Thursday Volume 532 8 September 2011 No. 196

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 8 September 2011

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facility funds that are designed specifically to invest in House of Commons facilities to draw more people into sport. I hope that any clubs in his constituency that are affected will apply Thursday 8 September 2011 to those funds, but I will certainly look at his figures.

Women’s Football The House met at half-past Ten o’clock 2. Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): What steps he is PRAYERS taking to promote women’s football. [70589]

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair] The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh Robertson): I spoke at the launch of the Football Association’s new women’s super league in April. In June, I attended a reception at Downing street for the England Oral Answers to Questions women’s team ahead of the World cup in Germany. At the junior level, we made strong representations to the FA to increase the age at which girls can play in mixed teams from 11 to 13. I am delighted that that will CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT happen from next year.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media Karl McCartney: I thank the Minister for that answer. and Sport was asked— Will he join me in congratulating all the teams, especially my own team, Lincoln Ladies, on the successful first Sports Projects (Nottinghamshire) season of the FA WSL? Lincoln Ladies’ attendance rose on average by more than 400% compared with the 1. Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): previous year. Does he agree that the first season laid an What estimate he has made of the level of revenue and excellent marker for future seasons and that it highlights capital funding for sports projects in Nottinghamshire the continuing growth of the women’s game in Lincoln and throughout England? in 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [70588]

The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh Hugh Robertson: Of course I do. My hon. Friend will Robertson): Before answering, on behalf of the whole be delighted to know that I had the opportunity to meet House may I congratulate the England and cricket a number of the Lincoln Ladies players during a visit to team on becoming the No. 1 test playing nation in the the city on 14 June. There is no doubt that the new league has been a fantastic success and I hope it will be world? [HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear.”] That was a popular one. I also congratulate our rowing and athletics squads a great driver of more women playing football. on winning 14 and 17 medals respectively at their world championships last weekend, and William Fox-Pitt on a Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): Will the Minister record sixth victory at the Burghley horse trials. raise with the FA its girls’ talent development programme, which has meant that my constituent, Jaime Gotch, The figures for the 2011-12 funding period are not yet who used to go to the Watford centre, is now left available, but I am pleased to report that Nu2Sport, without any support for her very talented football career? in conjunction with the university of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent university and Sport Nottinghamshire, secured a grant of just under £250,000 in national Hugh Robertson: I certainly will. I visited the Watford lottery funding from Sport England to help more students centre before the election when I was in opposition. participate in sport. Nottingham will also benefit from funding invested throughout the country by the national Fiona Mactaggart: It’s closed. governing bodies of sport. I will write to the hon. Gentleman once the full figures are available. Hugh Robertson: I know; that was my point. If the hon. Lady wishes to write to me or directly to the FA, Mr Allen: We hear a lot about the legacy of the I will see what we can do to help. Olympics. Can the Minister reconcile talking up the legacy of the Olympics with the whole sport plans, Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): Women which will at the same time reduce expenditure across and girl’s football is a growing sport and is one of the 46 sports by about £70 million, including in deprived fastest growing sports among girls. As I am sure the constituencies such as mine? Will he look again at the Minister is aware, it is enormously important to have future funding to maintain what we do at the Olympic women in coaching and being trained as coaches. What level? is being done to get more women into coaching?

Hugh Robertson: Yes, certainly. I would need to look Hugh Robertson: I am glad to say that there is a very at the figure that the hon. Gentleman has produced and simple answer to that question: the development of understand how he has got to it. One thing that we have St George’s Park, the FA’s new centre of excellence in used the increase in lottery funding to do is to preserve the midlands. Its specific remit is to drive up the number funding through the whole sport plans. I need to understand of coaches, both male and female, across the community exactly what is behind his figure. We have also produced game. Many football writers, who have been urging this Places People Play, which includes the iconic and inspired for a long time, think that it will be the single biggest 529 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 530 seminal change to English football over the next decade. has hosted two events on local TV in the past year. The I hope that it will make a huge contribution to sorting reason is that they see this as an opportunity to found a out this situation. new sector in the creative industries, which employ more than 50,000 people in the United States. That Broadcasting (Commonwealth Games) makes the opposition of the Labour party all the more extraordinary. 3. Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): Whether he has had discussions with (a) the BBC Mr (Bury South) (Lab) indicated dissent. Trust and (b) Ministers in the Scottish Government about the broadcasting rights for the 2014 Commonwealth Mr Hunt: But the shadow Secretary of State wrote to games. [70590] me in July saying that this was a waste of ministerial time. I hope that he might review that position, because The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, this is a big opportunity for jobs. Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): We have had no discussions with the BBC Trust or Ministers in the Scottish Government on this issue, which is a Mr Hanson: May I give the Secretary of State half a matter for the rights holders and broadcasters, but we cheer for his proposals? The town of Mold in my welcome the recent announcement that the games will constituency has been chosen as a potential hub, but it be broadcast on BBC television. is the same town where a BBC TV and radio studio has closed, in part because of financial pressures. What guarantees can he give that the capital and revenue Thomas Docherty: I am obviously disappointed that streams will be there to develop that network of local the Government do not think it important that the BBC television services, and that any advertising will not lives up to its responsibilities to all nations and regions diminish the ability of local print media to have such and acts as the host broadcaster. Will he explain why he advertising and make them viable as well? has had no such meetings? Does he not accept that we are losing millions of pounds of training opportunities through the Government’s failure to act? Mr Hunt: All the evidence from other countries shows that having local TV stations actually grows the local Mr Vaizey: The BBC does not always act as host advertising markets. I am sure that the Flintshire Chronicle broadcaster for the sports events that it covers. As I say, and The Leader will continue to thrive in Mold. I look given that the BBC is covering the Commonwealth forward to the right hon. Gentleman appearing on games, I am not sure what the issue is. Mold TV, but for reasons of consistency we expect the shadow Culture Secretary to boycott his own local TV Local Television station.

4. Mr Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): What recent Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): Channel 7, a progress his Department has made on implementing local TV station based in Immingham in my constituency, the recommendations of the Shott review into local is, I believe, the sole surviving local station from the television; and if he will make a statement. [70591] initial batch, and it has been a success due to forging its partnerships with institutions such as the Grimsby institute 8. Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): What recent of further and higher education. People at Channel 7 progress his Department has made on the development have asked me to convey an invitation to one of the of local television. [70595] ministerial team to visit them and benefit from the success they have had. May I pass that invitation on and The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media look forward to a visit? and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): Last month I announced that 65 locations in the country could be pioneer locations Mr Hunt: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that for a new generation of local TV services, and we will be enticing offer. I travelled to Birmingham and , laying three orders before Parliament before Christmas and tomorrow I am going to Belfast and Glasgow. I will to make that happen. certainly see whether I can put his constituency on the list as well. Mr Brine: I thank the Secretary of State for his reply and for driving forward local TV with such belief; that Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) is all credit to him. May I draw his attention to a bid for (PC): In response to the Secretary of State’s plans for a local TV licence that is being put together in my local TV in Wales, a senior BBC source was quoted in constituency, which places the media and journalist The Western Mail as saying that he is facility at the university of Winchester and Southampton “an advertisement for the devolution of every aspect of broadcasting Solent university in Southampton at its heart? Does he policy to Wales without exception”. agree that if local TV is to work this time around, and the next generation of Dimblebys is to be found, we Will he unburden himself and agree to such a sensible must draw on the technical expertise within our universities proposal? and the students and what they have to offer? Mr Hunt: Very unusually, this is an issue on which I Mr Hunt: I agree with my hon. Friend. He of course find myself in disagreement with the BBC. I want to knows about this as a former journalist. Those at universities encourage local broadcasting, of course, but broadcasting have been among the most enthusiastic people about should remain an issue for the national Government at local TV, not least at Birmingham City university, which Westminster. 531 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 532

London Olympics to meet the policies coming down from Government. Without real inspiration in different areas to meet different needs, we will not achieve that. 5. Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): What estimate he has made of the likely change in the level of participation in sport as a result of the London 2012 Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): Let me add my Olympics. [70592] congratulations to the sports teams and British sportsmen and women whom the Minister listed earlier. The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh What assessment has the Minister made of the impact Robertson): Over the past year, we have increased the of the decision by his colleagues to withdraw the funding share of lottery funding for sport across the United for school sport partnerships, which have led to more Kingdom and invested £135 million in a mass participation than 90% of children doing at least two hours a week of legacy programme and more than £100 million to increase sport in school, compared with less than 25% eight competitive sport through the school games. Increasing years ago? Is it not the case that sports facilities across participation will be a challenge, and it is one that no the country are being closed, that fees and charges are previous host city has achieved, but it is our aim to being increased and that, despite the Olympics, the risk deliver on the pledges made at the time of the bid. is that the outcome of his Government’s decisions will be fewer youngsters and adults taking part in sport Mr Dodds: I welcome what the Minister has said. I across the UK? am delighted to hear that the Secretary of State is going to Belfast tomorrow; I am sure that he will be warmly Hugh Robertson: Let me say at the outset that the welcomed there. I hope that he has discussions, along reason why the funding decisions were taken was to with his colleagues, on the issue of increasing participation tackle the deficit, which would have had to happen in sport across the regions and in Northern Ireland. I whoever was in power. There is a political argument would be grateful if he could say what discussions he about the scale and speed of it, but the fact is that there has had with the Northern Ireland Executive specifically would have been cuts under any Government. To mitigate on increasing participation in Northern Ireland in sport that, we have increased the amount of money that sport as a result of the Olympics. gets through the lottery and put in place a specific mass participation programme under Sport England. I have Hugh Robertson: I am delighted to tell the right hon. been watching the matter very carefully, and there is as Gentleman that I visited Belfast on 9 March. I visited yet—I do not say it will not happen—no evidence that the university of Belfast and Sport Northern Ireland there are mass closures across the country. There is a and saw a number of participation schemes that I dichotomy between local authorities that hold facilities thought were being well run and had every chance of in leisure trusts, which are not affected, and those that increasing participation across the Province. Indeed, it hold them directly, where they are under threat. We will is the first time that I have been there since I was a watch the situation closely. soldier 20 years previously, and the change in the whole place was remarkable. He absolutely has that commitment Brighton Digital Festival and I will do everything possible to help. 6. Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): If he Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): will attend the Brighton digital festival in September Does the Minister agree that in increasing participation 2011. [70593] in sport post-2012, it is essential that we protect our playing fields? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Very Hugh Robertson: Yes, I absolutely do, and there is sadly, neither the Secretary of State nor I will be able now a really effective triple lock on playing fields: all to attend the festival this month. I must say, it looks planning applications have to go before Sport England; absolutely fantastic and we wish it well, and I am under the Localism Bill people will have the opportunity delighted that the Arts Council is giving it £50,000. to designate playing fields as local community facilities; and there is now a specific fund, administered by Sport Caroline Lucas: I am disappointed that the Minister England, for the improvement of local playing fields. cannot make the festival this time, and I hope very much that he will next year. Will he give a boost to the Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): The Minister knows city’s growing digital sector by using his good offices that no one measure can increase participation in sport. and those of other Ministers to support a move towards Does he accept that what has happened in London, and all public sector contracts of less than £100,000 being the leadership shown by the Mayor of London in given to small and medium-sized enterprises, and larger ensuring that money gets down to the grass roots, is public sector contracts being broken down so that SMEs, crucial? If we really want to increase participation, we particularly in the digital sector, have a much better all have to work together in partnership across the chance of getting them? whole of sport. Mr Vaizey: If I am still in this job, I will certainly try Hugh Robertson: I could not agree more, and I pay to attend next year—and even if I am not, I will try to tribute to the hon. Lady for the work that she has done attend. I will be in Brighton at the beginning of October in London to bring that about. London is an extremely for the Museums Association conference, at which the good example of what can be done at community level hon. Lady is the keynote speaker. I heartily endorse 533 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 534 what she says, because we must do all we can to ensure regularly to review progress. The distribution of digital that small and medium-sized enterprises can get transmitter sites is part of the digital TV switchover Government contracts. process, which is progressing well and is on track.

High-speed Broadband Scorecard Gemma Doyle: I thank the Minister for his correspondence with me on this matter, but the fact remains that following the digital switchover, my 7. (East Ham) (Lab): When he plans constituents who receive their television signal from the to publish the UK high-speed broadband balanced Milburn Muir transmitter get an inferior TV service. scorecard. [70594] Will he please commit to looking at ways to incentivise companies to provide an equitable service? Alternatively, The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media will he consider a grant scheme for my constituents, and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): We published our initial who would have to fork out something in the region of proposals for a broadband scorecard just before Christmas. £200 to get the same service? We are absolutely committed to having an objective way of measuring how to get the best superfast broadband Mr Vaizey: The hon. Lady and I have been in extensive network in Europe, and we will continue work to ensure correspondence on this issue, and she is a formidable that we can do that. advocate for her constituents. I hope she will come to the video relay service conference on 15 September. Stephen Timms: But the right hon. Gentleman did Perhaps we could talk about this issue there and arrange say, I think, that the scorecard would be published in a meeting to discuss it further. the summer, and we have not seen it yet. Will it cover progress towards universal broadband as well as high-speed Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I am broadband? It has been reported that the 4G spectrum looking forward to switching from having four channels auctions, which should have taken place early this year, to having 15 channels to view in two months’ time, are now going to be delayed further beyond their revised when the Tacolneston transmitter switches over. One date of the beginning of next year. Is that correct, and is thing that concerns me, however, is that ITV3 will not he dismayed, as many of us are, by what looks like a yet be available on the relay transmitter from Aldeburgh, further delay? which is a great shame. Licence fee payers should be the ones who choose the channels they receive if they are Mr Hunt: I am sure the right hon. Gentleman, as a not to have the full range of services. former broadband Minister, will know that we have committed ourselves to universal broadband coverage, Mr Vaizey: I am afraid that about 10% of the population which will be one of the things measured in the broadband does not get the full range of services, but the core scorecard. However, before he criticises this Government’s 15 channels. As I have said, that is a commercial issue progress he should show a little humility. He might like for the people who operate the transmitters in this to know that the first thing that broadband officials country. That issue certainly concerns some Members told me was that the amount of money that had been of Parliament, and if my hon. Friend wishes to join the allocated for universal broadband roll-out was half hon. Member for West Dunbartonshire (Gemma Doyle) what was necessary. and me for a meeting to discuss this further, I would be happy for her to do so. Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): Does the Secretary of State recognise the strength of feeling that Broadband (Rural Communities) exists for a 98% coverage clause in the 4G auction that is to come? Will he urge the mobile operators to think long and hard before launching any legal challenge that 10. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): What would merely delay the process and affect the economy? recent progress his Department has made in delivering broadband to rural communities. [70597] Mr Hunt: I am very keen to get on with this auction, because it is clear that the high-speed broadband revolution 16. Mike Crockart (Edinburgh West) (LD): What that we need must also be a mobile revolution—we steps he is taking to improve broadband provision for must assume that most people will access the internet rural communities. [70603] through mobile devices going forward. We are looking very carefully at the possibility of increasing the coverage The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media requirement to 97% and will await Ofcom’s findings, and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): In August, I announced which we expect shortly. indicative funding for all parts of the UK for our ambition to have not just universal 2 megabit coverage, but 90% coverage of superfast broadband. Digital Transmitter Sites Julian Smith: North Yorkshire is grateful for the 9. Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op): Secretary of State’s Department’s support, and we are What recent discussions he has had with television getting on with our project, but may I press him further distribution companies on the variation of digital on the 4G auction? It seems that the auction is a transmitter sites across the UK. [70596] Treasury as much as an Ofcom issue, and I would be grateful for any update on any discussions that he is The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, having with the Treasury. I believe that we must nail Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): I meet that issue for north Yorkshire to get the broadband that the main parties of the digital switchover programme it needs. 535 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 536

Mr Hunt: I should first like to congratulate my hon. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Friend, because north Yorkshire and Cumbria are two Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): We are of the regions of the UK that have made most progress— considering the future of public service broadcasting as they have pretty much moved to tender stage on the part of the Government’s communications review. 90% superfast broadband ambition. I have a lot of sympathy with his view on coverage, and we are having Tom Brake: I do not know whether the Minister is a many discussions inside the Government about how physics graduate, like I am, but does he expect a slimmed- best to handle that. That matters because on all the down BBC to maintain excellent science programmes, projections that we see at the moment, the amount of such as those presented by Professor Brian Cox, which mobile internet data will triple every year, and over the have been credited in part for the 20% increase in the next four years we expect it to increase twenty-sixfold. number of students taking physics A-levels?

Mike Crockart: The unfortunate truth is that many Mr Vaizey: It is not for me to tell the BBC what rural areas, including Kirkliston, South Queensferry programmes it should make, but I know that Brian and Ratho in my constituency, are still crippled by poor Cox’s programmes, which I have seen, have been enormously broadband services, with speeds significantly lower than successful. The BBC’s power to make a difference in the 2 megabits per second minimum target. Will the this area is significant, and I hope now that it will find a Secretary of State update the House on any discussions charismatic presenter for a history of computer science, he has had with the Scottish Government on matching so that we can increase interest in computer science the £68.8 million investment recently announced by his education. Department? Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does Mr Hunt: We had what can best be described as a the Minister remember when, two years ago at the rather curmudgeonly response from the Scottish Edinburgh festival, James Murdoch said that he wanted Government about our broadband allocation. That is Sky to replace the BBC as the most trusted broadcaster? not a total surprise, but given that the amount of He might well recall that. Given the events of the recent money allocated to Scotland took account of the additional weeks and months, can this ministerial team and costs of rolling out broadband in sparsely populated Government start embracing and supporting the BBC, rural areas, and that the amount was much greater than both at home and abroad, as so many viewers in my it would have been under the Barnett formula, we were constituency do by listening to it? expecting a little more enthusiasm. However, now the challenge is on for the Scottish Government to match what the UK Government have contributed, and to Mr Vaizey: The hon. Gentleman mentioned the ensure that we deliver universal broadband access to my Edinburgh festival, which reminds me that I should hon. Friend’s constituents, and 90% superfast broadband have said how pleased all the festival organisers were access as well. with the extensive coverage that the BBC gave them. They were full of praise for it. May I also take this opportunity to praise BBC Radio Oxford, which I Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- praised last night in the House and which incorporated op): I accept that the Secretary of State has gone some my remarks in its breakfast programme jingle this morning? way to providing resources, including to the Scottish Government, but does he agree that to ensure universal broadband coverage some of the most rural communities Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): On public service will require access to affordable satellite broadband? broadcasting, will my hon. Friend condemn the decision Will he consider bringing forward some of the unallocated by the BBC to stop broadcasting the Israel Philharmonic money currently in his budget to operate a pilot project orchestra at the Proms? Will he also take this opportunity in Scotland—in conjunction, I hope, with the Scottish to condemn those extremists who disrupted the Proms Government—on that very issue? and attacked the orchestra?

Mr Hunt: I am a localist. That is why our broadband Mr Vaizey: I was present at the Israel Philharmonic strategy does not prescribe how local authorities and orchestra’s performance at the Proms. It was an occasion devolved Administrations meet their targets. However, when one realised how wonderful the Proms and the we have calculated the costs and provided half the promenaders are. It is salutary to remember that even in money, and we expect them to match-fund. I am pleased 1968, when the orchestra from the USSR was playing at to say therefore that in all the areas on which we have the Proms and the USSR had invaded Czechoslovakia, had discussions so far there has been a willingness to the music was not disrupted. There should be a separation provide that match funding. If satellite is the right between art and politics, particularly in this case given solution in Scotland, we will support that, but we want the astonishing history of the Israel Philharmonic orchestra, to leave it to the Scottish Government to come up with which saved so many Jews from death at the hands of the right solution. their Nazi oppressors.

Public Service Broadcasting Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): What representations has the Minister received from Scottish Ministers about setting up a Scottish digital 11. Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): channel, and what resources and support does his What plans he has for the future of public service Department intend to give to this fantastic cross-party broadcasting. [70598] initiative? 537 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 538

Mr Vaizey: If the hon. Gentleman is referring to the indeed, national security, so safeguards exist. However, Scottish digital network, I discussed the matter with if what the hon. Gentleman is really trying to say is that the Scottish Culture Minister at the Edinburgh festival. Rupert Murdoch and his children are evil and must be I know that she is a strong advocate for it. However, I stopped at all costs, just wait until he sees “The Godfather”. also know that our plans for local television are as exciting for Scotland as they are for England. Mr Lewis: I think the Secretary of State should speak for himself on those issues. It is absolutely clear that if BSkyB there were to be a new bid, the only basis on which he could consider it would be plurality and broadcasting 12. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What standards. He could not ask regulators to look at the recent representations he has received on the wider public interest, nor could he insist that they apply implications for the broadcasting sector of the decision a “fit and proper person” test. That is why we urgently by News Corporation not to proceed with its proposed need action now. acquisition of BSkyB. [70599] Let me turn quickly to a related issue. Can the Secretary of State clear up once and for all whether he The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media discussed News Corp’s proposed acquisition of BSkyB and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): It will not surprise the with the Prime Minister at any stage during the quasi- House to know that I received a number of representations judicial process? To be clear: I am not asking whether he over the News Corp BSkyB bid during its progress and consulted the Prime Minister on any decision that he had considered them all carefully. to make, but whether they discussed it during that period.

Alex Cunningham: Does the Secretary of State now Mr Hunt: As I have told the shadow Culture Secretary, agree with the Opposition that one of the lessons of the the decision was mine and mine alone, and I did not phone hacking scandal and the attempted takeover of consult the Prime Minister about that decision. Not BSkyB is that new, tougher cross-media ownership laws only that, but I consulted Ofcom and got independent are required in this country and that no one media advice, which I followed. However, let me say to the organisation should have such a concentration of power hon. Gentleman that he still does not appreciate that again? section 3 of the Communications Act 2003, which was passed by his Government, gives Ofcom the duty to Mr Hunt: I agree with the hon. Gentleman that we ensure that all holders of broadcast licences are fit and need to look carefully at cross-media ownership laws. I proper at all times and the duty to remove them at any agree with him as well that this needs to be done on a time, so these powers exist. We want to strengthen them cross-media basis; it is not about the dominance of any in specific areas, and we are working hard to ensure that individual platform any more. We also need to look at we make the right changes to avoid what happened whether the merger rules for media takeovers work as before happening again. effectively as they might. We will listen very carefully to the recommendations made by Lord Justice Leveson Human Trafficking before taking action. 13. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): What Mr Ivan Lewis (Bury South) (Lab): Let me say to the recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of Secretary of State that I may have included the words State for the Home Department on the Government’s “Ministers” and “waste of time” in the same sentence, policy on human trafficking in respect of major but not in the context of local television. I appeared on sporting events. [70600] Channel M, the example of my local TV station, but the project ended in tears because it was simply not viable. The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh Throughout the BSkyB process, the Secretary of State Robertson): Regular Olympic briefings take place between maintained that he could consider only plurality and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, me, Home that allegations about phone hacking and other illegal Office Ministers and the Olympic intelligence centre to practices were not covered by the relevant legislation. Is discuss threats to the games, including human trafficking. he now willing to work with me and the right hon. Although there is currently no evidence of an increase Member for Bath (Mr Foster) to introduce amendments in human trafficking linked to the games, the Government to the current legislation on an all-party basis to include are aware of the threat, which is real, and will remain a wider public interest test and to allow regulators to vigilant. apply a “fit and proper person” test? That would close loopholes in advance of the longer-term reform of Mr Bone: I thank the Minister for that full response. media ownership that will come as a result of Lord The danger of modern-day slavery at the Olympics is Justice Leveson’s recommendations. Is the Secretary of great. I appreciate that the Government have recognised State willing to work with me and the right hon. Gentleman that in their new strategy on human trafficking, which on an all-party basis to bring forward those amendments? talks about the intelligence leading up to the games, but can he tell us a little more about how that works? Mr Hunt: Of course I will listen to all representations made, but I do not think that the shadow Culture Hugh Robertson: Yes, of course I can. We have a bespoke Secretary quite understands the way the law works. If Olympics intelligence centre, which looks specifically at the bid were re-presented, under the Enterprise Act intelligence leads surrounding information of all sorts 2002 it would count as a new bid and, as Secretary of feeding into the Olympics. As my hon. Friend correctly State, I would have the power to refer it to Ofcom on the says, there is evidence that hosting world-class sports basis of broadcasting standards, media plurality or, competitions can, in certain circumstances, lead to an 539 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 540 increase in human trafficking. As yet there is no hard Topical Questions evidence that that is happening, but the threat remains and we will remain vigilant. T1. [70608] Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): If he will make (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab): statement on his departmental responsibilities. Just to remind the House, today is Paralympics day—a day of celebration up in Trafalgar square of the extraordinary achievements of Paralympians and of The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media achievements to come. and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt): I should like to echo what the shadow Olympics Minister said about today being The Minister will have seen the March 2010 report international Paralympic day. The Paralympics have a published by London Councils which examined the special place in our nation’s heart because it started here potential impact of the games on trafficking. I know in Stoke Mandeville in 1948. We want to welcome more that he shares my long-standing concern that the games than 100 chefs de mission from Paralympic teams to should be safe for women and that London should be a London this week, wish the organisers success and, no-go area for evil exploitation by traffickers. The London particularly, wish our brilliant Team GB Paralympian Councils report suggested that there was a particular success next year. At the Beijing Olympics, they thrashed risk that the number of Roma people trafficked for Australia; they thrashed America; they thrashed Russia; begging would increase. Have there been discussions they thrashed every single country in Europe and came with the Romanian Government and others to ensure second in the world only to China. that this risk does not materialise? Gregg McClymont: I add my own congratulations to Hugh Robertson: That is a good question. I have not our Paralympians and would like to return to the question myself had discussions with the Romanian Government asked by the hon. Member for Edinburgh West (Mike because the information I receive is channelled through Crockart) about why the Scottish Government have not the Olympic intelligence centre. I can give the right hon. matched the UK Government’s broadband funding? Lady my absolute assurance—I believe she will get a Does the Minister agree that this is a short-sighted security briefing within the next couple of weeks, so she decision, which is inimical to Scotland’s long-term will have the opportunity to ask that question herself—that prosperity? I, too, will ask that specific question. As I say, there is no hard evidence to date that anything of this sort is Mr Hunt: I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman occurring. As I said earlier, the threat is there and we because all the evidence on economic growth shows that will remain vigilant. it is the more remote, dispersed communities that benefit Formula 1 most from having a good broadband connection. This can stop villages losing their economic lifeblood; it 14. Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): What allows people to work from home; and it helps recent representations he has received on broadcasting disadvantaged, elderly and disabled people to gain access rights for Formula 1 races. [70601] to services that they would not otherwise be able to receive. I strongly encourage the Scottish Government The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh to respond positively to the extraordinary generosity of Robertson): I regularly receive representations on sports the UK Government and to get Scotland connected. broadcasting—I doubt whether that will surprise anybody—including on Formula 1 races. T2. [70609] Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): I was pleased to see Members of all parties and of the other Gavin Shuker: The whole House will be aware that place take part in the parliamentary archery competition Formula 1 and motor sport more generally in this on Monday afternoon on Speaker’s Green, courtesy of country is a multi-billion pound industry, with household you, Mr Speaker. Thank you. I was certainly all of names such as Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Paul di aquiver that I, with my hon. Friend the Member for Resta, McLaren-Mercedes and Red Bull effectively Scarborough and Whitby (Mr Goodwill), managed to becoming great British brands. Following the shameful win the competition. Will the Secretary of State or one decision of the BBC to sell out to Sky, may I ask what of his Ministers tell us what plans are in place to ensure the Minister will do to protect this industry so that it is that British archery and other less well-known sports not sold out in the same way that the many fans who receive adequate funding and, perhaps, media coverage will have poor-quality coverage for the next decade are in the run-up to and beyond the 2012 Olympics, thus being sold out? giving Team GB the best chance of medal success across a plethora of events? Hugh Robertson: The decisions taken by the BBC about how to spend its own sports budget are, of Mr Hunt: I thank my hon. Friend for that question. I course, matters for the BBC alone. The Government’s strongly agree that we need to support all Olympic remit extends to the free-to-air television regime. Formula events, which is why we are preserving the funding for 1 has never been on that list. I was the Minister in the whole elite sport budget for the charge of looking at the matter last time it came up, just training of Olympians and Paralympians despite a very after the election. There was no significant pressure at difficult spending round. I have been to see our Olympic that point to put it on the list. At this time, therefore, it and Paralympic archers train at Lilleshall, and I know remains a matter for the BBC, which has to decide how that we all wish every success to gold medallist Dani to spend its sports budget, but we will, of course, review Brown and bronze medallist Alison Williamson, who all these matters when the list is next reviewed in 2013. are our big medal hopes for next year. 541 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 542

Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab): I have asked the own question: the fact that the club is making the United Kingdom national lottery operator, Camelot, to application suggests that the promotion is about right. give me a constituency breakdown showing where lottery However, I will certainly ensure that Sport England tickets are purchased, but it has refused to do so. Does takes every possible measure—indeed, I know that it the Minister agree that, for reasons of transparency, it is has done so—to enable everyone to benefit from this important for such information to be in the public £135 million investment opportunity. domain, and will he help me to put it there? T7. [70614] Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): At The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, the last reckoning, some five companies from Northern Olympics, Media and Sport (John Penrose): It is not Ireland have been successful in first-tier contracts with quite clear why this information is so important, but I the Olympic Delivery Authority, and some 43 have won am very happy to try to understand why. The destination contracts with the supply chain of tier 1 contractors. of lottery funding has long been readily and transparently However, there is grave disappointment in the Province available, and can be found in the Library. However, about the level of contracts won by Northern Ireland I do not see why there should be a direct correlation companies, and also about the failure properly to between potentially richer constituencies where a large allocate Barnett consequentials to Northern Ireland number of lottery tickets are bought, and constituencies and the other regions. Will the Minister undertake to that are in more need and receive a large amount of work with the Northern Ireland authorities and with lottery funding. If the hon. Lady can explain why that the Treasury to try to increase the number of contracts direct connection is important, I shall of course be won, even in the run-up to next year’s Olympics? delighted to help if I can. Hugh Robertson: Yes, of course I will. When I was in T3. [70610] Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): In the Northern Ireland earlier this year I visited a number of light of the digital radio action plan, can the Secretary the businesses that have won contracts, Ulster Weavers of State or a Minister assure us that the Government being a good example. As the ODA has to award the will specifically support local commercial radio contracts on a commercial basis there must be a good stations before the switchover? value-for-money case, but I will certainly do all that I can. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): Yes, T10. [70617] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): My we certainly intend to ensure that the move towards constituent Bethany Gutcher-Dunn is fascinated by digital radio does not discriminate against local commercial England’s heritage, and is now studying the reign of radio stations. Henry VIII at Aloeric primary school in Melksham. She has entered into correspondence with Her Majesty T6. [70613] Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) the Queen about the prohibitive cost of visiting the (Lab): There is a world of difference between a journalist historic royal palaces. Will the Minister consider who bribes a police officer for information and a journalist extending his support for the free museum entry policy who gets information from a police officer, freely given. to enable educational visits to these historic palaces? The former corrodes our democracy, while the latter protects it. In that light, is the Secretary of State concerned John Penrose: The Historic Royal Palaces organisation about the recent arrest of journalist Amelia is very successful at popularising its various buildings Hill? around the country and encouraging people to visit them, and I know that it makes every effort to reach out Mr Jeremy Hunt: As I know the hon. Gentleman will to educational organisations. Unfortunately, if we start understand, it would not be right for me to comment on to introduce additional subsidies, that would require a police matter, but I agree with him that there is an additional money, and, as my hon. Friend will know, important difference between off-the-record briefing there is not much money available given the awful and the payment of money by or to the police in return financial position we inherited. I will, however, be delighted for information. Journalists must operate within the to discuss this matter with him. law, but, as the Prime Minister told the Liaison Committee, as we go through this entire process we must be careful T8. [70615] Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton not to overreact in a way that would undermine the West) (Lab/Co-op): I welcome the earlier comments of foundations of a free society. the Minister for Sport and the Olympics about the state of football governance. When considering the Select T4. [70611] Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): Pendle Committee’s welcome report, will the Department work Leisure Trust sport development manager Joe Cooney with not only the football authorities but Supporters is working closely with Colne football club in helping it Direct and other football supporters’ organisations to to apply for iconic facilities funding for new changing ensure that football supporters have a role in the future rooms at its stadium, which is currently in a poor state governance of football? of repair. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that bids are encouraged from other groups in Mr Jeremy Hunt: We greatly welcome the Select Pendle and east Lancashire? Committee’s comments, and we will publish our official response in due course. We recognise that now is the The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh time for change in football governance, and one important Robertson): Part of Sport England’s “places people issue we want to look at is what can be done to boost play” initiative involves investment in inspired and iconic the role of supporters. I note the Select Committee’s facilities. In a sense my hon. Friend has answered his comments on changes to the Financial Services and 543 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 544

Markets Act 2000 to make it easier and less bureaucratic John Thurso (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross): for supporters to build up stakes in clubs so that they Preliminary estimates for the first quarter of 2011 suggest can have real ownership. that we are well on track to achieve the initial savings of some £12 million which were identified this time last Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): As the sun is year. The HOCC is committed to reducing spending by setting earlier every day over the beautiful beaches of at least 17% by 2014-15, and the detailed work on that Thanet and my seasonal businesses are closing down, stage of the savings programme is currently under way, what representations will the Department make to the with a consultation taking place during the autumn of Treasury and the Department for Business, Innovation Members, Members’ staff, House staff and others. and Skills about the Daylight Saving Bill and the impact it will have on tourism and jobs? Thomas Docherty: I am most grateful for that answer, and I know that both you, Mr Speaker, and the hon. John Penrose: As I said before, the essential point is Gentleman are committed to the House doing our bit. that while many people, especially in the tourism industry Has the HOCC had a chance to study the Administration and in the south of the country, are enthusiastic about Committee’s report on catering and retail services, and this move, it is important that we take the entire country does the hon. Gentleman agree it is vital that we not with us. In particular, it is important that we do not seek only raise more revenue where we can but save costs by, to impose a situation on, for instance, people and perhaps, trying to merge those services from the two businesses in the north of Scotland unfairly and without Houses? their consent. We will therefore take great care not to proceed without the consent of all parts of the UK. John Thurso: I have indeed had an opportunity to look at the report, which contains many good proposals. T9. [70616] Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): I On the two specific points, I can tell the hon. Gentleman, thank the Secretary of State for his recent letter to me first, that raising income will be a vital part of our regarding tourism ahead of the Olympics. I was future plans. Secondly, on shared services, this already concerned, however, that he listed the Lake district as a happens in respect of both Parliamentary Information local treasure of the Wirral, until I realised that the and Communications Technology—PICT—and estate same letter had been sent to all the north-west MPs. So services. I am sure that the authorities of both Houses that he can learn a bit more about the geography of will be looking to maximise this, as it is a sensible way to north-west England, will he visit one of our actual save money. treasures in the Wirral with me: Port Sunlight village, whose festival in July attracted 20,000 visitors?

Mr Jeremy Hunt: I will be delighted to do so as soon LEADER OF THE HOUSE as my diary permits. A key part of our tourism strategy is promoting regional tourism and encouraging people to visit what is on their regional doorstep. It was in that The Leader of the House was asked— spirit that we sent the hon. Lady that letter. Grand Committees

Mr Don Foster (Bath) (LD): The position of channels 2. Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): What on the television electronic programme guide influences recent consideration has been given to the role of the what we watch. Will the Secretary of State therefore Grand Committees of the House. [70619] explain why we allow some EPGs to list American cartoons way above the British content, given that we The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of want our children to watch more UK-originated content the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): The Welsh than American cartoons? Grand Committee and the Northern Ireland Grand Committee have a valuable contribution to make to the Mr Hunt: My right hon. Friend makes an important work of the House, and I am pleased that the Northern point. Position on the EPG will probably be the Ireland Grand Committee will be meeting again in Government’s single most important lever in protecting November, following the agreement of the House on our tradition of public service broadcasting. We are Tuesday. actively looking at how to make that situation better, if necessary using legislation. Mr Dodds: I thank the Deputy Leader of the House for his answer. Given the advent of devolution, opportunities for Members from Northern Ireland—I can speak only for them—are somewhat limited, so it is important that HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION meetings of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee take place. Will he ensure that there are more frequent meetings at which matters of relevance to the Province The hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter can be debated in more time than is available on the Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, Floor of the House? was asked— Savings Programme Mr Heath: I certainly hear what the right hon. Gentleman says and I am happy to speak to the Secretary of State 1. Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) for Northern Ireland to see what arrangements can be (Lab): What progress the House of Commons Commission made. Obviously, there are limits to the number of has made in its savings programme in the financial year times that any Grand Committee can sensibly meet, but to date; and if he will make a statement. [70618] I hear what the right hon. Gentleman says. 545 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 546

Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): Earlier this week, my adequate, responses to questions. We always try very excellent Whip informed me that on 20 October the hard within the Departments to make sure that people Welsh Grand Committee will be meeting in my constituency. get their questions answered properly and on time. If Does the Deputy Leader of the House agree that it was Departments fall short of those ideals, my right hon. extremely discourteous of the Government not even to Friend the Leader of the House and I are very happy to have told me about the meeting and for that information chase up those Departments to see whether we can to have been conveyed to me by my Whip rather than by improve the performance. However, I have to say that I somebody acting on behalf of the Government? do not think the performance is lacking at the moment.

Mr Heath: I am sure that no discourtesy was intended. Lobbying (Transparency) Of course the decisions of Grand Committees to meet are presented to the House, and so the hon. Gentleman 4. Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) would be aware of it by that means. I would have (Con): What steps he is taking to increase the thought that any discourtesy was more than outweighed transparency of the lobbying of hon. Members. [70621] by the convenience to him of having the Grand Committee meet in his constituency. The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of Parliamentary Questions the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): As my hon. Friend the Minister for Political and Constitutional 3. Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What recent Reform announced on 18 January, the Government estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of remain committed to creating a statutory register of lobbyists and are working towards developing proposals parliamentary questions for written answer. [70620] for that register. The Government hope to hold the The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of consultation exercise later this year before bringing the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): The average forward any necessary legislation in due course. cost to the taxpayer of a question for written answer is estimated at £239. In the financial year 2010-11, a total Stephen Phillips: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for of 46,825 written answers were published, at an estimated that answer. Given the erosion of trust among the total cost of about £11.2 million. public in politics and politicians over the past few years, will he ensure that that process proceeds as quickly as Mark Menzies: We would all agree that written possible and tell the House precisely when the register parliamentary questions are an important way of holding will be in place? the Government to account, but what steps is the Deputy Leader of the House proposing to take to limit exposure Mr Heath: I am grateful to the hon. and learned to the public purse? Should hon. Members be in more Gentleman and I entirely agree with him. This is a control of this process? priority issue and we need such a degree of transparency in the arrangements for lobbyists. As I said, we have a Mr Heath: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for consultation exercise and it would be wrong for me to that, but I really do not think it is for the Government prejudge it, but it is certainly our hope and intention to limit or try to ration the supply of questions, because, that we will be in a position to introduce legislation on as he says, it is very important that hon. Members have this matter in the next Session of Parliament, as has that opportunity to hold the Government to account. been indicated by my hon. Friend the Minister. However, I do think that hon. Members, like other public servants, should consider the impact of their House of Commons Reform activities on the public purse. It is particularly important to recognise that the right to table questions belongs to 6. Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): When hon. Members, and hon. Members alone. he plans to implement the remaining recommendations of the House of Commons Reform Committee’s report Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): Does the “Rebuilding the House”. [70623] Deputy Leader of the House agree that if he is to fulfil the Prime Minister’s pledge to The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George “increase the power of Parliament”, Young): This Government successfully implemented the he should be worrying less about the quantity of questions recommendation to establish a Backbench Business and more about the quality of the answers? What is he Committee, which I am sure that the hon. Gentleman going to do to ensure that Ministers give full and timely welcomed. The majority of the remaining recommendations responses to Members, and that they end the increasing of the Wright Committee are a matter for the House practice of giving holding answers to named day questions rather than Government. The Government will be bringing and transferring orals at very little notice? Or is this forward a Green Paper on intelligence and security later going to go the way of other prime ministerial pledges, this year in which we will make initial proposals on how such as those for more free votes on Bill Committees to reform the Intelligence and Security Committee. As and text updates on the progress of Bills? set out in the coalition agreement, the Government are committed to establishing a House business committee Mr Heath: The hon. Lady has a very short memory in 2013. span if she really thinks that this Government are performing worse than the Government of whom she Mr Allen: I congratulate the Leader of the House and was a member. I recall that many times her Government the Deputy Leader of the House on the swift way in were quite incapable of providing timely, or indeed which they brought before the House for decision the 547 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 548

Wright Committee proposals on the election of Select Ministerial Statements Committee Chairs by the whole House and the election of Select Committee members by their parties as well as 8. Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): What on the speedy creation of the Backbench Business assessment he has made of the process for using ministerial Committee. Will they sustain this great record by bringing statements to make major Government announcements. forward the pledge to create a proper business committee [70625] for this House so that we in this Chamber control the business in future rather than the Government we are 10. Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): What meant to be holding to account? assessment he has made of the process for using ministerial statements to make major Government Sir George Young: I am happy to repeat the assurance announcements. [70627] I have already given. It is in the coalition agreement that we are committed to establishing a House business The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of committee in 2013. We look forward to wide consultations the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): So far this with the hon. Gentleman and others about the best way Session, there have been 139 oral ministerial statements of delivering on that commitment. and more than 1,500 written ministerial statements made to the House. My assessment is that this Government have a much better record than the previous Government. Westminster Hall Pat Glass: The right hon. Gentleman has something of a reputation as a parliamentary reformer. Is he not 7. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): If he will concerned that that reputation is now under threat take steps to encourage Secretaries of State to given his churlish and I have to say uncharacteristic participate in debates in Westminster Hall pertaining to response to the Procedure Committee regarding ministerial their Department. [70624] statements?

