss of potentially significant people in my ward at that time. As has been mentioned, personal data, is it not time that the Government asked the group was chaired by Sir William Stewart, the another police force—one other than the Met—to take former chief scientific adviser to the Government. Its up the case? The former Metropolitan police investigating report was published in May 2000. officer now works for News International. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. It is now The report was based on a thorough review of scientific absolutely clear for all to see that leads have not been evidence on the health effects of mobile telephones and followed up and that whistleblowers have been intimidated it took account of work in progress, alternative views into retracting their public statements. The only way on the science and public opinion, which at that time that these mobile phone victims will get peace of mind was considerably concerned about those effects. In is for another police force to take over the inquiry and 2004, the then National Radiological Protection Board undertake a thorough review of the old and brand new reviewed the evidence again—the hon. Member for evidence. West Bromwich East mentioned this—and reiterated Stewart’s recommendations, in particular the recommendation that a precautionary approach should 10.11 pm be adopted. Current Government policy on mobile The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health phones is based on the Stewart report and its (Anne Milton): I congratulate the hon. Member for recommendations. The headline conclusion in the Stewart West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) on securing this report was that 1293 Mobile Phones (Health Effects)20 DECEMBER 2010 Mobile Phones (Health Effects) 1294

[Anne Milton] The Department also supports the World Health Organisation’s international electromagnetic fields project, “the balance of evidence to date suggests that exposures to” which encourages research focused on specific gaps in mobile phone “radiation below” national our knowledge. There is no doubt that there are considerable gaps in our knowledge at this stage. Apart from the “guidelines do not cause adverse health effects.” accident risk from using mobile phones when driving, The report was referring to the National Radiological present knowledge indicates no proven risk to health Protection Board national guidelines, which were in from mobiles, except of course in the easy access that place at the time. It is none the less important to note one has to home delivery pizzas and the possible impact that Stewart recommended that as a precautionary on our daily calorific intake, which cannot be ignored. measure the guidelines should be replaced by more Let me address for a moment mobile phone base restrictive international guidelines. stations, which are often called masts. When I first In recognition of the incomplete scientific knowledge entered politics as a local councillor, that was one of the and significant public concern, Stewart made other subjects that caused most concern. Masts provide the precautionary recommendations. For example, he communication links by radio waves to handsets, allowing recommended that the widespread use of mobile phones connection to the rest of the telephone system and the by children for non-essential calls should be discouraged. wider world. Mobile phones need this infrastructure to As the hon. Gentleman said, however, warnings are function, and it is this infrastructure that has caused so difficult to find, and the small print is very small. I much concern in the past. On masts in particular, suspect that many people these days are unaware of that Stewart concluded that on the balance of evidence there guidance. I shall return to the question of scientific is no general risk to the health of people living near evidence in a minute. masts, on the basis that exposures are expected to be very small. However, it is of note that in that connection, The Government accepted the advice of the Stewart too, he recommended a precautionary approach. It was report and followed a precautionary approach, and interesting to learn from the Stewart report that the most of the recommendations were implemented in levels of radio frequency exposure from masts, which full. On Stewart’s recommendation, we moved to stricter people thought were likely to be high, were much lower international guidelines for exposure. Along with other than those from mobile phone handsets held near the member states, the UK supports the European Council head. Indeed, yearly independent audits have shown recommendation to limit exposures to electromagnetic that mast exposures are well below the international fields, which incorporates international guidelines. By guidelines—in many cases tens of thousands or more 2001, industry, Government Departments and their times below. advisers were working to the new exposure guidelines for mobile phone technology, so now all mobile phones The MTHR also reaffirmed that exposures from base and base stations comply with the guidelines. stations were very much lower than international guidelines. An MTHR study specifically looked to see whether An important development following the Stewart short-term exposure to radio frequencies from masts report was the setting up of a new research programme could affect people’s health. Although some people in this country—the mobile telecommunications and attribute their ill-health symptoms to mobile phone health research programme, or MTHR. Research has base stations—the hon. Gentleman raised this issue—the been carried out at centres throughout the country MTHR peer-reviewed study found no convincing evidence under the management of an independent programme so far that their symptoms were caused by exposure to management committee. It is important to mention that signals from mobile phones or masts. But, of course, we it is independent. In 2007 MTHR published a report should not and shall not be complacent: we must continue from 23 completed projects. Since then, further work to keep the science under review. The Health Protection has been published from the programme. Agency keeps us informed of the science in this area, MTHR is a very high-quality research programme and its independent advisory group on non-ionising and none of the research so far has shown that radio radiation is currently reviewing worldwide scientific frequency emissions from mobile phones affected people’s studies on radio frequency emissions as part of its health—at least in the short term, although that is regular review cycle, and will report in one to two years’ obviously not the end of the story. The lack of long-term time. data, however, has been noticed by MTHR, the World Health Organisation and other regional and international Mr Watson: I am grateful to the Minister for her very advisory committees. It is also being addressed by an gracious answer to my rather long presentation. Does international cohort study on mobile phone use and she think there are merits in opening up discussion with health known as COSMOS, to which the hon. Member the industry on how they can improve their packaging for West Bromwich East referred. advice and how we can improve public education, particularly for young mobile phone users? The UK forms a key part of the study, and our participation is funded under the MTHR programme. I understand that the COSMOS study aims to follow the Anne Milton: Yes, the hon. Gentleman’s point is well health of approximately 250,000 European mobile phone made. As I have said, most people are unaware of the users for up to 30 years. It is a very thorough process. guidance available, and the small print is often extremely COSMOS will consider any changes in the frequency of small. specific symptoms, such as headaches and sleep disorders, I am aware of the ability of large and powerful vested over time as well as the important risks of cancers, interests to lobby, often very successfully. There are, benign tumours and neurological and cerebrovascular without doubt, eye-wateringly large amounts of money diseases. at stake in the mobile communications industry. I assure 1295 Mobile Phones (Health Effects)20 DECEMBER 2010 Mobile Phones (Health Effects) 1296 the hon. Gentleman that I am old enough and cynical Let me conclude by saying that the Government take enough to apply at all times an appropriate level of extremely seriously public concern over possible health scrutiny and cynicism to all information that comes my risks from mobile phone technology, as they do all way—always seeking to find out whence it came and threats. There is a particular issue in that we are aware who paid for it. He is right to say that no stone must be that health effects might not become apparent for 10, 20 left unturned, but the problem is to establish causality. or even 30 years. It is important to remain vigilant and That is why, with ongoing and international studies, to keep this matter at the top of our list of priorities. We following a cohort is essential. We must base any will continue to respond to people’s concerns and to Government action on robust scientific evidence. He is support those high-quality scientific studies, both nationally also right to say that it matters who funds research, and and internationally, in an honest, open and transparent I assure him that I will not be pushed around, and I will way, being clear at all times where the vested interests keep my level of cynicism. However, I cannot comment lie. I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this issue, on phone hacking; he must address those comments to which is of concern to so many people. another Minister on another occasion. Within my own Question put and agreed to. portfolio, I will keep my eye on what is going on. As I say, I look forward to the report of the HPA’s independent 10.25 pm advisory committee in one or two years’ time. House adjourned.

135WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 136WS

Savings from improved efficiency will be recycled Written Ministerial directly within the ring fence. The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) will reform its Statements quality-related (QR) funding for research with a greater focus on research excellence and reform higher education innovation funding with a greater focus on business Monday 20 December 2010 interaction. Collaboration is one of the key themes of these allocations. There will be significant collaboration among BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS research councils, and among universities, tackling issues of national importance, often working with the TSB. There will also be greater coherence among HEFCE Science and Research Funding (2011-12 to 2014-15) and the research councils. For example HEFCE and the research councils will work together so that support and incentives to bring universities and business closer together The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David are delivered coherently. Willetts): The coalition Government are publishing today the allocation of science and research funding for 2011-12 These allocations provide funding for the arts, humanities to 2014-15. and social sciences as well as STEM to pursue vital research. Outstanding researchers in all fields will be Our world class science and research base is inherently funded to pursue curiosity driven work and to define valuable, as well as critical to promoting economic their own areas of scholarship. We are also putting the growth. Despite enormous pressure on public spending, new UK Space Agency on a firm footing. the £4.6 billion per annum funding for science and research programmes has been protected in cash terms The allocation will allow research councils, HEFCE and ring fenced against future pressures during the and the national academies to maintain the flow of spending review period. For the first time HE research talented new researchers and maintain national capability. funding in England has been included within this ring It will enable them to provide researchers with access to fence, providing overall stability and certainty to the key large scale research infrastructure, both here and research base. abroad. Funding bodies will concentrate on research centres of proven excellence, with the critical mass to Allocations for resource are set out in table 1, below, address national challenges and compete internationally and allocations for capital are in table 2. and the expertise to collaboration with business. This Government are committed to efficiency, prioritisation and reform. We shall delay capital investment A copy of the allocation document has been placed to maximise investment in research projects and in in the Libraries of both Houses. people undertaking research. The Government intend The grant letter sent by the Secretary of State to to announce during 2011 the allocation of funding to a HEFCE today also includes details relevant to science small number of further projects on the 2010 large and research funding. A copy of that letter has been facilities roadmap. placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Table 1 Resource Baseline 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 TOTALS Final 2010-11 Year to Baseline £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000

Research Councils 2,549,353 2,596,196 2,573,678 2,586,641 2,599,812 10,356,327 101.98% AHRC 100,717 99,881 98,370 98,370 98,370 394,993 97.67% BBSRC 362,341 370,306 359,471 351,471 351,471 1,432,718 97.00% ESRC 158,061 155,690 153,319 153,319 153,319 615,648 97.00% EPSRC 771,289 759,720 748,150 748,150 748,150 3,004,171 97.00% MRC 545,585 536,172 546,243 559,894 574,641 2,216,950 105.33% NERC 298,071 298,600 297,129 300,129 289,129 1,184,987 97.00% STFC - Core Programme 177,519 190,060 172,200 172,200 172,190 706,650 97.00% STFC – Cross-Council facilities1 66,800 77,170 79,280 81,410 89,470 327,330 133.94% STFC – International Subscriptions2 68,970 108,598 119,515 121,697 123,071 472,881 178.44% HEFCE 1,731,300 1,662,112 1,699,578 1,685,689 1,686,321 6,733,700 97.40% QR Research 1,618,300 1,549,112 1,586,578 1,572,689 1,573,321 6,281,700 97.22% HEIF3 113,000 113,000 113,000 113,000 113,000 452,000 100.00% National Academies 87,832 87,465 86,547 86,547 86,547 347,106 98.54% Royal Society 48,558 47,830 47,101 47,101 47,101 189,133 97.00% British Academy 26,448 27,001 27,005 27,005 27,005 108,015 102.10% Royal Academy of Eng 12,826 12,634 12,441 12,441 12,441 49,957 97.00% Other Programmes 43,616 24,496 24,140 24,165 24,005 96,805 55.04% Science & Society 15,441 13,000 13,000 13,000 13,000 52,000 84.19% International 5,104 5,095 4,740 4,765 4,605 19,205 90.22% Foresight 2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800 2,800 11,200 100.00% 137WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 138WS

Table 1 Resource Baseline 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 TOTALS Final 2010-11 Year to Baseline £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000

Evidence & Evaluation 20,271 3,600 3,600 3,600 3,600 14,400 46.32% UK Space Agency 163,805 205,637 191,963 192,864 179,221 769,685 109.41% Total S&R Resource 4,575,906 4,575,906 4,575,906 4,575,906 4,575,906 18,303,622 100.00% 1Operated by STFC on behalf of all Research Councils. 2Managed by STFC on behalf of ail Research Councils. Total resource expenditure on international subscriptions in 2010-11, including the additional exchange rate costs was £103 million. The SRIO allocations are at the exchange rates prevailing in early December 2010 and reflect a shift in funding from capital to resource. 3HEIF will also include £37 million pa from HEFCE, taking the total for each year to £150 million.

Table 2 Capital Council Baseline 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Total Final Year 2010-11 to Baseline £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000

Research Councils 393,438 239,821 199,393 181,430 180,967 801,611 46.00% AHRC 3,150 000000.0% BBSRC 66,480 38,000 29,700 29,700 29,700 127,100 44.68% ESRC 20,600 18,700 13,700 12,700 12,700 57,800 61.65% EPSRC 49,261 31,000 35,000 25,000 25,000 116,000 50.75% MRC 134,517 33,000 29,000 31,000 31,000 124,000 23.05% NERC 34,183 32,200 17,800 17,800 17,800 85,600 52.07% STFC - Core Programme 85,247 19,630 21,981 14,237 14,169 70,017 75.98% STFC - Cross-Council Facilities 21,070 21,919 22,463 22,931 88,383 STFC - International Subscriptions4 46,221 30,293 28,530 27,667 132,711 Large Facilities Capital Fund 103,380 115,279 61,307 47,769 128,132 352,487 123.94% UK Space Agency 19,000 19,000 19,000 19,000 19,000 76,000 100.00% HEX Capital HEFCE 166,952 75,170 90,970 90,160 101,500 357,800 60.80% HEI Research Capital England 158,420 53,199 64,377 63,810 71,831 253,217 45.34% HEI Research Capital Scotland5 23,622 8,620 10,431 10,339 11,639 41,029 49.27% HEI Research Capital Wales5 6,031 2,113 2,557 2,535 2,854 10,059 47.32% HEI Research Capital N. Ireland5 1,778 798 965 957 1,077 3,797 60.57% TOTAL 872,621 514,000 449,000 416,000 517,000 1,896,000 59.25% 4This figure reflects a shift from capital to resource. 5These funds are allocated on the basis that they will be supplemented by further funding from each of the devolved HE funding bodies.

Note: These figures are indicative for the three years from their departmental policies and objectives. That said, 2012-13 to 2014-15 Departments work closely with the research councils to ensure that the research they fund is aligned with that funded by the science and research base and delivers Haldane Principle maximum value to the taxpayer. More generally, research councils need to ensure that the views of those with an The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David interest in the potential outcomes of the research are Willetts): The Haldane principle means that decisions sought when setting their overall priorities. on individual research proposals are best taken by The Government do, however, need to take a view on researchers themselves through peer review. This involves the overall level of funding to science and research and evaluating the quality, excellence and likely impact of have decided to protect and to ring fence the science science and research programmes. Prioritisation of an and research budget for the next four years. This decision individual research council’s spending within its allocation is evidence that the Government recognise the strategic is not a decision for Ministers. The coalition Government importance of science and research to our future growth, support this principle as vital for the protection of prosperity, culture and heritage. academic independence and excellence. We all benefit from its application in the UK. There are areas where Ministers should have no Over the years there has been some uncertainty over input: Ministers should not decide which individual the interpretation of the Haldane principle. After consulting projects should be funded nor which researchers should senior figures in the science and research community, receive the money.This has been crucial to the international the Government now offer this further clarification. success of British science. This statement on the Haldane principle applies to At the other end of the spectrum there are decisions science and research which the Government funds through that ultimately must be for Ministers, albeit informed the research councils and national academies. HEFCE by external advice; these include the overall size of the has statutory independence1. The Haldane principle funding for science and research and its distribution does not apply to the research budgets of Government between the research councils, the national academies Departments, which are used to fund research to support and higher education research funding. 139WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 140WS

In addition, every Government will have some key information where this does not impose disproportionate national strategic priorities such as addressing the challenges burdens on business or on tax authorities at a time of of an ageing population, energy supply or climate change. fiscal consolidation. The research base has an important role to play in Financial assistance to Ireland addressing such priorities and the research councils, with the support of independent advice, have proposed Following an extra Council meeting on 28 November, research programmes to tackle them. It is also appropriate ECOFIN formally agreed a Council recommendation for Ministers to ask research councils to consider how to Ireland with a view to bringing an end to the situation best they can contribute to these priorities, without of an excessive Government deficit. It also agreed a crowding out other areas of their missions. But it is for Council decision to grant financial assistance to Ireland the research councils to decide on the specific projects according to Council Regulation 407/2010 establishing and people to fund within these priorities, free from a European financial stabilisation mechanism. The Ministerial interference. Government believe that financial assistance to Ireland Similarly, Ministers have a legitimate role in decisions is in Britain’s national interest, helping one of UK’s that involve long-term and large scale commitments of closest economic partners to manage its way through national significance. These include the construction of difficult conditions. large research facilities, where Ministers have to approve Economic governance business cases, and involvement in international research Ministers were updated on the progress made on the treaties. Public funding from the research councils for six Commission legislative proposals on economic both these categories of research spending must be governance. Working group discussions have now begun, dedicated to supporting excellent research, irrespective which are looking at the proposals in detail. Agreement of its geographical location. In many cases the location on the final legislation is expected in spring 2011. will be an obvious decision, given clusters of relevant research capability. Ministerial views on such business Preparation for the European Council on 16 and 17 December cases should be formed with the aid of advice from the 2010 research councils. a) Impact of pension reforms on implementation of the It is important that Ministers, where they are involved Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) in making strategic decisions on the funding of research, ECOFIN discussed a report to the European Council take account of advice from a wide variety of expert on the impact of pension reforms on implementation of sources including academia and industry, both nationally the SGP.The Government believe that the SGP framework and internationally. should seek to encourage pension reform and long-term The Government recognise the contribution to our sustainability. However, it is important to strike the national life and to the UK economy made by research right balance between encouraging fiscal discipline in and teaching in the full range of disciplines including the short-term and incentivising systemic reforms to physical sciences, social sciences, life sciences, environmental pension systems to boost long-term sustainability. The sciences, engineering and the arts and humanities. presidency will submit the report to the European Council. The Government value the multiplicity and variety of sources of funding from the public, private and charitable b) Bank levies sectors. These contribute to the provision of a rich and Ministers endorsed a report to the European Council diverse environment supporting the research community on bank levies, focused on the issue of double taxation. across all disciplines. The Government support national levies on banks to Overall, excellence is and must remain the driver of complement wider reforms aimed at reducing the probability funding decisions, and it is only by funding excellent and impact of banking failures. They believe that the research that the maximum benefits will be secured for issue of overlapping scope can be resolved through the nation. double taxation agreements. The UK and French 1The Further and Higher Education Act 1992 states that the Governments have agreed on a mechanism that will Secretary of State may not attach terms and conditions on grants ensure that there is no double taxation of banking to HEFCE which are framed by reference to: particular courses groups subject to both the UK and French bank levies. of study, programmes of research, the criteria for the selection This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to and appointment of academic staff or the admission of students. ensuring a level playing field for all banks subject to the UK bank levy. The Government will continue discussions TREASURY with other international partners where there are also potential cases of double charging. ECOFIN (7 December 2010) Public service in the field of healthcare Council endorsed conclusions on a joint Commission The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): and Economic Policy Committee report on public services The Economic and Financial Affairs Council was held in the field of healthcare. The conclusions summarise in Brussels on 7 December 2010. The following items the main findings of the report and the main challenges were discussed: facing member states. The main findings include: the Administrative Co-operation Directive need to assess the performance of health systems and Ministers agreed a Council directive on administrative implement sound and needed reforms to achieve both a co-operation in the field of taxation. The directive will more efficient use of public resources and the provision improve exchange of information and bring the EU of high quality healthcare; and the need to get more into line with OECD standards, as well as making an value for money if countries are to ensure universal important contribution to tackling cross-border tax access under conditions of severe constraints on public evasion and avoidance. The UK supports exchange of budgets. The conclusions also invite member states and 141WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 142WS the Commission to factor these findings into their analysis I know many people in the fire and rescue service and and proposals in the framework of the Europe 2020 in fire and rescue authorities have devoted considerable strategy. time and expertise to this project, especially those who Crisis management have served on governance and working groups, directors Ministers endorsed conclusions on a Commission of the local authority controlled companies, advisers communication on crisis management. The Government from the Chief Fire Officers Association, fire and rescue welcome the Commission’s work in this area to strengthen service secondees to the project and other staff involved the European framework and ensure that all member from the fire and rescue community, and many technical states have common and credible tools and powers to and resilience experts. I would like to take this opportunity resolve failing banks. of thanking all these people for their contribution. Code of conduct in business taxation Over the next few weeks we intend to identify the The Council adopted conclusions welcoming the work extent to which any legacy assets from the project, of the code of conduct group in producing its biannual including the control centre buildings, can be used for report under the Belgian presidency. The report highlights the benefit of the fire and rescue service and local potentially harmful tax competition with regards to communities in future. We will also be making arrangements business taxation. The Council has asked the group to for maintaining products already delivered. continue its monitoring of business taxation, as well as The Department will cease funding activities directly to carry on the work under the work package agreed by associated with the project as quickly as is compatible the Council in December 2008. The Commission is also with organising an orderly closing down of the project. invited to continue discussions with Switzerland and We recognise that fire and rescue authorities will now Liechtenstein on the application of the principles and wish to review their control arrangements in the light of criteria of the code. The UK supports the ongoing work today’s decision. This Government do not intend to of the group, which is beneficial in highlighting those impose any solution for the future of control room practices which are potentially damaging to fair EU tax services. competition. We will, however, start to consult the fire and rescue sector soon on how best the Government can support them, if at all, in developing their alternative plans COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT based on the principles of localism, ensuring public safety, building up national resilience and delivering Fire and Rescue Service value for taxpayers’ money. These continue to be our overriding priorities. I know that the uncertainty around the future of this The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for project has been frustrating and unsettling for the fire Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): I and rescue community and those closely concerned would like to inform the House about recent developments with their interests. My objective has been to deliver on the FiReControl project. operational certainty for the fire and rescue service and This is the third part of the last Government’s resilience financial certainty for the taxpayer. Today’s decision programme and set out to replace the stand-alone control will deliver that objective and I will continue to keep the rooms in England’s fire and rescue services with a House informed of progress. national network of nine control centres. The aim was to improve national resilience, interoperability and efficiency as well as to enhance the technology available to the fire Major Infrastructure Planning Reform and rescue service. Many hon. Members will be aware that, for some time, the project has experienced delays and delivery The Minister of State, Department for Communities problems. and Local Government (Greg Clark): I am today publishing The progress of the project has caused serious concern, the Department’s work plan on major infrastructure and so in June this year I made it clear to the main planning reform. This Government believe that securing FiReControl contractor, Cassidian (formerly EADS investment in new infrastructure is essential to deliver Defence and Security), that the main IT system must sustainable growth over the coming decades and is an now be delivered to time, cost and quality. At this point, integral part of our efforts to rebuild the UK economy we activated a key milestone in their contract requiring and provide new jobs. We cannot expect to meet the the main IT system to be completed in three control needs of tomorrow with yesterday’s infrastructure and centres by mid-2011. we cannot secure essential investment without a planning We told Cassidian that no additional taxpayers’ money system designed to meet this need. The work plan sets could be invested in this project, nor would delivery of a out the steps that we are taking to deliver this reform. system of reduced quality or functionality be acceptable. It is right that decisions on infrastructure of national Following extensive discussion with Cassidian, we importance should be taken by democratically elected have jointly concluded, with regret, that the requirements representatives and not by an unelected quango. The of the project cannot be delivered to an acceptable time Localism Bill therefore provides a legislative framework frame. Therefore the best outcome for the taxpayer and for the abolition of the infrastructure planning commission the fire and rescue community is for the contract to be (IPC) and the creation of a major infrastructure planning terminated with immediate effect. Cassidian and the unit (MIPU) in a new, more streamlined and efficient Department for Communities and Local Government planning inspectorate. The MIPU will be responsible have reached an acceptable settlement over this although for examining applications for major infrastructure the details will remain commercially confidential. development and providing high quality advice to Ministers. 143WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 144WS

For the majority of schemes, decisions will be taken planning framework that covers all forms of development by the Secretary of State responsible for the policy: the and sets out national economic, environmental and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change will social priorities. take decisions on major energy infrastructure and the The planning system is vital to the re-building of Secretary of State for Transport will take decisions on Britain’s economy.We need to reinvigorate our construction major transport infrastructure. and development industries and the investment that We envisage that applications relating to hazardous goes with them and to ensure that we develop and waste will be determined by the Secretary of State for protect our national assets. We need a planning system Communities and Local Government, and that applications which encourages the idea that development can positively relating to waste water and water supply will be determined benefit a community. We need a planning system that jointly by the Secretaries of State for Communities and enables local people to shape their surroundings in a Local Government and for Environment, Food and way that, while heeding national objectives and constraints, Rural Affairs. This is in line with the position prior to is also sensitive to the history and character of a given the establishment of the IPC. location. We need participation and social engagement The Government are determined to ensure that a enabling communities to formulate a positive vision of return to ministerial decision-making does not mean a their future development. return to slow and protracted consideration of applications. The Localism Bill sets out a legislative framework for It supports the fast-track approach established through achieving these goals. the 2008 Planning Act, that is to say that decisions will The Government have made it clear that with the be taken within 12 months of commencement of an exception of nationally important projects, planning application’s examination. We will set up a ministerial should be a local matter. The role of central Government group to oversee the effectiveness of the regime and is to determine and define environmental, economic explore whether additional efficiencies can be made to and social priorities for the country and design a planning speed up the process further. system which helps ensure a pattern of development The work plan confirms the Government’s intention that matches these priorities and local aspiration. This to press ahead with the development of national policy role is currently fulfilled through legislation, and through statements and indicates a timetable for their production the suite of planning policy guidance notes (PPGs) and and designation. The Government have made clear minerals policy guidance notes (MPGs), and more recently their position on additional runways at London’s three planning policy statements (PPSs) and minerals policy major airports and their priority is to create a sustainable statements (MPSs). framework for UK aviation rather than to produce a national policy statement at this time. These documents, which run to over 1,000 pages, set out central Government policy on various aspects of National policy statements should have the strongest development and land use to local planning authorities, possible democratic mandate and subject to the passage who must legally have regard to them when drawing up of the Localism Bill, they will in future be subject to their local development frameworks. They are also often approval of the House of Commons following relevant to making decisions on planning applications. parliamentary scrutiny by the House of Commons, the They cover broad policy themes such as planning aspects House of Lords or a Joint Committee of both Houses. of climate change, housing, renewable energy, flood For those national policy statements which are currently risk, green belt and waste, and also procedural themes subject to public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny, such as how to compile local development plans. it is the Government’s intention to adopt a similar, informal approach for parliamentary approval to that The Government believe that the current suite of set out in the Localism Bill. planning policy statements and guidance notes is too centralist in its approach, and too long and cumbersome National policy statements will continue to be the for councils and developers to use effectively. There is primary documents by which decisions are made on no over-arching integrated statement of the Government’s schemes which fall within the 2008 Planning Act regime priorities for the country and the role which planning for major infrastructure. Decisions must be made in can play in delivering them. accordance with them, although the Secretary of State will also have to take into account any other matters Therefore the Government will produce a simple considered both important and relevant to the decision. national planning policy framework setting out their Those matters can include policy contained within the priorities for the planning system in England in a single, new national planning policy framework on which I concise document covering all major forms of development have made a separate statement to the House today. proposals handled by local authorities. All the national A copy of the work plan has been placed in the planning policies set out in PPSs, MPSs, PPGs and Libraries of both Houses and is available at: http:// MPGs, will be integrated into a single document. www.communities.gov.uk/publications/ The national planning policy framework will set out planningandbuilding/mipworkplan the Government’s views on how the planning system in England can contribute to the delivery of a prosperous, competitive and attractive country based on the values National Planning Policy Framework of freedom, fairness and responsibility. The framework will set broad economic, environmental and social priorities and how they relate to each other, but will ensure that The Minister of State, Department for Communities the majority of planning decisions are made at the local and Local Government (Greg Clark): The coalition level, with the minimum of interference from Whitehall. agreement states that the Government will publish and The framework will also set out a strong basis for present to Parliament a simple and consolidated national economic growth, a presumption in favour of sustainable 145WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 146WS development, as well as any further policy needed to We have confirmed that the national regulatory establish and implement neighbourhood plans. requirements will include a high level of energy efficiency, The Government will apply the following principles which has been incorporated into a revised code for when considering what the framework should contain. sustainable homes, to encourage practical experience. The framework will be: In July, we asked the Zero-Carbon Hub to advise on the national benchmark standard for on-site measures. I localist in its approach, handing power back to local communities to decide what is right for them; have now received the Hub’s initial findings; I am grateful for the work of the Hub with developers, green used as a mechanism for delivering Government objectives groups and other partners on this study. This is an only where it is relevant, proportionate and effective to do so; and important piece of work which will help us shape final decisions on the regulatory thresholds. We will also user-friendly and accessible, providing clear policies on making need to take account of decisions on the renewable heat robust local and neighbourhood plans and development management decisions. incentive and the Climate Change Committee’s recent advice on grid decarbonisation. We will announce our In the past, Governments have issued vast swathes of conclusions next year. non-statutory guidance in addition to policy. However, such guidance can unintentionally take on a force which Localities can already plan for zero-carbon development constrains rather than helps practitioners and users on today, using powers in the Planning and Energy Act the ground. This Government, therefore, believe that we 2008, where it is reasonable to do so and is consistent should keep central Government guidance to a minimum. with national planning policy, including relevant Accordingly, the Government will radically reduce the requirements on feasibility and viability, and relevant amount of guidance they issue and will work to withdraw regulation. Many local authorities are already demonstrating or shorten existing guidance wherever they can. their desire to drive performance in this area. The Government will publish and consult on a draft Many interested parties have argued for a community of the new national planning policy framework in 2011. energy fund, enabling zero-carbon to be met partly We will invite Parliament to hold a Select Committee through contributions to a fund used to reduce carbon inquiry on the framework during the consultation period, dioxide emissions, allowing developers to meet their so that it is subjected to additional democratic scrutiny. carbon obligations cost-effectively. In this respect, the recently confirmed community infrastructure levy provides For the time being national policy statements (which a mechanism for local authorities to achieve reductions are separate statutory documents published in accordance in carbon dioxide emissions locally, through investment with the Planning Act 2008, setting out the Government’s in local renewable energy infrastructure that supports policy on major infrastructure projects such as nuclear development in their area. It will be important that any power stations and ports) will not be included in the approach operates in a way that demonstrates transparently framework. Further detail on our approach to major that real carbon savings are achieved. We will now work infrastructure is set out in the work plan on major with local authorities and industry on how best to do infrastructure planning reform which I am also publishing that. today. Copies of the work plan have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and are available on the It will be important that people are able to take the Department’s website: best decision for their area. We recently launched community energy online to support local authorities http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/ planningsystem/planningpolicy/planningpolicyframework and others who want to introduce local energy schemes. We will also work to incorporate material on local This Government have a commitment to greater energy planning into a local standards framework, providing transparency and openness in developing their policy. accessible, robust options to underpin local choice. To begin the process of writing the framework, therefore, and in advance of formal consultation on a draft, I New homes are an important part of new development, invite organisations and individuals to offer their suggestions but not the whole picture. to the Department on what priorities and policies we I can announce that we will follow a similar process might adopt to produce a shorter, more decentralised for new non-domestic buildings as for new homes. The and less bureaucratic national planning policy framework. Government’s policy is progressively to raise the national Details of how to do so have been placed on the regulatory requirements for non-domestic buildings between Department for Communities and Local Government now and 2019, enabling them to be zero carbon from website. I would be pleased to receive proposals by 2019. We will maintain consistency between the domestic 28 February 2011. The Department will also organise a and non-domestic frameworks as far as it is practical, number of roundtable discussions with key organisations but will consider taking a different approach on some to promote debate on the framework. elements, where the diversity of the non-domestic stock or the nature of the commercial market justifies that. We are today publishing on the Department’s website Zero-Carbon Buildings the findings of the consultation exercise on policy options for zero-carbon new non-domestic buildings that was concluded earlier this year. The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant We are currently undertaking detailed technical work Shapps): This Government are committed to ensuring to underpin the development of future national regulatory that new build homes post-2016 do not add extra carbon standards. We expect also that off-site measures could dioxide emissions to the atmosphere—while ensuring be supported using the same approaches as for homes, that the costs of building new homes do not prevent and will investigate this possibility further so it will be appropriate and sustainable development. open for local areas to use a community energy fund 147WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 148WS through the community infrastructure levy to achieve of the multiplex operation which are contestable and the zero-carbon standard for non-domestic buildings the multiplex will be operated on a not-for-profit and should they wish to do so. open book basis. In future our homes—indeed, all our buildings—will need to be cleaner, greener and cheaper to run. This Olympic and Paralympic Games (Legacy) Government will continue to deliver the tools to make this a reality. The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): This statement is to set out the Government’s priorities for the legacy from the CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. Further detail of the Government’s plans is provided in the Government’s Radio and Television Transmission (Irish Language) legacy plan “Plans for the Legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games”, copies of which will be placed The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media in the Libraries of both Houses today. and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): In the Belfast (Good In the coalition agreement we committed ourselves to Friday) agreement in April 1998, the UK Government producing a safe and secure games that leave a lasting undertook to explore the scope for achieving more legacy. Our task is not only to ensure that the games are widespread availability of the Irish language television a success as iconic sporting occasions but also that we station, Teilifis na Gaeilige (TG4) in Northern Ireland. make the most of the games for the nation. We, as The UK Government fulfilled this commitment by the Government, will focus on four areas in doing this: construction of a new transmitter at Divis. This, combined Harnessing the United Kingdom’s passion for sport to increase with the analogue overspill signal from transmitters in school-based and grass-roots participation in competitive Ireland, means that TG4 is currently available, on a sport—and to encourage the whole population to be more free-to-air basis to approximately 60% of the population physically active; in Northern Ireland. Exploiting to the full the opportunities for economic growth offered by hosting the games, particularly with reference to Once the analogue signals in Northern Ireland and inward investment and tourism; Ireland are switched off by the end of 2012, arrangements Promoting community engagement and participation in need to be put in place to enable TG4 to be received in voluntary work across all groups in society through the a digital form. In this context, a memorandum of games; and understanding was signed by the Irish and UK Ensuring that the Olympic park can be developed after the Governments in February 2010, committing them to games as one of the principal drivers of regeneration in east working together on the technical arrangements for London, with particular focus on the digital and creative post-switchover provision of TG4. industries. The two Governments are pleased with the amount This is a statement on behalf of the UK Government. of progress made since the signing of the MOU in However the games’ legacy is being driven across the ensuring and expanding the provision of Irish television UK and beyond by a rich variety of organisations, services, including Irish language services, in Northern communities and individuals, including: the London Ireland. Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Following a broad range of technical work, the two Games (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority Governments have now agreed that the most effective (ODA); the British Olympic Association (BOA) and way to provide for the continuing provision of TG4 is British Paralympic Association (BPA); Sport England by building a new, low power TV multiplex in Northern and UK Sport; the Mayor of London, the Olympic Ireland. In addition to carrying TG4, this multiplex, Park Legacy Company and the host boroughs (Barking which will be part of the UK DTT system, will also and Dagenham, Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower carry RTÉ 1 and RTÉ 2. Hamlets, Waltham Forest); the Nations and Regions Group established by Government and LOCOG to It is hoped that this will further increase the coverage achieve maximum benefits from the games and their of these channels in Northern Ireland, enabling legacy across the UK; devolved Administrations in the approximately 90% of the population in Northern Ireland nations and a large number of other local authorities to receive their services on a free-to-air basis, either across the UK; the games’ sponsors and other businesses; through overspill as before or via the new multiplex. and many third sector organisations operating at national The existing analogue signals will be switched off on and local levels. A small number of examples of the a co-ordinated basis in Ireland and Northern Ireland at great work already going on across the country are the end of 2012 and much more work needs to be done included in the Government’s legacy plan, but there between then and now. Digital UK, the not-for-profit are many hundreds of others. organisation that is leading the digital switchover in the UK, will be ensuring that viewers in Northern Ireland have all the necessary information to help them make DEFENCE the switch to digital and know what sort of equipment to buy if they want to receive these services. Afghanistan Other arrangements that need to be put in place include the establishment of a joint venture between The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): RTÉ and TG4 to run the multiplex which will be Following a request by the International Security Assistance licensed under the UK’s Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 Force (ISAF) Joint Command in Afghanistan a Company by Ofcom at the request of the UK Government. This Group, formed around elements of the 2nd Battalion will be a not-for-profit company. In addition, the licensee The Royal Welsh, from Task Force Helmand and partnered will have to put out to competitive tender all the elements by a company from the Afghan national army, will 149WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 150WS temporarily extend their current Freedom of Movement mental health care service for former members of the task along Highway One. The area of operations will armed forces in six national health service trusts extend east into Kandahar province, adjacent to Helmand, across the UK. The final pilot, in Scotland, is due to be for a specific time-limited period of up to six months. completed in April 2011. The objective of the task is to secure “Freedom of Independent evaluation of the pilots by the University Movement” along a key part of Highway One, between of Sheffield Centre for Psychological Services Research, central Helmand and Kandahar. This will enable ISAF which my Department commissioned, has been completed. and the Afghan national security forces to increase I am announcing today the publication of their independent security in both Helmand and Kandahar provinces. It evaluation report. will further benefit security, stability and economic The report identifies key components of successful development in Helmand by reducing the influence of services and makes a number of recommendations. The the insurgency on the free flow of traffic on Highway Department of Health will consider the report and examine One. Improving security on the route will ensure that it how its recommendations fit with existing and planned is freely usable by the Afghan authorities, commercial enhancements to NHS veterans mental health services, users and the local population. including those recommended by the my hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison). “Equipment, Support and Technology for UK Defence A copy of the report will be placed in the Library of and Security: A Consultation Paper” the House and also on the websites of the University of Sheffield and the Ministry of Defence. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Peter Luff): I am pleased to lay in Parliament a Green CABINET OFFICE Paper entitled “Equipment, Support and Technology for UK Defence and Security: A Consultation Paper”. Voting Entitlement The first duty of Government is the security of our nation. It is therefore essential that the UK equips itself The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark with the right tools to tackle current and future threats. Harper): A bar on sentenced, serving prisoners voting The convergence of defence and security that underpinned was first put in place in 1870. Successive Governments the strategic defence and security review means that we have maintained the position that, when an individual should seek to bring together our approach to equipment, breaks their contract with society by committing an support, and technology in both the defence and security offence that leads to imprisonment, they should lose the sectors. I have therefore worked with the Minister for right to vote while they are incarcerated. Security in preparing this Green Paper to reflect our Five years ago, in a case known as Hirst (No.2), the new approach. We have also included cyber security as Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human a separate section because it is a new and fundamental Rights ruled that the existing statutory bar on convicted challenge. prisoners voting was contrary to article 3, protocol 1 of Our default position is to use open competition in the the European Convention on Human Rights—the right global market; to buy off-the-shelf where we can; and to free and fair elections. to promote open markets in defence and security capabilities. The Court ruled that barring convicted prisoners in We will take action to protect our operational advantages detention pursued a legitimate aim, but that a blanket and freedom of action, but only where essential for ban was not proportionate. In its judgment, the Court national security. acknowledged that the right to vote under the first The UK currently enjoys a strong industrial presence protocol was not absolute, and that contracting states in the defence and security markets and export success to the European Convention had to be given a margin abroad in those markets; last year, defence and security of appreciation—a broad discretion—to decide what exports achieved around £8.5 billion revenue. We are limitations on that right would be proportionate. committed to doing more to promote exports of both That judgment was handed down in October 2005. defence and security products from the UK to responsible The last Government stated clearly and repeatedly that nations, as well as to boost the role of small and they would implement the judgment, published a timetable medium-sized enterprises, both in their direct and indirect for legislation, and issued two consultation papers about supplies to the Government and their agencies. how to do so. But they did nothing. The result is that The Green Paper is available online at http:// the United Kingdom stands in breach of international defenceconsultations.org.uk/. The formal public law obligations—obligations that we expect others to consultation period will run from January to March uphold—and prisoners are bringing compensation claims 2011. We would encourage all interested parties to as a direct result of the last Government’s inaction. contribute to the debate. The Government plan to publish In November 2010, the European Court of Human a White Paper on these issues in 2011. Rights handed down a further judgment against the Community Veterans Mental Health Pilots UK, Greens and MT. In that judgment, the Court set a deadline for the introduction of legislation of August 2011. There are in the region of 2,500 claims before the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence European Court of Human Rights which have been (Mr Andrew Robathan): The Government are committed suspended pending implementation. We have been given to providing effective, through-life, health services for a window to act and it is right that we do so. If we do our service and ex-service personnel. not, we only increase the risk of damages. As part of this commitment, the Department of It is plain that there are strong views across Parliament Health and devolved Administrations, with support and in the country on the question of whether convicted from the Ministry of Defence, have piloted a new prisoners should be entitled to vote. However, this is not 151WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 152WS a choice: it is a legal obligation. So the Government are rely on deliveries of heating oil to heat their homes. announcing today that we will act to implement the Heating oil is also used by smaller commercial customers, judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. In notably, with demand focused in the agricultural sector. deciding how to proceed, we have been guided by three Overall, UK heating oil demand is around 3.7 million principles. First, that we should implement the Hirst tonnes per year with domestic demand accounting for judgment in a way that meets our legal obligations, but some 60%. Demand is seasonal with around two thirds does not go further than that. Secondly, that the most of heating oil consumed between October and March. serious offenders will not be given the right to vote. The recent severe weather has significantly disrupted Thirdly, that we should seek to prevent the taxpayer the distribution of heating oil to customers across the having to face future claims for compensation. UK, particularly, but not only, in Scotland. The severe The Government will therefore bring forward legislation weather—notably—low temperatures and heavy snow, providing that the blanket ban in the existing law will be has caused considerable disruption to road networks replaced. Offenders sentenced to a custodial sentence of which has affected suppliers’ ability to make deliveries four years or more will lose the right to vote in all particularly to more remote areas away from the strategic circumstances, which reflects the Government’s clear road network. This has resulted in delivery backlogs view that more serious offenders should not retain the which suppliers have been working hard, in difficult right to vote. Offenders sentenced to a custodial sentence circumstances, to reduce. of less than four years will retain the right to vote, but legislation will provide that the sentencing judge will be There are around 200 fuel distributors in the UK who able to remove that right if they consider that appropriate. work hard throughout the year to supply their customers. Four years has in the past been regarded as the distinction Many of these companies are small businesses, some between short and long-term prisoners, and the Government with perhaps only two or three delivery vehicles. A consider that permitting prisoners sentenced to less tanker will make an average of 16 domestic deliveries than four years’ imprisonment to vote is sufficient to per day covering some 180 miles to make these deliveries. comply with the judgment. The bulk of the time in making a delivery is taken up by the travel between the vehicle’s base and the customer The right to vote will be restricted to UK Westminster and between customers. Some larger suppliers hold Parliamentary and European Parliament elections only, their own stocks at smaller depots but others pick up and not in other elections or referendums. That is the from fuel terminals “off rack” purchasing product on minimum currently required by the law (a case considering the spot market. Modern road tankers deliver fuel to whether article 3, protocol 1 applies to elections to the the customer’s storage tank via a dedicated fuel delivery Northern Ireland Assembly is currently before the European system. Court of Human Rights: the Government’s position is that they do not). Prisoners will vote by post or proxy, Tackling this backlog is challenging for the industry and will be entitled to register to vote not at the prison, at a time when, due to the cold weather, they have been but at their former address or the area where they have a facing significantly higher demand than is usual at this local connection. time of year. This challenge has been exacerbated by We believe that these proposals can meet the objectives delays to deliveries due to the state of road network in that we have set out of implementing the judgment in a parts of the UK, and customers bringing forward deliveries way that is proportionate; ensuring the most serious that would usually have been made in the new year. offenders will not be given the right to vote; and seeking However, prompt action to relax regulations on drivers’ to prevent future claims for compensation. We will hours has enabled drivers to work for longer each day, bring forward legislation next year for Parliament to making more deliveries and helping to manage the debate. backlog. While the franchise is reserved to Westminster, the Distributors are doing all they can to prioritise deliveries implementation of this policy will clearly have implications to vulnerable customers and those running short on for Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the fuel. Working with DEGG, the Federation of Petroleum administration of justice is devolved. The Government Suppliers has issued a voluntary code of practice to its will work closely with colleagues in the Scottish and members to help them prioritise orders to those most in Northern Ireland Administrations before legislation is need. We are also putting in place arrangements with introduced on the practical implications of the approach. distributors through the relevant trade associations, the Governments have an absolute duty to uphold the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers and UK Liquid rule of law. And at this of all times we must avoid Petroleum Gas, for distributors to alert local authorities risking taxpayers’ money in ways that the public would when they are aware of a risk that potentially vulnerable rightly condemn. In the light of this, and of the legacy households will run short of heating oil. Similarly we left by the last Government, the only responsible course have asked local authorities, and other local responders is to implement the judgment, and to do so in a way to be aware of these risks and, taking account of local which ensures the most serious offenders continue to circumstances, to consider what assistance they can lose the right to vote. provide to potentially vulnerable households who may need support over the Christmas and new year period. Hospitals do not tend to use heating oil, although a ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE reducing number of NHS organisations are reliant on Domestic Heating Oil Supplies gas oil for stand-by use, fuel for generators, for boiler maintenance or dual fuel needs. Hospitals normally operate with higher levels of fuel reserves at this time of The Minister of State, Department of Energy and year, and, at present, we understand that there are no Climate Change (Charles Hendry): Many households reported problems owing to a lack of gas oil deliveries across the UK without access to the natural gas grid to NHS trusts. 153WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 154WS