The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George Mr Heath: I presume that the hon. Lady is referring Young): Westminster Hall debates are an important to the response from my right hon. Friend the Leader of mechanism for holding the Government to account. the House, but I can remember not a single occasion Secretaries of State do participate in debates in Westminster on which he has even hinted at churlishness, let alone Hall, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for expressed it in response to a Select Committee. Of International Development did recently. course we look carefully at what is proposed by Select Committees, and there will be times when we do not entirely agree with them for very good reasons, but that Mr Hollobone: May I make the Leader of the House does not mean that we do not respect what they say, aware that the Backbench Business Committee is keen while being prepared to argue our case in due course to allocate as many days to Backbench business in when relevant matters are debated in the Chamber. Westminster Hall as he will give the Committee? That task would be made easier were he to encourage his fellow Secretaries of State to attend, listen to and Mr McKenzie: Why is the hon. Gentleman so against respond to those debates. using Westminster Hall to ease the burden on this Chamber and allow us fully to scrutinise the misguided legislation that his Government are pushing through Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. the House? The Government have no ownership of the days in Westminster Hall—that falls between the Liaison Mr Heath: I am not sure that I entirely understand Committee and the Backbench Business Committee—but the hon. Gentleman. He is a new Member of the House I take to heart what he has said. My right hon. Friend and I hope he will not consider it patronising when I say the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster that he may not know why Westminster Hall sittings General, who attends Cabinet, will be speaking in a were first proposed, which was to allow for non-legislative debate in Westminster Hall next Thursday. and non-contentious business to be taken in a parallel Chamber while the House was sitting. It was not meant Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Following to create impossible dilemmas for Members in having to on from that, if Secretaries of State attended Westminster attend two important venues at the same time. Having Hall, perhaps Monday afternoon could be opened up said that, if we can make better use of Westminster Hall for Westminster Hall debates, and the general debates we are certainly open to doing so. If we can find other we used to have in this Chamber on defence and Europe ways of reducing the pressures on this Chamber then it could be held there? is better that we do so. The biggest difficulty that we have is the huge appetite that the House understandably has for hearing Ministers make statements and its proper Sir George Young: That is a helpful suggestion from appetite for scrutinising legislation fully and properly. my hon. Friend. He will know that the Procedure Committee is at the moment undertaking an inquiry into the calendar. Whether or not we open up Westminster E-petitions Hall on a Monday afternoon is a proposition that my hon. Friend could usefully share with my right hon. 9. Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): What plans Friend the Member for East Yorkshire (Mr Knight), he has to assess the effectiveness of the e-petitions who chairs that Committee. initiative. [70626] 549 Oral Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Oral Answers 550

The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of does mean that proper consideration is given to whether the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): The Leader the matter has been debated or will be debated in of the House’s office is constantly monitoring the another form or whether the Government have changed effectiveness of the e-petitions site. Following its launch, their policy to meet the concerns, which may be the case the site now hosts more than 6,500 petitions, which have in relation to at least one of the petitions that has received more than 1.5 million signatures. This already reached the required threshold. unprecedented interest in the site is a useful indicator of its effectiveness. For the first time, the e-petitions website Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): But does the Minister is not just graffiti, but offers the public an effective route agree with the Daily Mail, which says that this amounts for engaging with Parliament. to an e-petition con? The Government said to the public, “If 100,000 of you sign one of these petitions, Andrew Stephenson: I thank the Deputy Leader of there’ll be a debate.”What discussion did the Government the House for that answer—I was going to ask him have with the Backbench Business Committee about about the overall visitor numbers to the site and the how the time for those debates would be allocated? number of petitions already hosted on there. Will he Mr Heath: May I caution the hon. Lady, first against comment on the decision of the Backbench Business reading the Daily Mail, and secondly against agreeing Committee about the most popular two petitions’ not with what it says? The Government have never said that being discussed until we reconvene in October? when a petition reaches the threshold it will have an automatic right of debate. It will be considered with a Mr Heath: I think it would be entirely improper for view to seeing whether the matter raised has already me to answer on behalf of the Backbench Business been debated or is already going to be debated in a Committee, but let me make it clear that we have different context or whether the request has already provided a way for the public to engage with Parliament. been met by the Government. If there is then a need to What the petitioners want, presumably, is for the topic debate something that the public have registered as an they have raised either to be dealt with effectively by the interest, the Backbench Business Committee will respond Government or to be debated in due course by the to that request. That seems to me an entirely proper way House when the opportunity arises. The idea that when of doing things and it is a huge improvement on the old a petition reached the threshold there would be an No. 10 petition site on which the petitions went precisely immediate debate is not the purpose of the site, but it nowhere. 551 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 552

Business of the House As we have seen this week, despite its famous pause, the Health and Social Care Bill has failed to win the confidence of those working in the NHS. Meanwhile, 11.35 am more patients are waiting longer for operations, and (Leeds Central) (Lab): Will the Leader yesterday the Prime Minister was completely unable to of the House give us the forthcoming business? explain why. Is it because attention is being diverted elsewhere? The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir George On that subject, may we have a statement from the Young): The business for the week commencing Secretary of State for Health on reports that the Imperial 12 September will be as follows: College Healthcare NHS Trust has considered selling off St. Mary’s hospital in London—the place where MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility penicillin was discovered—for property speculation? It Bill. seems that it went as far as to start a tendering process involving six architects. How much NHS cash did that cost? TUESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER—Opposition Day [20th allotted Something else that is not safe in the Government’s day]. There will be a debate on an Opposition motion. hands is our countryside. After the forests sell-off fiasco, Subject to be announced. we now have the planning punch up. It takes a special WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER—Remaining stages of the talent to make a sworn enemy of the National Trust, Energy Bill [Lords]. but calling critics “nihilist” and “semi-hysterical” was not very clever, was it? When can we expect a statement THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER—Motion relating to food security and famine prevention in Africa, followed by on the further revisions to that guidance, which are now general debate on human rights in the Indian subcontinent. inevitable? The subjects for these debates were nominated by the Yesterday, a delegation from Bombardier came to the Backbench Business Committee. House to plead with the Government to reconsider The provisional business for the week commencing their decision to award the Thameslink train contract to 10 October will include: Germany instead of Derby. The Government’s refusal once again to listen, even though they have now admitted MONDAY 10 OCTOBER—Remaining stages of the that they can reopen the process, has angered Derby Protection of Freedoms Bill (day 1). city council. Its Conservative leader, Philip Hickson, was blunt: Hilary Benn: I am grateful to the Leader of the “I do not think they have grasped the widespread anger… the House for that reply, and I welcome him and Members Government have simply got things wrong”. on both sides of the House back from a busy summer. Finally, in recent months the Prime Minister’s strategy As this Sunday will mark the 10th anniversary of the chief, Mr , has proposed scrapping maternity 11 September attacks, I am sure that the whole House leave and health and safety laws, closing jobcentres and will wish to remember all those who lost their lives, replacing Government press officers with bloggers—there including the 66 British citizens. Our thoughts are with could be an opening there for the Leader of the House—all them and their families. ideas that have been slapped down by No. 10. This week The inquiry on the recent riots will produce an interim it is reported that Mr Hilton secretly asked a QC to report in November. Will the Leader of the House advise on how to challenge new employment rights for assure us that the Government will provide time for it to temporary workers being introduced by the Business be debated? Can we be told how many police officers’ Secretary. The Business Secretary was distinctly jobs could be saved by not spending £25 million on a unimpressed. A source in his Department said: delayed poll for costly police commissioners—just, it “Vince makes decisions on this policy… not Steve Hilton”. seems, to placate the Liberal Democrats? A Lib Dem observed: We welcome the opportunity that e-petitions will give the public to get things debated in Parliament, but the “Hilton is just a renegade.” Leader of the House will be aware that my hon. Friend I had thought that Mr Hilton was the Prime Minister’s the Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), chief , but when I pressed No. 10 on this I the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee, says was told that the Prime Minister knew nothing about it. that there are quite a few problems with that. Will he Could we be told how much this legal freelancing cost allocate more time for those and other Back-Bench and who exactly Mr Hilton works for? He seems to matters to be debated? come up with so many bad ideas, so may we have a statement from the Prime Minister listing his good ideas? Will the Leader of the House confirm that the autumn I am sure that that would appeal to you, Mr Speaker, statement is when the Chancellor will finally announce because it would not take very long. plan B, because plan A clearly is not working? The Government’s growth forecasts will have to be downgraded yet again, consumer confidence has never been lower Sir George Young: May I begin by thanking the right and the head of the International Monetary Fund has hon. Gentleman for his welcome back, which is just warned countries to adapt their austerity programmes reciprocated? He clearly spent the summer recess further by taking steps to improve growth, but the Chancellor is honing his skills of performance at the Dispatch Box, not listening. Indeed, the only thing he seems keen to do and we had another sparkling example this morning. is abolish the 50p tax rate. Does not that send a clear With regard to 9/11, he may know that there will be a message to hard-pressed families—that this Government commemorative service at Grosvenor square tomorrow, are more interested in millionaires than they are in at which the Government will be represented, which will middle England? provide an appropriate opportunity to remember the 553 Business of the House8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 554

[Sir George Young] On Steve Hilton, I am happy to say that he is a fellow cyclist, and therefore I am normally happy to defend UK citizens who died in that tragedy. On the riots, we what he says, but at the end of the day I have to say to need an appropriate opportunity to discuss the aftermath. the right hon. Gentleman that it is Ministers who make The Government have established a number of groups policy, not special advisers. to look at some of the implications, and I know that the House will want to revert to that subject in due course. Mr Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) (Con): Can the There will be an opportunity on Monday, when we Leader of the House tell us why in the near future we debate the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, are to go through the ridiculous ritual of putting our to consider the Government amendment to postpone clocks back by one hour, thereby plunging parts of the the elections for police and crime commissioners until country into darkness by mid-afternoon? Can we have a next November, and I am sure that he will want in statement on what the Government intend to do to principle to support the idea of the electoral accountability make better use of daylight hours? If, as I suspect, the of the commissioners. As my right hon. Friend the only opponents of change are a handful of Scots, Prime Minister said yesterday, we are not quite clear should not they be told, “Look, you’ve got your own why the Labour party is so frightened of having elections. Parliament, if you don’t like it we’ll give you the power On e-petitions, I have regular discussions with the to set your own time zone”? hon. Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), who chairs the Backbench Business Committee, Sir George Young: My right hon. Friend will know and am of course happy to have further discussions that the issue is the subject of a private Member’s Bill, with her so that we can make e-petitions a success. I was and I personally have form on it, in that I supported a pleased to see in the press notice that the Committee private Member’s Bill in a previous Parliament, proposing put out yesterday that it thinks that reform in that direction. I am not sure whether he was in Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport questions, when “the e-petitions site is a very welcome initiative.” my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet (Laura I want to work with her to ensure that this really takes Sandys) raised the same issue, but in response the root. Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media On the autumn statement, I would have thought that and Sport, my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super- the one thing that had become absolutely clear during Mare (John Penrose), spoke on behalf of the Government the summer recess is that those Governments who did in advocating a slightly more cautious approach than not take a firm grip of the fiscal situation ran the risk of that advocated by my right hon. Friend. losing market confidence and then paying a very high price to regain it. One of the things the coalition Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): The Government have done is avoid the loss of market Government launched the e-petitions website on the confidence by taking firm action last year. If the right last day before the summer recess, with little consultation, hon. Gentleman wants to go down the route of plan B, debate or agreement by the House. All of us warmly he runs the risk of losing market confidence in the same welcome the e-petitions initiative, and there is clearly a way other European countries have done. public demand for it, but, although the Government On the question of tax, I am sure that the right hon. have raised public expectations, they have passed Gentleman will welcome the fact that in the last Budget responsibility for what to do with that expectation to and the next one, around 25 million taxpayers will benefit the Backbench Business Committee. from the increase in personal allowances and over 1 million We are delighted to be involved with the initiative, people will have been taken out of tax entirely. and we very much want to ensure that it is a success, but On waiting lists, I followed the exchange yesterday we want to make it work properly and meaningfully. during Prime Minister’s questions. Overall there has The problem—and I address this point in part to the been very little change in waiting times since the general hon. Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson)—is that election. In one case, that of in-patients, waiting lists we cannot schedule for debate subjects raised by e-petitions have gone up, and in the case of out-patients they have unless the Government give us time to do so. Will the gone down, but overall there has been a huge increase in Leader of the House therefore meet not just me but the the number of people being treated, thanks to the extra Chair of the Procedure Committee, the right hon. Member resources we have put into the national health service, for East Yorkshire (Mr Knight), to discuss allocating which Labour would have denied it. extra time specifically to debate e-petitions in the short On planning, the right hon. Gentleman will know term, and to look at options such as setting up a that there is a document out for consultation, the national dedicated e-petitions committee in the long term? policy framework consultation, which ends next month. In the meantime, discussions are being held with the Sir George Young: I am grateful for what the hon. National Trust and others. He will have read the article Lady said at the beginning about e-petitions, and for by my right hon. Friends the Chancellor and the Secretary making it clear that she wants the new e-petitions of State for Communities and Local Government, which website to be a successful way for people to trigger made it absolutely clear where we stand on planning. debates in Parliament. We were in fact delivering a On Bombardier, the right hon. Gentleman will know coalition agreement in going ahead with the website, that the tender process was initiated and designed by his which is an improvement on the No. 10 website, in that Government. We used the criteria they set out to assess it links into the democratic process instead of ending the tender, and on those criteria it would clearly benefit simply at No. 10. passengers and taxpayers to allocate the tender to Siemens. I am conscious that over recent weeks and months we I was pleased to see that some 2,000 jobs will be created have not been able to allocate to the Backbench Business in this country by Siemens doing part of the work here. Committee as much time as the hon. Lady would like, 555 Business of the House8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 556 but that is due in part to the way in which the legislative type that he has described. I will draw the matter to the programme impacts on the parliamentary Session. I attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State very much hope that in the weeks and months ahead it for Work and Pensions to see whether any effective will be possible to allocate more time to the Backbench enforcement action can be taken to stop this undesirable Business Committee, and to give it the headroom that it practice. needs to accommodate debates about e-petitions. Two e-petitions have so far gone through the threshold, Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I encourage the Leader and in one case, as my hon. Friend the Deputy Leader of the House to find time for a full debate in this of the House said in response to an oral question, the Chamber on cutting the higher rate of income tax. If Government have responded. On Hillsborough, we have we are all in this together, where is the fairness to the made all the papers available from the Cabinet Office to rest of society in ensuring that Wayne Rooney gets an the independent panel, and we have made it clear that extra half a million pounds a year? we have no objection to them going into the public domain, so it may be that on Hillsborough the petitioners have achieved what they wanted. Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. He will know that issues relating to taxation are matters On the e-petition concerning riots, somebody may for the Chancellor at the Budget, and are therefore present themselves on Tuesday to the hon. Lady’s salon, usually matters for the Finance Bill. He may have heard and I hope that in due course it might then be possible at Treasury questions on Tuesday the exchange in which to debate the other one that has gone through the my right hon. Friend the Chancellor made it clear that threshold. the 50% rate was temporary and subject to a review by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to see how much Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): In light of the strong revenue it raises. That review will not be completed until interest in Parliament and from the public about all early next year. I know that my right hon. Friend will matters European, will my right hon. Friend consider take the views of my hon. Friend the Member for making Government time available for a full debate Colchester (Bob Russell) into account, along with others, about Europe and about the repatriation of powers to before he comes to his Budget judgment. Britain?

Sir George Young: I congratulate my hon. Friend on Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): the debate, which I think she had yesterday in Westminster Today is the launch of the It’s Liverpool, I’m Liverpool Hall, on precisely that subject. We did discuss at some campaign, which shows why the city is such a vibrant length the European Union Bill, when there was extensive and exciting place to live, work and study. It is also the debate about the repatriation of powers, and there are friendliest city in the country, according to a recent fairly regular debates, thanks to the European Scrutiny travellers’ survey. Will the Leader of the House join me Committee, on European-related issues. I cannot at this in backing the campaign, and can we have a debate on stage promise a full debate about the matters that she how the Government can support great British cities has raised, but I hope that the House will have an such as Liverpool? opportunity from time to time to listen to her views on Europe. Sir George Young: I endorse what the hon. Lady said about Liverpool. In a former Administration, along Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): with my right hon. Friend Lord Heseltine, I was part of Has the right hon. Gentleman seen early-day motion an initiative to assist Liverpool in the difficult time it 2138, which stands in my name and the names of a went through after the riots. I applaud her campaign number of hon. Members? and will see what more can be done by my colleagues at [That this House notes that those in Fallowfield applying the Department for Communities and Local Government for bar staff posts at Vodka Revolution, Wilmslow Road and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills are required to work for a full day for no pay under the to assist the regeneration that is under way. practice of trying out and are promised that they will be paid if appointed, then are not appointed; believes this Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset) practice to be unethical and possibly illegal; and further (Con): As the Leader of the House is fully aware, the believes that both potential employees and customers of ongoing saga over village greens and the upgrading of Vodka Revolution, Wilmslow Road should be made aware footpaths to bridle paths is not only costing the country of its policy on non-payment of those who work a trial a massive amount of money, but causing legal hurdles day and are not subsequently employed.] that go a long way back. In Somerset, there is a 22-year The motion describes how the Vodka Revolution drinking waiting list to try to get these matters through. Can we den in my constituency has the corrupt practice of please have time in this Chamber to discuss the telling job applicants that they should work for a day ramifications, costs, complexity and legal ambiguities and will be paid if they are appointed, but then does not of the way in which people, with no user evidence, get appoint them. It thereby has a stream of free labour. bridle paths and village greens put into planning applications Will he condemn this corrupt practice by these swindlers, right across the United Kingdom, such as in Bristol and will he ask the Secretary of State for Work and where it has caused problems? Pensions to investigate these disgraceful activities? Sir George Young: I am sorry to hear of the problems Sir George Young: I am sorry to hear about what is in my hon. Friend’s constituency and I suspect that they happening in the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency. may be replicated elsewhere. I will certainly raise the Of course I deplore any exploitation of labour of the issue with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State 557 Business of the House8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 558

[Sir George Young] in previous years that have been well attended and well supported. The Backbench Business Committee for Communities and Local Government to see whether might like to consider such a debate as an option for there is a simpler way of resolving it than the way he has October. just outlined. Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): Will John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Can we the Leader of the House join me in paying tribute to have a full statement on what compensation is available Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, the RAF Red Arrows for businesses and organisations affected by the riots pilot who sadly lost his life after the air show in and the looting? We have had a few hints, including Bournemouth on 20 August? Rather than eject from his from the Prime Minister, but a number of businesses, stricken aircraft, he was able to manoeuvre it away from including some in my constituency, face a pretty insecure a built-up area—an action that probably cost him his future because of the looting. Can we have a full life. He will be missed by his family, his friends, the statement so that we can question the relevant Minister? RAF community and indeed the nation.

Sir George Young: Rather than a statement, I think Sir George Young: I am sure that the whole House that what we want is practical assistance for the businesses will associate itself with the tribute that my hon. Friend that have been affected in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency. has paid to Jon Egging, who sadly lost his life a few He will know that a number of funds have been set up weeks ago. In addition to his work for the Red Arrows, with the specific objective of assisting firms that are in he saw active service in Afghanistan, which I think difficulties after the riots. I will draw the attention of should also be remembered. the Home Secretary to what he has just said and see whether we can get some practical assistance to the firms that are suffering in his patch. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Will the Leader of the House set the Bombardier decision in Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): I welcome context? There seems to be no apparent manufacturing my right hon. Friend’s comments about the e-petition plan or strategy for this country. Manufacturing is still initiative, but can he arrange for a statement to describe vital to our well-being and future, but there is no sign how the paper-based petitions signed by more than that this Government understand that a long-term strategy 100,000 people that call for a debate on High Speed 2 for manufacturing is essential. can be qualified as an e-petition, so that the issue might be debated in this Chamber and so that the many Sir George Young: I dispute what the hon. Gentleman thousands of people who perhaps do not have access to has just said. He may have seen the evidence given by the internet do not feel disfranchised? the Transport Secretary yesterday. It was the criteria set by the previous Government that led to this conclusion. Sir George Young: That is primarily a matter for the The Secretary for State for Business, Innovation and Backbench Business Committee, but my understanding Skills is now looking at the whole design of tender is that if somebody goes along on a Tuesday morning documents to see whether they can be in any way and says that they are speaking on behalf of a petition, adjusted so that the sorts of considerations that the it will be neutral whether the 100,000 signatures are on hon. Gentleman wants to be taken into account can be an e-petition or an ink-and-pen petition. I am sure that taken into account, perhaps in the way that other the process is neutral, but it does require somebody to countries seem to be able to do. be present on a Tuesday morning to place the bid. Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): The privately Natascha Engel indicated assent. owned port of Liverpool received more than £20 million of public money from this country and Europe to Sir George Young: I am happy to see the Chair of the develop a cruise liner terminal, with the explicit provision Backbench Business Committee nodding in assent at that cruises should not start or end there, but only call the principle of the equality of treatment that I have there. It now proposes to repay a quarter of this sum enunciated. over 15 years if the provision that it cannot have a turnaround facility is lifted. That would adversely affect Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): The House will know that the port of Southampton. May we have a statement 18 October marks anti-slavery day. In light of the huge from a Transport Minister on what seems to be a public concern about modern-day slavery and, in particular, calculated case of unfair competition now that it has the fact that more than 735,000 people in this country been revealed that Liverpool city council planned from have recently called on the Government to implement a the outset to get the port built and then renege on the system of guardianship for child trafficking victims, condition on which it was being done? does the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is an important and appropriate occasion for Ministers to Sir George Young: I understand my hon. Friend’s come before the House, respond to the petition and set concern on behalf of the port of Southampton. He will out their position on child trafficking? know that a consultation exercise is currently being carried out by the on the Sir George Young: The Government are firmly opposed proposal to allow turnaround cruises, to which he has to child trafficking. I will certainly contact the Home just referred. The consultation closes on 15 September. Secretary to see whether we need to make yet further If he wants to respond, his views will be taken into progress. We have had debates on anti-slavery days account along with those of other respondents. 559 Business of the House8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 560

Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East repatriated after committing crimes. However, I will Cleveland) (Lab): During the summer, the Department draw my hon. Friend’s remarks to the Minister’s attention for Work and Pensions sneaked out direction 23 on the to see whether there is further action that we might take. operation of crisis loans. It specifically excludes any claims by parents to help towards the purchase of Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): After months of school uniforms and simple school equipment such as campaigning, only two of the big six energy companies pencils and pencil cases. Was that discussed with the are still maintaining the practice of cold sales on the Department for Education, and what is the view of the doorstep. Will the Leader of the House find time for a Leader of the House? debate so that Parliament can put real pressure on E.ON UK and Scottish Power, which are being so Sir George Young: I think that I am right in saying recalcitrant over this important issue? that crisis loans cannot be used for school uniforms, but I will draw the attention of my right hon. Friend the Sir George Young: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman Secretary of State for Education to the hon. Gentleman’s for raising the profile of this issue. I will certainly see concerns. what action can be taken further to discourage the sort of cold-selling tactics that he has outlined, and I will Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): On 30 September we ask my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for will see the start of the 2011 Ilkley literary festival. Energy and Climate Change to write to him. [HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear!”] Thank you. May we have a debate on the positive impact of such highly Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): Croydon successful festivals in bringing the pleasure of reading college in my constituency has formed a partnership to young people? with the university of Sussex and is looking for accreditation as a university centre so that young people from across Sir George Young: I congratulate my hon. Friend on south London can study for a good degree, while living drawing the House’s attention to this. I hope that he at home, for fees much lower than most universities are might submit an entry to the festival so that his work charging. May we have a debate on what more we can can be considered along with that of others. I applaud do to ensure that young people from deprived backgrounds the work of his constituents, and his own work, in continue to have access to university? taking steps to promote and drive up standards of literacy in this country. Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. It is appalling that of the 80,000 pupils eligible for free school meals, only 40 went to Oxbridge. We are committed Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): to enabling more people from poor and disadvantaged Will the Leader of the House make arrangements for backgrounds to get to university by raising the maintenance an urgent statement from the Housing Minister on the grant, introducing a new national scholarship programme, consequences for social housing tenants of the and making the graduate repayment scheme much more Government’s new rules on under-occupancy? In progressive. On top of that, we are writing to sixth-formers Manchester on 1 April 2013, 14,000 families will either to draw attention to the financial support that is made have to find a smaller home or pay up to £18 a week available to students. I hope that we can improve on the more towards the cost of their rent. As a highly regarded figures that I mentioned. former Housing Minister himself, the right hon. Gentleman will recognise that this is not only unjust but unworkable. Mr (Warley) (Lab): Yesterday the Prime Minister told us that the extra cost of moving the Sir George Young: I have looked at the copy of Inside election of police commissioners to November would Housing where the survey that the right hon. Gentleman be £25 million, yet on Tuesday, Lord McNally, in a carried out in his constituency was reported and given reply to Lord Grocott, said that the cost of the alternative some prominence, and I read the article. I will convey vote referendum, held on the same day as other elections his concerns to the Housing Minister so that he can be across wide areas of the country, was £89 million—and aware of the possible impact of the change in the rules that is without the cost that falls on the Electoral and the introduction of the cap and see whether any Commission. May we have a statement to clarify the additional measures are necessary on top of the ones we real cost of this ridiculous November election and have already put in place. whether it will be borne by central Government and not fall on hard-pressed local councils? Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): In 2010, 27,500 crimes were committed by EU nationals. In Sir George Young: The election for police and crime response to a parliamentary question, it emerged that commissioners is England-only, whereas the other only 1,400 of those were sent home, with many having referendum was nationwide. The £25 million figure is agreed to go. Is it not time that we had a debate not only the correct one. As the Prime Minister said yesterday, on the free movement of labour but on how we, as a the cost of this will not come out of the police budget. country, treat foreign nationals who come to this country and commit crimes and whom we allow to stay living in Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Last month, I this country? had the privilege of joining the Metropolitan police on active patrol, and that increased my admiration, which Sir George Young: I think I am right in saying that my was already great, for the sterling work that the police hon. Friend the Minister for Immigration has taken force does on a day-to-basis to keep us safe. May we steps and we are now increasing the number of people have a statement on the impact on the Metropolitan 561 Business of the House8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 562

[Bob Blackman] identity before they are added to the register. I hope that that will reduce the sort of practices to which he police of the work that has had to be done since the refers. riots? My understanding is that they have been doing constant 12-hour shifts with no rest days and all leave Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): Further to the answer cancelled. The bill for that has come to some £62 million that the Leader of the House gave to my right hon. already, and the impact on police morale is dramatic. Friend the Member for Warley (Mr Spellar), we know It is essential that we ensure that that money is paid for that the moving of the elections of police commissioners by the Government and not by London council tax to November is going to cost an enormous sum of payers, and that we lessen the load on the Metropolitan money. May we have a statement on how the Government police. reached the decision to make this amendment to the proposal in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Sir George Young: My hon. Friend will know that a Bill? We are told that that was done to appease Liberal Select Committee inquiry into the riots is going on; my Democrat councillors. If that is how the Government right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave evidence to are making decisions and wasting public money, is it it today. We have made it clear that we will support the not a matter that should be discussed on the Floor of police regarding the additional costs they face to ensure the House? that front-line services are not hit. I will pursue with the Home Secretary the specific issue that my hon. Friend Sir George Young: Of course it is. That is why the has mentioned of the impact on London. Government have tabled an amendment to the Bill that will be debated on Monday. Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ Co-op): The Leader of the House will know that today Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): You will be aware, the Deputy Prime Minister slipped out a written ministerial Mr Speaker, that this year the Royal Mint is striking a statement on the establishment of a commission on the commemorative coin to celebrate the 400th anniversary West Lothian question; this was presumably to pre-empt of the publication of the King James Bible, yet, unlike the private Member’s Bill that will be debated tomorrow. many other commemorative coins, it will not be available Given the importance of this issue for Members across in general circulation. Obviously there are many different the House and in all parts of the UK, may we have an and varied religious faiths, but the Bible’s publication oral statement on the Government’s intentions and represents a significant point in the history of the thoughts behind that commission rather than leaving it English-speaking world. Can representations be made to some kind of backroom deal between the Government from the Government to the Royal Mint? and a rebellious and recalcitrant Back Bencher with a private Member’s Bill? This is an important issue for all Sir George Young: I understand my hon. Friend’s of us and I hope that the Leader of the House can do concern. I will raise this with the Chancellor of the something about it. Exchequer, whom I suspect has overall responsibility for it, and ask him to write to my hon. Friend with a response to his representations about making the coin Sir George Young: Written ministerial statements are legal tender. not slipped out; they are put on the Order Paper and they are in the public domain for everyone to see. This Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): one delivers on a commitment of the coalition Government You are aware, Mr Speaker, that sometimes in this to establish a commission to look at the West Lothian House wheels grind extremely slowly, but I was delighted question, and it should have come as no surprise to the to see that action had been taken on an early-day hon. Gentleman that we are taking it forward. If he motion that I tabled in July 1996 followed by a number looks at the WMS, he will see the timetable envisaged of letters, including to your good self. Will the Leader by my right hon. Friend in announcing its membership of the House congratulate those involved, including and terms of reference, as well as the time scale in which Bob Hughes, who is now in the House of Lords, my it will report. I hope that the hon. Gentleman might feel hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen North (Mr Doran), minded to give evidence to the commission when it is Mr Speaker and all those involved on getting a set up. commemorative plaque for Nelson Mandela in Westminster Hall? It is absolutely right that we commemorate the Mr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): Given that visit to this place of the greatest statesman of our time. local authorities are currently preparing their electoral registers for the forthcoming year, will the Government Sir George Young: It sounds to me that that was a make a statement to address the problem of individuals matter for the House rather than the Government, but who make multiple applications at different addresses the gestation period does seem to have been extremely by registering at a property they own but at which they long. do not reside, even when the property is occupied by others who are legitimately registered? Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) (Con): Given the successful roll-out of free schools, would it not be opportune for Sir George Young: It is an offence to provide false the House to discuss the free school programme shortly? information to electoral returning officers, and if that happens I hope they would pursue it. As my hon. Sir George Young: I welcome the fact that within a Friend will know, we are introducing individual electoral relatively short time some 24 free schools are up and registration, which will reduce the opportunity for fraud running, given that the legislation only hit the statute because people will have to provide some evidence of book in July last year. That compares favourably with 563 Business of the House8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 564 city technology colleges and academies, and many more review by the Department for Business, Innovation and free schools are in the pipeline. I hope that there will be Skills and the Treasury and, in July, they published the opportunities to take the debate forward, perhaps in evidence that they had called for. Westminster Hall, so that we can tell more people about On cheques clearing faster, my hon. Friend will know the success of free schools. Some of them have been that we now have instant banking, with money transfers established in the teeth of local resistance. taking place almost instantaneously. However, following the decision that cheques will not be withdrawn, the Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): As President Obama Payments Council is considering the options for speeding promised that Palestine would be a new member of the up cheque payments, which I hope will deal with the United Nations by this September, may we have a issue that he raises. debate on Palestine’s application for membership before the UK casts its vote, so that we can show our overwhelming Mrs Siân C. James ( East) (Lab): Is the support for a yes vote? Leader of the House aware of the problem of telephone cold-calling that offers same-day loans? It appears to Sir George Young: I understand that there was a have overtaken loan sharking in parts of my constituency debate in Westminster Hall on Tuesday on precisely and to be targeting those who have lost their jobs or that matter, so I do not think it would necessarily be the who are not able to raise loans through the normal best use of time to have yet another debate when we channels of the banking system. Will he issue a statement have already had one this week. on the matter?

Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): May we have a statement Sir George Young: I am sorry to hear about the about equal rights for parents? Two Harlow residents, practice that the hon. Lady refers to. I will draw it to the Mr Colin Riches and Mr Neil Colley, have been affected attention of the Under-Secretary of State for Business, by the inequality in the law which means that fathers do Innovation and Skills, my hon. Friend the Member for not have the same custody rights as mothers. They have Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), who has responsibility started an e-petition to get the matter looked at. Does for consumer protection, and ask him to write to her my right hon. Friend agree that the rules can be deeply outlining the steps that the Government believe can be unfair for families? taken to stop that practice.

Sir George Young: I know from my own constituency Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): During the past cases that many parents feel that the courts have acted year I have met two teachers in Pendle who have been against their best interest in decisions about the allocation assaulted while at work and, across the UK, 44 teachers of responsibility for children. At the end of the day it is have had to be rushed to hospital in the past year for a matter for the courts, but I will raise with my right serious injuries resulting from violence. Will the Leader hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor the question of the House grant us a debate on school discipline? of whether we need to look again at the legislation. Sir George Young: My hon. Friend will know that Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Mr Broughton, every day, some 900 pupils are excluded from school for one of my constituents, worked all his life until he had a the type of behaviour to which he refers. He may have stroke. He now suffers from angina, blocked arteries, seen the speech recently made by my right hon. Friend heart disease, hypertension, chronic kidney failure, arthritis, the Secretary of State for Education setting out steps to diabetes and other illnesses, yet when his assessment restoring discipline in schools, including removing the was done he was found to be ready for work. May we requirement that teachers should keep a record of each have a debate and discussion on why there is such a time they use physical restraint, overhauling the rules shambles in the Government’s medical assessments? on physical contact to make it clear that schools should not have a no-touch policy and stopping the requirement Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman will know for teachers to give 24 hours’ notice before issuing a that there is an opportunity to appeal against work detention. I hope that that will begin to address the assessments, and that we have instituted one review and problem that my hon. Friend describes. another is under way to examine all the processes and ensure that we get them right. I am sure the chairman of Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): The Leader of the the review process will take on board the comments that House will be fully aware that the Palestinian authorities he has just made. are applying for membership of the UN later this month. Will the Government make a statement fully Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Many of my constituents supporting the Palestinian people in their efforts to are very irritated with banking charges, chiefly because become a member of the UN? they are usually applied when they are in difficulties. They are also concerned about the length of time that it Sir George Young: Again, I have to say that on takes cheques to clear. Can we discuss these issues in Tuesday there was a debate in Westminster Hall on UN due course, especially in the light of the Vickers report, membership of a Palestinian state, in which the Minister which is imminent? who replied will have set out the Government’s position. I do not think another debate so soon after that one Sir George Young: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. would be the best use of parliamentary time. He will know that there is a commitment in the coalition agreement to introducing stronger consumer protection, Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Everyone including measures to end unfair banking and financial wants the e-petitions scheme to be a success, but according transaction charges. That is being taken forward in a to today’s Order Paper the Backbench Business Committee 565 Business of the House8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 566

[Mr Philip Hollobone] Sir George Young: We will have a debate on the matter on Monday when we debate the very Bill that has only five days to allocate in the six months between introduces police and crime commissioners. I do not now and the end of the Session, at the end of March understand this idea that we are using the back door, 2012. Does the Leader of the House realise that if the because it is in the Bill. There is nothing underhand scheme is to be a success, he simply needs to allocate about it at all; it is all in the public domain. more days? Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): The deficit Sir George Young: I have said on an earlier occasion reduction plan is a key priority for the Government. that whereas we are committed to 35 Backbench Business Will the Leader of the House agree to a debate on the Committee days in a normal Session, because this Session progress that has been made? Does he accept that is longer and will run on until next spring there will be history is extremely effective in contributing to such a more than 35. I also said in response to the hon. debate? Will he time the debate so that it comes out Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), after the political memoirs? who chairs the Committee, that we hope in the next few weeks and months to be able to allocate more days than Sir George Young: There is a lot of advice floating we have been able to in the past few weeks and months. around on how one reduces the deficit, but I thought As the bulk of the legislative programme passes through that the previous Chancellor put it well in his memoirs the House, that will free up more time for the Backbench when he said that Labour had no credible policy. Nothing Business Committee. has changed since he made that particular pronouncement. Jim McGovern (Dundee West) (Lab): May we have a debate on the subject of Government support for the Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): Dynamic computer games industry? As I am sure the Leader of Advertising in my constituency is threatened with closure the House is aware, calls for more Government support, due to the loss of a £90,000 contract with the Highways not only from the industry itself but from Committees Agency. That was a result of a Government moratorium of the House, are continuing to increase. Such a debate on spending in those departments. How can the would allow us to discuss ways of improving support, Government promote a jobs and growth agenda by for example tax incentives and increasing the scope of putting such small businesses out of business? May we the small firms research and development tax scheme, have an urgent debate on flatlining growth and the which would help companies in my constituency go consequences for the small business sector? from strength to strength. Sir George Young: Of course, I am sorry to hear of Sir George Young: I agree with what the hon. Gentleman any loss of jobs in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, says, and it is an industry in which this country has a but he should recognise that even if his party had won competitive advantage, with many of the market leaders. the last election, it would have had to make difficult He may like to apply for a debate in Westminster Hall decisions on public expenditure. There is no guarantee or on the Adjournment, so that he can make his case at all that, if his party had won the election, the Highways and then listen to the steps that the Government are Agency would have been able to continue spending at already taking to assist that innovative industry. the level that had been planned.

Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): Despite recent Government are taking us back to the time of Wilberforce media coverage, planning law has always had a presumption and should be congratulated. Then, mass petitioning in favour of development. However, economic development was how the public influenced Parliament, and now in my constituency is being stifled by Natural England, e-petitions will be. However, may we have a statement which seems to presume against development. This from the Leader of the House next week on e-petitions? matter cannot wait for the current consultation and any There is misunderstanding of how the system is working. changes, so may we have an urgent debate on it? The Backbench Business Committee did consider e-petitions this week, but not a single Member was there at our Sir George Young: As a former planning Minister, I public session to promote any e-petition. have some familiarity with the planning system. In 1990, the system was changed to a presumption in Sir George Young: My hon. Friend has performed a favour of the plan in order to introduce certainty into service in reminding everybody that in addition to a the system, and I believe that that remains the case. petition getting 100,000 signatures, somebody needs to What comes out of the recent debate in the press is go along on a Tuesday morning on behalf of the the importance of local authorities having a local plan, 100,000 petitioners. That may not have been fully so that there is some certainty on which areas are understood. I suspect that by next Tuesday it will have designated for development and which are not. The been, and that Members may present themselves and allegation is that if there is no plan, there will be a ask for a debate on the two subjects in question. free-for-all, but that is simply not the case. Authorities must continue to abide by the national policy framework, Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): May we have a which gives specific protection to the green belt, areas debate on the alternative vote? It appears that having of outstanding natural beauty and sites of special scientific lost the referendum, the Government seem to be sneaking interest. Although I cannot find time for such a debate, it in by the back door for the election of police and I would welcome one in order to put to bed some of the crime commissioners. myths that are flying around. 567 Business of the House8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 568

Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): Following Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): May we have on from my hon. Friends the Members for Wansbeck a statement or an urgent debate on access to cancer (Ian Lavery) and for Bolton West (Julie Hilling), may I services? I understand that the Department of Health ask the Leader of the House whether he has seen published a report on its website on 19 August that early-day motion 2135, which is signed by 60 Members contained some specific recommendations. Such a debate from both sides of the House, and which calls on the would be opportune, given that out of 28 cancer networks, Government to support Palestine’s membership of the the North of England Cancer Network figures worst in UN? terms of access, and has the seventh highest incidence [That this House recalls the target set by President of newly diagnosed cancers—Yorkshire is 27th. It would Obama last year of welcoming ‘a new member of the be useful if we could have a statement or debate on that. United Nations - an independent sovereign state of Palestine’ by September 2011, a target also endorsed by the EU and Sir George Young: The Government’s view is that the Quartet; notes that the World Bank, International those who are recommended by their general practitioner Monetary Fund, United Nations and EU have all reported to have a scan for cancer should have it as quickly as that Palestine is ready for statehood; recalls that Palestinian possible, and that any subsequent treatment should also negotiators entered talks with Israel and offered substantial take place as quickly as possible. I shall raise with the concessions; regrets that talks broke down because of Secretary of State for Health the particular problem Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to extend even a that the hon. Gentleman outlines and will ask my right partial freeze on illegal settlement-building; further notes hon. Friend to write to him. that Palestinians have recognised Israel since 1993 despite Israel’s refusal to recognise a Palestinian state; further Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): The Government’s notes that 122 countries with nearly 90 per cent. of the latest plans to reorganise the coastguard accepts the world’s population now recognised Palestine and even importance of local knowledge in retaining 24-hour among Israelis 48 per cent. support recognition and only coastguard stations. The closures of Crosby in my 41 per cent. oppose; and concludes that the way forward is constituency and of Clyde leave the whole north-west to recognise an independent Palestinian state alongside of England and west of Scotland coastlines without a Israel and support its admission to the UN because this single coastguard station. Will the Leader of the House will be the most effective guarantor of a resumption of urge the Secretary of State for Transport to reconsider negotiations and will also be the best protector of the the closures at Crosby and elsewhere before it is too late, rights not only of Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, because of the importance of local knowledge? but also of Palestinians living in Israel and of Palestinian refugees abroad.] Sir George Young: There will be an opportunity a The Leader of the House mentioned earlier an week today for the hon. Gentleman to raise his concerns Adjournment debate on Tuesday, in which the Government with the Secretary of State for Transport, who will be at Minister said that the Government reserved their position this Dispatch Box. The hon. Gentleman can ask my on the question of Palestinian membership. This matter right hon. Friend whether he is prepared to consider is being dealt with by the UN later this month, so it is of that proposition. some urgency. May we have an urgent debate or a statement so that the Government can take the temperature of the House on the need to support Palestine’s Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- membership? op): Is the Leader of the House aware that this week is the 20th anniversary of the ceasefire in the Western Sir George Young: The Government took the temperature Sahara? Will he consult Ministers and seek time for a of the House in that debate. I suspect that if there were statement or debate on the UK’s position on resolving another debate, the answer from the Minister would that conflict, and on how the Sahrawi can see justice be the same. There is an opportunity on 25 October sooner rather than later, rather than wait another at Foreign and Commonwealth Office questions to 20 years? raise that issue again, and I hope the hon. Gentleman takes it. Sir George Young: I understand the hon. Lady’s concern and I am grateful to her for raising it. I shall Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): May I probe the ask the Foreign Secretary to write to her to respond to Leader of the House once more for a debate in Government her question to see whether we can make some progress time, or indeed a statement by the Secretary of State for on this important issue. Energy and Climate Change, on the massive hike in energy prices—gas and electricity—for every household Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): In July, an answer to a in the country? I welcome this and the previous written question made it very clear that officials in the Government’s social tariffs, but they have been wiped Department for Education should not use Hotmail out by the massive increases. Five of the six last increases addresses to contact schools that were going for academy were in double digits. May we have a statement? The status. However, a press report last month said that that Prime Minister has said that he wants to curb excessive was happening. May we have a statement on what is price increases, so may we have an opportunity for the actually going on? Government to make their position clear? Sir George Young: There will be an opportunity on Sir George Young: I hope that there will be exactly Monday 17 October, but that seems a little far away, so I such an opportunity next Wednesday, when we debate will ask the Secretary of State for Education to write to the Energy Bill. the hon. Gentleman to clarify that matter. 569 Business of the House8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Business of the House 570

Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): The Leader therefore be addressed to the Chairman of the Liaison of the House responded to the hon. Member for Pendle Committee, who allocates debates of Select Committee (Andrew Stephenson) by referring him to a speech by reports. the Secretary of State for Education. The Leader of the House spoke of the formal recording of restraint of, Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): and use of force against, pupils in schools. He is clearly Last week, I spent two days with Hull Churches Home not aware that the Secretary of State for Education from Hospital Service, a wonderful organisation that made a written statement to the House on Monday in provides support to patients, families and carers. May which he made it clear that he no longer requires we have a debate in Government time on the role of schools formally to record the use of restraint and force such organisations, and on how we can secure their against pupils in schools. Clearly, one hand of the support during the chaos of the NHS reforms? Government does not know what is happening on the other. May we have an urgent debate, so that we can Sir George Young: I hope that the extra resources that know the Government’s position on the use of restraint the Government are putting into the NHS will mean and force against pupils in schools? that the more dramatic scenario that the hon. Lady paints will not take place. I would welcome such a debate, and perhaps she should like to apply for a Sir George Young: As I said a few moments ago, my debate on the Adjournment so that we can hear more understanding is that the Secretary of State has removed about the heroic work that is being carried out. the requirement that teachers should keep a record of each time they use physical restraint on pupils as part of Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and the initiative to rebalance discipline in the class, and to Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): May we have a Government give teachers more authority. The Secretary of State statement on the status of Her Majesty’s Revenue and will have seen this exchange, and if by any chance I have Customs’ change plan? A year after the spending review, not set out the position accurately, I know that he will the 500 staff in the Cumbernauld HMRC office remain write to the hon. Lady. in the dark about the impact of HMRC cuts on their jobs. Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): Further to the earlier exchange on Backbench Business Sir George Young: There was an opportunity on Committee time, the Leader of the House will be aware Tuesday to ask Treasury Ministers about the future of that a huge number of Select Committee reports, including the staff at Cumbernauld, but I will raise with the a Procedure Committee report, must be debated in the Financial Secretary to the Treasury that issue, and ask Chamber. Will he ensure that if additional time is him to write to the hon. Gentleman. found, it will also be made available for Select Committees? Mr Speaker: I must thank the Leader of the House and point out to colleagues that in 44 minutes consumed Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman will know by Back Benchers in business questions, 51 had the that the Liaison Committee has its own quota of time opportunity to question and receive an answer from the for debates, which sits alongside the time available to Leader of the House. I thank him and all colleagues for the Backbench Business Committee. His remarks should their extreme succinctness and self-discipline. 571 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Baha Mousa Inquiry 572

Baha Mousa Inquiry Wider than the battalion, there were also deficiencies in policies, orders and training relating to detention at 12.30 pm that time. The chairman noted that there was inadequate doctrine on prisoner handling and a “systemic failure” The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): that allowed knowledge of the prohibition on abusive With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a techniques put in place by the Heath Government to be statement on the report into the death of Mr Baha lost over the years. The report also confirms that the Mousa in Iraq in 2003. In any conflict, no matter what Army was underprepared for the task of handling the reason for our country’s involvement and no matter civilian detainees, having expected after the end of how difficult the circumstances, what separates us from war-fighting to provide humanitarian aid rather than our adversaries are the values with which we prosecute become involved in counter-insurgency activities. it and the ethics that guide our actions. To represent Since this incident in 2003, six different Defence Britain, in war as well as in peace, is to represent our Secretaries have stood at this Dispatch Box. I am sure inherent democratic values, the rule of law and respect that they all regret that it has taken so long to get to the for life. When those values are transgressed, it is vital bottom of what happened and that even now the refusal that we get to the bottom of what has happened, are of some involved to tell the whole truth means that it open about the issues and their causes, ensure that what has not been possible to establish the full extent of the reparations we can make are made and do all that we culpability of individuals. Their behaviour is a matter can to prevent it from happening again. Only in that for their own consciences, but others must take responsibility way can we ensure that those values hold firm in how for the wider failures and deficiencies, and this report we think of ourselves and in how others perceive us. does not mean that our investigations of mistreatment I am today laying before the House the independent of detainees are over. The evidence from the inquiry will report published this morning by Sir William Gage as now be reviewed to see whether more can be done to chairman of the public inquiry into the circumstances bring those responsible to justice. It would therefore not surrounding the death of Mr Baha Mousa in Iraq in be appropriate to comment in the House on specific 2003. I am grateful to Sir William and his team, who individuals and their role in this appalling episode. have produced a report that is sober, focused and detailed. Above all, I believe it to be both fair and balanced. It is, I have asked the Chief of the General Staff, where however, a painful and difficult read. As the report sets individuals are still serving, to consider what action is out: necessary to ensure that the Army’s ethical standards are upheld. That is occurring through the chain of “Baha Mousa was subject to violent and cowardly abuse and assaults by British Servicemen whose job it was to guard him and command as we speak. The investigations of the Iraq treat him humanely”. historic allegations team, which started work last November, are now well under way and are revealing evidence of That was the primary cause of his death. The inquiry some concern. It is too early to comment on what the was rightly set up in 2008 by the previous Government conclusions of the IHAT investigations might be, but with the intent of shining a spotlight on the events cases will be referred to the Director of Service Prosecutions, surrounding the death of Baha Mousa and to provide if and when there is sufficient evidence to justify that. the most definitive account possible in the circumstances. It does that comprehensively. What happened to Baha Since 2003, action taken by the MOD and the Army Mousa and his fellow detainees in September 2003 was to address failings as they were identified has touched deplorable, shocking and shameful. The Ministry of every aspect of the prisoner-handling system, from Defence and the Army have previously made a full policy and doctrine to ground-level directives, as well apology to the family of Baha Mousa and to his fellow as training and oversight. The changes wrought have detainees and have paid compensation to them. been fundamental. The Army Inspector’s report in 2010, We can take some limited comfort that incidents like validated by an independent expert adviser, is one example this are extremely rare, but we cannot be satisfied by of the detailed scrutiny applied to the training and that. Given the seriousness of this case, there is a series doctrine for handling detainees. I assure the House that of questions that I have asked myself and that other there is a commitment to continuous improvement at all Members will ask too. Among these are: who was levels inside and outside the armed forces. responsible and what happened to them as a consequence? As the report acknowledges, further positive changes What action has been taken to prevent a recurrence? Do have been made as a result of matters that emerged we have the right protection in place today in Afghanistan? from evidence heard during this inquiry’s final module— And, of course, how will the Government respond to module 4—which was a thorough scrutiny of our current the recommendations made in the report? On responsibility, detention policies, practices and training. The Minister the report makes clear the extent of the failings of for the Armed Forces and I take a close personal individuals, the MOD and the armed forces at the time interest in detention matters in Afghanistan, and I am and in earlier years. In addition to the shocking displays confident that our approach to detention there has of brutality for which individuals were responsible, it is improved markedly since the period rightly criticised in also clear that there were serious failings in command this report. However, we are in no way complacent and discipline in 1st Battalion the Queen’s Lancashire about the issues identified by Sir William, and I can Regiment. There was a lack of clarity in the allocation inform the House that I am accepting in principle all his of responsibility for the prisoner-handling process, and recommendations with one reservation. It is vital that sadly, too, there was a lack of moral courage to report we retain the techniques necessary to secure swiftly, in abuse. However, it must be acknowledged that a small appropriate circumstances, the intelligence that can save number behaved with both integrity and courage in lives. I am afraid that I cannot accept the recommendation reporting what they had witnessed. They are examples that we institute a blanket ban, during tactical questioning, of how others should have behaved. on the use of certain verbal and non-physical techniques. 573 Baha Mousa Inquiry8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Baha Mousa Inquiry 574

[Dr Liam Fox] armed forces in general. It is important that those in our forces hear that we remain proud of their bravery I share some of Sir William’s concerns, however, so I and professionalism, whether they are the 100,000 soldiers have asked the Chief of the Defence Staff to ensure that who previously served in Iraq in the recent past or those that approach is used only by defined people in defined in Afghanistan or Libya operations today. All too many circumstances. among their number have lost their lives or been injured Between 2003 and 2008, 179 British personnel were to have their reputations attacked in that way. In killed in Iraq serving their country, and many more Afghanistan, it is essential not only that our forces returned injured. In autumn 2003, 1st Battalion the know that we are proud of their behaviour, but that Queen’s Lancashire Regiment faced an immensely difficult Afghan civilians hear it loudly, too. challenge as it attempted to bring law and order to a I would like to put on record my thanks to Sir William large area that had been subject to a brutally oppressive Gage and his inquiry team for their report, which is regime for many years. As Sir William acknowledges, both forensic and frightening. It now seems clear that the issues addressed in his report perhaps as many as two dozen members of the Army, “need to be understood in the operational context in which they including some in the chain of command, knew about occurred: the tempo of operations; the poor state of the local the 93 injuries inflicted during those 36 hellish hours. civilian infrastructure; a daily threat to life from both civilian The Secretary of State has outlined the details of the unrest and an increasing insurgency; the deaths of fellow service events, but it is deeply worrying that it now seems clear personnel and incessant oppressive heat. In combination these that there was a failure in the Army’s justice system, factors made huge demands on soldiers serving in Iraq in 2003.” including in the court martial and the chain of command, There are few of us sitting in the comfort of the House and that incomplete assurances were given to Ministers. of Commons who can claim to understand what that must have been like. However, the vast majority of It is right that politicians should avoid interfering in armed forces personnel faced these same challenges and the criminal justice system in general and in military did not behave in the way outlined in this report. They justice processes specifically, but that is sustainable only represent the fine ethical values found day in and day where the processes work and are demonstrated to be out in our armed forces, and we must not allow the working. The report finds that multiple assaults took unspeakable actions of a very few to damage the reputation place in a confined space, including by senior NCOs, of the whole. and that there was a I want to make it clear that Baha Mousa was not a “loss of discipline and lack of moral courage” casualty of war. His death occurred while he was a to report the abuse. In accepting today’s recommendations, detainee in British custody.It was avoidable and preventable, it is crucial that the Government take forward the and there can be no excuses. There is no place in our proposal that those service personnel who reported armed forces for the mistreatment of detainees, and abuse or who make complaints against their peers about there is no place for a perverted sense of loyalty that the mistreatment of captured personnel should be afforded turns a blind eye to wrongdoing or erects a wall of protection. silence to cover it up. If any serviceman or woman, no The report raises some serious questions; I wish to matter the colour of uniform that they wear, is found to address just three, one of which the Secretary of State have betrayed the values this country stands for and the has already anticipated. He has stated that he accepts standards that we hold dear, they will be held to account. all but one of the 73 recommendations. He intends to Ultimately, whatever the circumstances, rules or regulations, retain the right to exercise the harsh approach in tactical people know the difference between right and wrong. questioning. There will be concerns in the House and We will not allow the behaviour of individuals who elsewhere about that, so can he share further with the cross that line to taint the reputation of the armed House the details as to why he wishes to retain the forces, of which the British people are rightly proud. ability to enforce the harsh approach? I commend this statement to the House. Secondly, the Secretary of State mentioned this in Mr (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): I thank passing, but back in 1972, Ted Heath banned the use of the Secretary of State for a strong statement. The whole the five techniques used in Northern Ireland during House will welcome the way in which he is personally internment. Those techniques returned, despite being dealing with this difficult matter. I also welcome his prohibited, albeit not banned, in the way that Prime courtesy in this morning allowing me early sight of the Minister Heath had anticipated. The report suggests 1,400-page report into this horrific incident. It is a that legislation is not needed to ban those five techniques. shocking episode, from which we must learn serious However, will the Secretary of State look further at and lasting lessons. We all feel profound regret at the whether there will be an early opportunity to change loss of Mr Baha Mousa’s life in British Army custody. armed forces legislation through the Armed Forces Bill, His death in itself is tragic; that it appears that there was which is currently in their lordships’ House, to implement a cover-up afterwards compounds that tragedy. It is any parts of the report that would require legislative essential that our armed forces take responsibility for change? I am sure that he agrees that if legislative all actions committed during conflict. Our strength change were needed, it would be wrong to wait five years relies not only on our firepower, but on the standards for the next armed forces Bill. and ethics that we uphold and on which we pride Finally, although the Secretary of State is right that ourselves. This incident is a brutal violation of those we should not name individuals on the Floor of the standards. House today, the report finds that individuals did not Like the Secretary of State, I want to make it clear give full and accurate evidence about what happened that although the report is damning about the actions and that there was a refusal to reveal identities. Previously, of some in the Army in 2003, it is not a reflection of our soldiers were given exemption from prosecution during 575 Baha Mousa Inquiry8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Baha Mousa Inquiry 576 this process. However, in addition to fresh Army disciplinary agree completely with what he said, including his reticence procedures that are currently being undertaken, will about the banning of non-physical harsh methodology. fresh legal processes now be initiated in the light of This incident was a dreadful stain on our very fine armed today’s report? Those named in the report surely cannot forces, and I welcome his comments about the continued hide from justice behind their silence or their evasion in efforts to pursue those who still evade responsibility for the court martial process, or be protected by a calculated their appalling behaviour. cover-up by their peers in the Army or a failure to act in There are two areas that I want to ask the Secretary the Army’s chain of command. of State about. As with the Aitken report, this incident In conclusion, on the eve of the 10th anniversary of has again exposed the problems with corporate memory, 9/11, it is compulsory that UK forces should continue which has come up in other areas, such as the loss of the to behave in a way that is alien to our foes. When our Hercules and the coroner’s inquiry into that. What forces have to detain someone, that detainee is both in ongoing work, as I know that some work has been our custody and in our care. There is strong support done, is the right hon. Gentleman doing to try to on this side of the House for the report and the improve—no organisation can be perfect—this issue of recommendations, and for the Government’s reaction corporate memory in the Ministry of Defence? What to it. However, the consequence of the report must be are he and his Ministers doing to continue to show an that never again should anyone be subject to such interest in detention facilities? No matter what rules brutality and lose their life because they are in British and regulations are in force, if the top of the chain of custody. command and Ministers themselves are not constantly vigilant in overseeing from the top the methods being Dr Fox: I am very grateful to the shadow Secretary of used, the facilities provided and how they are being run, State for his response and for the way in which he there will be lapses. Are the right hon. Gentleman and phrased it. He is quite right that the report in no way his Ministers continuing to be vigilant in respect of our reflects on the general behaviour of our armed forces; facilities and how they are being used in Afghanistan indeed, the whole reason why we are discussing this case and elsewhere? is that it was a shocking deviation from the normal standards of behaviour that we have seen from our Dr Fox: The answer to the final question is emphatically armed forces. He is correct that a number of individuals yes. The Minister for the Armed Forces and I have are still serving. We are looking at the evidence in recently inspected detention facilities in Afghanistan. detail—it is obviously a very large report—and as I We also have a rigorous system of reporting in place have said, the chain of command is looking at how where every allegation is reported, recorded and those individuals still in the armed forces might be investigated, which is a huge difference from what happened treated, although I expect a number of suspensions back in 2003. If I may say so, the Ministry of Defence today. strategic detention policy that the right hon. Gentleman The right hon. Gentleman raised a number of issues published when he was Secretary of State is one of the about the harsh approach to questioning and why we ways in which we are codifying policy to ensure that should adopt it. First, I should say to the House that corporate memory is not lost. The procedures for the so-called harsh approach involves a short burst of improvements in training, the very clear delineation of shouting—defined as a short, sharp shock—to bring a what is acceptable and what is not acceptable and the captured person back to the realisation of their situation. writing down of these training materials are the means It is not a violent technique, but it has produced information by which, I hope, these dreadful and almost unbelievable that has led to both civilian and military lives being lapses in corporate memory will not be allowed to saved. To deprive our armed forces of techniques that happen again. can make them safer and protect the population both here and abroad would be wrong. Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): This is a dark day for The right hon. Gentleman asked whether we needed the British Army. Does the Secretary of State agree a change to the law in respect of the five techniques that with me that the criminals who were responsible for were outlawed by the Heath Government back in 1972. this should be brought before the courts so that we can My understanding is that we do not—they are absolutely secure the good name of Her Majesty’s forces, which banned, as is currently made clear in training—but I are made up of good, honourable people—men and will look to see whether doing that would reinforce the women—who have been let down by a few thugs and position and whether our legal experts believe it to be the cowardliness of those who have baulked justice? necessary. As for the right hon. Gentleman’s point about exemptions Dr Fox: If I may, I will disagree with my hon. Friend, from prosecution based on evidence, let me be clear that as I do not believe that this is a dark day for the Army; it there was an exemption from prosecution based on an is a dark day for a small number of individuals who individual’s own evidence, not an exemption from have damaged the Army’s reputation for high ethical prosecution based on the evidence of others that came conduct. The vast majority of the British Army behaves out in the inquiry. Both military and civilian prosecuting in a way in which the whole House could be utterly authorities will be looking closely at the evidence to see proud. My hon. Friend is right, however, that those whether it is possible to bring more of those involved to involved need to be pursued, that justice needs to be justice. done and that we need to see what evidence comes from the report. Where new evidence is brought to light, we Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): need to try to break through this wall of silence—this I thank the Secretary of State for the content of his misguided sense of loyalty—that prevents wrongdoing statement and for the tone in which he delivered it. I from being properly addressed. 577 Baha Mousa Inquiry8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Baha Mousa Inquiry 578

Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): to ensure that when such situations are likely, officers It is fair to say that the whole House commends the brief their men on exactly how they should act? In Secretary of State and his ministerial team for their circumstances that we have heard about, as they apply continued vigilance on this issue, but will he assure us to the Baha Mousa case, will my right hon. Friend that all the individuals who are either found to be guilty ensure that supervision by officers and non-commissioned or refuse to co-operate will be stripped of their Army officers is as close as it possibly can be in order to stop pensions? weak people, who might also be thugs, from acting appallingly? Dr Fox: As I have said, we are looking at what evidence is emerging from the report. I have asked the Dr Fox: In many professions, the whole point of Chief of the General Staff to look at it and, through the professional training is to get individuals to behave chain of command, to take the appropriate measures. under stressful circumstances in the same way as they Of course, anything that is done will have to be done would at any other time. That applies in the medical within the law of the land. profession, and it applies to the Army. My hon. Friend is right to point to the duty of officers both to supervise Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Both Front and guide those they lead. One of the most appalling Benchers and Back Benchers who have spoken so far failures set out in the Baha Mousa inquiry was the have all quite rightly concentrated on the ethical dimension failure of those in command generally to supervise and of this terrible case, but is the Secretary of State satisfied guide those for whom they were responsible. My hon. that the significance of abuses of this sort to counter- Friend makes a very important point. insurgency campaigning and the way in which they play into the hands of our enemies is sufficiently stressed by John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): the heads of the armed services to the people on the Following the question from the hon. Member for New front line? Forest East (Dr Lewis), will the Secretary of State take the opportunity to stress that the ethical dimension Dr Fox: I am, and it is an essential part of counter- cannot be separated from the UK’s national interest? insurgency—and successful counter-insurgency—that we Holding our armed forces to a higher standard than are seen to protect the population concerned. The many other regimes is, ultimately, necessary if we are to improvements made to training, to facilities, to detainee protect UK interests and spread the values that we hold handling and, indeed, to the current training of the dear across the world? Afghan forces on how to do the same will ensure that, although we can never remove the risk of such incidents Dr Fox: I completely agree with the hon. Gentleman. happening, we can certainly minimise that risk. What we do says who we are, and it is our behaviour, not our words, that defines how we are perceived and Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): I acknowledge the the ethical values that we represent. tenor of the Defence Secretary’s statement on this grave matter. Will he tell us more about what Sir William has Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): There said about the extent of the failings of the Ministry of is clearly a balance to be struck in the use of tactical Defence itself in relation to these matters? When he questioning. We need to protect the prisoner from abuse speaks about allowing the harsh approach to continue, but we also need to protect our service personnel from as used by defined people in defined circumstances, who allegations of abuse. Will the Secretary of State undertake will define the people and the circumstances in future? to recommunicate the current guidelines and limits to Will the techniques involved in the short, sharp verbal all service personnel? treatment include any threat to detainees, their families or their communities? Dr Fox: I will certainly examine whether there is a need to do that, and if there is, I will certainly do so. As Dr Fox: The mechanisms and approaches are set out I have said, compared with the period in 2003 that the in the appropriate training manuals and are emphasised report examines, we now have a system in which every during the training process. It is a matter of great regret allegation is reported, recorded and investigated, and that there was, as the former Secretary of State, the right detainees are asked at various stages whether they have hon. Member for Coventry North East (Mr Ainsworth) any complaints about their treatment. The way in which has said, a loss of institutional memory in the Ministry we now conduct these operations could not be more of Defence. I personally find it difficult to understand different from the way that is set out in the inquiry. We how a statement given by a Prime Minister on the Floor have learned some very important lessons, but the tragedy of this House outlawing five interrogation techniques is that victims such as Baha Mousa were part of that could be “forgotten” by the body corporate. There was learning process. a lack of codification, which has, I think, been put right in recent years. I share the disbelief that such a corporate Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): George Orwell memory failure could be allowed to occur. wrote: “We sleep peaceably in our beds at night only because rough Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): To follow up what men stand ready to do violence on our behalf.” my hon. and good Friend the Member for New Forest Does the Secretary of State agree that the armed forces East (Dr Lewis) has said, I would like to take it to a are unique because, along with certain elements of the lower level: when people are frightened, scared out of police, they are armed and authorised to use lethal force their wits, very tired and have lost friends, they sometimes on behalf of the state? Does he also agree that it is for lose their moral compass. Is my right hon. Friend that reason that we must never allow the principles of instructing battalion commanders and brigade commanders integrity and moral courage to be eroded, regardless of 579 Baha Mousa Inquiry8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Baha Mousa Inquiry 580 the circumstances in which our soldiers find themselves, between tactical questioning and interrogation? Also, and that we must never allow our rightful admiration how can we ensure that this kind of thuggish activity for our armed forces to lead us to turn a blind eye to does not become a recruiting sergeant for those who abuses such as this? oppose the operations that we are undertaking or endanger the lives of armed forces personnel? Dr Fox: I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. He is quite right. It is worth remembering that liberty is Dr Fox: I believe that such activity has been reduced not the natural state of affairs; it has to be fought for in to the lowest possible level by the measures that have every place and by every generation, and that sometimes been taken. The way in which we conduct operations in requires us to take on forces of fanaticism that require Afghanistan is very different from what occurred in rough or violent ways of engaging with them. Our Iraq, and that has been one of the major reasons for the armed forces are indeed licensed to use lethal force in success of the counter-insurgency campaign in Afghanistan. the protection of the state, but they also have to operate My hon. Friend asked about the difference between within the law, both domestic and international. They tactical questioning and interrogation. Tactical questioning have to conform to the highest ethical standards, not is defined as only because they represent this country but because it “the obtaining of information of a tactical nature from captured is by operating according to those ethical standards that persons…the value of which could deteriorate or be lost altogether their use of lethal force gains the acceptance of the if the questioning was delayed”. British public. That is obviously something that takes place close to the point of capture. Interrogation is defined as Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): Although “the systematic, longer-term questioning of a selected individual there can be no excuse for the horrors inflicted on by a trained and qualified interrogator”. Mr Mousa, will my right hon. Friend reiterate that the That would normally take place in purpose-built facilities, enemies of this country must not be allowed to portray as it does in Afghanistan at the present time. the brutal actions of a few as an indictment of the 120,000 servicemen and women who gave heroic and exemplary service in Iraq, not least the two Tamworth Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): I am grateful soldiers, Private Leon Spicer and Private Phillip Hewett, to the Secretary of State for his statement, and I pay who gave their lives in Iraq, and for Iraq, in 2005? tribute to the way in which he has responded to our questions. Further to the question from my hon. Friend Dr Fox: I agree; it is indeed testimony to the quality the Member for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport (Oliver and ethical behaviour of our armed forces that we are Colvile) on tactical questioning and interrogation, may examining the behaviour of only a very small number of I ask the Secretary of State what he meant by the term the 120,000 who served. However, as my hon. Friend “harsh approach” that he used in his statement? says, there are no excuses, and the behaviour of a small number can taint the reputation of the many. That is Dr Fox: As I said in response to an earlier question, why there can be no hiding place for this kind of the harsh approach is a short, sharp shock. It is used to behaviour. ensure that the shock of capture is maintained, and to give us information. As well as extracting intelligence Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I that can be used immediately on the ground—for example, welcome the statement and the report, but will the information on where enemy forces or improvised explosive Secretary of State tell us why this has taken so long to devices are—it can also be used to identify those who achieve, given that the incident took place more than a will go on into a further interrogation process. I believe decade ago? that it is a necessary part of our weaponry in dealing with the threats that our armed forces face. That is why, Dr Fox: The incident took place some eight years although I was sympathetic to some of the issues that ago. In setting out this morning why the report took Sir William raised on this subject, I was unable fully to such a long time to produce—some three years—Sir accept that recommendation. William explained the complexities involved and the fact that the team had wanted to go into very great David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con): I detail to ensure that as much information as possible hope that my right hon. Friend would agree that, no was put into the public domain, that the full history of matter what shame has been brought on our armed the detainee operations was set out, and that the context forces as a result of this incident, it is in no way could be fully understood. He also said in his statement representative of the history and record of that fine this morning that it would be for others to judge whether regiment. the time had been well spent. The report is very long and detailed, but it is actually very readable, and any Dr Fox: In no way does the incident reflect upon the Member who takes the time to look at it will come to very proud history of the regiment, but those who were the conclusion that Sir William’s time was extremely involved need to ask themselves whether their behaviour well spent. contributed to its proud history. That includes those who were involved in violent behaviour and those who Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) showed a lack of leadership. They are the ones who (Con): I thank my right hon. Friend for putting forward need to ask themselves questions, not those in the his case so clearly. Will he tell me what the difference is broader regiment. 581 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 582

Fixed-term Parliaments Bill “We believe that both government and Parliament should recognise the need for constraints on the process of constitutional Consideration of Lords message change so that a situation whereby the government is effectively able to change the constitution at will may be avoided.” 1.8 pm (Rhondda) (Lab): I am sure that the The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark Minister was not going to suggest that the Constitution Harper): I beg to move, That this House insists on its Committee supported the Bill. As he knows, it clearly disagreement with the Lords in their amendments 1, 2 does not. and 9 but proposes the following amendment to the Bill in lieu of those amendments:— Mr Harper: I did not say that it did. I said that it had (a) Page 3, line 23, at end insert— misgivings about the fact that there had been no opportunity ‘(4) The Prime Minister must make arrangements— for pre-legislative scrutiny because this was a first-Session Bill. My point was that in its recent report—and not (a) for a committee to carry out a review of the operation of just in the paragraph that I quoted; throughout the this Act and, if appropriate in consequence of its findings, to make recommendations for the repeal or amendment of this Act, report—it had said that constitutional change should and be carried out properly. The idea that constitutional provisions such as this should be switched on and off (b) for the publication of the committee’s findings and recommendations (if any). through simple resolutions rather than through the proper legislative process, which involves consideration (5) A majority of the members of the committee are to be members of the House of Commons. by both Houses of Parliament, is not appropriate. We agree with the sentiment expressed in the paragraph (6) Arrangements under subsection (4)(a) are to be made no that I have just read out, which is why we oppose Lord earlier than 1 June 2020 and no later than 30 November 2020.’. Pannick’s amendments. Given that Lord Pannick is a The Government have been prepared, both in this member of the Constitution Committee and presumably House and the other place, to consider and support supports the proper conduct of constitutional change, amendments that improve the provisions of the Bill. it is surprising that he is trying to insert in the Bill That is the normal process for refining and agreeing something that we do not think appropriate. legislation. However—again, quite normally—we have consistently opposed amendments that would wreck We should also bear in mind that both Houses recently the Bill. Members of this House and those in the other engaged in a debate similar to this during the passage of place have had a chance to debate the Bill at length, and what is now the European Union Act 2011, and that one issue remains outstanding: whether or not there both Houses decided that it would not be appropriate should be a sunset clause. Some have called it as a to include a sunset provision in that Act. In the debate, sunrise clause, and it was referred to in the other place Lord Lamont wisely noted that a sunset provision was as a Lazarus clause. not appropriate because it would provide for primary legislation to be reversed by a simple resolution. We We have discussed Lord Pannick’s amendments—which believe that the Lords amendments would have the inserted the sunset clause—before, and they were roundly same effect on this Bill, turning important amendments defeated by 312 votes to 243, because they offended to the statute book on and off without proper scrutiny. against the principle of the Bill: that parliamentary terms should be of a fixed length, and that the legislation The report of the European Scrutiny Committee on should apply to each Parliament in the normal way the European Union Bill states: unless repealed through the normal considered legislative “All Parliaments legislate for the future. Laws passed by one process. Parliament do not contain a sunset clause at the Dissolution. The real point is whether a government can, in law, make it difficult The Bill as we would have it rightly does not attempt for a future Parliament to amend or repeal the legislation it has to entrench parliamentary terms. If a future Parliament passed; in our view it cannot. Our conclusion therefore is wishes to move away from fixed terms, it may of course straightforward—that an Act of Parliament applies until it is do so by either amending or repealing the legislation. repealed”. We have, however, maintained consistently that a That can also be said of the Fixed-term Parliaments constitutional change such as a move towards or away Bill. Should a future Parliament wish to amend or from fixed-term Parliaments is not a small matter, and repeal the legislation, it could of course do so, but we that it should be subject to the full scrutiny of Parliament, believe that it should do so through the normal legislative as this Bill has indeed been. In contrast, the sunset process, not simply by passing, or failing to pass, a amendments passed by their lordships would switch resolution. fixed terms on and off like a light switch, defaulting to That, however, is not the only problem with the non-fixed terms if a simple resolution failed to be tabled Lords amendments. They clearly assume that it would or, if it is passed, to “sunrise” provisions for fixed terms. be possible for the Prime Minister to regain the option In our view, it is clearly not appropriate for constitutional of asking Her Majesty the Queen to dissolve Parliament, legislation to be applied or disapplied simply as a result but it is entirely possible that, by failing to provide for of a resolution, and such changes should be made only the prerogative power to dissolve to be reinstated, they following the normal legislative process. That view appears have left matters in the position where neither the rules to be shared by the Lords Constitution Committee, in the Bill nor the previous prerogative powers can have whatever its misgivings about the lack of pre-legislative effect. Indeed, it is worth asking whether it is possible to scrutiny for first-Session Bills. Its recent report on the reinstate a prerogative power that has been removed. It process of constitutional change emphasises the need should also be noted that the United Kingdom Parliament for proper scrutiny of such constitutional changes. A did not think it appropriate to include sunset clauses particularly relevant paragraph states: when legislating for fixed terms for the Scottish Parliament, 583 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 584 the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly. As for my hon. Friend’s point about the House business It is not entirely clear why it should consider it appropriate committee, it would of course deal with the business to “sunset” the fixed terms for this Parliament. of the House. The committee set up by the Prime Minister would have to consist of a certain number of 1.15 pm Members of Parliament—although it would not be composed entirely of Members of Parliament—to make Let us be clear: the Government believe that the recommendations. It would not deal with the timetabling sunset amendments would wreck the Bill and the principle of parliamentary business. My hon. Friend is, of course, of the Bill, which is why we oppose them. Our view was a big supporter of both the Backbench Business Committee shared by others in the House of Lords. Lord Dobbs and the establishment of a House business committee. noted that the sole purpose of the amendments was to “wreck” the Bill, and went on to say: “This issue has effectively been decided in this House and in Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): another place, whether we like it or agree with it or not. I would Will the Minister clarify three points? First, why has he not say that to support a sunset clause on this occasion is chosen 1 June 2020 as the start date, rather than immediately unethical, but it is entirely inappropriate. We do not use it on any after the general election on the first Thursday of May? of the other constitutional Bills; it is not the time to start doing it Secondly, does he expect the whole process to take place now.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 18 July 2011; Vol. 729, between 1 June and 30 November 2020? Thirdly, why c. 1096.] have the Government not specified how many people Nevertheless, I have no doubt that the Members of will be on the committee? Surely that would have been a the other place who gave us the amendments in the first reasonable thing to do. place, and have given them back to us unchanged, have good intentions. I know that they are concerned about Mr Harper: We chose 2020 in order to ensure that the the major constitutional change to fixed-term Parliaments, committee has had the experience of a full fixed term. and the abandoning of the current system whereby the After all, the Bill is not law yet. We argue that a fixed Prime Minister has the power to call a general election term is good not only because that takes that power whenever it suits his political purposes. I believe that the away from the Prime Minister, but because it enables us change that we propose is a good one—it works in to have a much more sensible set of arrangements. I many other countries, and in the devolved legislatures—but hope it might mean that we would no longer need to I understand why any significant change is apt to cause have a wash-up process, because everybody would know concern. That is why the system of post-legislative when the parliamentary term would end. It may also scrutiny exists, making it possible to consider whether help with handling pre-legislative scrutiny at the front measures are working and to make recommendations. end of the process—something for which we have been We recognise the concerns that have been expressed, criticised. If a Government can be certain when a and we wish to give formal reassurance of a kind that is Parliament starts, how long it will last and how much consistent with the principle of the Bill. Our amendment time they will have, that will enable them to plan their in lieu, which we tabled last Friday and which we wish legislative programme, including pre-legislative scrutiny, to substitute for Lord Pannick’s three amendments, through that Session, which may result in some would provide that the Prime Minister must make improvements. Such benefits will be properly seen only arrangements to set up a committee to review the Bill’s in the Parliament beginning in 2015; they will not be operation after the first full fixed term, in 2020. Those seen in this Parliament because the arrangements were arrangements would require the committee, if appropriate, not in place from the beginning of it. That is the reason to make recommendations for the repeal or amendment for the 2020 date. of the Act. That provides a categorical reassurance that The reason for the other two dates that the hon. the Bill will be given full post-legislative scrutiny. It is a Gentleman mentioned is simply to make sure that the much better solution than simply allowing a significant commitment to set up a Committee is not open ended, piece of legislation to lapse. in which case some people might lack confidence in whether the Prime Minister would set it up. The Prime Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Listening to Minister has to set it up between those two dates; those the Minister’s opening remarks, I entirely agreed with dates refer to the arrangements to set up the Committee. him that there was no need for a sunset clause, but [Interruption.] Well, it would depend on what the shortly afterwards he spoke of a review allowing the Committee was looking at and how long that would opportunity for such a clause. If there is no need for take. It will not have to report by 30 November. That it—I agree with him on that—why bother to table the seemed an appropriate situation, and it is only a short amendment? Moreover, I do not think that it will be period after the date of an election, so it did not seem to possible for the Prime Minister to organise a review in be an undue delay. 2020, because by then there will be a House business committee, and it will be for it to make the decision. Thomas Docherty: Coalition negotiations! Mr Harper: The amendment in lieu does not concern a sunset provision. If the committee that was set up, Mr Harper: I disagree with what the hon. Gentleman having examined the operation of the Act and of fixed says from a sedentary position. He is reading too much terms, concluded that the Act should be amended or, into this. indeed, repealed, it could make such recommendations, but Parliament would then have to go through the full Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. normal legislative process, with its checks and balances. This is not a private conversation. Members’ comments There would not be a simple on-off provision that could need to be recorded and reported in Hansard. If the be triggered in some constitutionally innovative way. hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Thomas 585 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 586

[Madam Deputy Speaker] Mr Harper: That is a perfectly good question. The Bill sets up arrangements for a review of its operation in Docherty) wants to intervene on the Minister, I am sure general. It is not an overly constrained review, therefore. the Minister will give way, but comments made from a The Committee would be able to look at the effects in sedentary position across the Chamber are not helpful. the round and make appropriate recommendations that this House and the other place could then consider. Mr Harper: This arrangement would also allow time I hope the amendment in lieu will address some of after the general election for the new Parliament to the concerns expressed in the other place. Indeed, the meet. It did not seem appropriate to set an aggressive Chair of the Constitution Committee, Baroness Jay, timetable and force overly hasty decision making. The said during the consideration of Commons amendments timetable is set out so that people can have confidence that the Bill should be subject to some form of post- that the committee will be set up. legislative scrutiny. I hope she and other Members will find our amendment in lieu acceptable. Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): As the Minister It has also been suggested that the Lords amendments knows, I thought the Bill was unnecessary and said so would alter this Chamber’s relationship with the other on Second Reading, but I cannot support the Lords place, as they would provide that the Bill’s provisions amendments, because they seem equally unnecessary. for a fixed term could be “revived” only through a Given that the Bill is primarily about the mechanism resolution of both Houses, which would concede an for the Dissolution of Parliament, which takes place at element of our primacy to the other place. I share that the end of a Parliament and over a short period, why do view. We can envisage a situation in which this House is we have to wait until 2020 to review it? wholly in favour of reinstating fixed terms but is stymied by what amounts to a power of veto given to the other, unelected, House. That cannot be right. If we send a Mr Harper: If my hon. Friend thinks back to our clear message to those in the other place on this issue, earlier debates on the Bill and its effects, he will remember letting them know we do not want, nor have ever that this is not just a mechanical process to do with the wanted, a sunset clause to these provisions, then I am detail of the Dissolution itself. Rather, it is about the sure they will listen. consequences that flow from that. Much of our debate revolved around what will happen to the nature of the parliamentary process if we have fixed terms—what will Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): Would the be the benefits and potential negative consequences. Minister change his mind on that point if the other The reason for looking at it after a full fixed term is to place were partially or fully elected? enable the committee to consider whether, as I would hope, the positive aspects of having fixed terms have Mr Harper: The right hon. Gentleman is leaping far come about. The point of that timing is to enable us to ahead. We are considering this Bill now. Meanwhile, consider whether the possible positive outcomes we our reform proposals for the House of Lords have been debated have come about, and alternatively whether published and are being scrutinised by the relevant some of the concerns that have been expressed on both Joint Committee. If at some point in future it is decided sides of the House have been proved accurate, and then to change the arrangements under this Bill, that can be to make some recommendations and publish a report. done in the normal way. The Bill can be amended or As a consequence, this House will be in a good position repealed through the normal legislative process. We are to debate the matter and discover whether further legislation not seeking to constrain that. We are simply saying that is needed. the rather novel constitutional provisions that the Lords has inserted are inappropriate to a constitutional Bill. Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): So far, the Minister has focused on the fixed-term Parliament aspect of the Chris Bryant: Let me raise a few protest points at the Bill, but there is also the constituency aspect. Will the outset. First, the Bill started its lengthy process on review that the amendment would allow also be able to 22 July last year. In the normal course of parliamentary look at issues such as whether the number of constituencies business, this parliamentary Session would have come should be fixed at 600 or there should be more flexibility, to an end by now and therefore this Bill would already and whether the boundary reviews should take place have fallen, so it would not be becoming law. Indeed, every five years? there would have been a point at which the House of Lords would have been able to hold the Government’s Mr Harper: The hon. Gentleman took part in many feet to the fire so as to extract greater concessions from debates on the Parliamentary Voting System and them. I merely note that the Government have managed Constituencies Bill before it was enacted, and he will to give themselves a two-year Session. When the Leader remember that we set up a similar type of review of the House announced that that was going to be the mechanism to look at the operation of that legislation case, I complained that it would give added powers to in respect of parliamentary boundaries. A similar type the Government. This is yet another example of how of post-legislative scrutiny and review was set up to the Government have abused the constitution over the consider precisely those issues in that legislation, therefore. past year. I hope that deals with the hon. Gentleman’s concerns. Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): The hon. Andrew Percy: Will the Minister also look at the Gentleman is wrong. We were both elected in 2001, so I question of the term of the Parliament, which we have am sure he will recall that in both the 2001 and 2005 discussed before? Parliaments the first Session lasted about 18 or 19 months. 587 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 588

Chris Bryant: No, we would now be in the mop-up The amendment, in essence, confesses that the session, and during that time there would be many Government have not achieved consensus on a major other Bills that would need to be dealt with in limited constitutional change. Again, I say gently to the Minister time. Indeed, there are plenty of other Bills clamouring that when any constitutional change is being made, for time in this Chamber at present. That is precisely my especially when pre-legislative scrutiny has not been point. There is no pressure on the Government to come undertaken, when no draft legislation has been produced, to an agreement because they have another six months when the change was not adumbrated in one of the in which to do so. governing parties’ manifestos and when it is a significant change from what was in the manifesto of either of the 1.30 pm two governing parties, it is all the more important that Ministers and the Government in general proceed on Mr Bone: The shadow Minister of course makes a the basis of consensus. Although I am often a fierce fair point, but to balance it we have to give credit to the critic of the House of Lords, of its hereditary principle Government for introducing fixed one-year Sessions in and of its appointment principle—I call it the “patronage future. There is another side to this, although he makes principle”—I believe that the Lords plays an important a fair point. stop-gap role in constitutional affairs. That is why I believe that this amendment owns up to the fact that, as Chris Bryant: I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s Lord Butler of Brockwell put it, this legislation has support for my argument. been introduced The other process point that I wish to make is that “without proper consultation, preparation or consideration.”— the lords debated their amendments in July and the [Official Report, House of Lords, 18 July 2011; Vol. 729, c. 1080.] Government tabled their amendment last Friday, but For many years, we relished listening in this Chamber to the amendment was not available in the Vote Office Lord Cormack, the greatest par-li-a-ment-ar-i-an of his until this morning—that was despite my having asked age—he used about seven syllables when saying that for it on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I had no word. As he said, this is an access to the amendment tabled by the Government “ill thought-out, unnecessary and bad Bill.”—[Official Report, until today. I understand it to be normal practice, just as House of Lords, 18 July 2011; Vol. 729, c. 1087.] a matter of courtesy, for ministerial offices to write to shadow spokespeople when the Government table There are specific problems with this amendment, amendments to Bills in which the spokespeople have most notably because it does not add anything. If their been involved, in order to give them notification. I say lordships think that it is a concession, they are completely gently to the Minister that it would have been nice if he mistaken, because already the Government will have to had been able to notify us of amendments. undertake post-legislative scrutiny on this legislation in the next Parliament. All the amendment does is provide It would also have been good if the Whips Office had, for another version of post-legislative scrutiny, but such instead of stating categorically all this week, until about scrutiny will already have taken place four years before 3 pm yesterday, that we were not going to be dealing the date in 2020 when the amendment suggests it should with this Bill this afternoon, owned up to the truth, occur. which was that the intention was always to deal with this Bill this afternoon. Indeed, the Whips Office had I am somewhat of a suspicious mind; I think that the told the Minister so, and the fact that this Bill was going reason why the Deputy Prime Minister has insisted on to be discussed this afternoon had been set out in his this date in 2020 is his ambition to put up joint Liberal diary for several weeks. Democrat-Conservative candidates at the next general election and to be able to continue the coalition for two Mr Bone: The shadow Minister makes a good point parliamentary Sessions. I say that because it was not an about the Whips Office. Will he be here tomorrow to immaculate conception that led to this constitutional support my Bill abolishing the Whips Office? Bill; it was conceived behind the bike sheds as a result of the coalition partners—the Conservatives and the Liberal Chris Bryant: I am happy to abolish the Government Democrats—trying to fix the length of this parliamentary Whips Office, but I am very fond of my Whips Office. It Session so that nobody could abscond should any difficulties is always best to remain in as good an odour as possible arise. [Interruption.] I am not sure whether the hon. with one’s Whips. Member for Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy) is just waving to me or whether he would like to intervene. It The simple point of process is that when the Leader appears that he wishes to intervene. of the House announces in the future business—as has been said, we hope that the Backbench Business Committee will do this in future—that consideration of Lords Andrew Percy: The hon. Gentleman’s argument about amendments may take place, he never specifies the Bill joint candidates falls down because he needs to be able to which that relates. That is an unfortunate way of to find someone willing to stand as a Conservative and doing business, and it might make much more sense if, Liberal Democrat candidate. in future, the Government were to announce the Bills in question. If every Member of the House had known at Chris Bryant: I believe that earlier this week the the beginning of the week that we were going to be Prime Minister described himself as a, “Pragmatic liberal dealing with this Bill today, the Chamber might have conservative Eurosceptic”—he used different arrangements been packed to the rafters—I note that it is not. That is of those words in different arenas, as is his wont. despite the fact that we are sure to hear a wonderful In addition, the amendment presumes that not only speech from the hon. Member for Epping Forest this Parliament, but a second one will run for a full five (Mrs Laing), and many would have crowded in just to years. If that was not the case, choosing to specify dates see her jacket this afternoon. in June and November 2020 would be particularly 589 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 590

[Chris Bryant] towards having double the number we have in this House. None the less, while this is a democratically bizarre, as they might fall two years into another Session. elected House and that is not, it would make more sense This is where the following statement by Lord Armstrong for the majority from this House to be 2:1. of Ilminster is correct, although I confess that I do not I note en passant that one Member of the Joint quite understand the first bit: Committee on House of Lords Reform—not from the “It is all Lombard Street to a China orange that the time will Opposition side of the House—pointed out that having come when a premature Dissolution would be to the manifest such a large number of members of a Joint Committee benefit of the country”.——[Official Report, House of Lords, makes it very difficult to do serious business. It is quite 18 July 2011; Vol. 729, c. 1088.] difficult with large Select Committees, but with 24 or I think that that is true. If we consider the recent 26 members of a Joint Committee of both Houses, it is history of the United Kingdom, we see that even on phenomenally difficult to make progress. occasions when the Government had a decent majority, such as in 1964 and 1974—although the latter situation Mr Bone rose— was more complicated—they decided to hold a new election because they felt that they needed a mandate to Chris Bryant: Of course I will give way to the hon. deal with a specific set of issues that had not arisen at and gentlemanly Gentleman. the previous general election. I believe that that will happen again and that it will be in the interests of Parliament to have the greatest degree of flexibility to Mr Bone: I was just reflecting on the numbers. Are allow it to happen, if not to encourage it to happen. there not about 800 peers and 600-odd Members of this That is why this amendment, in trying to entrench not House? I think the hon. Gentleman’s calculations are just one fixed term, but two—in the interests of the slightly wrong. coalition rather than the country—is misguided. As I said, the amendment adds nothing because post-legislative Chris Bryant: Yes, I was noting the acceleration. The scrutiny, a fixed part of the way in which we carry out coalition has a commitment in its agreement that it will our business, will apply to this legislation. keep appointing more Member of the House of Lords until the numbers mirror the representation in the House The Minister, charming as he is, tried to assert that of Commons. That means that they have another 269 to fixed-term Parliaments are used in Scotland, Wales and appoint. We are pretty much getting on for having up to Northern Ireland, as well as in relation to local government double the number of Members at that end as there are elections and so on. However, these do not seem to have here. In addition, the Government want to elect some been very fixed in the past few years. Indeed, in the Members so that if the Government get their way, short time that he has been in power he has already without sensible amendments from the Opposition, we changed the term for the Welsh Assembly, the Northern will have twice as many Members of the House of Ireland Assembly, the Scottish Parliament and the local Lords as of the House of Commons. government elections in Northern Ireland. Now the Government have just decided that there will not be a The Minister said that the danger of a sunset clause fixed term for the police commissioners, because the would be that it would be like switching a light bulb on first term will be slightly shorter than the second one, as and off. What he fails to understand is something that the Government are not going to be able to get their some of us have been arguing for through several Bills—that legislation through in time to have elections next May is, many of the measures contained in the Bill would be and so the first elections will take place next November. far better dealt with through the Standing Orders of So I am profoundly sceptical even about the ability of this House, particularly anything to do with a no confidence the hard-line fixed-termers, such as him, to deliver a motion. There is a danger that otherwise they will be fixed-term Parliament, because of the way in which justiciable in the courts. He refuses to accept that. If it politics works. had been a question of Standing Orders, then as with I wish to make a few comments about the specifics of any other Standing Order this would be a matter for the the amendment. It states: House to change. It would not need three readings, nor would it have to go to two Houses; it would just be a “A majority of the members of the committee are to be members of the House of Commons.” matter of a simple vote. I do not believe that the Government consulted anyone The Minister sets his mind against sunset clauses, but in the Opposition on this amendment. I am sure that I remember when he used to sit over on the Opposition had the Minister done so, he would now be leaping to Benches—what halcyon days—and used to campaign his feet to defend himself—it appears, therefore, that he for sunset clauses galore on Government legislation. has not sought a consensus on this constitutional change. With virtually every change we introduced through If consultation had taken place, we might have made legislation on security and policing, for instance, the some suggestions about how to constitute such a committee. then Opposition demanded a sunset clause. On civil It might have been better to state from the outset that it liberties, control orders and all these different elements should involve Members of the House of Commons. of legislation there was a campaign from Opposition I think that we should return to the practice of the 15th Members saying that there must be a sunset clause. and 16th centuries—I am sure I have one hon. Member Quite often, we succumbed to that campaign and we on my side here—which was that Joint Committees of put them in. In a large amount of our civil liberties both Houses should have two Members of the House of legislation, there were sunset clauses and provisions had Commons for every Member of the House of Lords. to be renewed every year. I admit that that was at a time when there were perhaps One of the most significant sunset clauses in our 60 or 70 Members of the House of Lords and 480 or so constitution refers to the inability of the Crown to have of the House of Commons, whereas they are getting a standing Army unless there is a vote in the House of 591 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 592

Commons every five years. That is a sunset clause on because the Bill would allow for the extension of Parliament the single most important part of our constitution: beyond five years—possibly to five years and two months— namely, the Crown’s ability to defend the country. The and that Act expressly prevents the Speaker from forcing Minister is completely wrong to invent this new concept the Bill on their lordships. The hon. Gentleman is that we cannot have a sunset clause in a constitutional absolutely right: your lordships, stand firm. Bill—and only in such a Bill. The Minister also said that there are no sunset clauses Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): The Lords in relation to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, amendment we are debating requires the Bill’s provisions but the single difference between this case and those to be renewed if they are to be used in each future instances is that there was absolutely no consultation Parliament, but the Pannick amendment defeats the with the wider public on this legislation. As for setting purpose of the Bill by permitting fixed-term Parliaments up devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, only if agreed by both Houses in a future Parliament. It there was lengthy and protracted cross-party consensus effectively annuls the provisions of the Bill unless both on precisely how everything should be set up. I think he Houses of every future Parliament vote to put the is whispering something about the Conservatives not provisions back in place. agreeing to devolution in Scotland, but we rejoice that the sinner repenteth. They had the opportunity to take The Lords amendment is effectively a wrecking part in that lengthy process of consultation and that is amendment, because it does not even require a resolution surely the proper process for changing the constitution. to be brought forward to annul the provisions—it is the other way around. Resolutions have to be put forward Let me come to my penultimate point. The Minister in future Parliaments to re-establish the provisions. That says that those in the Lords who have presented is completely unnecessary, because if a future Parliament amendments have good intentions, but he reminds me wanted to amend this Bill, it could do so through the of something that happened when I went to a theatre a normal process of legislation. The amendment simply few years ago. There was a couple who had had a creates an unnecessary layer of law and its real purpose terrible row sitting in front of me and just before the is to wreck the Bill. It would have been better if the play started, the woman turned to the man and said, Lords had simply been honest about it and voted against “And the worst of it is that you’re so blasted pate-ronising.” the Bill rather than trying to insert this clause, which is He kissed her on the forehead and said, “It’s pat-ronising, simply a wrecking measure by another route. dear.” The Government’s new amendment, which I support, To be honest, I thought the Minister’s approach to provides to the Lords a reasonable compromise in that their lordships—who are senior constitutional experts it allows post-legislative scrutiny after we have seen the and have seen many of the corridors of power far more effects of the Bill through the full cycle. I urge the extensively than he or I—was downright patronising. I House to accept the Government’s amendment and think they have come up with a good solution. The reject the Lords’ wrecking amendment. coalition Government can have their five years and there will be a general election in 2015 unless one of the Members for Bedfordshire manages to split the Prime Thomas Docherty: May I begin by asking the Minister Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister from one to answer the third question I posed to him? In some another, but thereafter it should be for the House of ways, it is the most important—it is the question about Commons and the House of Lords to decide whether to the size of the proposed Committee. I have a huge continue with this legislation. amount of respect for the Minister and I think he I am sure that the Government Whips, through their secretly enjoys coming along on a Thursday lunchtime nefarious processes, will have engineered that there are and spending some time with right hon. and hon. plenty of people to see off their lordships’ amendment Friends on his side and on ours. We have excellent this afternoon, but I tell their lordships that the Government debates and he engages well with them. I suspect that are attempting to get them to sell their soul for a mess of the reason why we have such a poorly drafted offer from pottage. The Government amendment is not an amendment the Deputy Prime Minister and why the Minister has that is worth supporting— signed it off on behalf of the Prime Minister is that he knows the Lords will have to reject it, because it is so badly written, and he will be able to come back next 1.45 pm week or in October and have another swing at this. The Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con) rose— proposition offered on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister opens up many questions that have not been answered about the size and remit of the Committee. Chris Bryant: The hon. Gentleman is a fine, tall gentleman, so I give way to him. One could reasonably say that the Bill will have an impact not only on the workings of both Houses but on Jacob Rees-Mogg: I am very grateful to the hon. the devolved Administrations and on the local authority Gentleman for giving way. While he is urging their elections that subsequently take place, because we would lordships to stand firm, I wonder whether he might like have to have five-year Parliaments permanently for the to remind them that the Parliament Act does not apply Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly in order so they can insist for as long as they like. to keep one year behind. That is a very unsatisfactory arrangement. Chris Bryant: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, although I am surprised he is only taking us back to Mr Reid: Surely, the Bill removes the uncertainty that 1911. He normally takes us back a little further. The would otherwise have applied, because without it not Parliament Act cannot be used in relation to this legislation only would the Scottish elections have been scheduled 593 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 594

[Mr Reid] and I am sure that right hon. and hon. Members in his party will take great comfort from the fact that he is for May 2015 but if this Parliament were to go full term, now saying that there will not be an elected upper that election would also be in May 2015. That complete House and that we will rightly have a fully appointed and utter uncertainty is removed by the Bill. House of Lords, as we have at the moment. I am sure that is part of the deal that was cooked up over dinner Thomas Docherty: I do not share the hon. Gentleman’s last night. I understand that the Minister was the subject optimism about the coalition holding together successfully of some roasting last night at the dinner and it is good for the full five years. I think that he is accepting that, in to see his hands fully today. I understand that there was effect, we now have, permanently, a five-year Scottish some concern among parliamentary colleagues that he Parliament and a five-year Welsh Assembly, but I am would have to keep his hands in sight at all times. not sure whether legislation will be brought forward to Without further ado, I will sit down so that he can make that clear in the next Parliament. That is a huge respond. change in constitutional convention and I think he was involved in that. Certainly, his party played a significant Mr Harper: With the leave of the House, Madam role and there was cross-party consensus on it. Deputy Speaker, let me deal with the concerns that have been raised by hon. Members on both sides. The hon. One of the key issues was having a four-year Scottish Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) made a point Parliament. I would very much hope that if the Committee about the amendment’s availability. It was tabled on were set up, it would have a remit that covered not just Friday and—obviously, processes of the House are a the impact on the workings of both Houses, but the matter for the House—it was certainly on the parliamentary impact on devolved Administrations and on local authority website for the world to see by Monday. So there were elections in the rest of the United Kingdom. It is three, clear parliamentary days for Members on both disappointing that we have seen no such indication sides of the House to look at the amendment and from the Deputy Prime Minister about what the consider their views. The hon. Gentleman’s comments Committee’s remit would be. about the usual channels will obviously have been heard It is also disappointing to note that there is no length by them, and I hesitate to trespass on those matters. of time attached to when the Committee is expected to I shall leave that point there. report by. If I were cynical and thought that the Deputy The hon. Gentleman says that the Bill has not had Prime Minister could not be trusted and might make a proper consideration, but it absolutely has. It is true pledge that he would then break, I might think this issue that it did not have pre-legislative scrutiny—and we would then be kicked into the proverbial long grass for, have explained on a number of occasions that it was a perhaps, the full five-year period. I was very surprised first-Session Bill and that we wanted to make progress that although the Minister gave a reasonably satisfactory on it—but it has had extensive legislative consideration assurance about the starting date of the Committee, a in this House and in the other place. He pointed out closing date for its work has not been provided. I look that it was introduced to the other place more than a forward to hearing his response in a few minutes, when year ago, so the idea that this important Bill has not had I very much hope he will deal with that point. proper scrutiny simply is not correct. We also heard from the hon. Member for Argyll and The hon. Gentleman said that post-legislative scrutiny Bute (Mr Reid) that this is a wrecking measure. I have already takes place and he is quite right to say that that been in the House for only 15 months but it strikes me is done not by the Government but by Parliament. The that every time the Deputy Prime Minister puts forward Government produce a memorandum on Bills that they something that his coalition partners are not keen on, submit to Parliament, but they do not, of course, scrutinise some measures are described as wrecking measures. I themselves. This simply adds to the existing scrutiny seem to recall that exactly the same argument was used that will already take place—because of the concerns about changing the date of the referendum on the that people had, we wanted to make it explicit that the alternative vote. It was said that moving the date back Prime Minister would set up a Committee that would six months would wreck the whole premise, but I note look at the operation of the Act and would then have to that that argument was not put forward this week by the report and would give the House the opportunity for a Liberal Democrats about shifting the date of the police full debate. elections—somehow that is not a wrecking measure, Picking up the points that the hon. Member for but I cannot think why. Dunfermline and West Fife (Thomas Docherty) raised It is very disappointing that the debate was not better about the detail—the number of members on the advertised, as my hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda Committee and the end point—this goes back to the (Chris Bryant) mentioned, possibly because the Patronage point that the hon. Member for Rhondda made about Secretary was hoping that many of his more principled operating by consensus. The Prime Minister would set colleagues would make other arrangements for this up the Committee, but details about the number of afternoon and would not be around to give the measures members and the out-date would be addressed later. the due diligence they could do with. I would be grateful The terms of reference would clearly be very wide—the if the Minister would outline why we were not notified amendment mentions until 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon that this important “a committee to carry out a review of the operation of this Act” debate was going to take place. but does not narrow the terms. Those issues would The last issue that I want to address is the Minister’s clearly be agreed through the usual channels so there argument that it would take nine years to start this would be some sort of consensus for parties to appoint process. I do not see why he requires, effectively, two their Members to the Committee. It seems to me sensible complete Sessions of five-year fixed terms to do this. to allow that process to take place rather than to set His argument about the upper House is quite revealing down every detail in the Bill. 595 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 596