The severe weather has also led to a very high forecast The strategy “Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives” was of demand for gas today. Last night this led National published on 3 March 2010. This Government have Grid to issue a day-ahead Gas Balancing Alert for made a very clear and firm commitment to drive forward Monday 20 December at 6.28 pm. The GBA trigger work to tackle the disadvantage which people with level for today (20 December) is set at 452.40 million autism and their families sadly so often face, and to step cubic metres. National Grid currently expect demand up the pace to deliver that strategy. for the day will be 461.57 million cubic metres (though The purpose of this guidance is to secure the it should be noted this figure is constantly updated). implementation of the Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives This figure is 97 million cubic metres above the normal strategy. It gives guidance to local authorities, NHS seasonal demand (more than 26%). The expected demand bodies and NHS foundation trusts on issues set out in being higher than the trigger level obliged National the Autism Act. This guidance will help these bodies to Grid to issue the GBA. develop services that support and meet the locally identified The Gas Balancing Alert (GBA) is a tool that National needs of people with autism and their families and Grid uses to make sure there is enough gas in the carers and enable local transparency and accountability. system. The GBA has the effect of signalling: As set out in section 3 of the Autism Act, this to shippers to increase supplies on to the network, for guidance is to be treated as though it were guidance example, by increasing flows through imports and releasing issued under section 7 of the Local Authority Social gas from storage; and, Service Act 1970 (LASS Act). This means that local to large users, including power stations, that they should authorities must reduce demand for gas (for example, in the case of power “follow the path charted by the guidance, with liberty to deviate portfolio generators, to switch to alternative sources such as from it where the authority judges on admissible grounds that coal.) there is good reason to do so, but without freedom to take a As such GBAs are simply a part of the portfolio of substantially different course.” mechanisms which help the market to operate effectively. Though the LASS Act does not directly apply to NHS When each of the GBAs were issued last winter the bodies, the Autism Act makes clear that for the purposes market responded well, closing any potential gap between of this guidance supply and demand by bringing on additional supplies “an NHS body is to be treated as if it were a local authority and reducing demand from large users. There is currently within the meaning of the LASS Act”. no expectation of any disruption to domestic customers The guidance focuses on the key areas required by the or commercial customers unless they have interruptible Act, in each case identifying what health and social contracts in place. That said, we are never complacent services bodies are already expected to do, and setting about security of supply and National Grid continues out any additional requirements introduced by the strategy. to keep us informed as the situation develops and we An underlying principle is to avoid new burdens. are making changes through the Energy Bill to improve This guidance has been informed by an extensive further the security of gas supply, by conferring powers consultation on draft guidance between July and October on Ofgem to sharpen commercial incentives for the this year. effective management of low-probability, high-impact events. The Secretary of State has a duty, under the Autism Act, to keep the strategy under review: as part of this, The issuance of a Gas Balancing Alert by National the guidance will also remain under review and will be Grid today is also a reminder of the significant efforts updated as required. being made by system and network operators, shippers, suppliers, storage operators and other participants in Transparency in Outcomes the gas market to deliver sufficient gas to meet the heightened demand brought on by the current severe weather. The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): Today marks the beginning of an important shift in focus for the NHS and public health, away from focusing HEALTH on politically motivated process targets, and towards what matters most: improving quality and delivering Adult Autism health outcomes that are among the best in the world. I am publishing the first NHS outcomes framework, The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul “The NHS Outcomes Framework 2011-12”, which will Burstow): I am announcing today the Government’s serve three purposes: publication of “Implementing Fulfilling and Rewarding provide a national level overview of how well the NHS is progressing, so far as possible with international comparisons; Lives”, guidance for local authorities and NHS provide an accountability mechanism between the Secretary organisations to secure implementation of the autism of State for Health and the NHS Commissioning Board: strategy.I launched this guidance at a conference convened and by the National Autistic Society on 17 December 2010. act as a catalyst for driving quality improvement and outcome A copy of the guidance has been placed in the Library. measurement throughout the NHS by encouraging a change Copies are available to hon. Members from the Vote in culture and behaviour, including a renewed focus on Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper tackling inequalities in outcomes. Office. This framework has been developed building on the This statutory guidance has been published in fulfilment proposals set out for consultation in “Transparency in of the requirements in the Autism Act 2009 that the outcomes—a framework for the NHS”, published in Secretary of State publish a strategy on services for July, and the nearly 800 responses to the consultation. adults with autism in England by 1 April 2010, and This first NHS outcomes framework looks only to set issue statutory guidance no later than 31 December 2010. the direction of travel for the NHS, and will not be used 155WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 156WS in this coming year for accountability purposes. No the NHS Commissioning Board will provide national patient levels of ambition are attached to the indicators. For and public oversight of health care providers’ funding plans 2011-12, the business, finance and performance rules for training and education, checking that these reflect its are set out in “The NHS Operating Framework for strategic commissioning intentions. GP consortia will provide this oversight at local level; and England 2011-12”. The NHS outcomes framework will the Centre for Workforce Intelligence will act as a consistent be refined annually, and the next iteration, for 2012-13 source of information and analysis, informing and informed will be published in 2011, and will be used to hold the by all levels of the system. proposed NHS Commissioning Board to account once This consultation is an opportunity to seek the views it takes its statutory place (subject to parliamentary of health care providers, health care professionals and approval). the wider public to inform the development of a new Alongside the NHS outcomes framework, I am framework for education and training and developing publishing a formal Government response to the the health care work force. consultation “Transparency in outcomes—a framework The consultation period will close on 31 March 2011. for the NHS”, an impact assessment and equality impact assessment for the first framework and technical detail on the indicators presented in the framework. HOME DEPARTMENT Today I am also publishing “Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Transparency in Outcomes—Proposals for a Passenger Name Record Agreements Public Health Outcomes Framework”, which seeks views on a new strategic outcomes framework for public The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): The health at national and local levels. This document was coalition Government are firmly committed to protecting proposed in the recent public health White Paper. the security of their citizens and to restoring and protecting This consultation is an opportunity to collect the civil liberties. views of public health professionals, NHS commissioners, The UK, in common with many other EU member local authorities, service providers, particularly the voluntary states and third countries, places considerable value on and independent sector, and all other interested parties. the collection and analysis of passenger name record The consultation will close at the end of March 2011. (PNR) data (those data collected by carriers in the Both outcomes frameworks have been designed so exercise of their business) for the purposes of combating that where joint working and alignment is essential to terrorism and organised crime. The appropriate use of improving outcomes, the NHS and Public Health England PNR data is vital in keeping the public safe. are held to account for working together. In line with this view the Government continue to All documents have been placed in the Library. Copies press for an EU PNR directive that includes provision are available to hon. Members from the Vote Office and for intra-EU flights. The Government also believe that to noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office. clear PNR agreements between the EU and third countries play a vital role in removing legal uncertainty for air Work Force Education and Training Consultations carriers flying to those countries, and help ensure that PNR information can be shared quickly and securely The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): with all necessary data protection safeguards in place Today I am publishing a consultation document seeking where appropriate. views on proposals set out in the White Paper, “Equity We are firmly committed to consistency in our approach and Excellence: Liberating the NHS” (Cm7881). We are to civil liberties and will seek to translate our domestic consulting on proposals to create a new framework for agenda to the EU level—purpose limitation; rigorous education and training of the health care work force. evidence-based arguments; the principles of necessity Under these proposals, health care providers will be and proportionality; stringent data protection safeguards, given responsibility for planning and developing the especially when handling sensitive personal data; work force, while the quality of education and training independent data protection oversight; and, of course, will remain under the stewardship of the health care full compliance with EU law and the EU treaties. professions. On 21 September the European Commission (EC) “Liberating the NHS: Developing the Healthcare published a communication on the global approach to Workforce” has been placed in the Library. Copies are transfers of passenger name record (PNR) data to third available to hon. Members in the Vote Office and to countries (which proposed a set of common principles noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office. The consultation on sharing data with third countries) alongside a package is also available at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/ of draft negotiating mandates for PNR agreements Liveconsultations/DH_122590. with Australia, Canada and the United States. In response to the Commission recommendations, on 18 October “Liberating the NHS: Developing the Healthcare the Council presented a draft Council decision to authorise Workforce” further develops the education and training the Commission to open negotiations for PNR agreements commitments in the White Paper that: with Australia, Canada and the US together with draft Health care employers and their staff will agree plans and negotiating guidelines (collectively referred to as negotiating funding for work force development and training; mandates). education and commissioning will be led locally and nationally by the health care professions; working with employers; We fully recognise the importance of working with the professions will have a leading role in deciding the partners outside the EU, given that the threats we face structure and content of training and quality standards; are global in nature. Notably, we will continue to engage all providers of health care services will pay to meet the costs closely with the US on PNR and data protection; both of education and training with transparent funding flows of which are crucial to our ability to co-operate with the supporting the level playing field between providers; US on improving US and EU security. We will though 157WS Written Ministerial Statements20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 158WS ensure that the exchange of data with such partners working group established to conduct the review and we remains subject to rigorous data protection safeguards. agreed a set of high-level findings and next steps. This After due consideration of the importance of civil group included members of the motorcycle industry, liberties, data protection and security concerns, the trainers, riders’ representatives, road safety and local Government have decided to opt in to negotiating mandates authority bodies as well as DSA and DFT officials. I for three PNR agreements with Australia, Canada and will be placing the report on the Department’s website the US as they believe they will pave the way for www.dft.gov.uk and in the Libraries of both Houses. EU-third country agreements that strike the right balance While there is more work to be done on the detail, the between civil liberties, data protection and security of review has helpfully identified a set of changes to the the EU. As these mandates are currently restricted so as test which have the potential to deliver my objectives for to preserve the EU negotiating position they are not a new motorcycle test. My goal is to see the practical therefore depositable within Parliament. test delivered as a single on-road event in a way which The Government will continue to work with the will maintain riding standards, protect safety and increase Scrutiny Committees when it considers whether to opt accessibility of the test to all candidates. The work in to Council decisions to sign and conclude each third delivered by the group includes a new hazard avoidance country agreement. I will also in due course update manoeuvre which—subject to further trialling—can be Parliament on the Government’s opt-in decisions at carried out on the road, as well as ways to perform the these later stages. other specified manoeuvres on the road. The working group has also suggested that the slow manoeuvres NORTHERN IRELAND (manual handling, slalom, figure-of-eight, U-turn and slow ride) might better be examined at training centres, Parades Commission for Northern Ireland ahead of the main test, by delegated examiners employed by the training industry. It could be followed by a single The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen event on road test conducted by DSA, including the Paterson): I am pleased to announce the appointment remaining manoeuvres and the other elements of the of a new Parades Commission for Northern Ireland. I road-based test. This approach needs further development have appointed Peter Osborne as chair and Douglas with the training industry. Bain, Delia Close, Brian Kennaway, Catriona King, The next step for the review will be to hold wider Frances Nolan, and Robin Percival as members. They trials, with test-level candidates, to verify the standards, will all take up office on 1 January 2011. suitability and safety of the new manoeuvres, including The Parades Commission plays a vital role in ensuring a number of on-road sites, to establish the criteria for that there is a means of dealing with contentious parades safe on-road testing. This will be followed by public which allows for consideration of the rights of those consultation on the proposed changes. We will aim to who parade and those who are affected by parading. implement a new test by the end of 2011 or early 2012, I am confident that the new Commission brings a including on-road testing initially in priority areas which wealth of knowledge, skills and understanding, helping are poorly served by the current network of off-road the Commission to meet the challenges ahead and build test centres. Any changes to the manoeuvres would be on its considerable achievements over the last 12 years. implemented for all tests at all locations. Subject to further work on safety, cost and value for money, there TRANSPORT would be a phased introduction of on-road testing moving to general adoption as soon as possible. Changes Motorcycle Testing to the test will need to be monitored and kept under review to ensure that the review objectives are delivered in practice. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Penning): I am today publishing an interim report I am grateful to the members of this group for their on the review of motorcycle testing in Great Britain, work and note that many of them have given up their which I launched on 8 June 2010. Last week I met the own time to contribute to the review. 939W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 940W

Written Answers to £ Visit number Rail Air Hotel Questions 1 260 — — During the same period, overseas visits undertaken Monday 20 December 2010 by GEO staff are detailed as follows:

£ Visit number Rail Air Hotel PRIME MINISTER 1 232 — — North East 2 232 — — 3 262 — 150 Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Prime Minister on 4 262 — 139 what dates he has visited the North East since his 5 — 846 625 appointment; and what the purpose was of each such 6 443 — — visits. [31793] 7 — 469 — 8 234 — 140 The Prime Minister: I hope to visit the north-east 9 — 2,071 788 soon. 10 262 — 119 11 — 315 171 Schools: Sports 12 261 — — 13 217 — — Caroline Lucas: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant 14 217 — — to the answer of 9 December 2010, Official Report, 15 217 — — column 381W, on the Schools Sports Partnerships 16 — 269 — scheme, how many representations (a) his Office and 17 262 — 100 (b) the Department for Education received. [31952] As of 26 November 2010, the GEO is planning the The Prime Minister: My Office and the Department following overseas visits for officials in the next six for Education have received many representations on months: this issue. I refer the hon. Lady to the announcement The Council of Europe meeting on Equality between Women the Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. and Men in Strasburg on 8 to 10 December 2010; Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), The EU Commission High Level Group on Gender Mainstreaming has made on Schools Sports today. meeting in Budapest on 11 to 12 January 2011; and The 55th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York on 22 February to 4 March 2011. WOMEN AND EQUALITIES The costs of these visits under the relevant budget headings have not yet been confirmed. Equality Act 2010

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what assessment the Regulatory Policy ATTORNEY-GENERAL Committee made of the impact assessment on the implementation of the dual discrimination provisions Corruption in the Equality Act 2010. [31525] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Attorney-General what the Lynne Featherstone: The Regulatory Policy Committee Serious Fraud Office’s policy is on claiming costs in has issued its Opinion on the impact assessment for the transnational bribery and corruption cases for the dual discrimination measure. The Regulatory Policy purposes of funding further investigations. [28806] Committee’s Opinions are not currently published, although this policy is under review. The Attorney-General: The Serious Fraud Office does Government Equalities Office: Visits Abroad not claim costs in transnational bribery and corruption cases for the purpose of funding further investigations. Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for Women and The SFO will consider costs in each case of transnational Equalities how many overseas visits she expects (a) bribery and corruption as it does with all of its investigations Ministers and (b) officials in the Government into economic crime. Equalities Office to have undertaken at the end of 2010-11; and what estimate she has made of the costs Departmental Pay under each budget heading of each such visit. [24202] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Attorney-General how many Lynne Featherstone: Between 1 April 2010 and 30 staff employed by the Law Officers’ Departments were November 2010, the following overseas visits have been not paid at a rate equivalent to or above the London undertaken by Government Equalities Offices (GEOs) living wage in the latest period for which figures are Ministers: available. [31221] 941W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 942W

The Attorney-General: All London based staff employed Ministers recognise that we live in frugal times due to by the Law Officers’ Departments are paid at a rate the need to pay off the significant public deficit and higher than the London living wage. national debt that the Government have inherited from the previous administration. But there is no need to Domestic Violence: Prosecutions play Scrooge. In this context, a Christmas tree has been placed in Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Attorney-General the Department’s reception at Eland house which has how many domestic violence specialist prosecutors been provided at no cost to the taxpayer. This is in were practising in England and Wales in each year contrast to the previous cost of £1,037 for a Christmas since 2005. [31266] tree outlined in the parliamentary answer of 12 November 2009, Official Report, column 849W. The Attorney-General: All prosecutors and associate Ministers plan to hold one small reception for senior prosecutors were trained in domestic violence between DCLG staff to thank them for their hard work this 2005 and 2008 to ensure expertise in all cases. year. Their work includes the abolition of bureaucratic New staff are provided with brief induction training Comprehensive Area Assessment and other local red on domestic violence, and are required to undertake tape, stopping the imposition of bin taxes and the pre-course work, including a workbook on the Infonet unfair ports tax, and laying the ground for radical new and e-learning. This is followed by a one-day practical powers for local authorities through the Localism Bill. classroom course on domestic violence. Currently there The reception will be held in Eland House. Individual are just over 4,500 prosecutors and caseworkers employed divisions within the Department may hold Christmas by the CPS, all trained to deal with domestic violence lunches paid for by staff. cases. A Christmas quiz and Christmas fair are being held In addition, many CPS areas select dedicated prosecutors for staff to raise funds for the Civil Service Benevolent to work in their area’s Specialist Domestic Violence Fund. The fair included Christmas carols sung by the Courts (SDVCs). Environment, Transport and Communities choir, ETCetera, and by Westminster Cathedral primary school children. Witness Care Units: Finance Last year, the Department spent £2,855 of taxpayers’ money on Christmas cards. This year the departmental Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Attorney-General Christmas card, now with appropriate Christian imagery, how much funding the Crown Prosecution Service has been produced at no cost to the taxpayer and will be provided to witness care units in each year since 2005. sent electronically. Recognising the need to look after [31071] the vulnerable at this time of year, we are also supporting the homeless charity Shelter in the card. We will ensure The Attorney-General: The funding provided to witness that the right hon. Member is included on the distribution care units since financial year 2005-06 is shown in the list. following table. The funding includes the allocation made from Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) baseline Domestic Violence: Victim Support Schemes resources, and the net additional funding received externally:

£ million Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State External for Communities and Local Government how much CPS funding funding Total funding his Department has allocated for support to victims of domestic violence in each year since 2005. 2005-06 0.000 4.670 4.670 [31261] 2006-07 0.000 5.031 5.031 2007-08 2.481 4.834 7.315 Andrew Stunell: The provision of Supporting People 2008-09 2.481 2.600 5.081 housing related support services, including domestic 2009-10 2.481 2.600 5.081 violence provision, is a matter for local authorities to 2010-11 2.481 2.600 5.081 determine based on local needs and priorities. DCLG do not specify what portion of the Supporting People budget should be allocated to individual client groups. However DCLG, collect retrospective annual spend on COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT services for women at risk of domestic violence client group funded from the Supporting People programme. Christmas Details of spend are provided in the following table. Spend in England on housing related support services Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for for women at risk of domestic violence funded by the Communities and Local Government how many Supporting People (SP) programme. Christmas parties and drinks receptions his Department plans to host in December 2010. [30663] SP spend on Women at risk of women at risk domestic violence Robert Neill: As the Secretary of State indicated in Financial of domestic Total SP spend spend as a % of his departmental press notice of 29 November 2010, the year violence (£000) (£ billion) local SP spend new Administration is committed to celebrating Christmas, 2009-10 70,939 l,660 4.3 including its Christian heritage. We should not allow 2008-09 66,878 l,640 4.1 politically correct Grinches to marginalise Christmas 2007-08 64,523 l,628 4.0 and the importance of the birth of Christ. 943W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 944W

Homelessness: Greater London SP spend on Women at risk of women at risk domestic violence Financial of domestic Total SP spend spend as a % of Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for year violence (£000) (£ billion) local SP spend Communities and Local Government what his most 2006-07 61,645 1.643 3.8 recent estimate is of the number of homeless people in 2005-06 59,333 1.682 3.5 London. [30792]

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State Grant Shapps: Information about local authorities’ for Communities and Local Government how much discharge of their duties under homelessness legislation funding his Department has allocated for support to is collected on quarterly PIE returns. Summary information victims of domestic violence in each year of the about English local housing authorities’ actions under comprehensive spending review period; and if he will the homelessness legislation (Part 7 of the Housing Act make a statement. [31262] 1996) is collected at local authority level, and published by the Department in the quarterly Statistical Release Andrew Stunell: The allocation of funds for domestic on Statutory Homelessness, available both in the Library violence provision is a matter for local authorities to of the House and via the DCLG website: determine based on local needs and priorities. However, http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ throughout the spending review we have been guided by housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/ a commitment to fairness, protecting the most vulnerable publicationshomelessness/ people in our society and as far as possible protecting Data collected includes the number of households frontline services. We have secured investment of £6.5 accepted by local housing authorities as eligible for billion for the Supporting People programme over the assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, next four years, which equates to an average annual and therefore owed a main homelessness duty (to secure reduction of less than 3% in cash terms. Local areas will that suitable accommodation is available). If a settled continue to take decisions informed by local need in home is not immediately available, the authority must commissioning housing-related support services for victims secure temporary accommodation until a settled home of domestic violence. becomes available and this information is also collected. During the July to September quarter 2010, 2,630 Homelessness: Easington households were accepted as owed a main homelessness duty in London. At the end of September 2010, there Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State were 36,960 households in temporary accommodation for Communities and Local Government what estimate in London. he has made of the (a) short-term and (b) long-term Information is also collected on rough sleeping. Since effects on levels of homelessness in Easington 1998, only councils in areas with a known, or suspected, constituency of his Department’s spending reductions. rough sleeping problem were required to conduct an [31202] official rough sleeper count—which meant that only 70 councils submitted information to central Government. Grant Shapps: This Government are committed to Figures published in July 2010 showed that under this preventing homelessness. We have protected Homelessness previous method, on any given night there were 440 Grant funding, with £400 million over the spending rough sleepers in England. However, when the remaining review period. This will be made available to local 256 councils provided estimates of the scale of the authorities and the voluntary sector to support their problem in their areas, this added a further estimated work to tackle homelessness. We have made an additional 807 rough sleepers—taking the national total to 1,247 £190 million available for discretionary housing payments rough sleepers on any given night, of which 317 were in and other forms of practical support alongside the London. Government’s package of welfare reform measures. We Rough sleeping figures are published by the Department have also minimised reductions to the supporting people on the DCLG website: programme with £6.5 billion investment secured over the next four years. http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ statistics/roughsleepingcount2010 Detailed allocations for local authorities were published on 13 December as part of the provisional local government Under new guidance all councils across England will settlement. This is available on the Department’s website now provide information on rough sleeping. This move at: follows consultation with homelessness charities and councils and is aimed at getting a clearer picture of the http://www.local.communities.gov.uk/finance/1112/ specgrant1112/index.htm scale of the problem in each area so more targeted support can be provided to some of the most vulnerable It will be for local authorities to determine their in society. spending priorities taking account of local circumstances. The Department for Communities and Local Government has not produced any estimates of the potential impacts Homelessness: Housing Benefit of these decisions in the Easington constituency. I also refer the hon. Member to my letter of 20 Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for October 2010, on the Spending Review’s Settlement for Communities and Local Government whether he plans Housing, a copy of which is available in the Library of to alter the definitions of voluntary and involuntary the House. It outlines our plans to build more affordable homelessness as part of his proposed changes to homes and renovate rundown housing stock. housing benefit. [30999] 945W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 946W

Grant Shapps: The Government have no plans to Planning: Referendums amend the definition of intentional homelessness in Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (the homelessness Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for legislation). Communities and Local Government whether his Department has made an estimate of the cost to the Housing: Construction public purse of implementing local referendums to approve local neighbourhood plans for a parish of (a) Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for 3,000, (b) 5,000 and (c) 10,000 households. [30693] Communities and Local Government what mechanism will be used to calculate the rate at which formula grant Greg Clark: We will be publishing an Impact Assessment is redistributed from local authorities (a) in each on our Neighbourhood Plan proposals in due course region and (b) at each tier to fund the New Homes which will outline how the changes will increase sustainable Bonus. [30109] development and deliver monetised benefits to local authorities and developers. Grant Shapps: The spending review has secured almost £1 billion of funding to support the New Homes Bonus Regional Planning and Development: Finance and any funding required above that will be top sliced from formula grant. The Secretary of State for Communities Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for and Local Government, my right hon. Friend the Member Communities and Local Government when he expects for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), announced the to announce his plans for the future of the Growth Government’s formula grant proposals for the next two Areas, Growth Points and Eco-Towns Grant. [30765] years on 13 December 2010, Official Report, column 679. Grant Shapps: The Growth Fund will not continue into the next spending period, and I refer the right hon. Mobile Homes Member to the Local Growth White paper published on 28 October 2010, which sets out a range of policies Mr Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for and incentives to support locally led growth, including Communities and Local Government what steps he eco-development and eco-towns. plans to take to improve the means of redress for park I note that the previous Administration cut Growth home residents; and if he will make a statement. Fund funding for 2010-11 in a written ministerial statement [31804] of 15 December 2009, Official Report, column 94WS, and declined to commit to future funding in an answer Grant Shapps: I announced on 14 July that, subject to given on 5 January 2010, Official Report, column 219W. parliamentary approval, I intended to transfer most dispute resolution under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 Residential Premises from county courts to residential property tribunals. This will provide park home residents with a cheaper, Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for quicker and easier means of redress than currently Communities and Local Government how many exists through the courts. The transfer will take place residential premises deemed problematic in each ward next spring. of each local authority area were closed in each of the I am also looking at what other measures could last three years. [31809] usefully be taken to help protect park home owners. Andrew Stunell: The information requested is not Multiple Occupation: Licensing held centrally.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many houses in multiple occupation were licensed under (a) SCOTLAND mandatory, (b) selective and (c) additional licensing in each local authority area in each year since the Departmental Press Releases introduction of licensing. [31417] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Grant Shapps [holding answer 16 December 2010]: Scotland on how many occasions his Department has The collection of data centrally by DCLG on the register provided embargoed media briefings prior to an oral of licensed houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) has statement to the House since 26 May 2010; in respect of been suspended and its continued collection is subject how many such briefings his Department was informed to an internal review of all DCLG statistical data that the embargo had been breached; what steps were collections as part of the new Government’s goal of taken as a result of each such breach; and on how reducing the burdens of data reporting requirements on many occasions his Department has provided media local government. On 17 December 2010 DCLG published briefings without an embargo prior to an oral a first draft of the single local government data list and statement to the House since 26 May 2010. [31909] will engage the sector to identify areas where burdens could be reduced further. Definitive numbers of licensed David Mundell: Neither the Secretary of State nor I HMOs are available from the registers held by local have made an oral statement to the House since 26 May authorities. 2010. 947W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 948W

Higher Education: Finance Members: Travel

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr MacShane: To ask the Leader of the House if he Scotland what assessment he has made of the likely will bring forward proposals to make extended travel effect on universities in Scotland of the consequences within the UK available to hon. Members on the same of implementation of (a) the Higher Education (Basic basis as extended travel to Europe. [32095] Amount) (England) Regulations 2010 and (b) the Higher Education (Higher Amount) (England) Sir George Young: The rules governing extended travel Regulations 2010. [32327] are a matter for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. David Mundell: The Secretary of State for Scotland and I are in regular discussion with a range of organisations, such as Universities Scotland and NUS Scotland, about the effect of Government policy on Scotland. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan: Overseas Aid

WALES Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made Departmental Public Expenditure of the proportion of his Department’s aid provided to Afghanistan which has been diverted from its intended Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for purpose in the latest period for which figures are Wales what recent estimate she has made of the effect available. [31270] of the increase in the standard rate of value added tax Mr Andrew Mitchell: DFID aid in Afghanistan is on her Department’s annual expenditure. [31175] safeguarded as far as possible given the security situation. Mr David Jones: Officials have considered the change Money allocated to the Government of Afghanistan is in value added tax and made adjustments in our budget channelled through a multi-donor trust fund managed to accommodate the increase. by the World Bank and monitored by an external agent. It is provided on a reimbursement basis and only released once proof of legitimate expenditure has been provided. Welsh Language Schemes DFID has rigorous systems and procedures in place across all its programmes to ensure effective financial Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for oversight of its funding and to ensure that aid achieves Wales when her Department last published a Welsh maximum value for money and both reaches and delivers language scheme in accordance with the provisions of results for its intended recipients. This Government will the Welsh Language Act 1993; and at which web take the strongest action where such abuse of UK funds addresses these can be accessed in (a) Welsh and (b) is proven. DFID’s Counter Fraud Unit takes a robust English. [31156] approach to investigating and pursuing allegations of unintended use. Mr David Jones: The Wales Office agreed with the Welsh Language Board a revised Welsh Language Scheme Africa: Education for the Department in March 2010. The scheme is published on the Wales Office website, Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for and it can be found in Welsh at: International Development how much his Department http://www.swyddfa.cymru.gov.uk/amdanom-ni/y-cynllun- allocated to the Financial Education Fund in the most iaith-gymraeg/ recent year for which figures are available; and what and in English at: plans he has for future funding for financial education http://www.walesoffice.gov.uk/about/welsh-language-scheme/ and services in developing countries in Africa. [31745] Mr O’Brien: The Department for International Development (DFID) has allocated £1,257,058 to the LEADER OF THE HOUSE Financial Education Fund (FEF) for the 2010-11 financial year. Departmental Pay FEF is using a challenge fund mechanism to test the effectiveness of different approaches to improving consumers’ financial capability. Overall, 15 projects are Lisa Nandy: To ask the Leader of the House how being supported in various African countries including many staff employed by his Office were not paid at a an educational drama programme in Kenya which has rate equivalent to or above the London living wage in so far reached over seven million people, and an initiative the latest period for which figures are available. [31215] for rural young women in Zambia. Over the next year we will evaluate the evidence from FEF, communicate Sir George Young: The Office of the Leader of the the lessons learned within DFID and to the wider House of Commons joined the Cabinet Office in 2007. development community and then explore how these I refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend results can support further financial education initiatives the Minister for the Cabinet Office. in developing countries. 949W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 950W

Colombia: Human Rights Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development has no London or UK based staff paid at Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for a rate equivalent to or below the London living wage in International Development what assessment he has the latest period for which figures are available. made of the role of, and assistance provided by, his Department to Colombia in ensuring appropriate action against human rights violations. [31884] Departmental Procurement

Mr O’Brien: The Department for International Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State Development (DFID) does not provide direct assistance for International Development what steps (a) his to the Government of Colombia. DFID provides assistance Department and (b) the non-departmental public through multilaterals and civil society organisations in bodies for which he is responsible have taken to comply Colombia. The UK pays particular attention to human with the guidance of the Office of Government rights as part of our bilateral dialogue with the Government Commerce on promoting skills through public of Colombia. procurement issued in 2009. [31321] The work of civil society partners is critical for the respect and promotion of human rights across Latin Mr Duncan: The Department for International America, particularly in the areas of impunity, land Development (DFID) implemented a change to its restitution and improved security for human rights invitation to tender processes in 2009 in response to the defenders. An independent mid-term evaluation of DFID’s Office of Government Commerce publication of guidance Latin America Partnership Programme Arrangement on promoting skills through public procurement. in 2010 found examples of: Our standard invitation to tender document encourages “effective social mobilisation of groups that have historically suppliers to provide training and apprenticeship been marginalised, of increasing recognition by duty-bearers of opportunities in their work force for DFID contracts the legitimacy of the rights and interests of these groups, and of where it is appropriate to do so, and that they should reforms to policy and legislation that have been made as a result.” encourage their sub-contractors to offer such opportunities Human rights defenders in Colombia have informed us as appropriate. that visible and ongoing UK and international support continues to help guarantee their security. Departmental Public Expenditure Departmental Location Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent estimate he has International Development whether any members of made of the effect of the increase in the standard rate his Department’s Management Board are based in of value added tax on his Department’s annual East Kilbride. [31128] expenditure. [31181]

Mr Duncan: No member of the Department for Mr Duncan: Department spending review settlements International Development’s (DFID’s) executive are set on a tax-inclusive basis, including the increase to management board is based in East Kilbride. Members the standard rate of value added tax (VAT). The of the management board visit the DFID office in East Department for International Development (DFID) is Kilbride between once and three times a month and entitled to reclaim the standard rate of VAT when there are frequent video conferences and virtual discussions purchasing a service which is included in the “Contracting with staff involving the management board. The most Out Direction” issued by HM Treasury. Where DFID is senior member of DFID staff based in East Kilbride is unable to reclaim the VAT this will be borne out of the Director for Value for Money. existing budgets. Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he considered the Developing Countries: Health Services relocation of jobs out of London as part of his Department’s contribution to the comprehensive spending review. [31135] Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he Mr Duncan: The Department for International has had with international organisations on user fees Development (DFID) has two UK headquarters, located and access to health care services in developing in London and East Kilbride. We are transferring 70 countries. [31115] posts from our London office to East Kilbride where we have around 500 staff. We will keep under review the Mr O’Brien: The Secretary of State has had discussions potential for further relocations. with international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) about user fees and access to health care services in Departmental Pay developing countries. Department for International Development (DFID) officials have been working with Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for all the relevant organisations, including the World Bank, International Development how many staff employed the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, by his Department were not paid at a rate equivalent to on issues related to user fees and access to health care. or above the London living wage in the latest period for We are specifically supporting WHO to implement which figures are available. [31226] the World Health Report on health financing. 951W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 952W

Food Retail Industry Challenge Fund Mr O’Brien: The UK Government have supported significant research into the impacts of cotton subsidies Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for on African farmers, including US cotton subsidies. International Development how much his Department These subsidies have a significant negative impact on (a) allocated to the Food Retail Industry Challenge farmers in developing countries and their removal is a Fund in the most recent year for which figures are key objective of the UK Government. available and (b) plans to allocate to the fund in each We will continue to press the US bilaterally on this of the next three years. [31746] issue. However, successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) will be the key driver of Mr O’Brien: The Department for International reform. In 2005, WTO members committed to treat Development (DFID) has allocated grants totalling cotton subsidies “ambitiously, expeditiously and specifically” £1,837,080 to the Food Retail Industry Challenge Fund within the DDA. The UK is at the forefront of countries for the period 2009-10 to 2012-13. Funds are released pressing for conclusion in 2011. when projects achieve agreed milestones. Projects supported to date include bringing new teas from Rwanda and Welsh Language Kenya, coffee from the Democratic Republic of Congo and a chocolate drink from Sao Tome. Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when his Department last Decisions on future funding to the Food Retail Industry published a Welsh language scheme in accordance with Challenge Fund have not yet been made. DFID is the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993; and at currently reviewing all our aid programmes to ensure which web addresses these can be accessed in (a) Welsh UK aid is effective, represents value for money for the and (b) English. [31168] UK taxpayer and accelerates growth towards the millennium development goals. Mr Duncan: The Department for International Overseas Aid Development (DFID) does not have a Welsh Language Scheme but works in consultation with partner organisations, such as the Welsh Assembly, to provide Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for major policy documents in Welsh as and when required. International Development what steps his Department is taking to ensure that funds paid to developing Yemen: Overseas Aid nations are spent on the projects to which they have been allocated. [31375] Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International plans to give to Yemen in aid in (a) 2010-11 and (b) Development (DFID) has rigorous systems and procedures 2011-12; and to which projects such aid will be to ensure effective financial oversight of its funding and allocated. [31281] to ensure that aid reaches and delivers results for its intended recipients. Where funds are paid direct to Mr Duncan: In 2010-11 the Department for International governments, we protect them from unintended use by: Development (DFID) has allocated £50 million to Yemen. carefully assessing the risks and ensuring that our This has been committed to the following projects. assessments are checked by external experts; making Social Fund for Development sure that governments have a credible reform programme Social Fund for Development—Cash Transfer Programme to improve their financial management and reporting systems, and providing technical support to help them Basic Education Development Project do so; and using safeguards to prevent misuse of funds, Secondary Education Development and Girls Access Programme for example, by ensuring procurement is approved by Maternal and Newborn Health someone outside national systems, conducting audits of Justice and Policing particular sectors, and tracking money from the Ministry Humanitarian Assistance Programme of Finance to ensure it gets to the right place. International Finance Corporation Private Sector Development. The UK Government have a zero tolerance approach In June 2010 the Secretary of State for International to corruption, and we will take the strongest action Development commissioned a review of all DFID’s where such abuse of funds is proven. DFID’s Counter bilateral aid programmes. Funding allocation for 2011-12 Fraud Unit takes a robust approach to investigating will be made after the review has concluded early next and pursuing allegations of unintended use. For example year. DFID has suspended funding to the Kenyan Ministry of Education after an audit report into the use and Zimbabwe: Health Services management of education funds in Kenya found that UK aid could not be accounted for. All unaccounted Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International funds identified in this first audit have now been fully Development what assessment his Department has made recovered. of the adequacy of (a) urban and (b) rural health services in Zimbabwe. [31282] USA: Cotton Mr O’Brien: The UK works closely with partners to Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State continually assess the health situation in Zimbabwe. For for International Development what assessment he has example, we support a survey every three months that made of the effect of US cotton subsidies on farmers in looks at basic infrastructure, staffing, and stocks of developing countries; and if he will make a statement. essential drugs and commodities in over 1,000 health [31898] facilities across the country. 953W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 954W

Health services across Zimbabwe, in both urban and in conflict situations includes a specific section on our rural areas, are inadequate and the country is seriously efforts in Afghanistan. One of our objectives is to off track to meet its health related millennium development strengthen and protect women’s rights and to promote goals. This is why supporting improvements in health access to effective remedy of violations of these rights. care delivery is a major focus of our work in the country. In Zimbabwe, the number of mothers dying in Aung San Suu Kyi childbirth has increased four fold since 1990 and more children are dying before their fifth birthday. Doing even more on maternal and child health is a development Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for priority of the coalition Government. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with Aung San Suu Kyi; and if he will make a statement. [31964]

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Mr Jeremy Browne: Aung San Suu Kyi’s release from house arrest was long overdue and warmly welcomed Afghanistan: Christianity by the Government. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister spoke to her on 15 November and assured her Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign of the Government’s support. Our ambassador to Rangoon and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking in has met her frequently in the month since her release, support of the human rights of Christians who have most recently on 15 December. The Government condemn been imprisoned, tortured or persecuted as a consequence attempts by the military regime to force the dissolution of seeking to practise their faith in Afghanistan. [31558] of the National League for Democracy (NLD). The huge number of Burmese people who greeted Aung San Alistair Burt: Working with the international community, Suu Kyi’s release on the streets of Rangoon demonstrate we continue to monitor the situation of Christians in that the NLD continue to have widespread popular Afghanistan and to remind the Afghan Government of appeal. The Government urge the military regime to its duty to abide by its national and international work with all democratic and ethnic groups towards commitments on freedom of religion and belief. achieving national reconciliation. Afghanistan: Corruption Burma: Politics and Government Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for made of progress in reducing the level of corruption in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to press the Government of Burma to Afghanistan since 2008. [31278] grant political freedoms to Burmese citizens. [31954] Alistair Burt: Corruption remains a serious concern for the Afghan Government, Afghan citizens and the Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government remain deeply international community. It hampers socio-economic concerned about the actions of the military regime development and undermines the legitimacy of the which continues to deny fundamental freedoms to the Afghan Government and their ability to deliver services people of Burma. The UK played a leading role at the to the Afghan people. Asia-Europe summit in May, where the EU pressed the Burmese Foreign Minister to respect human rights. Since 2008, the Afghan Government have committed These issues have also been raised with Burma’s regional to a number of steps to tackle corruption and build neighbours in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations independent institutions to monitor and drive progress (ASEAN), on my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s in this area. We and our international partners have visits to India and China and in human rights bodies welcomed these commitments. Progress to date has including most recently the UN General Assembly, been slower than we would like with only partial where the EU secured a strongly-worded resolution implementation in some areas. We continue to press the which catalogued the continuing human rights abuses Afghan Government to intensify their efforts. We also in Burma. continue to provide practical support on anti-corruption. Afghanistan: Females Christmas

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his Department is taking to prevent (a) forced marriage, Department has to (a) host Christmas parties and (b) (b) enslavement and (c) violence against women in purchase Christmas trees and decorations; and what Afghanistan. [31389] estimate he has made of his Department’s expenditure on such activities in 2010-11. [30702] Alistair Burt: We continue to encourage the Afghan Government to implement the human rights legislation Alistair Burt: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary that it has committed to, including the law on the will be hosting a Christmas reception for diplomatic, elimination of violence against women. parliamentary, media and other contacts. This event The UK’s national action plan on women, peace and replaces two events held previously. This year we expect security which identifies how UK defence, diplomacy the cost of the event will be £9,823. Last year the cost and development work can empower and protect women was more than £16,000. 955W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 956W

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not Departmental Libraries purchased any Christmas trees or decorations in 2010-11. Three Christmas trees have been donated to the office Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for by Facilities Management Client Unit (FMCU) contractors Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what expenditure (Compass, Interserve and G4S). his Department incurred on the employment of (a) The Foreign and Commonwealth office will be holding historians and (b) librarians in each of the last 13 a Christmas party for staff who will have to purchase years; and if he will make a statement. [30682] tickets to attend. £3,600 from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office budget has been allocated for Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office the party. This will meet various set-up costs (such as (FCO) does not maintain a central record of the expenditure hire of tables and chairs and a public address system). on previous historian and librarian staff and it would Ticket sales will meet the costs of food and drink. incur disproportionate cost to establish such historical Public funds will not be used to fund the purchase of expenditure for each of the last 13 years from relevant food or drink. staff file records. Conflict Prevention The FCO currently employs a historians team of seven full-time staff (including two members of staff on Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign secondment from the Department for Environment, and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make arrangements Food and Rural Affairs and the National Archives) and to discuss with Parliamentarians the development of three part-time staff, at a total average salary cost in his Department’s Building Stability Overseas strategy. 2010-11 of £324,309. An e-library service has been [31810] provided to staff since the closure of the FCO library in March 2008. Three full-time staff are currently employed Mr Bellingham: Following the commitment made in to support the e-library service, at a total average salary Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), the cost in 2010-11 of £94,058. Government will publish a Building Stability Overseas Strategy (BSOS) by spring 2011. The National Security Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Strategy (NSS) makes clear our commitment to a dialogue Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements with a broad range of stakeholders to build a shared are in place for his Department’s officials to access his understanding of the security challenges we face and Department’s historical records; in what format such what we are doing and need to do to tackle them. records are made available to his Department’s staff; Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and if he will make a statement. [30683] Ministry of Defence and Department for International Department are currently planning detailed consultations, Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office to be held early in the new year to ensure that the (FCO) selects and transfers records to The National Building Stability Overseas Strategy is developed with Archives (TNA) after 30 years. Some records are retained key partners, including parliamentarians. in the FCO archive (under the provisions of the Public Records Act) and others are held closed at TNA (under Denmark: Dolphins the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act). Arrangements are in place with the TNA whereby the Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for FCO can order back any material required by FCO Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has officials, both closed and open records. Retained records made recent representations to his Danish counterpart are also available for FCO officials whenever required. on dolphin hunting. [30874] Any records currently requested from TNA will be in Mr Lidington: The Government are aware of the paper format as the FCO has not yet transferred any strength of feeling in the UK about the killing of pilot electronic records. This also applies to FCO records whales (a term which also includes Calderon dolphins) which are currently retained by the Department. in the Faroe Islands. Our position on the hunting of Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for cetaceans (marine mammals) is clear in that we support Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what analysis was the International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium undertaken of the merits of his Department’s historical on commercial whaling and oppose all forms of cetacean library prior to the decision to close it. [30701] hunts, other than limited whaling operations by indigenous people for subsistence purposes. Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office I have not yet had any contact with my Danish (FCO)’s historical library collection was transferred to counterparts on this issue. However, we raise the issue Kings College London in 2007 following an internal of whale hunting in the Faroe Islands with Denmark on review conducted in 2003, the establishment of an Advisory a regular basis at official level. This was discussed at the Committee in 2006 which oversaw a tender exercise to annual meeting of the Agreement on the Conservation assess the merits of the bids received, and the laying of of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, a Departmental Minute before both Houses of Parliament Irish and North Seas in October, at which Denmark regarding the “gift” of the FCO historical collection to was represented. At this meeting, the UK raised concerns Kings College London. The FCO and King’s College over the increasing frequency and diversity of these hunts. London set up a limited company—in effect a charitable We will continue to make our opposition to whaling trust—to hold title to the collection. The decision to known to Denmark at every appropriate opportunity. close the physical library was taken in 2007 following a We will argue that the actions of the Faroe Islands review conducted by external consultants. Consequently undermine the credibility of the IWC as an effective the remaining 20,000 volumes in the physical library organisation for the conservation of cetaceans worldwide. were transferred to Kings College London and the 957W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 958W physical library closed in March 2008. The FCO is Alistair Burt: Spend by the Foreign and Commonwealth confident that Kings College London is proving to be Office (FCO) and the British Council on press cutting an excellent custodian of the historical library especially services for each of the last 12 months is listed in the as it is now the most heavily used of King’s special following table. collections and has never before been made accessible to the public. £ (Excluding VAT) Departmental Pay FCO British Council 2009 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the highest November 13,730 2,443 annual salary his Department paid in each of the last December 13,307 2,236 five years was. [28556] 2010 Alistair Burt: In each of the last five years the highest January 12,987 2,120 annual salary paid by the Foreign and Commonwealth February 11,164 2,766 Office did not exceed £190,000. March 14,674 2,653 Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign April 10,327 2,921 and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK-based staff May 10,452 1,855 employed by his Department were not paid at a rate June 10,819 1,765 equivalent to or above the London living wage in the July 10,714 1,636 latest period for which figures are available. [31223] August 9,024 1,813 September 8,479 1,926 Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office October 8,195 1,920 does not employ any staff at a rate below the London living wage in its London offices. The FCO is also obliged to purchase an annual Departmental Press: Subscriptions licence fee from the Newspaper Licensing Agency (NLA) in order to deliver electronic press cuttings. In 2010-11, Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for this cost £70,755 (excluding VAT). The FCO does not Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to which local pay for this by month but makes an annual payment newspapers his Department had a subscription each year, which runs from 1 April 2010 to 31 March between June 2007 and May 2010; on what date each 2010. Prior to 2007, the FCO had a paper cuttings such subscription started; and what the cost to the service. When we moved to the more environmentally public purse was of such subscriptions. [24430] friendly digital service, the NLA increased its fee as the digital information can now be provided across the Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office whole of the FCO’s worldwide network rather than just (FCO) does not hold the information in the format in the UK. requested and to do so could be done only at disproportionate cost. For the period 1 November 2009 to 31 October 2010, Globally, the FCO has spent the following, per financial the British Council spent £17,251 (excluding VAT) on year, on newspaper and magazines. NLA payments. The FCO’s other non-departmental public bodies did not spend anything on press cutting £ services during this period.

2007-08 820,000 2008-09 382,000 Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009-10 451,000 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his 2010-11 (April and May) 59,944 Department spent on press cuttings services in each year since 1997. [28142] Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much (a) his Department and (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which Alistair Burt: Spend by the Foreign and Commonwealth he is responsible spent on press cuttings services in each Office (FCO) on press cutting services for the last seven of the last 12 months. [25489] years is listed in the following table.

£ Press cutting services Newspaper Licensing Agency

April 2004 to March 2005 288,943 1,905 April 2005 to March 2006 270,011 1,880 April 2006 to March 2007 314,049 2,044 April 2007 to March 2008 350,658 6,176 April 2008 to March 2009 257,338 28,243 April 2009 to March 2010 213,925 71,822 April 2010 to October 2010 68,012 70,755 959W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 960W

We cannot separate costs prior to 2004 without incurring in the North Falklands Basin on 6 May 2010. However, disproportionate costs. The FCO is also obliged to thus far, no companies have announced hydrocarbons purchase an annual licence fee from the Newspaper finds in commercially viable quantities. We will need to Licensing Agency (NLA) in order to deliver electronic wait for the results of the continuing exploration before press cuttings. Prior to 2007, the FCO had a paper we can make any assessment about long-term prospects cuttings service. When we moved to the more for the industry. environmentally friendly digital service, the NLA increased its fee as the digital information can now be provided Foreign Nationals: Honours across the whole of the FCO’s worldwide network rather than just in the UK. Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Procurement Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to enable UK honours to be awarded in Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State recognition of voluntary work in the local community for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps (a) to non-British or Commonwealth citizens who are his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) the non- resident in the UK. [31576] departmental public bodies for which he is responsible have taken to comply with the Guidance of the Office Mr Bellingham: Substantive UK honours can be of Government Commerce on promoting skills awarded to citizens of countries where Her Majesty The through public procurement issued in 2009. [31329] Queen is Head of State (UK Realms). Dual nationals (one of which is the UK) resident in the UK are eligible Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office for substantive awards. (FCO) incorporated the Office of Government Commerce Non-British and non-Realm Commonwealth nationals (OGC) guidance document ’Promoting Skills through are eligible for honorary awards. Clearance has to be Public Procurement’ into its Procurement Guidance sought from the respective foreign government before and uses FCO UK-based construction procurement to an award is made. Honorary awards are not included in promote the use of apprentices as part of supplier work the birthday and new year honours lists but are published forces. on the Foreign and Commonwealth website as and FCO Services, a trading fund of the FCO, also supports when they are awarded. the OGC guidance. The nature of the work means that fully qualified staff are sent to locations overseas which Ilois: Resettlement limits the scope for suppliers’ apprentices. However, FCO Services, as a supplier of the FCO currently has 40 Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for apprentices. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he Wilton Park and non-departmental public bodies expects the former inhabitants of the Chagos Islands to such as the Westminster Foundation for Democracy settle permanently in the British Indian Overseas and the Great Britain China Centre are small organisations Territory. [31931] who do not undertake procurement of this nature. The British Council follows the guidance but rarely enters Mr Bellingham: The Government are continuing to into construction contracts in the UK. defend the claims for resettlement and further compensation which the Chagos Islanders have brought to the European EU Law Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. This is because we believe the arguments against allowing resettlement Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign on the grounds of feasibility and defence security are and Commonwealth Affairs how many EU directives clear and compelling. Nor do we see the case for are pending transposition into domestic legislation by compensation as this has already been paid in full and his Department; and what estimate he has made of the final settlement of all claims. Both of these issues have cost of each such transposition. [27495] already been decided by the UK courts. Mr Lidington: No EU directives are pending Iran: Baha’i Faith transposition into domestic legislation by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Therefore, the FCO has made no estimate of the cost of transposition. Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Falkland Islands: Offshore Industry reports he has received on the detention of Jinous Sobhani in Iran. [31742] Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he Alistair Burt: I am aware of the case of Jinous has received on progress on exploration of oil and gas Sobhani, reportedly sentenced to two years’ imprisonment reserves in Falkland Islands territorial waters; and in Iran. I have not received any recent reports from the what assessment he has made of any likely date for Iranian authorities on her case, but have asked my commencement of commercial exploitation. [31929] officials to investigate her situation. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I have repeatedly Mr Jeremy Browne: Hydrocarbons exploration resumed expressed our concern at the human rights situation in in Falkland Islands waters in February 2010. Five wells Iran. Last week, our ambassador in Tehran raised our have so far been drilled. Rockhopper Exploration concerns about the fate of human rights defenders announced an oil discovery in their Sea Lion prospect directly with the Iranian authorities. 961W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 962W

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Iran: North Korea Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the imprisonment of (a) Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Haleh Rouhi, (b) Sasan Taqva and (c) Raha Sabet in and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has Iran. [31743] received of the level of (a) military and (b) nuclear co-operation between Iran and North Korea; and if he Alistair Burt: I am aware of reports that Haleh Rouhi, will make a statement. [31716] Sasan Taqva and Raha Sabet, three Baha’is, have been detained in Shiraz in Iran. I have not received any recent Alistair Burt: The UK remains deeply concerned by report from the Iranian authorities on their cases, but both Iran’s and North Korea’s nuclear programmes. have asked my officials to investigate their situation. My The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I have network of proliferation activities, including to countries repeatedly expressed our concern at the situation of the such as Iran, are a threat to regional and international Baha’i community in Iran, and urged the Government security. The UN Panel of Experts to the 1718 Sanctions of Iran to cease all harassment of all religious groups. Committee published a midterm report in November 2010, which indicated that Iran and the DPRK were Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign co-operating in the development of ballistic missiles. and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations We strongly support the tough sanctions imposed by to the Iranian government on the imprisonment of the UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874, which Baha’i leaders Mrs Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr Jamaloddin are designed to curb the range of weapons of mass Khanjani, Mr Afif Naimi, Mr Saeid Rezaie, Mrs Mahvash destruction and conventional arms related proliferation Sabet, Mr Behrouz Tavakkoli and Mr Vahid Tizfahm. activities undertaken by the DPRK. UN Security Council [31907] Resolution 1929 also requires countries to take steps to ensure that shipments of weapons and proliferation Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for sensitive goods en route to Iran are stopped. We continue Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent to work closely with international partners to ensure discussions he has had with the government of Iran on that these measures are robustly implemented. the imprisonment in Iran of leaders of the Baha’i faith. [31741] Iran: Nuclear Weapons

Alistair Burt: I remain deeply concerned about the Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign ongoing detention of seven leaders of the Baha’i faith and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps he (a) has in Iran. I raised their cases with the Iranian ambassador taken and (b) plans to take in the next two years to in London immediately following their sentencing to 20 ensure that shipments of illegal weapons do not reach years in prison in August. My right hon. Friend the Iran; what discussions he has had with his UN counterparts Foreign Secretary also highlighted their plight in a on such issues; what has been the outcome of such statement, expressing our concerns about the serious discussions; and if he will make a statement; [31717] flaws in due process in this case and describing the (2) what steps he has taken to prevent Iran from sentence as unacceptable. I highlighted our concerns contravening the provisions of UN Security Council again in a statement in November. We continue to call Resolutions; and if he will make a statement. [31721] on the Government of Iran to urgently review their case, and to ensure that no-one in Iran faces imprisonment simply for practising their faith. Alistair Burt: The UK was a key player in securing UN Security Council Resolution 1929 in June 2010 which imposed strong sanctions on Iran. These include Iran: Capital Punishment the requirement for all states to ensure that shipments of weapons and proliferation sensitive goods to Iran are Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign stopped. We are committed to implementing these sanctions and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations robustly and are working closely with our international he has made to the Iranian Government on the stoning partners and through the 1737 Sanctions Committee to for adultery of (a) Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani and this end: (b) other women. [31586] http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1737/index.shtml

Alistair Burt: I have repeatedly raised the plight of Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani with the Iranian authorities, and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has as have my officials in Tehran and London. We have received from the International Atomic Energy Agency expressed our concern at the serious flaws in her case, on any development of atomic weapons by Iran; what including lack of proper legal representation, the use of discussions he had at the United Nations on this issue televised confessions and lack of transparency in the since September 2010; and if he will make a statement. legal process. We have also expressed our complete [R] [31718] opposition to the implementation of the death penalty in any form and in any circumstances, and in particular Alistair Burt: The most recent report by the International to the horrific punishment of stoning. We continue to Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General was urge the Iranian authorities to ensure her case is properly issued on 23 November 2010. The report sets out the conducted in line with due process, and that the death key concerns of the IAEA about Iran’s nuclear intentions penalty is not applied in any form. and reiterates that there has been no Iranian co-operation 963W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 964W with the IAEA on “possible military dimensions” to Ivory Coast: Elections Iran’s programme since August 2008. The agency makes clear that it Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for ‘remains concerned about the possible existence in Iran of past Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment or current undisclosed nuclear related activities, involving military he has made of the effects on regional peace and related organizations, including activities relating to the development stability of the recent election dispute in Ivory Coast. of a payload for a missile.’ [31595] The UK discusses these issues regularly in the UN 1737 Sanctions Committee. Mr Bellingham: As well as our concern for the internal http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1737/index.shtml stability of Cote d’Ivoire as a result of the current political crisis, there are risks to the wider region. There are large communities of Burkinabe and Malian nationals Iraq: Iran living in Cote d’Ivoire. There is a possibility that there would be a large flow of refugees to those countries Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign should the current situation in Cote d’Ivoire deteriorate and Commonwealth Affairs what report he has into widespread conflict. The Liberian authorities have received on the observation of the human rights of also expressed concern that former rebels might seek to Iranian refugees detained in Camp Ashraf. [31376] become involved in the situation in Cote d’Ivoire. The British Government will continue to stay in close touch with the governments of the region as well as the Alistair Burt: We have received reports from the United Economic Community of West African States to monitor Nations and the Government of Iraq on the situation in regional concerns. Camp Ashraf in recent weeks. The United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq have reported that the Iraqi Government have refused to allow some items such as Lebanon: Peacekeeping Operations stationery, beds and bicycles into the camp. However the Iraqi army, present inside the camp, have told us Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for that food, water and medical supplies have been allowed Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent to enter. Within the camp there is a hospital to which assessment he has made of (a) the security situation in the residents have access. southern Lebanon and (b) the role of the UN Interim The Iraqi Government have given assurances to us Force in Lebanon in maintaining peace and security in that no Ashraf residents will be forcibly transferred to a Southern Lebanon. [31596] country where they have reason to fear persecution, or where substantial grounds exist to believe they would be Alistair Burt: The situation in southern Lebanon tortured. remains calm since the border clash on 3 August. We We continue to encourage both sides to engage in continue to call on all parties to comply with United constructive dialogue that can lead to a lasting resolution Nations Security Council Resolution UNSCR 1701, to the residents’ current situation. which calls for full respect by Israel for Lebanon’s territorial integrity, and the disarmament of Hezbollah and other militias. We continue to work with Lebanon, regional and international partners to see UNSCR 1701 Iraq: Politics and Government implemented. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for continues to play a critical role in contributing to the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent peace and stability in southern Lebanon, as demonstrated assessment he has made of the political and security by their actions to prevent the border clashes between situation in Iraq. [32212] the Lebanese armed forces and Israeli defence forces on 3 August 2010 from escalating. Alistair Burt: The political situation in Iraq has been largely uncertain since the March 2010 elections. However, Middle East: Peace Negotiations the appointments on 11 November 2010 of the Speaker of the Council of Representatives Usama al Nujaifi, President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign constitute an important step towards stability. President and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has Talabani has formally invited Prime Minister Maliki to taken with his international counterparts to encourage form a Government. We have urged the Iraqis to complete Hamas to (a) accept the Quartet Principles and (b) this process swiftly and focus its attention on the multiple join the peace negotiation process; what response he challenges facing Iraq, including the security situation. has received to such steps from Hamas; and if he will The security situation in Iraq remains a concern. But make a statement. [31714] despite continued terrorist attacks, it is important not to lose sight of the progress that Iraq has made. There Alistair Burt: I refer my hon. Friend to my response remain those opposed to progress and intent on stirring of 22 November 2010, Official Report, column 77W. up sectarian tension, but the March 2010 elections and Hamas’ ideology of violence directly undermines the recent progress towards Government formation have prospects for peace in the region. We will continue to demonstrated the determination of the Iraqi people to call on Hamas, with international partners, to take follow the path of dialogue and democracy over violence immediate and concrete steps towards the Quartet principles and destruction. and to release Gilad Shalit unconditionally. 965W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 966W