Chris Bryant: The Minister says that we should clearly Mr Harper: On this Committee, the Prime Minister take it as read that the Prime Minister would engage in will of course be able to consult others. The operation consultation with the Opposition, but I note that the of this Parliament, though, is a matter for this Parliament, Minister tabled a written ministerial statement this morning so I would not necessarily expect that to take place. I on the West Lothian question and the setting up of a should also correct one thing that was said earlier: we commission, but he does not indicate at any point that have changed the terms of the Scottish Parliament and he is going to consult with the Opposition on its terms the Welsh Assembly, but we have not made any changes of reference or its membership. to the terms of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Those matters were left for consultation between the parties. It 2pm is worth putting that on the record. Mr Harper: I have just said that that would take I think I have dealt with the issues I noted down that place—the consensus on the Committee’s terms of reference, were raised by Members on both sides of the House. I as is usual. That is very sensible; we do not want to put urge the House to support the motion. all the detail in the motion. The hon. Gentleman should Question put. read this morning’s written statement—I will not dwell The House divided: Ayes 253, Noes 190. on it, Madam Deputy Speaker, because you would call me to order if I did—and I am sure that we will have the Division No. 343] [2.3 pm opportunity to discuss some of the details tomorrow, when we debate a private Member’s Bill. The written AYES statement sets out our overall position on the commission Adams, Nigel Davies, Glyn on the West Lothian question. We will consult Mr Speaker Afriyie, Adam de Bois, Nick on some of the details involving the House, and we have Alexander, rh Danny Dinenage, Caroline also said that we will have a full opportunity for all the Amess, Mr David Djanogly, Mr Jonathan parties to consider the matter. That was in this morning’s Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Dodds, rh Mr Nigel statement. Bacon, Mr Richard Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Baker, Norman Doyle-Price, Jackie Baker, Steve Duddridge, James Mark Durkan: May I take the Minister back to the Baldry, Tony Duncan, rh Mr Alan points about consultation that may be involved when Baldwin, Harriett Dunne, Mr Philip the Committee is formed? Will he assure us that that Baron, Mr John Edwards, Jonathan consultation will not just be through the usual channels Barwell, Gavin Ellis, Michael with the Opposition, but will involve all parties? As a Beith, rh Sir Alan Ellison, Jane matter of principle, my party has never accepted nomination Bellingham, Mr Henry Ellwood, Mr Tobias to the House of Lords, and we were singularly excluded Benyon, Richard Elphicke, Charlie from any consideration in relation to the Committee Binley, Mr Brian Eustice, George that has been formed on that matter. Birtwistle, Gordon Evans, Jonathan Blackman, Bob Evennett, Mr David Mr Harper: I take the hon. Gentleman’s point on that Blackwood, Nicola Fabricant, Michael and thank him for making it. Given the nature of the Blunt, Mr Crispin Fallon, Michael matter, it would be helpful if the Committee were wide Boles, Nick Foster, rh Mr Don ranging. That is also a good reason not to be too Bradley, Karen Fox,rhDrLiam Brake, rh Tom Francois, rh Mr Mark specific about, for example, the size of the Committee. Bray, Angie Freer, Mike Clearly, we need to ensure that Members from all parts Brazier, Mr Julian Fullbrook, Lorraine of the House are able to be represented properly. On Brine, Mr Steve Fuller, Richard setting down how big the Committee should be, there is, Brooke, Annette Gale, Mr Roger of course, a tension if Committees are too large, but if Bruce, Fiona Garnier, Mr Edward they are too small they can be too narrow. It would be Buckland, Mr Robert Garnier, Mark helpful to be able to have that debate when we know Burley, Mr Aidan George, Andrew something about how the measures have worked in practice. Burns, Conor Gilbert, Stephen Burns, rh Mr Simon Glen, John Chris Bryant: Will the Minister be straight and guarantee Burrowes, Mr David Goldsmith, Zac that he will ensure that there is consultation with the Burstow, Paul Grant, Mrs Helen opposition parties on the terms of reference of the West Burt, Lorely Gray, Mr James Lothian commission? Byles, Dan Grayling, rh Chris Cairns, Alun Green, Damian Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Griffiths, Andrew Mr Harper: With respect, we are debating the motion. Carmichael, Neil Gummer, Ben The hon. Gentleman and I can have a conversation Carswell, Mr Douglas Gyimah, Mr Sam about the West Lothian commission elsewhere. Chishti, Rehman Halfon, Robert Clappison, Mr James Hames, Duncan Chris Bryant: So you won’t? Clark, rh Greg Hammond, rh Mr Philip Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hammond, Stephen Mr Harper: I have only a few minutes and I am trying Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hancock, Matthew to deal with the points that hon. Members have raised. Collins, Damian Hands, Greg Colvile, Oliver Harper, Mr Mark Thomas Docherty: Will the Minister give a guarantee Crabb, Stephen Harrington, Richard that he will consult the First Minister and the Deputy Crockart, Mike Harris, Rebecca First Minister of Northern Ireland about this Committee Crouch, Tracey Hart, Simon and about the West Lothian commission? Davey, Mr Edward Harvey, Nick 597 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 598

Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Opperman, Guy Williamson, Gavin Young, rh Sir George Hayes, Mr John Ottaway, Richard Willott, Jenny Zahawi, Nadhim Heath, Mr David Paice, rh Mr James Wilson, Mr Rob Tellers for the Ayes: Heaton-Harris, Chris Parish, Neil Wishart, Pete Miss Chloe Smith and Hemming, John Patel, Priti Wright, Jeremy Mr Robert Goodwill Henderson, Gordon Penning, Mike Hendry, Charles Penrose, John Hinds, Damian Percy, Andrew NOES Hoban, Mr Mark Perry, Claire Abbott, Ms Diane Ellman, Mrs Louise Hollingbery, George Phillips, Stephen Abrahams, Debbie Engel, Natascha Horwood, Martin Pincher, Christopher Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Esterson, Bill Howell, John Poulter, Dr Daniel Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Evans, Chris Hughes, rh Simon Prisk, Mr Mark Alexander, Heidi Flello, Robert Hunter, Mark Raab, Mr Dominic Ali, Rushanara Flint, rh Caroline Hurd, Mr Nick Randall, rh Mr John Allen, Mr Graham Fovargue, Yvonne Jackson, Mr Stewart Reckless, Mark Anderson, Mr David Gapes, Mike James, Margot Redwood, rh Mr John Ashworth, Jonathan Gardiner, Barry Javid, Sajid Reevell, Simon Austin, Ian Gilmore, Sheila Johnson, Gareth Reid, Mr Alan Bailey, Mr Adrian Glass, Pat Johnson, Joseph Robertson, Hugh Bain, Mr William Glindon, Mrs Mary Jones, Andrew Robertson, Mr Laurence Balls, rh Ed Goggins, rh Paul Jones, Mr David Rogerson, Dan Bayley, Hugh Goodman, Helen Kawczynski, Daniel Rudd, Amber Begg, Dame Anne Greatrex, Tom Kelly, Chris Russell, Bob Benn, rh Hilary Green, Kate Kirby, Simon Rutley, David Benton, Mr Joe Griffith, Nia Knight, rh Mr Greg Sanders, Mr Adrian Berger, Luciana Gwynne, Andrew Kwarteng, Kwasi Sandys, Laura Betts, Mr Clive Hamilton, Mr David Laing, Mrs Eleanor Scott, Mr Lee Blackman-Woods, Roberta Hanson, rh Mr David Lamb, Norman Selous, Andrew Blears, rh Hazel Havard, Mr Dai Latham, Pauline Shapps, rh Grant Blenkinsop, Tom Healey, rh John Laws, rh Mr David Sharma, Alok Bone, Mr Peter Hillier, Meg Leadsom, Andrea Shelbrooke, Alec Brown, Lyn Hilling, Julie Lee, Jessica Simmonds, Mark Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Hodge, rh Margaret Lee, Dr Phillip Simpson, Mr Keith Brown, Mr Russell Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Leech, Mr John Skidmore, Chris Bryant, Chris Hoey, Kate Lefroy, Jeremy Smith, Henry Buck, Ms Karen Hollobone, Mr Philip Leigh, Mr Edward Smith, Julian Burden, Richard Hopkins, Kelvin Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Soubry, Anna Campbell, Mr Alan Hunt, Tristram Lidington, rh Mr David Stephenson, Andrew Cash, Mr William Irranca-Davies, Huw Lilley, rh Mr Peter Stevenson, John Caton, Martin Jackson, Glenda Lloyd, Stephen Stewart, Bob Chapman, Mrs Jenny James, Mrs Siân C. Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Stewart, Iain Chope, Mr Christopher Jamieson, Cathy Long, Naomi Stewart, Rory Clark, Katy Johnson, rh Alan Lopresti, Jack Streeter, Mr Gary Clwyd, rh Ann Johnson, Diana Lord, Jonathan Stuart, Mr Graham Coaker, Vernon Jones, Graham Loughton, Tim Sturdy, Julian Coffey, Ann Jones, Helen Lucas, Caroline Swales, Ian Connarty, Michael Jones, Mr Kevan Maude, rh Mr Francis Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Cooper, Rosie Jones, Susan Elan May, rh Mrs Theresa Swire, rh Mr Hugo Cooper, rh Yvette Jowell, rh Tessa McCartney, Jason Syms, Mr Robert Corbyn, Jeremy Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald McCartney, Karl Teather, Sarah Crausby, Mr David Keeley, Barbara McIntosh, Miss Anne Timpson, Mr Edward Creagh, Mary Kendall, Liz McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Tomlinson, Justin Creasy, Stella Khan, rh Sadiq McPartland, Stephen Tredinnick, David Cruddas, Jon Lammy, rh Mr David Menzies, Mark Truss, Elizabeth Cryer, John Lavery, Ian Mercer, Patrick Uppal, Paul Cunningham, Alex Lazarowicz, Mark Metcalfe, Stephen Vara, Mr Shailesh Cunningham, Mr Jim Leslie, Chris Miller, Maria Vickers, Martin Cunningham, Tony Lewis, Mr Ivan Mills, Nigel Wallace, Mr Ben Dakin, Nic Love, Mr Andrew Milton, Anne Watkinson, Angela Davies, Philip Lucas, Ian Morris, Anne Marie Weatherley, Mike De Piero, Gloria Mactaggart, Fiona Morris, David Webb, Steve Denham, rh Mr John Mahmood, Shabana Mosley, Stephen Wharton, James Dobbin, Jim Main, Mrs Anne Mowat, David Wheeler, Heather Docherty, Thomas Mann, John Munt, Tessa White, Chris Dowd, Jim McCabe, Steve Murrison, Dr Andrew Whittaker, Craig Doyle, Gemma McCann, Mr Michael Neill, Robert Whittingdale, Mr John Dromey, Jack McDonagh, Siobhain Newmark, Mr Brooks Wiggin, Bill Dugher, Michael McDonnell, John Newton, Sarah Williams, Hywel Durkan, Mark McFadden, rh Mr Pat O’Brien, Mr Stephen Williams, Mr Mark Eagle, Ms Angela McGovern, Alison Offord, Mr Matthew Williams, Roger Efford, Clive McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Ollerenshaw, Eric Williams, Stephen Elliott, Julie McKechin, Ann 599 Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 600

McKenzie, Mr Iain Seabeck, Alison Point of Order Mearns, Ian Sharma, Mr Virendra Michael, rh Alun Sheerman, Mr Barry Miller, Andrew Shepherd, Mr Richard 2.17 pm Moon, Mrs Madeleine Shuker, Gavin Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Slaughter, Mr Andy Madam Deputy Speaker. This relates to what we have Morris, Grahame M. Smith, rh Mr Andrew just been discussing, so I am sorry that the Minister has (Easington) Smith, Angela already fled the Chamber. A written ministerial statement Munn, Meg Smith, Nick relating to the commission on the West Lothian question Murphy, rh Mr Jim Smith, Owen Murphy, rh Paul Spellar, rh Mr John was tabled this morning. It states that the Government Murray, Ian Stuart, Ms Gisela will Nandy, Lisa Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry “consult with Mr Speaker and other Parliamentary authorities” Nash, Pamela Tami, Mark on how the commission can be created and how it will Nuttall, Mr David Thomas, Mr Gareth consider matters relating to how Parliament should O’Donnell, Fiona Timms, rh Stephen address the West Lothian question. We note that that Onwurah, Chi Trickett, Jon puts any onus to consult other political parties on the Owen, Albert Turner, Mr Andrew Pearce, Teresa Turner, Karl Speaker. I hope that you will take back to Mr Speaker Perkins, Toby Twigg, Derek the Opposition’s hope that all political parties in the Phillipson, Bridget Umunna, Mr Chuka House will be consulted before terms of reference are Qureshi, Yasmin Vaz, Valerie brought forward and the membership of the commission Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Watts, Mr Dave is agreed. I raise this as a point of order only because Reed, Mr Jamie Williamson, Chris the Government have decided to put the matter of Rees-Mogg, Jacob Wilson, Phil consultation in the hands of Mr Speaker. Reeves, Rachel Winnick, Mr David Reynolds, Emma Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): As the Reynolds, Jonathan Woodcock, John hon. Gentleman knows, strictly speaking that is not a Robertson, John Wright, David point of order for business today, but he has made his Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Wright, Mr Iain point on the written ministerial statement, and I am Rotheram, Steve Tellers for the Noes: absolutely confident that Mr Speaker will have considered Ruddock, rh Joan Mark Hendrick and all the necessary matters that will involve him. The hon. Sarwar, Anas Gregg McClymont Gentleman can rest assured that Mr Speaker will discharge his duties accordingly. Question accordingly agreed to. The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark Harper): Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I will read what the hon. Gentleman has said in Hansard—I did not hear all of it, because he did not do me the courtesy of notifying me of his intention to raise a point of order. Had I heard all of it, I would have been able to respond now. I will respond at a later date.

Madam Deputy Speaker: Minister, we are grateful for your offer of help. I am sure that the House will now be able to proceed with the business before us. 601 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 602 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill London Olympic Games and Paralympic (a) section 17(3) (publication of notice by traffic Games (Amendment) Bill commissioner); (b) section 18 (publication of notice by operator). Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill (4) If the traffic commissioner gives the direction under subsection Committee (2)(b), Schedule 4 to the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/2869), in its application to the inquiry, Madam Deputy Speaker: Before I call the Minister, I has effect as if for sub-paragraph (3) of paragraph 1 there were wish to inform the House of an issue that will need to substituted— be dealt with. I understand that amendments to the Bill (3) The traffic commissioner may abridge the periods referred tabled by the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr Chope) to in sub-paragraphs (1) and (2).” on Tuesday evening did not appear on the amendment paper. The reasons for this, which are currently unknown, (5) Section 23 of the 1995 Act (conditions as to use of operating centres) applies in relation to the licence as if the are being urgently investigated. As this oversight has application were an application of which notice has been been discovered at such a late stage, I do not consider it published under section 17(3) of that Act. appropriate to select the hon. Gentleman’s amendments. (6) Such variations as are made to the licence on the However, he can be confident that he will be able to application, including by the attachment of conditions under raise his substantive concerns about the Bill during this section 21 or 23 of the 1995 Act (road safety and operating afternoon’s proceedings. centres), have effect only during the London Olympics period. Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): Further (7) Subsection (3)(a) does not affect the liability incurred in respect of the application under regulation 3 of the Goods to that statement, human error has obviously intervened Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) (Fees) Regulations 1995 (S.I. 1995/ in the matter, and it is the first time in 28 years—since I 3000) (which requires payment of a fee on an application for was first elected—that amendments which I have tabled variation for which publication is required by section 17(3) of the have not been translated on to the amendment paper. It 1995 Act). is a pity that I was on parliamentary business abroad (8) The power to give a direction under subsection (2) includes yesterday and did not realise that there was a problem power to vary or revoke the direction. until first thing this morning, but I am happy that we will be able to discuss at least the substance of my (9) In exercising functions under this section, the traffic commissioner must act under the general directions of, and have amendments under the debate on new clause 2. I am regard to guidance given by, the senior traffic commissioner. grateful to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for making that indication. (10) In this section, “operator’s licence” has the same meaning as in the 1995 Act (see section 2(1) of that Act).”’.—(Hugh Madam Deputy Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Robertson.) Gentleman for his co-operation, but as he has said, Brought up, and read the First time. although this is a very rare occurrence, it is none the less of a nature that needs to be taken seriously and urgently 2.21 pm investigated, and I am sure that the Table Office will inform him of exactly why it occurred. The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh Robertson): I beg to move, That the clause be read a New Clause 1 Second time.

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR LICENCES Madam Deputy Speaker: With this it will be convenient After section 16D of the London Olympic Games and to discuss the following: Paralympic Games Act 2006, insert— Government amendments 3 and 4 “16E Goods vehicle operator licences: waiver of procedural requirements Hugh Robertson: Hon. Members may recall that back (1) This section applies in a case where, on an application to in May, when the Bill was being scrutinised in Committee, vary an operator’s licence under section 17 of the Goods Vehicles Transport for London submitted evidence that called (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 (“the 1995 Act”), a traffic for further amendments. TfL argued that in order to commissioner is satisfied that— ensure that businesses in London continued to receive (a) the variation applied for has a connection with the goods deliveries and operators were able to arrange London Olympics, delivery times that were compliant with time restrictions (b) there would not, but for this section, be sufficient time for the games, amendments to goods vehicle legislation to dispose of the application before the beginning of were required. I am very grateful to the Committee for the London Olympics period, and its encouragement to bring forward changes, if necessary. (c) the circumstances in which the application is being The Government have considered the matter, and as a made are such that, but for this section, it could not have been made in sufficient time to be disposed of result I am introducing a small number of technical before the beginning of that period. amendments to address the concerns that TfL raised. (2) The traffic commissioner may direct— Operator licences are granted by traffic commissioners, (a) that subsection (3) is to apply in relation to the TCs, who are independent office holders and statutorily application, and appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport. One (b) if the traffic commissioner proposes to hold an inquiry matter that a TC is required to consider when granting under section 35 of the 1995 Act in relation to the a licence is the suitability of the operating centre where application, that subsection (4) is to apply in relation vehicles are usually parked and maintained. About to the inquiry. 1,700 of the 92,000 goods vehicle operator licences in (3) If the traffic commissioner gives the direction under place contain conditions relating to operating centres, subsection (2)(a), the following provisions of the 1995 Act do not such as conditions concerning hours of use. There is an apply in relation to the application— existing process by which operators may apply to vary 603 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 604 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill the conditions of their licence. In most cases, the commissioners as to what a connection with the London Government would expect operators to plan for the Olympic games is deemed to be, in order to ensure that need for any variation and to seek it via normal procedures. their decisions are based on the right criteria? Traffic commissioners plan to write to all those operators Hugh Robertson: I take my hon. Friend’s point, but to who have environmental conditions on their licence, a certain extent I should hope that any connection will reminding them of the need to consider whether the be reasonably self-evident. It will refer to things that Olympics are likely to have an impact that demands a happen over the Olympic games period, a clearly defined variation, and to get their applications in now. Typically, period from 27 July to just before the middle of August, for a straightforward case that involves environmental and it will clearly refer only to games-time activities, so issues, it normally takes between 15 and 20 weeks for an I hope that in those circumstances it will be reasonably operator’s application for a variation to be considered obvious to the traffic commissioner what they are dealing under current statutory processes, and traffic commissioners with. cannot short-circuit those procedures. Despite such preparatory steps, however, the Government Tessa Jowell (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab): believe that, owing to entirely unforeseen circumstances We are pleased to support new clause 1 and the such as the award of a short-term haulage contract or a consequential amendments 3 and 4, because, as the short-notice change to an existing contract, some operators Minister has clearly set out and, indeed, our constructive will need to seek a relaxation of their environmental discussions in Committee reflected, new clause 1 and licence conditions shortly before the start of the Olympic the consequential amendments would allow traffic period. commissioners to apply a shortened application procedure for haulage operators who want to apply for a change to Government intervention is therefore necessary to any environmental conditions imposed on the location ensure that in such exceptional circumstances—I repeat where their lorries are kept, particularly the hours that that it is only in those exceptional circumstances—operators they may operate in and out of that location. can apply at short notice for a variation to their environmental conditions, particularly in the hours of That flexibility is of enormous importance during the operation. As a result, new clause 1 would provide for period of the games, as many haulage operators may an expedited process that removed the statutory requirement need to adjust their operations in response to increased whereby a games-related application needs to be advertised delivery restrictions in London, as well as in other areas by the operator who has submitted the application. It of Britain where Olympic events are being held. would remove the requirement for a traffic commissioner I will come on to this point when we discuss new to publish the application; it would retain the statutory clause 2, but it is my firm belief that although some of power of a traffic commissioner to hold public inquiries the operational necessities of the games may cause to seek further information to inform their decision; inconvenience for individuals and businesses, we should and it would remove the statutory requirement whereby do all that we can to keep that inconvenience to a the notice period for a public inquiry can be abridged minimum. Again, there was a strong consensus on that only if the consent of all persons entitled to attend a in Committee. public inquiry is given. New clause 1 is therefore a sensible measure that will We have considered carefully whether it is proportionate make it easier for haulage operators to adjust to difficulties and justified to remove those safeguards, and we consider that they may experience as a result of the games. It that it is. Without short-circuiting existing procedures, forms part of a critical wider programme led by Transport there will be no way in which an urgent application, for London to encourage individuals and businesses to arising from unforeseen circumstances around the Olympic change their travel behaviour and arrangements during games, can be dealt with quickly enough. what will be, by any measure, a challenging time for London’s transport system. I think that Members on both Importantly, however, traffic commissioners’ powers sides of the House are confident that London will rise to determine individual applications would be retained, to that challenge, and we are happy to offer our support. including their powers to impose additional conditions to counter any environmental nuisance that might result. Mr Don Foster (Bath) (LD): May I begin by saying For example, they may want to stipulate that quieter that I was mildly disappointed with the business vehicle operations be followed, such as restricting the managers—this is absolutely no criticism of you, Madam use of lorry-reversing beepers. Retaining the discretion Deputy Speaker, or Mr Speaker—for selecting today of of traffic commissioners and their knowledge of operators all days to debate this important Bill, given that many and localities when considering individual applications of us who are here would far rather be celebrating with would help to avoid any abuse of the temporary flexibility. our Paralympians as today is Paralympics day? Perhaps Amendments 3 and 4 are consequential to the changes there will be an opportunity later today to do that. that new clause would bring in. Taken together, the measures—this is really the crucial thing—should help 2.30 pm to ensure that, during games time, goods can be delivered and services provided, so contributing to the successful The new clause and the consequent amendments are delivery of the London games. very important. During one of the excellent sittings in which the Committee took oral evidence from expert witnesses, I asked Mr Garrett Emmerson of London Mr Edward Timpson (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con): Streets, which is a Transport for London body, In new clause 1, proposed new section 16E(1)(a) refers “are you confident that we have sufficient powers, or that sufficient to the “connection” that a variation of an application powers will be given to the right people, to deal with freight has with the Olympic games. Will my hon. Friend vehicles on our roads that are delivering to keep our city running expand on the guidance that will be given to traffic smoothly?” 605 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 606 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill I stress the words about keeping the “city running New Clause 2 smoothly”, because this is not just about ensuring that what needs to be done for the 2012 games happens. He OPERATION OF OLYMPIC ROUTE NETWORK replied: ‘(1) Section 11 of the London Olympic Games and Paralympic “We have identified a major concern about the ability of Games Act 2006 is amended as follows. freight operators to service the business community at key times (2) In subsection (4) in paragraph (a) leave out from “unless” during the games.” to end of paragraph and insert— “the following have been consulted— He went on to say: (i) the highway authority, traffic authority or street “A single-day event, such as the royal wedding, is a very authority with responsibility for each road different proposition from three weeks of a continuous event. For designated in the order, and a single day, it is not a particularly huge challenge to say, “Well, (ii) members of the public living in the Greater actually, we can’t make a delivery on Friday; it will have to come London Authority area and in the local authority on Thursday or Saturday.” But the sustained duration of this areas through which roads designated in the order event creates a very different proposition for businesses.”––[Official run,”. Report, London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (Amendment) (3) In subsection (4) after paragraph (a) insert— Public Bill Committee, 17 May 2011; c. 41, Q87.] “(aa) may not be made unless the consultation under Because of those concerns, TfL and other bodies paragraph (a) considered— have been working hard to warn the business community (i) proposals for the minimisation of disruption to the of changes that will take place during the Olympic and general public due to the operation of the Paralympic games, and to provide it with as much help Olympic Route Network, and support as possible to alter its arrangements. That (ii) proposals for informing members of the public in relation to the proposed Olympic Route Network will of course impact on things such as deliveries to and its likely impact on local and regional traffic, businesses. The examples are pretty obvious: pubs need (iii) proposals for maintaining road safety and beer, sandwich shops need bread and businesses need preventing accidents which might result from photocopier paper—the list is endless. Businesses that operation of the Olympic Route Network, have planned will organise their deliveries to come at (iv) proposals for allowing taxis licensed under section the right time. It is fabulous that TfL and others are 37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, section 6 giving plenty of notice to such organisations. Even of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869 or today, TfL has had a session with more than 70 major under any similar enactment to use the Olympic freight operators to advise them that they should be Route Network in appropriate circumstances, and working with the people they supply, so that those (v) proposals for ensuring that the Olympic Route people, in turn, can plan accordingly. Network and related restrictions should be in operation for the shortest time possible in order The issue is what happens if a business has not been to achieve the purposes set out in subsections (1) far-sighted and efficient enough to plan with its supplier and (2).”’.—(Tessa Jowell.) the deliveries that it needs in order to keep going. My Brought up, and read the First time. question to the Minister is whether those circumstances are envisaged in the language that is used in the new Tessa Jowell: I beg to move, That the clause be read a clause, which states that the variation applied for Second time. “has a connection with the London Olympics”. I want to begin by expressing our support for the changes to the management of traffic, on which we gave That is somewhat different from being influenced by the undertakings in the bid book. Olympic lanes were a London Olympics. I assume from the Minister’s response condition of bidding for the games, and they are vital in to an earlier intervention that that interpretation is the ensuring that we have a smooth flow of key people to one that he is using. However, that would not necessarily and from events. In the bid book, as the Minister will be fall within his other comments that something should aware, we made a commitment to be “urgent” and “unforeseen”. In some cases, it might just be down to the incompetence of the person who “a designated ORN”— needs the supplies. Olympic route network—with Olympic lanes “to speed the journeys of the Olympic family.” The Minister says that he hopes the new clause is reasonably self-evident. I am not convinced that it is. If My purpose today is to raise some of the operational he gives a very clear explanation that it will apply to issues concerning the upheaval—the welcome upheaval—in circumstances that occur because of the London Olympics, prospect for our city which, for those of use who are with all the caveats that he set out—of course the traffic London MPs, will have been raised by our constituents. commissioners will consider whether it really is necessary— It is important that we work constantly until and throughout that will solve the problem. I look forward to him giving the games to ensure that any difficulties faced by Londoners that assurance when he responds. and residents of other parts of the country that are hosting Olympic events are kept to an absolute minimum. First, we need to make sure that even better information Hugh Robertson: I think I can be very brief, Madam is provided about the ORN plans, remembering that an Deputy Speaker. I give the right hon. Gentleman that announcement made 18 months before the games must assurance. On that basis, I hope that we can agree to the be repeated at very regular intervals right up until the new clause. games. Otherwise, people do not feel that they have been properly informed and will not understand how Question put and agreed to. they have to reorganise their journeys and so forth, and New clause 1 accordingly read a Second time, and that is not good enough. One of the lessons from the added to the Bill. test events was the importance of not just telling people 607 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 608 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill but telling them again and again in a spirit of support the Minister was very much part of that evaluation for minimising the disruption that they face. We must visit. We were coming down Gower street, which is therefore review the effectiveness of the information normally an area of considerable congestion leading strategy. down to Cambridge circus and Trafalgar square. It The Olympic Delivery Authority and Transport for normally takes about 20 minutes to get from the London have done a really excellent job in consultation top to the bottom. As the bus turned into the top of on the route, but that process, as the Minister will Gower street, all that I could see, right down to the remember, has gone on for a very long time. There is a bottom, were green lights. I feared that that might seem difference between mere consultation and information implausible, so I suggested that perhaps we might see that enables people to manage their lives. Londoners one red light on our journey down. The point is that the and those from other parts of the country living on or conditions that the evaluation committee enjoyed will near the ORN will at times undoubtedly face quite not prevail during the games themselves. I hope that serious levels of disruption. Through distributing clear there will be close scrutiny of the impact of changes to information widely and early, the Government and the traffic signals. Greater London authority can help all those affected to Will the Minister also undertake to work with the prepare, and not to get too angry but to feel that they Olympic Delivery Authority and the Mayor of London were duly warned. to ensure that information about traffic signals is made Businesses will not be able to receive deliveries in public without further delay? That is necessary for normal hours. Postal and refuse collection services for precisely the same reason as my previous request: we residents will be disrupted. Taxi and private hire drivers need to prepare people for the degree of extra congestion may face long delays and loss of custom. Local residents that they may have to navigate around. and businesses need clear and detailed information in as The substantive question on the new clause is whether many different forms and languages as possible so that we can minimise the number of people who will use the they can plan for the period when the Olympic lanes Olympic lanes. We know that 97% of those arriving at will be in operation. Will the Minister assure the House the Olympic park are expected to arrive by public that the Government will take all necessary steps to transport. That is a very good thing, and it will certainly review the quality of information and perhaps do a bit be a lot quicker than getting there by car, except for of testing of how widely the impact of the ORN is members of the IOC and athletes. We have to remember understood? that Olympic lanes were specifically designed in the wake of Atlanta to make it easier for athletes to get to Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): One of the issues that the Olympic park or their Olympic venue on time and has been raised with me by residents is how long this to prepare properly for their event. We should constantly Olympic lane is going to be in place—100 days, which draw attention to who is eligible to use the Olympic far exceeds the duration of the Olympic games and the lane, and to the fact that the rest of London will get to Paralympic games. the Olympic park on the fantastic new transport in which so much has been invested. I am quite sure that Hugh Robertson indicated dissent. the Minister and Members of all parties will set an example in the form of transport that they choose. Lyn Brown: I am pleased to see the Minister shaking If there is a sense of two classes of travellers to the his head. However, the fact that I think, and my residents Olympic park—those whose journeys are hell and those think, that the lane will be in place for that long is a who glide down the Olympic lanes—we have to anticipate worry. I agree with my right hon. Friend that information that that will quickly become a source of tension, is vital to keeping local residents on board with what is because London is that type of city. I know that the going on, because I get a very small but significant Minister, who has shown great sensitivity about such postbag from those who are already complaining about issues, will be aware of that, and I hope we will do the disruption they are facing and are likely to face. everything we practically can, consistent with the undertakings that we gave, to mitigate the tension. Tessa Jowell: I thank my hon. Friend, whose constituents The third point raised by new clause 2 is on pedestrian have perhaps had to bear more of the dust and upheaval crossings. The Opposition are asking the Minister to of the Olympic park construction than anybody else. work with the Olympic Delivery Authority and the Mayor of London to look again at this issue. The latest Hugh Robertson: But get the new football stadium. projection—the Minister may want to correct this—is that more than 60 pedestrian crossings will be closed for Tessa Jowell: Yes, and we say hooray for the new months on some of the busiest roads. Although we multi-purpose football stadium in the Olympic park. understand the need for rapid transport between venues, Hopefully at least some of my hon. Friend’s constituents it is important that we do not compromise road safety. will think it is worth it. I know that the Minister will In addition, we cannot have a situation in which significant want to reply to her point. parts of London are effectively divided in half, with The second matter of concern that people are beginning residents unable to cross roads. to raise is the impact of changes to traffic signals, and the fear that they will significantly increase congestion 2.45 pm throughout London. I wish briefly to share a reminiscence The fourth point in the new clause is on taxis and with the House. When the evaluation committee came, private hire drivers. Will the Minister agree to work we were all on our very best behaviour, wanting to with his colleagues, the ODA and the Mayor to examine persuade the International Olympic Committee that whether it is feasible for taxis to use the Olympic road London was the place to host the games. I know that network in certain specified areas or at certain specific 609 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 610 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill times? This is an important industry in London and the assurances on the points raised. The most important views of taxi drivers are important in shaping the thing is that he raises them with the relevant authorities reaction of visitors. and that we find a solution to the growing concerns of Londoners about the prospect Olympic lanes. This is Mr Foster: The right hon. Lady is absolutely right but one example of very many that we will face in the that getting taxi drivers in London on our side is crucial weeks—47 now, I think—before the games. We have to in the campaign for wider public support, but before be vigilant and focused on helping the relationship she moves on to her fifth point, will she explain a little between the huge festival that is the Olympics and the the language she has chosen to use? She is basically daily lives and convenience of Londoners and London proposing that appropriate taxis should be able use the businesses. Olympic route network in appropriate circumstances, In conclusion, I hope that I have—fairly briefly—made but what does she have in mind? clear our concerns, which are reflected by Members who represent London constituencies on both sides of Tessa Jowell: The language is flexible, because how the House. I have had some helpful discussions with the greater flexibility is delivered is an operational matter Minister, and I am sure that we will listen eagerly to this for the ODA and Transport for London. A number of reply. possibilities are covered. It might include access to the Olympic lanes for taxis early in the morning or late at Mr Chope: It gives me great pleasure to support the night, when their use for Olympic transport is not at its new clause tabled by the right hon. Member for Dulwich maximum, or use could be restricted to black cabs—we and West Norwood (Tessa Jowell). She said that she was would want to avoid suddenly having a whole lot of not going to push the matter to a vote, but she might operators claiming to be taxis and therefore eligibility change her mind when she hears what has happened in to use the Olympic lanes. Those are two examples of my constituency over the so-called consultation—or greater flexibility, and we would be grateful if the Minister, lack of—on part of the Olympic network. with the ODA and TfL, could examine them. Mr Deputy Speaker, as was indicated by Madam Deputy Speaker earlier, I tabled a series of amendments Lyn Brown: In respect of local businesses within and new clauses that, owing to a glitch, did not appear Newham, I would be remiss if I did not say that if taxi on the Order Paper, but which reflected the spirit of the cabs were allowed to use the Olympic route, registered right hon. Lady’s new clause. One of my amendments minicab firms in the borough, which will need to find a would have required that no road closure or restriction way to profit from the games, may also wish to be be operated outside the London Olympics period as considered. Should the Minister choose to look at the defined in the London Olympic Games and Paralympic matter in the round, he could give greater consideration Games Act 2006. I tabled that amendment because we, to the use of the Olympic lanes by private hire cars. in my constituency, are concerned about the disruption that will be caused to local residents and businesses well Tessa Jowell: I am sure that the Minister heard my before the games start by the execution of improvement hon. Friend’s representation. However, the three or four works at the Canford Bottom roundabout. points that I have made underline the complexity of the The right hon. Lady and others will recall that we matter. That is why the new clause is drafted in general discussed this matter on Second Reading on 28 April. I terms. I do not feel that the Opposition are in a position make no apology for returning to the subject today, to be prescriptive, but we are inviting the Minister to however, because on that occasion I said that clause 4 engage in discussion. He is as aware as I am of the would be helpful because it would enable the authorities tension arising from this matter. One of the great joys to impose restrictions on side roads and local authority of being a regular broadcaster on London’s Biggest roads, thereby avoiding the need for the Canford Bottom Conversation, which has an enormous listening audience improvements to be pushed through in defiance of local of taxi drivers, is that I get the red meat from them—feelings public opinion before the Olympics. That is how it was are very strong. We would not be doing our proper duty left on Second Reading. if we did not respond to that, demonstrate that we have My hon. Friend the Member for Mid Dorset and done so, and used our best endeavours. North Poole (Annette Brooke) and I then went to see the Minister with responsibility for roads, who was Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): One of the extremely helpful and accommodating, and said that matters that the right hon. Lady has not mentioned, but there must be a proper public meeting and public exhibitions which is mentioned in the new clause, is consultation. of the proposals, which was not what the Highways The whole of the Greater London area is mentioned in Agency originally proposed. Unfortunately, the exhibitions connection with the potential consultation. I suspect, and the public meeting did not take place until the last however, that as we get closer to the games, lots and lots week or two of July. What concerned my hon. Friend of people in the area will have something to say and that and me at the public meeting was that even at that late we could end up with death by consultation. We could stage the Highways Agency had not produced the data be overwhelmed. Will she clarify, therefore, exactly what about the impact of the closures and the works on local she means by consultation, what form it would take and people and local businesses. That meeting took place when it would happen? If she intends to press the new after the House had gone into recess, but to give due clause to a vote, some of us on the Government Benches credit to the Minister, he intervened and said that he might be sympathetic, but we would need further details. would not allow the contract for the works to be let straight away, because it was important that the data, Tessa Jowell: Perhaps uncharacteristically in this place, which had been promised for months if not years, we do not intend to press the new clause to a vote, should be made available to my hon. Friend and me and subject obviously to the Minister providing satisfactory to the local highways authority. 611 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 612 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Two weeks later we got a letter saying that the data Gentleman was guilty of making some rather poor-quality were now available—they had been put up on some jokes about whether or not hamburgers were going to website. Unfortunately, that same day, before the data be sponsored in the Olympics and so forth. had been examined by my hon. Friend the Member for This hamburger junction construction is a really Mid Dorset and North Poole or me, or by the other significant issue. I am delighted to see that the Under- people to whom it had been sent, we were told that the Secretary of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Minister was going to authorise the letting of the contract Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning) is now in the Chamber. because he needed to be able to deliver the Olympic He will, I hope, come down and visit this part of the route. Under the terms of the Bill, it would not be network. If he does so, he will realise the implications of necessary for him to have those works carried out at the the prospect of total closure of all the side roads off Canford Bottom roundabout in advance of the Olympics, that junction, day after day during five weeks when all because he would have the power to restrict the local four sections will be closed off. That will mean that in roads at the time and thereby compensate for any other the peak hours, 3,000 vehicles an hour that use that traffic jams that might arise. We therefore faced a situation junction now will not be able to use it. The consequences where the Minister, by his own admission, was contradicting in terms of disruption to local businesses and local what he had told my hon. Friend and me when we went residents are absolutely beyond comprehension. to see him, namely that the issue of the improvements to the Canford Bottom roundabout was totally separate Last week, there was an incident on the road between and apart from the London Olympics route network. It West Parley and Longham—one of the side roads that has now become apparent that the Olympic authorities leads ultimately into the Canford Bottom roundabout—as are dictating the terms of the process and riding roughshod a result of which that road was closed. The traffic over local public opinion. They are also ignoring the chaos, which extended well into the Bournemouth representations made by the local highways authority, conurbation and had repercussions as far away as Poole, in so far as it has received sufficient information to was enormous. There was a great deal of local anger, enable it to make such representations. yet that was a closure that lasted only a few hours. What we are talking about now is a closure for 12 continuous This is a very serious issue. Many Members might not weeks. be familiar with the Canford Bottom junction, but it is on the main A31 trunk road where the road changes If this were happening in your constituency, Mr Deputy from being a dual carriageway going west, and it is Speaker, you would have done exactly the same as subject to significant congestion and delay, particularly me—raise the matter with the local highways authority. at peak times. It seems that it is the purpose of the I put the point that if we can keep the main parts of the Highways Agency and the Olympic Delivery Authority roundabout for the A31 running during working hours, to ensure that the A31 runs fine, but in so doing to why cannot we allow the side roads to operate—at least ignore the needs of the other users of that roundabout. during peak periods or during the working day. The When I say that more than 60,000 vehicles a day use highways authority, Dorset county council, told me that roundabout, I hope that that puts the situation into that it had been presented by the Highways Agency context for hon. Members. We are not talking about with some 10 different options for the construction of some local roundabout; a roundabout taking more than this hamburger junction. Those options ranged from 60,000 vehicles a day is an extremely busy roundabout. closing off all the roads completely for 24 or 48 hours Indeed, it may surprise Members to know that at peak and doing the construction quickly, thereby minimising times, two thirds of the vehicles using the roundabout the expense and duration of the works but maximising are not using the A31 in both directions, but are using the disruption to all traffic to, at the other extreme, the minor roads going off the roundabout. That means closing none of the roads at peak times, with the works that at peak hours in the morning, when 4,500 vehicles taking longer and perhaps costing a bit more. an hour use the roundabout, some 3,000 of them are As a result of the pressure of the ODA and the using the local roads—that is, they are either coming in imperative to get this junction improved before the from one of the four local roads or egressing along one. Olympic games—as I say, it is unnecessary, but it has What is going to happen to those vehicles? The now apparently been imposed on the roads Minister by Highways Agency and the Olympic Delivery Authority his counterpart, the Minister for Sport and the Olympics— are now saying that in order to construct the hamburger local businesses and local residents will suffer an enormous junction, which will involve more than 70 traffic lights— amount of disruption. In my submission, that is not [Interruption.] I knew that my reference to the hamburgers consistent with the avowed intent of the Government, would get the right hon. Member for Bath (Mr Foster) as expressed in paragraph 84 of the Bill’s explanatory excited again, as it did on a previous occasion. notes, according to which: “The Government’s aims in providing for, and enforcing, traffic 3pm restrictions required for the 2012 Games” are Mr Foster: For the avoidance of doubt, the hon. Gentleman will well recall that I asked him to give a “to minimise the impact of the 2012 Games on local businesses definition of a hamburger junction on the last time he and residents going about their everyday business.” raised it. I fully understand, as will all Members, what a I have to tell my hon. Friend the Minister, and my hon. hamburger junction is, so we do not need it repeated Friend the Minister responsible for roads, that those today. words ring extremely hollow in the Christchurch constituency, and in the neighbouring constituency of Mr Chope: Absolutely. I cannot remember whether Mid Dorset and North Poole. I am sure that, in due you, Mr Deputy Speaker, were in the Chair last time, course, when the residents of the Poole constituency, but in the course of the discussion the right hon. as well as the constituencies of Bournemouth East, 613 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 614 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill [Mr Chope] than they do at present, and that the same would apply to Wimborne Road West in the evening and Ham lane Bournemouth West and North Dorset, realise the disruption in the morning. that will be caused, the clamour for something to be As for off-peak periods—and, of course, much of the done will become even greater. day is off-peak, given that the peaks are defined as two In my view, prevention is better than cure, and it is hours in the morning and two hours in the evening—it not too late for the Government to intervene. They is clear that, contrary to all the assertions, delays on the could say either that the construction works should not local roads will increase. That too was not made clear be carried out until after the London Olympics, or that during the consultation, and the Highways Agency— they should be carried out using a different method that perhaps in the knowledge that the consequences of would enable the local traffic to flow, especially during declaring openly what was going to happen would be peak periods. The consequences of the total closures to adverse to it—did not communicate the effects to local which I have referred will be completely disproportionate. people. This is a serious example of the need for consultation I have no doubt that if local people had known in with the local highways authority, but either there was advance about the data, which were supplied by the no such consultation or, if it did take place, the highways Highways Agency at the insistence of my hon. Friend authority has not been listened to. the Minister only in the middle of August, there would When I raised the matter with the traffic manager at have been uproar. They would have said that the plans Dorset county council’s environmental directorate, he were intolerable. Indeed, local businesses were not told told me that the proposals considered with the Highways about the proposed closures until the middle of August. Agency included 10 different options for dealing with They have now been told by EnterpriseMouchel, which the traffic. The issues that they took into account were works for the Highways Agency, that there will be road disruption to the network, buildability, and value for closures for 12 weeks from the middle of February 2012 money. I asked what the county council thought, and at until the beginning of May. That obviously includes the that stage it became rather difficult to engage with it. I Easter period. My hon. Friend the Member for Harrow asked a specific question: did the council believe that East (Bob Blackman) is looking at me with incredulity the proposals to block access and egress from all four at the prospect of major roads being closed for that local roads for such a long period was reasonable, or did length of time. it place a disproportionate burden on local residents It is impossible to over-emphasise the gravity of the and businesses? I also asked it to look at the 10 possible situation. I do not think that the Highways Agency or scenarios, but I am sorry to say that I did not receive a the Olympic Delivery Authority have any notion of the very clear answer from the highways authority. I am not anger that is going to be generated when people see sure whether its members had really got their heads what is happening on the ground and realise that there around the gravity of what is proposed. The area contains was, and still is, an alternative. This is not like when a many major businesses, including aerospace manufacturing, motorway has to be closed following a fatal accident, and those businesses—not to mention people going which is an act of God—or perhaps not. We know that about their own ordinary daily business—will be greatly this is going to happen, and we ought to be able to plan inconvenienced. for it and bring in the necessary traffic management If my amendments had been printed and selected, it measures to ensure minimum disruption to the local would have been possible for the Bill to include the traffic. However, because of the imperative of getting commitment made by the Minister earlier and repeated the work done before the Olympics, local businesses by the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. and residents are going to be put through an enormous Friend the Member for Hemel Hempstead—who is amount of inconvenience. responsible for road traffic—that the disruption to local I cannot even get an answer on whether it will be businesses and residents would be minimised. It is clear possible for pedestrians to cross from one side of the from what has happened so far in relation to the A31 junction to the other during the course of the works. A and the Canford Bottom improvements that that detour of perhaps four or five miles will be required for commitment is not being fulfilled. motorists, through congested urban conditions. That I hope that the Minister will relent between now and will add hours to people’s journeys and do immense the beginning of the disruption that is due to start in economic damage to the locality. When we discussed February. As was established on the last occasion when this on Second Reading, my hon. Friend the Minister we discussed the matter, any competitors or officials said that that was the first he had heard of the problem. wanting to go to the Weymouth site will need to be I hope that he will now look into the matter again. His there in good time. They will not want to risk a delay to Bill enables him to say that the works should be half- their journey at the Canford Bottom roundabout, which, completed or curtailed before the Olympics. They do in any case, is probably a good hour and a half’s drive not have to be finished until after the games, and if that from the Olympics venue. Officials and media people is the price of enabling local people to go about their may want to bear that in mind. normal lives without disruption, so be it. Another point relates to the substance of whether the 3.15 pm junction improvements are valid. Only when we obtained I notice that my hon. Friend the Member for Mid the data did the position become clear. Although the Dorset and North Poole is now in her place, and I hope Highways Agency and others had asserted that everyone she will join in the debate, in order to emphasise that would be better off when the improvements had been this is not a party political matter, but rather a constituency completed, it was clear from the small print that, even matter of the highest order. We do not have the luxury during peak hours, vehicles coming off the eastern part of having any motorways in Dorset, and we do not have of Wimborne Road West would experience greater delays many trunk roads either, but we expect those that we do 615 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 616 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill have to be managed and dealt with in a way that is much which roads are closed and how much noise, inconvenience more friendly towards the needs of the local people and dust will be created. Although I hear him saying than seems to be the case at present. on behalf of his constituents that the good people of I said I would not speak at length and I have resisted Finchley are not in need of further information and quoting from much of the extensive correspondence consultation, the good people of Newham would be I have had with the Minister and officials. I hope this very grateful to be kept properly informed of everything debate—and, perhaps, the protests that will follow if that will happen over the next year and more that will the Government do not relent on the proposed 12-week affect their quality of life. closures—will bring home to them the fact that local people take this issue very seriously. Mike Freer: I thank the hon. Lady for that intervention. I cannot comment on the ability of her constituents to Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): absorb information, nor on the ability of mine to do so. I endorse the points that are being made. The Olympic What I am saying is that this new clause is unnecessary. games are a wonderful opportunity for this country, but It is not for primary legislation to dictate to Transport the impact on our area is beginning to be very considerable, for London or the ODA exactly how and when they and some of it is causing a great deal of resentment and should consult. They are consulting on the major phases fear among local businesses. In respect of these road extensively and, unusually, TfL is doing that quite well. works, due consideration must be given to our local Members of the public and Members of this House economy and the way of life of local people. may feel strongly about the consultation, but the consultation for phase 1 in central London is still open, Mr Chope: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her and it will remain open for another week. All I am intervention and her support for our line; we have been saying about this new clause is that the Minister needs operating on this issue together. We have been in the to be careful not to burden the ODA with a raft of dark for quite a lot of the time, but we have worked consultation and information requests that are ill-defined hard to try to cast some light on the issue. and will, at some point, allow people to say— There is much talk about the Olympic legacy, and Lyn Brown: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? perhaps the Minister will refer to that in his summing up. I fear, however, that the Olympic legacy in my Mike Freer: No, I am just making a general point constituency will be people saying, “The Canford Bottom about the quality of consultation on the priority route roundabout should have had a proper improvement, networks. but instead a half-baked hamburger junction has been incorporated that will not on any view solve the long-term Under Mayor Johnson, TfL has been exemplary on traffic problems. That was the price that had to be paid this occasion. My hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch for the Olympics.” (Mr Chope) made a powerful case about consultation, and perhaps we should extend the purview of Mayor I think it is too high a price, and it is also an Johnson to Christchurch, as that might improve the unnecessary price, because there could have been a little level of consultation on my hon. Friend’s local council. more consultation and rational thought about this matter. We could have delayed the improvements until after the Mr Chope: My point is not about the lack of consultation Olympics and thus ensured that they would deliver real by the local council; it is about the lack of involvement benefits to local road users, as well as to national road of the Highways Agency. users using the important A31 network. Mike Freer: I stand corrected. My general point is Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con): I that the new clause, whether or not it is pressed to a rise to make a few brief remarks on new clause 2. I urge vote, asks the Minister to take on board a raft of the Minister to ignore the siren voices calling for yet additional consultations. It asks us to consult and inform more consultation as we near the Olympic period. While ad nauseam, yet it is ill-defined. the Opposition will not press their amendments to a vote, I fear that the Minister might choose to acknowledge Lyn Brown rose— their sentiments and take on board what they propose. I am not generally a great fan of Transport for Mike Freer: I have already said that I am not going to London, but I have to say that its consultation on the give way further on this, as I am making a general point. Olympic network has been exemplary. Phase 1 addresses The Minister needs to be careful not to burden the the A12 Leytonstone to Redbridge roundabout. Although ODA and the relevant authorities with ill-defined requests, it is not in my constituency, it is an important London ad nauseam, for information. Thus far, TfL has been junction, and TfL has written to every resident and exemplary and the Mayor of London has done an business within a certain distance, informing them of all excellent job, and I urge the Minister to ignore the siren the changes and proposals. It has also held three drop-in voices. sessions, and that procedure has been repeated for every phase. Hugh Robertson: With respect, Mr Deputy Speaker, and with the permission of the right hon. Member for Lyn Brown: I represent the constituency in which the Dulwich and West Norwood (Tessa Jowell), I shall deal Olympic park is based, and I can tell the hon. Gentleman with Canford Bottom roundabout first and then return that I have a small but very significant postbag from to her new clause. residents who are not aware of things that are happening on their doorsteps and that affect their everyday lives, Stephen Pound (Ealing North) (Lab): Bottom up such as whether or not they can go down certain roads, then, is it? 617 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 618 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Hugh Robertson: It is actually the military principle Mr Chope: The roads Minister told me that it was not of securing one’s rear before one advances. There will necessary to go ahead with these works prior to the be an unfortunate double entendre, if we are not careful. Olympics, but he has effectively told me in a letter that he has now been ordered to go ahead with them because It is a well-defined principle of the Olympics, or it they form part of the Olympic route network. If my certainly has been in the 15 or 16 months of our work hon. Friend the Minister for Sport and the Olympics on the Olympics, that issues lie where they fall. Thus, can do nothing else today, will he confirm that as far as despite the fact that my Department—the one that the the Olympic Delivery Authority and the Olympic route right hon. Lady presided over before the election—has network are concerned, it is not necessary to proceed primary responsibility for the delivery of the Olympics, with the Canford Bottom construction and improvements where detailed issues arise they lie with the Department before the Olympic games? The route could be secured that is primarily responsible for them. So anything to do using the powers in clause 4. with the management of overseas dignitaries lies with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, anything to do with Olympic security lies primarily with the Home Hugh Robertson: I shall certainly check that for my Office and anything to do with transport lies primarily hon. Friend and, if he wishes, write to him, but the with the Department for Transport. So I feel a little bit information that I have in front of me is clear—inasmuch like a duck caught in the shooting gallery this afternoon. as I can read it—that these improvements are required to deliver the Olympics. It is as simple as that. My hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr Chope) raised a great number of his concerns on Mr Chope: Why are the improvements required? How Second Reading, and I undertook then to ensure that will they make a difference? At the moment, my hon. they were correctly raised with the Department for Friend’s powers under clause 4 would enable all the Transport. The note that I have been given assures me other sides of the roundabout to be closed off, for that that has been the case and, indeed, I believe that in example. Indeed, local people have said that they would his submission my hon. Friend acknowledged that the prefer that. They would prefer to have all the roundabout roads Minister has been closely involved. I suspect that closed off to local traffic during the Olympic games the problem is that we have simply hit a brick wall, in than to have to put up with this disruption and the that my hon. Friend does not want this particular construction of what seems to be a white elephant scheme to happen but the roads Minister has given project. authorisation for it to proceed. There has been agreement that the work can proceed, and I believe that it is due to Hugh Robertson: My hon. Friend will know, as he start imminently. The note that I have received states was a Transport Minister in the previous Conservative that the highways authority simply does not believe that Government, that what local people want is not always there is a viable alternative. the best traffic solution to achieve what people are I must tell my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch trying to do on a national scale. We are committed to an that I went to Weymouth to have a look at the test event Olympic route network—we will come on to that in a at the beginning of August, when representatives of minute—and that was a commitment given at the time Dorset county council and the local authority were of the bid. As the right hon. Member for Dulwich and present. I did not get the opportunity to get held up at West Norwood has said, many of us are nervous about the Canford Bottom roundabout. The right hon. Member this, but it was a commitment we made when we signed for Dulwich and West Norwood will be delighted to the host nation contract back in 2005, and it is one that learn that I set a good example and travelled by train, we are contractually obliged to deliver. We have taken and so I did not have a chance to see this important advice from the experts—in this case, the Highways roundabout. I must tell my hon. Friend that nobody in Agency—and I have a briefing from it among my notes. and around Weymouth, including Dorset county council, I have just received a copy of the letter that was written raised this with me as an issue in any way. to the right hon. Lady by the Transport Minister. Both the briefing and that letter confirm that these works are Indeed, if one problem came out of that visit—the necessary and that they will go ahead. I am sorry that regatta itself was brilliantly organised and the local my hon. Friend is so unhappy about it, but I do not see authorities are doing everything that they possibly can that there is a great deal that I can do. to deliver a successful regatta at Olympic time—it was the worry that on the super Sunday in the middle of the Mr Chope: Of course, my hon. Friend has to answer games, when Ben Ainslie stands a chance of breaking for the roads Minister, too, because that is the way this the record for sailing medals at the Olympics, most of debate is going. My hon. Friend the Minister says that the south-west will decamp to Weymouth, thereby gumming these works are necessary, but does he not agree that if up roads for miles around. It was for precisely that we apply common sense we can see that it is possible to reason that they needed to make improvements to the construct such a major new junction without closing road network. As my hon. Friend knows, one of the the local roads for 11 weeks continuously? reasons why Weymouth will be a great venue is that it is a fantastic amphitheatre, but the town, which is small and has small roads, has a capacity of about 8,000, I Hugh Robertson: The short answer is that I simply do was led to believe. Their concerns are rather the reverse not know, because I have not seen this roundabout. I and that we should do everything possible to increase am an amateur, not a traffic professional, and I think access. that even if I went there and had a look, I would not necessarily be sure that I would get it right. That is why I simply do not know what more I can do at this we have agencies such as the Highways Agency to give point. It is not within my power as the Olympics Minister us advice. That advice has been examined and tested by to halt these works and it never has been. my hon. Friend the roads Minister, and he has written 619 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 620 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill accordingly. I am afraid that I have no option—and about it, because we know exactly what the impact will would not take any other up—than to accept his judgment be. However, it is a necessary safety measure to ensure and advice. I am afraid that that is where we are. I that the London games are not afflicted by the sort of accept that my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch scenes we saw in Atlanta, with competitors missing the does not like it, but I am afraid that that is the way it is start of their competitions and officials not being able going to happen. to get there to oversee them. The importance of this issue was brought home to Mr Chope: Will my hon. Friend confirm that he has me at the weekend, when I visited the rowing squad out overruled the roads Minister in insisting that this project in Slovenia during the world rowing championships. It go ahead? is very easy for us to minimise how important these events are to the athletes—the young men and women Hugh Robertson: No; absolutely not. I have not overruled who are competing for us—but in many cases they have the roads Minister in any way. I do not have that power, given up other careers and put themselves through an which does not exist. almost monastic existence for the four years running up to events. We owe it to them to make sure that this Annette Brooke: Does the Olympic Delivery Authority moment in their lives is as well-organised as possible. have the power to instruct the Minister to give the Before I address the four points that the right hon. go-ahead to the road? Lady made, let me pick up the point that the hon. Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown) made about the Hugh Robertson: I would have to check the requirements operation of the Olympic route network. I categorically of the Act. The ability to set out an Olympic route assure her, on the record, that the network will not network was laid out in the London Olympic Games operate for 100 days—it absolutely will not. It is expected and Paralympic Games Act 2006, which the right hon. to operate for a couple of days in the lead-up to the Member for Dulwich and West Norwood, the right games and for a short period after they finish to allow hon. Member for Bath (Mr Foster) and I were involved for the arrival and departure of athletes. It then will not in passing five years ago. As the right hon. Lady has operate between the Olympics and the Paralympics, and said, the power was introduced because there was complete then the same thing will happen again. The horror traffic chaos at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, in which stories about 100 days of chaos are very wide of the competitors missed their events and officials failed to mark. turn up at the right time because the city became gridlocked. That has been a feature of every Olympics Lyn Brown: I welcome the Minister’s answer very since. much, but the figure of 100 days is in the ether, so to speak. A constituent wrote to me about this matter, 3.30 pm quoting the ODA website. That is at the back of my mind, although as I stand here I do not have access to It is a requirement of the host nation contract to have the letter, and certainly do not have access to the ODA an Olympic route network between all the key venues. website. I would be grateful if the Minister’s aides That was given statutory effect in the 2006 Act, so the considered looking at the website to see how my constituents measure will almost certainly have its origin in that Act. might have misread the information that they saw in There is a process of consultation between the Olympic front of them. Delivery Authority and the Highways Agency about how these things are to be enacted. According to the Hugh Robertson: I expect, without knowing, that the evidence before me today—the briefing that I have been hon. Lady’s constituents misread the information, because given—that consultation has been done and a conclusion in some quarters it is being presented very badly. That is has been reached. I am very sorry that the two local not a criticism of the ODA, although we will certainly Members—my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch look at what she says, but there is a certain amount of and the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole mischief making in all this. Many people who write and (Annette Brooke)—do not like it, but it is one of those commentate on the games know that the measure will simple situations where there is a difference of opinion be extremely unpopular and unwelcome in some quarters, between local Members of Parliament and those trying and are making the most of it. A lot of the 100-day to design the scheme. Given that the roads Minister has scare stories come from that, which is partly why I am considered all this, having had countless meetings, and happy to put the record straight today. come to a conclusion, I do not see much point in prolonging this further because the decision has been Bob Blackman: Londoners in general are concerned made. The only advice that I can give to those Members that we might witness the horrible spectacle of queues if they wish to pursue this further is to do so with the of traffic sitting in proper lanes while International roads Minister via an Adjournment debate. Olympic Committee officials are whisked past them in On the amendment tabled by the right hon. Member rapid-fire lanes at times when people are not going to for Dulwich and West Norwood, let me say at the outset the Olympics but are going about their normal, law-abiding that I entirely appreciate that the thought process lying business. We can all agree that in the area around the behind it involves trying to minimise the impact of the Olympic park there will be a lot of publicity and, Olympic route network on people living and working in therefore, understanding, but in the wider area of London the areas concerned. I am very grateful for her confirmation there will be less understanding and less appreciation. that she supports the general principle. All of us who Will the Minister assure us that he is doing everything have been involved in this process, either at the time of possible to minimise not only the number of days, but the bid or subsequently, recognise why this has to the times when the Olympic lanes will operate, so that happen, but none of us is enormously enthusiastic the inconvenience to Londoners is minimised? 621 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 622 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Hugh Robertson: Indeed, my hon. Friend can have on that when I attended the world rowing championships. that guarantee from me. There can be no better guarantee The IOC members probably form a spectrum in that than the fact that, whatever we signed in the host nation regard; many will use public transport, but some will contract, we all know that these measures have the probably take some more persuading. We will do everything capacity to cause considerable annoyance and irritation we can to encourage them to use public transport. at a time when we would like the whole country to come A consultation on pedestrian crossings is going on at together to celebrate a London Olympics, with the the moment. The detailed plans on changes to pedestrian possible exception of the residents in and around the crossings are being adjusted wherever possible in the Canford Bottom roundabout. light of representations that have been received. It is our We are determined to ensure that we operate the intention to ensure that there is minimum disruption, network with the minimum possible disruption to London not that a “safety first” approach is carried out. I can residents. It will operate for only a couple of days before absolutely assure the right hon. Lady that that will be the games and a couple of days after to facilitate entry done. and exit to the city. It will operate during the games The right hon. Lady’s final point was on taxis, and themselves only when the competition schedule is in the Mayor said yesterday that he was looking at that place. very carefully. We are seeing what can be done at one The final thing that is worth saying is that the Olympic end of the spectrum, by creating pick-up and drop-off route network occupies only a tiny proportion of the points along the Olympic route network that will allow London network. I can give my hon. Friend the absolute taxis to operate more efficiently. Information packs are assurance that we will do everything possible to ensure already being prepared that will cover the ORN venues that the effect is as small as possible, commensurate and other details about the games. They will be distributed with keeping to the obligations to the IOC that we to drivers to help them to operate as efficiently as undertook in signing the host nation contract back in possible and make the most of the commercial opportunities 2005. that will be available to them through the games. Let me run through the four points made by the right hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood. I agree Lyn Brown: I am once again grateful to the Minister that communication is vital and that this is not a for his point about black cabs, but I emphasise the point question of one, straightforward leaflet drop. As we about private hire cars from local businesses around the know, there are all sorts of reasons why such a thing Olympic site—certainly those that operate with a licence could go adrift. The process has to be constant and and are of good repute. ongoing—probably rather like a point in politics: only when one is heartily sick of hearing it is there any Hugh Robertson: The hon. Lady makes the point chance of its getting through. I agree that it is vital that well. The best thing I can do is offer her a guarantee we not only go through the consultation process, which that I will bring her remarks to the attention of the we are doing at the moment, but back it up, back it up Mayor. It might be sensible for her to write to him as and back it up. well, but I can certainly give her that assurance. If it would reassure the right hon. Lady, and in keeping with the agreements we have over the scope of Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): I have often resisted the project, I am happy to arrange for her to have a intervening on issues relating to the London taxi industry, briefing from Transport for London, which I presume but on this occasion I cannot. It is the only fleet of she sees as part of her shadow ministerial responsibilities, transport vehicles in London that is fully accessible to and from the Department. disabled people. It is an essential part of making it easy for people with disabilities to get to the Olympic site. Mr Foster: To offer further reassurance, will the When the Minister is discussing that with the Mayor, Minister tell the House whether I am correct in my would he please emphasise that point and perhaps belief that many aspects of the Olympic route network allow those vehicles carrying people with a blue badge will require traffic regulation orders to be passed, and or some form of identification that shows they are that passing a traffic regulation order requires consultation registered disabled to enter the Olympic priority network? with the local public—an additional level of consultation? Hugh Robertson: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that Hugh Robertson: The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely intervention. It is a point well made. As he knows, it is right. Indeed, had I read the speech that was prepared international Paralympic day today—there is not always for me, I would have covered that point—I decided a direct correlation with the term and I know that instead to try to be clever and go al fresco across the people do not always like it. One of the commitments right hon. Lady’s contribution. made at the time of the bid was to make this the most The right hon. Lady’s second point was about disabled-enabled games ever. This country, of course, is encouraging everyone to travel by public transport. It the home of the Paralympic movement. It is absolutely was made clear in a powerful part of the bid we put in our intention to do everything possible to make the to the IOC that these were to be a public transport experience for disabled people attending both the Olympic games. As she will know, as a Minister I always travel by and Paralympic games as easy and pleasurable as possible. public transport and certainly will in the run-up to the The hon. Gentleman’s point about the London taxi games. Indeed, even now public transport is by far the fleet was well made. I agree with him entirely and will quickest way to get to Stratford. I managed to travel certainly raise it with the Mayor. from the west end to Stratford international station in I will finish by thanking the right hon. Lady not only 18 minutes the other night. Slowly but surely that point for her new clause, but for the spirit with which she is getting through in Lausanne. I had some discussions tabled it. I absolutely agree with the thinking behind it. 623 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 624 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Indeed, had we been having this debate 19 months ago I The Police Federation has raised concerns that forces would probably have done exactly what she has done outside London are struggling to find the finance and today. the man-and woman-power to send officers to the capital, I hope that in my remarks I have been able to reassure and that could heap further pressure on an already the right hon. Lady that we will do everything possible. stretched Met. As I have said, certainly in the House, not least because In the light of last month’s events, what reassurances all Members receive constituency postbags, we are all can the Minister give the House that the Met police aware of the potential for the situation to cause very force will be able to cope not just with the Olympic considerable unease, anger and disappointment at games security operation, but with any public order disturbances time. We gave a commitment at the time of the bid, and that may come its way? Can he assure the House that we must carry it out, but it is absolutely vital that it is police forces outside London will also have sufficient carried out in a common-sense and, dare I say it, numbers to offer support to the Met police operation minimalistic way, so that the impact on an already very and to respond to disturbances that might occur at the busy and congested city is kept as small as possible. I same time in their own area? hope that with that reassurance she will feel sufficiently If the Minister cannot with confidence give those reassured to withdraw her new clause. assurances, will he undertake to meet ministerial colleagues to review policing capacity and capability in order to Tessa Jowell: I thank the Minister for his constructive ensure that there is a sufficient number of police officers response, and I beg to ask leave to withdraw the clause. to fulfil the extensive commitments of summer 2012, Clause, by leave, withdrawn. remembering that the Olympics are preceded by the celebration of the Queen’s diamond jubilee? The most important task of any Government is to New Clause 3 ensure the safety of the people whom they serve, and next year presents an unprecedented security challenge, POLICE RESOURCES one that will have been made significantly harder by ‘(1) Section 6 of the London Olympic Games and Paralympic having fewer police on the streets of London. I ask the Games Act 2006 is amended as follows. Minister to reassure not just the House but London (2) After subsection (2) insert— that the security strategy, which enjoys cross-party support, “(3) Any consultation under subsection (2) shall include a can be delivered even with that reduced capability. request from the Authority that the Commissioner or relevant chief constable provide an estimate of the number of police Stephen Pound: I do not want to tempt the Minister officers required to be deployed in order that the Olympic too far away from the core subject, the wording, the Delivery Authority may effectively exercise its duties under irrefragable basis of this marvellous, exquisitely crafted subsection (1).”’.—(Tessa Jowell.) new clause. However, he is well known for being a man Brought up, and read the First time. of great charm, decency and keenness to accommodate all views in the House—a characteristic that will almost 3.45 pm certainly guarantee that he does not become Prime Minister for a few years, but that he will have a great Tessa Jowell: I beg to move, That the clause be read a many friends. Second time. The point that concerns me very much on the issue of The security operation for the games will be the policing was raised in reference to the Olympics on the largest peacetime security operation ever mounted in Floor of the House on Monday in connection with the the UK, and it will place tremendous demands not only Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill. I on the Metropolitan police, but on all police forces, as understand that we are not talking about TPIMs, but officers will be drawn from forces throughout the country. the Olympics. However, my right hon. Friend the Member Of the 330,000 police shifts that are likely to take place for Dulwich and West Norwood (Tessa Jowell) has during the games, about 70,000 are likely to be covered raised the issue of police numbers and the potential by officers from outside London. shortfall. In the wake of the disturbances that swept across As every right hon. and hon. Member in the House London—when, similarly, we had officers from outside will know, the abandonment of the relocation principle London supporting the Met—and other parts of the was voted through the House on Monday night, although country, we have learned not just how important the I have to say that all Opposition Members voted to number of police can be, but how vulnerable parts of maintain public safety and relocation. One consequence the country and, indeed, of our city can be when there is that some of the most dangerous and potentially are simply not enough police on the street. lethal terrorists in this country will be allowed to return By the time the games come to London, London and to their home areas, which will often be in the heartlands national police forces will be significantly diminished. of the Olympics. As we heard on Monday night, that The Government’s gamble with police cuts means that will require enhanced police activity and oversight. there will be fewer police on the streets, putting the Whereas under the relocation principle such people security operation and other police functions at risk. could be relocated away from their homes, they will now By March 2012, the Metropolitan police will have return to areas where they know people, in many cases 940 fewer officers than it had two years before, and where they were brought up, and where they have throughout the country two thirds of the budget reductions friends and family. will have taken place by the run-up to the games, Understandably, the Under-Secretary of State for the meaning that there will be as many as 10,000 fewer Home Department, the hon. Member for Old Bexley officers available. and Sidcup (James Brokenshire) did not go into a great 625 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 626 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill [Stephen Pound] doubt that the fact that the security plan, operationally, is in such a good place is largely due to the work that he deal of detail on Monday, but he did point out that and others have done. I can absolutely assure the hon. there would have to be deeply enhanced police oversight. Gentleman that there has been no question, either Whether that will be provided in any force other than formally or informally, of the Metropolitan police raising the Met, we do not know. Logic suggests that it will the sort of concerns that he has just raised with me. In have to be done by the Met. The Met is the only force as much as it counts, I hope that he will accept that that can draw down this sort of specialist oversight reassurance. operation. If that happens, the demand from that draw- down on police officers from January and February Mr Foster: I apologise for interrupting the Minister, next year, right the way through the diamond jubilee but I should like to place on the record—perhaps this and the Olympics, will become intensely significant. will reassure the hon. Member for Ealing North (Stephen It is not the purpose of this debate to rehash all the Pound)—the fact that I too have the utmost confidence TPIMs arguments. However, it is a shame that the hon. in Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison, who was not and gallant Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart) is only an expert witness but gave every one of us who not in his place—he was here earlier—because on Monday, questioned him real confidence that he takes these he pointed out that, having come to the issue completely concerns deeply seriously and also has the ability, the open-mindedly, he could not understand why any competence and the skills to ensure that the solutions Government would not wish to have this vital tool in are delivered. their armoury. However, on the occasion the vote was lost. I ask the Minister whether he will speak to his Hugh Robertson: I thank my right hon. Friend for colleagues in the Home Office and the Ministry of that. Justice specifically about the additional police numbers that will be required to oversee the operation of TPIMs Stephen Pound: I apologise for intervening again; this in east London in particular and in the whole of the is not ping-pong. That is not even an Olympic sport; if M25 area. it were, it would be called whiff-whaff, I am sure. I take The Minister has military experience. He is the sort second place to no man in my admiration for AC Allison, of young officer whom many of us would follow into but the point is that he was talking about the situation the jaws of death itself. I imagine him on the bridge of then. Since Monday night, the rules have changed and some storm-tossed corvette, heading straight into the everything is different. We now have the potential for roaring sound of gunfire, while we plucky matelots the body to be infected by a virulent bacillus. Even Lord gather astern to support him. On this occasion, I would Carlile, who is not of my party, has said that these are like to see him lead the good ship of state into the safe potentially lethally dangerous people. The weather has haven of public security and away from the threat and changed, and we have to take that into consideration, danger that may be attendant upon east London, the despite the admiration that everyone in this House has Olympic area, the Olympic dream and the Olympic for AC Allison. ideal. Hugh Robertson: I take the hon. Gentleman’s point. However, the events of Monday night did not suddenly Hugh Robertson: Follow that! I should probably confess come out of a puff of smoke. The police have had the that the only time I ever went into the heat of battle on opportunity to prepare for this, and they also have the the back of a vehicle was in a tank with the lid firmly ability, through their intelligence services, to look forward. screwed down, so there is rather less chance of that than On that basis, I can reassure him that neither formally the hon. Gentleman suggested. nor informally, at any stage, has anybody in the I will come to the hon. Gentleman’s points in a Metropolitan police service raised this with me as a minute, but may I start by saying that I am grateful to potential problem. the right hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Tessa Jowell) for tabling the new clause? As she is Lyn Brown: I thank the Minister for his good words, absolutely aware, having had this responsibility herself, which go some way towards helping us to feel more the safety and security of games venues, the supporting secure. However, will he take back and ask directly the infrastructure and the wider public environment next question about whether the relocation issues are now of summer is a paramount priority for the Government concern to the Metropolitan police with the forthcoming and for everybody involved in the Olympic games Olympic games ahead of us? movement. I should certainly, at the outset, place on the record my gratitude for the work that she did during her Hugh Robertson: I will certainly go back and ask the time in office to ensure that the security plan is in the question. I am not sure that this will necessarily reassure position that it is today. I am happy to say to this the hon. Lady, but I would be absolutely amazed if I House, as I have said outside, that I am as confident as were the first person who had asked it. It is absolutely one can be at this stage that we can deliver a safe and inconceivable that it was not asked by the Home Office secure games. during the preparation of the Bill. This has been a long In response to the hon. Member for Ealing North time in the cooking, and there would have been ample (Stephen Pound), I point out that we had the opportunity opportunity for the Metropolitan police to say, at any in Committee to question the assistant commissioner stage during the process, that this was a problem. who is responsible for policing and security around London 2012. As I think we all agreed, he was probably Stephen Pound: This will be the last time that I seek to the standout witness we saw. He was extremely persuasive intervene on the Minister. I entirely take his point. and, as one would expect, well informed. There is no However, DAC Osborne, a person of similar standing 627 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 628 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill who is the co-ordinator for counter-terrorism, said in Hugh Robertson: The short answer to my hon. Friend evidence to this House that relocation is by far the most is that it has absolutely been taken into account. As I effective mechanism. The Met is therefore considering said, I will come on to the police numbers in a moment, it, and for the one person the Minister prays in aid, we which I hope will give him some reassurance, but I can can pray in aid a DAC who says quite the opposite. give him further reassurance. He took part in the debate on Second Reading and has been closely involved Hugh Robertson: At the risk of splitting hairs, I am throughout the Bill’s passage, so he will be aware that not sure that there is a contradiction here. Whatever the one clause in the Bill is the specific result of police DAC may or may not have said about what place he sees intelligence and a request from the police. The maximum for relocation in the tools available to him, the fact is fine for ticket touting has been increased on the basis of that it has gone now, post Monday night. The police intelligence received from Operation Podium. There is a have known that it was going for some time before constant process of updating legislation as required. this—and crucially, knowing that it was going, nobody New clause 3 would require relevant police authorities, has said that that will present us with an insuperable in such consultations with them as the Olympic Delivery problem, or in my case, any form of problem, around Authority considered appropriate, to provide an estimate London 2012. of the police deployments required to enable the ODA to fulfil its responsibilities under section 6(1) of the Bob Blackman: One of the concerns expressed to me 2006 Act. I would say two things about the new clause. by individuals in the Metropolitan police is that since First, there have been and continue to be extensive the London riots, in many London boroughs the police discussions between all concerned parties—the police, have been continuously working 12-hour shifts, with no the Home Office, the ODA, the Department, the London rest days and no allowance for annual leave. That is at Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and the current operational policing level. Given that the Paralympic Games and a great many others—on planned Olympics are coming up, will the Minister verify the police deployments at London 2012 venues. position with the Met? My understanding is that it The right hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood is cancelling all annual leave for the duration of the will also be aware, most practically because she has Olympics and gearing up for a similar operation during done this job, that as under the previous Administration that time, and that will put great strain on the resources the Government have pursued a policy of maximum available to it not only in the Olympic areas but across transparency in communicating the look and feel of the London. That must give rise to a potential security safety and security of the London 2012 games. That problem. includes public statements from the police on the expected requirement for policing the games, which at current 4pm estimates is up to 9,000 officers in London and 12,000 nationally on the peak days during the Olympic games. Hugh Robertson: I say to my hon. Friend that we Naturally, those numbers will be flexed up or down as should be careful, because I would be very nervous necessary in response to changes in intelligence and the about saying anything that suggested that there was in threat environment. any way, shape or form a security problem around London 2012. The messages that we give out here are The second point is much more technical—I am followed in places beyond here, so one could get into slightly more nervous about making it, and I hope the quite dangerous territory. I am not without experience right hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood in this area—I spent just over 10 years in the armed will take it in the way that it is meant. The proposed services and know how to read a security briefing—and purpose of new clause 3 is out of step with the transfer I say again that given the nature of the subject that we of a wide range of games-time responsibilities, including are dealing with, I am as confident as I possibly can be security, from the ODA to LOCOG. At the Olympic at this stage, 10 months out from the Olympics, that we park, that handover will be complete in January, so can deliver a safe and secure games. Inherent in that is there is a technical problem with new clause 3, because the necessity of striking a balance between keeping this by the time the measure has ground through the other city and those games secure and recognising that they place, it is likely that in any event, the security responsibility will be a fantastic public spectacle that we want people will largely have been handed over. In practical terms, if to be able to move in and out of and enjoy to the the new clause becomes part of the Bill, it would have maximum extent. either a very short shelf life or possibly no shelf life. I will come to the precise police numbers required to Accordingly and in conclusion, I once again thank police London 2012 in a moment, but the Metropolitan the right hon. Lady for all the work that she did in police have been involved at every stage of the planning government in drawing up the original security plan. I and are confident, as I am, that the plan is deliverable absolutely reassure her and other hon. Members that and that the result will be a safe and secure games. keeping the games safe and secure remains the Government’s overriding priority. A lot of things are Bob Blackman: I think we can be confident about the important in and around the games, but security is the security level of the games. Having inspected the park No. 1 priority. and the security arrangements, I think we will deliver a I offer the right hon. Lady the opportunity to raise superb games. One of the concerns of Londoners, those and other concerns with Home Office officials as however, is the potential for criminals and others to part of her routine briefings on the subject, as I did in promote their activities in the time leading up to and respect of her previous proposal. As we discussed at during the games, which could affect the police’s operational Question Time this morning, I am aware that she has a capability in London in that period. Has that been meeting next week. If anything comes out of that that taken into account? she feels has not been addressed satisfactorily, I hope 629 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 630 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill [Hugh Robertson] (a) in the case of a perishable article, the article has ceased to be usable for trade, or she knows that she can come back to me, and I will do (b) the court orders the article to be forfeited under Part 2 everything possible to ensure that she gets the right of the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995. answer. On that basis, I hope that I can persuade her to (6A) Subject to subsection (6), the article shall be treated as if withdraw the clause. acquired by the constable in the course of the investigation of an offence. Tessa Jowell: With those very helpful assurances, and (6B) An article that is held by an enforcement officer (having on the basis that the House will want to keep these been removed by or delivered to the officer) shall be dealt with in matters under review between now and the end of the accordance with sections 31A to 31E.” games, which will be a year tomorrow, I beg to ask leave (13) In section 28, subsection (4) has effect as if there were to withdraw the clause. substituted for it— Clause, by leave, withdrawn. “(4) An article that is held by a constable (having been removed by or delivered to the constable) shall be returned Clause 1 when retention is no longer justified by a matter specified in subsection (2)(a) to (c), unless— REMOVAL OF INFRINGING ARTICLES (a) in the case of a perishable article, the article has ceased to be usable for trade, or Hugh Robertson: I beg to move amendment 1, page 1, (b) the court orders the article to be forfeited under Part 2 line 2, in clause 1, at end insert— of the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995. ‘( ) In section 21 of the London Olympic Games and (4A) Subject to subsection (4), the article shall be treated as if Paralympic Games Act 2006 (offence of contravening advertising acquired by the constable in the course of the investigation of an regulations), omit subsection (4).’. offence. (4B) An article that is held by an enforcement officer (having Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): With this it been removed by or delivered to the officer) shall be dealt with in will be convenient to discuss Government amendment 2. accordance with sections 31A to 31E.” Hugh Robertson: I think everybody will be relieved to (14) In sections 31A, 31B and 31D, the references to a know that these are two minor and very technical magistrates’ court are to be read as if they were references to the amendments—I see nods all around the Chamber at sheriff. that. (15) Section 31A has effect as if— Amendment 1 repeals a redundant provision in the (a) in subsection (4), “before the end of the relevant 2006 Act. Section 21(4) provides that a person convicted period” and “at the end of that period” were omitted, of contravening the advertising regulations may be ordered (b) in subsections (5) and (6), “before the end of the to pay the ODA’s or the police’s reasonable enforcement relevant period” were omitted, expenses. The provision is redundant, because other (c) in subsection (6), in paragraph (b), for “section 143 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) sections of the Act—sections 22(9) and 28(7)—already Act 2000” there were substituted “Part 2 of the allow the ODA and the police to recover their enforcement Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995”, costs from people who contravene the advertising and (d) in that subsection, paragraph (c) were omitted, trading regulations. (e) in subsection (8), “or (6)(c)” were omitted, and Amendment 2 amends the advertising and trading provisions as they apply in Scotland, so that they remain (f) subsection (10) were omitted. largely as operated by the 2006 Act but more closely (16) Section 31E has effect as if subsections (5) to (10) were follow the model of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games omitted.”’.—(Hugh Robertson.) Act 2008. The amendment has been requested by the Scottish Government, who consulted the police and Clause 9 prosecuting authorities in Scotland. Although the amendments will result in a small and COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION, EXTENT AND technical variation in the operation of the advertising APPLICATION, AND SHORT TITLE and trading provisions in Scotland as opposed to England Amendments made: 3, page 14, line 34, in clause 9, and Wales, they are not likely to cause significant differences leave out ‘8’ and insert ‘[Goods vehicle operator licences]’. in practice. Indeed, I hope that all hon. Members recognise Amendment 4, page 15, line 1, leave out ‘and 2’ and that Scotland’s legal system is different from the one in insert— England and Wales. ‘, 2 and [Goods vehicle operator licences]’.—(Hugh Robertson.) Amendment 1 agreed to. Third Reading Amendment made: 2, page 6, line 15, leave out subsections (9) and (10) and insert— 4.9 pm ‘(9) In section 37 of that Act (Scotland), omit— Hugh Robertson: I beg to move, That the Bill be now (a) subsection (6), and read the Third time. (b) subsection (11). I wish to start—I mean this genuinely—by thanking (10) At the end of that section insert— all those involved in the passage of the Bill. I thank “(12) In section 22, subsection (6) has effect as if there were Members on both sides of the House who served in the substituted for it— Bill Committee. It has been a reasonably pain-free Bill, (6) An article that is held by a constable (having been removed and the discussions that we had in Committee were by or delivered to the constable) shall be returned when retention constructive and genuinely improved the Bill. I would is no longer justified by a matter specified in subsection (5)(a) to therefore like to put on the record my thanks to all (c), unless— Members who played a part in that. 631 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 632 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill I say a particular thank you to the right hon. Member amount to help that take place. The best thing that I can for Dulwich and West Norwood (Tessa Jowell), who has do now is to give my hon. Friend a promise to write to played a unique role, as I have said on a number of the BOA about the matter. I will particularly investigate occasions, in the winning of the London games and the position regarding London media, because this is a their subsequent delivery. She continues to be a great once-in-a-generation opportunity. I will come back to servant of the process—if she does not mind my using him with an answer. that term—through her work on the Olympic Board and across London promoting the games. It would have Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): I want to been easy for lesser people following the general election second the point made by my hon. Friend the Member to have felt that they were not involved in the way in for Orpington (Joseph Johnson). The BOA seems to which they wished and to have left the process. It is assume that local journalists granted accreditation will greatly to her credit, as a person and a politician, that attend every event. Obviously, there is a limit on overall not only has she not done that, but she has put her capacity, but clearly our local papers just want to cover shoulder to the wheel so enthusiastically. She has made the events in which athletes from our boroughs are a great many friends by doing that—she had a great competing. It ought to be possible to arrive at a flexible many already—and earned the gratitude of many people arrangement that enables our local London papers to on both sides of the House and across the Olympic do that. I would be grateful if the Minister were to take movement. that point on board. I also thank, as always, the right hon. Member for Bath (Mr Foster)—the third of the holy trinity involved Hugh Robertson: Suffice to say that the point has in the process from the beginning—for his help and been well made. I can only say to my hon. Friend that I support. Finally, I thank the officials of the House, the will give him the same undertaking that I have given to parliamentary counsel and the officials in all three my hon. Friend the Member for Orpington (Joseph Departments concerned. Although there is cross-party Johnson)—that I will write to the BOA to take that support for the principle of the Olympics, a lot of precise point up and see what I can do. The only minor difficult, technical issues are involved in laying on the caveat is that because this is a London games, the world’s greatest sporting event, and it is not always easy demand for media accreditation spots is vast. There will for officials to bring it all together. Throughout this be a level of public interest that I do not think we have process—I am sure that the right hon. Lady would say remotely started to get our minds around. Spots will be the same about the 2006 Act—we have been extraordinarily tight, but I will absolutely do all that I can. well served by our officials. I am grateful to them for their work. Lyn Brown: Let me assure the Minister that there is cross-party support for the points made by the hon. Joseph Johnson (Orpington) (Con): I thank the Minister Members for Orpington (Joseph Johnson) and for Croydon for his kind words of thanks to the Bill Committee Central (Gavin Barwell). I know that the Newham Recorder members. It was the first Bill Committee of which I will be watching Christine Ohuruogu with interest as have been a member, and I enjoyed it very much. He has she races towards the tape in the final for her gold. It alluded to the technical difficulties that officials must would be a great pity if the local press were not allowed confront, and I want to bring to his attention a set of to be there to cover such an event. As local newspapers, technical difficulties relating to the sharing out of media they frankly do not have the capacity to attend every accreditations to the British media. It is a cause of great event and would have to be clear and specific about the concern to me that local media, particularly in London—the events that they could give time to. city on whose good will the success of these games depends—are being shut out. Will he join me in calling Hugh Robertson: As always with this process and, on the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media indeed, protest in this case, the cross-party support is and Sport to look closely at the decision by the British evident, and I shall reflect that in the letter that I write Olympic Association to deny media accreditation to to the BOA. such fine local London papers as the News Shopper? As I set out on Second Reading back in April, the Hugh Robertson: I thank my hon. Friend for his London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 intervention. He speaks from a powerful position, not gives us the overarching legislative framework needed only as a London Member of Parliament, but as a to deliver the games successfully. This Bill simply provides former journalist. As he is aware, responsibility for the a number of technical refinements to the 2006 Act, accreditation of local media outlets lies with the BOA. ensuring that we can address the few minor and technical In the short time between now and his raising this with issues that have arisen as games-time planning and me in the Lobby during the previous vote, I have preparation have become increasingly sophisticated. The checked the current position. I suspected that accreditation general principle behind the Bill remains the same as in is massively over-subscribed, which is what he indicated the original 2006 Act, which is to deliver a great games. to me. That said, I understand the logic of giving as The Bill amends the 2006 Act by giving the ODA the many passes as possible to the international media and power to store articles that have been seized for national news outlets, but he is right that it has to be contravention of the advertising and trading regulations, balanced with local media outlets, many of which have subject to a number of carefully framed rules set out in been extraordinarily supportive of the games and on the Bill, and we are freeing up police resources so that whose doorstep they are taking place. There is a possible they can be focused where best needed. As we have second channel for non-accredited media, and considerable heard today, we have also sought to ensure that the provision is being made for those who cannot get formally process works equally well across the different policing accredited. The Mayor of London has done an enormous regimes in England and Wales, and in Scotland. The 633 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 634 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill [Hugh Robertson] I would particularly like to thank this House for the role it has played in what I believe will be a truly great and, provisions that we are passing today will also allow us I hope, outstanding Olympic games. in exceptional circumstances—and only in exceptional circumstances—to alter advertising and trading regulations 4.20 pm more quickly. Tessa Jowell: I begin by expressing our strong support We have also increased the maximum penalty for the for the Bill and, very particularly, our gratitude to the touting of games tickets from £5,000, as set out in the Minister for his handling of it with characteristic open- 2006 Act, to £20,000 on the specific advice of the police. mindedness, receptiveness and a sense of the shared We believe that that strikes the right balance. The traffic passion that comes from involvement in this incredible management provisions in the Bill will ensure that the project. This is a technical Bill that builds on the London transport plans covering the Olympic route network Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006, but and the areas around games venues can be delivered it has done much more than that. I believe that it is has and effectively enforced. I also confirm that I have been enriched and shaped by our consideration in clarified the role of the Mayor of London when it Committee and on the Floor of the House. It has been comes to agreeing penalty charge levels for Olympic-purpose enriched by something important—the fact that we are road traffic contraventions. Last week, I formally directed all representatives of the communities that we serve. We the ODA to consult relevant traffic authorities—in as might come from different political standpoints, but we far as it has not already done so—on the penalty charge share a belief in the power of communities to act for levels for Olympic contraventions, and in doing so have good, and we have a shared ambition for the people sought to address the points made by the right hon. whom we represent. I believe that the proposals on Member for Dulwich and West Norwood in Committee. advertising and trading standards in the 2006 Act will The final group of provisions that we are enacting be implemented, because we know and understand, as addresses the concerns expressed by Transport for London representatives, the importance of proportionality. about the relaxation of licence conditions for operating We have seen an increase in the maximum penalty for centres. That said, the key point that has come through ticket touting, which is very much an expression of the in every stage of the Bill’s progress is the way in which fairness that is a prerequisite for people across London these measures will be applied. I confirm to the House and across the country to feel that they are part of this today that it is absolutely the Government’s intention to great Olympic event. I think that all Labour Members—we take a proportional and reasonable response to the seem to be rather diminished, but we count the quality enforcement of all the powers contained in the Bill. for the purposes of a debate like this one—are grateful In conclusion, it is fitting that today’s debate coincides to the Minister for his response to the points we raised with international Paralympics day, which takes place today about the Olympic route network. He reflected in Trafalgar square—we may just be able to catch it. his understanding, as did other hon. Members, because This is the first time that the event has ever been hosted we are all representatives of the people whom we serve. outside Germany, although we have a great tradition of This is a staging post on a journey that will see many pioneering Paralympic sport in this country, dating major hurdles needing to be negotiated before we get back to the original Stoke Mandeville games in 1948. to the closing ceremony of the Paralympic games in a Today’s event in Trafalgar square will give the public a year’s time. What the Olympics reflects, in a rather great introduction to the 20 Paralympic sports, with unique way, is a choice that the Government made. It is demonstrations from elite athletes. As I said earlier, I choice between remaining in the comfort zone by staying hope that as many hon. Members as possible will show away from controversy, difficulty, bad headlines and all their support for this fantastic event. the risks that the Olympic games can bring or rising to a Every time the United Kingdom has hosted the Olympics, once-in-a-lifetime challenge—even though that is a rather we have left the Olympic movement stronger than we over-worked phrase. found it. That is not just something that it is easy for I feel extraordinarily proud to have been involved in Ministers to say; if one looks back at the history, one different ways throughout the whole process, and the will see that it is genuinely the case. The original bid that Minister, too, has been involved for most of that process. we put before the International Olympic Committee I am grateful for the way in which the Government have promised to deliver a deep legacy for the games. This taken over the responsibility for this greatly cherished will be the first Olympics where we plan the event and project and have continued the tradition of openness the legacy as one. and collaboration. Right across the country, in many different schools We have all been privileged to work with some of the and communities, much is happening. The east end of best people in the world, who have delivered under the London is being transformed and social change is being leadership of John Armitt, David Higgins, Dennis Hone delivered through volunteer programmes and Olympic- and Godric Smith. All those outstanding people have themed community projects—a promise that we made seen the Olympic park transformed from a contaminated to the country and the world back in 2005. Being in the wasteland with corrugated iron huts into the largest middle of delivering a show like this, it is sometimes urban park to be created in Europe for 150 years. The easy to concentrate on things that do not go as well they fact that this has been delivered a bit below budget and could, but there is a huge amount for this House and a bit ahead of time is a really wonderful advertisement this country to be proud of as we begin the final run-up for UK plc. Everyone who has taken part in that can be to these games. proud of their achievement to date, including the people I firmly believe that this Bill gives us the powers to who cleared the ground, the people who carried out the proceed on a strong legislative footing—one that I do demolition and the people who ensured that 99% of the not think has been equalled in any previous games—and resulting materials were recycled rather than going to 635 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 636 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill landfill. Every one of the 40,000 people involved, including Above all, the right hon. Lady can be proud of the constituents of my hon. Friend the Member for having genuinely ensured that the debate was beyond West Ham (Lyn Brown) and other Members here today, party politics from the outset. As a result, there has can be proud of those achievements. been detailed consultation across the parties in both It has always been our ambition that the Olympic Houses, and many of the tensions that could have games should be about more than 60 days of Olympic arisen have not done so. That has enabled the bodies and, in particular, Paralympic sport. The focus has been which we have given the task of building the stage and on the legacy, and we can now see it out there in putting on the show—the ODA and LOCOG—to get Stratford. Many of us will go to the opening of the on with the job, and, as the right hon. Lady said, to do Westfield shopping centre, which will bring desperately it phenomenally well, delivering below budget and ahead needed jobs and inward investment to that area. It will of time. begin to change the economy and the prospects of the I am absolutely convinced that, in less than a year’s constituents of my hon. Friends who represent the six time, this country will put on the most fantastic sporting Olympic boroughs. and cultural extravaganza that there has ever been, and We can also see the legacy in the wonderful venues what is so good about the Bill is that it has provided yet that will provide state-of-the-art competition venues another opportunity for parliamentarians in both Houses and facilities for the local community for decades to to engage with that exciting prospect. I hope that, in come. Less visible is what we hope will be the other part a few final remarks, the Minister will remind all of the legacy: communities that are more optimistic and parliamentarians that there is still a great deal that they ambitious about their future and that have a greater can do to help to ensure that we deliver something else belief in the possibility of their own achievement. In the that is critically important: not just a fantastic extravaganza, long run, the Olympic Park Legacy Company will have but a legacy for businesses, tourism, education and an important job in safeguarding the structural legacy culture as well as a legacy for sport. and ensuring the commercial investment, both of which When the Minister discusses press accreditation with will deliver opportunities for local people in those boroughs, his colleagues, he may wish to talk to the Secretary of whose experience must be measured as part of all this. State for Scotland, who I know has concerns about In our own ways, we are all inspired by the 2,000 young accreditation for Scottish newspapers. He could also athletes who are now training hard for 2012. There are remind people that newspapers seeking accreditation 2,000 of them, because not all the teams have yet been can do themselves a lot of favours by promoting activities selected, and a large pool is being drawn from. Their relating to the Olympics and Paralympics in their local dedication, their ambition and their willingness to get areas. I know that the British Olympic Association is up at all hours, make the journey and focus their lives looking at the amount of coverage of local activities in on the possibility that they might just make it into the particular newspapers, and I think that more could be 2012 team should be an inspiration to us all. done in that regard. This project has been beyond party politics. All of us I believe that we will deliver not only a great extravaganza who have been involved in it have been privileged to and the legacy of which we have spoken in this country, hold that responsibility as guardians for the nation. I but something that is never, or at least hardly ever, am enormously grateful for the generosity of the Minister, mentioned in our debates: a legacy for other countries. the Secretary of State and the Mayor in including me One of the important elements of our bid was the and my party in the planning for the games. We can be overseas work that we proposed to do. It is amazing to confident that that cross-party tradition has been very read the statistics showing how many people have been well continued. It is now only a matter of months before able to train as coaches in other countries, and how the games kick off and, although that might not provide many young people throughout the world have been such unalloyed pleasure as the conclusion of today’s able to engage in sport, because of the Olympics that debate, we are all up for it. will take place here. As the Minister has said, today is international I am delighted that we have had an opportunity to Paralympic day, and until 8 pm there will be a series of debate the Olympics and Paralympics yet again. I am demonstrations in Trafalgar square involving Paralympians also delighted that this country’s Paralympic team is and young would-be Paralympic athletes. One of the training in my constituency, where two weeks ago I saw Paralympians said to me this morning “Just remember, some fantastic young people doing amazing things. My when people talk about the Olympics, we mean that it is only regret is that goalball—which has become my the test event for the Paralympics.” Let us make sure favourite Paralympic sport—will not be demonstrated that we go and give the Paralympics all the support that in Trafalgar square tonight, but I encourage any Member they deserve. who has never seen it or heard of it to have a look at it. It will be the top best-seller when the tickets go on sale, 4.30 pm as indeed they have just done. Mr Foster: I am conscious that many Members are anxious to get to Trafalgar square, so I shall be very 4.34 pm brief. Mr Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) This is in danger of becoming a cross-party love-in. I (Con): As the right hon. Member for Bath (Mr Foster) entirely agreed with the right hon. Member for Dulwich pointed out, there is a danger of this debate—and, and West Norwood (Tessa Jowell) when she praised the indeed, other similar debates—becoming a bit of a Minister and the Secretary of State, and I also agreed love-in. In the 10 years that I have been in this House, I with the Minister when he praised the right hon. Lady. have always been a great believer that Members must We have done the same on a number of occasions, and work together with other Members. My constituency it has been justified. neighbours have tended not to be from my political 637 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 638 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill [Mr Mark Field] there were tremendous opportunities for regeneration. I am concerned, however, about whether we will be able party, but I have worked closely with the hon. Member to sell that legacy and whether it will be achieved in the for Westminster North (Ms Buck) and the right hon. way that we have in mind. We will not know that when Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Frank Dobson) we look back in the third week of September next year; on a range of issues. However, I always have some we will not know the answer until 2020 and beyond. I concerns when there is a little too much consensus in therefore hope we in this House continue to address the this House on particular issues, not least because the possible prospect of our having a white elephant of a very essence of politics should be choice. In the current site out in east London. That would be a crying shame debate, it is important that certain aspects of the scepticism not just because of the amount of money being spent felt by many millions of Britons outside this House are on it, but because of the opportunities that might be also put on the record. missed. As the right hon. Member for Dulwich and West I hope that we will ensure that this debate does not Norwood (Tessa Jowell) will remember, I shadowed her end today and that we will not draw a line under things when she was Minister for London in 2004, before we after the Olympics have finished. It will be incumbent got the Olympics on 6 July 2005, and I was somewhat on all London Members of Parliament to hold future sceptical about the benefits that the Olympics were Administrations very much to account to ensure that expected to bring to our city. Since then, there has been that proper legacy, which is the raison d’être for holding a tumultuous change in the global economic outlook, the Olympics in London, is put in place. which has only served to reinforce some of my concerns, especially in respect of the escalating costs of this Hugh Robertson: May I give my hon. Friend some project. In advance of our getting the Olympics, we reassurance on this point, because it is very dangerous if were told it would cost about £2.5 billion. That sum has the idea he alludes to is allowed to take root? There is now risen to some £9 billion. In light of those particular absolutely no chance of our being left with white elephants statistics, some of the boasts that have been made about on the park after the Olympic games. The single biggest working within budget are, in my view, somewhat hollow. frustration in my life at the moment is that two London premier league football clubs and one in a lower league Tessa Jowell: The hon. Gentleman might like to refer are competing to take over the stadiums after the games. to the Hansard of May 2005, where I made it absolutely That represents an entirely different situation from those clear that, were we to win the games, the budget to build in Beijing, Athens and Sydney. The aquatics centre, the venues in the park that had been submitted as part wonderfully designed by Zaha Hadid, will provide an of the bid book would have to be revisited. We did Olympic-sized swimming pool in a part of London that increase the budget, because our ambition for regeneration has simply never had one before. We have just concluded was much greater after we won the games. Some 75p in an amazing deal, at more than half a billion pounds, to every £1 spent on building the park was spent on sell off the private sector part of the athletes village. regeneration. The site would have been contaminated The public sector part has already been sold to Triathlon waste land in perpetuity had we not won the games. We Homes. The velodrome, probably the most iconic building have accelerated regeneration. In six years, we have on the park—we did not spot that at the beginning—will done what would otherwise have taken 60 years. That become a new home for British cycling, which is one of has brought benefit to London. It has brought jobs to our most successful sports. London and has been good for the economy of London, way beyond just having 60 days of Olympic and Paralympic Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I sport. understand that the Minister wants to get his points on the record, but we have to be careful here. He is making Mr Field: As a courtesy to the right hon. Lady, I will an intervention, not a speech. obviously look at the Hansard for that time, but there is no doubt that this was sold on a very different financial Hugh Robertson: I am sorry, Mr Deputy Speaker, if I basis, and it will cost not only the general taxpayer, but offended you, and I absolutely take the point you make. the London council tax payer, a significant sum of I shall simply say that the broadcast media centre is out money for some decades to come. for contract at the moment and there is fantastic interest. We have the largest new urban park in Europe and a I share the widespread view that the Olympics are a half-a-billion-pound shopping centre. This is a pretty great opportunity to showcase the city that I love—I am convincing package. very proud to represent the heart of the city—and that they will be a spectacular success. Both the Olympics Mr Field: I accept that it is a convincing package. The and the Paralympics shortly afterwards will be a wonderful Minister will be aware of what happened in my constituency show. I do have concerns about the issue of the legacy, with the somewhat missed opportunity of the however, and I suspect that similar debates to that redevelopment at Paddington basin. A huge amount of which we are currently having were held in the Greek work has not resulted in a great success; it has not been Parliament in advance of the Athens games in 2004, the the iconic place to live and work that it might have been. Australian Parliament in advance of the 2000 games, I therefore hope that all hon. Members will recognise and other Parliaments and Federal buildings before that the end of the Paralympics is the beginning of the other Olympiads took place. story. Making a great success of the legacy will be in We all know that it is very easy to have great ideas everyone’s interests, not least of those in the constituency about the legacy going forward. I am well aware of that; of the hon. Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown), given I walked through the site where the Olympics will take where it is located, and of people who live in the place before we even won the bid, and I recognised that constituencies directly affected. 639 London Olympic Games and 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 London Olympic Games and 640 Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): I was a Greenwich councillor impact that that will have on traffic during late July and when we first had the idea to redevelop the local peninsula, August next year. One accepts that for Heads of State which eventually led to the building of the Greenwich and leading individuals there are, of course, security dome. Without these iconic projects and without public implications and they will need to be ferried in such a money—people often forget that we got a lot of investment way, but it seems that many thousands of people will be from Europe to decontaminate the site at north getting this sort of treatment—a whole lot of hangers-on Greenwich—it is sometimes impossible to regenerate in the IOC and the sponsors. I would like to see the very expensive contaminated sites. However, once we Minister playing a role in trying to pare down that take the brave decision, as we did in east London and in number to the basic minimum that takes account of Greenwich, the regeneration takes place, and we now security implications. have one of the most iconic entertainment centres in Europe. Stephen Pound: May I assure the hon. Gentleman that the 1948 games may have been the austerity games, Mr Field: I accept that, although in many ways the but people were able to find their own amusement in hon. Gentleman makes my point for me. There was a those days? The fact that my parents clearly did so—I sense in the immediate aftermath of 1 January 2000 that was born in the middle of them—shows that life may that area was going to be a white elephant and it was the have been austere, but there was a little bit of fun to be private sector, in the form of the group belonging to had in Fulham. Philip Anschutz, which had the vision to drive that area Mr Mark Field: If the hon. Gentleman was born in forward that made a difference. But it took some years the middle of those games, it says something about the for that to fall into place, which is why we need to keep gestation period in that part of SW6 during 1948. an eagle eye on exactly what happens on the Olympic I did not want to be overly negative, but as Members site from next September to ensure that 2013, 2014 and of this House we have a platform and, according to 2015 are not wasted years. They need to be years when anecdotal evidence, at least, a lot of Londoners are we ensure the continued improvement of that site to increasingly rather lukewarm about this Olympiad in make it an attractive place to live and work, and, spite of the relentless publicity and propaganda being potentially, an entertainment destination site well beyond put out by the BBC, as the preferred broadcaster, and that for West Ham United fans. One hopes that it will by the ODA, and it is important that those issues are also be used for other athletics events and perhaps as a put on the record. None of us wishes not to have a large-scale entertainment site, given the transport links highly successful games. We signed up for them and it is in place. right that we should make them a great success, but I wish briefly to discuss the elements of the Bill that given the austerity period in which we are living, I do have been debated, about which I have expressed some not think that every last i and t of the contract we of my reservations. We have had a useful debate about signed with the IOC needs necessarily to be adhered policing. This is a matter for not only the Metropolitan to exactly. We potentially need discussions slightly to police, but the intelligences services, which are playing a renegotiate elements of it, particularly the rather lavish huge role in this field and will continue to do so. One hospitality package for quite a few individuals coming should not underestimate that in the context of the to the city, especially if they are going to disrupt the security implications of these Olympics. Equally, as my day-to-day life of those living here. hon. Friend the Minister pointed out, we could learn I, like everyone else, wish the games to be a great from elements of previous London Olympiads, particularly success. It is good when we can work together on such a the 1948 games—the austerity Olympics. We are living basis, but it should not crowd out the idea that concerns in a time of greater austerity and one hopes that some about the games are being expressed by many Londoners of those lessons for a cost-effective games can also be and many people outside London. Let us make sure learned. that we make them a spectacular success and focus on I have publicly expressed my concerns about some of the legacy for the decades to come. the issues to do with the large number of people who Question put and agreed to. will be transported from the hotels in Park lane in my constituency to the Olympic village and the fundamental Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed. 641 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Sentencing (Cameron Ross) 642