Recent statements from Hamas show no signs that it global network of more than 250 posts overseas. These is moving in this direction. funds help ensure that our staff operate effectively and safely around the world. Nagorno Karabakh Her Majesty’s Treasury produced a Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses Command Paper (PESA 2010, Mr Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for CM 7890) earlier this year which is available at: Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the status of the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/pesa_2010_complete.pdf and the adjacent regions of Agdam, Kelbecer, Qubadli, According to the methodology used in that paper Fizuli, Cerbrayil, Zengilan and Lacin; and if he will (which allocates departmental spending to regions based make a statement. [30294] on who benefits from that spending, rather than where the spending takes place), per capita capital spending Mr Lidington: The UK does not recognise Nagorno- by the wider FCO family, including the BBC World Karabakh as an independent state. The future status of Service but excluding the British Council in the financial Nagorno-Karabakh and the security of the seven named years 2005-06 to 2009-10 was calculated as £0.10, £0.09, regions are vital questions that Armenia and Azerbaijan £0.11, £0.05, and £0.06 in both London and the north-west. must address as part of finding a peaceful settlement to On the same basis, the proportion of overall capital this conflict. The UK continues to encourage both FCO spend in London in the financial years 2005-06 to parties to make the necessary political compromises in 2009-10 was successively 0.5%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.2%, and order to achieve this. The UK further supports the 0.2%. In the north-west, it was 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.4%, 0.2% and efforts of the Minsk Group to deliver such a settlement 0.2%. on the basis of international norms and principles. North East Russia: Human Rights

Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Ministers and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he of his Department have visited the North East since has made of (a) levels of (i) press freedom and (ii) their appointment; and what the (a) date and (b) freedom of association and (b) observance of the right purpose was of each such visit. [31790] of assembly in the Russian Federation. [31084]

Alistair Burt: No Ministers have visited the North Mr Lidington: My right hon. Friend the Foreign East of England since their appointment to the Foreign Secretary discussed these issues with civil society groups and Commonwealth Office this year. during his visit to Moscow in October 2010. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office continues to monitor these Office of UK Permanent Representative to EC issues closely. Freedom of assembly and strong, independent media Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and civil society are essential to foster and protect and Commonwealth Affairs on what date the contract democratic freedoms in Russia, as elsewhere. of employment of the UK Permanent Representative to the EU will come up for renewal. [30916] We will continue to raise these issues with Russia, both in our bilateral contacts and with our EU partners. Alistair Burt: The UK Permanent Representative to the EU is an established member of HM Diplomatic Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Service and, as such, has a permanent contract of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent employment with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office assessment he has made of the level of respect for (FCO). The current Permanent Representative’s posting human rights in the Russian Federation. [31085] is scheduled to last for four years from 2007. But a number of factors, such as the need to ensure continuity Mr Lidington: During his visit to Moscow in October and the availability of any replacement, could affect the 2010 my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed exact timing of their departure. human rights issues with Russian non-governmental Public Expenditure organisations and the Russian Government. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office assesses the human rights situation in the Russian Federation on an ongoing David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for basis. Our view remains as set out in the answer given by Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what his my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 19 July Department’s capital expenditure per head was in (a) 2010, Official Report, column 62W,to the hon. Member London and (b) the North West in each of the last five for Ilford South (Mike Gapes). years; [21457] (2) how much and what proportion of his Russia: Prisoners Department’s capital expenditure was allocated to (a) London and (b) the north-west in each of the last five financial years. [21467] Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations Alistair Burt: The vast majority of capital expenditure he has made to the government of the Russian Federation by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) occurs on the case of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev. outside the United Kingdom in order to support our [31311] 967W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 968W

Mr Lidington: The Government are closely watching Sudan: Referendums developments in the case of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev, and have noted the decision of the Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for court to postpone the opening of the verdict reading Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions until 27 December 2010. It is not for the Government to he has had on ensuring a peaceful referendum in South comment on ongoing judicial processes. However, we Sudan and Abyei in January 2011. [31151] have consistently stressed to the Russian authorities the importance of fair and impartial trials, including through Mr Bellingham: My right hon. Friend the Foreign the EU and during our annual bilateral human rights Secretary led discussions on Sudan at a special session dialogue. of the United Nations Security Council on 16 November 2010. He also participated in a discussion of Sudan at South America: Diplomatic Service the European Foreign Affairs Council on 13 December 2010. He has raised the issue of Sudan with other Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign international and regional contacts. My right hon. Friend and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) UK-based the Foreign Secretary spoke to Vice President Taha on and (b) locally-employed staff his Department employs 13 December 2010. I spoke to Vice President Kiir on in its embassy in (i) Lima, (ii) Bogota, (iii) Buenos 5 December 2010. Aires, (iv) Santiago de Chile, (v) La Paz, (vi) Mexico In all these discussions, we have stressed the need for City and (vii) Caracas. [31212] the Southern Referendum to go ahead as scheduled on 9 January 2011 and our long-term commitment to Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office stability and security in both Northern and Southern employs approximately 45 staff in the British embassy Sudan, whatever its outcome. We support the work of in Lima, 80 staff in the British embassy in Bogota, 65 Thabo Mbeki as he hosts talks between North and staff in the British embassy in Buenos Aires, 55 staff in South under African Union/United Nations auspices to the British embassy in Santiago, 25 staff in the British discuss the Abyei region and wider Comprehensive embassy in La Paz, 110 staff in the British embassy in Peace Agreement issues. Mexico City and 50 staff in the British embassy in Caracas. These figures include UK-based civil servants Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for and locally employed staff. For operational and security Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment reasons, we cannot provide a more detailed breakdown. he has made of the security situation in southern Sudan in advance of the planned referendum in Sri Lanka: Politics and Government January 2011. [31594]

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Bellingham: The security situation in Sudan is of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment serious concern, particularly along the north/south border. he has made of recent reports that the Sri Lankan The Sudanese armed forces have targeted the Darfuri government has considered banning the Tamil version rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement, across of that country’s national anthem. [31579] the border in Southern Sudan. Tensions are particularly high in Abyei. The situation in Darfur also remains Alistair Burt: The Sri Lankan Government has tense, making humanitarian access difficult. We call on announced that it would adhere to the constitutional all parties to refrain from violence. status of the national anthem. According to the Sri Lankan constitution; the national anthem of the Republic Turkey: EU Enlargement of Sri Lanka shall be ″Sri Lanka Matha″. This is the Sinhalese version. It is unclear how this affects the Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Tamil version. and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he We regularly talk to the Sri Lankan Government on has made of progress on the EU accession negotiations minority issues and the necessity to protect the rights of involving Turkey. [31335] the minorities. We continue to urge them to take forward national reconciliation through a fully inclusive political Mr Lidington: Turkey has made good progress this process that addresses the underlying causes of the year on its accession process, with the September conflict. constitutional reform package addressing a number of accession priorities. The General Affairs Council on 14 Sri Lanka: State Visits December welcomed Turkey’s continued commitment to the negotiation process and the political reform agenda. Turkey has opened 13 of the 35 accession Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign chapters and has provisionally closed one chapter. Turkey and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost to the public faces challenges to its accession process as a result of its purse was of the recent visit to the UK of the President failure to open its ports to Cyprus and in the context of of Sri Lanka. [30081] the wider Cyprus problem. Alistair Burt: I refer the right hon. Member to the Uganda: Homosexuality answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick Herbert) gave him on Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 13 December 2010, Official Report, column 547W. and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations The Foreign and Commonwealth Office incurred no he has made to the Ugandan government on the Anti- costs due to the President’s visit. Homosexuality Bill. [31682] 969W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 970W

Mr Bellingham: Our high commission in Kampala CPI index. The exclusions include council tax, vehicle have taken every appropriate opportunity to engage the excise duty and television licence fees. More information Ugandan Government, including the Prime Minister on the CPI is available at: and other Ministers, on this issue and lesbian, gay, http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_economy/ bisexual and transgender rights in Uganda more generally. CPI_Technical_manual-2010.pdf We also supported a formal démarche by EU member For owner-occupied housing costs, the Chancellor states to the Ugandan Foreign Minister, and are continuing has asked the Governor of the Bank of England for his to raise our concerns with the Ugandan authorities. views on how the process to include housing costs into The British Government are opposed to any actions the CPI can be accelerated. The independent Office for that have a negative impact on the human rights of National Statistics (ONS), along with the national statistical Ugandans. This includes the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, offices of other European member states are working tabled by a private Member, which would further criminalise with the Statistical Office of the European Communities homosexuality if passed into law. (Eurostat), to assess the most appropriate approach for including an index of owner-occupier housing costs in the CPI in the future. Alongside this international agenda the CPI Advisory Committee, which is considering the TREASURY issue of housing costs in the CPI, recommended to the UK Statistics Authority in its annual report on 3 November Bank Levy that ONS should develop housing cost indices using the net acquisitions and rental equivalence approaches. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of revenue Corporation Tax which would accrue to the Exchequer as a result of setting the bank balance sheet levy applicable to assets Mike Freer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer over £20 billion at 0.075% in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, what assessment he has made of the effect on (c) 2012-13, (d) 2013-14, (e) 2014-15 and (f) 2015-16. corporation tax receipts of the removal of the salary [31004] sacrifice concession for travel and subsistence from assessments of business compliance with the national Mr Gauke: Setting the rate of the Bank Levy at minimum wage. [28036] 0.075% from 2011 onwards produces estimated yields of £1.9 billion for 2011-12 and £2.5 billion for 2012-13. Mr Gauke: There is no salary sacrifice concession for These estimates are made on the same basis as the travel and subsistence. Consequently no assessment has updated costings published in the Tax Information and been made of the effect on corporation tax receipts of Impacts Note (TIIN) and are not certified by the Office the removal of such a concession. for Budget Responsibility. These estimates have not taken account of any behavioural effect which might Debts: Advisory Services result from such a change to the rate. The yield figures for 2013-14 onwards are the same as those published in the TIIN. Tracey Crouch: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the merits Cheques: Rural Areas of establishing a statutory licensing scheme for debt management companies. [30526] Alun Cairns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects on (a) Mr Davey: I have been asked to reply. elderly people and (b) those living in rural areas of the All who provide debt management services are required withdrawal of cheques. [32190] to be licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Where the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has evidence of Mr Hoban: I refer the hon. Member to my letter of 10 unfair practices, action can be taken to refuse or revoke December 2010 to all Members of the House setting or place conditions on the consumer credit licence of out the Government’s position on cheques. those concerned. Following a review of compliance with its Debt Consumer Price Index Management Guidance, in September 2010 the OFT warned 129 debt management firms about identified Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the non-compliant business practices. The firms were instructed Exchequer whether he has considered the merits of to produce independently audited evidence confirming changing the methodology for the calculation of the action that they have taken to address the identified consumer price index to take account of changes in the areas of non compliance by the middle of December, level of (a) owner-occupied housing costs, (b) council and of the 129 firms, approximately 32 have indicated tax, (c) the television licence fee and (d) motor vehicle that they will surrender their licences, 87 firms have excise duty. [31506] agreed to comply and the OFT have initiated revocation action against 10 traders, but these figures may well Justine Greening: The coverage and classification of change. the Consumer Price Index (CPI) are based on the international classification system for household Tracey Crouch: To ask the Chancellor of the consumption expenditures, which recommends certain Exchequer if he will assess the merits of setting transactions such as taxes, other transfers, or capital minimum standards for the provision of debt advisory and financial transactions should be excluded from the services. [30527] 971W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 972W

Mr Davey: I have been asked to reply. have been granted. The OFT’s Debt Management Guidance All who provide debt advisory services are required sets out minimum standards for debt management to be licensed by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) companies in the marketing of their services, pre-contract under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. The OFT’s Debt contact, the provision of pre-contract information, contract Management Guidance (which was issued in 2001 and terms, advice and the nature of the debt management updated in September 2008) sets out minimum standards service provided. Where the OFT has evidence of unfair for debt management companies in the marketing of practices, action can be taken to refuse or revoke or their services, pre-contract contact, the prevision of place conditions on the consumer credit licence of those pre-contract information, contract terms, advice and concerned. the nature of the debt management service provided. Departmental Billing Work to update the guidance to make sure the guidance addresses new developments in the market is underway Mike Freer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and will be the subject of a public consultation in how many invoices his Department processed in the early 2011. last 12 months for which figures are available. [30752] Following a review of compliance with its debt management guidance significant action was taken by Mr Gauke: In 2009-10 HM Treasury processed 8,501 the OFT in September 2010 to warn 129 debt management invoices on behalf of the Treasury Group which comprises firms about identified non-compliant business practices, HM Treasury, the Debt Management Office and the including the provision of poor quality debt advice and Asset Protection Agency, information. Departmental Pay Tracey Crouch: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what quality standards his Department has Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer established for the debt management industry to ensure what allowances and payments in addition to salary that advice offered to prospective consumers of debt were available to officials in his Department and its non-departmental public bodies in each year since management services is in their best interests. [30528] 1997; and what the monetary value was of payments and allowances of each type in each such year. [18763] Mr Davey: I have been asked to reply. All who provide debt management services are required Mr Gauke: Details of allowances paid since 2005-08 to be licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. are shown in the following table. Information on allowances The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has a duty to ensure paid in earlier years is not available within the that applicants for licences are fit to engage in the disproportionate costs threshold. Rates of allowances activities for which they wish to be licensed, and to will be frozen in line with the announced two year freeze monitor the continuing fitness of those to whom licences in basic pay.

£000 Allowance 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Procurement — 1 16 21 25 Temporary duties — — 2 0 — Cost of living (overseas) 46 43 44 63 65 Hardship (low quality overseas accommodation) 1 — — — — Fast stream 1 5 11 15 5 Other(non pensionable) 3 — — — — Additional performance — — 56 88 50 Bursary (professional training) — 1 5 — — Language — — 10 9 9 Responsibility 16 20 40 106 205 Press Office 39 40 29 48 49 Private Secretary 170 196 216 193 225 Miscellaneous 4 7 18 28 18 On call and stand by — — —- 0 0 Typing proficiency 0 0 1 1 1 Meals (for working after 8pm) 8 9 10 11 12 Housing cost 10 7 9 3 3 Excess rent (overseas) 9 — — — — London (for senior civil service band 1 staff) 184 175 147 150 167 Internal audit 14 18 15 14 14 Accountancy 36 37 65 63 66 Clothing 5 1 2 1 — Indirect representation (overseas) 5 1 — — — Vehicle 2 1 2 — — 973W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 974W

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer The Department classifies cases based on their primary how many staff employed by his Department were not subject. The Department has not separately identified paid at a rate equivalent to or above the London living letters concerning Mortgage Express from those concerning wage in the latest period for which figures are available. Bradford and Bingley as Mortgage Express was a wholly [31222] owned subsidiary of Bradford and Bingley. Similarly this is an approximate figure as other letters may have Justine Greening: As at the end November, there were included complaints about Bradford and Bingley but no staff employed by HM Treasury who were not paid have been categorised under their primary subject. at a rate equivalent to or above the London living wage. Railways: Fares Departmental Public Expenditure Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Hywel Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2010, Official what recent estimate he has made of the effect of the Report, column 613W, on budgets: environmental increase in the standard rate of value added tax on his protection, what assessment his Department made of Department’s annual expenditure. [31176] the environmental impact of the implementation of the proposal in the Spending Review to increase the cap on Mr Gauke: The effect of the forthcoming VAT increase regulated rail fares to three per cent. above the retail has been taken into account for departmental budgets price index for three years from 2012. [26275] as defined in the spending review. Mrs Villiers: I have been asked to reply. Financial Services: VAT In my answer of 10 November, Official Report, column 334W, I explained the Department for Transport has Ian Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if not made a detailed estimate of the likely effects of he will assess the effects on the level of value added tax increases in rail fares on transport emissions. Although receipts of the change from payment of independent the announced fare increases may encourage some limited financial advisers by commission to payment by fees reduction in the rate of growth of rail travel, the overall from 2013. [31106] impact on carbon and air quality emissions is likely to be small. Mr Gauke: The implications of this change, and across all taxes, are being considered by a Treasury Research and Development Tax Credit Working Group. It is too early to assess any potential effect on VAT receipts. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Manpower Exchequer what plans he has for the future of the research and development tax credit. [31309] Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many members of staff worked for his Mr Gauke [holding answer 16 December 2010]: As a Department on the most recent date for which figures part of the plans for corporate tax reform, the Government are available. [31272] published a consultation on the support R and D tax credits provide for innovation, including the proposals Mr Gauke: Staffing figures are published annually in of the Dyson Review on 29 November 2010. The closing the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts. The date for responses is 22 February 2011. total number of members of staff (full time equivalents) Tax Allowances: Aggregates at 31 March 2010 was 1,350, as reported in the Annual Resource Accounts 2009-10. Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Members: Correspondence when he expects to submit to the European Commission evidence on behalf of Northern Ireland representatives Mr Spellar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the quarry industry in relation to the reintroduction when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. of the aggregates credit relief scheme. [31563] Member for Warley of 19 October 2010 on behalf of Mr York on beer taxation. [31700] Mr Gauke: Since the European General Court judgment in September which annulled state aid approval for the Justine Greening: I have replied to the right hon. aggregates levy credit scheme in Northern Ireland, officials Member. have been engaging with the European Commission to pursue reintroduction of the scheme at the earliest Mortgage Express and Bradford and Bingley: opportunity. Following a meeting in October, the Complaints Commission asked for evidence by Christmas to inform its reconsideration of the suspended scheme and the Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer scheme the Government are seeking to reintroduce. The how many complaints his Department received on (a) Government sent a response on Wednesday 15 December. Mortgage Express and (b) Bradford and Bingley in the latest period in which figures are available. [31989] Tax Credit

Mr Hoban: HM Treasury received approximately 2,017 Mr Sanders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer letters concerning Bradford and Bingley and Mortgage how many households received tax credit awards in Express between 2003 and December 2010. 2009-10. [31402] 975W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 976W

Mr Gauke: As at April 2010, 6.3 million families, last year suggested that heat and electricity from biomass containing 10.2 million children, were tax credit recipients could provide nearly a third of UK needs from renewables or were receiving the equivalent child support through by 2020 (about 4.5% of overall energy demand). Delivering benefits. our ambition for renewables will not be easy, we will This information is based on provisional snapshot need to ensure that the available mix of biomass feedstocks, data. More information on this data can be found at: both imported and domestically sourced, is sustainable http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc- and secure if we are to meet these ambitions. apr2010.pdf The Department has not assessed the UK’s ability to be self sufficient in the production of biomass. However, Taxation: Pensioners estimates provided by E4Tech in 2009 considered the technical potential for domestic biomass production for Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Chancellor of the bioenergy and suggested a maximum technical UK Exchequer whether discretionary awards of (a) a lump supply of almost 700PJ in 2020, raising to 900PJ in sum and (b) annual compensation made to former 2030. employees by local authorities in accordance with part Analysis undertaken suggested that we could need III of the Local Government (Discretionary Payments around 350-400PJ of solid biomass to meet the deployment and Injury Benefits) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 will trajectories in the heat and electricity sectors. be (i) treated by HM Revenue and Customs as pension payments for the purposes of the revised annual Security of biomass and sustainability are very important. allowance and life time allowance and (ii) taxable under Together with domestic biomass feedstocks, sustainably the reformed system for pensions tax relief to be sourced imported biomass is expected to play a key role introduced from April 2011. [30927] in helping to meet our renewable energy targets. Through our proposals on the renewables obligation and electricity Mr Hoban: The tax treatment of any payment under market reform we are providing the transparency longevity the Local Government (Discretionary Payments and and certainty that industry requires to allow it to establish Injury Benefits) (Scotland) Regulations 1998 will depend robust, sustainable and efficient supply chains; with on the nature of the particular payment and how it is long term supply contracts, sourcing from more than paid. If paid out of the local government superannuation one country and ensuring that domestic production is scheme, it will be subject to the registered pension maximised where it is sustainable and feasible. scheme tax rules whether paid before or after April 2011, including any potential interaction with the annual Carbon Emissions allowance and lifetime allowance. This is a complex area and if the hon. Member wants Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for further information about the tax treatment of these Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate his sorts of payments then I suggest he contacts HMRC at: Department has made of the direct carbon dioxide [email protected] emissions in kilograms per megawatt hour arising from the combustion of (a) wood chip in large-scale Written Questions: Government Responses installations and (b) hard coal. [31008]

Mr Cash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gregory Barker: Estimates in the UK Greenhouse when he plans to provide a substantive answer to Gas Emissions Inventory funded by the Department question 29295, on the European Financial Stability indicate that large-scale combustion of coal and of Mechanism, tabled on 2 December 2010 for named day wood produce direct carbon dioxide emissions of about answer on 7 December 2010. [31471] 309 and 367 kg C02 per megawatt hour of thermal energy released, respectively. Mr Hoban: I have replied to the hon. Member. However, in the case of biomass that is sustainably grown the carbon dioxide released on combustion will be removed over several decades by replanting and ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE regrowth. For fossil fuels there is no equivalent process of carbon removal as their formation requires millions of Biomass Importation years rather than decades. Therefore it is the assessments of emissions over the wider lifecycle that are important Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for when comparing biomass with coal, including cultivation, Energy and Climate Change whether his Department processing and transportation. has made a recent assessment of the (a) ability of the This is why we are introducing sustainability criteria UK to be self-sufficient in the production of biomass for biomass, under the renewables obligation, that include and (b) effects on energy security of biomass importation; a greenhouse gas lifecycle assessment. and if he will make a statement. [31006] Departmental Pay Charles Hendry: Biomass has a greater range of uses than just energy production. For example it can also be used to provide a wide range of renewable raw materials Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and therefore has a significant role to play in the and Climate Change how many staff employed by his development of a low carbon economy. However, Department were not paid at a rate equivalent to or sustainable biomass is likely to be an important contributor above the London living wage in the latest period for to our renewable energy ambitions. Analysis undertaken which figures are available. [31229] 977W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 978W

Gregory Barker: At 30 November 2010 the Department gas which will arise from implementation of his for Energy and Climate change had no staff who earned proposals to ensure third party access to licence exempt less than the London living wage of £7.85 per hour. electricity and gas networks in (a) ports, (b) railway stations, (c) London Underground stations, (d) Departmental Public Expenditure industrial estates, (e) marinas, (f) airports and (g) caravan parks. [31378] Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he Charles Hendry: The provision of third party access has made of the effect of the increase in the standard to unlicensed networks will enable consumers of those rate of value added tax on his Department’s annual networks to take advantage of the competitive energy expenditure. [31186] market by choosing their energy supplier. In their 2008 Energy Supply Probe the energy regulator, Ofgem, estimated Gregory Barker: I estimate that the Department will that customers switching their energy supplier could pay around £450,000 more in irrecoverable VAT in make a saving of up to 6% on their energy costs. 2011-12 than in 2010-11 as a result of the changed VAT rate. Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Departmental spending review settlements are set on and Climate Change for what reasons his Department’s a tax-inclusive basis, including the increase to the standard consultation on the provision of third party access to rate of VAT and that departments can recover the VAT licence exempt electricity and gas networks lasted five on some contracted cut services. weeks; how many consultations his Department has run which lasted (a) less than six weeks, (b) from six Energy Supply to 12 weeks and (c) 12 weeks or more in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of [31379] State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the availability of gas and fuel oil Charles Hendry: DECC consultations follow the supplies to domestic customers during the recent Government Code of Practice on Consultations winter weather; and if he will make a statement. http://www.bis.gov.uk/files/file47158.pdf [31136] This recommends that, under normal circumstances, consultations should last a minimum of 12 weeks but Charles Hendry [holding answer 16 December 2010]: acknowledges that deviation from the code will, at The recent episode of very severe weather has led to times, be unavoidable when running a formal, written significant disruption to road networks and resulted in consultation. a backlog of fuel supply deliveries for the heating oil and LPG industry across parts of the UK; heating oil The five week period in this case was a final detailed and LPG suppliers are working hard to address delivery consultation that followed both the formal 12 week backlogs. The Government have provided a temporary consultation that set out the government’s policy intentions relaxation of regulations governing drivers’ hours which and a call for evidence that sought stakeholder views. It will help suppliers to make up backlogs and meet seasonal also followed an extensive stakeholder engagement customer demand. programme. The details of that programme, which included a workshop and numerous bilateral meetings, can be Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy found in my reply to the hon. Member for Poplar and Official and Climate Change what assessment his Department Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick) on 6 December 2010, Report has made of the implications for commercial landlords , columns 11-12W. of the European Court of Justice’s ruling on the Since DECC was formed in October 2008, consultations provision of third party access to licence exempt have been run for the following periods: electricity and gas networks. [31205] Number of consultations Charles Hendry: The European Court of Justice’s Less than 6 ruling means that all licence exempt electricity and gas 12 weeks or longer 6-12 weeks weeks networks owned by commercial landlords, such as ports, 2008 2 1 0 will be required by law to provide third party access on 2009 25 8 2 request to give consumers a choice of electricity and/or 2010 17 13 7 gas supplier. Where meters are required or upgrading is necessary to facilitate third party access, the costs associated with Fuel Poverty such work will ultimately be met by the customer or the prospective third party supplier rather than the licence Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for exempt network owner. The energy regulator, Ofgem, Energy and Climate Change what his most recent has confirmed that private network owners, including estimate is of the number of households in fuel poverty commercial landlords, will not be obliged to upgrade in (a) North Tyneside constituency, (b) the North their networks or become licensed distributors in order East and (c) the UK. [31998] to allow third party access. Gregory Barker: In 2006, the most recent year for Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy which sub-regional figures are available, there were around and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the 6,000 fuel poor households in the North Tyneside change in energy costs to consumers of electricity and constituency. 979W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 980W

In 2008, there were 236,000 fuel poor households in The impact assessment confirms that FITs will create the north-east and 4.5 million fuel poor households in new opportunities for SMEs which install small-scale the UK. low-carbon electricity generating technologies. Technologies supported by FITs include solar photovoltaics.

Fuel Poverty: Finance Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for has any plans to establish regional strategies for the Energy and Climate Change if he will consider the production of renewable energy; and if he will make a merits of an adapted Green Deal finance mechanism to statement. [32094] provide for a third party to meet the repayment charges for fuel-poor households in whole or in part; and if he Charles Hendry: We have made a clear commitment will make a statement. [31762] in our Coalition programme for government to give more power to local communities to shape the environment Gregory Barker: The Green Deal finance mechanism in which they live. The Localism Bill published on sets out that repayments must be made through the 13 December 2010 sets out proposals which will underpin energy bill. However it does not prevent a third party this power shift, including the abolition of regional meeting the Green Deal part of a household’s energy spatial strategies. bill. DECC is funding nine renewable and low carbon We are also designing the new Energy Company capacity assessment studies, covering England. The results Obligation to ensure that further support is available of these studies will help local authorities identify and under the Green Deal for those in need of additional maximise opportunities for renewable energy deployment help, including low income vulnerable households and in their areas. The results of all nine studies should be those in hard to treat properties. available by next spring. Energy suppliers currently have an obligation to protect vulnerable consumers and to assist those who are struggling Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs to pay for their bills. All existing protections in the gas and electricity market for vulnerable consumers will be Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for extended to Green Deal repayments. Energy and Climate Change how many milliwatt hours of renewable electricity has been generated by each micro technology under the feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme Renewable Energy since its inception; how much of that energy has been generated in Yorkshire; and how much FIT funding Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for has been paid for each of these technologies. [32299] Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the proportion of commercial properties which have Charles Hendry: The FITs scheme began in April solar panels. [31390] 2010, and information on FITs funding is not yet available in the form requested. However, the Ofgem statistics Charles Hendry: The Department does not hold confirm that FITs payments made over the first two information on the overall number of commercial properties quarters of the scheme were £182,059 (April-June) and that have installed solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. £2,504,712.55 (July-September). The main support for solar PV panels is the feed-in-tariffs Information on the number of installations registered (FITs). OFGEM provides data on installations accredited for feed-in tariffs (FITs), broken down by technology for FITs by technology, which can be viewed at: and geographical location, is available from Ofgem at: https://www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk/Default.aspx https://www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk As at 3 December 2010, there were 109 commercial Statistics from Ofgem on the first six months of the installations claiming FITs. FITs scheme, available at: www.ofgem.gov.uk/fits Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for includes a map showing the regional breakdown of Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has FITs activity. This shows that in Yorkshire and the made of the potential role of small and medium-sized Humber, 4.336 MW of installed capacity was registered businesses in providing electricity from solar sources; for FITs. and if he will make a statement. [31393] River Severn: Tidal Power Charles Hendry: No quantitative assessment has been made of the potential role of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in generating electricity from solar Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for sources. However, an impact assessment supporting the Energy and Climate Change (1) from what budgets start of the UK’s feed-in tariffs (FITs) scheme offers funding was drawn for the Severn Tidal Power Feasibility projections of installations in the commercial sector, Study; and how much funding each organisation available at: contributed under each budget heading in respect of that study; [30006] http://www.decc.gov.uk/publications/basket.aspx?FilePath =Consultations%5cRenewable+Electricity+Financial (2) what his most recent estimate is of the cost to the +Incentives%5cl_20100204103559_e_%40%40_FITsImpact public purse of the Severn Tidal Power Feasibility AssessmentaccompanyingGovernmentResponse.pdf&filetype=4 Study. [30017] 981W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 982W

Charles Hendry: The cost to the public purse of the Charles Hendry: The funding for marine energy Severn Tidal Power Feasibility Study is expected to be demonstration is being treated in the same way as all £6.355 million. This is the cost of external research departmental innovation funding streams in the light of studies and technology development support and does the spending review. not include the administration costs of the cross- The Government are currently developing its detailed Government STP team, led by DECC. plans for the allocation of the £200 million to support The above figure is broken down as follows, drawn the development of energy technologies announced in from the budget headings indicated: the spending review—and measures to support wave DECC—£5.646 million from the Environmental Transformation and tidal technologies are being considered as part of Fund that process. DEFRA—£325,000 from the Climate Change Mitigation Programme Warm Front Scheme WAG—£213,000 from the Economic Research line within the Economic Policy budget and from the Environment Sustainability and Housing Main Expenditure Group Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made SWRDA—£171,000 from their general budget. of the proportion of households in fuel poverty who Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance are eligible for assistance under the Warm Front scheme. [31114] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer Gregory Barker: The latest available figures for England of 13 December 2010, Official Report, column 523W, (2008) show that around 34% of fuel poor households on Sheffield Forgemasters, whether he has had are eligible for Warm Front under the existing eligibility discussions with his ministerial colleagues on Sheffield criteria1. Forgemasters since the collective Government decision 1 Annual Report on Fuel Poverty Statistics 2010 (DECC). not to proceed with the loan to the company on the grounds of affordability was taken. [31943] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many households Charles Hendry: Yes. Following the decision not to received grants through the Warm Front scheme (a) proceed with the loan we had discussions about the nationally and (b) in Liverpool, Wavertree constituency possibility of the company being able to secure private in the last 12 months for which figures are available. sector investment to enable them to take the project [31473] forward. Gregory Barker: The following table shows the number Solar Power of households assisted by the Warm Front scheme nationally and in the constituency of Liverpool, Wavertree Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State in 2009-10: for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 30 November 2010, Official Report, column 676W, Households, 2009-10 on solar power, if he will publish the minutes of his Number meeting with Renewables UK and the microgeneration National 212,963 sector on 24 November 2010; and whether any actions Liverpool, Wavertree 1,238 were agreed upon as a result of that meeting. [32248]

Charles Hendry: There are no formal minutes of the Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for stakeholder briefing and discussion session on feed-in Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made tariffs (FITs) that the Minister of State, my hon. Friend of the likely effect on the number of fuel poor the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker) households of changes to the funding for the Warm hosted on 24 November 2010. The event considered the Front scheme. [31568] spending review commitment on FITs, including the possibility of an early review being triggered by higher Gregory Barker: The Warm Front scheme is expected than expected uptake. It also considered possible approaches to assist approximately 170,000 households in 2010-11. to setting this trigger. As announced in the spending review, DECC will fund Attendees were invited to follow-up in writing with a smaller, more targeted Warm Front scheme over the further thoughts and to indicate any interest in future next two years and has estimated that the scheme will involvement. Ministers are reflecting on feedback from assist approximately 57,000 households in 2011-12, and the event and the Department will confirm the way 50,000 in 2012-13. forward in the near future. Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Tidal Power: Wave Power and Climate Change what proportion of work carried out under the Warm Front scheme was completed Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for within six months of commencement in the latest period Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to for which figures are available. [31803] provide capital funding for commercial deployment of wave and tidal energy technologies following the Gregory Barker: In 2009-10, the Warm Front scheme withdrawal of the Marine Renewables Deployment completed 92.8% of heating installations and 99.5% of Fund. [31354] insulation installations within six months. 983W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 984W

Wind Power Charles Hendry: The Department does not hold information on the overall number of wind turbines Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for fitted to existing properties. Under the previous “Low Energy and Climate Change how many wind turbines Carbon Building Programme” (2005-10), the following were retro-fitted to properties in each year since 2005. grants were made for small wind turbines which were [31099] not new builds.

Number of grants 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total

Householders 0 20 439 99 109 667 Non-domestic 00073340 Total 0 20 439 106 142 707

Value of grants 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Householders 0 89,563 964,683 212,916 255,648 1,522,810 Non-domestic 0 0 0 98,227 411,669 509,896 Total 0 89,563 964,683 311,143 667,317 2,032,706

Domestic, commercial and community installations Current estimates suggest that in the UK, there is 784 of wind turbines can claim the feed-in tariffs (FITs). MW of new bioelectricity capacity under construction; Ofgem is providing live data on installations accredited 1,710 MW of new capacity that has been through for FITs by technology which can be viewed at: planning consent and is awaiting construction; and https://www.renewablesandchp.ofgem.gov.uk/Default.aspx 3,535 MW of new capacity is under planning consideration. This online information includes some wind turbine This information is taken from the Renewable Energy installations funded under the Low Carbon Buildings Planning Database which is regularly updated. Programme. Assuming all this capacity became operational, this would result in a maximum total demand for biomass Wood of around 600PJ, equivalent to 32Mt wood, including demand from existing generators. However, these plants Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for would use a variety of biomass feedstocks, including Energy and Climate Change (1) whether his Department wastes, sewage, straw, energy crops and forest products has made an estimate of the level of global (a) supplies including residues. and (b) demand for wood chip and pellet-derived biomass in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) the next five years; [31005] Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what estimate he has made of the likely level of Energy and Climate Change what representations on demand for wood fibre arising from the construction of financial support for biomass energy generation his large-scale biomass power plants in the next 10 years. Department has received from representatives of the [31007] wood processing industry. [31009]

Charles Hendry: Wood fibre in the form of wood Charles Hendry: On 13 September, the Minister for chip, pellet or log is one of several forms of biomass Climate Change, my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill that can be used to produce renewable energy. and Battle (Gregory Barker), met representatives of the Based on an IEA study, estimates of global supplies All Party Parliamentary Group for the WoodPanel Industry of woody biomass have been provided by E4Tech. This and the Wood Panel Industries Federation (WPIF). A indicates that current supplies available for bioenergy wide range of issues, including the financial incentives are around 7,000 PJ, doubling to about 14,000 PJ by for bioenergy generation, were raised at the meeting. 2015. This report is available at: DECC officials have also met representatives from http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/what%20we%20do/ the wood processing industries. The WPIF, the uk%20energy%20supply/energy%20mix/renewable%20energy/ Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor) and the renewable%20energy%20strategy/1_20090716112412_e_@@_ Confederation of Paper Industries have responded to e4techbiomasssupplycurvesfortheukurn09d690.pdf recent consultations such as the Renewable Heat Incentive The Department is currently updating this information, or regarding changes to the Renewables Obligation. aiming to publish revised figures early next year. Their responses are available from the DECC website. Information is also published by the UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section, providing forest resource analyses and forestry sector outlooks. DEFENCE The Department has not carried out an analysis of global demand for wood fibre. However, the IEA 2009 Afghanistan: Armed Forces and Police report: Bioenergy a Sustainable and Reliable Energy Source, summarises available analyses on biomass Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for availability to 2050. This reports that currently biomass Defence what estimate he has made of retention rates supplies some 50,000PJ (1.2Gtoe) of energy globally in the Afghan National (a) Army and (b) Police in per year. 2010; and if he will make a statement. [30600] 985W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 986W

Peter Luff: We are making good progress on growing Peter Luff: The Government reiterated our commitment the Afghan National Security Forces and are currently to the defence of the UK’s overseas territories in the ahead of schedule for meeting the target of 171,600 strategic defence and security review. The Royal Navy is Afghan National Army and 134,000 Afghan national a modern, powerful and capable force and remains able police by the end of 2011. to deploy a taskforce worldwide in support of our Retention is a matter for the Government of Afghanistan national interests. Inevitably, with fewer ships there will but we will continue to work closely with them to help have to be some reduction in activity, but the Royal build their capacity and capability. Navy will continue to send ships to priority regions such as the north and south Atlantic, the Indian ocean Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations and the Gulf. Departmental Consultants Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects winter clothing to be issued to members Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for of the armed forces stationed in Kabul. [31886] Defence how much his Department has spent on Peter Luff: Service personnel who will require winter consultants since 1 May 2010. [31141] clothing for use in Afghanistan are either issued it prior to their deployment or in theatre when weather conditions Mr Robathan [holding answer 16 December 2010]: necessitate it. There is no shortage of winter clothing The Ministry of Defence has spent £13.42 million on for troops in Afghanistan and Commanders are able to consultants in the period 1 May to 30 October 2010, the draw upon stocks of winter clothing in theatre if necessary, latest period for which information is available; this for example if an item is lost or damaged. figure includes MOD trading fund agencies. The majority of the expenditure was the result of contracts placed Armed Forces: Redundancy prior to 24 May 2010, the start of the Consultancy Moratorium enacted by the Coalition Government. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Consultancy covers management consultancy, specialist Defence what estimate he has made of the likely effect lawyers, commercial bankers and IT expertise. on standing commitments of the redundancies in the Departmental Energy (a) Army, (b) RoyalNavyand(c) RAF announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review. [30602] Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Dr Fox: The Strategic Defence and Security Review what the recommended ambient room temperature is sets out the requirements for the armed forces’ contribution for offices on his Department’s estate. [31089] to standing commitments and identifies the re-structured forces we will need over the next 10 years to meet them. Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence does not mandate Changes in manpower in the three services will not a recommended ambient room temperature for its offices affect our non-discretionary standing commitments. We on the Defence estate beyond ensuring that the temperature will make manpower reductions in a structured way to in all workplaces inside buildings is in accordance with protect operational capabilities. the requirements of the Approved Codes of Practice to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations Army: Manpower 1992 which require a minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius when offices are occupied. Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence It is up to heads of establishment at individual buildings what budgetary allocations he has made for an army of to determine what the ambient temperature should be 96,000; if he will assess the affordability of an army of providing that the minimum temperature of 16 degrees that strength; what estimate he has made of the Celsius is achieved. allocation required for an army of 82,000; and what Departmental Information Officers budgetary allocations he has made for the army in each year to 2015 as a result of the outcome of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. [31724] Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many press and communication posts in Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) made his Department are remunerated at (a) between estimates of the cost savings which could result from £50,000 and £99,999 and (b) £100,000 or over. [30400] the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) for the purposes of formulating policy. Final budgetary Mr Robathan [holding answer 13 December 2010]: allocations are subject to the ongoing planning process. Our records indicate that in March 2010, 52 press and Until that process is complete, the MOD is unable to communication posts across Defence were remunerated release more detailed figures. at between £50,000 and £99,999. These posts are across the military and civilian defence community, in the UK British Overseas Territories: Navy and overseas in Headquarters and in the single Service units. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence A further 109 posts were filled by military ranks or what assessment he has made of the effect on naval civilian grades for which the salary range straddled operations in British Overseas Territories of changes to £50,000. The range of salaries that these posts could Royal Navy capability resulting from the outcome of have been paid is between £45,190 and £56,078. It is not the strategic defence and security review; and if he will possible to say how many of these individuals were paid make a statement. [31098] more than £50,000. 987W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 988W

There was one press and communications post Excluding trading funds, there are 265 civilian staff remunerated at £100,000 or over, which is a military employed in London by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) two-star appointment. currently not paid at a rate equivalent to or above the We are taking a number of steps to reduce expenditure London living wage. All MOD staff are paid above the on defence media and communications. This will include statutory national minimum wage. further post reductions. Departmental Redundancy Departmental NDPBs Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for redundancy costs since 1 May 2010. [31296] Defence (1) how many fixed-term appointments each of his Department’s non-departmental public bodies Mr Robathan [holding answer 16 December 2010]: It has made since May 2010; [31641] will not be until the departmental resource accounts are (2) what the average salary was of staff of each of published and laid before Parliament in July 2011 that it his Department’s non-departmental public bodies on will be possible to give definitive figures for the current fixed-term contracts in (a) April 2010 and (b) each financial year. subsequent month; [31642] (3) what the total cost to his Department was of staff Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for on fixed-term appointments in each of his Defence what estimate his Department has made of the Department’s non-departmental public bodies in (a) cost of redundancies in the Department in 2010-11. April 2010 and (b) each subsequent month; [31643] [31411] (4) what the total cost to his Department was for Mr Robathan [holding answer 16 December 2010]: staff of each of his Department’s non-departmental The financial provision made for redundancy and early public bodies on fixed-term contracts in (a) April 2010 release costs for the 2010-11 financial year amounts to and (b) each subsequent month; [31644] £62 million. (5) how many full-time equivalent staff were employed No firm forecast has yet been made of redundancy/early in each of his Department’s non-departmental public release costs for the comprehensive spending review. bodies in (a) April 2010 and (b) each subsequent month. [31645] Departmental Travel Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many full-time equivalent staff were Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for employed by each of his Department’s non- Defence how much his Department has spent on use of departmental public bodies in (a) April 2010 and (b) the Government Car Service in each month since April each subsequent month; [31566] 2010. [31692] (2) what the staff cost was of each of his Peter Luff: Ministry of Defence (MOD) payments to Department’s non-departmental public bodies in May the Government Car and Despatch Agency for use of 2010; and what estimate he has made of the likely cost the Government Car Service since April 2010 have been (a) in financial years (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and, (iii) as follows: 2013-14 and (b) each year of the comprehensive [31569] spending review period. Payment (£)

Peter Luff: The Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare 2010 and Veterans, my hon. Friend the Member for South April 0 Leicestershire (Mr Robathan), will write to the hon. May 451 Members soon after the Christmas recess, to enable June 0 officials to collect the required data. July 430 August 215 Departmental Pay September 236 October 215 November 215 Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff employed by his Department were not The MOD generally uses its own car pool for providing paid at a rate equivalent to or above the London living a car service to our Ministers, senior officials and wage in the latest period for which figures are available. Service officers, which gives us better value for money [31219] and operational flexibility.

Mr Robathan: The London living wage is designed to European Defence Agency: Finance ensure that the unemployed in London are better off in work than living on benefits. It is not a statutory Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for requirement. Defence how much funding the Government provided Calculations have been made on base pay including for the European Defence Agency in each year since separate London allowances (inner/outer London 2005; and what proportion of the Agency’s funding weighting). this figure represented in each such year. [30423] 989W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 990W

Mr Gerald Howarth: The amount paid by the Ministry Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for of Defence to the European Defence Agency’s budget Defence which aircraft are equipped with the Joint in each year since 2005 and the proportion of the Tactical Information Distribution System; and whether Agency’s funding that the amounts represent are as the Nimrod MR4A aircraft was equipped with the follows: Joint Tactical Information Distribution System. [30116]

Proportion of UK share Peter Luff: Aircraft currently equipped with the Joint Calendar to total Agency budget year £ million (percentage) Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) are as follows: Tornado F3, Typhoon, E-3D Sentry, Nimrod 2005 2.36 18.1 R1, Sentinel R1, VC10, TriStar, Hercules C130 and Sea 2006 2.09 17.6 King Mk7. 2007 1.95 17.0 In addition to those aircraft that currently have JTIDS, 2008 3.11 17.2 it is planned to install the system on the following 2009 3.03 15.4 aircraft in future: Tornado GR4, Joint Strike Fighter, 2010 3.23 13.9 Rivet Joint, FSTA and A400M. The Nimrod MRA4 would have also been equipped Military Aircraft with JTIDS.