Sentencing (Cameron Ross) Frankly, Daryl Stevens is lucky to be alive today. He was helped by the skills of NHS surgeons, but he is Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House permanently scarred and will have to face the physical do now adjourn.—(Angela Watkinson.) and psychological repercussions of the attack for the rest of his life. 4.48 pm At the trial, Ross pleaded guilty to a charge of Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): I am extremely wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. grateful to Mr Speaker for going out of his way to grant That is a very serious offence, which carries a maximum me this important debate, and I would be grateful, sentence of life imprisonment. Ross was sentenced to Mr Deputy Speaker, if you could convey my thanks to three years’imprisonment—the lowest conceivable sentence him. for somebody found guilty of this offence. Sentence was This case has had significant repercussions for the passed on 1 June. Mrs Stevens e-mailed me on 6 June to family of the victim, Mr Daryl Stevens, and particularly express her concerns about the sentence and the following his mother, Mrs Jacqueline Stevens, who has worked day I wrote to the Attorney-General outlining the case tirelessly on Daryl’s behalf to secure justice for her son. and asking him to consider referring the case to the On a wider point, in the aftermath of the riots last Court of Appeal. On 28 June—the last-but-one day on month, the issues of sentencing policy, the consistency which this could be done—the Solicitor-General replied of sentencing and confidence among the general public to me stating that in his opinion the sentence was not in sentencing decisions have attracted considerable debate. unduly lenient. He said that he had looked closely at the I fully appreciate the notion that politicians make the range of sentences that the judge could have passed and law, police enforce the law and judges interpret the law. I did not consider that the sentence was outside that also understand the inherent risks in politicians passing range. opinion on whether a sentence is too harsh or too The Solicitor-General also replied to Mrs Stevens on lenient. However, it is entirely reasonable for this House the same day, conveying the same message. His letter to to express its views on sentencing and as a Member of her consisted of five short paragraphs and gave no real the House I am determined to represent the concerns of explanation as to the reasoning behind the decision not my constituent. to refer the case to the Court of Appeal. Mrs Stevens Before I mention the specifics of the case, I want to was particularly upset by a line in the opening paragraph outline the theory and principle behind the concept of of the letter which said: undue leniency. I appreciate that the Solicitor-General “The hours you spent in the hospital waiting for news must is a man of considerable legal distinction and he is far have been dreadful but I am sure the trauma of that terrible more aware than I am of the concept of an unduly experience will fade in time”. lenient sentence, which is a sentence that is not strong Let me stress that I think the Solicitor-General, who is enough for the seriousness and circumstances of the on the Treasury Front Bench, is a decent and civilised crime that has been committed. When someone has man, and I know that he did not wish to cause Mrs Stevens been found guilty of a crime in a court of law, the judge additional distress. In his subsequent correspondence to decides what sentence they should serve. In some cases, me, it is very clear that he was horrified that his comments if interested parties, whether that is the Crown Prosecution might have caused offence to my constituent. I raise the Service or, in the case of my constituent Mr Stevens, his comments in the House tonight not to cause embarrassment mother, think that the sentence is not severe enough, to the Solicitor-General but to point out to him that the they can contact the Attorney-General to ask him to short letter to Mrs Stevens—to the point of callousness consider referring the case to the Court of Appeal and abruptness in her view—and that particular comment, within 28 days of the day after sentencing. If he decides which she felt to be insensitive and patronising, reinforced to refer the case, it is then for the Court of Appeal to her view that nobody was listening to her concerns. decide whether the sentence is unduly lenient. Let me refer to the specifics of the case. My constituent, One of Mrs Stevens’ concerns was her belief that Mr Daryl Stevens, was 17 years old at the time of the crucial medical evidence was not provided to the court attack. He was attacked by Cameron Ross with a broken during the original trial, or at least was not seen by the bottle on 22 April 2011. Ross had been drinking prior judge. In his letter to Mrs Stevens, the Solicitor-General to the attack, which appeared to be unprovoked, and at stated: his trial he could provide little explanation for why he “As I am sure you will appreciate the Crown Prosecution had attacked Mr Stevens. Ross had been released on Service is in a better position than I am to deal with this issue.” licence but had breached this licence by being arrested In subsequent correspondence to me, the Solicitor-General for a serious violent assault, allegedly involving a baseball concluded that CPS staff had met Mrs Stevens to bat, for which he had been charged. He had then been discuss the issue and that she had found the meeting released on bail despite the obvious breach of the satisfactory, but that is far from being the case. Mrs Stevens licence. Mrs Stevens is rightly concerned that had Ross’s told me that the CPS has stated that it is not able to breach of his licence terms led to an automatic return to provide answers to many of her questions regarding the prison, he would not have been free on the streets to medical reports. This has left her feeling that agencies commit the assault on her son. are not talking to one another and that communication During the attack, a bottle was smashed into Mr Stevens’ with important parties such as the victim’s family in head, the back of his neck and his face. He underwent a order to answer questions and resolve difficulties are four-hour operation in which surgeons removed glass not being given sufficient priority. She also feels that from his body, finding shards and splinters close to his there is little transparency and communication as to spinal cord. His family were told that he had been how medical records and other evidence are used to millimetres from permanent paralysis or even death. come to particular decisions. 643 Sentencing (Cameron Ross)8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Sentencing (Cameron Ross) 644

I received a very considered, thoughtful and detailed Ross had breached the terms of his licence, and had letter from the Solicitor-General dated 16 August 2011. been released on bail after being charged with violent In that letter, he set out, with commendable thoroughness, offences. That allowed him to attack Mr Daryl Stevens details of the case, information that was provided to the in such a brutal and life-threatening fashion. Why did judge and consideration in the case of the relevant the Solicitor-General not take that into account when sentencing guidelines. I found it very helpful that the considering whether to refer the case? Why did he not Solicitor-General outlined in his letter the four sentencing pay particular attention to the sentencing guideline in ranges for offences of grievous bodily harm with intent, relation to this offence, which states that other aggravating with the judge and both prosecution and defence counsel factors, which could increase the length of a custodial all in agreement at the trial that, on the evidence provided, sentence, would include commission of an offence while the appropriate range to use was that of four to six under the influence of alcohol, which happened in this years’ custody, with a starting point of five years. case, and—particularly relevant to the case—the fact The letter gave a very clear view of information that the offence was committed while on licence? Why provided in the court and elements of the Solicitor-General’s was that not given sufficient regard? thinking as he considered referring the case to the I reiterate in the strongest possible terms to the Court of Appeal, but my point is this: why did we not Solicitor-General that the public will not have confidence get something similar to that first time round? Why did in sentencing if such factors, set out clearly in the it take a complaint from Mrs Stevens, channelled through guidance, are not seen to be used when passing sentence. me, and the prospect of this debate in Parliament, to In the time remaining, I want to raise a general point ensure that better communication and some greater in relation to the process for considering sentences transparency in the decision making process occurred? unduly lenient. I have mentioned that the Attorney-General Mrs Stevens has felt let down at every stage of the can take 28 days to consider whether a case should be judicial process and I suspect that, given what is in her referred to the Court of Appeal. I suspect that most view a light sentence, nothing would comfort her regarding cases would take up all that period, as files need to be her wish to see justice being done—that is thoroughly obtained and reviewed, and matters need to be considered understandable—but I suggest that if she had been properly. involved and if an open dialogue on what was decided It does mean, however, that there is little scope for had been promoted, the case might not have escalated representation. I was hoping to have a meeting with the to this stage. Attorney-General or the Solicitor-General to discuss Successive Governments have stated that victims should the case and, in particular, the fact that the decision was be at the heart of the criminal justice system. With this made and communicated with only one day to spare. I case in mind, will the Solicitor-General therefore resolve appreciate that there is a tension and trade-off between to improve communication with relevant parties, particularly thoroughness and swiftness, but does the Solicitor-General victims and their families, and ensure that, at the earliest think that there is any merit in extending this strict possible stage, as much information as possible is provided? 28-day period to ensure that the fullest representation I think that that would help to reassure parties such as possible can be made from hon. Members as well as my constituent and make victims feel that not only interested parties? should they have their day in court to see justice done, As I stated earlier, Mrs Stevens does not feel that but that they can feel sufficiently important and valued authority has been on her side following her son’s within the system, and can be comfortable as to the assault. I hope that the Solicitor-General will use the decisions that are made. opportunity available to address the points I have raised I mentioned that it was considered appropriate in this and help ensure that the horrific experience that Mrs Stevens case to use the range of four to six years’ custody, with a and Daryl, as well as their family, friends and neighbours, starting point of five years. I suspect that, at the very have unfortunately faced will lead to a better and more least, a five-year custodial sentence would have allowed responsive criminal justice system for victims and their Mrs Stevens and her family to believe that justice had families. been better served. Mrs Stevens has expressed concern to me that the sentence was excessively reduced due to 5pm such mitigating circumstances as Ross’s young age—he The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier): I begin was 18 at the time of the attack—his status as a notional by congratulating the hon. Member for Hartlepool first-time offender and his early guilty plea. However, (Mr Wright) on initiating the debate so that we can there is a case for stating that Ross was an adult, and discuss these important and highly sensitive issues. He was able to stand trial as an adult, so therefore age had has, very properly, brought his constituents’ concerns to no real bearing. the Floor of the House. In responding, I will say something I also understand from Mrs Stevens that Ross did not about my role as Solicitor-General with regard to both plead guilty at the earliest possible opportunity, which unduly lenient sentences in general and this case in could conceivably have been a mitigating factor, but particular. He should not be in the least concerned denied the offence when he was arrested, taken to the about causing me embarrassment. If embarrassment is police station and charged, and changed his plea only at warranted, it is his right and duty to embarrass me. I am court, during the trial. accountable to Parliament and willingly appear to answer My main concern, however, is the failure to recognise for my role as Solicitor-General. He should have no the breach of the licence. I would say to the Solicitor- inhibitions in that regard. Indeed, he should be praised General in general terms that the public will have no for vigorously pursuing the interests of his constituents— confidence in the judicial system if offenders who have mother and son—with such attention. breached the terms of their licence do not have that Before I respond to the points the hon. Gentleman taken into account during sentencing. It should be a has outlined, let me focus on the horrific crime with major factor that increases the severity of the sentence. which we are concerned. As he said, it was an offence 645 Sentencing (Cameron Ross)8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Sentencing (Cameron Ross) 646

[The Solicitor-General] That is the statutory time limit, and if it is to be extended, it will need the Justice Secretary to amend contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the legislation, but, in my experience and that of my officials, Person Act 1861, which deals with one of the most Treasury counsel and the Crown Prosecution Service, serious non-fatal offences of violence on the criminal that period provides plenty of time for the case to be statute book. There is no doubt that the offence committed fully thought about, as it was in this particular instance. against Daryl Stevens last April caused great physical The Attorney-General and I referred about 100 cases and emotional suffering. The victim and his family live to the Court of Appeal last year. We appear in court with the consequences of the crime day in, day out, and ourselves to argue them on occasion, and indeed we as the hon. Gentleman has said, the impact on their have done so on more occasions than our recent daily lives has been considerable. Nothing I said or predecessors, such is our interest in the matter that the wrote earlier in the summer, either to the hon. Gentleman hon. Gentleman has brought before the House. or to his constituent, was intended to underestimate the impact upon Daryl Stevens or his mother. I do not It is, however, the Court of Appeal—not we as Law think it did. Officers—that decides what constitutes “unduly lenient”, and it has stressed on many occasions that increasing a On the day of the attack, Daryl Stevens, then aged 17, sentence already passed on an offender is an exceptional was doing what many young people do: spending time remedy. Sentences will not be increased unless they are with friends and having a good time. He was in Chicago’s significantly below what the judge should have passed. Pizzeria in Hartlepool about to order some food when In the Attorney-General’s reference No. 4 of 1989, the he was viciously attacked in public by a drunk who Court of Appeal said: glassed him—he struck him several times in the head and neck with a broken glass bottle. The attack caused “A sentence is unduly lenient, we would hold, where it falls outside the range of sentences which the judge, applying his mind a 3-cm laceration to the back of his scalp, a 3-cm to all the relevant factors, could reasonably consider appropriate”. laceration to his left cheek and a 2-cm penetrating wound to the back of his neck. A fragment of glass, As Law Officers, the Attorney-General and I exercise among many others, was found very close to his spinal our own discretion in accordance with the way in which cord. The culprit, Cameron Ross, was later caught and, the law has been applied by the Court of Appeal. The after pleading guilty, sentenced to three years’ detention unduly lenient sentence regime is not simply a general in a young offenders institution. The sentence took into right of appeal against a low sentence or an opportunity account the timing of his plea and the mitigation advanced for the prosecution to have another bite at the cherry; it on his behalf, to which I shall return. is an exceptional remedy for exceptional cases, and when we refer cases to the Court of Appeal, we do so Nothing I say today, and nothing I have written to not as political Ministers or politicians, but in our the hon. Gentleman or his constituent, can eradicate capacity as independent guardians of the public interest. the hurt caused by this dreadful offence, but I hope that what I say today will go some way towards clarifying There is a further aspect to the unduly lenient sentence my role in relation to the case and the way the Attorney- regime that I should mention. The Court of Appeal will General and I exercise our powers on unduly lenient review the sentence imposed only on the basis of the sentences generally.I understand that the senior prosecutor information available to the sentencing judge in the from the Crown Prosecution Service with responsibility Crown court at the time. It will not take into account for the case met Mrs Stevens in late July to explain the material that might be thought now to provide grounds prosecution process and discuss matters further. My for a sentence to be increased if it was not available to impression was that she left that meeting satisfied, but the sentencing judge at the time of the sentence. In the hon. Gentleman clearly has a different assessment. accordance with those principles, I considered whether Unfortunately, neither of us was at that meeting, but the sentence imposed on Cameron Ross was unduly none the less there is an issue that we unfortunately lenient, and, as the hon. Gentleman knows, I concluded cannot resolve. But, the meeting was held, and at least it that it was not. indicates a willingness on behalf of the Crown Prosecution The relevant sentencing guideline—the Sentencing Service to make sure that victims and families are Guidelines Council’s definitive guideline on assault and treated properly following hideous crimes such as this. offences against the person—provides four sentences Of course, many people may consider the sentence of ranges for this particular offence, reflecting different three years’ detention to be too low, and other judges categories of seriousness. The sentencing judge, along might have given a longer sentence while others might with prosecution and defence counsel, considered that not, but sentencing is an independent judicial function, the appropriate sentencing range specified by the guidelines carried out by judges and magistrates within a framework was four to six years’ custody, with a starting point after set by this House, for which the Justice Secretary has a contested trial of five years, and I agree that that responsibility within the Government. That framework sentencing range was the appropriate one. provides for statutory sentencing guidelines to be issued The guidelines state that the types of assault offences and followed by the courts, and for sentences for certain that fall within the four to six-year range are as follows: offences that the Law Officers consider to be “unduly “Victim suffered a very serious injury or permanent disfigurement; lenient” to be referred to the Court of Appeal to consider or Pre-meditated wounding or GBH; or Other wounding or GBH whether they should be increased. involving the use of a weapon that came to hand at the scene.” The offences within the unduly lenient sentence scheme The offender in this case, Cameron Ross, had previous are limited by statute and, unsurprisingly, are the most convictions and committed the offence while on licence. serious ones, including grievous bodily harm—commonly Those were aggravating factors. That said, he was young, called GBH—under section 18 of the 1861 Act. We being 18 years old at the time of the offence, and that must also refer cases within 28 days of the sentence. was a factor that took the sentence towards the lower 647 Sentencing (Cameron Ross)8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Sentencing (Cameron Ross) 648 end of the sentencing range. In addition to detailing his what is the proper public policy behind discounts for antecedence, the pre-sentence report prepared by the early pleas, but that is not one that I can enter into probation service set out the offender’s personal mitigating today. factors, which the judge took into account. He will also It is not my role as Solicitor-General simply to conclude have taken into account defence counsel’s submissions that a higher sentence could have been imposed or that on Ross’s behalf. the sentence was lenient and could have been more As I wrote in my letter to the hon. Gentleman on severe, and that therefore it must be referred to the 16 August, to which he referred, Court of Appeal. I have to be persuaded that the “I understand from the transcript of the sentencing remarks sentence was unduly lenient—I underline the word that the judge did have Daryl’s statement and saw photographs of “unduly”. In this case, the sentence fell squarely within his injuries. In his statement Daryl reports exactly what he was a proper application of the guidelines and for that told by doctors at the James Cook hospital. The judge will have reason I did not refer it to the Court of Appeal. been aware that doctors told him that he was lucky to be alive as glass was only one millimetre away from his spine, that the wound It is not always appropriate for this House to engage in his cheek was through to the bone and had just missed a nerve in a detailed discussion of the merits of an individual which may have left him paralysed on one side of his face, and case, although our criminal justice system is of course that he would require a further operation to remove glass from his as open to public criticism as any other area of public head.” interest. As I said, the hon. Gentleman has quite properly I went on to say that I noted from the hon. Gentleman’s advanced his concerns and those of his constituents letter that Mrs Stevens’s concerns related also to the about this case. I hope that I have explained the approach fact that Cameron Ross had apparently breached his that I took and that I take, and that that is of some help licence before committing the offence against her son, to him. I appreciate that his constituent, the victim’s and that she believed that he mother, was naturally distressed by what happened to “should have been detained as a result of this earlier breach.” her son and wanted quite properly to be assured that justice was done. However, in my view it would not have The problem is that that issue is about how offenders been fair to take the case to the Court of Appeal and suspected of a crime should be dealt with by the bailing thereby give her and her son false hope, only for it to be court and is not a matter for the Court of Appeal, nor disappointed. for me, through an unduly lenient reference. As I informed the hon. Gentleman, I also understand that Ross had On the provision of information to Mrs Stevens, I am not been convicted of these matters at the time when the sorry that she did not get what the hon. Gentleman feels sentence that we are concerned with was handed down, she should have got as quickly as she wanted. It was so they could not be taken into account. certainly not my intention to withhold information that ought to have been, and I hoped had been, candidly Sentencing is an art, not a science. I know that from given to her. If she is still upset, I repeat my apology. observing the process as a barrister over the past 35 or 40 years and as a Crown court recorder who, since 1998, Towards the end of his remarks, the hon. Gentleman has passed a good many sentences. It is the role of the mentioned the point about the breach of licence, and I judge to look at the aggravating and mitigating features hope that I have provided an explanation in relation to of the offence and the offender, and to reach a conclusion that. that reflects the interests of justice in the case as regards I conclude by saying that the hon. Gentleman has the victims, the offender and society generally. done his duty to his constituents and to this House, and In this case, the sentencing judge considered that the I thank him for doing it. I hope that he will recognise appropriate sentence after a trial would have been four that I, if perhaps with less enthusiasm than he might be and a half years. The defendant had pleaded guilty at prepared to accept, have done mine. what the judge considered—not what I considered—to Question put and agreed to. be the earliest available opportunity and so was awarded full credit for doing so via a discount of a third off his sentence, bringing the final figure to three years’ 5.14 pm imprisonment. There is another debate to be had about House adjourned.

143WH 8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 144WH

Water has been a key issue to the EFRA Committee. Westminster Hall The previous Committee, on which I also had the privilege to serve, looked into the response to the 2007 floods and the Flood and Water Management Bill, Thursday 8 September 2011 which was enacted in 2010 and was considered to be the essential first step in putting in place a comprehensive and consistent framework for managing flooding and [MR CHARLES WALKER in the Chair] early work on key aspects of water management. I should perhaps declare an interest, because I sat as a Flood and Water Management shadow Minister on the Bill Committee and followed its passage extremely closely. Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Richard Benyon.) I will sum up the challenges that remain. Partnership funding for flood defences has come on stream for the first time this year. 2.30 pm Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Tony Cunningham (Workington) (Lab): We spend a Welcome to the Chair, Mr Walker, it is a privilege to lot of time talking about flood defences. Does the hon. serve under your chairmanship. I also welcome the Lady agree that general maintenance, dredging and all Minister, whom we look forward to hearing from later. that goes with it are just as vital as the flood defences? I am delighted that the Select Committee on Miss McIntosh: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has secured this for that point. I know Workington and Maryport extremely debate. I thank my fellow members of the Committee well, and our hearts go out to those colleagues, particularly for their hard work on the report and its conclusions. in Cumbria, who suffered in the floods. If he will permit We had some powerful evidence, reflecting the importance me, I will mention the role that farmers, landowners of this important policy area and the human consequences and, in particular, internal drainage boards play in when flooding occurs. I should also like to record our dredging and maintenance. In the visits that I have thanks to our expert advisers for their help in preparing made over time to areas that have been badly affected the report and subsequent work, particularly our current by flooding in my constituency, other parts of Yorkshire, work on the natural environment White Paper. Cumbria and elsewhere, I have heard anecdotal evidence The Committee published its report in December of an absence of maintenance and dredging. I was 2010. We had many written memorandums of evidence shocked to hear recently that Cod Beck, which caused and a number of evidence sessions. The fact that it is the flooding in Thirsk and where flood defences have our first report of the new Parliament demonstrates the still not been built—the Minister might put that on the importance that we and the Committee attach to water wish list that he will take away with him today; we are and flooding issues. To help hon. Members, particularly still anxious to get the flood defences built in Thirsk—has the Minister for his summing up, I will focus on the not had any maintenance for the past two or three points of concern that have emerged from the Government’s years. response and on matters outstanding from both our I might go further than my Committee colleagues Committee report and, indeed, legislation pending since and our conclusions in the report. I would like the the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 was passed. internal drainage board to be allowed to agree a programme Water and flooding are key issues raised by constituents of maintenance and dredging with the Environment with MPs. I am sadly all too familiar with flooding, Agency. On the recommendations, it was the wish of Sir both in my former constituency, Vale of York, and my Michael Pitt that there would be an annual maintenance current constituency, Thirsk, Malton and Filey. The and dredging programme on the Environment Agency report reflects the fact that UK weather presents us with website, which the public would be able to see. We have twin challenges of flooding and drought, as well as established, however, that the moneys given by internal challenges to the water industry and consumers that drainage boards to the Environment Agency, not least include affordability and the rising cost of water bills in my own region, are not being used for dredging, for a and many other bills. As consumers of water, our number of reasons. I want that money to stay with the constituents need assurances that they will continue to IDBs for a programme agreed with the Environment receive consistent, clean, affordable supplies. As Agency, but for the IDBs to use their resources and householders and businesses, they need to be confident their engineers to maintain main watercourses. that their properties can be protected as far as is reasonably I am a vice-president of the Association of Drainage practicable from risks of flooding. Authorities, which has contacted me to express its The increasing likelihood of severe weather events disappointment that no new internal drainage boards such as floods and drought is also a challenge for the have been created yet. I know that the subject is close to farming community. Many farmers and landowners are the Minister’s heart, so when he sums up, will he tell us involved in managing flood risks, which comes at some the position on the creation of new internal drainage cost. I will share with the Minister concerns that have boards? All those bodies have a role to play, but it been raised in the run-up to today’s debate. In preparing should not be the Public Bodies Bill that sets out the our report, the Committee received evidence from the legislative provisions; they should all form part of the National Farmers Union and the Country Land and water Bill, which we anticipate keenly. Business Association. In particular, the NFU is concerned that land should not be seen as a free resource, particularly Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): if used as temporary storage for water in times of flood, I support that request and wish to reinforce the causing loss of crops as well as other losses. recommendation in the Committee’s original report. 145WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 146WH

[Mr Graham Stuart] is important that we enshrine that in law. Water companies should be made statutory consultees on any future On IDBs, the Government response says that the planning applications to limit potential misconnections Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as far as possible. I touched on the maintenance of is watercourses in response to the hon. Member for “considering what changes should be made to funding arrangements”. Workington (Tony Cunningham), but I repeat that we I hope that that review will happen sooner rather than need as many engineers as possible and that we should later. IDBs do a fantastic job from the ground up, with use the internal drainage boards where they exist. a real understanding of the topography of areas such as Holderness, which I represent. I want local people to be Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): The hon. Lady able to hold the money and commission effective flood is making a compelling case on many fronts. Planning protection, whether from the Environment Agency or and misconnections are a considerable problem around another body. I am convinced, as is my hon. Friend, the country, and a number of misconnections have been that putting it in the hands of local people rather than made in my area, but would creating an obligation for the agency will be more cost-effective. water companies to be statutory consultees in relation to planning applications make a difference to the builders Miss McIntosh: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for putting in the equipment? The rules are very clear: they making that point and for his invitation, which I was should connect to the appropriate foul water or surface able to accept, to visit some of the areas that had been water sewer. The key surely is to have better monitoring affected in Beverley. afterwards through building regulations and to ensure Partnership funding for flood defences, which was that the plans and specifications have been followed. introduced only this year, will of course be limited to the amounts can be raised. The level of funding is the Miss McIntosh: I think we need both approaches. key to the success of our report and the message that we The system is failing because of the lack of consultation gave, as well as the success of the 2010 Act itself. I have with water companies. Because they are not statutory a direct question for the Minister on the business of consultees, they are being asked to link up to new funding, particularly the levy-raising powers. I am many developments where they do not think it is appropriate. other hon. Members represent deeply rural constituencies. One example is a proposal to build 300 houses in Filey A concern has been expressed that, where there is not on an area that is prone to flooding; the water company an established local levy, there may be constraints on has said that there will be great difficulty in connecting, the amount that can be raised. The Minister must but I do not see where the planning inspector can realise that there is a limit to how much any individual overrule the local authority. The Committee’s key message local authority can afford because, as we note in the was that more than 5 million properties in England are report, budgets have been reduced as a result of the at risk of flooding—that is a Government and insurance comprehensive spending review. industry figure—and, at the same time, the UK faces We welcome the fact that regulations on the transfer increasing economic and environmental challenges to of private sewers and lateral drains have proceeded, but securing clean, reliable and affordable water supplies. the Minister must respond to the concerns expressed in The natural environment White Paper, “The Natural our report, which are reflected across the country, about Choice: Securing the Value of Nature,” has been well how we can recover the costs, which are either non-funded received and, as I say, the Committee is doing a substantial or underfunded. It will be helpful if the Minister responds piece of work on it, but we are severely disappointed to the water companies’ direct concern about that. that the water White Paper has been delayed. Despite its Colleagues would be disappointed if I did not mention importance, it has not been published within two months sustainable drainage systems. We need to know the of the natural environment White Paper. I had the commencement date for the relevant provisions of the opportunity to express our concerns to the Prime Minister Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Are we really and to say that the Committee does not want any looking at a delay until 2012, and if so, do we as slippage in the introduction of the water Bill, which will parliamentarians accept that? I put it to the Minister be as important to the water industry as the Water that we do not. I do not think it would be appropriate to Act 1989. I know it is not within the Minister’s gift, but have a phased introduction of sustainable drainage I hope that the Government business managers listening systems. The country is crying out for sustainable drainage will make time available early next year for that substantial systems to be introduced with a specific target date—I piece of legislation. I also hope that the Minister will be hope, by the end of this year. When will the regulations able to assure hon. Members today that we will receive be laid and what consultation period is required? The the White Paper—no doubt, with great interest—well time needed for preparation makes those provisions before the turn of the year. We want an holistic approach coming into effect this year a very tight timetable, and to flood and water management, and the natural there is concern that they will be postponed until next environment White Paper and the water White Paper year. both have a substantial contribution to make. I want to place on the record my views on misconnections The extended parliamentary session—the first to run and the ending of the automatic right to connect. Sir for 18 months—must not be used as an excuse to delay Michael Pitt was extremely clear and categorical on the introduction of legislation if the regulatory changes that. I am not sure that we have reached an end to the are to be made without disrupting the water price-setting automatic right to connect. I would like to make water process. The Minister has an opportunity to set out this companies statutory consultees on the same basis as the afternoon the Government’s timetable for finalising Environment Agency is. Many water companies have the provisions of the 2010 Act that have not yet been loose arrangements with the planning authorities, but it commenced. 147WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 148WH

It is an understatement to say that the White Paper is Mr Graham Stuart: I wonder whether the Committee eagerly anticipated, and we look forward to receiving it looked at bringing in national flood protection standards. without further delay. Many strands of work are involved: As soon as flooding moves out of the public eye, and in we expect it to look at the Cave review of competition, the face of financial difficulties, funding tends to be cut, the Walker review of household charging, the Gray with a long-term deleterious impact. Holland has statutory review of Ofwat and the implementation of EU directives national flood standards, which trigger investment and such as the water framework directive. Time will not ensure that standards are maintained. Do we not need permit me to go into many of the concerns that have some fundamental reworking of protections in law to been raised about the directive, but suffice it to say that force Governments and funding bodies to ensure that many of the water companies and, indeed, many farmers we have a sustainable system? I fear that if we go for a and landowners are extremely concerned about how it period without severe floods, we will create the conditions will take effect. for worse floods in the future. There is good news. Since our report was published, we have had the Department for Environment, Food Miss McIntosh: My hon. Friend pre-empts my next and Rural Affairs consultation on water affordability, point. Why has there been a delay in the consultation on which followed up from the Budget statement on 23 March. and implementation of national standards for SUDS? That demonstrated that the Government are committed Many have expressed to me their real concern about to supporting households with water affordability pressures that. When will the provisions on SUDS be implemented? and households in areas with particularly high water bills, such as the south-west. I am sure my hon. Friends from that area will have plenty to say on that. Tony Cunningham: If the work is not done, large We also welcome the reforms to the WaterSure scheme, numbers of people and properties will either have huge the approach to social tariffs and the options for additional excessive insurance to pay or will not be able to get Government spending to provide further support. Water insurance. The worry of not having one’s own house companies would find it incredibly helpful if the insured is a terrible burden on people. That must be Government—obviously, not DEFRA but another noted. Department—could, on a confidential basis, give the details of people on benefits to the water companies, so Miss McIntosh: I will take that opportunity to bring that they can earmark and target those most at risk and forward my comments on floods insurance. There is those who would most benefit from a social tariff. The an urgent need for the Government to agree with the consultation closed on 17 June, and we now expect the insurance industry that when the statement of principles Government to introduce their proposals. expires in 2013, there will be an insurance regime in The natural environment White Paper will make a place. Flood protection and resilience measures taken clear contribution to valuing water more effectively. We by householders and businesses should be reflected in a heard from a number of witnesses in June and we will lower premium. The Government and the insurance look further at the matter in the autumn. The national industry both have a role to play in reducing premiums ecosystem assessment that was published in June shows where that work has been done. that there is a great body of work to build on. A number of challenges remain. Central to the White I know that the Minister would be disappointed if I Paper is taking forward the three reviews that I referred did not express my disappointment at the failure of the to earlier: to ensure regulatory stability; to keep down Pickering pilot scheme for flood defences to go ahead. the cost of capital while ensuring maximum efficiencies The Woodland Trust and others are enthusiastic about in the industry; to introduce changes to charging and more natural means of flood defence, such as the planting embed the wider value of water prices in a way that is of trees to slow the water down. I hope that the Minister acceptable to consumers; and to meet a raft of environment will not feel constrained and will tell us today where we challenges, including EU requirements. Of all the are on reservoir provision. I make a plea on behalf of directives—on water framework, on urban waste water many constituents, and I am sure many in the House as and on river basin management requirements—it is the well: time after time, the Environment Agency seems to water framework directive that is causing most concern. get carried away with over-engineered, over-expensive In the Committee’s view, there is strong evidence that and over-fancy flood defence projects that fall flat on it does not offer an effective means of delivering their face at the first hurdle. That is why we do not have environmental outcomes within such tight resource—that the flood defences we need in Thirsk or in Pickering. is, funding—constraints. As ever, we need to work with The Pickering pilot project was innovative and looked our European partners to find agreement on how to at more natural means of flood defence, but it will not improve the framework directive regime. now go ahead. The money, particularly from the local The Minister needs to respond to conclusions 45 and authority, is ring-fenced only until next year. I am sure 46 and recognise the role of farming and agriculture in that the Minister would think that it was tragic if we flood defences. There was a clause permitting arrangements were to lose that project forever because of delay owing for financial support for flood protection measures, and to the Environment Agency not knowing that the flood the Minister himself has acknowledged that proper storage system it had in mind constituted a reservoir. compensation is owed to landowners. How will the role I again express the Committee’s support for sustainable played by farmers be recognised? We are concerned drainage systems. Local authorities have expressed concern about the transitional arrangements for the phasing that they be properly resourced, and the Minister has out of regional development agencies. What are the the opportunity today to set their mind at ease. They arrangements for future payments under the rural have to be given the financial resources they need. I development programme for England for those types of have mentioned water companies being statutory consultees. protection measures? There is concern about who to 149WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 150WH