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Military Bases Defence pursuant to the answer of 24 November 2010, Official Report, columns 317-19W, on military aircraft, Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for whether he estimated that the retention of 50 selected Defence (1) what plans he has to consult (a) local Harriers and 50 selected Tornados would be less costly authorities, (b) hon. Members, (c) economic development than retaining 137 Tornados only; to what refitting in agencies and (d) the devolved administrations during respect of the 15 Harrier GR9s which have returned his Department’s base review; [30686] from operations in Afghanistan he referred to in his answer; for what reason a mixed force of Harriers and (2) what methodology will be used to decide which Tornados has not been retained; if he will place in the bases will be recommended for (a) closure and (b) Library a suitably redacted copy of the advice given to realignment under his Department’s base review; the Prime Minister on the fast jet fleet; and whether the [30687] final decision on retaining Tornados only was taken (3) what other Departments are being consulted as by (a) the chiefs of staff, (b) the National Security part of his Department’s base review; and what information Council, (c) the Cabinet and (d) the Prime Minister. his Department has asked such departments to provide. [30068] [30852]

Peter Luff [holding answer 16 December 2010]: The Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer overriding factor in deciding between removing either given by the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare the Tornado GR4 or Harrier was the ability to support and Veterans, my hon. Friend the Member for South operations in Afghanistan. A fleet of 50 Tornado and Leicestershire (Mr Robathan) on 6 December 2010, 50 Harrier aircraft would have been unable to maintain Official Report, column 8W, to the right hon. and continuous support to operations in Afghanistan at learned Member for North East Fife (Sir Menzies current levels and maintain the ability to support concurrent Campbell) operations. In addition, withdrawal of an aircraft type delivers greater savings than partial reductions, due to Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the fixed costs associated with supporting an aircraft Defence how much was spent under each budgetary platform; therefore running two smaller fleets would heading on running costs for each (a) Royal Navy, (b) not have been cost-effective. Royal Marines and (c) Army base in the UK (i) in each When the 15 Harrier GR9 aircraft returned from of the last five financial years and (ii) in 2010-11. their deployment to Afghanistan, the funding to support [30688] their urgent operational requirements ceased and as such this equipment was removed from the aircraft. If Peter Luff: The information requested is not held at Harrier had been required to redeploy to Afghanistan, that level of detail and it could be provided only at these capabilities would need to have been re-activated, disproportionate cost. Through the implementation of either with new funding streams or replacements where the strategic defence and security review and the work they had been superseded and could have taken up to 18 of the Defence Reform Unit, we are seeking to better months. establish how costs are driven and to make more efficient In relation to release of further details regarding the use of resources. We expect the work on Defence Reform military advice given to the Prime Minister, including to report by July 2011. savings estimates, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him, and to the hon. Member for Portsmouth Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for North (Penny Mordaunt) on 24 November 2010, Official Defence on how many occasions he has met (a) the Report, columns 317-19W. Chancellor of the Exchequer and (b) the Secretary of The Strategic Defence and Security Review decisions State for (i) Northern Ireland, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales were taken by the National Security Council, chaired by and (iv) Communities and Local Government to the Prime Minister. discuss his Department’s base review. [30853] 991W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 992W

Dr Fox: I meet frequently with Cabinet colleagues to The criteria for inclusion in the NWTPS study are discuss a range of issues relating to the strategic defence described in detail in the NRPB reports but, in summary, and security review, including the implications for the the study group consisted of men who were recorded as Defence estate and basing. This will continue as will my having attended at least one of the sites used in the officials’ ongoing consultations on this subject with United Kingdom atmospheric nuclear weapon tests their colleagues in other Government Departments, during the relevant periods and whose details were and with trade unions, local councils and other external confirmed from contemporary records. organisations. The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA) and the former British Atomic Veterans Association as Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for well as the British Legion were consulted during the Defence whether he plans to review the continuance of first NRPB analysis project and contacts with BNTVA RAF bases; and if he will make a statement. [31204] continued through to the third analysis. In particular, a BNTVA representative was included, as an observer, in Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the third analysis Project Management Group. Pre and given by the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare post-publication presentations relating to the NRPB and Veterans, my hon. Friend the Member for South studies have been made to veterans’ audiences, including Leicestershire (Mr Robathan) on 6 December 2010, a BNTVA AGM, by NRPB researchers. Official Report, column 8W, to the right hon. and Further information about the NWTPS study can be learned Member for North East Fife (Sir Menzies found on, or through references from, the HPA website at: Campbell). www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/Radiation/UnderstandingRadiation/ Ministry of Defence Police UnderstandingRadiationTopics/RadiationEpidemiology/ NuclearWeaponsTestParticipantsStudy/ Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any proposals contained in the Nuclear Submarines Strategic Defence and Security Review will affect the policing by Ministry of Defence Police of the St Fergus Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for gas terminal and Garlogie compressor plant. [31143] Defence when the number of warheads deployed on each Vanguard class submarine will be reduced to no Mr Robathan: The current policing arrangements at more than 40; when the stockpile of operationally St Fergus and Garlogie will not be affected by the available warheads will be reduced to no more than Strategic Defence and Security Review. 120; and when warheads which have been removed from the operation stockpile will be dismantled. [20822] Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on the Dr Fox: I will write to the hon. Member. establishment of a permanent base for Ministry of Defence Police at the St Fergus gas terminal. [31144] Rescue Services Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence Police deployment is fully funded by the gas companies through Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for an arrangement with the Office for Gas and Electricity Defence how many times search and rescue helicopters Market under provisions contained within the Counter based at RAF Lossiemouth have been involved in Terrorism Act 2008. Costs are reimbursed to the Ministry operations to rescue individuals from mountains in of Defence. Scotland in each of the last five years. [31142] MR1185 Study Peter Luff: The information requested is provided in the following table. The numbers provided are for all Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for occasions when an aircraft was launched in response to Defence what the criteria for inclusion in the MR1185 a distress situation. We consider mountain rescue incidents study are; what progress has been made on the study to to comprise callouts to casualties or missing persons in date; and which veterans’ groups have participated in remote areas or hilly terrain. the study. [31051] Number of mountain rescues

Anne Milton: I have been asked to reply. 2005 80 The reference MR1185 is not known but is assumed 2006 85 to incorrectly refer to MR185, the national health service 2007 76 information centre’s reference number for the Nuclear 2008 109 Weapons Test Participants Study (NWTPS) undertaken 2009 117 by the former National Radiological Protection Board 2010 (to 14 December) 82 (NRPB). The NWTPS study was commissioned in 1983 and three successive analysis projects have been completed Sri Lanka by the NRPB researchers. Details about the study and the three analysis projects have been published in peer- Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for reviewed journals and as NRPB reports. References for Defence (1) upon whose invitation he is visiting Sri each of these papers and reports can be found through Lanka on 18 December 2010; in what capacity; and the website link shown. what meetings he plans to have during his visit; [31849] 993W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 994W

(2) whether he plans to report to (a) ministerial Dr Fox: My ministerial colleagues and I, and officials colleagues and (b) the House on the situation in Sri from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), engaged a variety Lanka when he returns from his visit to that country on of academic organisations, non-governmental organisations 18 December 2010. [31851] (NGOs), trade unions, and industry representatives during the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). We Dr Fox: I have postponed my private visit to Sri also discussed the review with our allies and partners. Lanka due to an extended scheduled official visit to the I invited contributions to the SDSR in July 2010. The Gulf. I intend to carry out an official visit to Sri Lanka MOD received over 6,000 responses from MPs, members in the course of next year. of the armed forces, public servants within and beyond Defence, industry, academics and the public, together Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for with over 1,000 letters and e-mails. Every response was Defence who will be responsible for bearing the costs of read during the review by a member of the SDSR team, his visit to Sri Lanka on 18 December 2010. [31850] and the ideas and concerns they contained contributed to the MOD’s thinking on the choices we faced. Dr Fox: This was to be a private visit, and privately In parallel with this activity, the Cabinet Office also funded. However I have postponed it due to an extended engaged with external experts during the SDSR. scheduled official visit to the Gulf. I intend to carry out an official visit to Sri Lanka in the course of next year. TRANSPORT Strategic Defence and Security Review: Costs Airports

Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to his Department was of Transport if he will consider the merits of introducing printing copies of the Strategic Defence and Security measures at all airports allowing expedited access for Review. [31290] uniformed crew. [31382]

Dr Fox [holding answer 16 December 2010]: The Mrs Villiers: Aviation security search measures apply Ministry of Defence spent £2,300 on copies of the equally to all (passengers, airport staff and aircrew National Security Strategy and the Strategic Defence including pilots) regardless of gender, race, age and and Security Review. occupation, with only a very limited number of exemptions, for example in respect of heads of state. The more people Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for we exempt from search, the greater the risk this creates. Defence what the cost to his Department was of We would be wary of creating a two tier screening communications for the (a) consultation and (b) launch system that may increase the likelihood of people becoming of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. [31291] targets for coercion. Even professional pilots with the highest levels of integrity and honesty can find themselves Dr Fox [holding answer 16 December 2010]: Consulting the subject of coercion or blackmail from those who and communicating on the Strategic Defence and Security might seek to force them to carry prohibited items into Review was core departmental business and it is not a critical part of an airport. possible to identify costs separately. All screening measures are kept under review. The Department for Transport has regular dialogue with Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for industry partners, including representatives of airline Defence what the cost to his Department was of pilots, to ensure that security measures are commensurate overnight accommodation for (a) Ministers and (b) with the existing threat. civilian staff required as part of the Strategic Defence Airports: Freight and Security Review process. [31292] Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Fox [holding answer 16 December 2010]: The Transport what the levels of freight passing through Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) was each of the UK’s airports were in each year since 2001. core departmental business incorporated into the routine [30882] work of Ministers and staff. No overnight accommodation costs were incurred by Ministers solely as part of the Mrs Villiers: The level of air freight in tonnes in each SDSR process. A significant number of civilian staff year from 1999 to 2009 at the UK airports, that report were engaged at various stages, and it is not possible to to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is published in identify what element of detached duty costs incurred Table 13.2 of the CAA’s Airport Statistics 2009. This by civilian staff during the period of the SDSR was table is available on the CAA website at: required specifically as part of the review process. http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/80/airport_data/2009Annual/ Table_13_2_Freight_1999_2009.pdf Strategic Defence and Security Review: Public Airports: Radiation Exposure Consultation Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for what assessment he has made of the effect on aircrew of Defence what consultation process was followed as part repeated exposure to backscatter radiation from airport of the Strategic Defence and Security Review. [30603] body scanners. [30479] 995W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 996W

Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport The HPA concluded that the effective dose from one commissioned advice from the UK Health Protection scan is 0.02 micro Sv or less. This compares with the Agency (HPA) on the effective dose of radiation from a effective dose received for 1.4 minutes flying at airline back-scatter security scanner. cruising height of 0.12 micro Sv. The HPA recommends The HPA concluded that the effective dose from one a dose constraint of 300 micro Sv/year to a member of scan is 0.02 micro Sv or less. This compares with the the public from practices involving the deliberate use of effective dose received for 1.4 minutes flying at airline ionising radiation sources. cruising height of 0.12 micro Sv. The HPA recommends Given the very significant difference between the effective a dose constraint of 300 micros Sv/year to a member of dose from a back-scatter security scanner and the HPA’s the public from practices involving the deliberate use of annual recommended dose constraint, the Department ionising radiation sources. for Transport has not considered it necessary to commission Given the very significant difference between the research on the cumulative effects beyond this limit. effective dose from a back-scatter security scanner and The HPA assessment was published on the DFT the HPA’s annual recommended dose constraint, the website on 1 February 2010. Department for Transport has not considered it necessary to commission research on the cumulative effects beyond British Transport Police: Arrests this limit. The HPA assessment was published on the DfT website Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for on 1 February 2010. Transport how many arrests British Transport Police made in each year since 2007. [31239] Aviation: Security Mrs Villiers: This information is not held by the Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Department for Transport, but by the British Transport whether he has had discussions with the British Airline Police who can be contacted at 25 Camden road, London, Pilots’ Association on a potential opt-out for airline NW1 9LN or by e-mail at: pilots from body scanning for the purposes of reducing [email protected] cumulative exposure to radiation. [28616] Departmental Manpower Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport is currently considering responses to a public consultation on the Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for ’Code of Practice for the Acceptable Use of Security Transport what the average salary has been of people Scanners’ in the UK. As part of this exercise, the on fixed-term contracts in his Department in each Department consulted representatives from the aviation month since April 2010. [30943] security industry, including the British Airline Pilots Association. A decision on the future use of security Norman Baker [holding answer 15 December 2010]: scanners will be made in due course. The Department The average annual salary for fixed-term contracts in for Transport commissioned advice from the UK Health the Department for Transport and its seven Executive Protection Agency (HPA) on the effective dose of radiation agencies in each month since April 2010 is shown in the from a back-scatter security scanner. following table. The HPA concluded that the effective dose from one scan is 0.02 micro Sv or less. This compares with the £ effective dose received for 1.4 minutes flying at airline April 32,105.01 cruising height of 0.12 micro Sv. The HPA recommends May 31,720.97 a dose constraint of 300 micros Sv/year to a member of June 31,424.87 the public from practices involving the deliberate use of July 31,541.72 ionising radiation sources. August 31,689.09 Given the very significant difference between the September 31,890.69 effective dose from a back-scatter security scanner and October 32,610.05 the HPA’s annual recommended dose constraint, the November 33,003.69 Department for Transport has not considered it necessary to commission research on the cumulative effects beyond Departmental NDPBs this limit. The HPA assessment was published on the DfT website Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for on 1 February 2010. Transport what payroll costs each of his Department’s non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) incurred in Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for May 2010; and what estimate he has made of each such Transport what research his Department has (a) NDPB’s expenditure on payroll in (a) 2010-11, (b) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the cumulative 2011-12, (c) 2013-14 and (d) the spending review effect of regular use of bodyscanners on those who are period. [30828] already subject to higher than average levels of cosmic radiation, including pilots. [28833] Norman Baker [holding answer 16 December 2010]: Estimates of the future payroll expenditure of the Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport Department’s non-departmental public bodies will be commissioned advice from the UK Heath Protection dependent on the outcome of the review of public Agency (HPA) on the effective dose of radiation from a bodies. We would expect to make this information back-scatter security scanner. available in due course. 997W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 998W

The payroll costs for the Department’s non-departmental Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for public bodies incurred in May 2010 are: Transport how many staff were employed by each non-departmental public body sponsored by his Payroll costs incurred in Department in each month since April 2010. [31020] May 2010 (£)

British Transport Police 50,000 Authority Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Disabled persons’ Transport 7,260 Transport how many staff were employed by each of Advisory Committee his Department’s non-departmental public bodies in Renewable Fuels Agency 49,320 (a) April 2010 and (b) each subsequent month. Directly Operated Railways Ltd 39,700 [30908] Northern Lighthouse Board 722,862.60 Passenger Focus 274,813 Trinity Lighthouse 73,194 Traffic Commissioners and 100,000 Norman Baker [holding answer 16 December 2010]: Deputies The number of staff employed by each non-departmental Notes: public body sponsored by this Department in each 1. Cycling England: does not exist as its own legal entity—it is month since April 2010 is as follows: essentially part of DfT. It ceases to exist after March 2011. 2. Rail Heritage Committee confirm there is no expenditure.

Number of staff employed Northern Lighthouse Passenger Trinity TCs and RFA BTPA DPTAC DOR Ltd. Board Focus Lighthouse DTCs

April 2010 12.7 8 19 4.9 198.7 68 318 23 May 2010 13.95 8 19 4.9 199.9 67 317 23 June 2010 13.7 8 19 4.9 199.9 67 315 23 July 2010 14.2 8 19 4.2 199.7 66 316 23 August 2010 13.2 8 19 3.9 199.7 68 313 23 September 2010 13.2 8 19 4.9 199.4 68 315 23 October 2010 13.2 8 19 3.9 198.1 68 313 23 November 2010 13.2 8 19 3.9 200.0 67 314 23

Department for Transport non-departmental public of travel behaviour and greater use of more sustainable bodies are: transport modes and so deliver a reduction in carbon RFA—Renewable Fuels Agency and other harmful emissions. It will also facilitate the BTPA—British Transport Police Authority delivery of additional wider social, environmental, health and safety benefits for local communities, including Cycling England commuters. DPTAC—Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee In addition, the recently published public health White DOR Ltd.—Directly Operated Railways Ltd Paper—Healthy Lives, Healthy People—promotes active NLB—Northern Lighthouse Board travel and physical activity, as well as emphasising the Passenger Focus importance of road safety. TCs and DTCs Traffic Commissioners and Deputy Traffic Commissioners High Speed Two: Finance TLS—Trinity Lighthouse Service Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Cycling England does not exist as its own legal entity—it Transport what the budget for High Speed Two is; and is essentially part of Department for Transport. It ceases how many staff of his Department are working on the to exist after March 2011. project. [31250] Healthier Travel Options: Commuters Mr Philip Hammond: High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has an agreed budget of £21.1 million (plus the cost of Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for any incurred VAT) for 2010-11. HS2 Limited currently Transport what steps his Department has taken to has 56 staff (54.2 FTE). implement (a) greener and (b) healthier travel options In addition, five members of staff in the Department for commuters. [31079] for Transport’s Rail Strategy Directorate currently work on high speed rail policy. Norman Baker: The coalition agreement commits to supporting sustainable travel initiatives, including walking London and South Eastern Railways: Franchises and cycling. The introduction of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, funded to £560 million over this Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Parliament, will enable the delivery by local transport what recent assessment he has made of the performance authorities of sustainable transport solutions geared, of Southeastern in discharging its obligations under its among other things, to bringing about changing patterns franchise agreement. [30738] 999W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1000W

Mrs Villiers: Department for Transport Officials monitor basis. This includes its train performance and the financial Southeastern’s performance against the contract on a delivery. The effectiveness of the operator’s delivery is four weekly basis. This review includes operational also tested on an annual basis through the business performance and the delivery of committed obligations. planning requirements of its franchise agreement. The Southeastern franchise agreement is currently Separately, as this House is aware, Sir Roy McNulty due to end on 31 March 2012, though the option does has published his interim report into the Value for exist for a two year extension to the agreement to allow Money of the railway, available at: the franchise to end on 31 March 2014. In order for http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/strategyfinance/ Southeastern to be offered that two year extension, they vfminterimreport/ must pass a performance based continuation review. which identifies potential savings of up to £1 billion a That review period concluded on 12 December 2010 year in the running of Britain’s railways. The Government and the Secretary of State expects to notify the operator will be taking forward these savings with train operators of the outcome early in the new year. and Network Rail, to ensure a more efficient and effective railway. London and South Eastern Railways: Standards London and South Eastern Railways: Tickets Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of rail services run by Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Southeastern was subject to a delay of over 10 minutes Transport what mechanisms are in place to ensure that in (a) 2008, (b) 2009 and (c) 2010. [30735] Southeastern carries out efficient ticketing enforcement on its rail services; and if he will make a statement. Mrs Villiers: The information requested is given in [30734] the following table. Mrs Villiers: All franchise agreements entered into Trains more % of trains more since 2004 require train operators to implement a structured Trains than10 minutes than 10 minutes revenue protection strategy. Period planned late late Southeastern’s revenue protection strategy includes a (a) 2008-9 590,435 13,947 2.4 penalty fares scheme, approved by the Department for (periods Transport. Under the scheme, a passenger who cannot 1-13) show a valid ticket for their journey, where ticket facilities (b) 2009-10 604,972 16,251 2.7 (periods were available at their starting station, may be liable to a 1-13) penalty fare of £20 or twice the single fare. (c) 2010 417,208 9,808 2.4 Revenue protection officers operate on the Southeastern (periods 1-8) network to combat instances of ticketless travel and, Notes: where appropriate, to issue penalty fares. The Southeastern 1. Results are reported on a four weekly periodic basis each year, network is also served by teams of rail enforcement starting with period 1 on 1 April to period 13 ending on 31 March. 2. Rail Industry Period 8, running from 17 October to 13 November officers, who are authorised collectors of penalty fares 2010, is the latest period from which this data is available. under the penalty fares scheme.

Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Manpower Transport how many rail services Southeastern has cancelled in (a) 2008, (b) 2009 and (c) 2010. [30736] Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many Maritime and Coastguard Mrs Villiers: The information requested is given in Agency personnel of each grade were employed in the following table. Northern Ireland in each of the last six years. [31947]

Trains % of trains Mike Penning: The number of people employed by Period Trains planned cancelled cancelled the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in Northern Ireland in each of the last six years by grade is shown in (a) 2008-9 590,435 7,326 1.2 (periods 1-13) the following table: (b) 2009-10 604,972 9,653 1.6 (periods 1-13) 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 (c) 2010 417,208 4,008 1.0 Coastguard Watch 12 12 13 6 4 5 (periods 1-8) Assistant Notes: Admin Assistant 200000 1. Results are reported on a four weekly periodic basis, starting with period 1 on 1 April to period 13 ending on 31 March. Total AA or 14 12 13 6 4 5 2. Rail Industry Period 8, running from 17 October to 13 November equivalent 2010, is the latest period from which this data is available. Watch Officer 8 9 8 13 14 12 Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Admin Officer 124333 Transport whether he has had recent discussions with Total AO or 91112161715 Southeastern on ensuring the efficiency and cost- equivalent effectiveness of its service. [30742] Sector Manager 222222 Mrs Villiers: Department for Transport officials review WatchManager444444 Southeastern’s delivery of its services on a four-weekly 1001W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1002W

The M4 eastbound between junction 4 and just prior 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 to the start of the elevated section just before junction 2 Marine Surveyor 111100is subject to a permanent mandatory speed limit of 60 Grade 3 mph due to sub-geometric features. Total EO or 777766 The M4 eastbound just prior to the start of the equivalent elevated section at junction 2 to the end of the elevated section at junction 1 is subject to a permanent mandatory Rescue 111111speed limit of 40 mph due to sub- geometric features. Co-ordination Centre Manager The M4 westbound from junction 1 to the end of the Higher Executive 111122elevated section just past junction 2 is subject to a Officer permanent mandatory speed limit of 40 mph due to Total HEO or 222233sub-geometric features. equivalent The M4 junction 4 to junction 4a Heathrow Spur (both directions) is subject to a permanent mandatory Senior Executive 111000speed limit of 50 mph due to sub-geometric features. Officer Marine Surveyor 333333 Rail High Level Group Grade 1 Total SEO or 444333 Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for equivalent Transport (1) when he plans to announce the membership of the Rail High Level Group; and what criteria he Grade 7 Coastguard 000210plans to use to determine its membership; [30588] Grade7Surveyor222222 (2) whether he proposes to set out a remit for the Rail TotalGrade7 222432High Level Group in relation to (a) structural reform of the rail industry and (b) franchise reform. [30589] Grand total 38 38 40 38 36 34 Mrs Villiers: No decisions on the composition and terms of reference of the Secretary of State’s group, or Midland Main Line: Standards the way in which industry and passenger interests will contribute to its work, have yet been taken. A further Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for announcement about arrangements will be made shortly. Transport pursuant to the statement of 25 November Railway: Electrification 2010, Official Report, columns 466-68, on rail investment, what plans he has to improve the line speed, reliability and capacity of services on the Midland Main Line. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for [30441] Transport whether the Thameslink project will include electrification of the railway between Carlton Road Junction (Midland Main Line) and Haringey Junction Mrs Villiers: The spending review confirmed approval (East Coast Main Line). [29976] for a package of works totalling £69 million to allow increased line speeds on the Midland Main Line by Mrs Villiers: The scope of the Thameslink Programme 2013. The work will enable an improvement of at least does not include the electrification of the railway between eight minutes in the journey time between London and Carlton Road Junction (Midland Main Line) and Haringey Sheffield. At the south end of the route the Thameslink Junction (East Coast Main Line). programme will increase capacity and improve accessibility to, from and through London. The first stage is planned Railways: Antisocial Behaviour to be delivered by 2012. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Motorways: Speed Limits Transport what guidance his Department has issued to train operating companies on addressing antisocial behaviour on passenger rail services. [30433] Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which sections of the (a) M5, (b) M6, (c) Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has not M1, (d) M25, (e) M4 and (f) M3 are subject to lower issued specific guidance of this nature. Train operators speed limits because they do not meet current visibility do, though, have long-established and well understood requirements or have sub-geometric features. [31889] powers under railway byelaws to remove drunk or disruptive passengers from trains and stations. Enforcement is a Mike Penning: There are no sections of M5, M6, M1, matter for operators themselves, backed up as necessary M3 or M25 which are subject to lower statutory speed by the British Transport police. limits because they do not meet current visibility requirements or have sub-geometric features. There are, Railways: Bridges however, two locations on the M5 between junctions 1 and 4 where advisory speed limits of 50 mph are in Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for place. One is on an elevated section between junctions 1 Transport what plans he has for the future of the and 2 (Oldbury) and the other is at junction 4 (Lydiate £40 million funding for refurbishment of disused railway Ash); both are due to the locations having a tight radius bridges at Camden road announced by his Department curve. in 2009. [29956] 1003W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1004W

Mrs Villiers: We expect this scheme to be a strong Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 16 December candidate for funding in Railway Control Period 5 2010]: High Speed 2 Ltd. has 56 staff (54.2 full-time (2014-2019). equivalent). Its 2010-11 budget includes £3.85 million for employment costs.

Railways: Concessions Railways: Fares

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Transport how many (a) current and (b) former for Transport if he will assess the likely effects of raising employees of Network Rail who receive free rail travel the present cap on rail fares on levels of carbon dioxide or travel concessions also receive free travel or travel emissions; and if he will make a statement. [28094] concessions for members of their family who have not worked for Network Rail; and how many such family Mrs Villiers [holding answer 6 December 2010]: As members receive such free travel or travel concessions. set out in my answer of 10 November 2010, Official [28586] Report, column 334W, the Department for Transport has not made a detailed estimate of the likely effects of Mrs Villiers [holding answer 3 December 2010]: These increases in rail fares on transport emissions. Although data are not available. the announced fare increases may reduce at the margin the increase in demand for rail travel, the overall impact on carbon emissions is likely to be small. Railways: Construction Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will assess the effect of increases in rail Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for fares on the number of commuters who travel to work Transport how much his Department has spent to date by rail. [31080] on the development of High Speed 2 between London and Birmingham; and how much is projected to be Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of spent up to 2015. [29335] 10 November 2010, Official Report, column 334W. The Department for Transport has not carried out a breakdown Mr Philip Hammond: For the period between 14 of the impact of different types of rail travel. January 2009 and the end of the 2009-10 financial year, HS2 Ltd spent £8.4 million (excluding VAT). Railways: Finance HS2 Ltd’s budget for the 2010-11 financial year is approximately £21.2 million (excluding VAT). In addition, Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department for Transport estimates that around Transport what budgetary provision he has made for £25 million may be required to fund property purchases external consulting resources for the rail value for under the Exceptional Hardship Scheme in the 2010-11 money study. [30579] financial year, although actual expenditure will depend on applications received. Mrs Villiers: The total consultancy budget for the Sir For the four years from 2011-12 to 2014-15, the Roy McNulty study is £3,002,400. spending review settlement includes approximately £773 million to fund the development of the Government’s Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for proposals for a high speed rail network from London to Transport what consultants his Department used in Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. preparing the interim report of Sir Roy McNulty’s value for money review; and what the cost to his Department was of the services of those consultants. [30580] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department has spent on Mrs Villiers: The interim report included early feedback consultants in respect of the preparatory work for the from a number of research projects commissioned to High Speed 2 project. [31010] inform the overall review. No work was specifically commissioned for the interim report. The total costs of Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 16 December the external consultancy work up to the point at which 2010]: High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has been set up the interim report was prepared is in the region of to take forward work on a new high speed line in the £1,350,000. External consultants undertaking work on UK. As part of this remit, it has procured specialist the review are RC&M, Amtec, Civity, Oxera, Atkins, engineering, railway operations, environmental assessment Booz, Capita, Mott MacDonald, Albany Smith, DTZ, and demand modelling consultancy support. HS2 Ltd’s SDG, Red Personnel and Aecom. budget for this work is £10.8 million in 2010-11. £4.04 million was spent in 2009-10. Railways: Franchises

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what the cost to his Department is of Transport when (a) his Department plans to begin staff employed to undertake the preparatory work for work on the rail franchise specifications due for the High Speed 2 project; [31024] renegotiation in 2012 and (b) he expects officials of his (2) how many staff are employed by his Department Department to be available to meet hon. Members in to undertake the preparatory work for the High Speed constituencies affected by those franchises to discuss 2 project. [31025] those specifications. [27947] 1005W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1006W

Mrs Villiers [holding answer 2 December 2010]: These figures were updated in July 2010 for London Specification began in 2009 for those franchises due to commuter services, based on autumn 2009 data, and be re-let in 2011 and 2012. A consultation paper for will be published for other regional centres when this Greater Anglia and East Coast was issued in the early information is available. part of the year, when Members of Parliament, transport Train operating companies submit morning and evening authorities and passenger representatives were able to peak train plans to the Department for Transport for comment on rail service issues in their constituencies. May and December timetable changes each year. Following a wider consultation on franchise reform Overcrowding levels are assessed by comparing counts that closed in October this year, the Secretary of State of passengers against the plans. The assessments inform made an announcement in December setting out the the plans for the next timetable iteration and the deployment next steps for the franchise programme. Officials in the of train capacity. These assessments contain commercially Department for Transport would be available to discuss confidential information and are not published, but the the franchise in the early part of next year. Department uses the data as the base for strategic forecasts of peak demand change. The latest assessment for each of the franchised operators was for the May Railways: Overcrowding 2010 timetable change.

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Railways: Recycling Transport what recent estimate he has made of the level of overcrowding on the East Coast mainline. [25529] Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he plans to take to ensure that Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport receives holders of rail franchises recycle more waste from passenger counts data from train operators for travel on trains. [31095] weekdays during spring and autumn survey periods. The latest data which is available for the east coast main Mrs Villiers: The Government are currently developing line shows that, across the spring 2010 count period, the changes to the rail franchising system to make franchises maximum average load did not exceed the planned longer, more flexible, more responsive to the needs of capacity for the service on any of the days for which passengers and more efficient. As part of this process data was collected. we are considering how to encourage franchise holders to reduce environmental impacts including through recycling The Government’s overall strategy for the east coast on-train waste. main line is to increase capacity and improve journey times to meet forecast growth in demand. This will be delivered by a new timetable in May 2011, infrastructure Railways: South East Region enhancement in CP4 (2009-14) and further improvements to be delivered through a new franchise. Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions his Department has Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for had with Network Rail on the laying of a dual track Transport (1) what recent assessment he has made of along the entirety of the Oxford to Worcester railway levels of passenger overcrowding on the rail network in line. [30739] (a) London, (b) non-metropolitan urban areas and (c) metropolitan areas; [25768] Mrs Villiers: The Government are currently funding an upgrade programme to deliver dual tracking over (2) what work his Department is undertaking to two-thirds of the single track sections between Oxford collate data on passenger overcrowding on the rail and Worcester. Network Rail has established this will be network in (a) London, (b) non-metropolitan urban sufficient to meet the Government’s enhanced capacity areas and (c) metropolitan areas; [25793] and performance rail requirements for 2014. No discussions (3) what data his Department collated on passenger have taken place for laying dual track on the remaining overcrowding on the rail network in (a) London, (b) 10 miles of single track. non-metropolitan urban areas and (c) metropolitan areas in the latest period for which figures are available. Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for [25821] Transport whether he plans to include a new specification in the Malvern to London train franchise Mrs Villiers: Franchised train operators are required for 2013 to include an hourly service. [30740] by the Department for Transport to undertake passenger counts as part of their franchise agreements. These are Mrs Villiers: Decisions on the specifications for future requested from all relevant operators twice yearly in the franchises will be made as each contract is due to be spring and the autumn, focusing on the morning and renewed. To date, there have been no decisions relating evening peak demand into major cities, counting arriving to future London to Malvern services. train passengers between 0700 and 0959 and departing passengers between 1600 and 1859. The most recent Railways: Stevenage surveys were undertaken during spring 2010. The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) publishes statistics Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State on “passengers in excess of capacity” in National Rail for Transport if he will assess the potential effects of Trends (NRT) which is available on its website at: the East Coast Eureka timetable on passengers in www.rail-reg.gov.uk Stevenage. [29084] 1007W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1008W

Mrs Villiers: The effect of the new East Coast Main this data if the application is approved. The Office of Line timetable on passengers at Stevenage was assessed Rail Regulation encourages the use of on-train metering, by the train operator and the Department for Transport but also has to make sure the Virgin Trains application as part of the rail industry’s development of that timetable. does not have unreasonable financial implications for Overall, Stevenage will enjoy an improved level of service. other train operators. There will be a substantial increase in the number of London Midland, First Scotrail and First Capital long distance trains calling at Stevenage—27 per day Connect have indicated that they plan to move to instead of 19 per day—and although Stevenage will metered billing from April 2011. The Department for have fewer through trains to stations north of York, Transport has specified the fitment of energy meters to good connections will be available at Peterborough, 28 trains as part of the Southern franchise. Doncaster or York. The Office of Rail Regulation recently commissioned Railways: Suicide a review of opportunities to improve electrical energy efficiency.The executive summary of the resulting electrical efficiency summary report is available at: Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the incidence www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/independent-reporter-b-amc- of suicide on the rail network in the last 10 years. 121110.pdf [30573] The Department for Transport is working with the Office of Rail Regulation and the wider industry to Mrs Villiers: This information is published by the respond to the review’s recommendations. This will Rail Safety and Standards Board, and can be found in include consideration of further incentives and penalties Chart 97 on page 128 of their Annual Safety Performance for the next control period (2014-19) to encourage the Report, 2009-10, a copy of which has been placed in the fitment of on-train meters. Libraries of the House. It can also be found at: Rolling Stock: Procurement http://www.rssb.co.uk/sitecollectiondocuments/pdf/reports/ ASPR_2009_10_Full_Report.pdf Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Transport what class of rail travel will be provided in each of the new rail carriages which have been ordered. Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for [28592] Transport (1) what timetable he has set for his consultation Mrs Villiers [holding answer 3 December 2010]: The on the renewable transport fuel obligation; and if he Department for Transport does not normally specify will make a statement; [31129] the is a commercial matter for the train operator concerned. (2) what plans he has to review the Government’s policy on biofuels. [31371] Sea Rescue

Norman Baker: Amendments to the Renewable Transport Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Fuel (RTFO) Order 2007 are being considered to implement what recent meetings he has had with representatives of both the transport elements of the renewable energy the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in Northern directive (RED) and aspects of the closely related fuel Ireland on the modernisation of the coastguard. [31948] quality directive (FQD). It is our firm intention to consult soon on proposals to amend the RTFO and set Mike Penning: Our proposals for the modernisation out a timetable for implementation. of the coastguard are now the subject of a 14-week consultation. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency The RED contains a requirement that the European plan formal negotiations with the trade unions, as well Commission undertake a wide ranging review of the as a series of public consultation meetings and staff directive by 31 December 2014 and propose amendments briefings. if appropriate. Any such proposal may lead to further revisions of the RTFO. Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Rolling Stock Transport for what reasons his Department’s announcement on the modernisation of the coastguard has not been made according to the planned timetable. Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to roll out on-train [31949] metering across the rail network. [29268] Mike Penning: Our proposals have been developed over a period of time. Once we were satisfied that these Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport recognises would deliver a modernised coastguard for the 21st the benefits of on-train meters in helping train operators century, we made a written ministerial statement to the manage their energy consumption more effectively. We House. are working closely with the Office of Rail Regulation, Network Rail and train operators to facilitate the roll-out Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for of on-train metering. Installation of the necessary Transport when he plans to publish his Department’s equipment is supported by Network Rail’s £8 million proposals for the modernisation of the coastguard. safety and environment fund. [31950] The Office of Rail Regulation is currently reviewing Virgin Trains West Coast application to opt-in to on-train Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the written metering. Virgin Trains is already supplying metered ministerial statement made to the House on 16 December energy data to Network Rail and will be billed based on 2010, Official Report, columns 133-34WS. 1009W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1010W

Taxis: Licensing Waterloo Station

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for State for Transport whether local authorities are Transport what discussions he has had with (a) required to determine the suitability of an individual to representatives of business organisations and (b) individual hold a (a) hackney and (b) private hire licence; and if businesses on the future of Waterloo International terminal. he will make a statement. [31507] [30575] Norman Baker: The legislation governing taxi and Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to the written private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing places a statutory answer given on 9 December 2010, Official Report, duty on local licensing authorities to ensure that any column 407W. person to whom they grant a taxi or PHV driver licence West Coast Railway Line: Overcrowding is a fit and proper person. Local authorities have responsibility for deciding what constitutes ‘fit and Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for proper’, for the standards that they impose for the Transport what representations he has received on his granting of a licence and for subsequent enforcement. decision not to approve planned extra carriages on The Department for Transport has provided best West Coast main line train services; and if he will make practice guidance to assist local licensing authorities in a statement. [27776] carrying out their taxi licensing responsibilities. The guidance includes advice about assessing taxi driver Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has ordered licence applicants. It can be found on the Department’s 106 additional Pendolino vehicles for use on the west website at: coast main line. These are under construction and the www.dft.gov.uk first vehicles are now being delivered for testing. Our long-term plans for the west coast corridor include a Thameslink: King’s Lynne major increase in capacity with the construction of a new high speed rail network. Elizabeth Truss: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many direct services from King’s Lynn The Government received a proposal from Virgin to to London he expects to be maintained following the extend their franchise by two years which included a Thameslink upgrade. [30939] proposal to purchase a further 42 vehicles. I decided not to pursue the offer in order to maximise the passenger Mrs Villiers [holding answer 15 December 2010]: It is and taxpayer benefits through a competitive process to not anticipated that the number of direct trains from determine the future of the west coast franchise. The King’s Lynn to London will alter as a result of the Department for Transport has received various Thameslink upgrade. representations on capacity issues on west coast.

Train Operating Companies: Compensation HEALTH Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State Addison Lee for Transport if he will bring forward proposals to require train operating companies to introduce a Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health compensatory scheme to those passengers unable to whether (a) his Department and (b) public bodies for access a seat on their journey. [29639] which it is responsible contract services from Addison Lee private taxi hire company. [30706] Mrs Villiers: The cost of introducing a compensation scheme for passengers who have been unable to access a Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not have a seat would be reflected in increased franchising costs for contract with Addison Lee. the taxpayer. There would also be significant issues to The Department’s arm’s length body sector is made resolve with regard to how such a scheme could be up of nine executive non-departmental public bodies, administered. one executive agency and eight special health authorities. The cost of providing a seat for every passenger on For the purpose of this question, only the non-departmental every journey, regardless of distance travelled is likely public bodies (NDPBs) that to be very high given the peaks in demand that occur in currently exist are included. the system. One NDPB, the Health Protection Agency, does have However, the Government remain committed to a contract with Addison Lee under an Office of increasing the carrying capacity of the rail network and Government Commerce (OGC) framework agreement. has recently confirmed major infrastructure schemes Although not a contract, some NDPBs do however have such as Crossrail and Thameslink and that some 2100 accounts with Addison Lee for financial reasons, details new carriages will be in service on the network by 2019. for all the NDPBs are included in the following table:

Has contract with Addison Lee? Non-departmental public body (Yes/No) Additional Information

Alcohol Education and Research Council No None

Appointments Commission No None 1011W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1012W

Has contract with Addison Lee? Non-departmental public body (Yes/No) Additional Information

Care Quality Commission No CQC does not currently have a contract with Addison Lee but does have an account that is used by their London office. Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence No None General Social Care Council No GSCC uses Addison Lee on an ad-hoc basis. Health Protection Agency Yes HPA uses an OGC framework contract with Addison Lee for the provision of taxis. Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority No HFEA does not currently have a contract with Addison Lee but does have an account with them. Human Tissue Authority No None Monitor No None

Advisory Group for National Specialised Services of the outcome of the comprehensive spending review in each of the next five years. [31122] Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether treatments assessed by the National Mr Simon Burns: No estimate has been made of Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence will be able changes to Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS to enter specialised commissioning through the new Foundation Trust’s funding as a result of the outcome Advisory Group for National Specialised Services. of the comprehensive spending review. [31053] While not directly related to the comprehensive spending review, departmental officials have held discussions in Mr Simon Burns: We would not normally expect a recent weeks with representatives from Birmingham treatment to be referred to the Advisory Group for children’s hospital and other providers of specialised National Specialised Services (AGNSS) if it was considered services for children. These discussions have focused on appropriate for appraisal by the National Institute for arrangements for the 2011-12 Payment by Results national Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE can indicate tariff, through which specialist trusts receive a proportion if it believes a topic being considered for appraisal of their total funding. would more appropriately be assessed by AGNSS. Following the conclusion of these discussions, the Secretary of State for Health announced on 7 December Autism: Research his intention to set the top-up payment for specialised services for children at 60% above the tariff price and Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health increase the number of procedures that will attract the what recent research his Department has evaluated on top-up payment. (a) a genetic link to autism and (b) potential treatments for autism associated with genetic conditions. [31955] Cancer: Orphan Drugs Paul Burstow: The Medical Research Council (MRC) funds a broad portfolio of research relating to autism Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State including research on the genetic links to the condition. for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness Funded research span a number of years, many of of standard treatment appraisal methodologies for which are still ongoing. Examples of MRC-funded appraising ultra-orphan treatments for cancer; what research in this area include: assessment he has made of the effects of using such The Autism Genome Project led by Professor A Monaco, methodologies on the National Institute for Health and University of Oxford – which began March 2007 and concluded Clinical Excellence’s capacity to develop guidance for in September 2010. This project consists of 120 scientists from such treatments; and if he will make a statement. more than 60 institutions and 11 countries who have formed a [31054] first-of-its-kind autism genetics consortium. Support for this collaboration was brokered by Medical Research Council. Mr Simon Burns: We have made no such assessment. Professor F Happe, Institute of Psychiatry—A population-based twin-study of autism spectrum disorders—February 2007-November The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence 2010. (NICE) is an independent body and is responsible for Dr M D Spencer, University of Cambridge—A structural and the development of its own methodologies. NICE has functional imaging study of autism and its extended phenotype— appraised a number of drugs for the treatment of cancers December 2008-November 2012. with very small patient populations and has been able Professor S Baron-Cohen, University of Cambridge—Autistic to recommend some as a clinically and cost effective use traits, autism spectrum conditions, and foetal testosterone—July of national health service resources. 2007-December 2011. NICE issued supplementary advice to its Appraisal Committees in 2009 to clarify the circumstances in Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Trust: Public which it might be appropriate to recommend potentially Expenditure life-extending treatments licensed for terminal illnesses affecting small numbers of patients that would not Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for normally be recommended through the application of Health what estimate he has made of the change in NICE’S standard technology appraisal methods. The funding to Birmingham children’s hospital as a result supplementary advice is available on NICE’S website at: 1013W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1014W http://www.nice.org.uk/aboutnice/howwework/devnicetech/ Clients receiving services during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 20101 technologyappraisalprocessguides/guidetothemethodsofte CASSR Number chnologyappraisal.jsp?domedia=l&mid=88ACDAE5-19B9- E0B5-D422589714A8EC6D 322 Warrington UA 7,490 323 Lancashire 37,285 Care Costs 324 Blackburn with Darwen UA 3,900 325 Blackpool UA 5,450 Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for 326 Cheshire East UA 11,990 Health what estimate he has made of the number of 327 Cheshire West and Chester UA 10,890 people in each local authority area who require 404 Warwickshire 15,115 assistance to meet their care costs in 2010-11. [31196] 406 Birmingham 28,855 407 Coventry 7,615 Paul Burstow: The NHS Information Centre collects 408 Dudley 12,120 and publishes the number of people receiving services 409 Sandwell 11,630 funded wholly or partly by Councils with Adult Social 410 Solihull 6,700 Services Responsibilities (CASSRs). The most recently 411 Walsall 8,445 published data are for 2009-10 and are provisional. 412 Wolverhampton 6,535 These data are shown in the following table. Final data 413 Staffordshire 27,490 for 2009-10 will be published in 2011. 414 Stoke on Trent UA 10,645 Data for 2010-11 will not be published until late 2011 415 Herefordshire UA 6,460 and no forecasts are available. 416 Worcestershire 16,875 417 Shropshire 11,980 Clients receiving services during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 20101 418 Telford and the Wrekin UA 5,940 CASSR Number 503 Lincolnshire 21,975 102 Cumbria 19,920 504 Northamptonshire 16,170 104 Northumberland 16,815 506 Derbyshire 27,090 106 Gateshead 7,210 507 Derby UA 7,865 107 Newcastle upon Tyne 9,615 508 Leicestershire 17,515 108 North Tyneside 7,185 509 Leicester UA 7,895 109 South Tyneside 6,605 510 Rutland UA 1,345 110 Sunderland 10,685 511 Nottinghamshire 27,595 111 Hartlepool UA 5,060 512 Nottingham UA 9,490 112 Middlesbrough UA 7,045 606 Hertfordshire 28,835 113 Redcar and Cleveland UA 7,005 607 Norfolk 31,530 114 Stockton on Tees UA 8,050 608 Oxfordshire 17,545 116 Durham 19,645 609 Suffolk 18,020 117 Darlington UA 3,855 611 Luton UA 4,480 204 Barnsley 6,635 612 Buckinghamshire 14,495 205 Doncaster 9,465 613 Milton Keynes UA 5,630 206 Rotherham 8,050 514 Bracknell Forest UA 3,655 207 Sheffield 16,630 615 West Berkshire UA 4,890 209 Bradford 15,405 616 Reading UA 4,615 210 Calderdale 7,175 617 Slough UA 3,490 211 Kirklees 16,410 618 Windsor and Maidenhead UA 4,540 212 Leeds 17,620 619 Wokingham UA 3,150 213 Wakefield 9,280 620 Essex 48,165 214 East Riding of Yorkshire UA 15,330 621 Southend on Sea UA 7,195 215 Kingston upon Hull UA 10,130 622 Thurrock UA 3,540 216 North East Lincolnshire UA 7,465 623 Cambridgeshire 15,845 217 North Lincolnshire UA 5,690 624 Peterborough UA 5,900 218 North Yorkshire 25,810 625 Bedford UA 4,805 219 York UA 6,890 626 Central Bedfordshire UA 6,570 304 Bolton 9,040 702 Camden 6,660 305 Bury 6,410 703 Greenwich 5,730 306 Manchester 10,165 704 Hackney 5,575 307 Oldham 7,530 705 Hammersmith and Fulham 4,740 308 Rochdale 6,905 706 Islington 5,380 309 Salford 9,040 707 Kensington and Chelsea 6,375 310 Stockport 8,330 708 Lambeth 8,755 311 Tameside 11,455 709 Lewisham 7,040 312 Trafford 8,650 710 Southwark 5,215 313 Wigan 10,490 711 Tower Hamlets 6,375 315 Knowsley 5,495 712 Wandsworth 5,450 316 Liverpool 15,690 713 Westminster 7,090 317 Sefton 11,965 714 City of London 295 318 St. Helens 6,155 716 Barking and Dagenham 6,430 319 Wirral 10,385 717 Barnet 7,365 321 Halton UA 4,825 718 Bexley 7,595 1015W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1016W

Clients receiving services during the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 20101 Death: Winter CASSR Number

719 Brent 7,075 Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 720 Bromley 8,480 what assessment he has made of the factors which 721 Croydon 10,515 contributed to the change in the number of excess 722 Ealing 10,020 winter deaths between 2008-09 and 2009-10. [31279] 723 Enfield 10,575 724 Haringey 5,745 Anne Milton: Estimates and analysis of excess winter 725 Harrow 6,820 mortality are provided annually by the Office for National 726 Havering 6,825 Statistics. These are available at: 727 Hillingdon 5,770 www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=10805 728 Hounslow 6,355 The most recent data for winter 2009-10 (provisional) 729 Kingston upon Thames 3,410 shows that there were an estimated 25,400 excess winter 730 Merton 4,950 deaths in England and Wales in 2009-10. This is a 731 Newham 6,070 decrease of 30% compared with figures for 2008-09. 732 Redbridge 7,790 733 Richmond upon Thames 4,630 Although excess winter deaths are associated with 734 Sutton 6,395 low temperatures, conditions directly relating to cold, 735 Waltham Forest 4,010 such as hypothermia, are not the main cause. The 803 Isle of Wight UA 4,580 majority of additional winter deaths are caused by 805 Surrey 31,095 cerebrovascular diseases, ischaemic heart disease and 807 West Sussex 22,025 respiratory diseases. 809 Dorset 13,255 810 Bournemouth UA 6,265 Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for 811 Poole UA 7,020 Health what estimate his Department has made of the 812 Hampshire 45,510 likely number of excess winter deaths in 2010-11. [31567] 813 Portsmouth UA 6,815 814 Southampton UA 9,850 815 East Sussex 18,525 Anne Milton: Estimates and analysis of excess winter 816 Brighton and Hove UA 9,360 mortality are provided annually by the Office for National 817 Wiltshire 16,670 Statistics. These are available at: 819 Swindon UA 6,170 www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=10805 820 Kent 46,080 The most recent data for winter 2009-10 (provisional) 821 Medway Towns UA 8,665 show that there were an estimated 25,400 excess winter 902 Cornwall 18,910 deaths in England and Wales in 2009-10. This is a 904 Gloucestershire 25,775 decrease of 30% compared with figures for 2008-09. 905 Somerset 33,460 906 Isles of Scilly 55 Dementia: Health Services 908 Bath and North East Somerset 5,325 UA 909 Bristol UA 14,550 Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for 910 North Somerset UA 6,575 Health if he will bring forward proposals to require GP 911 South Gloucestershire UA 8,835 consortia to provide full and adequately financed care 912 Devon 26,790 for all patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other 913 Plymouth UA 11,010 dementia-related conditions. [30707] 914 Torbay UA 6,485 England 1,697,595 Paul Burstow: The White Paper “Liberating the NHS” 1 Provisional set out our proposals to devolve power and responsibility Note: for commissioning services to local consortia of general England total may not add up due to rounding. practitioner (GP) practices, supported by the creation of an NHS Commissioning Board. The Government Cataracts: Surgery have consulted on how best to implement the White Paper and on 15 December, published their response. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for GP consortia will be responsible for commissioning Health pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2010, the great majority of national health service services to Official Report, column 890W, on cataracts: surgery, include those for patients with dementia. We will expect what his policy is on providing a wider choice of treatments consortia to involve relevant health and social care for cataract surgery patients under his proposed reforms professionals from all sectors in helping design care to NHS commissioning; and if he will make a statement. pathways or care packages for those with dementia that [30818] achieve more integrated delivery of care, higher quality, and more efficient use of NHS resources. This will Mr Simon Burns: As explained in the answer on 1 create an effective dialogue across all health, and where December 2010, Official Report, column 890W, we are appropriate, social care professionals currently consulting on proposals for giving patients The Operating Framework for the NHS published on and service users greater choice and control over their 15 December sets out that, during 2011-12, NHS care and we will publish our response along with more organisations are expected to make progress on the detailed policy proposals early next year. implementation of the National Dementia Strategy. It 1017W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1018W also states that primary care trusts must work with GP The information is set out in the associated tables consortia to develop their Operating Plans, providing which have been placed in the Library. Details are not support for the consortia development process and available for the core Department and its agency the empowering consortia to take on new responsibilities Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency when they are ready to do so. before 2004-05 because of a change in service provider.