[Miss McIntosh] aware that Wales comes second in all the comparison tables—Welsh Water is the second highest charger. The apply to. The RDA teams are still in place, but do reasons are complex, are historical and geographical in farmers apply to DEFRA or to a regionally located nature, and go back a long way. Basically, Wales faces unit? We need clarification. problems similar to those in south-west England: it has These are challenging times for all those involved in long coastlines with beautiful beaches, which people flood and water management. We welcome the from all parts of the UK come to enjoy, and yet there Government’s taking an holistic view and their attempts are areas with a relatively sparse population, so it is to link the strands together, but we have expressed difficult to make the challenge of meeting environmental concern about resources, reservoir safety regimes and standards for those beaches match up with the income the need for their reform, SUDS and flood insurance. I that can be generated from the local residents. welcome the opportunity afforded by today’s debate I welcome the fact that the Committee has gone into and look forward to hearing what other hon. Members detail in the report on ways forward, but there are no have to say and the Minister’s conclusions. What is most easy options. As the Minister said to the Committee, we important, however, is the cross-party support and cannot end up with a situation in which someone on a recognition of how significant floods are to local very low income in one part of the country subsidises a constituencies, and how much work we still need to do millionaire in the south-west, and nor is it a straightforward to prevent future floods from happening. matter of seeing the solution as one for single area or one stretching across several areas. I urge the Government, 2.56 pm however, to give the problem of water poverty urgent attention and to take into account the fact that the high Nia Griffith () (Lab): It is a pleasure to serve prices in Wales are an historical feature and that some under your chairmanship, Mr Walker, and a great pleasure discussion is needed about a mechanism that might help to follow the hon. Lady, who used to be the hon. consumers in Wales who find themselves in difficulties. Member for the Vale of York and is now the hon. For example, some type of national structure, falling Member for Thirsk and Malton. In 2010, we spent under the remit of UK taxation or the responsibilities many hours together in Committee scrutinising the of the Department for Work and Pensions, would work Flood and Water Management Bill. for a clear-cut case. If it is not so clear-cut, we still need For those of us from Wales, the situation is complex, to give the issue special consideration and to think what particularly in the context of devolution. Many hon. we can do. The Select Committee on Environment, Members will remember that there were various sections Food and Rural Affairs in 2009 reported that DEFRA in the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 that should would be introduced when the then Welsh Assembly “examine how changes might be made to the way water industry Government had had the chance to make the necessary investment is paid for when it is directly and expressly for the measures in the process of what were then known as purpose of improving environmental standards for national benefit.” legislative competence orders. Since then, Wales has My constituency is on the northern side of the Burry had a referendum and the Welsh Assembly Government inlet—the southern side will be more familiar to many have enhanced powers. people as the Gower peninsula, an area of outstanding I am pleased to say that one of the first measures natural beauty. Our difficulties in the inlet have resulted under those new powers has been the enactment of the in infraction procedures on EU water directives on adoption of private sewers, which was announced by waste waters, shellfish waters and habitats. The fact that the Welsh Government Minister John Griffiths and will the UK is not in compliance with EU directives is come into effect on 1 October. We all know how important clearly of national significance. that is for many householders who, in the past, have In areas where we have a national responsibility and often found themselves facing totally unexpected bills where we must protect our heritage, we must provide because they were unaware that they were on private investment to maintain the standards that everyone systems. The adoption of their sewers will be a tremendous wants to enjoy on cleaner beaches, with better water bonus for them. Residents in areas such as Cleviston quality in our inlets, particularly where we have a precious Park in Llangennech, Dolau Fan in Burry Port and shellfish industry, as we do in the Burry inlet. We need Derlin Park in Tycroes will join with many others across to ask at what point something should be dealt with on the country in being very pleased that they will be a national scale, rather than on a local water company-area brought into the system of adopted sewers and will not scale. I make an urgent plea for the White Paper to have to face bills that people just two streets away do provide a clear indication of how the Government will not have to face. manage the challenge of providing enough income for The issue is particularly complex, because the boundaries the necessary investment in infrastructure at the same of the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water area and the Severn time as ensuring that families who find it difficult to pay Trent area are not coterminous with the border between their water bills do not face even greater bills. The England and Wales. That presents us with another Government must find a way of balancing that extremely issue, as there is clearly a need for careful and close difficult sum and, in doing so, take Wales into consideration working between the Welsh and the UK Governments. and work closely with the Welsh Government. Coupled with that, obvious geographical features, such as the Severn estuary, will necessitate continued close Mr Graham Stuart: In posing that conundrum, does working. the hon. Lady have any sympathy with the idea of On water charges, we are all familiar with the fact solving it by transferring responsibility for flood protection that south-west England is in the most difficult position to water companies? After all, they specialise in raising and has the highest charges, but people are not necessarily large sums of money from the markets for long-term 151WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 152WH infrastructure investment to deliver a guaranteed service White Paper, to go into that issue in considerable detail. level, regulated by a regulator, at the lowest possible I would be pleased to hear whether he has had any cost. Could that be a solution—a way of getting all recent discussions on insurance with the insurance water-bill payers to contribute to a standard of flood companies for people who live in areas that have been protection that would then be guaranteed and could be repeatedly flooded. regulated to ensure that everyone was given protection I have mentioned planning. Not only is it imperative in the long term and, hopefully, at the lowest cost? that water companies should have a say in planning, because of the types of connections that can sometimes Nia Griffith: That suggestion would probably exacerbate be made and because of their understanding and knowledge some of the difficulties. The historical reasons for the of flooding patterns, but it is imperative that local current situation would have to be taken into consideration. authorities should have due regard for the flood maps Are we suggesting, for example, that flooding in certain produced by the Environment Agency. I am afraid that areas would be the responsibility of particular water far too often local authorities such as my own, companies, although there is inequality in places where county council, grant planning permission the flooding happens and in the amount of investment for areas that are in C2 flood plains, when plenty of that has already been put into flood management systems? other land is available. Carmarthenshire is a large rural I am not sure that the suggestion would work well. county, with some small towns and one large industrial The other difficulty, which I was going to mention, is town, my town of Llanelli. There is no excuse in that the whole issue of planning. If water companies are to sort of area, even with a large coastline, of going ahead take responsibility, they must first be given some power. and building where there will clearly be difficulties for The inclusion of their opinion as statutory consultees is the newly moved-in residents. crucial to future planning and development, because Nor is there any excuse for building on slopes, which they know where overload is and where problems are immediately increases the pressure on people living likely to occur. Sadly, we have seen developments on immediately below them. The increased water flow into which the companies have not been consulted, and the sewerage system creates an additional flood risk for things have gone wrong. However, the problem with the those living a bit further down the slope. When making water companies taking complete responsibility at this planning decisions, every local authority has a clear point is that they are not responsible for what has responsibility to avoid increasing flood risk. In 200 or happened historically, as there has been an enormous 300 years’ time, people will wonder how on earth we amount of development in many areas that are quite could have been so mad as to build in such places when unsuited to it. There could be considerable difficulty we already had the maps and the knowledge and had with the model proposed by the hon. Gentleman. found the infrastructure wanting. It is therefore important that local authorities behave responsibly. Mr Graham Stuart: I am trying to understand the On that note, I look forward to hearing from the objection, which I do not quite get. We recognise that Minister how far his thinking has got, when we will see we have haphazard standards at the moment and have a White Paper and what thoughts he has on charging, had haphazard historic investment bearing no relation insurance, flood prevention and flood defences. to need or risk, and that we want a decent standard for everyone. We need to find a mechanism for delivering 3.11 pm that, sharing cost on the most equitable basis that we can, delivering it as quickly as we can while we have a Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Thank you, Mr Walker, Government who have no money. I do not see that the for inviting me to speak in this timely and important hon. Lady’s objection is an objection to the proposal. If debate. It is important because my constituents are we could bring it in, if it was politically acceptable, dealing with the issues created by the Severn estuary everyone would be brought up to a decent level in a way and because of the work that the Select Committee has that spread the burden across bill payers. Is that not accomplished, which we are considering. desirable? I want to look at the situation in my constituency from two directions: the Severn estuary and the Slad Nia Griffith: The idea would merit further examination, valley. The Severn estuary is the most important, because but we need to look at the quite considerable sums that it has raised a number of key issues, which my constituents the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are concerned about. The first is the solutions being has put into some flood management schemes in the imposed from afar when localism and more community past few years, and ask ourselves whether, if they were involvement would be much preferred. In that respect, to fall on one particular water company, they would we are talking about a long-running process, which has work. We would need to look at that in more detail. At been under way ever since local people around the present, I do not have the necessary expertise to go into Severn estuary in my constituency first discussed a it, so I shall leave it to the hon. Gentleman to prove his strategy after the Environment Agency’s produced its case and produce the statistics to show what he wants to proposals. The second issue is the use of farm land suggest. adjacent to the estuary. The concerns are therefore Moving on, insurance is immensely important, for largely about land use and the lack of consultation, and everyone in Wales as well as in England. For people I will touch on both. who have been affected, who face difficulties and who We have had an interesting discussion about insurance, have suffered repeated occurrences of flooding, we need and I will touch on that before I go on to the meat of my to ensure that appropriate discussions are held with remarks, because that issue, too, has been raised by insurance companies, who should do everything that constituents. The flooding map would suggest that the they can. I urge the Minister, when he introduces the whole village of Frampton On Severn is vulnerable to 153WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 154WH

[Neil Carmichael] and ensuring that appropriate provision is made elsewhere. I thought that was one of the great features of the flooding, which it is not, and large parts have not been White Paper. flooded for long periods or, indeed, ever. Why should the map be so misleading? It is largely because the map Neil Carmichael: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely shows what would happen if there were no flood defences. right that it is an important feature, but the question However, there are flood defences, and that needs to be remains who will provide the habitat on what is, effectively, made clear. Insurance firms and the insurance industry a peninsula. The Environment Agency has made it clear in general need to be aware of the fact that flood maps that that will be decided through agreement and show what the situation would be without defences. consultation, but we still have to answer the question of However, there are defences, which operate perfectly where we should allow or encourage the conversion of well in Frampton, so the village has no worries about farm land into habitat areas. That is still the issue. There being flooded. It would be a great step towards allaying is still a legal test. In that context, the question for the residents’ fears if we could give more meaning to these Minister is how much land he wants and how much maps and bring insurers’ attention to the reality of the DEFRA will agree to. That has implications in terms of situation. the European Union’s attitudes and regulations. The To return to the Severn estuary, it is obvious that legal test is therefore important, and it must be framed there are flood risks, because flood defences are already in a way that everybody understands. in place; some are in need of repair, some need adjustment The third test is the community test, which I have and some need to be completely reshaped. There is no mentioned. It is critical because local people must feel dispute that flooding is a risk. What we are disputing is part of the process; they must feel engaged and that how the strategy will unfold over the next 10 to 50 years. their expertise and local knowledge are applied Essentially, three sequential tests will be applied to the appropriately. That is where we have run into trouble to strategy, and they all raise key issues, which we should some extent in the processes that I have already described, consider. relating to the Severn estuary. The Environment Agency The first test is economic and is all about the value of has rightly recognised the concern and alarm and has, the territory being defended—whether it is farm land or as it puts it, taken time out. Everyone will consider land for housing and development. There are concerns where we are, and the options that are on the table. Of about planning, but we are talking about the situation course the time out will end at some point, and there that exists now. Some areas of land along the Severn will be some options and choices. estuary in my constituency have an agricultural value To make sure that the community test is given a fair but no developed value. That needs to be carefully chance to work, I am pleased that the Environment considered, because it is necessary to ensure that public Agency has decided to appoint an engagement officer, money is spent wisely. Huge sums would not necessarily with the specific task of ensuring that our communities— be invested in defending just agricultural land. our farmers and the local people—will be properly consulted when the time out period comes to an end That raises the issue of production. No planning and options and choices are agreed. Of course, DEFRA system considers what would happen to land or to a has a key responsibility because, in the end, when it factory if it were flooded or not flooded, but a lot of agrees a strategy the moneys will be released, so the people in my constituency are rightly concerned about question is a political one, as much as it is a function of quality farming land being removed from production. the Environment Agency. That needs to be carefully considered by all concerned. In concluding the part of my remarks that focuses on If the economic test is failed, there is the “make do the Severn estuary, I want to emphasise the importance and mend” approach, which my hon. Friend the Member of the economic test in relation to respecting the value for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) referred to of land and acknowledging the issue of agricultural indirectly, if not directly, when she noted that some production. As to the legal test, I want it to be clearly farmers protect their own land. The existence of that understood that we must be sensitive and sensible about option needs to be set out more explicitly as one of the identifying suitable areas for habitat and making sure range of options that are available. we consider a sufficiently wide area, so that any landowners The second test is the legal test and has something to who want to move in that direction can do so without do with habitat. At the end of the day, we have a threatening those who do not. That is a critical issue. commitment to ensure that new habitats exist after I want to touch on some other points, one of which is flooding. Where areas that are flooded hosted wildlife localism and the question of local knowledge and and so forth, we have to retrench and find new habitats. aspirations. There is a long valley in my constituency, That raises two critical questions: what kind of territory called the Slad valley. It is famous as it is where the are we really thinking about and how far do we consider Woolpack is—the famous haunt of Laurie Lee. It is a the entire basket of options? That raises the question of great pub, and I invite all hon. Members to go there. where the habitat should be and how much should be At the top end of the valley there is the beginning of provided. the mills, water storage systems and so forth, and at the bottom is Stroud, which gets flooded. Of course there Barry Gardiner: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that are ways to protect houses, and many have opted for the biodiversity offsetting provisions in the White Paper protection, although not all, and certainly not enough. that the Government released earlier this year go a long Our community, and people in the Slad valley, are keen way towards addressing this question? They propose a for the problem to be solved further up the valley. My very commercial way of proceeding, but they can bring hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton has real biodiversity benefits by looking at an offset bank alluded to the same points, because I know that such 155WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 156WH things are being carefully considered in parts of Yorkshire. managed to avoid the boom and bust cycle that so badly That emerged in the all-party group on flood prevention harms the supply chain. There is also uncertainty about some months ago. I want to underline the importance the future of metering and water efficiency in households, of properly consulting organisations, to enable their social tariffs to reduce the impact of rising bills on ideas to be incorporated. I am also delighted, therefore, low-income customers and the future of competition in that the Environment Agency is willing to meet all the the water industry. Publication in December would various partners and actors. leave only four months for the Government to meet A point that needs some amplification is the role of their commitment to introduce any new legislation required internal drainage boards, which are important and do a as a result of the White Paper by next April. I hope that huge amount of work. It is interesting that the one that the Government’s ambition will not be scaled back in covers most of my territory also covers a huge industrial the fight against a tight time scale. area in the Avonmouth sector. Of course the work that Since our report, the Government have also severely it does there effectively finances the work it does on the cut capital funding for flood defences. When we consider agricultural side. We must be mindful of the cross- that we need to increase investment simply to maintain fertilisation approach that is used in all sorts of public the current level of protection, that is cause for considerable protection measures. The internal drainage boards are a concern. As the Committee pointed out: good example. First I put in a plea for recognition of “To cut back significantly on flood defence infrastructure the value that they bring to such management issues; spending could be a classic example of short-term savings leading and secondly I urge the boards, wherever they exist, to to much greater long-term costs.” co-operate whenever they can with the other organisations. The Government have also failed to provide any assurance I thank the Minister for agreeing to meet a contingent on the provision of flood insurance beyond 2013. The of my constituents to discuss the situation in the Severn natural environment White Paper, which was excellent estuary. They were going to come here today, but they in many ways—we adverted to some of it earlier in the are still more excited to have a direct meeting. I have debate—also missed a valuable opportunity to set out had many meetings, with a huge number of people how, for example, agriculture and land management representing many different interests, but the key point could play a stronger role in reducing flood risk and that they want to get across is that they want to be improving water quality. I hope that the Minister will consulted. They want their local expertise to be recognised, take the opportunity to update us on each of those their local knowledge to be understood, and their homes issues, so that we may leave this afternoon’s debate with and farms to be properly considered in the context of a much clearer idea of Government policy on the future the three tests, which should be properly respected and of flood and water management. I shall try to deal with understood. each of those issues. 3.25 pm I also want to discuss some of the priorities for the forthcoming White Paper. Ever since privatisation, capital Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): I am delighted expenditure in the water industry has been concentrated to speak in the debate, and congratulate the hon. Member towards the middle of the five-year funding cycle. That for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) on initiating it. has led to financial and managerial inefficiencies in She chairs the Select Committee with great aplomb, and addition to instability in the supply chain, ultimately I know that the matter is exceptionally dear to her resulting in higher costs for consumers. It also leads to heart. I was surprised only that she curtailed her remarks the migration of skilled resources out of the sector to as she did. I expected at least an hour from her. more stable industries. That has created a severe and I look forward most of all in the debate to hearing worsening skills shortage in the water industry. from the Minister about the progress that has been made since the Government responded to the Committee The White Paper must help to bring to an end the earlier in the year. The Committee’s report was published effect of that five-year asset management planning cycle. last year following a series of welcome and ambitious It should also explore the link between the price review commitments from the Government: safeguarding clean, and innovation. In the current investment period, companies reliable and affordable water supplies; protecting households are looking for tried and tested technologies with payback and property from the risk of flooding; and reforming within three years. Some water companies have disbanded the water industry and making it more resilient, efficient, their research and development departments as they are sustainable, innovative and affordable. The report provided not currently funded by the price review. R and D is the Government with a comprehensive and holistic now conducted on an ad hoc basis rather than in a approach to delivering on those commitments. Of course co-ordinated way. we should, in this debate, be assessing the progress that The water sector faces a period of huge challenge in has been made. Instead, I am afraid we must reflect on a coping with the implications of climate change, and in number of broken promises and missed opportunities. reducing its own carbon emissions. It can ill afford to be A water White Paper was promised for June. In April locked into a short-term investment cycle that stifles the Minister revised that commitment and promised and inhibits innovation. The White Paper must set out that it would be published in the autumn. Unfortunately, how the Government will restructure the water industry the latest business plan of the Department for Environment, properly to incentivise and encourage companies to Food and Rural Affairs now promises publication in invest in innovation, particularly in treatment processing, December, nine months after the Committee’s report, energy efficiency, leakage prevention, and water efficiency. and we are still no clearer on how the Government Competition can help to stimulate that innovation. plans will encourage the retrofitting of sustainable drainage Competition in the water industry is not an end in systems, how they will ensure that customers’ views will itself, but it is a means of improving services for be taken into account during the price review process, customers, particularly the most vulnerable, and improving and how investment in the water industry will be better environmental outcomes. 157WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 158WH

[Barry Gardiner] this area, and I know that he understands the importance of the matter. The hon. Member for Beverley and In the White Paper, the Government gave a commitment Holderness (Mr Stuart) talked about small cuts, but this to respond to the Cave review, and I would welcome an is not a small cut. It is a 27% cash, or a 32% real-terms update from the Minister on how the White Paper will cut in this period. That is a huge amount. ensure that greater competition will meet those challenges. It would be helpful if the Minister clarified whether the Mr Graham Stuart: The hon. Gentleman is being Government’s one-in, one-out rule, which prevents a generous in giving way. I was not trying to suggest that regulation from being introduced unless another is scrapped, he is not being proper in challenging the Government. will apply to any legislation proposed in the White My point is that historically Governments tend to raid Paper. If so, perhaps he will share the Department’s the flood budget when under the pressure that they thinking on which regulations might be scrapped in the inevitably suffer. The last Government was much better event of any legislation coming forward in April 2012. at spending money than the present one, but it turned We talked much about sustainable drainage systems out that so much of that money could not be sustained, in another area on which the Government gave a and we could not afford it. He should not boast about commitment in the White Paper. When sustainable that too much. What we should focus on is how to drainage systems are successfully implemented, they create a long-term situation so that whoever is in can make a significant contribution to reducing the risk government and whatever the state of public finances of flooding by increasing the capacity of land to absorb our constituents will have a guarantee that that political water. They can also reduce the risk of water contamination, cycle will not get in the way of sensible, stable support and increase the sustainability of water use. The provision for flood defence in their homes. of SUDS for new developments and, where possible, for existing developments is widely supported throughout Barry Gardiner: I absolutely agree with the hon. the House. However, evidence to the inquiry revealed Gentleman. We have talked about introducing minimum widespread concern among local authorities about their standards, and we must move towards consensus, because ability to fund the adoption and maintenance of SUDS. that is in everyone’s interest. The Government’s response to the Committee stated The Government have given a commitment to deliver that DEFRA would fund local authorities for the costs 15% efficiency savings in Environment Agency flood of maintaining adopted SUDS and SUDS maintenance defence budgets, but that leaves an overall reduction in in the “short term.” Will the Minister say how long he those budgets of 17%. I would be grateful if the Minister expects that “short term” to be? That is important for provided us with an update of his assessment of the local authorities. impact of that reduced funding settlement in relation to In November, the Prime Minister said that flood the Government’s flood programme, and the flood defence defence spending would be protected, and would be work that the Environment Agency has programmed “roughly the same” as under Labour. In fact, capital for the next three years. Will he also provide an indication funding for flood defences to protect homes has fallen of how the 15% of efficiency savings in the Environment from a baseline figure last year of £354 million to Agency has impacted on that work? £259 million. We now know the meaning of the phrase, Despite those funding reductions, the Committee “roughly the same”. It means give or take 30% according noted the Government’s commitment fully to fund local to my mathematics. In fact, it is a 27% cash cut to the authorities in their new roles under the Flood and budget, and a 32% real-terms cut when inflation is Water Management Act 2010, and that they would taken into account. provide direct grants of up to £36 million a year to lead local flood authorities. That is welcome. Each lead local Mr Graham Stuart: After the floods in 2000, the then flood authority would receive at least £110,000 a year, Prime Minister, Tony Blair, had people from Norfolk with the authorities tackling the highest levels of local and other areas to No. and made risk receiving up to £750,000 a year. However, the expansive commitments on flood protection. However, communities and local government special grants settlement the pressures of political life being what they are, flooding for 2011-12 highlights that the most that any lead local moved out of the spotlight and those promises disappeared flood authority received this year was not £750,000, but along with the flood water. It is an historic happening £260,000—that was in Kent. Of the 152 lead local flood for Governments slowly to cut long-term infrastructure authorities, 144 received less than £200,000. To allow investment when it is not in the spotlight. Does the hon. for local flexibility, those grants are not ring-fenced. On Gentleman have any thoughts on how to create a long-term average, central Government funding to councils will sustainable structure which, regardless of the political fall by 26% over the next four years. I understand the cycle, ensures that our constituents are properly protected constraint under which the Government are operating. from flooding? Mr Graham Stuart: The hon. Gentleman’s party created Barry Gardiner: The hon. Gentleman points out that them. at various periods during the previous Labour Administration the flood budget was raided, but he Barry Gardiner: Indeed, I take on board the party must acknowledge that overall there was both a real-terms political knockabout that we can have. Local authorities and a cash increase in that budget. He is absolutely have been put in an extremely difficult position. By not right that from time to time that budget was raided and ring-fencing the funds, the Government cannot be sure cut as necessary in the political cycle, but overall it was that they will go into flood defences. It is therefore increased. The Minister knows that I have the greatest important to find out from the Minister how the respect for him and the work that he is trying to do in Government plan to review local authority spend on 159WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 160WH flood management, and how they propose to hold local the UK was likely to see only 26% of rivers achieving authorities to account for the money they have been “Good Ecological Status”by the water framework directive given to spend in that area. target date of 2015. The Government’s response to the I acknowledge that that is not just a matter for Committee highlighted that it was possible, within the central and local government. The Committee concluded terms of the directive, to set lower standards of compliance. that it was right for beneficiaries such as developers to Will the Minister confirm whether the Government help fund new flood defence schemes. In light of that, have plans to make use of that option? If so, it would be will the Minister confirm how funding through the new extremely deleterious. Do the Government have any flood and coastal resilience partnership funding plans to implement the “polluter pays” principle more arrangement will be focused on those communities at accurately, so that customers do not have to foot the bill greatest risk? How will the Government identify those for cleaning up pollution for which they are not responsible? communities and ensure that their protection is achieved Domestic water customers currently pay some 82% of in practice? As discussed earlier, the Government’s draft the costs of implementing measures to meet WFD national planning policy framework should also be requirements. amended to address how planning should apportion the Together with other members of the Environment, costs of providing flood defences for new developments Food and Rural Affairs Committee, I welcome the between public agencies and private beneficiaries. focus placed by the Government on flood and water The Labour Government’s statement of principles management. They seem, however, to have lost their guaranteed universal flood insurance coverage for homes way over the nine months since the report was published. in affected areas. That guarantee runs out in 2013, and An ambitious water White Paper and the commencement was based on the understanding, following the Pitt of provisions in the Flood and Water Management Act review, that Government should have that have not yet been effected, must be a priority. I look forward to hearing from the Minister about how the “above inflation settlements for future spending rounds.”. Government plan to move the issue forward. We know that that will no longer be the case. The Government’s response to the Committee’s report Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): Order. We have one committed to updating the Committee on progress with hour and 10 minutes for speeches, and seven colleagues implementing who wish to speak. That is about 10 minutes each. “a roadmap to take us beyond 2013.” I would be grateful if the Minister took this opportunity 3.45 pm to update hon. Members on precisely what the roadmap beyond 2013 might look like. Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): It is a pleasure to participate in this debate and to follow Water saving through greater efficiency will become speeches that are as excellent and thoughtful as those increasingly important, especially in parts of the country we have heard so far across the Chamber. I pay tribute where climate change and population growth will lead in particular to my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk to significant constraints in supply.The Building Regulations and Malton (Miss McIntosh) and her Committee for 2010 introduced a new minimum water efficiency standard the excellent report that has been produced. for new homes. The potential consumption of potable On 25 June 2007, this country suffered some of the water by persons occupying a dwelling should not exceed worse flooding in modern history, and my constituents 125 litres per person per day. Will the Minister confirm in Beverley and Holderness were some of the worst whether the Government have plans to increase the affected. All four towns in my constituency, Beverley, minimum water efficiency standard in future revisions Hedon, Withernsea and Hornsea were affected, and at of the Building Regulations 2010? one stage Hornsea was cut off by the floods. Almost As the Committee noted, metering plays a key role in every hamlet and village was affected; thousands of my helping to reduce water demand. More widespread constituents had their homes flooded and were forced introduction of metering will mean that there are winners out. Although Hull attracted press attention as it too and losers and some, including groups of vulnerable was devastated, the East Riding of Yorkshire was equally customers, could see significant rises in their water bills. appallingly hit. Social tariffs can help to ameliorate the impact of rising Although we are discussing the technicalities of the bills on low-income customers. The Government’s response floods, the human cost must never be forgotten. Let us to the Committee stated that they were preparing consider from a historical point of view how we, the “guidance on company social tariffs under Section 44 of the country and the media would view a catastrophe that Flood and Water Management Act 2010.” saw thousands of people removed from their homes, for Will the Minister confirm when that will be published months if they were lucky, and years if they were not, as it is of great interest and importance to many poorer and how seriously we would regard such an event if it constituencies? The regulatory framework under which were caused by something other than floods. In a way, water prices are set must also be reformed to include the country and the media failed to recognise just how stronger water efficiency targets for water supply companies. devastating were the floods in east Yorkshire in 2007 The water White Paper should be clear on how that will and elsewhere. be taken forward. The memory of people living with their marriages on In giving evidence to the Committee, the Environment the edge as they sat in a tiny caravan—I shall not name Agency estimated that costs associated with implementing the place as that may identify the people involved, but I the water framework directive up to 2027 could be saw people who were absolutely haunted for months between £30 billion and £100 billion, depending on afterwards, with their lives wrecked by the flooding as the approach taken. Despite that level of investment, they sat in a tiny caravan and stepped out into mud. 161WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 162WH

[Mr Graham Stuart] Agency and the way in which it behaved, the way in which it treated people and the way in which it talked to They were involved in permanent disputes over their them, as well as what it did from a practical point of house with changing underwriters and people from the view. However, people from the agency have worked insurance companies. Notwithstanding the fact that hard to listen to people, to come out and be available. insurance companies in general did a good job, that They have given up their evenings to talk and engage human picture stays in my mind and makes it important with people; and from Pasture terrace and Willow grove that we get things right. in Beverley to Burstwick, Hedon and a number of other That is why I am keen to try to find a way of places, serious improvements have been made to reduce providing long-term solutions. The nature of politics, flood risk. not least the pressures faced by the coalition Government, I pay tribute to East Riding of Yorkshire council, given the financial catastrophe that they inherited, mean which did not rush to judgment but set up a flood that funding for long-term issues such as flooding tends review panel. It spent months doing the work; it thought to get reduced. It gets reduced even in good times. about it deeply; and it has encouraged parishes to come When the previous Government were spending like up with their own emergency plans and to think deeply there was no tomorrow, after there had been no flood about how they can minimise risk. Much good work events for a few years, the spending got cut. In a has happened in Beverley and Holderness, and I am tougher time, we can expect that pressure to be even delighted that that is the case. greater. How do we create a situation with the guarantee [MRS ANNE MAIN in the Chair] of stable, solid and sensible investment to protect people? I also pay tribute to the fire service. Again, I had been That is my central question. I have tried to think about extremely critical. The floods happened on 25 June. Fire the issue, bearing in mind the many people whom I met officers were doing 12 or 14 hours in floodwater, rescuing in my constituency in 2007. The answer I came up with people. That happened to be in June. It happened to be is that what we have now is not suitable. It is not simply the case, when they went in with fire kit on, which was about getting new documents, unless that involves legislation completely unsuitable for flood work, that they did not and setting down a definitive standard that can be freeze. If it had happened in February, they would not enforced in court. Unless we have something like that, have been able to stay in the water as they did so we will see the same cycle again—the money will not be heroically, doing 12-hour stints, looking after people. put in place, and when a one-in-50, one-in-75 or one-in- They would have had to come out, possibly after 40 or 150-year event comes to an area, people will suffer in 45 minutes. People would have died simply because they the same way they did in the area I represent. did not have the kit to go in the water. I was ferocious in As the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee my criticism of how we got ourselves in that situation makes clear, when all costs are considered, it makes no then, and the service listened and has invested and sense from an economic point of view not to make such trained up its staff and they have the kit. We can be an investment. However, because of the silos of assured that if such an event happens again, we will departmental budgets and the pressures in the political have trained firefighters, with the right equipment, who cycle, that money is not invested and we pay a higher can go in, effect rescues and protect people’s lives. If the price as a result. We therefore owe it to our constituents, floods had happened in February instead of June, people not just from the human point of view, but from a basic, would have died as a result. That will not be the case sensible economic management point of view, to create in future. a structure that does not allow the money to be pulled Many positive things have occurred. If we do not away as soon as the spotlight moves on. I hope that my look at a transfer to the water companies, I would like hon. Friend the Minister may be able to discuss that the Minister to reflect on the situation in the Netherlands, today. which has larger regional boards as opposed to our I have not done detailed work on what the implications internal drainage boards. I visited the country once would be of a transfer to water companies. It just seems with the all-party coastal and marine group. People to me that water companies such as Yorkshire Water, there have tax-raising powers, as I recall, but they have which has plant, people and responsibilities all over my to deliver statutory protection standards. When we constituency and all over Yorkshire, are capable of visited, we found that their rural areas had a higher raising money from the markets for long-term investment guaranteed standard than central London. They looked in order to deliver a standard that a regulator ensures is for one-in-1,250-year flood protection for their rural met and to do that in a way that does not impinge on areas and one-in-10,000-year protection for their urban public finances. They are in a better position to deliver areas. Of course, they have a completely different history that certainty for the lowest possible cost than other and culture around flooding, given that the whole country models that immediately present themselves. I urge the is pretty much at risk of flooding and they carved it out Minister to think about that, because notwithstanding of the sea in the first place. However, if we want people the good work that went on under the previous to be given proper protection, we perhaps need to Government, albeit that it was a little slow, and the implement such flood protection standards. They might good work that is going on under the present Government need to be different in different places, but people which, funnily enough, also seems to be rather slow, I should know that if they build behind a certain line or am not convinced that my constituents will not be they have a house there, they will have protection that is affected badly again in future. maintained over time, whoever provides it. I hope that On the positive front, I would like to praise the that will happen. Environment Agency. Craig McGarvey, whom I have I know that, as Opposition Members have said, the dealt with a great deal in my local area, has been open. I Minister has spent a lot of time considering and certainly expressed a lot of criticism of the Environment understanding this issue. Across the Chamber, we have 163WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 164WH enormous confidence in him. We not only hope but The report also discusses tradeable rights. I think that expect that he will introduce a long-term settlement that such trading does happen now, but perhaps not in a means that the people who suffered so much in 2007 formal way. Certainly in my constituency, farmers can and in years before and after that will not suffer in that use one another’s licences, but they have to secure way again. That will be because of the Benyon settlement. agreement from the Environment Agency and Natural Whatever the cynicism of people about the motives of England. We all know the joy of trying to ensure that those of us who come into public life, we do so in the people work together, but that has worked and the hope that we can make a significant positive difference people to whom I have referred pay one another. It may that affects the lives of thousands of people for the not be a formal scheme, but an informal scheme does better. What better monument to the career of my hon. operate. Friend than that he should provide the long-term Benyon We must be careful lest we end up with what happens settlement on flood protection and prevent the misery under the fishing regime. People begin to buy and trade that blighted the lives of my constituents in 2007 from quotas, and they end up having rights to quotas and happening again in the future where it can be avoided? perhaps licensing arrangements that they never use them themselves—they just use them as a financial asset. That would be a great mistake. 3.56 pm The grandfathering regime is referred to in the report. Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): It is a Of course, that exists now. It may not sound very pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Main. conservative, but I am not talking about nationalisation I commend the EFRA Committee on its excellent report of licensing or water rights. However, if people are to be and on bringing it to the attention of the House in this rewarded, we should ensure they have actually been debate. I particularly commend the Chairman of the using their water rights and that they have not been Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and sitting idle. It is possible that people are becoming a bit Malton (Miss McIntosh). wealthier and may not have not used their rights for some time. Water is a scarce resource. We may not feel that that is the case, given the recent downpours that we have had. On water storage, I understand exactly what the However, as the hon. Member for Workington (Tony Committee says about the transfer from the regional Cunningham) said, the debate should not just be about development agency and the use of funds from the rural defences, but about the use of water and about water development programme for England. However, I still management. Water is a scarce resource in this country, do not have full details from the East of England despite its being surrounded by water. If I may, Mrs Main, Development Agency about what is being done. I know I will take this opportunity to advertise the fact that this that something has been done, but it is important that very Saturday I will be doing a walk for WaterAid along we are able to invest in water storage. Whether it is the Suffolk coast, raising money for people who really reservoirs or local schemes, I want to support it. do have very little water. I return to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. I am not going to talk about funding for flood My hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness defences, as that has been eloquently discussed. Councillor (Mr Stuart) gave a very thoughtful speech on the national Andy Smith from Suffolk Coastal district council and I flood standards, referring to the Benyon settlement or have met the Minister, so he already knows of my the Benyon formula. Perhaps there will be many arguments concern that we seem to be relying on his common sense about that in future as there are about the Barnett in setting up the regional flood risk committees. Authorities formula. that have responsibility for coastal defences are not I want to refer to a few paragraphs and recommendations automatically included. I fully appreciate the assurances in the Select Committee report. I will begin with that the Minister has given me, and I realise that he will recommendation 22 about the abstraction licensing regime. continue with that, but we will not always have the I made—well, it was not an error, but I drew the benefit of the Benyon effect. I hope that the Minister attention of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to will be at the Department for some time; however, I do the potential drought in Suffolk earlier this year and I not want to limit his ministerial ambition. wish that I had shut my mouth because we had so much I turn next to the practicalities of the necessary rain in the summer it was untrue. However, I do not coastal defences. The Minister has visited Suffolk Coastal regret doing that because it did make things happen. on a few occasions, and he is well aware of the schemes [Interruption.] It did not make it rain, but it ensured that have been proposed. I would like to thank him that the Environment Agency worked with local farmers publicly for what seems to be a significant change in the to ensure that Suffolk was one of the few areas suffering approach of the relevant agencies. My feedback from such arid conditions that was not declared an official councillors and landowners is that the Environment drought area. They worked together in a co-operative Agency and Natural England have—dare I say it?—a way, and I was delighted with that. can-do approach. I am not sure of the reasons for the The particular issue in Suffolk was abstraction from change, but I put it down to the Minister and his rivers. That was where we had the biggest problems—the ministerial team. There is certainly a fresh enthusiasm. biggest threat. The flexibility of licensing that is We have less money, and we cannot always gold-plate recommended is important, and I hope that the Minister everything, so we have to be pragmatic, and some of will consider carefully widening the times of the year that is coming through. when water can be abstracted or stored and how it is Recommendation 12 is on internal drainage boards. used and captured. It seems ridiculous that when we are Much has been said about them already, and I support having downpours, we are not allowed to capture some many of those comments. I agree that they could be of that water in our reservoirs. used more, and I would welcome a localist approach if 165WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 166WH

[Dr Thérèse Coffey] are installed, especially if we have to build in difficult places such as flood plains. I understand that one of the they wanted to take on more tasks. I believe that most major problems when waiting for a house to dry out, of them have a local authority presence. I know that which affects the cost of repair, is the fact that the there is talk about oversight, and whether the boards sockets are at floor level rather than at waist height. are reporting to the Environment Agency. I like to think Some simple planning guidance or design ideas would that county or district councillor members of IDBs are save the insurance industry a lot of money and result in playing a full part. I realise that not all boards have lower premiums. I thank the House for its patience. filled those vacancies with councillors; I would encourage them to do so. I genuinely believe that IDBs can often 4.6 pm do a lot of the work much more cheaply. It never fails to amaze me how a project’s costing is scoped out. Although John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I some of that has changed, we should recognise that not refer to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial all defences need to last 100 years, and that we could be Interests that I am secretary to the Fire Brigades Union. looking at generational life of 25 to 30 years. We should I will focus on the statutory responsibility for flood use the IDBs whenever we can, as they do such a good preparation and flood response, although I almost feel job on other matters. that I should apologise for raising the matter so consistently There is another problem that keeps coming up in my in recent years. After the 2007 floods, the Pitt review constituency. I have to be careful how I phrase this, but was undertaken; its early recommendations were fairly the Environment Agency says that it will not stop straightforward, despite what the Committee calls some landowners defending their parts of the coastline. The vagueness. The report recommended that same goes for Natural England. To some extent, however, “The Government should urgently put in place a fully funded they do stop hard defences being erected, although they national capability for flood rescue with Fire and Rescue Authorities will manage soft defences for a few years. The Benacre playing a leading role, underpinned as necessary by a statutory estate at the top of my constituency is losing land every duty.” year to erosion—I have forgotten the exact amount but That recommendation was fairly clear, but, referring to I think that it is about 15 acres—but it is not allowed to what the report had to say about preparation and use hard defences. rescue, Pitt added that “the Review strongly believes that a statutory duty is the best I realise that we are not debating shoreline management means to achieve these outcomes.” plans today, but they have to connect up. There is no particular compensation for that loss of land. We would He continued: not take land away from people living in the centre of “Whilst it is conceivable that non-statutory approaches, such the country and say, “Youare not allowed to put a fence as those proposed by the CFRA”— around that and someone else can come and camp on it chief fire and rescue adviser, Ken Knight— and you won’t have access to it”—that kind of thing; I “might work, such approaches do not provide the certainty the do not want to be controversial—so we should expect public expect and the Review believes is needed.” compensation for people who are not even allowed to All the evidence demonstrates that the original Pitt use hard defences on their own land. I do not want to recommendations were correct. Despite some additional say too much about human rights, but there is a feeling moneys being invested in equipment and in some elements that people are not being allowed to protect their own of training, the evidence that the Committee received property. from the FBU was that things had gone backwards I understand what paragraph 9 has to say about rather than forwards. Not enough was being invested in agriculture. Suffolk is famous for its pigs and potatoes, training exercises or in the necessary equipment. It but if we did not have agricultural land the potatoes should be blindingly obvious to those who have served could be grown elsewhere or even imported. I am not in local government that if a statutory duty is not sure that that is the right policy direction, however; I placed upon a particular local government role or function, believe that we should think more about our resilience it is no longer a priority at budget time. Statutory duties and the value of food security. I would like a little bit always gain priority when it comes to the allocation of more value to be given to agricultural production in the resources. funding formula. I am pleased that the Committee heard more evidence on the subject, and recommendation 3 reinforces what Insurance is important, as several Members have Pitt had said. The Committee said at paragraph 26: said. I am slightly concerned that we will not have any more information on the subject until March 2012, just “We are concerned that the lack of a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue Authorities could jeopardise their flood preparation a year before the current agreement comes to an end. and response work, given pressures on them to direct their limited However, I have every confidence that the Minister and funding towards fulfilling nondiscretionary duties.” his officials will secure a successful outcome, so that We had hoped that the Labour Government would people can continue to live safely and securely in their legislate on the matter, but what legislation we had did own homes. not deal with the question of statutory responsibility. I wish to make one final suggestion. It not about legislation or directly to do with floods. The Department Miss McIntosh: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman has worked well with the new planning policy framework for his declaration of interest. Is the problem in his view to ensure sustainable development and to deal with a matter of funding, the responsibility for which no water stress, but I return to a point that I have made in longer lies with DEFRA but with the Department for the main Chamber about building design. We should Communities and Local Government? We stand by our encourage people to reconsider the way in which electrics recommendation, but does he think that we should go 167WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 168WH further? We say that the matter should be included in 4.14 pm the funding formula applied to the emergency services. Does he share our disappointment that that has not Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): I been done immediately? congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) on securing the debate. I also congratulate her and her Committee on producing John McDonnell: The Pitt review identified two areas: such a comprehensive report. As Chairman of a Select clarity of leadership in a particular response and resources, Committee myself, I know how much work goes into because a statutory duty gives security of access to reports. those resources. I take the view that the statutory duty My hon. Friend spoke about the devastation that the needs to be introduced as quickly as possible to tackle floods caused in 2007. In June that year, my Tewkesbury both matters. There should be more clarity about local constituency was badly flooded, but that was nothing government’s responsibilities; flowing from that will be compared with what came a month later, in July, when both the resources and the clarity of the approach on the area was absolutely devastated—although, the allocation of those resources for both Government paradoxically, many thousands of people lost their and local fire authorities. water supplies. Tragically, three people lost their lives Unfortunately, the previous Government failed to and many people lived for well over a year in caravans legislate, but they set up various exercises and consultations as a result of the flooding. Some have struggled to get that will eventually come to fruition. After the general any insurance at all, even when flooding was excluded election, the coalition agreement made reference to the from the policy. That is how bad things have got. This is Pitt review. It committed the coalition to taking forward an extremely important issue. “the findings of the Pitt Review to improve our flood defences, As time is limited, I will touch on just one issue, and prevent unnecessary building in areas of high flood risk”— which links in with the DCLG. The Department obviously in other words, implementing the recommendation of has a big role to play in the new planning proposals, the Pitt review with regard to the statutory duty. The particularly in areas affected by flooding. The report previous Government undertook Exercise Watermark. mentions this in paragraphs 47, 48 and 49, under the Although they did not specifically undertake to provide heading, “Planning to Mitigate Flood Risk.” We cannot the analysis for a case study for a statutory duty, we completely remove flood risk. If it rains as heavily as it were advised by Ministers responding to parliamentary did on 20 July 2007, we will have flooding. My constituents questions that the exercise would inform the Government’s who live where two main rivers meet and several other decision about whether statutory responsibility would rivers run understand that. The point is that where be required. The interim report from Exercise Watermark possible, we should not make matters worse—indeed, told us that there would be a final report at the end of as the report says, we should do whatever we can to September. Encouragingly, it also said: mitigate flooding. “Feedback from the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) Looking at the proposals that are emerging—I accept suggested the statutory duty for flood rescue should be co-ordinated that they are from another Department, but I am sure by the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) with appropriate funding.” that DEFRA has had its say in them—we see welcome recognition of the problems caused by water displacement. The interim report indicated that we were moving towards In other words, it is recognised that not only could new a statutory duty being introduced by the Government. houses flood, but that their being built could cause We then also had the recommendations from the fire other houses to flood. That seems to be a new development. futures forum, which advises Government on general I have struggled to get that message across to Parliament, safety issues, including fire and flooding. It discussed the Government, the Environment Agency and anybody the options for future reform of the fire service and else: the problem is not only new buildings, but the called for the implementation of a statutory duty, but trouble that they may cause for other people. with some caveats on where the funding for such work The big word in the new planning proposals is should come from. “sustainable”. As far as I can read, that means that this A consensus seems to have been built up in recent generation should not make matters worse for the next. years, stemming from the 2007 floods and culminating We could take that further and say that, within this in the lessons learned from the 2009 floods, that there generation, somebody who lives in village X should not should be a statutory responsibility. We simply await make life worse for somebody who lives in village Y. the outcome of the final report on Exercise Watermark. Basically, it is about thinking about other people, which Will the Minister confirm whether that report will reach I am very pleased about. If we adhere to that then us by the end of September? If not, will he intervene— surely we should not have too much development in perhaps in this memorial way that seems to be being flood-risk areas. pushed to establish his reputation—to ensure that the In the new planning proposals, I am pleased to see report is finalised as speedily as possible? recognition of the problem of building in flood-risk If the report fails to recommend a statutory duty for areas. Paragraph 149 says that we should fire and rescue authorities, there will be many who will “avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding by be extremely anxious that this is a missed opportunity directing development away from areas at highest risk… or where to clarify duties and responsibilities and to secure funding. development is necessary, making it safe without increasing flood If it does recommend a statutory responsibility, I urge risk elsewhere”. the Minister—I am sure that Members in this Chamber That prompts the question: what is necessary? Although will assist him all they can—to lobby others to ensure that comes down to business assessments, housing projection that there is parliamentary time to enable such legislative assessments and site specific assessments, it worries activity to take place. me that we have a sequential test and an exceptional 169WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 170WH

[Mr Laurence Robertson] face the possibility in that very village of more houses being built, which could cause even more problems. The test. That is nothing new—it was in planning policy village that I am referring to is Prestbury, which I am statement 25, and it has probably been strengthened in working very hard to try to protect. the new planning proposals. None the less, I am still We must ensure that all the waterways are cleared and worried about who is making the assessments. It certainly maintained. That work will not prevent flooding if we is not the people who have to live in the houses who get the kind of rainfall that we had on that day in July might be flooded or those who might be flooded as a 2007, but it will help. As my hon. Friend the Member consequence of new houses being built. for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart) mentioned, we The Environment Agency will play a big role in that, also need to ensure that any flood prevention schemes which is a cause of concern. I have been a critic of the that are implemented—we are getting some in my area agency for many years, and with good reason, although and they are very welcome—are well designed and I will not go into that now. Over the years, the Environment actually work. Agency has improved—I do not doubt that at all—but If we do all those things, if we are sensible about more work needs to be done to define its role more those things and if we apply common sense, we will not closely and more accurately, to enable us to assess prevent all the flooding—I have already said that—but whether it actually has the powers that it needs, to we will certainly convince our constituents that we are assess the work that it does and to see how effective that taking sensible decisions and that we are doing everything work is. I know of a planning application in my area we can to mitigate the worst effects of flooding. where the land flooded but the Environment Agency said that that land was okay to build on. It has also said that where water rests perhaps just below the surface, 4.23 pm that land is okay to build on. I do not accept that—I do not accept that analysis at all. Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): I add my We have a bit of work to do in relation to the voice to the voices of others who have commended the Environment Agency and I urge the Minister to speak work of my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and to his colleagues in the Department for Communities Malton (Miss McIntosh) and her Select Committee. and Local Government to ascertain what we are talking The Committee’s report is an excellent piece of work about when we say that building in flood-risk areas is and it is thoroughly welcome. “necessary”; I am sure that he does so on already As a Member who represents a constituency in the regularly. We must examine what is “necessary” much south-west, it will come as no surprise to people that I more carefully. I recognise that the draft national planning wish to speak today about water charging. The water framework is, to an extent, strengthening flood defences, charges in the south-west are the highest in the country, but we need to go a lot further than that. I want to stress with an average bill of £517. I am afraid that that figure that—it is the central point that I wanted to make. is rather higher than the one given in the Select Committee’s When I say how important it is to build in the right report, which puts the figure for the south-west at £490. places, I remind Members of the iconic picture of At £517, the average bill in the south-west 43% above Tewkesbury Abbey surrounded by water. I have even the national average for water charges. Although I spoken to people in Australia who saw that picture; understand the points made by the hon. Member for everybody who has seen it remembers it. The words Llanelli (Nia Griffith) on the challenges that she faces “surrounded by water” are very important because in Wales—I absolutely empathise with her—the south-west Tewkesbury abbey, which was built at the end of the has 30% of the country’s coastline and 3% of the 11th century, did not actually flood. Deerhurst priory, population, so the burden that we bear is exceptionally which is just down the road from Tewkesbury abbey, great. was built in about the 7th century. Although it is located Unfortunately, in addition we also have a large amount in a village that flooded, Deerhurst priory itself did not of sewage pipework inherited at privatisation without flood. The point that I am making is that in those days the adequate funding to get it into the state that is people knew how to build and where to build. That is an required. The problem was inevitably exacerbated by extremely important point. Everybody recognises that the bathing water directives, which were not foreseen we need growth in the economy, new jobs, new businesses and which have created all sorts of challenges for us in and new houses, but the question is, “Where do they the south-west. The problem in the south-west is very go?” That is the central point that I am making today. significant. I want to mention a couple of other issues. As has Possible solutions have been considered by a number been mentioned already, we need to ensure that all the of different bodies. I commend the Walker report, which ditches, drains, culverts and sewers are properly maintained came out with a number of very good options. Equally, and repaired. We had an incident in my area where two Ofwat came up with some good options. I will not go culverts were never joined up and further down the road into the details of those, because they are well rehearsed on there was also a broken culvert. Houses flooded on in the Select Committee report. I am pleased to say that that road for the first time ever, to my knowledge, in DEFRA has consulted on a solution. Of the four areas June 2007, but then flooded again in July 2007. That is that were looked at, information on three of them was an example of what happens when maintenance is not included in the DEFRA consultation. With the interests carried out. Another estate was built up a hill—the hon. of the people of the south-west at heart, I will comment Member for Llanelli (Nia Griffith) referred to building only on those options, which I hope will inform the at the top of a hill and how it is obvious that the water Minister in his thinking when he comes to draft the will run down the hill. The same thing happened in the Water Bill, which I, like others, am keen to see sooner village in my area where the estate was built, yet we now rather than later. 171WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 172WH