Departmental Billing Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what allowances and payments in addition to salary were available to officials in his Department and its Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health non-departmental bodies in each year since 1997; and how many invoices his Department processed in the what the monetary value was of payments and last 12 months for which figures are available. [30753] allowances of each type in each such year. [27490]

Mr Simon Burns: The number of invoices processed Mr Simon Burns: The Department has a number of by the Department in the 12 month period from allowances and payments in addition to basic pay. These 1 December 2009 to 30 November 2010 is 63,233. This include scarce skills allowances and overtime. Different figure is drawn from the Department’s accounts payable allowances and payments exist in the Department’s system and includes only those invoices paid directly to non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). The total suppliers by the Department. Payments by arm’s length payments for the Department and its NDPBs are shown bodies and executive agencies are therefore excluded. in tables which have been placed in the Library. The Department moved to a new pay and grading system Departmental Consultants for staff below senior civil service in 2006 with much less reliance on allowances. Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contracts his Department has entered into Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for the provision of consultancy services since May how many staff employed by his Department were not 2010; and what the monetary value is of each such paid at a rate equivalent to or above the London living wage in the latest period for which figures are available. contract. [29730] [31227]

Mr Simon Burns: In line with Government efficiency Mr Simon Burns: All the Department’s employees controls details of consultancy services contracts over (permanent civil servants and those on fixed term £20,000 are now routinely published. appointments) are paid at rates for which the hourly The latest publication, for the period 24 May to equivalent is above the current ‘London Living wage’ of 31 October, was published on the Department’s website £7.85 per hour. on 16 December 2010 at: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/HowDHworks/Transparency/ Departmental Public Expenditure index.htm Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Pay Health what recent estimate he has made of the effect of the increase in the standard rate of value added tax on his Department’s annual expenditure. [31183] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid to officials in his Department Mr Simon Burns: The Department has a wide variety and its non-departmental bodies in bonuses and other of areas of expenditure which exposes it to different payments in addition to salary in each year since 1997; levels of VAT and the amount that can be recovered. how many officials received such payments; and what Information on the amount of irrecoverable VAT (the the monetary value was of the largest 20 payments amount affected by the increase in standard rate) is not made in each such year. [27489] collected as there is no business need for this information. Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is given A high level estimate, based on the best currently in tables for the Department of Health and its non- available information, indicates that the effect of each departmental bodies. percentage point increase in the standard rate of VAT is around £130 million per year. For the Department itself, non-consolidated performance payments (NCPPs) are an integral part of the Department’s Diabetes: Finance reward strategy for all its staff. They have to be re-earned each year and do not add to future pay bill costs. These Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for payments are used to reward outstanding performance Health what recent representations he has received on and behaviours in delivering the Department’s agenda. access to (a) consultant-led care and (b) diabetic Non-consolidated performance payments are funded consumables funded by the NHS for diabetics; what from within existing pay bill controls. In the case of the proportion of the NHS budget is allocated to diabetic senior civil service, the percentage of pay bill set aside care; and if he will make a statement. [31031] for performance-related awards is based on recommendations from the independent Senior Salaries Paul Burstow: The Secretary of State for Health has Review Body. For staff at administrative officer to not received any recent specific representations on grade 6, the percentage of pay bill set aside was determined consultant-led diabetes care. All people with diabetes by a three-year pay settlement introduced in 2008-09. should have access to a multidisciplinary diabetes specialist 1019W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1020W team, including a consultant in diabetes, when necessary. Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State Treatment for people with diabetes must be tailored to for Health how much funding his Department has each person’s individual needs at that particular time in allocated for support to victims of domestic violence in his or her life. each year since 2005. [31258] It is for national health service organisations to determine the needs of their local population and to allocate Anne Milton: Support for victims of domestic violence resources appropriately to meet these needs. Diabetes is may be provided by universal and specialist health a complex condition that can affect every part of the services, which are commissioned by primary care trusts body, which mean that it is difficult to calculate its exact (PCTs). PCT recurrent revenue allocations are not broken cost to the NHS. down by policy or service area. Once allocated, it is for PCTs to commission the services they require to meet the health care needs of their local populations, taking account of both local and national priorities. Disability: Children In addition to PCT allocations, the Department has also funded voluntary and charitable organisations to Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for deliver a range of projects that support victims of Health what funding his Department plans to allocate domestic violence. This includes: to the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme £500,000 grant payment to the National Domestic Violence in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14. [29715] Helpline in March 2009; and £439,530 was committed to fund specialist services run by Anne Milton: The Aiming High for Disabled Children voluntary and charitable organisations through the Innovation, programme, launched by the previous Government will Excellence and Service Development (IESD) fund. Applications continue until the end of March 2011. The Childhood for the 2011-12 IESD fund are currently being assessed. and Families Taskforce announced by the Deputy Prime Minister (Nick Clegg) in July this year is looking at Headaches: Health Services ways to provide greater support for disabled children. Also £20 million is being made available to support Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Health respite care, funding recycled from the ending of the (1) how much the NHS spent on interventions for headache Government’s contribution to Children’s Trust funds. and migraine sufferers in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement; [31481] The recently announced Special Educational Needs Green Paper also demonstrates that disabled children (2) if he will take steps to provide training to general are a priority for the coalition Government. The important practitioners on the prevention and detection of role of carers has also been recognised with the recent migraine and headaches among patients. [31483] publication of a Carers Strategy in November, Government Paul Burstow: Data on national health service expenditure will provide local authorities with £800 million over the on interventions for headache and migraine sufferers next four years to fund short breaks for families with are not collected. disabled children. Training of general practitioners in the prevention The NHS White Paper ‘Equity and Excellence: Liberating and detection of headaches and migraines is the the NHS’ will also provide a real opportunity for ill and responsibility of the Royal College of General Practitioners. disabled children and their families by placing patients firmly at the heart of everything the national health Headaches: Research service does. Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will promote research into the causes of migraines Domestic Violence: Public Expenditure and headaches. [31485]

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s National Institute for Health how much funding his Department has for Health Research (NIHR) welcomes applications for allocated for support to victims of domestic violence in support into any aspect of human health, including each year of the comprehensive spending review migraine and headache. These applications are subject period; and if he will make a statement. [31259] to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the proposals made. In all disease areas, the amount of Anne Milton: The spending review increased health NIHR funding depends on the volume and quality of spending in cash terms by 10.3% by 2014-15. All patients, scientific activity. including victims of domestic violence, will benefit from this additional investment in health care and from the The NIHR-funded University College London Hospitals White Paper reforms. Biomedical Research Centre is undertaking research on headache and pain. A five-year budget of £3.7 million On 15 December 2010, the Department announced has been allocated to this work. increased total funding for primary care trusts (PCTs) of 3% in cash terms, including PCT recurrent allocations. Health Visitors: Finance PCT recurrent revenue allocations are not broken down by policy or service area. Once allocated, it is for Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health PCTs to commission the services they require to meet whether his Department plans to allocate funding to meet the health care needs of their local populations, taking the commitment contained in the 2010 Drugs Strategy account of both local and national priorities. to recruit 4,200 extra health visitors by 2015. [32061] 1021W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1022W

Anne Milton: Spending review announcements in late with chronic infection will go on to develop cirrhosis October this year included confirmation of new investment and primary liver cancer, and there may be a need for in health visitors within the national health service liver transplantation some cases. settlement. The intention to increase the work force by Patients who have cleared chronic hepatitis C infection 4,200 was also referenced in the Government’s Drugs through drug therapy, or much more rarely without Strategy, published on 8 December. such treatment, do not usually experience ongoing symptoms, although patients who have already developed Hepatitis cirrhosis remain at risk of further complications. Hip Replacement: Surgery Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what general health problems his Department Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for has identified among people with hepatitis C infections Health how many hip replacement operations have which were attributable to the prior infection; and if he taken place in (a) City of Manchester, (b) Greater will make a statement. [31501] Manchester, (c) North West England and (d) England in each month since April 2010. [31470] Anne Milton: Acute hepatitis C infection usually occurs without causing any or only mild symptoms. Mr Simon Burns: Information specific to “hip operations” Chronic hepatitis C infection may be associated with is not available. The provisional count of finished consultant a range of non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, episodes where a main or secondary procedure was “hip bodily pain and joint symptoms. Chronic infection has replacement” is available in the following table. It has also been associated with a range of specific conditions been broken down by the primary care trust (PCT)/strategic affecting parts of the body other than the liver, such as health authority (SHA) area of the patients’ treatment impaired cognitive function. A proportion of patients between April 2010 and August 2010:

Provisional1 count of finished consultant episodes2 where a main or secondary procedure3 was “hip replacement”4 broken down by the PCT/SHA area of the patients’ treatment, April 2010 to August 2010—Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector April May June July August

England 8,382 8,850 9,231 9,366 8,666 of which were treated in: North West SHA 1,150 1,118 1,221 1,196 1,151 of which were treated in: Manchester PCT 132 133 146 127 149

Other Greater Manchester PCTs 156 152 152 184 167 Salford PCT 18 29 28 40 25 Stockport PCT 58 61 50 59 56 Bolton PCT 26 21 38 28 40 Tameside and Glossop PCT 22 20 19 20 27 Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT 11 9 11 23 12 Trafford PCT 22 12 6 14 8 1 Provisional data The data is provisional and may be incomplete or contain errors for which no adjustments have yet been made. Counts produced from provisional data are likely to be lower than those generated for the same period in the final dataset. This shortfall will be most pronounced in the final month of the latest period, i.e. November from the (month 9) April to November extract. It is also probable that clinical data are not complete, which may in particular affect the last two months of any given period. There may also be errors due to coding inconsistencies that have not yet been investigated and corrected. 2 Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) FCE is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. 3 Number of episodes with a (named) main or secondary procedure The number of episodes where the procedure (or intervention) was recorded in any of the 24 (12 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and four prior to 2002-03) procedure fields in a hospital episode statistics (HES) record. A record is only included once in each count, even if the procedure is recorded in more than one procedure field of the record. Note that more procedures are carried out than episodes with a main or secondary procedure. For example, patients undergoing a “cataract operation” would tend to have at least two procedures—removal of the faulty lens and the fitting of a new one—counted in a single episode. 4 OPCS Procedure codes used to define “Hip replacement” W37 Total prosthetic replacement of hip joint using cement W38 Total prosthetic replacement of hip joint not using cement W39 Other total prosthetic replacement of hip joint W93 Hybrid prosthetic replacement of hip joint using cemented acetabular component W94 Hybrid prosthetic replacement of hip joint using cemented femoral component W95 Hybrid prosthetic replacement of hip joint using cement W46 Prosthetic replacement of head of femur using cement W47 Prosthetic replacement of head of femur not using cement W48 Other prosthetic replacement of head of femur Note: Oldham PCT and Bury PCT are also considered in Greater Manchester but returned no episodes with a main or secondary procedure of “hip replacement.” Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and social care.

The term “hip operations” is considered too broad by waiting time target of 18 weeks for each reporting the clinical coding team at Connecting for Health, period from 2006 to 2010. [30676] therefore counts of “hip replacements”have been provided. Mr Simon Burns: The NHS Constitution right for Hospitals: Waiting Lists patients “to access services within maximum waiting times, or for the Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Health national health service to take all reasonable steps to offer you a which NHS hospitals did not meet the NHS Constitution range of alternative providers if this is not possible” 1023W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1024W has been in place since 1 April 2010. NHS commissioners for example to work around family or work commitments, have a legal duty to commission services that meet or where waiting longer was clinically appropriate. maximum waiting time standards and to offer redress to patients who have waited longer if patients request Kidneys: Transplant Surgery this. The Department does not collect information centrally on patients who seek to exercise their right to redress Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health under the NHS Constitution. what estimate he made of the number of (a) female, The Department collects and publishes monthly referral (b) male and (c) child patients who died while waiting to treatment consultant-led waiting times for each NHS for a kidney transplant in each of the last three years provider. These are available from January 2007 for for which figures are available. [30933] patients admitted to hospital and from August 2007 for patients whose treatment did not require an admission. Anne Milton: The figures for the number of patients These data include information on how many patients dying while waiting for a kidney transplant should not waited more than 18 weeks before starting treatment be seen in isolation: although the number of deaths on and this information is contained in tables which have the kidney waiting list has remained fairly static over been placed in the Library. The Department does not the last five years, this needs to be seen in the context of collect information on the reasons why patients waited an increase in patients being added to the waiting list longer than 18 weeks but this will include those patients along with the increase, year on year, in both donors who chose to wait longer for personal or social reasons, and transplants.

Number on patients who died while on the waiting list for a kidney transplant Number on waiting list who have died while waiting for a kidney transplant Total number of Total number on Total number of transplants from kidney waiting list as deceased and living deceased and living of 31 March kidney donors kidney donors Male Female Paediatric Total

2005-06 5,863 1,311 1,915 263 174 2 439 2006-07 6,481 1,455 2,130 233 179 3 415 2007-08 6,980 1,620 2,284 252 168 1 421 2008-09 7,190 1,786 2,575 262 185 2 449 2009-10 7,183 1,968 2,694 264 171 3 438

This table includes patients who donated or received With regard to social support, the coalition programme solely kidneys or kidneys and other organs. committed the Government to reforming the system of social care in England to provide much more control to Maternity Services individuals and their carers. On 16 November 2010 we published ‘A Vision for Adult Social Care: Capable Dr Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Active Citizens’, which sets the context Health what steps his Department has taken to increase for the future direction of adult social care in England the (a) availability and (b) standard of provision for and a copy has been placed in the Library. psychological and social support for new mothers of pre-term babies since 2009. [31047] The Vision focuses on the Government commitments to: Paul Burstow: More and more people across England break down barriers between health and social care funding to are getting access to psychological therapies for the incentivise preventative action; most common mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders or depression. About 140 new psychological extend the greater rollout of personal budgets to give people therapy services are now up and running around the and their carers more control and purchasing power; and country and by March 2011 60% of primary care trusts use direct payments to carers and better community-based will have an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies provision to improve access to respite care. service. 900,000 extra people with depression and/or We want to make services more personalised, more anxiety disorders will have been seen in the first three preventative and more focused on delivering the best years of the programme. Some 3,600 more therapists outcomes for those who use them. The document also will have been employed in the same period, already states that councils should provide personal budgets, meeting the programme’s March 2011 target. preferably as a direct payment, for everyone eligible, by The Health settlement in the spending review included 2013, and develop the Big Society, with more local funding to expand access to talking therapies. The preventative activity to support people’s independence. money will complete the roll-out of the nationwide training programme and services which began in 2008 On 4 November 2010, the social care sector published and begin to extend the benefits of talking therapies to ‘Think Local, Act Personal: Next Steps for Transforming the young, the elderly, those with serious mental illness Adult Social Care’, which sets out the sector’s commitment and those who have anxiety disorders or depression to moving forward with personalisation and community- alongside long-term physical health conditions like diabetes, based support. To support its implementation, a number heart or lung disease. By March 2011, the roll-out will of best practice documents have been published and are achieve 60% geographical coverage of England. The available on the Putting People First website at: spending review settlement will complete this by 2014-15. www.puttingpeoplefirst.org.uk 1025W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1026W

Memory Clinics Mr Simon Burns: I have been advised by the national health service litigation authority that the estimate of Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the liabilities arising from claims where a delay in performing Health how many NHS memory clinics there are in caesarean section is mentioned in the claims is £52.3 million. each primary care trust area; and how many of these The estimate of the liabilities arising from claims where have been set up since the launch of the National failure to perform a caesarean section is mentioned in Dementia Strategy in February 2009. [29763] the claim is £49 million.

Paul Burstow: The Department does not hold the data requested centrally. We will as part of the National NHS Trusts: Finance Audit of Dementia services be collecting data on dementia services including memory assessment services. The first Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for results from this are expected at the end of the year. Health which hospital trusts have a financial position National health service organisations should already supported by non-recurrent financial support; and how be working with partners to implement the National much each has received in such support in 2010-11 to Dementia Strategy. Localities are asked to provide date. [30845] information that helps those with dementia and their families or carers to understand what is available in Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not provide local services and the level of quality and outcomes that any non recurrent revenue financial support to support they can expect. the financial position reported by hospital trusts. National Specialised Services Advisory Group The Department is able to issue non recurrent cash support, in the form of, interest bearing, working capital Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for loans to hospital national health service trusts and Health (1) what estimate he has made of the likely foundation trusts. These loans are only approved where annual budget of the Advisory Group for National hospital trusts are able to afford the repayments Specialised Services for the appraisal of ultra orphan The Department is also able to issue capital investment drugs; [31548] loans to hospital NHS trusts and foundation trusts. (2) what account he expects the Advisory Group for However, due to the long-term nature of the investment National Specialised Services to take of reports by the they are supporting, they are not considered to be non National Institute for Clinical Excellence; [31549] recurrent financial support. (3) whether medicines for ultra-orphan diseases Hospital NHS trusts also have the facility to borrow which have been rejected by the National Institute for cash from the Department on a temporary basis in the Clinical Excellence will be referred to the Advisory form of public dividend capital. These will often occur Group for National Specialised Services. [31550] in advance of a working capital loan or capital investment loan. Mr Simon Burns: There is no specific funding identified At a local level, strategic health authorities may provide for the Advisory Group for National Specialised Services financial support to hospital trusts for strategic investments (AGNSS) to undertake consideration of drugs for very or other local circumstances. rare conditions. It is part of the running costs for the secretariat to the group. Funds to run AGNSS are The following tables 1 and 2 detail the working agreed on an annual basis and Ministers are currently capital loans that have been issued or agreed during the considering the running costs for 2011-12. financial year 2010-11, and the temporary borrowing AGNSS will take into account any relevant guidance issued during the financial year 2010-11. produced by the National Institute for Health and Table 3 show the amounts of non recurrent financial Clinical Excellence (NICE) where it relates to nationally support that has been provided to hospital trusts during commissioned services. the financial year 2010-11, as notified to the Department Drugs that have been appraised by NICE are not by the strategic health authorities. eligible for consideration by AGNSS. Hospital foundation trusts are autonomous organisations and are accountable to Monitor, their Independent NHS 111 Regulator. Unlike hospital NHS trusts, they are exempt from supplying certain information to the Department. Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Therefore the information in the tables in respect of when he plans to publish a report on the outcome of his foundation trusts is only on working capital loans provided Department’s pilots of the 111 service. [30844] by the Department in 2010-11 and local financial support as notified by the strategic health authorities. Mr Simon Burns: The final evaluation report on the NHS 111 pilots will be published by spring 2012. Table 1: Working capital loans for hospitals issued or agreed in 2010-11 NHS Litigation Authority: Claims Value of working capital loan (£ million)

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 6.0 Health what estimate he has made of the liabilities Heatherwood and Wexham Park 118.0 arising from claims received by the NHS Litigation Hospitals Foundation Trust Authority since 2000 in respect of (a) the time Winchester and Eastleigh 6.5 taken and (b) failures to carry out a caesarean section. Healthcare NHS Trust [31000] 1 This has been agreed but has not yet been issued to the trust 1027W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1028W

Table 2: Temporary borrowing for hospital trusts issued in 2010-11 Mr Simon Burns: We have no plans to do so. As an Value of temporary borrowing independent body, the National Institute for Health (£ million) and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is responsible for developing East Lancashire Hospitals NHS 9.0 its technology appraisal methodology.NICE has appraised Trust treatments for conditions with very small patient Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS 10.0 populations where they have met the published criteria Trust for referral. Newham University Hospital 2.1 The estimated size of the patient population for a NHS Trust treatment is considered alongside other factors in assessing North Bristol NHS Trust 8.0 whether it is suitable for appraisal. The overarching North Cumbria University Acute 2.5 consideration in determining whether a topic should be Hospitals NHS Trust referred to NICE is whether NICE guidance can add North Middlesex University 8.6 value. Hospital NHS Trust South London Healthcare NHS 38.8 NICE consults periodically on its technology appraisal Trust processes and methods, and last did so in 2008-09. The Hillingdon Hospital NHS 4.6 Trust Primary Care Trusts: Conditions of Employment The Royal National Orthopaedic 3.0 Hospital NHS Trust Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Weston Area Health NHS Trust 3.9 whether those GP commissioning consortia which Table 3: Local non recurrent financial support provided to hospital employ staff previously employed by primary care trusts in 2010-11 trusts will take on associated TUPE liabilities. [31899] Value of revenue support (£ million) Mr Simon Burns: The application of Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations Buckinghamshire Healthcare 2.1 NHS Trust 2006 (TUPE) will always be a matter of law based on the individual circumstances of the particular transfer. Mid Staffordshire NHS 10.0 Foundation Trust Employers will need to establish the legal position for Newham University Hospitals 1.5 their own specific transfer situations. In circumstances NHS Trust where TUPE does not strictly apply, public sector transfers North Cumbria University 5.4 may be covered by the Cabinet Office ‘Staff Transfers in Hospitals NHS Trust the Public Sector Statement of Practice’ (COSOP), Scarborough and North East 7.0 where the transfer is effected on terms that are overall Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust no less favourable than if TUPE had applied. Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS 1.5 Equally, staff transfer schemes established by the Trust Secretary of State may transfer staff on similar or the Sandwell and West Birmingham 9.0 same terms as if TUPE had applied. These are sometimes, Hospitals NHS Trust referred to as ‘TUPE-like’ terms. St George’s Healthcare NHS 4.0 Trust Where TUPE or COSOP applies or a staff transfer University Hospital of North 10.0 scheme is used, then the terms and conditions of staff Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trust will be protected. Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust 4.3 Winchester and Eastleigh 3.0 Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Healthcare NHS Trust whether the removal of the two-tier TUPE code applies to primary care trust (PCT) staff transferring from North East PCTs to GP consortia. [31903] Mr Simon Burns: The “two-tier”code (Code of Practice Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for on Workforce Matters in Public Sector Service Contracts) Health which Ministers in his Department have visited would not have applied to the transfer of staff from the North East since their appointment. [31739] primary care trusts to general practitioner consortia, which will be statutory bodies subject to legislation. Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Health, Therefore, its removal is not relevant in this situation. my right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley) and my noble Friend, the Parliamentary Primary Care Trusts: Debts Under-Secretary of State (Earl Howe), have both visited the north-east since appointment. Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health under what terms the debts of primary care trusts will Orphan Drugs be partially or wholly written off after the creation of GP commissioning consortia. [31901]

Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Simon Burns: The strategic health authorities will for Health if he will instruct the National Institute for be working with the primary care trusts (PCTs) in their Health and Clinical Excellence to give greater consideration region to ensure that through the planning process for to the relevance of low patient population numbers in 2011-12 and 2012-13 all existing legacy debt is dealt its appraisal processes for ultra-orphan drugs. [31052] with. 1029W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1030W

General practitioner (GP) consortia will have their Surgery: Costs own budgets from 2013-14 and they will not be responsible for resolving PCT legacy debt that arose prior to 2011-12. Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for During 2011-12 and 2012-13, we expect developing Health how many NHS hospital trusts have (a) frozen GP consortia to work closely with PCTs to ensure that and (b) postponed elective surgical procedures since 1 financial control and balance is maintained to prevent October 2010 on grounds of cost. [31805] PCT deficits in those years. Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect information on how many national health service hospital Primary Care Trusts: Manpower trusts have frozen or postponed elective surgical procedures on grounds of cost. Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Patients’ rights to access services within maximum what estimate he has made of the proportion of waiting times under the NHS constitution will continue primary care trust staff who will be employed by GP and clinical priority remains the main determinant of commissioning consortia. [31900] when patients should be treated. Commissioners should ensure that waiting times Mr Simon Burns: No estimate has been made of the performance does not deteriorate and where possible proportion of primary care trust staff who will be improves. employed by general practitioner (GP) commissioning consortia. GP commissioning consortia will have the Thromboembolism opportunity to plan how they intend to carry out their future functions. In particular, they will be able to Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for decide what activities they will undertake for themselves Health what steps he has taken to ensure consistent by employing or engaging their own staff, what activities assurance by strategic health authorities of acute provider they will carry out on a collaborative basis (e.g. through CQUIN data returns, with regard to the requirement a lead consortium arrangement or through collaboration under the national goal to reduce avoidable death, with local authorities), and what activities they wish to disability and chronic ill health from venous buy from external support organisations. thromboembolism for census data returns, rather than sample data returns. [31367]

Queen Alexandra Hospital: Private Finance Initiative Mr Simon Burns: The Department issued guidance on the national mandatory venous thromboembolism Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for (VTE) risk assessment data collection in March 2010 Health what proportion of the total running costs for and May 2010. This guidance included a specific expectation the Queen Alexandra hospital in Portsmouth was paid that medical directors of provider organisations take to the PFI provider in 2009-10; and what proportion of responsibility for local assurance of VTE risk assessment the total is projected to be paid to that provider in (a) procedures and also the involvement of strategic health 2010-11 and (b) each subsequent year for which authority medical directors in respect of quality assurance of our national approach to VTE risk assessment data projections have been made. [31420] collection.

Mr Simon Burns: The information is not held in the Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for format requested. Information is collected by trust, not Health (1) what estimate he has made of the amount of by individual hospital. Queen Alexandra hospital is money that has been paid in each strategic health part of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, which comprises authority area to acute providers through commissioners more than one site. The data provided in the following as part of the CQUIN National Goal to reduce avoidable table relates to the proportion of total revenue expenditure death, disability and chronic ill health from venous by Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust in respect of its thromboembolism; [31368] private finance initiative (PFI) scheme. (2) whether any primary care trusts have withheld Data are not held centrally for 2010-11 or 2011-12. CQUIN payments to acute providers in any cases where Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust—proportion of total revenue the acute provider has met the requirements of the expenditure relating to PFI scheme CQUIN National Goal to reduce avoidable death, disability Percentage of total operating and chronic ill health from venous thromboembolism. expenses relating to PFI [31370] 2009-10 8.2 Notes: Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not hold 1. The figures provided represent the net operating expenses in respect information centrally on commissioning for quality and of PFI schemes as a proportion of total operating expenses. innovation (CQUIN) payments. This is solely for 2. 2009-10 accounts were compiled under International Finance commissioners and providers to agree and manage through Reporting Standards, under which PFI costs in the audited summarisation their local contractual relationship. schedules of trusts are split between capital repayments and revenue expenditure elements. An estimate of the PFI unitary payment for 2009-10 is held centrally by the Department as well as the audited Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for outturn revenue expenditure figure for the Trust for this year. The Health what steps have been taken to ensure that strategic percentage figure for this year is calculated using these two figures. health authorities have made primary care trust Source: commissioners aware of the contractual obligations Audited Summarisation Schedules 2009-10 contained in the standard NHS contract for acute hospitals 1031W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1032W under which acute service providers must report to their Adult Education: Newham lead commissioner through monthly audits of the percentage of patients receiving appropriate prophylaxis Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for after risk assessment using the national tool, coupled Business, Innovation and Skills how many people with a report of root cause analysis of all confirmed attended adult education courses in (a) the London cases of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism. Borough of Newham and (b) London in (i) 2008 and [31369] (ii) 2009. [31590]

Mr Simon Burns: The national health service standard Mr Hayes: The following table shows the number of contracts are used by primary care trusts (PCTs) when adults aged 19 or over participating in Government-funded commissioning NHS funded care from all provider further education in Newham local authority, London types. Strategic health authorities as local system managers, and England in 2007/08 and 2008/09. are responsible for ensuring that PCTs have signed This includes participation across further education, contracts with their providers in line with requirements apprenticeships, Train to Gain, Adult Safeguarded Learning set out in the Operating Framework. Where a provider and University for Industry funding streams. fails to provide the information required by a PCT, commissioners can levy a financial withholding until Further education adult (19+) participation by geography in 2007/08 the data are provided. The withholding is based on 1% and 2008/09 of the total of the monthly contract value. 2007/08 2008/091 Newham local 24,800 28,800 Tuberculosis authority London 513,300 564,800 Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for England 3,304,400 3,771,200 Health what recent assessment he has made of trends 1 Figures for 2008/09 are not directly comparable to earlier years as in the level of tuberculosis infection; and if he will the introduction of demand-led funding has changed how data is collected and how funded learners are defined from 2008/09 make a statement. [31956] onwards. More information on demand led funding is available at: http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/datadictionary/businessdefinitions/ Anne Milton: The Health Protection Agency published Demand+Led+Funding.htm its annual report on tuberculosis surveillance in the Notes United Kingdom on 4 November 2010. A copy has 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100. 2. Age is based on learner age at the start of the academic year. been placed in the Library. 3. Government office region and local authority are based upon the This report supports the need for the Department’s home postcode of the learner. The England figure includes learners plans to take a radical new approach to public health, whose postcode is outside of England or unknown. 4. Information in this table is based on all Government-funded with more effective national and local systems for tackling learners. key public health challenges, such as tuberculosis. 5. These data include FE, apprenticeships/work based learning, Train to Gain, Adult Safeguarded Learning and University for Welsh Language Industry funding streams. Source: Individualised Learner Record Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Consumer Focus: Redundancy Pay Health when his Department last published a Welsh language scheme in accordance with the provisions of Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Welsh Language Act 1993; and at which web Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has addresses such schemes can be accessed in (a) Welsh made of the redundancy costs arising from the closure and (b) English. [31166] of Consumer Focus in the next three years. [31980]

Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not published Mr Davey: We are working closely with Consumer a Welsh language scheme. Focus, Citizens Advice, and others on the; proposed transfer of sectoral advocacy functions to Citizens Advice. The number and cost of any redundancies will depend on the number of staff required to participate in the BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS proposed new model of consumer representation. We will consult in the spring of 2011 on our proposals, Addison Lee including options for implementation. Demonstrations: Parliament Square Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether (a) his Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Department and (b) the public bodies for which it is Business, Innovation and Skills which buildings responsible contracts services from Addison Lee occupied by his Department were damaged during the private hire taxi company. [30704] demonstration in Parliament Square on 9 December 2010; what estimate he has of the cost of repairs; and if Mr Davey: Yes, the Department has recently contracted he will make a statement. [31655] with Addison Lee using the DWP framework contract. Information for the Department’s non-departmental Mr Davey: None of the buildings the Department public bodies can be provided only at disproportionate occupies were damaged during the demonstration in cost. Parliament Square on 9 December 2010. 1033W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1034W

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Departmental Overtime Innovation and Skills what steps he (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to protect from damage the buildings Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for leased by his Department from damage during Business, Innovation and Skills how much his demonstrations; and if he will make a statement. [31656] Department spent on overtime for staff working within his private office in each of the last five years. [28557] Mr Davey: The Department is currently liaising with the police on what measures we should take to protect our Mr Davey: Overtime costs were as follows: buildings during demonstrations and looking at experience across departments as well as normal security sources. £ Departmental Billing 2005-061 33,030.23 2006-072 48,001.09 3 Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007-08 38,784.67 2008-094 33,254.27 Business, Innovation and Skills how many invoices his 5 Department processed in the last 12 months for which 2009-10 75,859.57 1 2005-06: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). figures are available. [30745] 2 2006-07: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 3 2007-08: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) until June 2007 and then Mr Davey: During the period 1 December 2009 to 30 Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). 4 2008-09: Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). November 2010 the Department processed 32,076 invoices. 5 2009-10: Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) until June 2009 and then merged with Department for Innovation, Universities Departmental Consultants and Skills (DIUS) in June 2009 to form Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Therefore 2009-10 figure includes overtime costs for both Departments during the period April to June 2009. Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department Departmental Public Consultation has spent on (a) consultants and (b) temporary employees in each month since April 2010. [31469] Dr Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many submissions his Mr Davey: The following table shows monthly spend Department received to his call for evidence on consumer by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills credit and personal insolvency; and how many such on consultants and temporary employees since April submissions (a) referenced the need for steps to address 2010. In producing these figures, we have used the the cost of credit and (b) called for a cap on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) definition of amount that can be charged for credit. [31970] ‘temporary/casual employees’ which is: “those who have a fixed term contract of 12 months or less or Mr Davey: As of 15 December the call for evidence are employed on a casual basis.” has received 184 substantive submissions. The call for evidence closed on 10 December but to ensure we £ obtain all the evidence to enable us to make the best Spend on temporary decisions for consumers and business, my Department 2010 Spend on consultants employees has agreed to accept late submissions and these are still April 848,310 759,051 being received. May 95,012 752,617 We have received 43 responses to the questions on an June 197,397 750,226 interest rate cap for credit and store cards and 56 July 146,592 742,062 responses that referenced interest rate caps on high cost August 526,577 712,312 credit products have been received. 53 responses to the September 281,954 641,273 questions on OFT’s review of high cost credit have also October 609,134 631,743 been received. November 443,499 591,568 The call for evidence has so far received 1,740 individual e-mails that call for Government to introduce an interest Departmental Contracts rate cap on high cost credit products. Most responses were received towards the end of the Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for call for evidence and my officials are in the process of Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has carrying out detailed analysis of all the responses received. made of the effectiveness of quality management statements in assisting with contract decisions by his Departmental Vacancies Department; and what assessment he has made of the effects on the prospects for small businesses of winning Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for contracts of such statements. [19020] Business, Innovation and Skills how many posts in his Department have been unfilled in each month since Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation April 2010; and what the saving from the non-filling of and Skills assesses quality management statements at such posts has been in that period. [31468] pre-qualification and tender stages and uses these to evaluate both the ability of the company to deliver the Mr Davey: As part of the £6.2 billion savings announced project and any value for money implications. A wide by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in May, the Department range of suppliers including small businesses have proved for Business, Innovation and Skills committed to making themselves successful in satisfying the requirements of savings of £38 million (11% reduction in running cost quality management statements. budgets) in 2010-11. 1035W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1036W

The Department’s systems do not currently monitor ECGD does not have comprehensive details of all the the number of posts that are unfilled in each month. As companies with which it made contact in this context part of the £38 million savings, we have successfully and has no record of having specifically made contact concluded a voluntary exit scheme which has seen a 330 with companies in Haslingden and Hyndburn, but does reduction on the core Department’s headcount. The full not rule this out. year saving from this will be £16.4 million, with £8.2 million of these savings accruing in the current financial Financial Services year. Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Everything Everywhere Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department has assessed the merits of (a) applying a total cost of borrowing figure to high street bank overdraft fees and Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for charges and (b) temporarily applying an annual percentage Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment rate to high street bank overdrafts to enable consumers Ofcom has made of the effects of the formation of to compare the cost of such overdrafts to other short-term Everything Everywhere on the competitive position of cash solutions. [31198] the broadband market in the UK. [29177] Mr Davey: As part of the review of consumer credit Mr Vaizey: The matter raised is the responsibility of and personal insolvency, BIS and HM Treasury issued a the independent regulator, the Office of Communications joint call for evidence in October. The call for evidence (Ofcom), which is accountable to Parliament rather closed on 10 December. As part of this review evidence than Ministers. According to Ofcom, the competition was collected on the impact of high bank charges. BIS issues relating to the merger between T-Mobile and and HMT are working through this evidence and will Orange that resulted in the formation of Everything be coming forward with proposals in due course. Everywhere were looked at by the European Commission, involving Ofcom in the process. This considered all Foreign Trade: Israel potential impacts that the merger might have in the various affected markets. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for A particular potential concern was the joint venture’s Business, Innovation and Skills what the monetary holdings of spectrum and the potential impacts these value of (a) exports to and (b) imports from, Israel would have on future competition in mobile broadband was in each of the last 10 years. [31705] services. The Commission also focused on the impact that the merger would have on the network sharing Mr Prisk: The data requested are shown in the following agreement held between T-Mobile and Hutchison 3G. table: The Commission accepted undertakings to divest spectrum UK trade in goods and services with Israel 2000-2009: (£ million, holdings in the 1.8 GHz band and the merging parties’ current prices) commitment to maintain the network sharing agreement UK exports to Israel UK imports from Israel to enable competition in the future. 2000 1,961 1,291 Furthermore, and separately from the merger, in 2001 1,868 1,253 terms of the future development of the mobile broadband 2002 1,857 1,082 market, the Secretary of State will direct Ofcom to do a 2003 1,729 1,074 competition assessment in connection with the release of spectrum in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands, and 2004 1,793 1,153 Ofcom is already working on such an assessment. 2005 1,908 1,251 2006 1,762 1,260 2007 1,743 1,350 Export Credit Guarantees: Lancashire 2008 1,874 1,465 2009 1,667 1,406 Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Source: Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer United Kingdom Balance of Payments, The Pink Book, ONS of 29 November 2010, Official Report, columns Higher Education 594-5W, on export credit guarantees, with how many exporters in (a) Lancashire, (b) Haslingden and (c) Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for Hyndburn the Export Credits Guarantee Department Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of has engaged since 2005. [29148] students beginning undergraduate degree courses in English universities in (a) 1990, (b) 1995, (c) 2000, Mr Davey: Since 2005 the Export Credit Guarantee (d) 2005 and (e) 2007 completed their course and Department (ECGD) has engaged with a number of graduated. [31400] trade bodies and attended numerous trade fairs and exhibitions all around the country. Mr Willetts: Information on completion rates at English Recently, ECGD attended an exhibition and conference higher education institutions is shown in the table for run by the Energy Industries Council (EIC), a national the 1996/97, 2000/01, 2005/06 and 2007/08 academic trade association, in Manchester where local companies years. Completion rate refers to the proportion of as well as others were represented including the UK UK-domiciled full-time first degree starters who are Trade and Investment (UKTI) local representatives. projected to gain a first degree qualification. Figures for ECGD has also engaged with the International Trade 1990 and 1995 are not available and the earliest available Adviser representing UKTI in the north-west. information on completion rates, for the 1996/97 academic 1037W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1038W year, is provided here as an alternative. More information Estimates of the number of non-FSM pupils aged 15 in English on completion rates in higher education is available maintained schools who progress to HE by age 19, by higher education from the Higher Education Statistics Agency at the institution following link UK Higher Education Institution 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/content/category/2/32/141/

1 Kent Institute of Art & 1500 Projected completion rates for full-time first degree starters English Design higher education institutions: Academic years 1996/97, 2000/01, 2005/06 and 2007/08 The University of Winchester 665 800 845 Academic Year Completion rate (%) Liverpool Hope University 660 695 740 University of the Arts, 885 950 1,190 1996/97 76.8 London 2000/01 78.1 University of Bedfordshire 465 745 830 2005/06 78.0 The University of 1,065 1,150 1,025 2007/08 78.2 Northampton 1 Refers to UK-domiciled full-time first degree students of all ages Newman College of Higher 200 255 300 starting a first degree who were projected to gain a first degree Education qualification: this completion rate is calculated by identifying a group Ravensbourne College of 195 190 180 of starting students known as a cohort, consisting of all students who Design and Communication started at UK higher education institutions on a full-time first degree Roehampton University 900 1,165 1,005 course of study in a particular year. Their future progression outcomes— Rose Bruford College 110 110 120 whether they qualify, transfer to another institution, or do not continue— are then projected, based on current progression patterns at higher Royal Academy of Music 15 15 25 education institutions. Royal College of Music 15 25 20 Notes: Royal Northern College of 55 60 60 Percentages are given to one decimal place. Music Source: Southampton Solent 1,420 1,510 1,490 Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA): Performance Indicators University in higher education in the UK St Martin’s College 710 755 955 Higher Education: Admissions St Mary’s University College, 475 550 560 Twickenham Leeds Trinity and All Saints 475 480 470 Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Trinity Laban 80 80 75 Innovation and Skills how many pupils not eligible for Surrey Institute of Art & 1500 free school meals took up a place at each university in Design (a) 2005-06, (b) 2006-7 and (c) 2007-8. [32098] Tie University of Worcester 610 590 670 Anglia Ruskin University 1,495 1,280 1,425 Mr Willetts: The information requested is shown in Bath Spa University 670 755 815 the table. These figures relate to pupils who were not in The University of Bolton 325 420 445 receipt of free school meals (FSM). The figures may Bournemouth University 1,670 1,900 2,020 include pupils who are eligible for FSM but do not The University of Brighton 1,635 1,925 1,920 claim. These figures have been estimated using matched data from the National Pupil Database and the Higher Birmingham City University 1,770 1,810 1,830 Education Statistics Agency Student Record. These The University of Central 2,635 2,835 2,785 rounded estimates allow for a small margin of error that Lancashire arises as result of the matching procedure deployed. University of Gloucestershire 975 1,035 1,090 Coventry University 1,665 1,825 1,810 Estimates of the number of non-FSM pupils aged 15 in English University of Derby 1,270 1,435 1,375 maintained schools who progress to HE by age 19, by higher education institution The University of East 540 610 710 UK Higher Education London Institution 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 The University of Greenwich 1,135 1,185 1,375 University of Hertfordshire 2,705 2,675 2,405 The Open University 1,080 1,205 1,320 The University of 1,735 2,075 2,040 Bishop Grosseteste 190 200 230 Huddersfield University College, Lincoln The University of Lincoln 1,795 1,900 1,840 Buckinghamshire New 750 770 775 University Kingston University 1,895 2,235 2,240 Central School of Speech and 105 100 85 Leeds Metropolitan 2,830 3,090 3,570 Drama University University of Chester 1,160 1,430 1,485 Liverpool John Moores 2,315 2,500 2,560 Canterbury Christ Church 1,205 1,220 1,245 University University The Manchester 3,705 4,035 4,125 York St John University 790 915 960 Metropolitan University University College Plymouth 320 365 350 Middlesex University 1,160 1,355 1,370 St Mark and St John De Montfort University 2,790 2,615 2,400 Dartington College of Arts 85 100 85 The University of 2,265 2,585 2,720 Edge Hill University 1,050 1,205 1,255 Northumbria at Newcastle University College Falmouth 325 380 390 The Nottingham Trent 2,980 2,795 2,825 Harper Adams University 180 260 250 University College Oxford Brookes University 1,180 1,260 1,160 Homerton College 10 0 0 The University of Plymouth 2,620 2,910 2,800 1039W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1040W

Estimates of the number of non-FSM pupils aged 15 in English Estimates of the number of non-FSM pupils aged 15 in English maintained schools who progress to HE by age 19, by higher education maintained schools who progress to HE by age 19, by higher education institution institution UK Higher Education UK Higher Education Institution 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Institution 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08

The University of 2,320 2,350 2,710 Birkbeck College 25 25 45 Portsmouth Goldsmiths College 460 430 540 Sheffield Hallam University 3,360 3,370 3,720 Imperial College of Science, 540 605 625 London South Bank 545 635 670 Technology & Medicine University Institute of Education 0 — — Staffordshire University 885 1,065 1,585 King’s College London 1,090 1,140 1,220 The University of 1,240 1,245 1,315 London School of 330 280 305 Sunderland Economics and Political The University of Teesside 1,355 1,500 1,555 Science Thames Valley University 530 595 495 Queen Mary and Westfield 945 1,100 1,385 University of the West of 2,290 2,740 2,785 College England, Bristol Royal Holloway and Bedford 785 770 880 The University of Chichester 545 580 605 New College The University of 1,315 1,415 1,400 The Royal Veterinary College 165 160 180 Westminster St George’s Hospital Medical 100 150 180 Wimbeldon School of Art 65 5 0 School The University of 1,965 2,035 1,955 The School of Oriental and 150 180 195 Wolverhampton African Studies The University of Wales, 200 225 205 The School of Pharmacy 70 60 75 Newport University College London 1,010 970 1,060 The North-East Wales 125 145 115 University of London 20 — 0 Institute of Higher Education (Institutes and activities) University of Wales Institute, 500 505 545 Loughborough University 1,935 2,010 2,020 Cardiff The University of Newcastle- 1,910 1,925 2,070 University of Glamorgan 340 370 425 upon-Tyne Swansea Institute of Higher 155 195 145 The University of 2,555 2,515 2,895 Education Nottingham Trinity College, Carmarthen 50 45 30 Tie University of Oxford 1,215 1,175 1,255 University of Abertay 30 20 20 The University of Reading 1,415 1,470 1,750 Dundee The University of Salford 1,780 1,745 1,730 Edinburgh College of Art 40 40 50 The University of Sheffield 3,050 2,965 2,890 Glasgow School of Art 35 70 55 The University of 1,920 2,225 2,435 Queen Margaret University, 45 65 40 Southampton Edinburgh The University of Surrey 870 965 1,035 The Royal Scottish Academy 10 10 20 The University of Sussex 940 1,190 1,295 of Music and Drama The University of Warwick 1,485 1,415 1,555 The Robert Gordon 15 25 20 University The University of York 1,290 1,265 1,415 The University of Paisley 15 20 15 The University of Edinburgh 605 610 585 Glasgow Caledonian 40 35 30 The University of Glasgow 300 230 275 University The University of Strathclyde 50 55 45 Napier University 50 60 50 The University of Aberdeen 175 205 170 Aston University 975 1,090 1,090 Heriot-Watt University 105 90 90 The University of Bath 1,055 995 1,120 The University of Dundee 100 100 105 The University of 2,715 2,570 2,770 The University of St 300 240 250 Birmingham Andrews The University of Bradford 775 870 885 The University of Stirling 125 150 130 The University of Bristol 1,350 1,370 1,535 Scottish Agricultural College 5 5 — Brunel University 1,455 1,380 1,605 The University of Wales, 80 105 75 The University of Cambridge 1,310 1,280 1,320 Lampeter The City University 640 745 770 Aberystwyth University 995 1,025 780 University of Durham 1,690 1,655 1,575 Bangor University 730 745 620 The University of East 1,420 1,725 1,670 Cardiff University 1,740 1,595 1,765 Anglia Swansea University 800 780 820 The University of Essex 1,110 1,260 1,195 Royal Welsh College of 55 45 0 The University of Exeter 1,390 1,320 1,610 Music and Drama The University of Hull 1,895 1,850 1,975 The Queen’s University of 50 45 55 The University of Keele 1,245 1,345 1,135 Belfast The University of Kent 1,840 2,055 2,135 University of Ulster 25 35 25 The University of Lancaster 1,700 1,675 1,680 Writtle College 145 140 135 The University of Leeds 3,825 3,525 3,680 Norwich School of Art and 150 190 245 The University of Leicester 1,250 1,325 1,385 Design The University of Liverpool 2,185 2,145 2,240 Cumbria Institute of the Arts 180 165 15 1041W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1042W

Estimates of the number of non-FSM pupils aged 15 in English Applicants and accepted applicants from Birmingham maintained schools who progress to HE by age 19, by higher education Ladywood constituency to full-time undergraduate courses institution in UK institutions via UCAS by area background, UK Higher Education 2010/11. Institution 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08

Stranmills University College — 0 — Area Accepted St. Mary’s University College 0 — — background Applicants % of total applicants % of total Royal Agricultural College 45 40 35 Disadvantaged1 1,141 70 737 69 UHI Millennium Institute 15 15 25 Other 497 30 336 31 The Arts Institute at 300 275 375 Grand 1,638 100 1,073 100 Bournemouth Total Bell College 5 — — 1 For the purposes of their funding allocations, the Higher Education Conservatoire for Dance and 85 110 95 Funding Council for England (HEFCE) treat entrants from the most Drama disadvantaged 40 per cent of neighbourhoods as ’disadvantaged’ Birmingham College of 365 395 380 http://www.hefce.ac.uk/widen/fund/ Food, Tourism and Creative HEFCE uses two different groupings of areas to define disadvantage Studies which are based on the historic levels of participation or qualification in higher education by the local population: one based on the participation Courtauld Institute of Art 10 20 15 rates of young (19 and under) people in HE (which is used by HEFCE London Metropolitan 890 925 895 when looking at young full-time entrants); and one based on the University proportion of adults in the area who hold HE qualifications (which is The University of 10 10 25 used by HEFCE when looking at part-time and mature full-time Buckingham entrants). Because this table includes applicants and accepted applicants The University of 3,350 3,395 3,485 of all ages disadvantage is defined by the HE qualified adults measure. Manchester Source: UCAS provisional end of year data (represents applicants and accepted Heythrop College 0 70 55 applicants at October 13 2010; end of year data will be available from The University College for 835 850 885 20th January 2011). the Creative Arts Leeds College of Music 50 25 40 Guildhall School of Music 05035 and Drama Liverpool Institute of 09595 Higher Education: Disability Performing Arts University Campus Suffolk 0 0 175 Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Overall total non-FSM pupils 148,670 156,445 162,445 Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Notes: made of the proportion of students at higher education 1. All figures are estimates and have been rounded to the nearest five, figures less than 5 are shown as ’—’, zero counts are shown as ’0’. institutions who (a) have a physical disability and (b) 2. Pupils’ eligibility for free school meals is based on those recorded use a wheelchair. [31802] as such on Pupil Level Census. As this is a snapshot of pupils in one year, this may include pupils who claimed free school meals in previous years. Mr Willetts: The latest available information from Source: the Higher Education Statistics Agency is shown in the Matched data from the National Pupil Database, the Higher following table. Figures for the 2009/10 academic year Education Statistics Agency Student Record and the Learning and will be available in January 2011. Skills Council Individualised Learner Record. Enrolments1 by Disability UK Higher Education Institutions— academic year 2008/09 Higher Education: Birmingham Disability Percentage of known

No known disability 92.0 Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Blind/partially sighted 0.2 Business, Innovation and Skills how many people Deaf/hearing impairment 0.3 resident in Birmingham, Ladywood constituency (a) Wheelchair user/mobility 0.3 applied to attend university in the academic year difficulties 2010/11 and (b) were successful in their applications; Personal care support 0.0 and what proportion of each were from disadvantaged Mental health difficulties 0.5 backgrounds. [31395] An unseen disability, e.g. 1.2 diabetes, epilepsy, asthma Mr Willetts: The information is in the following table Multiple disabilities 0.7 and is provided by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Autistic Spectrum Disorder 0.1 Service (UCAS) and therefore mostly covers full-time A specific learning difficulty 3.8 undergraduate study. e.g. dyslexia A disability not listed above 0.9 Applicants who were not accepted for entry can Total known 100.0 include: individuals who did not receive any offer; 1 Covers enrolments of all domiciles on all levels and modes of individuals who received an offer (conditional or study. unconditional) but decided not to go to University; Note: individuals who received a conditional offer and fail to Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population and meet the specific conditions (e.g. they do not achieve have been rounded to the nearest five. certain grades); and individuals who decided to withdraw Source: from the UCAS system. Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) 1043W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1044W

Higher Education: Finance on the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), which contracts his Department had with the IFS between Mr McFadden: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005-06 and 2010-11; what the monetary value was of Business, Innovation and Skills how much he plans to each such contract; and what tender process was allocate to each of the access and participation funds undertaken in each case. [28823] for higher education set out in footnote 62 on page 60 of the Browne Review of higher education funding. Mr Davey: Between 2005-06 and 2010-11 the [31744] Department, and its predecessors, had the following contracts with the Institute of Fiscal Studies: Mr Willetts: The; annual grant letter the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) was Procurement Value issued on 20 December. It sets out the council’s budget Contract purpose method (£) for 2011-12 and our priorities for the use of that funding. To calculate the value of school teachers’ Framework 26,905 We restate in the letter our commitment to the continuance pensions agreement of funding to encourage widening access and participation. Analysis of firm structures and Competitive 21,044 However, it is for the council to determine the level of outsourcing in the UK tender funding to particular streams such as these. The Analysis of patterns of business locations Competitive 23,106 Government’s response to Lord Browne’s recommendations in the UK tender on an Access and Success fund will be set out in the New matched data reporting on the Competitive 105,221 Higher Education White Paper. employment and earnings outcomes of tender training Analysing Business-University Innovation Competitive 8,820 Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for linkages tender Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made Research on taxes, benefits and the Competitive 20,875 an assessment of the effects of his proposals to reduce national minimum wage tender the teaching grant on (a) the University of Liverpool, Investigating the impact of the national Competitive 20,450 (b) Liverpool John Moores University and (c) minimum wage on the labour market tender Liverpool Hope University. [31906] behaviour of young workers Research contract initiated by former Competitive 11,698 Mr Willetts: Our proposals for reform are a package DCSF on behalf of former DIUS (no tender which involves university funding flowing via the informed further details available and can only be choices of students rather than through teaching grant. obtained at disproportionate cost) Various training courses between 2005/6 Single tender 13,381 It will be for each individual institution to respond to and 2010/11 the opportunities given by the new arrangements. We Purchase of three publications Single tender 105 see no reason why the institutions in Liverpool should Membership fee n/a 35 not thrive in the new environment given their existing 1 reputations. Total 251,640 1 All figures are inclusive of VAT Note: Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for The original contract values were, in some cases, slightly higher than Business, Innovation and Skills whether his the final amounts paid. Department holds information on the funds held in reserve by universities in the Russell Group. [32001] Lloyds TSB: Halifax Bank of Scotland Mr Willetts: This information is not held by the Department. There is information about the financial Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for health of the higher education sector in Universities Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer UK’s annual survey ‘Patterns of Higher Education in of 18 November 2010, Official Report, column 1049, the UK: 10th Report’, published in on Lloyds Banking Group shareholders, whether the September 2010. A copy will be placed in the Libraries terms of reference of the Independent Commission on of the House. Banking include consideration of the position of shareholders of Lloyds Banking Group; and if he will Innovation: Greater London make a statement. [31352]

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Prisk: The Terms of Reference of the Independent Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) crtieria and Commission on Banking were published at the time of (b) timescale he has set for assessing the effects of the its creation on 16 June 2010. The Terms of Reference proposed East End of London HighTech Hub in terms are available to view on the Commission’s website. The of (i) jobs created, (ii) level of exports and (iii) other Commission is independent and will report to the Cabinet factors. [29175] Committee on Banking. Mr Prisk: So far as I am aware, no such criteria nor time scale have yet been set. Local Enterprise Partnership Projects Institute for Fiscal Studies Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer take to facilitate and support shared local enterprise of 18 November 2010, Official Report, column 644W, partnership projects between regions. [31627] 1045W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1046W

Mr Prisk: In the White Paper on Local Growth we Mr Prisk: Remanufacturing is an important feature encourage co-operation between partnerships where this of the move to a low carbon economy. Any process would result in a more efficient use of resources and which reduces costs, waste and carbon emissions, while secure a better outcome than operating in isolation. meeting demand and serving the economy, is to be This co-operation need not be restricted to neighbouring welcomed. partnerships and will be particularly important where This Department, working with the Department of partnerships share a common interest. We will not be Energy and Climate Change, is carrying out a review of prescriptive how this co-operation is achieved; local energy intensive sectors, such as iron and steel and enterprise partnerships are not Government bodies and aluminium, which will consider how remanufacturing—and are being developed from the bottom up. recycling—will play a role in ensuring the future competitiveness of these sectors in the low carbon Local Enterprise Partnerships economy. It is without doubt that there will be a growing global demand for these goods over the course of this century, so the challenge for Governments is to find a Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for way to meet this demand whilst also ensuring carbon Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has emissions are reduced to acceptable levels. made of the likely number of approved local enterprise partnerships that will be in place by April 2011. [31637] Mortgage Express and Bradford and Bingley: Complaints Mr Prisk: To date 27 local enterprise partnerships have met the Government’s expectations and have been Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for asked to put their governance arrangements in place. Business, Innovation and Skills how many complaints Other partnerships continue to develop their proposals his Department received on (a) Mortgage Express and so they can be in a similar position. We will continue to (b) Bradford and Bingley in the latest period in which engage with prospective partnerships at a speed that is figures are available. [31990] appropriate for them. Mr Davey: None. Regulating the financial services sector is a matter for HM Treasury. Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what mechanisms New Local Enterprise Partnerships are in place to monitor the implementation of local enterprise partnerships; [31638] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what mechanism is in place to monitor the Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the implementation of local enterprise partnerships. [31629] recommendations of the First Report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, Session 2010-11, HC Mr Prisk: The Government are committed to working 434, on the new local enterprise partnerships: an initial with each new local enterprise partnership to enable assessment, if he will put in place mechanisms to ensure them to establish their roles and functions. Partnerships that assets owned by the regional development agencies will differ across the country in both form and functions which are not of national strategic importance are not in order to best meet local circumstances and opportunities. sold to developers unless they can demonstrate that As such there will be no one process for this engagement. their proposed use of the relevant asset will benefit the local economy. [31520]

Local Enterprise Partnerships: Tyne and Wear Mr Prisk: Any sale of regional development agency assets will be in accordance with the principles outlined Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for in the Local Growth White Paper (CM7961) Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer paragraphs 2.45-2.47. These include as a primary of 15 December 2010, Official Report, column 799W, consideration the aim to achieve the best possible outcome on the Newcastle Gateshead Local Enterprise for the region consistent with achieving value for the Partnership, what he considers to be an appropriate public purse. economic geography for the coverage of a local Ofcom: Opinion Leader Research enterprise partnership. [32239] Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Prisk: As set out in the White Paper on Local Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Growth, the Government’s consideration regarding made of the cost to his Department to date of work by economic geography are whether the geography proposed Opinion Leader Research as part of Ofcom’s review of represents a reasonable natural economic geography relay services. [31555] and whether the geography is supported by business and is sufficiently strategic. Mr Vaizey: The Opinion Leader research is funded by Ofcom. There is no direct cost to either the Department Manufacturing Industries for Business or the Department for Culture for this work. Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what consultation with Business, Innovation and Skills what plans his Department groups representing deaf and hearing-impaired people has to increase the level of remanufacturing as part of was undertaken by Opinion Leader Research as part of the UK’s low carbon economy agenda. [30709] Ofcom’s review of relay services. [31557] 1047W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1048W

Mr Vaizey: Ofcom commissioned Opinion Leader to Regional Development Agencies conduct research among UK adults (aged 16+) who either currently use, or may have a need for, access to Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for relay services. They conducted qualitative research with Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what his 94 individuals and 323 people took part in quantitative Department’s budget is for regional development research. During the design of the research Opinion agencies in 2010-11; [30625] Leader took some informal advice from organisations with some experience of conducting research with similar (2) by what date he expects all of the operations of groups of individuals. regional development agencies have been wound up; [30627] One North East (3) what budget has been allocated to each regional development agency for each year until its operations are wound up. [30629] Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the principal (a) Mr Prisk: In 2010-11 the Regional Development assets and (b) liabilities are of One North East; what Agencies’ (RDA) single budget is £1.4 billion, net of plans he has for the future of those residual assets and receipts, of which £434 million is provided by this liabilities; and if he will make a statement. [28168] Department. Mr Prisk: The principal assets and liabilities of One Indicative allocations for 2011-12 from the single North East are set out in its report and accounts for budget have been provided to the RDAs as follows: 2009-10 (HC125). These will be handled in the accordance with the principles outlined in the Local Growth White £ million Paper (CM7961) paragraphs 2.45-2.47. Advantage West Midlands 97.5 East of England Development Agency 24.4 Overseas Trade: Commonwealth East Midlands Development Agency 41.7 North West Development Agency 108.3 Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for ONE North East 61.0 Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans to South East England Development Agency 37.5 promote trade and investment opportunities between South West of England Regional Development 42.6 Agency the UK and other Commonwealth countries. [31547] Yorkshire Forward 102.6 Note: Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) are the These figures exclude notional budgets to cover non-cash costs such Government’s lead trade and investment promotion as depreciation. organisation and is present in 96 markets around the world. Working with other Departments, UKTI’s strategy An indicative allocation for the London Development is to focus its resources in the markets where there is Agency will be communicated to them in due course. greatest demand from business for UKTI services, reflecting Final allocations to all RDAs are expected to be issued actual and potential opportunities in these markets. in March 2011. Additional funds are being held centrally to cover transition and closure costs. UKTI recognises that many Commonwealth countries represent key markets for the UK and its teams are Subject to the passage of the Public Bodies Bill, the working to encourage more UK companies to do business Regional Development Agencies outside London are in and with them. Dealings with Commonwealth countries expected to close by 31 March 2012. No allocations are reflect the diversity of UKTI’s overseas market coverage, being made to them after that date. It is expected that including: legal commitments remaining at the time of closure will transfer to successor bodies and that resources to enable The development of business opportunities in high growth markets such as Singapore and India. The Prime Minister, for project completion will be provided from the spending example, led a major visit to India, including a business delegation, review settlement. earlier this year. Maintaining and developing business links with the UK’s major developed markets, such as Canada and Australia. Regional Development Agencies: Finance Maximising the benefits from British cultural links in developing opportunities in the Caribbean and Africa. Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for UKTI also works where appropriate with Business, Innovation and Skills what mechanism is in Commonwealth institutions, particularly the place for the transfer of EU funding from regional Commonwealth Business Council, on maximising the development agencies to local enterprise partnerships. business benefit from high profile events where these are [31628] in line with UKTI’s strategic priorities. Examples of such activities include the Commonwealth games; the Mr Prisk: Regional development agencies (RDAs) business elements of visits to the UK by Commonwealth will continue to manage the European regional development Heads of State from high growth markets; and business funds (ERDF) until new arrangements are in place. events in the margins of Commonwealth Heads of New arrangements will be announced next March. The Government meetings (e.g. in November 2009, UKTI’s programmes remain open with projects continuing to team in Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Commonwealth be appraised and approved. Going forward, we expect Business Forum-UKTI Business Breakfast, in the margins that local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) will be beneficiaries of the CHG meeting). of EU funds. 1049W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1050W

Delivery of funding through the Rural Development Royal Mail Programme for England (RDPE) will transfer from RDAs to DEFRA. DEFRA will engage with LEPs Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for with a rural interest on future arrangements for the Business, Innovation and Skills on what dates (a) he, programme. (b) other Ministers in his Department and (c) RDAs do not have delivery responsibilities for other departmental officials have met representatives of Royal EU funds. Mail Group on the future of Royal Mail since 1 October 2010. [31766] Regional Development Agency Mr Davey: BIS Ministers have held several meeting with representatives of Royal Mail to discuss the future Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for of the company since the 1 October 2010. The meetings Business, Innovation and Skills if he will publish a I have had are as follows: transition plan for each regional development agency. 7 October with Moya Greene; [31486] 2 November with Moya Greene; 29 November with Donald Brydon and Moya Greene; Mr Prisk: The transition plans, which are still being 9 December with Donald Brydon and Moya Greene. developed, are owned by individual regional development My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State had one agencies (RDA). RDAs have significant assets and liabilities, meeting as follows: and the plans for their disposal will be commercially 8 December with Moya Greene. sensitive. The plans will also contain details of how staffing numbers are proposed to be reduced in the run Departmental officials meet with representatives of up to closure, anticipated in March 2012. I do not Royal Mail on a regular basis. therefore believe publication will be possible though the Royal Mail: Privatisation RDAs will continue to adhere to the normal transparency requirements. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent estimate Regional Growth Fund his Department has made of the cost to the public purse of the mechanisms necessary to facilitate the privatisation of Royal Mail. [32059] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what mechanism will Mr Davey: A decision on the form of process for a be used to target the Regional Growth Fund on areas future disposal of Royal Mail shares has yet to be made worst hit by the recession. [31207] so there is no overall estimate for the costs involved. The Government believe that it is entirely appropriate Mr Prisk: The Regional Growth Fund is a challenge to take expert commercial advice on a major transaction fund that is open to bids from the private sector, or to ensure that the taxpayer receives value for money. We public private partnership from any part of England. fully expect the overall costs to be consistent with or Bids will be expected to demonstrate how they meet the lower than the usual for a similar transaction. Fund’s two published objectives: stimulate enterprise by providing support for projects and Science: Research programmes with significant potential for economic growth and create additional sustainable private sector employment; Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for and Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department support in particular those areas and communities that are is taking to assist science and technology research currently dependent on the public sector make the transition to institutions in contributing to economic growth. [31490] sustainable private sector-led growth and prosperity. To help applicants, BIS has produced guidance that Mr Willetts: HEFCE and the Research Councils will details the criteria that bids will be assessed against to work together so that rewards and incentives to bring meet the two objectives. universities and business closer together are delivered coherently: BIS has also published an outline of the Fund’s Research Councils encourage researchers to consider potential appraisal process, part of which includes an assessment beneficiaries and the future impact of their research from inception. by an independent Advisory Panel chaired by my noble HEFCE and Research Councils support current collaborations Friend Lord Heseltine. All of these are available on the between research and business and reward high performance. Regional Growth Fund web page: The Research Excellence Framework will recognise the impact http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/regional-economic- of excellent research undertaken in universities in the past. development/regional-growth-fund Full details of funding for these initiatives for 2011-15 At all stages in the appraisal and approval process, can be found in the document “The Allocation of the only criteria applications will be judged against are Science and Research Funding” published on the BIS those that are published. A ministerial decision-making website today. panel will consider bids recommended by the advisory panel, and will take into account in their decision, the Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for extent to which different areas are reliant on public Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has sector employment by looking at a range of evidence, had with the Secretary of State for Education on the including official statistics, evidence supplied in bids future of science research and expertise in England. and the work of the DWP labour market group. [31491] 1051W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1052W

Mr Willetts: Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary Mr Willetts: By 14 October 2010, the latest date for of State and I have regular discussions with my right which official figures are available, the Student Loans hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Company (SLC) had received a total of 715,000 applications the Minister of State for Schools. The importance of for financial support from new and continuing students science education in schools and universities has been in England for the academic year 2010/11. Of these, discussed by us in the context of the National Curriculum 26,000 applications had been cancelled or deemed ineligible Review and the Schools White Paper. and 606,000 had been prepared for payment. In 72,000 cases the SLC was awaiting further evidence or a signed Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance loan acceptance form from the applicant in order to progress the application. 11,000 applications had not Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State yet been processed and were with the SLC for assessment. for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the Of the 83,000 live applications not yet prepared for answer of 14 December 2010, Official Report, columns payment at 14 October, 41,000 were received before 31 689-90W, on nuclear power stations: construction, July 2010. Data are not immediately available to show what assessment he has made of the effects on (a) the how many of those applications were awaiting further supply chain and (b) the economy of the decision not information from the applicant and how many were to proceed with a loan to Sheffield Forgemasters; and if with the SLC for assessment. The SLC publicised the he will re-open discussions with Sheffield Forgemasters deadlines for applications for student financial support, with the aim of enabling them to finance the purchase the last of which was at the end of June 2010, through of a 15,000 tonne press for use in the supply chain for radio and press campaigns, as well as through the NUS, new nuclear facilities. [32247] UCAS and online. By the start of term, SLC had paid Mr Prisk: No direct assessment was made on the 99.3% of all eligible applications received before the effects of the supply chain but we are aware of the relevant deadlines with the right documentation. interest from parts of the industry regarding the withdrawal of this conditional loan. Universities: Applications As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business stated in his written ministerial statement to the House on the 27 July this year, Official Report, Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, column 79WS: Innovation and Skills how many people resident in “The Government’s decision to cancel the £80 million loan for Birmingham, Erdington constituency (a) applied to a new 15,000 tonne press that had been conditionally offered to attend university in the academic year 2010-11 and (b) Sheffield Forgemasters by the last Government was taken on the were successful in their applications; and what proportion grounds of affordability. Sheffield Forgemasters is a great British of each were from disadvantaged backgrounds. [31626] company with a dedicated, highly-skilled work force and a strong senior management team. The Government’s decision is no reflection on the company’s staff, directors or this particular project”. Mr Willetts: The information is in the following table He also made clear in his evidence to the Committee, and is provided by the Universities and Colleges Admissions that Sheffield Forgemasters would be welcome to put Service (UCAS) and therefore mostly covers full-time in an application for support under the Regional Growth undergraduate study. Fund. Applicants who were not accepted for entry can Students: Fees and Charges include: individuals who did not receive ‘any’ offer; individuals who received an offer (conditional or unconditional) but decided not to go to university; Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for individuals who received a ‘conditional’ offer and failed Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has carried to meet the specific conditions (e.g. they did not achieve out an equality impact assessment of the likely effects certain grades); and individuals who decided to withdraw of changes to the level of tuition fees on students from from the UCAS system. a low socio-economic background. [31685] Applicants and accepted applicants from Birmingham, Erdington constituency to full-time undergraduate courses in UK institutions via UCAS by area Mr Willetts: The Department has published an interim background, 2010/11 equality impact assessment which considered the likely Area Percentage Accepted Percentage effects of the proposed HE funding and student finance background Applicants of total applicants of total reform package on students from a low socio-economic background. Disadvantaged1 614 71 402 71 Other 249 29 167 29 The interim equality impact assessment is available Grand total 863 100 569 100 at: 1 For the purposes of their funding allocations, the Higher Education Funding http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/higher-education/docs/i/ Council for England (HEFCE) treat entrants from the most disadvantaged 40% 10-1310-interim-equality-impact-assessment-he-funding-and- of neighbourhoods as ‘disadvantaged’, available at: student-finance.pdf http://www.hefce.ac.uk/widen/fund/ HEFCE uses two different groupings of areas to define disadvantage which are based on the historic levels of participation or qualification in higher education Students: Loans by the local population: one based on the participation rates of young (19 and under) people in HE (which is used by HEFCE when looking at young full-time entrants); and one based on the proportion of adults in the area who hold HE Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, qualifications (which is used by HEFCE when looking at part-time and mature Innovation and Skills how many loan applications the full-time entrants). Because this table includes applicants and accepted applicants Student Loans Company has not yet processed; how of all ages, disadvantage is defined by the HE qualified adults measure. Source: many such applications were received prior to 31 July UCAS provisional end of year data (represents applicants and accepted applicants 2010; and if he will make a statement. [30466] at 13 October 2010; end of year data will be available from 20 January 2011). 1053W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1054W

Welsh Language John Penrose: The listed places of worship grant scheme makes payments equivalent to the VAT incurred Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for in making repairs to listed buildings primarily in use for Business, Innovation and Skills when his Department public worship. In the 2009-10 financial year, 3,745 last published a Welsh language scheme in accordance claims were paid UK-wide, with a total value of with the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993; £14,963,412.67, giving an average grant of £3,996. and at which web addresses such schemes can be Cultural Institutions: Finance accessed in (a) Welsh and (b) English. [31158]

Mr Davey: The BIS Welsh Language Scheme was last Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, published in May 2009. The web address for both the Olympics, Media and Sport what mechanism the Welsh and English versions is: Government plans to put in place to enable cultural http://www.bis.gov.uk/site/welsh institutions to generate more funding from private sources. [31526] Working Time Directive Mr Vaizey: We have announced a 10 point action plan to boost philanthropy in the cultural sector. The Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for action plan comprises: Business, Innovation and Skills what provisions are in 1. An £80 million match funding scheme, with the potential to place to ensure observance by employers of the raise more than £160 million through a series of grants. This will requirements of the Working Time Directive. [31613] provide a range of support for smaller organisations, those outside London, and larger bodies, including those who want to develop Mr Davey: Enforcement of entitlements under the endowments. Working Time Regulations is split between different 2. The Government reviewing what they can do to encourage authorities. For example, the working time limits and philanthropy, reporting back in the spring. health assessment requirements (for night workers) are 3. More visible public recognition for philanthropy, thanking enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in donors, demonstrating the value of philanthropy and encouraging industrial premises, schools and hospitals. The entitlements others to give. to rest and leave are enforced through employment 4. Developing fundraising skills and capacity across the culture tribunals. sector—to increase and share skills and capacity, promote best practice, professionalise fundraising and develop a culture of Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for ‘asking’ as well as ‘giving’. Business, Innovation and Skills what requirements 5. Promoting and increasing planned giving, including legacy there are on employers to maintain a register of giving. employees who opt out of the provisions of the 6. Supporting the long-term development of endowments. Working Time Directive. [31614] 7. Harnessing digital technology to boost philanthropy. 8. Increasing giving from international donors. Mr Davey: Regulation 4(2) of the Working Time 9. Encouraging more investment by the business sector. Regulations requires an employer to keep up-to-date 10. Strengthening links between culture and other sectors records of all workers who have signed an opt-out which are supported through philanthropy. agreement to work beyond the 48 hour average weekly limit. Departmental Pay

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many staff CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT employed by his Department were not paid at a rate equivalent to or above the London living wage in the BBC: Trade Unions latest period for which figures are available. [31230] John Penrose: No staff employed by the Department Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for have been paid at a rate which is equivalent or below the Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment London living wage in the last financial year. he has made of the voting patterns of BBC employees; and if he will make a statement. [31930] Departmental Public Expenditure Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport has undertaken no assessment. Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent estimate he has made of the effect of the increase in the Churches: Repairs and Maintenance standard rate of value added tax on his Department’s annual expenditure. [31173] Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport in respect of how John Penrose: The departmental spending review many eligible places of worship grants have been made settlements are set on a tax-inclusive basis, including under the listed places of worship grant scheme in the the increase to the standard rate of VAT. Budget managers latest period for which figures are available; and what within the Department are aware of the upcoming the average amount of each grant was in the latest change and this has been factored into their budget period for which figures are available. [32102] planning. 1055W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1056W

Freeview Service Museums: Finance

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what proportion Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what resources his of the UK’s (a) territory and (b) population do not Department made available to Arts Council England receive the full range of public service channels for museums development work in the last 12 months; available via Freeview digital terrestrial services; and if what the scope of that work was; and whether its was he will make a statement. [31093] additional to grants awarded under the Renaissance programme. [31552]

Mr Vaizey: After switchover 98.5% of households Mr Vaizey: This Department made no resources available will be able to receive around 15 Freeview channels to Arts Council England for museums development including all the public service broadcasting channels. work in the last 12 months. In addition about 90% of households who get their signal from a main transmitter will receive services from Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for all six multiplexes. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what funding his Department expects to make available under the Horniman Museum Renaissance programme to hub museums in 2011-12; by what mechanism such funding will be distributed; Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, and when he expects to announce his decision on the Olympics, Media and Sport which alternative bodies selection of hub museums from 2012-13. [31554] are being considered as potential sponsors for the Horniman Museum and Gardens for the period after Mr Vaizey: The Renaissance programme has been 2014-15; when he expects the process of identifying allocated £45.6 million in 2011-12 and responsibility for sponsors to be concluded; and what arrangements will the programme will transfer to Arts Council England be put in place should no such sponsor be identified. (ACE) during 2011-12. We have asked ACE and the [31854] Museums, Libraries and Archives Council to work together on detailed plans for the future of the Renaissance programme and we expect an announcement in due Mr Vaizey: The Department has considered a number course. of potential sponsors and will make a statement once a new sponsor has been confirmed. The Department Olympic Games 2012: Football hopes to conclude this process by April 2011. In the unlikely event that no new sponsorship arrangements Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for can be found for the Horniman Museum, the Department Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the will consider the needs of the museum along with its oral answer from the Prime Minister to the right hon. other sponsored bodies in the next spending review Member for Tottenham of 15 December 2010, Official period. Report, column 905, what his policy is on the principle of a professional football club using the Olympic Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Stadium in London after 2012. [31848]

Hugh Robertson: Our main priority is to ensure a Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for long-term, sustainable legacy for the Olympic Stadium. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has The Olympic Park Legacy Company is leading on for the future of the Museum Accreditation Scheme determining the legacy use of the stadium and is currently following the abolition of the Museums, Libraries and negotiating with the two short-listed consortiums bidding Archives Council. [31551] to use the Stadium after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Mr Vaizey: On 9 December Arts Council England announced that it was to take over a number of the Olympic Games 2012: Human Trafficking functions relating to museums and libraries, including the museum accreditation scheme, following the abolition Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what organisations he has consulted to assist him to assess the risks of Museums: Closures people trafficking associated with the London 2012 Olympics; and whether he plans to take specific steps to reduce that risk. [30812] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many Hugh Robertson: Regular threat briefings take place public sector museums in (a) the West Midlands and between the Secretary of State, the Minister for Sport (b) England closed in each year since 2003. [31811] and the Olympics and the Olympic Intelligence Centre, a dedicated body within the Metropolitan Police that Mr Vaizey: Since the start of the Museums, Libraries gathers information from the security services and regional and Council Renaissance programme in 2002, none of police forces about potential threats to the games. As the regional hub museum services have closed. Information part of this the Department have been informed that we on closures of independent, local authority or charitably are not currently seeing any evidence of an increase in funded museums is not held centrally. human trafficking related to the London 2012 games. 1057W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1058W

However, we remain vigilant and will be continuously Mr Maude: Going into the winter, the UK was better reviewing the threat of human trafficking. The Government prepared than at the same time last year following are determined to deter traffickers from exploiting London implementation of the key recommendations of David 2012 and we are building on the considerable expertise Quarmby’s review of winter resilience. Since then, we the UK has in tackling this issue. Should the intelligence have seen the coldest November across the UK since indicate an increase in trafficking we shall ensure that 1993, with the most significant snowfalls in parts of the the appropriate measures are in place. country since 1965. As of 9 December, over £196 million is estimated to have been paid out in cold weather Public Libraries: Finance payments to the poorest households, and 12.9 million pensioners have received Winter Fuel Payments to help Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for them heat their homes. The Department of Health has Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has also launched its annual Keep Warm Keep Well Campaign for the future of the Future Libraries Programme and for 2010-11. its current partnerships with (a) his Department and (b) the Local Government Association to support the Ministers have met to review preparedness for further development of local government cultural services severe weather and the Secretary of State for Transport following the abolition of the Museums, Libraries and asked David Quarmby on 1 December to conduct an Archives Council. [31553] urgent audit of transport operators’ performance following the heavy snow in November, their progress in implementing Mr Vaizey: On 9 December 2010 Arts Council England the recommendations from his review published in October announced that it was to take over a number of the and to recommend any further steps that need to be functions relating to museums and libraries following taken to further enhance our resilience. The Government the abolition of the Museums, Libraries and Archives will respond promptly to his recommendations which Council. This will include aspects of the Future Libraries are expected before Christmas. programme and other support for local government cultural services. Departmental Press: Subscriptions Taekwondo

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Halfon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what role (a) Office how much his Department spent on press Sport England and (b) the British Taekwondo Control cuttings services in each year since 1997. [28138] Board have in regulating Taekwondo; what recent discussions he has had with the British Taekwondo Mr Maude: The information requested is available Control Board on its remit; what recent representations only at disproportionate cost. he has received from (i) practitioners of the sport and (ii) others on the British Taekwondo Control Board; and what response he has made to such Departmental Public Expenditure representations. [31945] Hugh Robertson: Governing bodies of sports are Hywel Williams: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet self-regulating membership organisations; therefore Sport Office what recent estimate he has made of the effect of England does not act as a regulator of Taekwondo. the increase in the standard rate of value added tax on Between them, though, Sport England and UK Sport his Department’s annual expenditure. [31190] do work with Sport Taekwondo UK Ltd (which is the body in receipt of their awards) to ensure that the public Mr Maude: The estimated annual increase in expenditure money going into the sport is being spent appropriately. as a direct result of the increase in the standard rate is The British Taekwondo Control Board (BTCB) is the £700,000, which is expected to be fully offset by cost governing body recognised by the World Taekwondo reductions arising from improvements in efficiency and Federation (WTF) for WTF Taekwondo (including the effectiveness. Olympic discipline) in the United Kingdom. I have had no recent discussions with the BTCB and the Department has received no direct representations Government Departments: Telephone Services from either practitioners of the sport or others on the BTCB. Mary Macleod: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether he has plans to bring forward proposals to prevent the use of 0870 and 0845 telephone numbers CABINET OFFICE by central government departments. [29985] Deaths: Winter Mr Maude: Decisions regarding the most appropriate choice of number for public sector organisations lie Valerie Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet with these organisations. In May 2009 the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2010, Office Contact Council published a guide to number Official Report, column 881W, on deaths: winter, what ranges for public sector organisations and updated this assessment he has made of the likely effectiveness of guide in February 2010. This guide includes a (a) winter resilience measures and (b) steps to prevent recommendation that Government Departments should excess winter deaths since his most recent discussions consider the cost of accessing the service to make sure with his Ministerial colleagues. [30936] that citizens on low income can afford to make contact. 1059W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1060W

Internet: Data Protection proposals to restrict voting rights for prisoners to those limited to serving custodial sentences for summary Ian Lucas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office offences determined by magistrates courts. [30857] if he will take steps to increase the level of (a) public awareness of the information collected by internet Mr Harper: The Government announced today by search engines and (b) the laws which apply to the use written ministerial statement how it intends to implement of such information. [30341] the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in relation to prisoner voting rights. Mr Vaizey: I have been asked to reply. Welsh Language The Government are currently implementing the various requirements of the revised European Framework on Telecommunications, which are expected to be completed Hywel Williams: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet by June 2011. Enhanced user privacy is a key element of Office when his Department last published a Welsh the new measures and will enable users to exercise more language scheme in accordance with the provisions of control over their personal data. Additionally, rules the Welsh Language Act 1993; and at which web concerning privacy and data protection will be strengthened addresses such schemes can be accessed in (a) Welsh ensuring that internet users are better informed about and (b) English. [31159] applications such as “cookies” and similar devices, as well as what happens to and the use made of, their Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office Welsh Language Scheme personal data. The general principle of the law not is being developed and is due for publication in the new differentiating between an illegal act committed online year. and an illegal act committed offline, applies in all cases. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) oversees the requirements and protections in relation to data EDUCATION through the Data Protection Act 1998. International League Tables Public Bodies: Telephone Services 20. Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Alun Cairns: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Education what recent assessment he has made of the Office if he will take steps to prevent public bodies performance of school in England against using 0870 and 0845 numbers; and if he will make a international comparators. [31441] statement. [25697] Mr Gibb: The OECD PISA report underlines the Mr Maude: Decisions regarding the most appropriate urgent need to reform our schools system. We need to choice of number for public sector organisations lie learn from the best-performing countries which have with these organisations. In May 2009 the Cabinet succeeded in raising attainment for all pupils and making Office Contact Council published a guide to number opportunity more equal—countries which recruit the ranges for public sector organisations and updated this best teachers, give greater autonomy to the front line, guide in February 2010. This guide includes a and make schools more accountable to their communities. recommendation that Government Departments should It is only through such whole-system reform that we can consider the cost of accessing the service to make sure make our nation one of the world’s top performers. that citizens on low income can afford to make contact. Commercialisation of Childhood Voluntary Work: Young People 21. Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Creasy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Education what plans he has to address the how many places he expects to be available on the commercialisation and premature sexualisation of National Citizenship Pilot schemes in 2011 to young childhood. [31442] people aged 16 years in each constituency. [30809] Sarah Teather: Parents express real concern about Mr Hurd: While it is not possible to say with certainty children being pressured into growing up too quickly, to how many National Citizen Service pilot places will be become consumers or sexualised adults earlier than is available in each constituency, owing to the geographical appropriate. The Government have therefore made a coverage of each pilot and the likelihood that local commitment to take action to protect children from schemes may recruit young people from more than one excessive commercialisation and premature sexualisation. constituency, I am placing in the Libraries of both I have asked Mr Reg Bailey, chief executive of the Houses a list of the numbers planned in each geographical Mothers’ Union, to conduct an independent review of location. I have also written to the hon. Member with the issue and to make a full report with recommendations this information. in May 2011.

Voting Rights: Prisoners School Sports Funding

Mr Buckland: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Office pursuant to the oral answer of 23 November Education what recent representations he has received 2010, Official Report, column 153, on prisoners (voting on school sports funding; and if he will make a rights), if he will assess the merits of bringing forward statement. [31430] 1061W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1062W

Michael Gove: I have received a range of representations In the event that the Secretary of State receives a about funding for school sport. These include: formal proposal to merge from Bromley college and representations from Members through parliamentary Orpington college it will be assessed against the published questions and correspondence; letters from members of criteria for such proposals which include the criterion the public and interested parties; and a petition from that the proposal is likely to provide better value for young ambassadors of sport. There have also been money. representations through debates in the House on the subject. Care Homes: Standards Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions he had with Baroness Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Campbell and the Youth Sports Trust during his review Education pursuant to the answer of 26 July 2010, Official Report, column 810W, on care homes: of school sports policy. [31444] standards, for what reasons publication of the national Michael Gove: Baroness Campbell and the Youth minimum standards for children’s homes did not occur Sport Trust have been involved closely in developing in November 2010; and what the reasons are for the our proposals to create an Olympic and Paralympic time taken in publication. [29862] style school sport competition. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is leading this work and has Tim Loughton [holding answer 9 December 2010]: A held regular meetings with a range of interested bodies, post consultation version of the National Minimum including the Youth Sport Trust. Ministers and officials Standards for children’s homes was published on the from this Department attend those meetings. The Secretary Department’s website on 1 November 2010. It is available of State and I have both met Baroness Campbell in the at: course of developing our proposals. http://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action =conResults&external=no&consultationId=1662&menu=3 Pupil Premium This version is the near final one. It was not possible to publish an absolutely final version as some minor changes may be necessary in consequence of the revision Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for of the children’s homes regulations and statutory guidance. Education what proportion of funding for the pupil Consultation on the regulations and guidance closed on premium will come from his Department’s planned 19 November 2010. The responses are now being analysed budgetary provision for schools for 2011-12. [31443] with a view to publishing new revised regulations and guidance, along with the final version of the NMS, Sarah Teather: We are protecting school funding in early in 2011. the system at flat cash per pupil, before adding the pupil premium. School funding will rise by £3.6 billion by 2014-15; £2.5 billion of this is for the pupil premium; Children Act 1989 £1.1 billion is to cover rises in pupil numbers. The pupil premium is completely additional to the underlying Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for settlement of flat cash per pupil. Education whether he is reviewing the adequacy of the (a) provisions of the Children Act 1989 in respect of Academies the forced removal of children and (b) other provisions of that Act. [27032] Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many academies which opened before Tim Loughton: Legislation relating to children and 11 October have made arrangements under the procedure young people is reviewed as appropriate in the context set out in the Academies Act 2010 to support an under- of relevant policy development. We do not however performing school in their area. [20046] believe there is a need to review the specific provisions in the Children Act 1989 with regard to the taking of Mr Gibb [holding answer 28 October 2010]: All children into care against their parents’ wishes. The law outstanding schools that have converted to become an is clear that children should live with their parents academy were required to commit to support a weaker wherever possible. However, action must be taken if a school, as part of the application process. For some child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. schools this has involved establishing a new relationship Where a child is taken into care on a care order the with another school and for others maintaining and court is required to treat the welfare of the child as its improving existing links with schools they have been paramount consideration. working with for some time. Departmental Manpower Bromley College Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many members of staff are employed Education if he will assess the value for money of the in the ministerial correspondence unit of his proposed merger between Bromley College and Department. [27205] Orpington College. [31461] Tim Loughton: The Department employs 14.7 full-time Mr Hayes [holding answer 16 December 2010]: Ihave equivalent staff who are responsible for ministerial been asked to reply. correspondence. 1063W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1064W

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for average cost to his Department of answering a question Education how many officials have (a) joined and (b) for ordinary written answer within seven days of left the private office of the Parliamentary Under- tabling in the latest period for which figures are Secretary of State for Children and Families since May available. [25958] 2010; on what dates; for what reasons; and if he will make a statement. [28863] Tim Loughton: The Government have committed to providing the Procedure Committee with sessional statistics Tim Loughton [holding answer 6 December 2010]: in a standard format on the time taken to respond to There have been no changes to my private office staff written parliamentary questions for the 2009-10 session. since May 2010. This information will be submitted to the Procedure Departmental Press: Subscriptions Committee shortly. The Department received 1,298 ordinary written Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for parliamentary questions between May 2010 and Education to which local newspapers his Department 12 November 2010, out of which 362 (28%) were answered had a subscription between June 2007 and May 2010; within 10 days (the Department only collects management on what date each such subscription started; and what information on parliamentary questions answered within the cost to the public purse was of such subscriptions. five and 10 days). A total of 42 (less then 1%) remained [24428] unanswered by 18 November 2010. The estimated cost to the Department in answering a Tim Loughton: The Department and its predecessor written parliamentary question is £154 per written question. had no subscriptions with local newspapers during the period in question. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Written Questions Education how many written questions tabled for answer on a named day received a (a) holding reply Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for and (b) substantive response on the day they were due Education how many and what proportion of for answer from each Minister in his Department since questions tabled to the Secretary of State and his 11 May 2010. [29707] predecessor for written answer on a named day were answered substantively before or on the day named for Tim Loughton [holding answer 9 December 2010]: answer (a) in Session 2009-10 and (b) since May 2010; The information requested is in the following table: how many such questions tabled between May 2010 and 12 November 2010 had not received a substantive Substantive Holding replies answer by 18 November 2010; and what estimate he has responses issued on issued on the due made of the average cost to his Department of Minister the due day day Total answering a named day question on the day named for Nick Gibb 25 298 323 answer in the latest period for which figures are Sarah 84957 available. [25957] Teather Tim 14 49 63 Tim Loughton: The Government have committed to Loughton providing the Procedure Committee with sessional statistics Total 47 396 443 in a standard format on the time taken to respond to written parliamentary questions for the 2009-10 Session. During the parliamentary Session 2009-10 the Department Education Maintenance Allowance received 368 named day PQs. This information will be submitted to the Procedure Committee shortly. Since May 2010 the Department has received 430 named Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for day parliamentary questions, out of which 70 (16%) Education on what date his Department’s contract were answered on the specified named day. with Capita to deliver the education maintenance allowance will expire; and how much his Department The Department received 373 named day parliamentary will pay to Capita for the remainder of the contract. questions between May 2010 and 12 November 2010, [28179] out of which 346 (93%) were answered by 18 November 2010. The estimated cost to the Department in answering a Mr Gibb [holding answer 7 December 2010]: This is a written parliamentary questions is £154 per written matter for the YoungPeople’s Learning Agency (YPLA) question. who operate the education maintenance allowance for the Department for Education. Peter Lauener the YPLA’s Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for chief executive, will write to the hon. Member for Education how many and what proportion of Scunthorpe with the information requested and a copy questions tabled to the Secretary of State and his of his reply will be placed in the House Libraries. predecessor for ordinary written answer (a) in Session 2009-10 and (b) since May 2010 were answered within Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for (i) seven days and (ii) 14 days of tabling; how many Education how many young people have received such questions tabled between May 2010 and education maintenance allowance payments in (a) 12 November 2010 remained unanswered by 18 Blackpool and (b) England since the creation of the November 2010; and what estimate he has made of the scheme. [29868] 1065W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1066W

Mr Gibb [holding answer 9 December 2010]: This is a As at 30th November 2010, the number of young people in matter for the YoungPeople’s Learning Agency (YPLA) Brighton and Hove local authority area who had received one or who operate the education maintenance allowance for more EMA payments during the 2010/11 academic year was the Department for Education. Peter Lauener, the YPLA’s 2,604. chief executive, has written to the hon. Member for From 2011/12, Education Maintenance Allowances will be Blackpool South with the information requested and a replaced by an enhanced learner support fund that will be administered by schools and colleges themselves, targeting those young people copy of his reply has been placed in the House Libraries. who face a real financial barrier to participation. The number of Letter from Peter Lauener, dated 9 December 2010: young people who benefit from these new arrangements will I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question reflect local decisions so it is not possible to judge how many will PQ29868 that asked; receive financial support in future. “How many young people have received education maintenance EMA take-up data showing the number of young people who allowance payments in (a) Blackpool and (b) England since the have received one or more EMA payments during 2004/05, 2005/06, creation of the scheme.” 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 is available on the YPLA website, at the following address: EMA take-up is defined as young people who have received one or more EMA payments in the academic year. http://ema.ypla.gov.uk/resources/research/takeup/. Education Maintenance Allowance: Bristol Academic year Take-up in Blackpool Take-up in England Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2004/05 704 297,568 Education how many young people were in receipt of 2005/06 1,318 430,327 education maintenance allowance in (a) Bristol East 2006/07 1,827 526,808 constituency and (b) Bristol in each of the last five 2007/08 2,022 547,235 years. [28230] 2008/09 2,022 576,144 2009/10 2,374 644,497 Mr Gibb: This is a matter for the Young People’s 2010/11 2,167 1586,221 Learning Agency (YPLA) who operate the education 1 As of 30 November 2010. maintenance allowance for the Department for Education. In comparing across years, it is important to understand that Peter Lauener the YPLA’s chief executive, has written national roll-out was phased over several years. In the first year to the hon. Member for Bristol East with the information EMA was available to all 16-year-olds across England and to requested and a copy of his reply has been placed in the 17 and 18-year-olds in former pilot areas. In 2005/06 EMA was House Libraries. available to all 16 and 17-year-olds nationally. From 2006/07 EMA was available to all 16, 17 and 18-year-olds nationally. Letter from Peter Lauener, dated 8 December 2010: EMA take-up data showing the number of young people who I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question have received one or more EMA payments during 2004/05, 2005/06, PQ28230 that asked: 2006/07, 2007/08 2008/09 and 2009/10 is available on the YPLA “How many young people were in receipt of education maintenance website, at the following address: allowance in (a) Bristol East constituency and (b) Bristol in each http://ema.ypla.gov.uk/resources/research/takeup/ of the last five years.” Information on the number of young people who have received Education Maintenance Allowance: Brighton EMA is available at Local Authority Level, but not at constituency level. EMA take-up is defined as young people who have received one or more EMA payments in the academic year. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for EMA take-up for the City of Bristol Local Authority area is: Education how many students normally resident in Brighton Pavilion constituency receive education Academic year Take-up maintenance allowance; and what estimate he has made of the number who will receive an allowance following 2006/07 3,676 the implementation of proposals in the Comprehensive 2007/08 3,961 Spending Review. [28758] 2008/09 3,878 2009/10 4,714 Mr Gibb: This is a matter for the Young People’s 2010/11(as at 31 October) 3,835 Learning Agency (YPLA) who operate the education EMA take-up data showing the number of young people who maintenance allowance for the Department for Education. have received one or more EMA payments during 2004/05, 2005/06, Peter Lauener, the YPLA’s chief executive, has written 2006/07, 2007/08 2008/09 and 2009/10 is available on the YPLA to the hon. Member for Brighton Pavilion with the website, at the following address: information requested and a copy of his reply has been http://ema.ypla.gov.uk/resources/research/takeup/ placed in the House Libraries. Free Schools: Social Services Letter from Peter Lauener, dated 8 December 2010: I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question PQ28758 that asked: Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take steps to ensure that new “How many students normally resident in Brighton Pavilion schools established by parents under the free schools constituency receive education maintenance allowance; and what estimate he has made of the number who will receive the allowance programme follow his Department’s guidance on the following the implementation of proposals in the Comprehensive referral of suspected child abuse cases to children’s Spending Review.” social services. [7940] Information on the number of young people who have received EMA is available at Local Authority level, but not at constituency Mr Gibb: Free schools, like academies, will be required level. EMA take-up is defined as young people who have received to follow the Department’s guidance on the referral of one or more EMA payments in the academic year. suspected child abuse cases to children’s social services. 1067W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1068W

General Teaching Certificate Tim Loughton: The latest available number and percentage of newly qualified teachers (NQTs) by their Mr Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for employment status is given in the following tables. The Education what estimate his Department has made of scope of these figures is NQTs who have gained Qualified the number of people who gained a General Teaching Teacher Status (QTS) via mainstream initial teacher Certificate in 2009 and who are still seeking teaching training courses, and the tables report their employment jobs. [29423] status six months after gaining QTS.

Newly Qualified Teachers: Employment status six months after gaining QTS Coverage: England Number of NQTs Seeking a Teachers gaining QTS—Newly In a teaching teaching Not seeking a 2008/09 Qualified Teachers (NQTs) post post teaching post Unclassified Total

26,650 21,550 1,750 1,160 2,190 26,650

Coverage: England Distribution of NQTs (percentage) Proportion of Teachers gaining NQTs in a QTS—Newly Not seeking teaching post Qualified Teachers In a teaching Seeking a a teaching who sought/are 2008/09 (NQTs) post teaching post post Unclassified Total seeking a post

26,650 80.9 6.6 4.4 8.2 100.0 92.5 Notes: 1. Excludes teachers gaining QTS via employment based routes to ITT. 2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: IDA Performance Profiles

Lone Parents budget deficit is an urgent national priority, and published the Government’s new approach to education in the Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for schools White Paper, “The Importance of Teaching”. Education if he will bring forward proposals to tackle The Secretary of State has had a number of meetings parental alienation syndrome by strengthening the with the Secretaries of State for Culture, Olympics, shared parenting aspect of the Children Act 2004. Media and Sport and for Health, including at regular [26459] cabinet meetings, to discuss these education priorities, which necessarily impact on PE and sport, as on other Tim Loughton [holding answer 25 November 2010]: areas of school life. The Secretary of State has also met The coalition Government’s programme for government the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and makes clear our intention to encourage shared parenting. Sport on a number of further occasions to discuss the One of the principles governing the work of the Family coalition Government’s commitment to encourage more Justice Review is that the positive involvement of both competitive school sport through the creation of Olympic parents should be promoted post-separation. The Review and Paralympic-style competitions. Panel will be issuing an interim report in the spring on The Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Children its proposals for reforming the Family Justice System, and Families also sits on a Department for Culture, ahead of a national consultation. The panel will issue Media and Sports committee on the school Olympic its final report in autumn 2011 and we shall consider at and Paralympic style competition with the Secretary of that point how best to respond to its conclusions, State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport which is including the potential need for changes to legislation scheduled to meet weekly. to promote shared parenting. Schools: Crimes of Violence School: Sports Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2010, Official Education on which dates he had discussions with the Report, column 107W, on teachers: training, if he will Secretary of State for (a) Culture, Olympics, Media identify and evaluate independent research on the incidence and Sport and (b) Health prior to his announcement of violence against women and girls in schools undertaken that funding for school sport was to be reduced; and in the last 12 months. [30254] what the duration was of each such meeting. [29297] Tim Loughton [holding answer 13 December 2010]: Tim Loughton [holding answer 7 December 2010]: The Department is aware of research into violence The Secretary of State has overall responsibility for against women and girls in schools undertaken in the education and, since May, has negotiated a spending last 12 months from (a) Womankind Worldwide in review settlement for schools, which sees real-terms England, and (b) the End Violence Against Women Poll growth in school funding at a time when cutting the conducted by YouGov. 1069W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1070W

The Department for Education takes violence against Helping to care for a family member is something women and girls in schools very seriously and will be that many young people are happy and proud to do. tackling the issue in a number of ways, including: These young people do play an absolutely vital role working with teachers, parents, faith groups and both for their families and society as a whole and they campaign groups to ensure young people receive high deserve our recognition and support. The Department quality sex and relationship education; for Education with the Department of Health is absolutely committed to supporting local services including many conducting an independent review into the voluntary organisations which have been set up to support commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood; these young people. contributing to the Frank Field review of child poverty However in some cases these young people need and the Graham Allen work on early intervention; protection from excessive or inappropriate caring that holding an internal review into personal, social, health puts their education and/or health at risk. I attended the and economic education (the most commonly used Young Carers Festival last summer as I have done for a approach by schools for teaching about violence towards number of years and have heard directly about their women and girls). concerns. They told me that services supporting their parents or other family members all too often do not Science and Mathematics: Teachers consider their views or identify and respond to their support needs. Even though these might be critical to Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for the care they are providing. Education what plans he has for the future of science The Government recently published ‘Recognised, valued and mathematics teaching in schools. [31446] and supported: next steps for the Carers Strategy’. They recognise that there are a number of ‘hidden’ young Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for carers and encourage front-line services including schools, Education what plans he has to improve the standard GPs, mental health and substance misuse to put in of science and mathematics teaching in schools. [31445] place systems to identify and respond to young carers needs. They also encourage local authorities to consider Mr Gibb: The Schools White Paper “The Importance adopting the ‘Working together to support young carers’ of Teaching”recognises the importance the Government published jointly by the Association of Directors of attach to science and mathematics education. We will Adult and Children’s Services which is unambiguous in support initiatives to increase the number of specialist stating that no care package should rely on a young science and mathematics teachers and to improve the person taking on inappropriate caring roles. skills of existing teachers. We will also review the national curriculum to ensure that children gain the knowledge Youth Services: Disability they need in maths and science in order to progress and develop their understanding. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many youth centres that are Social Services: Adoption operated by local authorities provide activities for disabled children and their families in (a) the West Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State Midlands and (b) England. [29333] for Education whether social services have targets in respect of the number of adoption cases processed in Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does each year. [26120] not hold this information centrally. However, local authorities are responsible, under the general equality Tim Loughton: I have made it clear that I want to see duty contained in the Disability Discrimination Act, to an increase in the number of children appropriately promote equality of opportunity for disabled people, placed for adoption and in the speed with which decisions encourage participation by disabled people and take are made. I am not in favour of setting targets to steps to account of disabled people’s disabilities in achieve this as each adoption case should be assessed respect of the services that they provide—so in providing on its own merits. However I expect to see improvements such services as youth centres local authorities should in practice and in the sharing of good practice. That is be considering the needs of the disabled children that why, at national level, I have set up a ministerial advisory use them. group to provide expert advice on a range of practical proposals to facilitate this. Youth Sport Trust

Young People: Carers Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Department have had recent meetings with Baroness Education what recent estimate his Department has Campbell of Loughborough to discuss the work of the made of the number of young carers in (a) the South Youth Sports Trust. [27138] East and (b) Sevenoaks constituency. [29167] Tim Loughton [holding answer 29 November 2010]: Tim Loughton [holding answer 7 December 2010]: Baroness Campbell and the Youth Sport Trust have Precise local and national data on the number of young been involved closely, since May 2010, in developing the carers are not held centrally. However the 2001 census Government’s proposals to encourage more competitive estimates that there are approximately 139,000 children school sport through the creation of Olympic and in England aged 17 or under offering some care to a Paralympic style school sport competitions. This is the family member, neighbour or friend. focus of the Government’s work, as set out in the 1071W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1072W

“Coalition Programme for Government”. The Department including conferences, should now be exceptional and for Culture, Media, and Sport is leading this work for requires the advance approval of a member of the Government and, since May, has held regular meetings senior civil service. with a range of interested bodies, including the Youth Sport Trust. Ministers and officials from the Department Departmental Pay for Education attend those meetings, and so have been able to hear and consider fully the advice of Baroness Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Campbell and the trust’s staff. The Secretary of State and Pensions how many staff employed by his and I have both met Baroness Campbell in the course of Department were not paid at a rate equivalent to or developing the Government’s proposals. Sport England above the London living wage in the latest period for has recently consulted on an interim role for the Youth which figures are available. [31224] Sport Trust, working for Sport England to deliver elements of the Government’s proposals, funded by the lottery. Chris Grayling: No staff employed by the Department for Work and Pensions in London are paid less than a rate equivalent to the London living wage. Department WORK AND PENSIONS employs 3,529 staff outside London, who earn less than a rate equivalent to the London living wage. Cold Weather Payments Departmental Public Expenditure Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) financial and (b) other support Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for is available to help people meet their winter heating Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made costs; and whether any additional support is available of the effect of the increase in the standard rate of specifically to incapacity benefit claimants. [31545] value added tax on his Department’s annual expenditure. [31174] Steve Webb: Individuals who have reached women’s state pension age, will receive a winter fuel payment to Chris Grayling: Departmental Spending Review help meet the cost of their winter fuel needs. Households settlements are set on a tax-inclusive basis, including with someone aged up to 79 will receive £250 while the increase to the standard rate of VAT. those households with someone aged 80 or over receive Departments can recover VAT that they incur on £400. certain contracted out services. Cold weather payments of £25 a week are paid in The increase in the Departments annual expenditure periods of very cold weather to those in receipt of due to the change in the standard rate of value added pension credit or income related employment and support tax on non-recoverable VAT has been estimated at £16 allowance who receive the support component or the million per annum. work-related activity component. Recipients of income support, income related employment and support allowance Departmental Regulation or income-based jobseekers allowance may also be entitled to a cold weather payment if they have a pensioner or disability premium included in their benefit, or they Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work have a child who is either disabled or under the age of and Pensions what regulations he plans to (a) repeal five in the family. and (b) amend in the next five years. [23084] Disabled people can face extra heating costs but, by Chris Grayling: It is not possible to accurately project and large, these needs arise all year round. Benefits such which regulations will be removed/amended over the as incapacity benefit and employment and support course of the next five years. allowance provide additional weekly payments and are related to the individual’s circumstances. Departmental Sponsorship The Department for Work and Pensions also works closely with other Government Departments on the ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ campaign, which is aimed at Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work vulnerable households in England and gives information and Pensions what expenditure (a) his Department on the health benefits of keeping warm in winter and and (b) the non-departmental public bodies incurred details of the grants and benefits available. on sponsorship in each year since 1997 for which figures are available. [27526] Departmental Conferences Chris Grayling: The information is as follows: Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) Department for Work and Pensions Work and Pensions what his Department’s annual The Department’s expenditure on sponsorship is budget for conferences was on (a) 7 May 2010 and (b) captured within the data for overall spend on marketing 7 December 2010. [30021] and publicity. It is not possible to separate out specific payments for sponsorship without incurring Chris Grayling: The Department does not allocate a disproportionate cost. Since 2007, the policy for the budget for the provision of conferences. corporate centre of the Department has been that we The Department revised its internal policies and guidance do not actively seek or undertake sponsorship opportunities. in July 2010 with the clear intention of reducing costs. Sponsorship falls within the current restrictions on The use of an external venue for any business meeting, marketing and advertising expenditure. 1073W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1074W

(b) Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission Maria Miller: It is proposed that disability living The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission allowance will be replaced by personal independence agreed a one-year partnership (January 2009 to January payment from April 2013, with an objective assessment 2010) with Wikivorce, at a cost of £10,000, for them to that takes account of the social model of disability as carry a branded Child Maintenance Options microsite an integral part of that benefit. The cost of implementing on their website. This was the first and, to date, only the personal independence payment is dependent on the commercial partnership trial and was designed to target design of the new objective assessment and how it is parents at an early stage of separation. Wikivorce is one delivered. The current consultation exercise will help of the largest online communities supporting people inform these decisions. The Government will set out through relationship breakdown where the majority of further detail at the earliest opportunity. visitors are parents with an even male and female split in the audience. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Health and Safety Executive for Work and Pensions what recent progress he has made on the public consultation in respect of the proposed The Health and Safety Executive’s expenditure on objective medical assessment for disability living allowance sponsorship is captured within the data for overall claims; and if he will make a statement. [29772] spend on marketing and publicity. It is not possible to separate out specific payments for sponsorship from this data. Maria Miller: The Government launched a public consultation on the reform of disability living allowance Remploy Ltd with a new benefit, personal independence payment, on Remploy’s expenditure on sponsorship is captured 6 December. The consultation sets out our proposed within the data for overall spend on marketing and approach to the objective assessment for the new benefit publicity. It is not possible to separate out specific and invites comment on these proposals. A copy of the payments for sponsorship from this data. consultation document “Disability Living Allowance Other non-departmental public bodies reform” (Cm 7984), has been placed in the Library and is also available from our website at: The following non-departmental public bodies have confirmed that they have not incurred any expenditure http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2010/dla-reform.shtml on sponsorship: The public consultation on the reform of disability Disability Employment Advisory Committee living allowance will run from 6 December to 14 February Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board 2011, after which we will publish a response. Equality 2025 Industrial Injuries Advisory Council Housing Benefit Independent Living Fund National Employment Savings Trust corporation Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pension Protection Fund Pensions what assessment his Department has made of Pensions Ombudsman/Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman the change in the number of private sector properties capable of being rented at the level of local housing Social Security Advisory Committee allowance payments or below consequent on his The Pensions Advisory Service Department’s proposed changes to housing benefit. The Pensions Regulator. [29733] Disability Living Allowance Steve Webb: The Department published a document on ‘Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State the Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12’ for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer to the on 23 July, which includes an indication of post-reform hon. Member for Glasgow East of 6 December 2010, availability of private sector accommodation in tables Official Report, column 74W,on disability living allowance, 9,10 and 11. A copy of the document has been placed in what estimate he has made of the number of residential the Library. care residents who will cease to be entitled to the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work from October 2012. [31045] and Pensions how many recipients of housing benefit (a) (b) Maria Miller: We estimate that approximately 40,000 received flat-rate and non flat-rate deductions people who claim the mobility component of disability for (i) heating, (ii) hot water, (iii) lighting and (iv) living allowance at the higher rate and live in residential cooking in the latest period for which figures are care will be affected by the measure to cease paying the available. [30669] mobility component in Great Britain from October 2012. Steve Webb: Information is not available on housing benefit recipients who have deductions from their rent Disability Living Allowance: Medical Examinations in respect of costs for heating, hot water and lighting. The Department does collect some information on Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State deductions from rent, in relation to private tenant boarders for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the cost for cooking, from the Housing Benefit data Source of implementing the proposed objective medical assessment (SHBE) but to assess the completeness of recording for disability living allowance claim in 2013-14; and if and quality assure the figures to answer this PQ would he will make a statement. [29771] incur disproportionate cost. 1075W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1076W

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for area using the revised ONS coding system, and resolving Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cases with missing or invalid postcodes. Analysts will number and proportion of claimants of local housing then assess how best to incorporate this method into the allowance that made an additional payment to cover regular processing of the HB/CTB returns from LAs. It the difference between benefits received and rent paid; is hoped this exercise will be completed by early 2011. and what estimate he has made of the average amount of such weekly additional payments in each local Housing Benefit: Edinburgh authority by bedroom size in the latest period for which figures are available. [31355] Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how much (a) local housing Steve Webb: A review of the first two years’ operation allowance and (b) housing benefit on average was paid of the local housing allowance arrangements is being to recipients in each type of housing tenure in undertaken to monitor the impact of the local housing Edinburgh East constituency in the latest period for allowance at a national level. The review aims to cover a which figures are available; [29533] range of issues including levels of excesses and shortfalls. (2) how many people in Edinburgh East constituency The two year review will be published shortly. receive local housing allowance; [29535] Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and (3) what proportion of (a) housing benefit and (b) Pensions what the monthly (a) on-flows to and (b) local housing allowance recipients in (i) local authority, off-flows from local housing allowance in each local (ii) housing association and (iii) private sector housing in Edinburgh East constituency were also in receipt of authority were in each month since April 2008. [31807] (A) jobseeker’s allowance and (B) employment and Steve Webb: Information on local housing allowance support allowance in the latest period for which figures on-flows and off-flows is not available. are available; [29534] Experimental statistics of monthly housing benefit (4) how many recipients of local housing allowance on-flows and off-flows are published on the Department’s who have been in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance for website at: more than 12 months live in Edinburgh East constituency. [29538] http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/hb_ctb/ hbctb_flows_nov10.xls Steve Webb: The information is not available. but this information relates to all housing benefit recipients. At present geographic breakdowns are only available Housing Benefit: Ashfield for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for data: this will include parliamentary constituencies. Work and Pensions (1) how many recipients of housing benefit who have been in receipt of jobseeker’s Housing Benefit: Expenditure allowance for more than 12 months are resident in Ashfield constituency; [31133] Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State (2) how much on average was paid in housing benefit for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of to recipients in Ashfield constituency in the latest the likely effect on his Department’s expenditure on housing benefit of his proposals for affordable rent for period for which figures are available. [31134] social housing. [26024] Steve Webb: The information is not available. Steve Webb: Work between DWP and the Department Neither the total number of jobseeker’s allowance for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is claimants receiving housing benefit nor the duration of ongoing on the impact on housing benefit of the proposals such claims is available. This analysis has not been for affordable rent for social housing. Further details quality assured to national statistics standard, and to will be made available shortly, but initial indications in do so would incur disproportionate cost. the spending review period were that the impact on Housing Benefit: Birmingham housing benefit expenditure will be relatively small. Housing Benefit: Glasgow Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for number of people in Birmingham, Ladywood constituency Work and Pensions what the average amount of who will be affected by his proposed changes to housing housing benefit paid by tenure in Glasgow North benefit. [31123] constituency was in the latest period for which figures are available; what the average amount of local housing Steve Webb: This information is not available. allowance paid to occupants of properties in each type At present geographic breakdowns are available at of tenure in Glasgow North constituency was in that the local authority or regional level, as data are provided period; and what proportion of (a) housing benefit by local authorities. and (b) local housing allowance recipients in (i) local However, an exercise is being undertaken to add authority, (ii) housing association and (iii) private other geographical areas to the data: this will include sector housing in Glasgow North constituency were parliamentary constituencies. This exercise will consist also in receipt of (A) jobseeker’s allowance and (B) of validating postcodes and partial postcodes, using employment and support allowance in that period. them to allocate cases to the appropriate geographical [30517] 1077W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1078W

Steve Webb: The information is not available. sector (which can be further broken down into private At present geographic breakdowns are available only regulated tenants and private deregulated tenants (local/ for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is non-local housing allowance tenants)). being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the Housing Benefit: Scotland data: this will include parliamentary constituencies. Information is collected on the number of claimants Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work in receipt of a passporting benefit, which includes income- and Pensions how much was paid on average in (a) based jobseeker’s allowance and income-based employment housing benefit and (b) local housing allowance by support allowance. However neither the total number tenure in North Ayrshire and Arran constituency in the of jobseeker’s allowance claimants nor the total number most recent 12 months for which figures are available; of employment support allowance claimants receiving what proportion of recipients of (i) housing benefit housing benefit is available. and (ii) local housing allowance in (A) local authority, (B) housing association and (C) private sector housing Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for in North Ayrshire and Arran constituency were also Work and Pensions how many people in Glasgow in receipt of (1) jobseeker’s allowance and (2) North constituency receive local housing allowance. employment and support allowance in the most recent [30521] 12 months period for which figures are available. [30076] Steve Webb: The information is not available. At present geographic breakdowns are only available Steve Webb: The information is not available at the for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is constituency level. being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the data; this will include parliamentary constituencies. Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many recipients of local housing Housing Benefit: Reform allowance who have been in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance for more than 12 months are resident in Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work North Ayrshire and Arran constituency. [30119] and Pensions what assessment he has made of the (a) research commissioned and evaluated by his Steve Webb: The information is not available. Department and (b) representations he has received At present geographic breakdowns are only available since the announcement of his proposals for reforming for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is housing benefit. [30350] being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the data: this will include parliamentary constituencies. Steve Webb: We have considered relevant research published since the Budget announcement. We have Housing Benefit: Sunderland also taken note of the views and concerns of stakeholders in relation to the implementation of the 2011 changes Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to Local Housing Allowance rates. As a consequence and Pensions how many recipients of local housing we are bringing forward the timing of the reduction of allowance who have been in receipt of jobseeker’s rates to the 30 percentile from October 2011 to April allowance for more than 12 months are resident in 2011. This avoids people being affected twice, first by Sunderland Central constituency. [30365] the cap from April and then again after October. We are giving existing customers more time to adjust to any Steve Webb: The information is not available. reduction in entitlement by giving them up to nine Neither the total number of jobseeker’s allowance months transitional protection from the anniversary claimants receiving housing benefit nor the duration of date of the claim. In addition we are providing a further such claims is available. This analysis has not been £50 million over the spending review period towards the quality assured to national statistics standard, and to provision of housing advice and other practical support do so would incur disproportionate cost. to help customers during the transition period. Housing Benefit: Temporary Accommodation Housing Benefit: Refuges Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the monetary value of the average weekly housing the monetary value of the average weekly housing benefit payment made to households in (a) temporary benefit payment made to those staying in women’s aid accommodation and (b) bed and breakfast refuges. [31029] accommodation. [31030]

Steve Webb: Information on housing benefit payments Steve Webb: Information on housing benefit payments made to those staying in women’s aid refuges is not made to households in temporary accommodation and available. bed and breakfast accommodation is not available. Information is collected on the number of claimants Information is collected on the number of claimants and average weekly award in payment by tenure of and average weekly award in payment by tenure of claimant. Tenure types are: social rented sector (which claimant. Tenure types are: social rented sector (which can be further broken down into local authority tenants can be further broken down into local authority tenants and registered social landlord tenants) and private rented and registered social landlord tenants) and private rented 1079W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1080W sector (which can be further broken down into private Jobseeker’s Allowance: Working Hours regulated tenants and private deregulated tenants (local/ non-local housing allowance tenants)). Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether there is a maximum Housing Benefit: Worcestershire number of unpaid hours than an individual may work per week while claiming jobseeker’s allowance and Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for Work actively seeking work. [29929] and Pensions how many people in (a) Worcestershire and (b) Bromsgrove constituency were in receipt of Chris Grayling: We believe that volunteering can play housing benefit of more than £400 per week in the an important part in the life of unemployed people—not latest period for which figures are available. [29700] only through providing valuable support to their communities but it can also improve the chances of Steve Webb: As at August 2010, our records show securing paid work. that there are fewer than five housing benefit recipients Claimants of jobseeker’s allowance can therefore do in both Bromsgrove and Worcestershire receiving more unlimited voluntary work, providing they continue to than £400 per week in housing benefit. meet all the usual entitlement conditions such as being available for and actively seeking work, although volunteers Income Support: Mortgages are allowed additional time to make themselves available for interviews and to take up employment. However, notional income may be taken into account if claimants Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State undertake work voluntarily in circumstances where it is for Work and Pensions (1) what estimate he has made of reasonable that they should be remunerated. the effects of the change to the rate used to calculate support for mortgage interest payments from 1 October Mortgages: Government Assistance 2010 on the number of people entitled to passported benefits; [31033] (2) what estimate he has made of the number of Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work individuals entitled to support for mortgage interest and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 30 November Official Report, payments who ceased to receive (a) pension credit, (b) 2010, column 795W, on mortgages: (a) income-related jobseeker’s allowance and (c) income- Government assistance, what discussions he has (b) related employment and support allowance payments had with and guidance his Department has issued following the change to the interest rate used to to mortgage providers on how to proceed with borrowers calculate support for mortgage interest payments from claiming support for mortgage interest mortgages with interest rates substantially higher than the standard 1 October 2010. [31034] interest rate used to calculate support payments; and if he will make a statement. [30464] Steve Webb: This information is not available. Steve Webb: We have discussions from time to time Jobcentres: Greater London with the Council of Mortgage Lenders about support for mortgage interest. The Council of Mortgage Lenders Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Work has told the Department that it expects lenders to and Pensions (1) how many square metres on average continue to exercise forbearance where it is fair to do so Jobshops located in London occupy; and what the (a) for the borrower, and the borrower has a chance of smallest and (b) largest size is of such premises; [31546] paying off any arrears in the future. The Council of (2) how many square metres on average Jobshops Mortgage Lenders has told us that where arrears levels located in London which provide the full Jobcentre increase for some borrowers as a result of the change in Plus service occupy; and what the (a) smallest and (b) the standard interest rate this does not necessarily translate largest site is of such premises. [32104] into an immediate possession risk. It would not be appropriate for my Department to Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus issue specific or detailed guidance to mortgage providers is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, about how they should manage accounts which have Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. shortfalls. However, we have made clear our expectation Member with the information requested. that lenders should continue to offer support and Letter from Ruth Owen: forbearance to their customers who are struggling with their mortgage repayments. The Secretary of State has asked Darra Singh to reply to your questions asking how many square metres on average Job centres Lenders are required to consider what they can do to located in London occupy; and what is the (a) smallest and (b) prevent borrowers losing their homes. Under the Pre-Action largest size of such premises. And how many square metres on Protocol, lenders must prove they have considered all average Jobcentres located in London which provide the full other options before trying to repossess a property. For Jobcentre Plus service occupy; and what the (a) smallest and (b) example, they may agree to change or lengthen the term largest site is of such premises. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Darra Singh as Chief of the loan, accept reduced payments in the short-term, Executive of Jobcentre Plus. As Darra Singh is currently unavailable, or add the debt to the amount borrowed. I am replying in his absence. All our Jobcentres in London offer the full Jobcentre Plus Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for service. On average Jobcentres in London occupy 1,800 sqm Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of ranging between Edmonton Jobcentre, the smallest site at 667 sqm 17 November 2010, Official Report, columns 841-42W, and Bromley Jobcentre, the largest site at 5464 sqm. on mortgages: Government assistance, for what 1081W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1082W reasons he reduced the rate of interest used to calculate that where arrears levels increase for some borrowers as support for mortgage interest prior to the completion a result of the change in the standard interest rate this of a model to estimate the effect of changes to support does not translate into an immediate possession risk. for mortgage interest on the number of repossessions; when he expects such a model to be completed; and if Personal Income: Glasgow he will place a copy of his findings in the Library. [31349] Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the median household income Steve Webb: It was necessary for the Government to of a family in (a) the social rented sector, (b) the put support for mortgage interest on a more sustainable private rented sector and (c) owner-occupied footing, and to better reflect mortgage costs, which is accommodation in Glasgow North constituency was (i) why we set the standard interest rate at a level equal to before and (ii) after housing costs in the latest period the Bank of England’s published monthly average mortgage for which figures are available. [30515] rate from 1 October. The rate is currently 3.63%. The previous rate of 6.08% was too generous and resulted in Steve Webb: We use households below average income the vast majority of people getting more than their data to provide estimates of median incomes. However, eligible mortgage interest liability, which was unfair to the sample size of this survey is not sufficient to provide taxpayers. The plans of the previous Government would estimates for low-level geographies such as those requested. have meant that the standard interest rate would have The following table shows the median equivalised reverted to a formula—the Bank of England Base Rate disposable household income by tenure for Scotland, plus 1.58%—which, at present, would produce a rate of before and after housing costs. 2.08% from January 2011. Table 1: Median equivalised disposable household income, for families, The Department is in the process of developing a by tenure for Scotland, three year average 2006-07 to 2008-09, before model to estimate the impact of changes to support for and after housing costs mortgage interest on the number of repossessions. However £ any estimates will always be limited since detailed case- Median equivalised disposable household income for by-case information, such as arrears at the start of a families claim, is not collected by the Department. Furthermore, Tenure the relationship between arrears and continued home type BHC AHC ownership is a complex one dependant on more than Owners 467 424 the level of support for mortgage interest payable. The Social 291 235 Department will consider whether the results can be renters used publicly, and the findings placed in the Library, Private 346 253 once this work is complete, which we would expect to be renters early in 2011. Notes: 1. These statistics are based on households below average income (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This Mortgages: Repossession Orders uses disposable household income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household size and composition, as an Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these percentage change in mortgage repossessions which will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. will occur in each of the next four quarters as a result 3. The reference period for HBAI figures is single financial years. For of changes to mortgage interest support. [30215] countries and regions within the UK, three survey years have been combined, as single year estimates are subject to volatility. 4. Incomes are presented in 2008-09 prices and have been rounded to Steve Webb: The Department does not capture the nearest pound sterling. information on reasons for ending a benefit claim, 5. Families are defined as a single adult or couple living as married including support for mortgage interest, so does not and any dependent children, including same sex couples (civil partnerships capture the number of claimants who no longer receive and cohabitees) from January 2006. A household is made up of one of support for mortgage interest payments because they more families and is defined as a single person or group of people living at the same address as their only or main residence, who either have been repossessed. share one meal a day together or share the living accommodation (i.e. The Department is in the process of developing a a living room). In line with the wording of the question, analysis has model to estimate the impact of changes to support for been carried out at the family level. mortgage interest on the number of repossessions. However Source: Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2006-07 to 2008-09. any estimates will always be limited since detailed case- by-case information, such as arrears at the start of a Personal Records: Departmental Co-ordination claim, is not collected by the Department. Furthermore, the relationship between arrears and continued home Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work ownership is a complex one dependant on more than and Pensions (1) what assessment he has made of the the level of support for mortgage interest payable. The effectiveness of the Tell Us Once service; and if he will Department will consider whether the results can be make a statement; [30319] used publicly once this work is complete. (2) what plans he has for the future of the Tell Us The Council of Mortgage Lenders has told the Once service. [30320] Department that it expects lenders to continue to exercise forbearance where it is fair to do so for the borrower, Chris Grayling: The Government are committed to and the borrower has a chance of paying off any arrears making the Tell Us Once Birth and Bereavement Service in the future. The Council of Mortgage Lenders thinks available nationally during 2011. 1083W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1084W

The service is regularly reviewed as part of the Total Remploy staff employed in Glasgow, Scotland and the UK Government’s Gated Review process. In addition, in Enterprise Other 1 September 2010 a further review of the contractual businesses employees Total arrangements required to deliver the service confirmed Glasgow 2005-06 168 — 168 that Tell Us Once is a valuable service that will deliver 2006-07 164 33 197 improved customer service at lower cost for both the 2007-08 163 39 202 customer and the taxpayer. 2008-09 145 37 182 The service is currently offered on a face to face basis at local authorities and over the phone via a national 2009-10 134 55 189 telephony service provided by my Department. It is also planned to make it available on line by the end of 2011. Scotland 2005-06 627 77 704 Currently 85% of all local authorities have committed 2006-07 569 103 672 to offer the service. By devolving power to the local level 2007-08 506 115 621 authorities are able to tailor the service so that it supports 2008-09 428 125 553 the needs of the community. 2009-10 428 144 572 As of today there are 42 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales offering the Birth and Bereavement Service and in total almost 29,000 customers have chosen UK 2005-06 5,758 1,655 7,413 to use it since testing began. Customer feedback has 2006-07 5,446 1,676 7,122 been extremely positive and has been used to help 2007-08 3,947 1,646 5,593 design how the service will operate in future. 2008-09 3,200 1,773 4,973 The priority for Tell Us Once will be to successfully 2009-10 3,192 1,986 5,178 roll out its Birth and Bereavement Service and then to 1 Including factories and Future Jobs Fund trainees (in 2009-10). increase the number of partner organisations and benefits Social Rented Housing and services in addition to the 24 it currently works with so that benefits for the customer, taxpayer and Government are maximised. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work In addition, working with the private sector will be and Pensions what the median income was of a household crucial so that we can provide additional services that in (a) the social rented sector, (b) the private rented sector our customers have told us they want, such as telling and (c) owner-occupied accommodation in (i) South utilities and banks about a death. By taking this forward Lanarkshire and (ii) Rutherglen and Hamilton West on a commercial basis it will enable the costs to the constituency (A) before and (B) after housing costs in taxpayer to be minimised. the latest period for which figures are available. [29524] Tell Us Once also has the mandate to develop a Steve Webb: We use households below average income Change of Address service in partnership with the data to provide estimates of median incomes. However, private sector so that citizens no longer need to do this the sample size of this survey is not sufficient to provide multiple times themselves and so that the taxpayer does estimates for low-level geographies such as those requested. not carry the cost. The following table shows the median equivalised Real-time Earnings Data disposable household income by tenure for Scotland, before and after housing costs. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Table 1: Median equivalised disposable household income, for households, by Work and Pensions whether his Department plans to tenure for Scotland, three year average 2006-07 to 2008-09, before and after pass the real-time earnings data collected for housing costs calculation of Universal Credit to (a) local authorities Median equivalised disposable and (b) other public bodies. [29617] household income for households Tenure Type BHC AHC Chris Grayling: The administration of universal credit will be organised by the Department for Work and Owners 456 419 Pensions. We are working closely with local authorities, Social renters 287 233 the devolved administrations and other public bodies Private renters 344 271 Notes: on the implications for them of the introduction of 1. These statistics are based on households below average income (HBAI) data universal credit, but we do not currently expect that sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable household local authorities and other public bodies will need to income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. have access to real-time earnings data. 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by Remploy sampling error and variability in non-response. 3. The reference period for HBAI figures is single financial years. For countries Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for and regions within the UK, three survey years have been combined as single year estimates are subject to volatility. Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Glasgow, 4. Incomes are presented in 2008-09 prices and have been rounded to the nearest (b) Scotland and (c) the UK Remploy has employed pound sterling. in each of the last five years. [30395] 5. Families are defined as a single adult or couple living as married and any dependent children, including same sex couples (civil partnerships and cohabitees) from January 2006. A household is made up of one or more families and is Maria Miller: The number of people employed by defined as a single person or group of people living at the same address as their Remploy in Glasgow, Scotland and the UK for the year only or main residence, who either share one meal a day together or share the 2005-06 to 2009-10 are provided in the following table. living accommodation (i.e. a living room). In line with the wording of the question, analysis has been carried out at the household level. The figures for Remploy enterprise businesses in Glasgow Source: include the factories in Clydebank and Springfield. Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2006-07 to 2008-09. 1085W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1086W

Social Rented Housing: Reform Social Rented Housing: Scotland

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the outcomes were of his recent and Pensions what the median household income was discussions with the Secretary of State for Communities of a family in (a) the social rented sector, (b) the and Local Government on the likely effects on the private rented sector and (c) owner-occupied social rented housing market of his Department’s proposed accommodation in North Ayrshire and Arran constituency welfare reforms. [30931] (i) including and (ii) excluding housing costs in the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available. [30117] Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Communities and Local Government Steve Webb: We use Households Below Average Income (DCLG) continue to hold regular discussions at ministerial data to provide estimates of median incomes. However, and official level on the development of policies where the sample size of this survey is not sufficient to provide there is a shared interest. estimates for low-level geographies such as those requested. The Department has made no assessment of the The following table shows the median equivalised likely effects on the social housing market of its proposed disposable household income by tenure for Scotland, welfare reforms. We shall publish an impact assessment before and after housing costs. on the proposed changes to housing benefit for social Table 1: Median equivalised disposable household income, for families, by tenure sector tenants from 2013 to accompany the relevant for Scotland, three year average 2006-07 to 2008-09, before and after housing legislation when introduced in Parliament. costs Median equivalised disposable household income for families Tenure Social Rented Housing: Edinburgh Type BHC AHC Owners 467 424 Social 291 235 Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Renters Work and Pensions what the median income was of a Private 346 253 household in (a) the social rented sector, (b) the private Renters rented sector and (c) owner-occupied accommodation Notes: in Edinburgh East constituency (i) before and (ii) after 1. These statistics are based on Households Below Average Income (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable housing costs in the latest period for which figures are household income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for available. [29536] household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by Steve Webb: We use households below average income sampling error and variability in non-response. data to provide estimates of median incomes. However, 3. The reference period for HBAI figures is single financial years. For countries the sample size of this survey is not sufficient to provide and regions within the UK, three survey years have been combined as single year estimates are subject to volatility. estimates for low-level geographies such as those requested. 4. Incomes are presented in 2008/09 prices and have been rounded to the nearest pound sterling. The following table shows the median equivalised 5. Families are defined as a single adult or couple living as married and any disposable household income by tenure for Scotland, dependent children, including same sex couples (civil partnerships and cohabitees) before and after housing costs. from January 2006. A household is made up of one of more families and is defined as a single person or group of people living at the same address as their Median equivalised disposable household income, for households, by tenure for only or main residence, who either share one meal a day together or share the Scotland, three year average 2006-07 to 2008-09, before and after housing costs living accommodation (i.e. a living room). In line with the wording of the Median equivalised disposable household income for question, analysis has been carried out at the family level. households Source: Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2006-07 to 2008-09 Tenure type BHC AHC

Owners 456 419 Social Security Benefits: Armed Forces Social renters 287 233 Private renters 344 271 Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Notes: 1. These statistics are based on households below average income (HBAI) data for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable household the number of households of armed forces personnel in income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household receipt of each benefit paid by his Department. [29027] size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by Chris Grayling: The information is not available. sampling error and variability in non-response. 3. The reference period for HBAI figures is single financial years. For countries and regions within the UK, three survey years have been combined as single Social Security Benefits: Brighton year estimates are subject to volatility. 4. Incomes are presented in 2008-09 prices and have been rounded to the nearest pound sterling. 5. Families are defined as a single adult or couple living as married and any Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for dependent children, including same sex couples (civil partnerships and cohabitees) Work and Pensions how many recipients of local housing from January 2006. A household is made up of one of more families and is allowance who have been in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance defined as a single person or group of people living at the same address as their only or main residence, who either share one meal a day together or share the for more than 12 months are resident in Brighton, living accommodation (ie a living room). In line with the wording of the Pavilion constituency. [31357] question, analysis has been carried out at the household level. Source: Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2006-07 to 2008-09 Steve Webb: The information is not available. 1087W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1088W

At present geographic breakdowns are only available Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to for local authorities and regions. However, an exercise is encourage the take-up of skills provision through the being undertaken to add other geographical areas to the development of appropriate training that meets the data: this will include parliamentary constituencies. needs of both individuals and local employers to help move unemployed people into work. Social Security Benefits: Widowed People Under our commitment to reassess all existing customers currently in receipt of incapacity benefit to ensure they Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for get the right help and support to find work, we expect Work and Pensions whether higher rate taxpayers will many people will be found fit for work and moved off continue to be eligible for widowed parent’s allowance incapacity benefit. They will be able to claim jobseeker’s when they lose their entitlement to child benefit. allowance rather than leave benefits altogether. When [31111] on jobseeker’s allowance they will receive enhanced personal support and flexible provision to help improve Steve Webb: Higher rate taxpayers will continue to be their employability. eligible for widowed parent’s allowance following the forthcoming changes to child benefit. The Work Choice programme, which provides intensive support for disabled people with more complex barriers State Retirement Pensions to finding and staying in employment, is available to disabled people—provided they are both eligible and Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for suitable—regardless of any benefits being claimed. Non Work and Pensions how many people (a) receive and benefit recipients can also access some Jobcentre Plus (b) contribute to a pension under the state savings services such as using Jobcentre Plus job points to help related pension scheme. [30834] them find employment.

Steve Webb: The information is as follows: Welsh Language (a) 8,814,100 people were in receipt of additional pension payable under the state earnings related pension or the state Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for second pension schemes in March 2010. Work and Pensions when his Department last (b) 23,224,000 people accrued some additional pension under published a Welsh language scheme in accordance with the state second pension scheme in the 2007-08 tax year. the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993; and at Notes: which web addresses these can be accessed in (a) Welsh 1. The state earnings-related pension (SERPS) scheme operated and (b) English. [31172] from 1978 to 2001 inclusive. It was replaced with the state second pension (S2P) in 2002. Chris Grayling: The Department published its current 2. The figure in part (a) refers to claimants resident in Great Welsh language scheme on 6 August 2010. The scheme Britain, and is rounded to the nearest hundred individuals. can be accessed on the web address for the Department 3. The figure in part (b) is rounded to the nearest thousand for Work and Pensions as follows: individuals. It includes employees who were contracted-out of SERPS, but accrued some S2P by virtue of class 1 earnings—that (a) Welsh is, contracted-out employees accruing some “S2P top-up”. It also http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wls-welsh.pdf includes people who accrued S2P through home responsibilities protection or through credits because of their inability to work. (b) English The latest data available are for the tax year 2007-08, and are http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/corporate-publications/ provisional. welsh-language-scheme Source: The scheme has also been published on the Welsh DWP, Information Directorate, 5% sample administrative data Language Board’s website: Welsh version: and Lifetime Labour Market Database 1% sample of the National http://www.byig-wlb.org.uk/Cymraeg/cyhoeddiadau/ Insurance Recording System. Cyhoeddiadau/Cynllun%20Iaith%20Gymraeg%20- Unemployed People %20Adran%20Gwaith%20a%20Phensiynau.pdf English version: Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State http://www.byig-wlb.org.uk/english/publications/pages/ for Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has publicationitem.aspx?puburl=/english/publications/ had with the Secretary of State for Health in respect of publications/welsh+language+scheme+- +department+for+work+and+pensions.pdf support needed for people who are moved off benefit but not into work; and if he will make a statement. [29775] Winter Fuel Payments: Ex-servicemen

Chris Grayling: I have had no discussions with the Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. Friend the Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), on the merits of incorporating winter fuel payments into this specific issue although our Departments work closely the War Pension Scheme for armed forces veterans; together on the Government’s new approach to public and if he will make a statement. [30250] health and NHS reform plans. There are a number of reasons why people move off Steve Webb: Winter fuel payments are made to most benefits but do not move into employment, for example, people, including some 75% of war pensioners in the many people leave benefits to take up a course of war pension scheme, who have reached state pension education or training. We are working closely with the age for women and are ordinarily resident in the UK. 1089W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1090W

Older people are targeted because they are particularly We intend to roll out the Work Programme nationally vulnerable to the effects of cold weather during the by summer 2011. winter months. In the spending review of 20 October 2010 the Chancellor Work Programme: Glasgow of the Exchequer, the right hon. Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), announced that the winter fuel payment Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Work will remain exactly as budgeted for by the previous and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 22 November Government. We have no plans to extend the payment 2010, Official Report, column 9, on the Work Programme, to people below the present qualifying age. what enhanced support will be provided to (1) single parents in Glasgow between the end of support provided Work Capability Assessment through employment zones on 31 December 2010 and the launch of the Work programme; [31975] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State (2) long-term claimants of jobseeker’s allowance in for Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has Glasgow between the end of (a) referrals to and (b) made of the effectiveness of communication and feedback support through employment zones on 31 December between Jobcentre Plus, Atos Healthcare and the First-tier 2010 and the launch of the Work Programme. [31976] Tribunal to improve the quality of decision-making relating to work capability assessments; and if he will Chris Grayling: We want to ensure that as many make a statement. [29774] people benefit from the Work Programme as soon as possible, and will launch the Work Programme as soon Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus as providers are ready to start delivery in each contract is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, package area. We aim to have the new Work Programme Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. in place nationally by the summer of 2011. Member with the information requested. We are determined to ensure that there is continuity Letter from Darra Singh: of provision, and that the transition to the Work Programme The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has asked me to does not leave any customer unsupported. Therefore, reply to your question about what recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of communication and feedback between new deal and employment zone contracts will be extended Jobcentre Plus, Atos Healthcare and the First-tier Tribunal to until June 2011, ensuring that customers referred to improve the quality of decision making relating to work capability these programmes in March will be supported until the assessments. This is something that falls within the responsibilities summer, by which time the Work Programme will have delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. been rolled out. As recommended in the independent review led by Professor Customers, including lone parents on income support Malcolm Harrington, Jobcentre Plus is working closely with Atos and those on jobseeker’s allowance, will have access to and the Tribunal Service to ensure that decisions are made as flexible support delivered through Jobcentre Plus, including quickly and efficiently as possible. We are constantly seeking to improve the quality of our decisions and appeal responses and volunteering opportunities and help with basic skills or are currently testing a range of new measures to improve the job-search techniques, before their referral to the Work dissemination of best practice and ensure more decisions are right Programme. In some areas additional support will also first time. An example of this is our arrangements for representatives be available, so customers can access work experience, of the three organisations to meet at a regional level on a or take advantage of peer-to-peer support. Lone parents quarterly basis. This will enable an exchange of views and information will not be referred to the Work Programme as long as which Jobcentre Plus managers will use to review and improve the they are in receipt of income support. quality of decision making, including those involving Work Capability Assessments. Once the Work Programme has been launched, jobseeker In addition to this, we are building on existing good practices allowance customers facing significant disadvantage, to develop more effective working relationships through a number for example long-term benefit claimants, ex offenders, of joint initiatives. These include quarterly meetings at regional or young people with significant barriers to work, will level between representatives of the three organisations, the regular be offered early access to the Work Programme at three provision by Atos healthcare professionals of advice and support months, to ensure they have access to the necessary to Jobcentre Plus Decision Makers and Appeals staff and the use support as soon as possible. of feedback from the Tribunals Service to improve decision making. Work Programme HOME DEPARTMENT Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what recent progress his Department Addison Lee has made on delivering the Work Programme; [31978] (2) when he expects to launch the Work Programme. Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the [31977] Home Department whether (a) her Department and (b) its agencies contract services from Addison Lee. Chris Grayling: The Department has recently published [30849] an updated Work Programme Prospectus to clarify further details of the policy design and commercial Nick Herbert: The Home Department and its agencies arrangements of the Work Programme, and intends to do not hold contracts with the Addison Lee private hire publish the Work Programme Invitation to Tender before taxi company. Records show that over the last 12 months the end of December, to ensure the commercial process the Department did on one occasion hire a coach from remains on track. the company. 1091W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1092W

Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Reading Berkshire published data, compiled by the Ministry of Justice, on the number of ASBOs issued covers the period 1 April Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for the 1999 to 31 December 2008. Reading is within the Thames Home Department how many anti-social behaviour Valley Criminal Justice System (CJS) area. orders were issued to people aged (a) under 18 and (b) The number of ASBOs issued at all courts in the 18 years or over in the criminal justice area covering Thames Valley CJS area in each year, by age group, Reading in each of the last 10 years. [31255] between 1 April 1999 and 31 December 2008 is shown in the following table. James Brokenshire: Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) ASBO data covering the period up to the end of 2009 became available on 1 April 1999. The latest available is due to be published on 25 January 2011.

Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued at all courts1 in the Thames Valley Criminal Justice System (CJS) area as reported to the Ministry of Justice2 by the Court Service by age group, 1 April 1999 to 31 December 2008 Thames Valley ASBOs April 1999 June to Total to May December Age group3 issued 2000 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Total ASBOs 306 1 1 7 6 16 77 57 44 54 43 issued Of which issued to defendants: Aged 10-17 81 n/a —325211031720 Aged 18+ 215 n/a 1 3 3 10 53 45 40 37 23 Age not 101 —111321—— reported n/a = Not available 1 Includes ASBOs issued on application by magistrates courts acting in their civil capacity and county courts, which became available on 1 April 1999 and ASBOs made following conviction for a relevant criminal offence at the Crown court and at magistrates courts (acting in their criminal capacity), which became available on 2 December 2002. 2 Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, numbers of ASBOs issued were reported to Home Office by the Court Service. 3 No age details available for the period April 1999 to May 2000. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.

Borders: Personal Records Damian Green: Since the termination of the contract with the prime supplier, Raytheon Systems Limited, the Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the e-Borders programme has been securing the services Home Department what assessment she has made of and systems that are currently in operation. Alongside the adequacy of her Department’s strategy for this, a strategy to procure services to replace those that procuring new services for the e-Borders programme were due to be delivered under the original e-Borders from commercial suppliers of such services against the contract has been developed. The programme is currently examining options for contracting with new suppliers programme’s value for money objectives. [31234] and expects to be able to set out agreed next steps in the new year. All options for future services include a Damian Green: Since the e-Borders contract with rigorous assessment of value for money. Raytheon Systems was terminated on 22 July 2010, the e-Borders programme has been pursuing a strategy to procure services to replace those due under the original Departmental Conferences contract. Engagement with suppliers always includes an assessment Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for the of the value for money considerations of their proposals. Home Department what her Department’s annual The Government are committed to the e-Borders budget for conferences was at (a) 7 May 2010 and (b) programme and in line with Office of Government 7 December 2010. [30029] Commerce guidelines will continue to scrutinise potential suppliers’ ability to provide the systems and services Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not set budgets required. This scrutiny ensures delivery of Government for spend on conferences. However, as with all activities objectives consistent with business requirements of the of this nature, we are working to reduce the amount we e-borders programme, while delivering value for money. spend and overall will be reducing our administration budget by one third by the end of the Spending Review Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the period. Where conferences do take place the Home Home Department what assessment she has made of Office constantly seeks to ensure that any conferences the value for money of recent procurement exercises for that it organises are both necessary, and provide good e-Borders contracts. [31235] value for money for the taxpayer. 1093W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1094W

Departmental Grants The policies include a requirement for managers to conduct return to work interviews after every instance Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for the of sickness absence. Allowing for exceptional circumstances, Home Department (1) what the monetary value of mandatory warnings are given to staff whose level of grants awarded by her Department was in 2009-10; and absence exceeds pre-defined limits. how much she expects to award in grants in (a) A new online recording system automatically prompts 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; [27260] line managers when further interventions are required (2) what grants have been awarded by her and enables senior managers to monitor whether these Department in 2010-11 to date; what grants she plans are taking place. The system also enables all absences to to award in each of the next two years; what the be tracked and accurate management information to be monetary value is of each such grant; and to which collated. organisations such grants are made. [27263] In addition, a Wellbeing strategy has been developed to promote the physical and mental health of staff. Nick Herbert: The total of grants awarded in 2009-10 Events have been held around the country to promote was £8 billion, which included £4.7 billion in Police the range of support services which are available to General Grant. staff. Managers have access to professional occupational We expect to award around £8 billion in grants in health advice as necessary. Staff have direct access to a 2010-11, which includes £4.7 billion in Police General 24 hour/365 day confidential Employee Assistance Grant. programme providing support, advice and counselling on a range of personal issues. The Department is currently conducting an internal allocation exercise which will decide the future of individual These policies have enabled the Department to reduce grants within the overall spending review settlement for sickness absence month on month over the past 16 months. the Home Office. We will notify grant recipients on the future of these funding streams as soon as possible. Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Detail on 2011-12 funding allocations for all police Home Department what estimate she has made of the forces was announced on 13 December when the provisional cost to the public purse of (a) sickness and (b) police settlements were placed before the House of unauthorised absence among staff in her Department Commons. and its agencies in the latest period for which figures We expect to award grants worth around £8 billion in are available. [30417] 2010-11. This figure is as at accounting period seven. Around £6.9 billion has been awarded for the purposes Nick Herbert: The Home Office has put in place strict of crime reduction and policing, as set out in the tables new policies for reducing sickness absence, which has placed in the House Library. produced month by month falls in the levels of sickness absence over the last 16 months. The total cost of Around £200 million has been awarded from the UK sickness absence is therefore coming down, and the latest Border Agency, as set out in the tables placed in the estimates of cost for the 33,000 employees of the Home House Library. Office and its agencies was £28.16 million for the 12 months Around £870 million has been awarded from the ending June 2010. That remains, however, too high and Office for Security and Counter Terrorism. This is the plan is to reduce it further. awarded to a mixture of central Government bodies, local authorities, the police and voluntary sector In respect of unauthorised absence, employees who organisations. are absent from work without authorisation and fail to report their absence within 24 hours will be classed as For reasons of national security, we cannot provide absent without leave (AWOL). Employees who fail to the detailed breakdown. make contact within five working days will have their The Department is currently conducting an internal salary withheld until further notice and are dealt with allocation exercise which will decide the future of individual under the misconduct procedure. The number of staff grants within the overall spending review settlement for classed as AWOL is small and we do not hold data the Home Office. We will notify grant recipients on the relating to this type of absence centrally. future of these funding streams as soon as possible. Calculating the cost of unauthorised absence could therefore be done only at disproportionate cost. Departmental Leave

Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Departmental Press: Subscriptions Home Department what programmes (a) her Department and (b) its agencies have in place to reduce the number of working days lost through Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much (a) her Department and sickness and other forms of absence. [30354] (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which she is responsible spent on press cuttings services in each of Nick Herbert: In spring 2009 the Home Office and its the last 12 months. [25487] agencies introduced new sickness absence policies and supporting guidance to promote the effective management of sickness absence by line managers. Stretching three Nick Herbert: The Department’s expenditure, including year targets were also introduced to achieve significant that of its executive agencies and executive non- reductions in sickness absence by March 2013. departmental public bodies, is set out in the table. 1095W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1096W

Figures quoted are inclusive of VAT and include all All expenditure is incurred in accordance with the National Licensing Authority Fees. Extracting these principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury costs would result in the PQ becoming unanswerable handbook on Regularity and Propriety. due to disproportionate cost.

Expenditure on press cutting service Rounded to nearest £ Serious National Independent and Identity Office of the Policing Independent Police Security Organised Criminal and Immigration UK Home Improvement Safeguarding Complaints Industry Crime Records Passport Services Border Office Agency Authority Commission Authority Agency Bureau Service Commissioner Agency HQ

November 1750 per 0 2,231 676 2,459 412 6,418 0 1,015 12,564 2009 quarter on electronic media service December 1— 0 2,278 711 2,234 595 4,618 0 874 12,718 2009 January 1— 0 3,792 584 2,263 400 5,589 0 126 16,561 2010 February 1— 1,118 3,157 610 2,570 282 5,574 0 501 29,633 2010 March 1— 1,477 4,071 644 3,265 292 5,085 0 2,212 27,300 2010 April 2010 1— 1,698 3,344 519 2,458 280 4,843 0 520 7,826 May 2010 1— 1,563 2,477 509 1,783 290 3,189 0 339 16,269 June 2010 1— 1,995 3,675 611 2,061 307 1,145 0 554 20,602 July 2010 1— 770 6,109 535 2,235 371 763 0 2,224 11,530 August 1— 528 2,774 1,177 2,033 616 958 0 1,693 17,256 2010 September 1— 523 3,874 671 2,033 502 695 0 1,610 15,379 2010 October 1— 493 2,906 464 1,817 584 648 0 795 6,210 2010 Total 3,000 10,165 40,688 7,711 27,211 4,931 39,525 0 12,463 193,848 1 Indicates a brace.

Departmental Procurement regards to work force skills. Suppliers are asked to complete the assessment toolkit on an annual basis and Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State the data is made available to commercial managers. The for the Home Department what steps (a) her Department, current exercise concludes on 31 December. (b) its agencies and (c) the non-departmental public DNA: Databases bodies for which she is responsible have taken to comply with the Guidance of the Office of Government Commerce on promoting skills through public procurement issued Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the in 2009. [31327] Home Department (1) when her Department plans to implement proposals to destroy DNA records of those Nick Herbert: The Home Department including its who have not been convicted of any crime; [31242] agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) (2) when her Department plans to introduce its proposed fully supports the Office of Government Commerce new system for holding DNA samples. [31243] (OGC) guidance on promoting skills through public procurement and furthering the Government’s aim of James Brokenshire: We will bring forward a package improving the skills within their supplier community. of proposals on DNA retention in the Freedom Bill. The OGC guidance has been issued to the Home These proposals will build on our commitment to adopt Department’s entire procurement community including the protections of the Scottish model. its agencies and NDPBs advising them that there are We are working with the police service so that our opportunities to embed skills and apprenticeships at all proposals can be implemented as soon as possible after stages in the procurement process. they have received parliamentary approval. As part of the Department’s Supplier Relationship Domestic Violence Management programme, workshops have been held with key suppliers to discuss various initiatives including Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State work force skills. Subsequently, suppliers undertaking for the Home Department how many multi-agency risk contracts for the Department who attended a conference, assessment conferences there have been in (a) each were asked to provide data as to the number of apprentices region of England and (b) Wales in each year since engaged on the Department’s business. 2005. [31263] Additionally, the Department uses a web-based toolkit known as CAESER. The toolkit is used to assess the Lynne Featherstone: The data for Multi-Agency Risk risk within the supply chain and includes the collation Assessment Conferences (MARACs) were not centrally of information on suppliers’ policies and practices with collected until 2009 and no figures exist on meetings 1097W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1098W held before 2008. The data presented reflect information reliable guide by Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic from MARACs returning data for the purpose of recording Abuse (CAADA) who are the charity collecting this MARAC activity including recording repeat incidents information. The following table is a summary of the of domestic violence, and this may not cover all MARACs. information available broken down by region: However, the latest figures are considered to be a reasonably

2008 2009 2010 Number of Total number of Number of Total number of Number of Total number of Region MARACs meetings MARACs meetings MARACs meetings

North-west 10 143 22 285 33 468 North-east 4 73 11 217 12 276 Yorks and Humber 9 116 19 248 21 317 East midlands 3 42 17 201 15 264 West midlands 7 98 9 154 19 282 South-west 16 196 25 296 27 406 South-east 17 207 25 253 42 509 East 9 88 19 169 20 238 Wales 4 65 14 201 22 317 London 0 0 20 190 31 413 Total 79 1,028 181 2,214 242 3,490 Notes: 1. The numbers are taken from the end of March 2008, 2009, 2010 for the previous 12 months, where a MARAC had been sending in data for less than 12 months, the numbers are the totals to date. 2. CAADA does not have a record of data for MARACs held before 2007. 3. CAADA does not have data from any London MARAC before 2008. 4. Although data recorded do not comprehensively cover all MARACs, and figures will have been influenced by improved reporting rates over this period,itis reasonable to assume that the increase in number of meetings and MARACs returning data does also indicate an increase in total numbers of MARACs in operation.

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State from India to the UK as part of the EU’s free trade for the Home Department how many independent agreement with India. [27822] domestic violence advisers were employed in (a) each region of England and (b) Wales in each year since Damian Green: The Home Office has not received 2005. [31264] any representations from the EU institutions concerning the EU-India free trade agreement. Lynne Featherstone: This information is not collected Any contact between Her Majesty’s Government and centrally as independent domestic violence advisers (IDVAs) the EU on the negotiation of such agreements is a can be employed and funded by a range of different matter for the Department for Business, Innovation and organisations. We do know that since 2004 over 900 Skills. They then consult with other Government IDVA training places have been provided by the charity Departments, including the Home Office, as they did on Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse. this agreement. Driving under Influence: Drugs Entry Clearances: Overseas Students Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will make an assessment of Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home the suitability for use by police forces of roadside drug Department how many certificates of sponsorship have testing equipment used by the German police. [31058] been awarded in each of the last five years; and how many have been awarded under tier 2 of the points-based James Brokenshire: Any equipment for use by the system since May 2010. [31078] police in this country must be of a type approved by the Secretary of State. Type approval is granted on the basis Damian Green: Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based of compliance with a specification which sets out the system were introduced on 27 November 2008. detailed requirements a device has to meet and the The number of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) testing regime which it has to pass to be suitable for use that have been issued by Tier 2 and 5 sponsors is as in British operational conditions and within the British follows: legal framework. We hope to issue very shortly the specification for a device for use in a police station and Numbers of CoS issued are continuing work towards the specification for a roadside device. It will be for manufacturers to submit 2008 2,095 for testing and approval any devices which they think 2009 107,050 meet the specification. 20101 (to 10 December) 111,280

EC External Trade: India Since 1 May 2010 to 10 December 2010 Tier 2 sponsors have issued 41,860 CoS. This number includes those Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for the issued under Tier 2 General, Tier 2 Intra-Company Home Department what representations she has Transfer, Tier 2 Minister of Religion and Tier 2 received from EU institutions on migration of workers Sportsperson routes. 1099W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1100W

These figures are based on management information human trafficking. I met with the APPG on Human and are not subject to the detailed checks that apply for Trafficking, and representatives of ECPAT UK, on 12 national statistics. They are provisional and may be July 2010. subject to change. Home Office officials will shortly be contacting non- governmental organisations to discuss development of Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for the the forthcoming strategy on human trafficking. Home Department what recent discussions she has had on reform of the student visa system. [31459] Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police operations to Damian Green: The Secretary of State for the Home tackle the trafficking of children are in place in Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for England. [31245] Maidenhead (Mrs May), has regular discussions with her colleagues and a variety of external corporate partners, Damian Green: Tackling human trafficking is a core covering a range of issues, including the reform of the part of police business. In addition, current operations student visa system. concerned with tackling specific child trafficking issues in England include Operation Golf and the two multi- Human Trafficking agency operational responses of Paladin and Newbridge. Human Trafficking: Finance Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment her Department has made, together with police forces, of Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State the outcomes of the Pentameter 1 and 2 investigations for the Home Department (1) what funding her Department plans to provide for (a) actions against into human trafficking. [26828] human trafficking and (b) support for victims of Damian Green [holding answer 29 November 2010]: human trafficking in each year of the comprehensive During the operational phase of the Pentameter 1 and 2 spending review period; [31074] investigations, 638 people were arrested for human (2) what funding her Department plans to provide trafficking related and other offences and 257 potential for (a) actions against human trafficking and (b) victims, including five for trafficking for forced labour, support for victims of human trafficking in each year were recovered. of the comprehensive spending review period. [31075]

Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: Action against human trafficking will Home Department what her policy is on prevention of continue to be funded through the Serious Organised human trafficking; and if she will make a statement. Crime Agency, UK Border Agency and general police [30877] budgets. It is not possible to disaggregate the amounts focused specifically on tackling human trafficking. Damian Green: Working to ensure people do not fall Support for victims of human trafficking will continue prey to exploitation at the hands of traffickers in the to be funded by both the Home Office and Ministry of first place is an important part of our overall approach Justice. The final amount is yet to be determined. to tackling human trafficking. We work closely with international partners to prevent trafficking at source Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State and with voluntary organisations which raise awareness for the Home Department (1) what funding her of the problem within the United Kingdom. Department provided for (a) actions against human trafficking and (b) support for victims of human Human Trafficking: Children trafficking in each year since 2005; [31076] (2) what funding her Department provided for (a) Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for actions against human trafficking and (b) support for the Home Department if she will meet ECPAT UK to victims of human trafficking in each year since 2005. discuss its experience of child trafficking in the UK for [31068] the purpose of developing an appropriate comprehensive approach to child trafficking prior to her announcement Damian Green: Up to 2007-08, with the exception of of a new strategy for human trafficking in spring 2011. funding to support victims, work to tackle human trafficking [30810] was paid for from the £15.4 million Reflex fund which was established to counter organised immigration crime. Damian Green: The voluntary sector plays a key role It is not possible to disaggregate the amount provided in the identification of, and provision of support to, specifically on human trafficking initiatives before then. victims of human trafficking. We are strongly supportive The following table provides details of funding broken of this role and will continue to work in partnership down by year from the point at which it is possible to with voluntary organisations to reduce the incidence of do so:

£ million 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Support for victims of trafficking (joint 0.620 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.95 2 funding from Ministry of Justice and Home Office) Metropolitan Police Trafficking Team — — 1.7 0.6 0.435 — 1101W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1102W

£ million 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

UK Human Trafficking Centre — — 0.834 1.7 1.6 1.6 Note: These figures exclude any expenditure from general police budgets, the Serious Organised Crime Agency, the UK Border Agency or other un-ring fenced budgets which contribute towards tackling human trafficking.

Human Trafficking: Prostitution Immigration Controls

Angie Bray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will meet the Medaille Trust Home Department what progress her Department has to discuss (a) the Government’s proposed strategy on made on the reintroduction of exit checks by 2014. reducing human trafficking and (b) provision of [27823] half-way houses for victims of sex trafficking. [30813] Damian Green: Our programme for government sets Damian Green: The voluntary sector plays a key role out our support for e-Borders and our intention to in the identification of, and provision of support to, re-introduce exit checks and we are committed to do victims of human trafficking. We are strongly supportive this by 2015. of this role and will continue to work in partnership The e-Borders system, which is currently checking in with voluntary organisations to reduce the incidence of excess of 55% of passenger and crew movements into human trafficking. and out of the UK, is a key element of our border Home Office officials will shortly be contacting non- security strategy. The system allows us to screen travel governmental organisations to discuss development of document information provided in advance of travel to the forthcoming strategy on human trafficking. identify threats, including those related to terrorism, and to target the most harmful individuals. Human Trafficking: Refuges Passports: Fraud

Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for the David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department if she will meet the Poppy Project the Home Department what proportion of confirmed its London refuge for women rescued from sex fraudulent activity detected by passport offices in 2010 trafficking and domestic slavery for the purpose of was detected by the Newport Passport Office. [31063] formulating her policy to reduce human trafficking. Damian Green: From 1 January until 30 November [30598] 2010, Newport Passport Office detected 16.1% of all confirmed passport application fraud identified by the Damian Green: The voluntary sector plays a key role Identity and Passport Service. in the identification of, and provision of support to, victims of human trafficking. We are strongly supportive Police Community Support Officers: Nottinghamshire of this role and will continue to work in partnership with voluntary organisations to reduce the incidence of Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for the human trafficking. Home Department how many police community support officers (PCSOs) are assigned to duties in Home Office officials will shortly be contacting non- Ashfield constituency; and whether she plans to governmental organisations to discuss development of ring-fence the budget for recruitment and retention in the forthcoming strategy on human trafficking. Nottinghamshire constabulary of PCSOs. [31277] Human Trafficking: Voluntary Organisations Nick Herbert: The Government announced on 13 December as part of the police funding settlement Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for that the Neighbourhood Policing Fund will be maintained the Home Department what voluntary organisations over the next two years, before being devolved to police which assist the victims of trafficking she has met since and crime commissioners. About 90% of the grant is 11 October 2010. [30811] ring-fenced for police community support officers (PCSOs), contributing up to 75% of their salary costs. Damian Green: The voluntary sector plays a key role Police personnel statistics are not collected by the in the identification of, and provision of support to, Home Office by parliamentary constituency. Ashfield victims of human trafficking. We are strongly supportive constituency is in the ‘city of Nottingham’ basic command of this role and will continue to work in partnership unit (BCU) (area A). Latest available data show that with voluntary organisations to reduce the incidence of there were 49 PCSOs on 31 March 2010 in the human trafficking. On 14 October 2010 I visited Stop Nottinghamshire BCU area A. the Traffik to mark Anti-Slavery Day. I also met with Police: Wales the APPG on Human Trafficking, and representatives of ECPAT UK and Anti-Slavery International, on 12 July Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2010. Home Department what discussions she has had with Home Office officials will be contacting voluntary the Welsh Assembly Government on the proposal to organisations shortly to discuss development of forthcoming include members of the National Assembly for Wales strategy on human trafficking. on police and crime panels. [31288] 1103W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1104W

Nick Herbert [holding answer 16 December 2010]: (b) charged with using insulting words or behaviour Policing is a reserved matter within the devolution under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 in (i) settlement for Wales and we intend the Police and 2000, (ii) 2001, (iii) 2002, (iv) 2003, (v) 2004, (vi) 2005, Crime Commissioner policy to apply in Wales as in (vii) 2006, (viii) 2007, (ix) 2008, (x) 2009 and (xi) 2010. England, with appropriate modifications to reflect the [30918] different local authority and community safety landscape within Wales. The Secretary of State for the Home James Brokenshire: The information requested on Department met the Welsh Assembly Government Minister arrests is not available centrally. for Social Justice and Local Government on 22 September The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers 2010 to discuss the scope of the proposals that were to arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences) only, be set out in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility broken down at a main offence group level, covering Bill. categories such as violence against the person and robbery. In addition, I have met, spoken and corresponded From these centrally reported categories it is not possible with the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for to separately identify offences under section 5 of the Social Justice and Local Government on a number of Public Order Act 1986. occasions to discuss those provisions that impinge upon Data provided by Ministry of Justice on the number the legislative competence of the National Assembly for of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts Wales or affect the functions of Welsh Assembly for offences under section 5 of the Public Order Act Government Ministers. 1986, England and Wales, from 2000 to 2009 (latest In light of these discussions, we have made provision available) can be viewed in the table. Information on the in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill that number of people charged is not available centrally. police and crime panels in Wales will have appointed to The data held by the Ministry of Justice contains them, by Welsh Assembly Government Ministers, a information on defendants proceeded against, found representative of the Welsh Assembly. guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales. No information about the circumstances of Public Order Offences each case is held other than that specified in a statute. It is therefore not possible to separately identify those Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home cases in which insulting words or behaviour were used Department how many people were (a) arrested and from offences under section 5 of the Public Order Act.

Number of defendants proceeded against at the magistrates for offences under the Public Order Act 1986 section 5, England and Wales 2000 to 20091, 2, 3 Offence description Statute Year Proceeded against

Total proceedings under Public Order Act 1986, 2000 25,109 section 5 2001 24,384 2002 24,677 2003 26,698 2004 26,824 2005 26,835 2006 29,211 2007 30,933 2008 28,179 2009 26,480

of which: 125/12 Harassment, alarm or distress Public Order Act 1986, section 5 2000 24,337 2001 23,203 2002 23,502 2003 25,225 2004 25,007 2005 24,684 2006 26,406 2007 27,684 2008 24,871 2009 22,767

125/58 Racially aggravated harassment, alarm or Public Order Act 1986, Section 5 as 2000 772 distress amended by Crime and Disorder Act 1998, section 31(1)(c)&(5) 2001 1,181 2002 1,165 1105W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1106W

Number of defendants proceeded against at the magistrates for offences under the Public Order Act 1986 section 5, England and Wales 2000 to 20091, 2, 3 Offence description Statute Year Proceeded against

2003 1,376 2004 1,646 2005 1,903 2006 2,409 2007 2,811 2008 2,827 2009 3,152

125/61 Religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or Public Order Act 1986, section 5 as amended 2000 — distress by Crime and Disorder Act 1998, section 31(1)(c)&(5) 2001 — 2002 3 2003 12 2004 16 2005 20 2006 36 2007 38 2008 44 2009 50

125/63 Racially or religiously aggravated harassment, Public Order Act 1986, section 5 as amended 2000 — alarm or distress by Crime and Disorder Act 1998, section 31(1)(c)&(5) 2001 — 2002 7 2003 85 2004 155 2005 228 2006 360 2007 400 2008 437 2009 511 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008.

UK Border Agency: Travel commitments to reducing costs, to consider carefully whether first class travel is justified in the light of the specific business need for the journey and the example it Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the sets. Home Department if she will make it her policy that staff of the UK Border Agency should register the The need for travel at all is considered against using occasions when they use (a) first class rail and (b) air more cost-effective options like teleconferencing or travel at fares other than the cheapest available in an videoconferencing, which are increasingly available official capacity in the last financial year; and what throughout the agency. Managers have been asked to hotel accommodation was used in an official capacity ensure that any claim for first-class travel is balanced by each member of staff of the UK Border Agency in with a clear business justification. There are times when the last financial year. [29747] travelling in a higher- fare seat is justifiable; for example on long-haul flights, especially where managers have Damian Green: The Home Office commenced a new engagements on arrival at their destination. Similarly, travel booking contract in December 2008 and since when travelling by rail, if seating is unavailable in economy early 2009 all first class rail travel can be identified. Air carriages then travelling first class might be appropriate. travel at fares other than the cheapest available can also be logged. Aggregated spend information on first class In the financial year 2009-10, UK Border Agency rail travel is provided to directorates to enable them to staff made 4,163 hotel bookings at a total cost of manage the cost of travel. All those contractually entitled £1,775,000. These booking should be set in the context to first class travel are expected, given the Department’s of the Agency being a global organisation employing 1107W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1108W

24,000 staff working in 137 countries, which will necessitate Witness Care Units: Finance some travel as part of managing our business. Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding was Welsh Language provided to witness care units by police authorities in each year since 2005. [31070] Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when her Department last Nick Herbert: The information requested is not held published a Welsh language scheme in accordance with centrally. The Home Office, the Department for the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993; and at Communities and Local Government, and the Welsh which web addresses these can be accessed in (a) Welsh Assembly Government, provide funding to police and (b) English. [31167] authorities as a whole. Decisions on how police authorities distribute these resources are a matter for each police Nick Herbert: The Home Office agreed a new Welsh authority to determine. language scheme with the Welsh Language Board on 23 September 2009. The scheme was available on the Home Office website JUSTICE in both English and Welsh until the general election when much of the Home Office’s website content was Antisocial Behaviour: Railways archived for propriety. The Welsh language scheme pages were archived as part of that exercise. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for The Welsh language scheme is available in both Welsh Justice how many convictions for antisocial behaviour and English on the Home Office website at (a): on trains there were in each year since 2007. [31101] http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/ Mr Blunt: The data held by the Ministry of Justice corporate-publications/welsh-language-scheme/ contains information on defendants proceeded against, and (b): found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk England and Wales. No information about the http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/Cymraeg circumstances of each case is held centrally other than that specified in a statute and it is not possible to identify the specific location where antisocial behaviour Wickham Research Laboratories: Animal Experiments offences occurred. Courts: Retford Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the Written Ministerial John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Statement of 30 November 2010, Official Report, columns when he expects county court cases for the Retford area 68-69WS, on the Animals Scientific Procedures Inspectorate to transfer to Worksop magistrates court. [31876] (Wickham Laboratories), when she plans to determine whether proceedings for infringement of conditions of Mr Djanogly: Detailed implementation plans will project licences are to be brought. [30842] now be developed and stakeholders will be informed of when a court is likely to close once the plans have been Lynne Featherstone: The Animals Scientific Procedures completed. Inspectorate report of a review of compliance at Wickham There is not currently a county court in Retford and Laboratories published on 30 November 2010, Official county court hearings from the Retford area are already Report, columns 68-9WS, identified a number of potential heard at the Worksop courthouse. Family work will breaches of licence and certificate conditions. I have continue to be heard at Mansfield county court, as is already made the decision to initiate infringement currently the case. proceedings. The Home Office does not comment on the detail of infringement actions under the Animals In March 2009, the administrative functions and staff (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. of Worksop county court were transferred to Mansfield county court. However, county court hearings and counter services continued at the Worksop courthouse. Upon Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the the closure of Worksop county court, county court Home Department what assessment she has made of hearings will be retained at the Worksop courthouse but the merits of reviewing the certificate of designation the counter services will cease to be available. The issued to Wickham Laboratories. [30843] administrative work for Worksop county court is already dealt with at Mansfield county court and, as now, court Lynne Featherstone: In the light of the Animals Scientific users will continue to be able to contact Mansfield Procedures Inspectorate report of a review of compliance county court by a variety of methods, including telephone, at Wickham Laboratories published on 30 November post, and in person. There will also be an on-line service 2010, Official Report, columns 68-9WS, the compliance for some county court processes. of the holder of the certificate of designation, for Wickham Laboratories, with the authorities of the certificate John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of designation is under review. The Home Office whether Retford magistrates court cases will be does not disclose the details of any infringement transferred to Worksop after the implementation of his proceedings. proposals for court closures. [32056] 1109W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1110W

Mr Djanogly: As explained in the consultation response Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has taken a paper, upon its closure the workload of Retford magistrates number of steps to ensure compliance with the guidance court will be moved to Worksop. produced by the Office of Government Commerce on promoting skills through public procurement. However, Crimes of Violence: Railways the guidance is not intended to include non-departmental public bodies so the steps we have taken concentrate on Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for the core Department and its agencies. Justice how many convictions relating to violence on trains there were in (a) 2007, (b) 2008 and (c) 2009. We have published our commitment to the programme on the MOJ procurement website where it is available for suppliers and [31757] members of the public to view. Mr Blunt: Information collated centrally by the Ministry We have inserted a new schedule in our standard tender of Justice, on convictions for criminal offences, only documents explaining this important initiative and where appropriate, requiring tenderers to ensure that a specified contains the description of the offence as given in statute. In this instance it is not possible to provide proportion of hours worked on the contract are to be delivered by information on convictions relating to violence on trains. an employee on an apprentice or training programme. The circumstance of each case will be held on individual Domestic Violence court records. Demonstrations: City of Westminster Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what funding his Department allocated to Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) tackling domestic violence and (b) providing Justice what estimate he has made of the cost of the support to victims of domestic violence in each year damage caused to his Department’s property in (a) since 2005. [31067] Brighton and Hove and (b) Hove constituency during recent disturbances connected with demonstrations. Mr Blunt: The Department did not fund any services [31761] aimed specifically at supporting victims of domestic violence prior to 2007. Since 2007, a proportion of the Mr Blunt: There is no record of damage occurring to proceeds from the Victim Surcharge, administered by Ministry of Justice property in Brighton and Hove and the Ministry of Justice, has been used to fund independent Hove constituency during recent demonstrations/ domestic violence advisers (IDVAs)attached to specialist disturbances. domestic violence courts. These IDVAs provide specialist, one-to-one support for victims of domestic violence as Departmental Pay they progress through the criminal justice system. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Funding was allocated on a three-year cycle and on how many staff employed by his Department were not the basis that local areas would mainstream funding paid at a rate equivalent to or above the London living into local budgets within this time. In 2010-11, £840,000 wage in the latest period for which figures are available. was allocated to fund 42 IDVAs. The allocation in [31218] previous years was as follows: Mr Djanogly: The London Mayor’s Living Wage £ million Unit “London living wage”is currently valued at £7.85 per 2007-08 3 hour. This sum is calculated by reference to an assessment 2008-09 2.6 of basic living costs and an income distribution of 60th percentile of the median of incomes together with an 2009-10 2.6 enhancement of 15%. Employees within the Ministry are normally employed Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State either on pay terms known as the ‘Deal’, or on pay for Justice how much his Department plans to allocate terms set by the National Offender Management Service. to (a) tackling domestic violence and (b) providing There are no members of staff within Greater London support to the victims of domestic violence in each on these respective pay terms receiving less than the year of the comprehensive spending review period; and ‘London living wage’. Due to past machinery of government if he will make a statement. [31257] changes, there are a small number of legacy pay systems. We do not hold any central records of employees on Mr Blunt: The Government are currently reviewing legacy pay terms in the Greater London area who are spend on services for victims and witnesses. No decisions paid a salary less than the ‘London living wage’. This have yet been taken. information can be provided only at disproportionate cost. Domestic Violence: Courts Departmental Procurement Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many specialist domestic violence for Justice what steps (a) his Department, (b) its courts were established in (a) each region of England agencies and (c) the non-departmental public bodies and (b) Wales in each year since 2005. [31265] for which he is responsible have taken to comply with the guidance of the Office of Government Commerce Mr Djanogly: The number of specialist domestic on promoting skills through public procurement issued violence courts established in each region of England in 2009. [31326] and Wales since 2005 is set out in the following table: 1111W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1112W

Region 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Eastmidlands:11321 Eastern 1 3 2 5 — London 2 1 — 3 3 North-east 1 1223 North-west 4 7 10 4 5 South-east 1 2 9 — 1 South-west 3 5 8 1 — Wales 4 8 2 — 1 West midlands 3 8 3 2 — Yorkshire/Humberside 1 7 1 4 —

Ejup Ganic: Public Finance when he expects to determine the (a) funding settlement for HM Courts and Tribunals Service for Mr Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011-12 and (b) level of funding to be provided by the Justice what the total cost to the public purse was of service for North Wales for 2011-12. [31498] the case brought against Ejup Ganic; and how much has been so spent on (a) counsel, (b) solicitors, Mr Djanogly: Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS) including staff time, (c) all relevant court hearings, (d) is responsible for administration of courts in England the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Crown and Wales. HMCS allocates financial resource to Wales Prosecution Service, (e) Ejup Gain’s costs awarded out and the six regions of England. From the 1 April 2011, of public funds and (f) any other relevant costs to be Her Majesty’s Court Service and the Tribunals Service met from public funds. [30677] will be integrating to form a new Agency, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Nick Herbert: With regard to the total costs to the HMCS and Tribunals Service are yet to agree a final public purse of the extradition request for Dr Ejup budget allocation for HMCTS 2011-12 and are not yet Ganic, I refer my hon. Friend to my previous reply of in a position to confirm when this can be expected. 8 November 2010, Official Report, column 118W. Subsequently HMCS is yet to agree the level of funding The following information on costs is available. to be provided for North Wales for 2011-12. The cost to the Home Office of counsel employed on the Ganic case was £1,597.24. Industrial Diseases: Compensation I understand from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that the total cost of administration and in-house John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice advocates relating to the case was £34,511. The cost to how many Legal Complaints Service complaints the CPS of counsel employed on the case was £76,400. relating to coalminers compensation were (a) unresolved and (b) disputed on the most recent date I understand from HM Courts Service that the cost for which figures are available. [31905] of the hearings involving Dr Ganic at city of Westminster magistrates court is estimated at £7,630. This is based Mr Djanogly: The latest figures available from the on the estimated national average daily marginal costs Legal Complaints Service show that, as of 16 December for a district judge sitting in the magistrates court. The 2010, there were six outstanding complaints relating to cost of the hearings at the High Court are estimated at coal miners compensation. The LCS is expecting these £2,340, again based on average costs. cases to be closed by the end of January 2011. Dr Ganic did not receive legal aid; a defence costs order has been made to reimburse his legal costs from Legal Aid: Cumbria central funds. However, records show that no money has been paid to date. John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Gary Critchley Justice what his Department’s expenditure on civil legal aid other than on family matters was in (a) Cumbria Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for and (b) Carlisle constituency in each of the last three Justice when his Department expects to respond to the years. [30302] application by Rowan House, Norfolk for leave for Mr Gary Critchley under section 17 of the Mental Mr Djanogly: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Health Act 1983. [31532] that I provided him on 13 December 2010, Official Report, column 499W. Mr Blunt: The Department received the application on 10 December. Officials are assessing it, having regard Legal Aid: Social Security Benefits to public protection, and expect to respond before Christmas. Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for HM Courts Service and Tribunals Service: Finance Justice what assessment he has made of the likely effects on disabled people of (a) removing welfare benefits Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice from the scope of legal aid and (b) means-testing for pursuant to the answer of 9 November 2010, Official income or capital to determine eligibility for legal aid. Report, columns 211-2W, on HM Court Service: Wales, [30915] 1113W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1114W

Mr Djanogly: A set of impact assessments, including For the individual business units covered by the National equalities impact assessments, were published alongside Offender Management Service, which includes the Wales both the Legal Aid and Civil Litigation Green Papers, Probation Trust, negotiations are ongoing and it is which include a preliminary assessment of the impact planned that the financial delegations will be issued in of individual proposals, including those raised in the March 2011. The allocation made to Wales Probation question. The impact assessments can be found at: Trust will be to deliver probation services across the http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/consultations.htm whole of Wales and so will include the geographic area and respondents are invited to comment on the preliminary formerly covered by the North Wales Probation Board. impacts indentified.

Legal Complaints Service: Leamington Spa Prisoners’ Release

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for what provision his Department plans to make for the Justice pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2010, transfer of disputed Legal Complaints Service (LCS) Official Report, column 118W, on prisoners’ release, (1) complaints after the closure of LCS operations in how (a) long into and (b) far from the end of the Leamington Spa. [31870] sentence the crime was committed in each case; [31732] (2) for what reasons there were 785 failures of licence Mr Djanogly: The Legal Complaints Service (LCS) between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2009. will cease operation on 31 March 2011. Any outstanding [31733] complaints will be redirected to the Legal Services Ombudsman for completion in accordance with the Mr Blunt: The information requested could be obtained Legal Services Act 2007 (Commencement No. 8, Transition only at disproportionate cost since this would require and Transitional Provisions) Order 2010 that was laid in interrogating each of the individual incident records in Parliament on 20 August 2010. order to identify, extract and collate the relevant If complainants wish to dispute the findings of the information. LCS it will remain open to them to refer the matter to In general, temporary release failures can occur for a the Legal Services Ombudsman. variety of reasons including: prisoners who are late in All new complaints should be directed to the new returning to the establishment; failure to comply with Legal Ombudsman scheme which became fully operational the conditions of the licence; not returning voluntarily from 6 October 2010. to prison; or because prisoners may have committed an offence while on licence. National Offender Management Service: Finance Prisoners: Per Capita Costs Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 8 November 2010, Official Report, columns 68-69W,on national probation service: Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Wales, when he expects to announce the funding settlements what the average cost of a prison place for a category C for (a) the National Offender Management Service prisoner was in the last five years. [31691] (NOMS), (b) NOMS Cymru and (c) the North Wales Probation Board for 2011-12. [31499] Mr Blunt: The average direct establishment cost per prison place in Category C establishments is as follows: Mr Blunt: The publication of the comprehensive Category C establishments: Direct public sector establishment spending review gave the high level funding settlements expenditure for Government Departments. Following on from the Cost per place (£) publication the Ministry of Justice and the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) have been 2008-09 23,541 undertaking detailed modelling and planning in order 2007-08 23,471 to produce budgets with the required level of detail to 2006-07 22,707 enable the allocation of funds across their areas of 2005-06 21,976 business. 2004-05 21,419 This process is an iterative one and although we have identified and agreed the majority of the funding allocations The costs comprise the public sector establishments’ there are still some areas where further work is required direct resource expenditure as published in the annual before all the figures can be finalised. report and accounts of Her Majesty’s Prison Service As a consequence it is anticipated that the final (HMPS). This is only expenditure met locally at each allocation for NOMS will not be known until the end of establishment. December, although even then, this figure may be subject The costs represent the total cost per place at each to some amendment should there be a shift in priorities. prison where the majority use at the end of each year The future structure of the National Offender was for category C prisoners. There is no adjustment for Management Service is under review at present and as prisons holding prisoners of more than one category. such the way in which funding for offender services For the last two years (2008-09 and 2007-08) an across England and Wales is allocated will follow a overall cost per place which also includes prison related different route, hence an allocation for NOMS Cymru costs met by HMPS and NOMS at regional and national as a whole will not be made for 2011-12. level has been calculated as follows: 1115W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1116W

Category C establishments: Total overall cost of public and private Prisons and probation ombudsman expenditure establishments Cost (£ million) Cost per place (£) 2007-08 n/a 2008-09 37,656 2008-09 5.37 2007-08 34,476 2009-10 6.02 The overall average cost for 2008-09 comprises the n/a = Not available expenditure on public and private prisons (as recorded The PPO receives limited income from the Home in the NOMS Agency annual report and accounts), Office in relation to immigration detention. The figures increased by an apportionment of relevant costs borne above are net total expenditure on all of the PPO’s centrally and in the Regions by the National Offender functions (complaints and fatal incident investigations) Management Service (NOMS). This involves some including for immigration detention. estimation. The figures do not include the cost of prisoners Prisons: Drugs held in police or court cells under Operation Safeguard, nor expenditure met by other Government Departments (e.g. Health and Education). The prisoner escort service Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice costs are included. Expenditure recharged to the Youth in which prisons no use of controlled drugs has been Justice Board in respect of young people is included. detected in the latest period for which figures are available. [31269] The overall cost for 2007-08 was calculated on a broadly similar basis. Mr Blunt: Prisons have achieved considerable success Cost per prison place is expressed in terms of the in reducing the drugs. Drug misuse as measured by certified normal accommodation number of places; this random mandatory drug testing has fallen 68% since gives a higher unit cost than the cost per prisoner. 1996-97. A single episode of drug misuse over a defined period, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman strictly interpreted, would deprive a prison of drug free status. Over the 2009-10 financial year one prison, Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for HMP Deerbolt, reported no drug misuse, as measured Justice how many complaints have been referred to the by random mandatory drug testing. Prisons and Probation Ombudsman in each of the last The prisons in the following list reported no drug three years. [31728] misuse, as measured by random mandatory drug testing, in at least one month of the 2009-10 financial year. Mr Blunt: The information in the following tables shows the number of complaints received by the Prisons Prisons that recorded no positive random mandatory drug and Probation Ombudsman from prisoners, offenders tests in at least one month in 2009-10 who are or have been under probation supervision, and Albany immigration detainees. Also shown is the number of Ashfield those complaints deemed eligible for investigation. The Askham Grange other major part of the ombudsman’s remit is the Aylesbury investigation of all deaths in prisons and immigration Bedford detention and those are not included in the figures in the tables. Belmarsh Blantyre House Number of complaints received Blundeston Complaints received Brinsford Prisoners and probation Immigration detention Bronzefield 1 2007-08 4,657 93 Bullwood Hall 2 2008-09 4,206 99 Bure 2009-10 4,538 103 Canterbury. Prisons that recorded no positive random mandatory drug Eligible complaints received tests in at least one month in 2009-10 Prisoners and probation Immigration detention Castington 2007-081 1,570 49 Channings Wood 2008-092 1,773 55 Chelmsford 2009-10 2,255 69 Coldingley 1 Years are April to March. Dartmoor 2 The system for recording the number of complaints changed in this year. Deerbolt Dorchester Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Downview Justice what the cost to his Department was of the Drake Hall office of the prisons and probation ombudsman in East Sutton Park each of the last three years. [31736] Eastwood Park Mr Blunt: Information on the expenditure of the Edmonds Hill prisons and probation ombudsman is given in the following Elmley table. Erlestoke 1117W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1118W

Exeter Wetherby Featherstone Whatton Feltham Whitemoor. Foston Hall The information given in this answer has been drawn Frankland from live administrative data systems which may be Full Sutton amended at any time. Although care is taken when Gartree processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale Glen Parva recording system. The data are not subject to audit. Grendon Highpoint Prisons: Riots Hindley Hollesley Bay Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Holloway Justice how many prisoners were involved in riots in Huntercombe prisons in each of the last three years; and how many Kingston prosecutions have been brought as a result. [31735] Kirklevington Lancaster Mr Blunt: In the last three years there have been six Lancaster Farms major disturbances, commonly referred to as riots, at Latchmere House HMP Ashwell and HMYOI Cookham Wood and more recently at HMYOI Warren Hill and three incidents at Lewes HMP and YOI Moorland. To date these have resulted Leyhill in seven prosecutions. Littlehey 30 young people were involved in the incident at Long Lartin Cookham Wood in 2010 resulting in seven prosecutions. Maidstone The precise numbers of prisoners actively involved in Moorland the instigation of the disturbance at Ashwell in 2009 Moorland Open was never determined. Many prisoners were caught up Morton Hall in the incident and more were affected as their New Hall accommodation became inhabitable. A total of 425 Northallerton prisoners were transferred out. Despite an extensive Nottingham police investigation it was not possible to prosecute any of the perpetrators. Onley. Prisons that recorded no positive random mandatory drug Details of the three recent incidents at HMP and tests in at least one month in 2009-10 YOI Moorland and the incident at HMP Warren Hill are not available as these are still under police investigation. Peterborough Female Peterborough Male Public Order Offences: Convictions Portland Ranby Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Reading how many people were convicted (1) for using insulting Risley words or behaviour under section 5 of the Public Order Rochester Act 1986 in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003, Rye Hill (e) 2004, (f) 2005, (g) 2006, (h) 2007, (i) 2008, (j) Send 2009 and (k) 2010; [30917] Shepton Mallet (2) under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 in Shrewsbury (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003, (e) 2004, (f) Spring Hill 2005, (g) 2006, (h) 2007, (i) 2008, (j) 2009 and (k) Standford Hill 2010. [30920] Stocken Mr Blunt: The number of defendants found guilty at Stoke Heath all courts for offences under section 5 of the Public Styal Order Act 1986, England and Wales for 2000 to 2009 Swaleside (latest available) can be viewed in the table as follows. Swansea Data held centrally by the Ministry of Justice contain Swinfen Hall information on defendants proceeded against, found Usk/Prescoed guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in England Verne and Wales. No information about the circumstances of each case is held other than that specified in a statute. It Wakefield is therefore not possible to separately identify from Warren Hill offences under section 5 of the Public Order Act those Wealstun in which insulting words or behaviour were used. Wellingborough Court proceedings data for 2010 are planned for Werrington publication in the spring, 2011. 1119W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1120W

Number of defendants found guilty at all courts for offences under the Public Number of defendants found guilty at all courts for offences under the Public Order Act 1986 Section 5, England and Wales, 2000 to 20091, 2 Order Act 1986 Section 5, England and Wales, 2000 to 20091, 2 Found Found Offence description Statute guilty Offence description Statute guilty

Harassment, alarm Public Order Act 1986, 2000 16,604 Total Public Order 2000 17,065 or distress Section 5 Act 1986 Section 5 2001 15,479 2001 16,213 2002 15,952 2002 16,672 2003 17,410 2003 18,400 2004 18,164 2004 19,356 2005 18,092 2005 19,608 2006 19,536 2006 21,574 2007 21,525 2007 23,971 32008 19,988 32008 22,620 2009 18,249 2009 21,208 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt Racially aggravated Public Order Act 1986, 2000 461 with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the harassment, alarm Section 5 as amended offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is or distress by Crime and Disorder imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which Act 1998, Section 31 the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (1)(c)&(5) 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and 2001 734 complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police 2002 710 forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection 2003 913 processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 2004 1,079 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: 2005 1,338 Prepared by Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of 2006 1,737 Justice. 2007 2,100 Sentencing 32008 2,251 2009 2,518 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 16 November 2010, Religiously Public Order Act 1986, 2000 0 Official Report, columns 668-70W, on sentencing, how aggravated Section 5 as amended many offenders had received over 200 previous harassment, alarm by Crime and Disorder or distress Act 1998, convictions. [31731] Section 31(1)(c)&(5) 2001 0 Mr Blunt: The following table shows figures for sentences 2002 3 given for indictable offences to offenders with 201 or 2003 6 more previous convictions or cautions, who did not receive an immediate custodial sentence, by offence 2004 13 category and offence. These figures are derived from 2005 17 table 6.2 of “Sentencing Statistics: England and Wales 2006 30 2009” which was published on 21 October 2010. The 2007 32 published table gives a breakdown of offenders sentenced by number of previous convictions and cautions, and 32008 30 the same basis has been used for this answer. 2009 30 Number of offenders with 201 or more previous convictions or cautions who did not receive an immediate custodial sentence for an indictable Racially or Public Order Act 1986, 2000 0 offence by offence category and offence, 2007-09—England and Wales religiously Section 5 as amended Number of offenders aggravated by Crime and Disorder harassment, alarm Act 1998, Section 31 2007 2008 2009 or distress (1)(c)&(5) Violence against the person 51917 2001 0 Breach of antisocial behaviour 41917 2002 7 order 2003 71 Racially aggravated intentional 1—— 2004 100 harassment, alarm or distress 2005 161 Sexual offences —1— 2006 271 Exposure — 1 — 2007 314

32008 351 Theft and handling stolen goods 6815 2009 411 Stealing from motor vehicles — — 1 Stealing from shops and stalls 6 8 13 Stealing not classified elsewhere — — 1 1121W Written Answers20 DECEMBER 2010 Written Answers 1122W

Number of offenders with 201 or more previous convictions or cautions Welsh Language who did not receive an immediate custodial sentence for an indictable offence by offence category and offence, 2007-09—England and Wales Number of offenders Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007 2008 2009 Justice when his Department last published a Welsh language scheme in accordance with the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993; and at which web Fraud and forgery 2—1addresses these can be accessed in (a) Welsh and (b) Dishonestly makes a false ——1English. [31169] representation for gain Obtaining property by deception 1 — — Making off without payment 1 — — Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice published its Welsh Language Scheme on the 24 March 2010. The scheme Drug offences ——4can be downloaded in Welsh and English from Possession of cocaine — — 1 http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/moj-welsh-language- Possession of class C controlled ——1scheme.htm drug This scheme focuses on the Ministry of Justice’s corporate Possession of cannabis — — 2 functions. HM Court Service and the Tribunal Service have their own Other indictable offences 311schemes as do a number of other organisations sponsored by the Failing to surrender to bail 2 1 — Ministry of Justice. The National Offender Management Service Failure to comply with ——1is currently developing their own scheme. HM Court Service notification order revised and updated their 2007 scheme which was republished in Other indictable offences not 1——August 2010. The scheme can be downloaded in Welsh and specified above English from: Total 16 29 38 http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/files/ Cynllun_diwygiedig_wedi_ei_gymeradwyo_Awst_2010.pdf The figures have been drawn from the police’s administrative IT system, the police national computer, which, as with any large scale recording system, is Witnesses subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as more information is recorded by the police. Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State Squatting for Justice what plans he has for funding for witness care units in each year of the Spending Review period. [31069] Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what definition of squatting his Department uses. [30816] Mr Blunt: The Government are currently reviewing spend on services to victims and witnesses. Witness Mr Blunt: For the purposes of our ongoing work, we Care Units are jointly funded by the local police authorities have been looking at the harm caused by squatters who and the Crown Prosecution Service. No decisions have occupy residential and non-residential property without yet been taken on additional central government funding authority. for witness care units. ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 20 December 2010

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 1159 EDUCATION—continued Academies Programme ...... 1171 Local Government Allocations ...... 1167 Child Care...... 1164 Local Government Allocations ...... 1174 Children’s Centres ...... 1166 School Sports Funding ...... 1169 Education in Hospital...... 1172 School Standards ...... 1173 Education Maintenance Allowance...... 1160 Science and Maths A-levels...... 1163 Education Maintenance Allowance...... 1165 Topical Questions ...... 1174 International League Tables...... 1169 Vocational Education...... 1159 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 20 December 2010

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 135WS DEFENCE—continued Haldane Principle ...... 137WS “Equipment, Support and Technology for UK Science and Research Funding (2011-12 to Defence and Security: A Consultation Paper” ... 149WS 2014-15) ...... 135WS Community Veterans Mental Health Pilots...... 149WS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 151WS CABINET OFFICE...... 150WS Domestic Heating Oil Supplies ...... 151WS Voting Entitlement...... 150WS HEALTH...... 153WS Adult Autism ...... 153WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 141WS Transparency in Outcomes...... 154WS Fire and Rescue Service ...... 141WS Work Force Education and Training Major Infrastructure Planning Reform ...... 142WS Consultations...... 155WS National Planning Policy Framework ...... 143WS Zero-Carbon Buildings ...... 145WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 156WS Passenger Name Record Agreements ...... 156WS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 147WS NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 157WS Olympic and Paralympic Games (Legacy) ...... 148WS Parades Commission for Northern Ireland ...... 157WS Radio and Television Transmission (Irish Language)...... 147WS TRANSPORT ...... 157WS Motorcycle Testing ...... 157WS DEFENCE...... 148WS TREASURY ...... 139WS Afghanistan ...... 148WS ECOFIN (7 December 2010) ...... 139WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 20 December 2010

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 940W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Corruption...... 940W Higher Education...... 1036W Departmental Pay ...... 940W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 1037W Domestic Violence: Prosecutions ...... 941W Higher Education: Birmingham...... 1041W Witness Care Units: Finance...... 941W Higher Education: Disability ...... 1042W Higher Education: Finance ...... 1043W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1031W Innovation: Greater London...... 1043W Addison Lee...... 1031W Institute for Fiscal Studies ...... 1043W Adult Education: Newham ...... 1032W Lloyds TSB: Halifax Bank of Scotland...... 1044W Consumer Focus: Redundancy Pay...... 1032W Local Enterprise Partnership Projects...... 1044W Demonstrations: Parliament Square ...... 1032W Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 1045W Departmental Billing ...... 1033W Local Enterprise Partnerships: Tyne and Wear ...... 1045W Departmental Consultants...... 1033W Manufacturing Industries ...... 1045W Departmental Contracts ...... 1033W Mortgage Express and Bradford and Bingley: Departmental Overtime ...... 1034W Complaints ...... 1046W Departmental Public Consultation...... 1034W New Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 1046W Departmental Vacancies ...... 1034W Ofcom: Opinion Leader Research...... 1046W Everything Everywhere ...... 1035W One North East...... 1047W Export Credit Guarantees: Lancashire...... 1035W Overseas Trade: Commonwealth...... 1047W Financial Services ...... 1036W Regional Development Agencies...... 1048W Foreign Trade: Israel ...... 1036W Regional Development Agencies: Finance ...... 1048W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued DEFENCE—continued Regional Development Agency...... 1049W Nuclear Submarines...... 992W Regional Growth Fund ...... 1049W Rescue Services ...... 992W Royal Mail ...... 1050W Sri Lanka ...... 992W Royal Mail: Privatisation ...... 1050W Strategic Defence and Security Review: Costs...... 993W Science: Research ...... 1050W Strategic Defence and Security Review: Public Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance...... 1051W Consultation ...... 993W Students: Fees and Charges...... 1051W Students: Loans ...... 1051W EDUCATION...... 1060W Universities: Applications ...... 1052W Academies...... 1061W Welsh Language...... 1053W Bromley College...... 1061W Working Time Directive...... 1053W Care Homes: Standards ...... 1062W Children Act 1989 ...... 1062W CABINET OFFICE...... 1057W Commercialisation of Childhood...... 1060W Deaths: Winter...... 1057W Departmental Manpower...... 1062W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 1058W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 1063W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 1058W Departmental Written Questions ...... 1063W Government Departments: Telephone Services...... 1058W Education Maintenance Allowance...... 1064W Internet: Data Protection ...... 1059W Education Maintenance Allowance: Brighton...... 1065W Public Bodies: Telephone Services...... 1059W Education Maintenance Allowance: Bristol ...... 1066W Voluntary Work: Young People...... 1059W Free Schools: Social Services...... 1066W Voting Rights: Prisoners ...... 1059W General Teaching Certificate...... 1067W Welsh Language...... 1060W International League Tables...... 1060W Lone Parents...... 1067W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 941W Pupil Premium ...... 1061W Christmas...... 941W School: Sports...... 1067W Domestic Violence: Victim Support Schemes...... 942W School Sports Funding ...... 1060W Homelessness: Easington ...... 943W Schools: Crimes of Violence ...... 1068W Homelessness: Greater London ...... 944W Science and Mathematics: Teachers ...... 1069W Homelessness: Housing Benefit...... 944W Social Services: Adoption ...... 1069W Housing: Construction...... 945W Young People: Carers...... 1069W Mobile Homes ...... 945W Youth Services: Disability ...... 1070W Multiple Occupation: Licensing ...... 945W Youth Sport Trust ...... 1070W Planning: Referendums ...... 946W Regional Planning and Development: Finance ...... 946W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 975W Residential Premises...... 946W Biomass Importation ...... 975W Carbon Emissions...... 976W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 1053W Departmental Pay ...... 976W BBC: Trade Unions...... 1053W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 977W Churches: Repairs and Maintenance...... 1053W Energy Supply...... 977W Cultural Institutions: Finance...... 1054W Fuel Poverty...... 978W Departmental Pay ...... 1054W Fuel Poverty: Finance ...... 979W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 1054W Renewable Energy...... 979W Freeview Service...... 1055W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 980W Horniman Museum ...... 1055W River Severn: Tidal Power...... 980W Museums: Closures...... 1055W Sheffield Forgemasters: Finance...... 981W Museums: Finance...... 1056W Solar Power...... 981W Museums, Libraries and Archives Council...... 1055W Tidal Power: Wave Power...... 981W Olympic Games 2012: Football...... 1056W Warm Front Scheme ...... 982W Olympic Games 2012: Human Trafficking ...... 1056W Wind Power ...... 983W Public Libraries: Finance ...... 1057W Wood ...... 983W Taekwondo ...... 1057W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 953W DEFENCE...... 984W Afghanistan: Christianity...... 953W Afghanistan: Armed Forces and Police ...... 984W Afghanistan: Corruption ...... 953W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 985W Afghanistan: Females...... 953W Armed Forces: Redundancy...... 985W Aung San Suu Kyi...... 954W Army: Manpower ...... 985W Burma: Politics and Government ...... 954W British Overseas Territories: Navy...... 985W Christmas...... 954W Departmental Consultants...... 986W Conflict Prevention ...... 955W Departmental Energy...... 986W Denmark: Dolphins ...... 955W Departmental Information Officers ...... 986W Departmental Libraries...... 956W Departmental NDPBs...... 987W Departmental Pay ...... 957W Departmental Pay ...... 987W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 957W Departmental Redundancy ...... 988W Departmental Procurement...... 959W Departmental Travel ...... 988W EU Law...... 959W European Defence Agency: Finance ...... 988W Falkland Islands: Offshore Industry...... 959W Military Aircraft ...... 989W Foreign Nationals: Honours ...... 960W Military Bases...... 990W Ilois: Resettlement...... 960W Ministry of Defence Police...... 991W Iran: Baha’i Faith...... 960W MR1185 Study...... 991W Iran: Capital Punishment...... 961W Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— HOME DEPARTMENT—continued continued Departmental Leave...... 1093W Iran: North Korea...... 962W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 1094W Iran: Nuclear Weapons ...... 962W Departmental Procurement...... 1095W Iraq: Iran ...... 963W DNA: Databases...... 1096W Iraq: Politics and Government ...... 963W Domestic Violence ...... 1096W Ivory Coast: Elections...... 964W Driving under Influence: Drugs ...... 1097W Lebanon: Peacekeeping Operations...... 964W EC External Trade: India...... 1097W Middle East: Peace Negotiations...... 964W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 1098W Nagorno Karabakh...... 965W Human Trafficking ...... 1099W North East ...... 965W Human Trafficking: Children...... 1099W Office of UK Permanent Representative to EC...... 965W Human Trafficking: Finance...... 1100W Public Expenditure...... 965W Human Trafficking: Prostitution...... 1101W Russia: Human Rights ...... 966W Human Trafficking: Refuges ...... 1101W Russia: Prisoners...... 966W Human Trafficking: Voluntary Organisations ...... 1101W South America: Diplomatic Service ...... 967W Immigration Controls ...... 1102W Sri Lanka: Politics and Government ...... 967W Passports: Fraud ...... 1102W Sri Lanka: State Visits...... 967W Police Community Support Officers: Sudan: Referendums ...... 968W Nottinghamshire...... 1102W Turkey: EU Enlargement ...... 968W Police: Wales ...... 1102W Uganda: Homosexuality ...... 968W Public Order Offences ...... 1103W UK Border Agency: Travel...... 1105W HEALTH...... 1010W Welsh Language...... 1107W Addison Lee ...... 1010W Wickham Research Laboratories: Animal Advisory Group for National Specialised Services. 1011W Experiments...... 1107W Autism: Research ...... 1011W Witness Care Units: Finance...... 1108W Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Trust: Public Expenditure ...... 1011W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 948W Cancer: Orphan Drugs...... 1012W Afghanistan: Overseas Aid...... 948W Care Costs ...... 1013W Africa: Education...... 948W Cataracts: Surgery...... 1015W Colombia: Human Rights...... 949W Death: Winter ...... 1016W Departmental Location...... 949W Dementia: Health Services ...... 1016W Departmental Pay ...... 949W Departmental Billing ...... 1017W Departmental Procurement...... 950W Departmental Consultants...... 1017W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 950W Departmental Pay ...... 1017W Developing Countries: Health Services ...... 950W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 1018W Food Retail Industry Challenge Fund...... 951W Diabetes: Finance ...... 1018W Overseas Aid...... 951W Disability: Children...... 1019W USA: Cotton...... 951W Domestic Violence: Public Expenditure ...... 1019W Welsh Language...... 952W Headaches: Health Services ...... 1020W Yemen: Overseas Aid ...... 952W Headaches: Research ...... 1020W Zimbabwe: Health Services ...... 952W Health Visitors: Finance ...... 1020W Hepatitis ...... 1021W JUSTICE...... 1108W Hip Replacement: Surgery ...... 1022W Antisocial Behaviour: Railways...... 1108W Hospitals: Waiting Lists...... 1021W Courts: Retford...... 1108W Kidneys: Transplant Surgery...... 1024W Crimes of Violence: Railways...... 1109W Maternity Services ...... 1023W Demonstrations: City of Westminster...... 1109W Memory Clinics ...... 1025W Departmental Pay ...... 1109W National Specialised Services Advisory Group ...... 1025W Departmental Procurement...... 1109W NHS 111 ...... 1025W Domestic Violence ...... 1110W NHS Litigation Authority: Claims...... 1025W Domestic Violence: Courts...... 1110W NHS Trusts: Finance ...... 1026W Ejup Ganic: Public Finance ...... 1111W North East ...... 1027W Gary Critchley ...... 1111W Orphan Drugs...... 1027W HM Courts Service and Tribunals Service: Primary Care Trusts: Conditions of Employment.. 1028W Finance...... 1111W Primary Care Trusts: Debts...... 1028W Industrial Diseases: Compensation ...... 1112W Primary Care Trusts: Manpower...... 1029W Legal Aid: Cumbria ...... 1112W Queen Alexandra Hospital: Private Finance Legal Aid: Social Security Benefits ...... 1112W Initiative...... 1029W Legal Complaints Service: Leamington Spa...... 1113W Surgery: Costs...... 1030W National Offender Management Service: Finance.. 1113W Thromboembolism...... 1030W Prisoners: Per Capita Costs...... 1114W Tuberculosis...... 1031W Prisoners’ Release ...... 1114W Welsh Language...... 1031W Prisons and Probation Ombudsman...... 1115W Prisons: Drugs ...... 1116W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 1090W Prisons: Riots...... 1118W Addison Lee...... 1090W Public Order Offences: Convictions ...... 1118W Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Reading Berkshire ... 1091W Sentencing...... 1120W Borders: Personal Records ...... 1091W Squatting ...... 1121W Departmental Conferences...... 1092W Welsh Language...... 1122W Departmental Grants...... 1093W Witnesses ...... 1122W Col. No. Col. No. LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 947W TREASURY—continued Departmental Pay ...... 947W Members: Correspondence ...... 973W Members: Travel ...... 948W Mortgage Express and Bradford and Bingley: Complaints ...... 973W PRIME MINISTER...... 939W Railways: Fares ...... 974W North East...... 939W Research and Development Tax Credit ...... 974W Schools: Sports ...... 939W Tax Allowances: Aggregates...... 974W Tax Credit...... 974W SCOTLAND...... 946W Taxation: Pensioners ...... 975W Departmental Press Releases...... 946W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 975W Higher Education: Finance ...... 947W WALES...... 947W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 947W TRANSPORT ...... 994W Welsh Language Schemes...... 947W Airports ...... 994W Airports: Freight...... 994W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 939W Airports: Radiation Exposure...... 994W Equality Act 2010 ...... 939W Aviation: Security...... 995W Government Equalities Office: Visits Abroad ...... 939W British Transport Police: Arrests ...... 996W Departmental Manpower...... 996W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 1071W Departmental NDPBs...... 996W Cold Weather Payments ...... 1071W Healthier Travel Options: Commuters...... 997W Departmental Conferences...... 1071W High Speed Two: Finance ...... 998W Departmental Pay ...... 1072W London and South Eastern Railways: Franchises .. 998W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 1072W London and South Eastern Railways: Standards ... 999W Departmental Regulation...... 1072W London and South Eastern Railways: Tickets...... 1000W Departmental Sponsorship ...... 1072W Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Manpower...... 1000W Disability Living Allowance...... 1073W Midland Main Line: Standards...... 1001W Disability Living Allowance: Medical Motorways: Speed Limits ...... 1001W Examinations...... 1073W Rail High Level Group...... 1002W Housing Benefit ...... 1074W Railway: Electrification...... 1002W Housing Benefit: Ashfield ...... 1075W Railways: Antisocial Behaviour...... 1002W Housing Benefit: Birmingham ...... 1075W Railways: Bridges...... 1002W Housing Benefit: Edinburgh ...... 1076W Railways: Concessions ...... 1003W Housing Benefit: Expenditure...... 1076W Railways: Construction...... 1003W Housing Benefit: Glasgow ...... 1076W Railways: Fares ...... 1004W Housing Benefit: Reform ...... 1077W Railways: Finance ...... 1004W Housing Benefit: Refuges...... 1077W Railways: Franchises ...... 1004W Housing Benefit: Scotland ...... 1078W Railways: Overcrowding...... 1005W Housing Benefit: Sunderland ...... 1078W Railways: Recycling...... 1006W Housing Benefit: Temporary Accommodation...... 1078W Railways: South East Region ...... 1006W Housing Benefit: Worcestershire ...... 1079W Railways: Stevenage ...... 1006W Income Support: Mortgages ...... 1079W Railways: Suicide ...... 1007W Jobcentres: Greater London...... 1079W Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation...... 1007W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Working Hours ...... 1080W Rolling Stock ...... 1007W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 1080W Rolling Stock: Procurement ...... 1008W Mortgages: Repossession Orders...... 1081W Sea Rescue ...... 1008W Personal Income: Glasgow...... 1082W Taxis: Licensing ...... 1009W Personal Records: Departmental Co-ordination .... 1082W Thameslink: King’s Lynne ...... 1009W Real-time Earnings Data...... 1083W Train Operating Companies: Compensation ...... 1009W Remploy...... 1083W Waterloo Station ...... 1010W Social Rented Housing...... 1084W West Coast Railway Line: Overcrowding...... 1010W Social Rented Housing: Edinburgh ...... 1085W Social Rented Housing: Reform...... 1085W TREASURY ...... 969W Social Rented Housing: Scotland...... 1086W Bank Levy ...... 969W Social Security Benefits: Armed Forces...... 1086W Cheques: Rural Areas ...... 969W Social Security Benefits: Brighton...... 1086W Consumer Price Index...... 969W Social Security Benefits: Widowed People...... 1087W Corporation Tax ...... 970W State Retirement Pensions...... 1087W Debts: Advisory Services...... 970W Unemployed People ...... 1087W Departmental Billing ...... 972W Welsh Language...... 1088W Departmental Pay ...... 972W Winter Fuel Payments: Ex-servicemen ...... 1088W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 973W Work Capability Assessment...... 1089W Financial Services: VAT ...... 973W Work Programme...... 1089W Manpower...... 973W Work Programme: Glasgow ...... 1090W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS

Monday 20 December 2010

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1159] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Education

Temporary Immigration Cap [Col. 1181] Answer to urgent question—(Damian Green)

European Council [Col. 1187] Statement—(Prime Minister)

High Speed Rail [Col. 1201] Statement—(Mr Philip Hammond)

Severe Winter Weather [Col. 1216] Statement—(Mr Philip Hammond)

Firearms Control [Col. 1234] General debate

Petition [Col. 1282]

Mobile Phones (Health Effects) [Col. 1284] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 135WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 939W] [see index inside back page]