The first suggestion related to social tariffs. Whatever Government. If I might be so bold, given that two more else we do, we certainly need to get a social tariff in directives on water quality will come from Brussels place that works properly. The current tariff, WaterSure, sooner rather than later, we should consider the matter is a good start, but unfortunately it does not protect urgently, rather than wait for the water Bill after the some of the most vulnerable people in our society. forthcoming one. Come what may, it needs to be reviewed. The suggestion The Government have bravely already looked at the that the social tariff be transferred to a central pot relationship between the taxpayer and the private sector rather than continue to come out of the individual in other areas. They have considered renegotiating some water companies’ pots is a good one. If that happened, I of the private finance initiative contracts that were would want the water companies to take a sensible biased against the taxpayer because the risk had not approach locally, to do what is right to meet the particular been properly assessed at the time they were entered and peculiar needs in their own part of the world. into. Likewise, they have looked at the relationship The second option considered was rebalancing who between the taxpayer and the banks. Now might be an pays for what within the south-west itself. Given the opportune moment to look at the relationship between overall unfairness of the settlement at privatisation—I the taxpayer and the water companies. I am sure that am sure that that unfairness was not intended and that there would be all sorts of legal challenges and hurdles it was just one of those unfortunate consequences— to overcome, but that does not mean that it should not rebalancing within the south-west itself is not something be done. For water authorities that face particular challenges that any south-west MP would view with any comfort. as a result of the water quality directive—for example, Paying south-west Peter by robbing south-west Paul is where the percentage increase would be very difficult not the solution, I think. Other suggestions include for the local community to bear, a cap on above-inflation rebalancing sewerage charges and the business community rises allowed by those companies might be considered paying a higher share, but tourism is crucial for us, so in the annual review. That is something for the Minister any rebalancing of that nature would certainly be most to think about. unwelcome—I am sure that the Minister recognises I shall turn very briefly to flooding. The Minister how unwelcome it would be. knows very well that it is a subject that is also close to I was interested that the third option put forward by my heart. I have to thank him for what he has done to Anna Walker in her report was not in the DEFRA ensure that I have flood defences in Shaldon and consultation; in fact, I was very pleased that it was not hopefully—subject to planning consent—in Teignmouth. in the DEFRA consultation. That option was to cross- Flood prevention is critical, and I pay tribute to my subsidise the south-west from water-charge payers in hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton for the other water company areas. The Minister, in ruling out careful and thorough analysis she set out at the beginning that option, said that it would be quite inappropriate to of the debate. She hit the nail absolutely on the head. If, take money from an individual in Newcastle who was as evidence seems to bear out, for every £1 we spend on benefits to provide a subsidy for a water-charge now we effectively save £8 in the future, flood prevention payer in the south-west who may well be a millionaire. I must be a key priority, and I am glad that it was say gently to him that perhaps he does not fully understand presented as such in the national infrastructure plan. that the average income in Devon is actually £2,964 I share some of the views that other hon. Members lower than the national average. Contrary to what too have expressed about the best solution. In planning many people believe, the south-west is not a countryside policy, although the report makes it clear that it would of cream teas and beautiful cows, in which we all sit be inappropriate to ban building on flood plains, developers eating our strawberries and cream. The area is very have done very well from building on such land without rural, but we have a number of very deprived areas and having to contribute to the windfall, so there is an the highest number of retirees and pensioners in the argument for reviewing the planning rules and regulations country. There is not a large number of millionaires with a view to possible limits on building on flood sitting in the south-west, waiting to be bailed out by plain. In insurance, which is the second key issue in the those in the north who are less well off. flooding debate, the renegotiation of the statement of The final option in the DEFRA consultation was one principle that will elapse in 2013 needs to involve all that I very warmly welcome. If I have one message for parties, and not be seen as a matter for just the Government the Minister today, it is, “Yes, please, that is exactly and the insurance industry. Developers and other what we want.” It is the suggestion that the Government beneficiaries of changes ought to play their part. put a £40 million subsidy behind South West Water Those are the key points that I wanted to make today, bill-payers, which would effectively knock £50 off each and I am grateful for the opportunity to debate this bill-payer’s bill in the region. That would not only be crucial matter. welcome but, in the current circumstances and given the history, it would be the right and fair thing to do, because even though, if that subsidy were given, people Mrs Anne Main (in the Chair): Before I call the next paying water rates in the south-west would still have the speaker, I remind everyone that the winding up speeches highest water rates in the country, they would at least be start at five minutes to 5. I call Priti Patel. less badly done by than they are now. We need to look carefully therefore at what we do. It 4.34 pm would be nice to see a “Benyon report” suggesting that the Bill include the adoption of the £40 million subsidy Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): I welcome the opportunity but, as the hon. Member for Llanelli pointed out, there to speak in this debate and I pay tribute to the Select is an ongoing challenge for those of us whose constituencies Committee and its Chair for offering this comprehensive have long coastlines, and that is a challenge for the analysis of flood management issues. I would like to use 173WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 174WH

[Priti Patel] In the Select Committee report, the link between the agricultural sector and flood defences has been clearly this debate to bring the Minister’s attention to a couple highlighted. In my constituency, there are farmers and of problems with existing flood management arrangements landowners who want to engage with the authorities on in my constituency. flood management but already feel disfranchised by their experience with the shoreline management plan. I also put on record my thanks to the Committee’s They have many anxieties. Chair for her recent visit to my constituency, and for the time she spent meeting my constituents to discuss many In light of the shortness of time, I want to use the few of the flood management issues that I will raise. She minutes that I have left to say that there is a plea here to learned of the serious flood and shoreline management get rid of the bureaucracy and red tape—about which problems in my constituency, and listened to the many we have already consistently heard—between the various concerns raised directly by Andrew St Joseph, the chairman bodies and organisations. It has been reported to me of the independent farming-led Managing Coastal Change that it can take up to two months and reams of paperwork group, and other local farmers and landowners. They for the Environment Agency to grant permission when very much welcomed her interest in these matters, and it comes to dealing with shoreline management and are very grateful to her for her time and her visit. flood risk, while Natural England can issue 13-month permits for the same applications. There is, therefore, a The Minister will be familiar with some of the matters bureaucracy and streamlining issue here, and I would because of my correspondence with him at the beginning welcome the Minister’s intervention and some positive of this year about questions I had asked him in the views from him about how some of these areas can be House. In those exchanges, I highlighted the fact that simplified so that landowners can work on sea defences. landowners, farmers and people contributing significant It is all bureaucratic, but I look to the Minister to bring sums of money to the Environment Agency for shoreline us positive news on that front in the time that we have management felt completely excluded from the decision- left. He is welcome to come to my constituency and making process. I urge the Minister to address that meet my constituents. I hope that he will take that on serious problem. Each year, through the general drainage board. charge, farmers in Essex give the Environment Agency something in the region of £800,000, which is a significant sum that could instead be spent on other investments or 4.39 pm by farmers themselves in acting against flood risks. The Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): It is good farmers continue to feel that they are being subjected to to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Main. I thank a regime under the auspices of the Environment Agency my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton that generates taxation almost without effective (Miss McIntosh) for initiating this important debate. It representation. For instance, there is no system in place is great to see the Minister here. I echo the words said and no channel of communication to enable people about what a great job he is doing. His practical background who have contributed to the cost of flood management helps in such matters. locally to see how their money is being spent, or to make representations to influence that spending. It is I will make some general points. First, I endorse the therefore understandable that my constituents and those comments made by my hon. Friend the Member for landowners feel totally ignored, while their contribution Newton Abbot (Anne Marie Morris), and I reiterate seems to be going in one particular direction. Could the that the west country has 3% of the population and Minister find the time to come to my constituency—we 30% of the beaches. We also have an elderly population would welcome him with open arms—to see at first whose incomes are often fixed. High water charges are hand the problems and challenges regarding the flood an issue for them, whereas in many parts of the country, and shoreline management plan? Alternatively, he could water bills do not represent such a major percentage of perhaps meet my constituents here in Westminster. income as in the south-west. South West Water does a good job, but will the My constituents also raised concerns about matters Minister consider more competition among water that have already been mentioned, such as the modelling companies? My constituency borders Wessex, and Wessex of sea-level rises always being based on worst case Water customers pay a good deal less for their water scenario planning across the area rather than on examining than customers of South West Water. Is he considering the potential impacts at a local level, and about how the it? I know that the Scottish model means that there is plans for managed re-alignment will work. If my only one water company, but there are five retailers who constituents had genuine engagement with the Environment buy wholesale from Scottish Water, resulting in competition, Agency, I am sure that those problems could be addressed not among householders but among businesses. That and that we would have different scenarios and completely could affect even bed and breakfast establishments. different outcomes. Would some competition not ensure that water companies There are also concerns about the dialogue and deliver at competitive rates? Ultimately, we must secure engagement with Natural England. I was impressed by value for money for our consumers. Also, I know that the positive experiences of my hon. Friend the Member he has ruled out a national levy, but 3% of the population for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey), which seem to have pays for 30% of the beaches. It should be shared around. come off the back of direct action by the Minister as I welcome the Government money offered by the well. I welcome, endorse and praise that, and hope that Chancellor, and I look forward to what the Minister we can bring something similar to Essex. However, the can do to alleviate the problems with water charges. problem is the discrepancy in the experiences of engagement Lots of villages in my constituency have flooded, with such bodies, and I make a plea to that effect to the particularly Feniton. I endorse what was said by my Minister. hon. Friend the Member for Tewkesbury (Mr Robertson) 175WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 176WH and others. The village includes lots of bungalows, and are good at managing things, and I know that the elderly people were stranded in them and had to be Minister is considering how they can do more. If we rescued from their lofts. That is an absolutely terrifying rethink how we drain our water, we will not have so experience, and there is a social side to it as well as a much flooding. I agree again with my hon. Friend the cost. Member for Tewkesbury: if it rains and rains, we will Turning to costs, Labour Members made great play have floods, but not if we prepare the proper drainage of how much this Government have had to cut flood channels. That is what they were designed for, but at the defence money, but it is no good for them to say that moment, many towns, such as Taunton, have narrow when they spent all the money and left us with a huge pinch points where the water comes through the town. deficit. We must make the money go further. I make a It all looks beautiful; the only thing is that if a lot of plea to the Minister—I know that he is already doing water must go through the town, it will not go through a this—to ensure that the Environment Agency works smaller channel. with landowners and others to come up with schemes All those things should be considered, but I know that are not expensive or elaborate but do the job. There that with a Minister of the calibre and experience that are lot of practical things that we could do to make the we have here, we will have no problem. I welcome the money go further. Insurance companies that insure chance to raise these issues. properties in flood risk areas charge the owners huge premiums. Is there any way—I do not know whether it 4.47 pm is possible—to tap into some of those resources? We must think outside the box. Other hon. Members have Mr Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): It is a pleasure to asked how much water companies can contribute in serve under your chairmanship for the first time, Mrs Main. future. Only taxpayers’ money is involved, but we are I thank the Chairman of the Select Committee, who has borrowing so much money just to pay the interest on been typically forthright and diligent in producing an our deficit that we know that huge sums will not be important and thorough report. This is a crucial discussion, available. and one of fundamental importance to many aspects of Perhaps I ought to declare an interest on the matter communities throughout the country and to our country’s of managed retreat. I am not a great admirer of it. The social, environmental and economic future. I pay tribute Netherlands has been mentioned. If the Dutch practised to the Chair and other Committee members for their managed retreat from the sea, they would retreat from work in producing the report. their country. The world’s population is growing, and The report provides the basis for a great deal of we are going to have to feed that population. Is it right further work by both Parliament and Government. I to retreat from land and let the sea come in? People suspect that important as the report is, this is not the often do not realise the difference between freshwater last time that the Committee will return to the issue in and seawater flooding. Freshwater flooding does some such detail. I also suspect that we will have to wait for damage to the land, but it recovers quickly and grass the long-delayed water White Paper, which is due to be and crops can still be grown on it. Seawater flooding published in December, before we can see comprehensively destroys the land so future generations cannot produce what the Government intend to do in response to the food on it. issues raised by the Committee. I appreciate that the Working with the Environment Agency and with Minister has plenty of questions to answer, so I will be farmers, we could find ways to save a lot of money. as brief as possible. My first question is this: can he give Protection is in place, but with the sea rising, we might us a categorical assurance that the White Paper will be need to raise sea walls. We could do so using systems published in December this year, and that it has not involving earth banks, perhaps, rather than elaborate slipped any further? banks. I urge the Minister to consider it. We live in an The report raises a series of vital issues requiring age when people are concerned about flooding and rapid policy responses beginning with flood management, their homes, but I repeat that we must also get the best particularly flood insurance, which many Members have value for money. I know that the Minister is considering mentioned. Changes to flood insurance for homes and ways to do so. I welcome the chance to speak in this businesses will take effect in July 2013, bringing to an debate to present the worries that people have. end the statement of principles agreed between the last On a final point—my hon. Friend the Member for Government and the Association of British Insurers, Tewkesbury mentioned this—although the Environment acting on behalf of the insurance industry, in 2008. The Agency has got better, we use our rivers for too many statement of principles placed clear obligations on things. We are inclined to say that they are great for Government and industry alike, the most important conservation. They are, and we want to keep water being the maintenance of investment by Government in levels high, but in doing so, we let rivers and tributaries flood defences. Following the change of Government, silt up. Somerset, for instance, has the Rivers Tone and as has been discussed, that has not happened—flood Parrett. At Burrowbridge, the river is virtually completely defence spending has been cut by 27%. Although I do silted up. One of these days it will rain and rain, and not believe that the report under discussion lends itself Taunton and Bridgwater will flood, because that water to some of the more partisan comments that we have will not be able to get out to sea in time. It is good to heard, I urge those Government Members who have keep water penned at conservation levels during the made the point about spending cuts not to pretend that summer, but let us dredge those rivers properly so that they are not responsible for those cuts. Neither should the water can get out to sea. It is not hugely expensive, they pretend to their constituents that they are not their but it is a matter of foresight. responsibility. The Government acknowledge the 27% Culverts, ditches and other water channels have been cut. mentioned. Again, I declare an interest, as I farm in an area that has such features. Internal drainage boards Neil Parish: Will the Minister give way? 177WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 178WH

Mr Reed: I am not yet a Minister, but I am happy to excess payments—which could lead to entire communities give way. becoming blighted. I am sure that hon. Members on both sides of the House are aware of that problem. Neil Parish: I apologise—I meant to say the shadow Minister. The hon. Gentleman makes the point that we What specific discussions have the Government held are responsible for the cuts, but will he also make the with the insurance industry regarding the effects on the point that he and his party were responsible for the costs and availability of flood insurance in rural areas huge deficit that we inherited? as a result of this policy change? Have the Government undertaken any assessment of how these policy changes will affect land and property values in rural areas? If so, Mr Reed: I would love to debate this issue with the has the logical modelling been done with regard to how hon. Gentleman morning, noon and night. such a policy change will affect not only businesses in these areas, but the cost to their public services? Mrs Anne Main (in the Chair): Order. I hope that the hon. Gentleman does not, because it has nothing to do With regard to the farming industry, surely modelling with what we are discussing. work has been undertaken on the impacts of different flood management models in rural areas and the Mr Reed: I am grateful for your guidance, Mrs Main. consequences of that for agricultural land and food I fear that I would have strayed for some considerable security. Surely the necessary work with regard to these length. issues has been done. If not, will the Minister explain The report highlights a series of concerns surrounding why? If the work has been done and the answer is yes, the reduction in funding available for flood defences. It will he undertake to make this work available to the states that public and to colleagues? If the work has not been undertaken, I fear that the Government’s approach to “to maintain the current level of protection in the face of increasing these issues cannot be described as holistic and will flood risks requires increased investment and the significant CSR cuts will increase concerns that funding on flood defences remains inevitably invite failure. inadequate.” We need, as has been said, a broad and lasting It goes on to say that consensus on the policy measures necessary to achieve a “it is by no means certain that any shortfall in public funding can fair insurance system whereby flood insurance is available yet be made up by private contributions. Ministers must spell out to everybody at affordable rates. If as a country we fail how the Government’s aim of focussing public funding on those to meet the serious challenges presented by the changing communities at greatest risk who are least able to protect themselves flood insurance landscape, that will result in profound will be achieved in practice.” social effects. Governments, of whichever colour, cannot I agree wholeheartedly with the Committee. It now outsource their accountability in this area. It is not fair behoves the Government to end this ambiguity, because and it does not bode well for effective, lasting policy if it it is damaging and has dragged on for far too long. is left purely to the insurance industry. With one in six I also urge the Government to understand the detailed homes and businesses in England and Wales at significant effects of their policy as matters stand. The NFU has risk of flooding, this is without doubt one of the made a compelling argument in that regard. It notes, biggest social and economic policy challenges facing with typical tenacity: the country. “The reality is that regions containing a significant conurbation Effective policy implementation will require the of housing and business development i.e. a city will create a distortion in the allocation of national flood risk funding. This substantial buy-in of major stakeholders in this policy means that many rural areas...will be likely to suffer a steep field—not just the insurance industry, but the water decline in flood risk investment as a result of this distorting effect industry—whose co-operation is pivotal in identifying of policy. We believe rural areas within regions will therefore have and implementing effective policy solutions. The companies difficulty in obtaining national funding for new flood risk management involved in our water industry could also be pivotal in schemes.” helping us to address significant parts of the flood The NFU is entirely right and I thank it for the attention policy challenge. I have spoken with the industry and it it has given the issues and for representing the interests is clear that there is huge and, in many ways, unrealised of its members and, more broadly, the more rural potential locked within it that is both prepared and able elements of our country in a typically forthright and to help us improve flood management policy. What effective manner. work has the Minister’s Department done in that regard, Do the Government accept the analysis that their and has any work been done on incentivising soft or funding criteria for flood management distort funding natural water and flood management schemes to be away from flood defence schemes in rural areas? If the undertaken by water companies, as opposed to hard, Minister does not accept that analysis, what is the basis engineered schemes? for his contrary view? Does the Minister believe that that approach would The Government maintain that reduced flood defence be aided or hindered by further disaggregation of the spending can still safeguard 145,000 properties over the water industry and by increased competition? We are all duration of this Parliament. Inevitably, that will mean a aware of the benefits of competition, but we must also greater concentration of available moneys in more densely be alive to the potential disbenefits of increased competition. populated areas in order to achieve greater, and arguably Clearly, asset maintenance and investment in new assets quicker, economies of scale. For less densely populated in the water industry are a critical part of the economic areas, this represents a gathering storm—less flood base of that industry. It is also vital in relation to the defence investment, with potentially more expensive or practicalities of flood and water management. Does the difficult to obtain insurance cover and greatly inflated Minister share my concern that the disruption of the 179WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 180WH market in the UK could disincentivise investments such Our task is to identify those areas of synergy that will as these and thus hinder more effective flood and water bring together consumer benefit, social and environmental management schemes? improvement, and economic stability. That should inform The Government cannot and must not believe that our policy approach and I hope it is writ large throughout they can extricate themselves from this policy area. the White Paper when it appears. There are many more Paradoxically, the cut in flood defence spending may matters raised by the report in need of discussion, but yet necessitate more involvement, more investment and they cannot all be mentioned today. The issues have had more legislation from Government, in the shape of the a significant airing and have largely been brought to the Bellwin scheme and other schemes, and more rather Minister’s attention in a detailed way. I trust that he will than less involvement and expenditure in the future. answer the questions that have been raised not only by me but by colleagues. If not, I trust that he will give us I am sure that we are all aware—perhaps members of some detailed written answers as soon as possible. the EFRA Committee are more aware of this than others—that the water industry is undergoing a period of marked uncertainty as it continues to deal with a 5.1 pm badly structured privatisation, regulatory uncertainty, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for an increased call for its involvement in social policy, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Richard Benyon): global economic uncertainty, and what I think we can It is good of you to chair our proceedings, Mrs Main, broadly agree is increased customer dissatisfaction. The albeit it for only part of our debate. I congratulate my industry is one of the most strategically sensitive in the hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton UK and any significant policy changes, irrespective of (Miss McIntosh) and her Committee on the priority the benefits, are likely to incur some cost to the taxpayer that they have given the issue, particularly the matter of either directly or indirectly through contributions to the flooding. I also congratulate them on their report and Exchequer, or directly through utility bills. on raising it so eloquently here today. There is no doubt Let us be under no illusion that water management that these issues are of importance to hon. Members legislation is difficult. We all accept that and understand from all parties. that effective water management legislation requires a The Government’s response to the report has been thriving water industry. The water industry now faces published and I hope that my hon. Friend and her three areas of challenge, which are perhaps best understood Committee will accept that the Government are taking in three separate chunks: the consumer, the environment full account of all its recommendations. As she has and impending regulatory change. acknowledged, the Government are in the process of First, on the consumer, customers increasingly demand implementing the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 lower bills or more stable charges and, in addition, in a proportionate way, having due regard to the need to expect increased investments from utility companies in ensure that the regulatory burden on businesses and flood prevention and water management. The existence citizens is justified. We have already provided much-needed of water poverty is real and must be addressed through clarity on the roles and responsibilities of regulatory social tariffs or other means. Secondly, on the environment, authorities, local authorities and others in flood and effective water management cannot just be about consumers water management. We are in the process of developing and shareholders. It must be about environmental secondary legislation to address the remaining key elements protection, which, as we are all aware, is not cost free. I of the Act: sustainable drainage systems, private sewers urge the Government to respond in detail to the concerns and reservoir safety. We will consult widely on our raised by WWF, particularly those in relation to water proposals once they have been fully developed. abstraction. Thirdly, on regulation of the water industry, The Flood and Water Management Act covered all Ofwat, as colleagues have touched upon, faces major of Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations that required changes. The industry is a major tax contributor, a primary legislation, except for producing consolidated wealth creator and a significant employer, yet the floods legislation, which it would not be sensible for us consequences of the privatisation as it has been to do in advance of the red tape challenge, where we will structured—which increase environmental responsibilities seek to repeal any unnecessary legislation. We are aware and the role of the industry in other social policy areas, that other parts of the draft Flood and Water Management such as flood defence, water poverty alleviation and Bill were included in the subsequent Act. We are looking other potential environmental remediation—are potentially again at the need for primary legislation and will only massive. legislate where necessary. Any legislative proposals will The Committee Chairman is absolutely right to suggest be set out in the water White Paper. I say very clearly to that the industry is facing its biggest challenge for hon. Members that we are committed to publishing that decades—there is no doubt about that. Let us make it White Paper by December—not in December, but by clear that these drivers offer scope for major policy December. If there is any change to that, I will personally contradictions as, although they are discrete, each specific notify the hon. Member for Copeland (Mr Reed), my area impacts upon the other. So a credible policy must hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton—the have the buy-in and involvement of the water industry Committee Chair—and anyone else concerned. However, at a very high level. There is a willingness from the that is our commitment today. industry to do that. Like all major industries, the water The White Paper will focus on increasing the resilience industry seeks as far as is practicable, a core political of our water supplies to the pressures of demographic consensus from us in this room and from us in this and climate change; on reforming the water industry in Parliament, so that it can plan long-term investments the light of those challenges so that it is innovative, with certainty. Additionally, the industry recognises and efficient and customer focused; and on ensuring that seemingly accepts the inescapable social and environmental bills remain affordable. I will come on to address some obligations that are upon it. of the points eloquently raised by a number of hon. 181WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 182WH

[Richard Benyon] from home owners to water and sewerage companies. I appreciate the point that has been made on that work, Members, not just those in the south-west. We would which has been 10 years in the waiting. Such an approach expect any water Bill to be tightly drafted and to focus will be a massive comfort to many households who face on water legislation rather than flood management. The enormous bills. Government are committed to increasing the number of Before I come on to the more detailed issues that have Bills that are published in draft for pre-legislative scrutiny, been raised, I will mention the important matter discussed and we will consider the feasibility of doing so in the by my hon. Friends the Members for Stroud (Neil time available. I hope that my hon. Friend and her Carmichael) and for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish) Committee will be able to follow that process. regarding the impact of floods on agricultural land and The Government’s new approach to funding flood concerns about food security. Those concerns, which and coastal defence projects announced back in May, have been raised in relation to coastal erosion issues and which has been raised by a number of hon. Members, coastal erosion flood risk management, are absolutely has already scored a number of successes. Instead of at the top of DEFRA’s priorities. I reassure hon. Members meeting the full costs of just a limited number of that the impact of flood management and coastal erosion schemes, a partnership approach will make Government on farmland will remain an important consideration. money available to pay for a share of any potential However, food security is principally about availability, scheme. Cost savings and local contributions will mean affordability and access to nutritious and sustainably that more communities can enjoy the benefits that flood produced food, rather than having an absolute foot-by-foot, and coastal defences bring. We expect that, in 2012-13, acre-by-acre, hectare-by-hectare analysis of what could there will be around £20 million-worth of contributions be produced here and there. Although the matter is an coming in from local and private sources. The new absolute priority for DEFRA, domestic production and approach is enabling schemes to go ahead across the a healthy rural economy are also important. Concerns country that otherwise would not be able to do so, as will need to be reconciled with the need to protect the outcomes delivered by those schemes were not sufficient people and property. to be fully funded by central Government. Through The hon. Member for Copeland asked whether we partnership funding, we have opened the door to enable have a level playing field between urban and rural local priorities to be funded, while ensuring that every communities and mentioned the impact on agricultural pound of Government investment is focused on supporting land. Flood funding is allocated on a case-by-case basis those who need it most, especially those most at risk and each case has to stand on its own merits. In the and living in the most deprived parts of the country. floods of 2007, there were damages worth more than That answers one of the points clearly made by the hon. £3.7 billion. Approximately 4% of that was in agriculture. Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner). I am not diminishing the impact on agriculture—I am a Notable successes include the highly controversial farmer and I represent a rural constituency, and we and long-awaited scheme in York and Water End. I want to protect farmland for all the reasons that I have hope that that scheme will come to fruition this year. A just stated—but we also want to protect people and contribution of £1 million towards the cost from the property. That is a balance that Governments down the City of York is, of course, hugely welcome. There is also ages have had to make and we will not shy away from very good news for Sandwich town, which is an example doing so. However, it is important that we get it right of how partnership working can bring results. The and that we are fair by people and by the properties in scheme ran into difficulties as a result of the announced which they live. We also recognise the important closure of the Pfizer research centre. A significant contribution that farmers make to our rural life, to our contribution by Pfizer towards the cost of the flood economy and to the very important points I made defence scheme in Sandwich town, along with contributions about food security. from Kent county council, has ensured that construction should begin next year. Mr Graham Stuart: At the moment, the benefit-cost My hon. Friend and other hon. Members raised the ratio gives a weighting to deprivation. That tends to vexed issue of sustainable drainage and sewerage. We favour urban over rural, as does the application of recognise the need to encourage and support sustainable population density. Is there really a role for deprivation drainage. An expanding population, changing climate in the allocation of flood defence funding? and urbanisation mean that the drainage infrastructure can come under pressure. That leads to increased flood Richard Benyon: I think there is, and I will tell my risk, as there is a fast-flowing conveyance of surface hon. Friend why.I can only speak about this in generalities. water downstream, with little or none of the slow-moving, My hon. Friend must forgive me if, in doing so, I make filtering characteristics of natural drainage. We intend it harder for him to apply this, in his mind, across to consult soon on a package of measures to encourage certain communities. We all know that in certain the use of sustainable drainage systems and to remove communities, there is a terrific local capacity to take the automatic right for developers to connect to the these problems head on. I have communities in which public sewer system. In addition to increased flood risk, hydrologists live. I have communities that have been the pressure on the sewer system to drain an increasing flooded where there are water engineers. I have communities amount of surface water has a significant negative flooded where there are people with enormous resources, impact on water quality downstream, for example, through both financial and intellectual. We have seen communities pollution caused by overflowing surface water and all around the country with the capacity to put together combined sewers. We are working to encourage a partnership funding stream that can work overnight, improvements in sewer infrastructure and capability almost, in terms of flooding schemes. There are other through the transfer of responsibility for private sewers communities where there is not that capacity. That is 183WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 184WH not to diminish the people who live there at all; they just Friend that I would very much like to see precisely such do not have that capacity. We have to have a system that schemes where there is flood watch—rather like is mindful that some communities need more help than neighbourhood watch—and where people work together others. to protect the vulnerable. There are fantastic examples of that around the country. I would be delighted to see Mr Reed: On that point, may I put on the record the that scheme at some stage. fact that all of us acknowledge that there is still—I May I quickly address the points that hon. Members know that the hon. Member for Beverley and Holderness have made? The Chair of the Environment, Food and would not want to give the opposite impression, far Rural Affairs Committee, my hon. Friend the Member from it—real deprivation in rural England and Wales as for Thirsk and Malton, made the point, eloquently well? made by the NFU, that we should not treat farmers as the providers of free storage of flood water. We take the Richard Benyon: Of course I acknowledge that; I was contribution that landowners and farmers make towards coming on to talk about it. Possibly through the unguarded flood schemes very seriously. way in which I was talking about affordability in the south-west, I may have—heaven forbid—given the My hon. Friend talked about internal drainage boards. impression that I thought that people in the south-west Of course, many members of those boards are members were all millionaires. Of course I do not think that. I am of the farming community. They are also members of fully aware of the profile of rural life across the south-west the local authorities and members of the community and across other parts of the country.The hon. Gentleman and we value bottom-up community engagement. I am is absolutely right—there is deprivation in rural areas as a huge admirer of internal drainage boards. They do well. fantastic work. I had a meeting this week with IDBs from Lincolnshire to understand how they are coping Barry Gardiner: Just to add to the Minister’s caution with the extraordinary challenges they have in that area; around the question of deprivation, so much of social so much of it is under sea level. The work that they do is housing in the past 25 years has been built in areas that enormous. I want to ensure that the Environment Agency are subject to flood risk. The people who live in that works with IDBs to ensure that water courses are open housing had few housing options open to them. Through and flowing, and that everything is at the standard it being on housing lists, they were forced into that should be. accommodation. They are particularly exposed to those I want to see more of what I saw in the constituency risks, in ways which people who have the financial of my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal ability to choose where they live are not. For that (Dr Coffey). When I went there a few weeks after I specific reason, it is important that deprivation is taken started this job, I did something quite by accident—it into account. was organised by my officials. However, it seemed like a good way of doing government. I got into a car with the Richard Benyon: The hon. Gentleman is right, and local MP, representatives of the local authority, the that relates to the issue of insurance as well. I have been Country Land and Business Association, the NFU, the taking forward one measure. Housing associations or Environment Agency and Natural England and locked council-owned housing stock offer an opt-in scheme on the door. We drove down, looked at certain features and contents insurance. I believe strongly that we should discussed the problems. When I went back there, I encourage people to do an opt-out scheme. Fifty pence discovered that a different attitude prevailed. The a week can give you £5,000 worth of contents insurance. Environment Agency had adopted a “yes, if” approach. People would be more likely to have that if it were an Now, one telephone call results in action being taken. opt-out scheme. There is so much that we can do to My hon. Friend the Member for Witham (Priti Patel) protect. must work as much as she can with me, and with her neighbours in Suffolk, to try to create a Total Environment Mr Graham Stuart: Will my hon. Friend give way? scheme, and pool activity—and sometimes pool money—to ensure that we can make a similar attitude prevail in her Richard Benyon: I am conscious of the time. I will if it part of the world. It is really exciting to see it working; it is a very quick intervention, and then I must make some means that we have a responsive system. progress. I have discussed the issue of SUDS. My hon. Friend Mr Stuart: I am grateful. The Minister talked about the Member for Thirsk and Malton talked about the capacity in areas. Through him, may I congratulate Ron impact of the natural environment White Paper, the Smith and Burstwick United, who worked through water White Paper and the timing. I can assure her that early difficulties to forge a big society partnership with we have made a very serious pitch to ensure that there is the Environment Agency to protect the village? The adequate time in the next Session. I very much hope Minister has been invited to come and open the scheme. that we will get that, because important measures will There are farmers storing the pumps. We have others come out in the water White Paper that will need a manning the pumps. Will he confirm today that he will legislative approach. come to Burstwick and celebrate that community’s response My hon. Friend, not surprisingly, raised the issue of to the floods in 2007? Pickering and is right to do so. That is an important issue for her and her constituents. I can assure her that Richard Benyon: I have developed a habit of agreeing, we understand the urgency of her constituents’ concerns. if any colleague asks me, to go to any part of the We are working extremely closely to make sure that we country at any time and it causes the people who work meet local concerns about the shelving of the scheme, in my office palpitations. However, I can assure my hon. understand the impact of the Reservoirs Act 1975, and 185WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 186WH

[Richard Benyon] Barry Gardiner: Will the Minister give way? discover whether we can find alternatives that are cost- Richard Benyon: I apologise, but I really cannot, effective and which can be brought forward as quickly because I do not have much time left. as possible. The statement of principles was mentioned by a great My hon. Friend talked about the problem of over- many hon. Members. We are working hard with the engineered projects. The Environment Agency’s schemes insurance industry and all relevant parties. A number of meet the highest industry standards. They are designed hon. Members, including the Chair of the Select Committee, to ensure optimum levels of protection and give an came to our flood summit, out of which came three average return on investment of seven to one. There are working parties, which will look at the financial risks occasions when we can sit and work out whether we from flooding, data provision, transparency and sharing, need a Rolls-Royce solution, or whether we can actually and the customer experience of resilience to flooding. make do with a reasonably priced family car solution. I We had a meeting with the Secretary of State to follow can assure her that we are open to all suggestions and up that work, which we are progressing, and we will that her concerns are being taken forward. come forward with the solutions in the early part of My hon. Friend made a point about local authorities’ next year—that is a real priority for the Department. finance for flood and coastal erosion risk management. It is important to recognise that some houses that I can reassure her that the money we have put in has have insurance in name barely do so if we take the ensured good flood and coastal erosion risk management excess charges into account. We face a great many strategies from the local authorities. All have submitted difficulties, but our understanding of flooding—in particular strategies except one—I will not say which one, but it is we have a greater understanding of surface water not represented by anyone present in the Chamber. We flooding—is starting to pay dividends. We can now get provided the funding, and it is important for the work a picture, almost house by house, of where risk starts to be carried forward. and finishes, and of what we can do. Sometimes the risk I shall come on to insurance in a minute, but in the can be alleviated merely by putting a row of bricks on five minutes I have left I must also deal with the points top of a wall or by blocking an entrance or configuring made by other hon. Members. The hon. Member for it differently, but we must make certain that all our Llanelli (Nia Griffith) raised the issue of planning and plans are joined up. Our desire to protect the natural building on flood plains. The Environment Agency—in environment, which is strong, does not mean that we England, obviously—takes the matter absolutely seriously are flooding homes because we are not thinking of and gives strict advice on planning applications as they things in a holistic and joined-up way. All agencies are are made, and I will ensure that that continues. The Pitt seized of that, and I will continue to drive it. review is unequivocal on that and we must follow its I am rather concerned by the eponymous nature of important recommendations. some of the proposals and the optimistic view that My hon. Friend the Member for Stroud raised the people might have of my abilities. I hesitate to take issue of the Severn estuary shoreline management plan. credit for so much that has been thrown at me, because I recognise that that is an area where things were not got it has been a team effort. I pay tribute to how the right, and we want to ensure that we do get them right. I Environment Agency is approaching this important am working closely with him, other colleagues from issue, although I can assure hon. Members that I work that area and the Environment Agency. I had a meeting closely with it. with them this week and I want to make sure that we DEFRA has spent a lot of money on equipping share information with local farmers on a consultative emergency services and other organisations with training basis. We are talking about something not for tomorrow and equipment to deal with flood. The hon. Member but for 20, 30, 40 or 50 years’ time. We must have a plan for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) raised the in place that is understood and that people are consulted issue of a statutory duty, but that is one of the few areas on—I assure him that I will ensure that we do that. He of the Pitt review that we have not taken forward. We eloquently set out the challenges that face us as we have an open mind about it but, having said that, I tackle the problems, and we will carry that forward. cannot see why it makes a difference for a fire and The hon. Member for Brent North talked about rescue service to have a statutory duty. Every fire and funding, as did the hon. Member for Copeland. I do not rescue service that I have spoken to, and I have spoken want to enter a sterile debate. They know that, if we to a lot, has done wonderful work when dealing with compare the previous period of the Labour Administration flood. We are equipping them and we are training. I am with the current four years, the reduction is 8%. They happy to talk to the hon. Gentleman with an open mind also know that massive cuts were announced by the about whether a statutory duty would make a difference— then Chancellor just before the election. We could get the wording in the Pitt review is “as necessary”. Sir Ken into that debate about where we are and where we are Knight, the chief fire officer, has come forward with going. However, I can assure them and the House some proposals, and I would not mind discussing them that we have fought and protected our budget in a with the hon. Gentleman in a less formal way, to see way that was out of all proportion to the spending whether we can find a solution that satisfies everyone. restraint that we have achieved throughout the Department My hon. Friend the Member for Tewkesbury and the Government. The priority goes right to the top (Mr Robertson) and other hon. Members made important of this Government, and we will ensure that it works. comments and gave moving descriptions of flooding in With the efficiencies that we are getting out of the their areas—descriptions I recognise from flooding in Environment Agency, we will be able to achieve our my own constituency. I hope that hon. Members from aims of protecting 145,000 homes, and I remain optimistic the south-west were pleased with the Chancellor’s words that we can do better. in the Budget, which showed a real commitment to deal 187WH Flood and Water Management8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Flood and Water Management 188WH with the unfairness that they so accurately feel on want to use reservoirs for storage, instead of abstraction, behalf of their constituents. I assure them that we are which a number of hon. Members might wish to explore. following through on that. I hope that that will be reviewed. The hon. Member for Copeland made many important I welcome the positive comments from the Minister points. He talked about whether we were taking a on the role of internal drainage boards in maintenance. holistic enough view and dealing with the problems If we want an example of the big society, we need look upstream. He was absolutely right to say that. It is no further. important that water companies, farmers, landowners, I am minded to support the hon. Member for Hayes local authorities and the Environment Agency ensure and Harlington (John McDonnell) about the lack of a that we use the natural environment where we can to statutory duty. I have tracked the issue for some time, prevent flooding further down. and we must remember that a young man was killed in We will not spook the investor when we come to Hull because all the emergency services that came, in reform of the water industry. We recognise that around succession, simply did not have the equipment. In sorrow £100 billion has been spent by investors in the water more than anger, everyone turned to the fire crew to cut industry in the past 20 years, and we want to see much that young man to safety, but he died of hypothermia. more of that. The reason why the statutory duty is so important is With those remarks, I would like to leave some time that the money will follow the duty. If we cannot for the Chair of the Select Committee. provide that, there will be further deaths, which would be most regrettable. 5.27 pm The insurance issues are time-framed. On planning, we need clear guidance as to how building on flood Miss McIntosh: I welcome you to the Chair, Mrs Main. plains lies with the new national policy framework, but The report was very much a team effort on the part of there are many challenges ahead. The Minister singularly the Committee, and it was a very good choice to allow failed to give us a date for the water Bill, but we look us to debate it. The debate has shown the breadth of forward to the water White Paper. On a positive note, I support geographically and among the many hon. Members add that we have had a good discussion this afternoon. present. The conclusion is that much has been done but The Minister is aware of the work that needs to be done, there is still much to do. and we are there to support him in any way possible. I hope that the Minister will extend the “yes, if” to Question put and agreed to. the gross inconsistency at the heart of Government policy on reservoirs and reservoir safety. That absolute 5.29 pm inconsistency must be addressed, in particular if farmers Sitting adjourned.

27WS Written Ministerial Statements8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 28WS Written Ministerial JUSTICE

Statements Commission on a Bill of Rights on Reform of European Court of Human Rights (Interim Advice) Thursday 8 September 2011

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Kenneth Clarke): The Government established an Commission on the “West Lothian” Question independent commission to investigate the creation of a UK Bill of Rights in March 2011, fulfilling a commitment made in our programme for government. The commission The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Mark has been asked to explore a range of issues surrounding Harper): The coalition programme for government set human rights law in the UK and also to provide interim out our commitment to advice on reform of the European Court of Human “establish a commission to consider the ‘West Lothian question’”. Rights ahead of our chairmanship of the Committee of I can now give the House more details on how that Ministers of the Council of Europe, which begins in commission is to proceed. November 2011 and runs for six months. The Government are clear that the commission’s primary task should be to examine how this House and Parliament as a whole can deal most effectively with I am today placing in the Library of the House copies business that affects England wholly or primarily, when of two letters received from Sir Leigh Lewis, the chair of at the same time similar matters in some or all of the commission on a Bill of Rights, which have been Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are lawfully and sent jointly to the Deputy Prime Minister and myself. democratically the responsibility of the separate Parliament The first letter contains the interim advice which the or Assemblies. The commission will not examine financing, commission was asked to provide to the Government which is being dealt with separately through various on reform of the European Court of Human Rights, in processes led by Treasury Ministers, nor does it need to advance of the UK’s chairmanship of the Council of look at the balance of parliamentary representation, Europe. The second letter sets out a number of issues given that Parliament addressed historic imbalances in on which the commission has not yet reached conclusions, representation between the constituent nations of the and which it intends to continue to consider as part of United Kingdom in legislation earlier this year. its work programme. Given the commission’s focus on parliamentary business and procedure, the Government believe that the commission The Government welcome the commission’s interim should be comprised of a small group of independent, advice on the reform of the European Court of Human non-partisan experts with constitutional, legal and Rights. Our top priority when we take over the parliamentary expertise. We will also wish to consult chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the with Mr Speaker and other parliamentary authorities Council of Europe will be to deliver and build upon on how the commission can best address this. We will the ongoing reform process. It must focus on the most also ensure that there is a full opportunity for the important cases and have proper regard to the judgment parties to have their say following the completion of the of national Parliaments and courts. It must operate commission’s work. more effectively and efficiently as a proper safeguard We will bring forward formal proposals, including against human rights abuses. Our plans will be informed the terms of reference for the commission, after the by the commission’s advice. The commission will continue conclusion of this short process of consultation and to explore the case for a UK Bill of Rights, and we further deliberation. I expect that this will be in the look forward to receiving its final report by the end of weeks after the House returns in October. next year.

15P Petitions8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Petitions 16P

a legal challenge not merely for damages, but for Petition aninjunction (under the EU Remedies Directive) preventing the award of the contract to Bombardier. Thursday 8 September 2011 The only alternative action that I could have taken in relation to this procurement was to suspend the competition OBSERVATIONS and reconsider the entire Thameslink project. At the very least, such a move would introduce significant delay to the project which, in the extreme case of a decision to re-specify the requirement and restart the TRANSPORT bidding process, would be likely to extend to two or more years. This was never a credible option for three Future of the British Train Building Industry reasons: The Petition of citizens of the United Kingdom, 1. Large amounts of public money have already been spent Declares that they are concerned about the future of on infrastructure improvements for Thameslink (including the complete rebuilding of Blackfriars Station); the British train building industry. Their concern is a consequence of the decision to appoint Siemens as the 2. The additional capacity that Thameslink will provide is urgently needed by London commuters, and the 400+ rail preferred bidder for the new fleet of trains for the vehicles that will be released for redeployment elsewhere are Thameslink Programme. also urgently needed to address overcrowding. Without them, The Petitioners therefore request that the House of the planned electrification programme for the Great Western Commons urges the Secretary of State for Transport to Mainline and for the Liverpool/Manchester area could not reverse this decision. proceed. 3. Most importantly, there was no possible outcome, even And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Chris following a project review and a decision to re-specify and Williamson, Official Report,18 July 2011; Vol. 531, re-tender, that could possibly have resulted in an early award c. 761.] of a contract to Bombardier and thus the prevention of [P000941] some of the job losses incurred. Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport: Of course any job losses at Bombardier are highly regrettable. Prior to the decision on preferred bidder On 16 June 2011 the Department for Transport appointed status. Bombardier had advised the Department for Siemens plc with Cross London Trains (XLT) (a special Transport that it expected to make over 1,000 redundancies, purpose company comprising Siemens Project Ventures regardless of the outcome of the Thameslink procurement, GmbH, Innisfree Ltd and 3i Infrastructure plc) as the because several of its orders are about to reach completion. preferred bidder for the provision of the new trains But whatever the reason for the redundancies, I want to required for the Thameslink Programme. try to help the company and its supply chain at this I am fully aware of the disappointment caused by the difficult time. decision to award only reserve bidder status to the As a result of the review by Bombardier Transportation consortium led by Bombardier but I am afraid it was of its UK rail operations, the Business Secretary has set clear that the Siemens bid offered better value for up an economic response task force. This is being money for the taxpayer. headed by Margaret Gildea and its remit is to mitigate The competition to supply trains and maintenance the economic impact of job losses at Bombardier, in its services for the Thameslink programme was designed supply chain and in local communities. It is drawing on and launched in 2008 by the previous Government, in representatives from Derby City Council, Derby City accordance with EU procurement procedures. In October College and the Skills Funding Agency. Jobcentre Plus 2009, my predecessor announced that the two remaining will also deploy its Rapid Response Service to support short-listed bidders were Siemens plc with XLT and workers that will be affected. Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd with Velocity. While I recognise that the Thameslink decision has The Department is required by law to treat all potential come as a blow to Bombardier and its employees, the suppliers equally and in a non-discriminatory manner. company has had a strong track record in winning Specifically, the Department is not able to specify the orders in the past and there is every reason to expect location of manufacturing facilities, nor UK job creation, that to continue in the future. In the comprehensive as one of its evaluation criteria. To do so would be spending review we secured funding for the tube upgrades contrary to EU procurement requirements. The detailed and one of the most extensive programmes of rail evaluation criteria for the Thameslink rolling stock capacity improvements in modern history. Those two contract were set by the previous Government at the programmes will continue to offer significant opportunities Invitation to Tender stage. They are available in their for Bombardier and other supply chain and train archives at www.bit.ly/inm30t. manufacturing related businesses in the UK. The Department is required to comply with the processes The Secretary of State for Business and I have also and evaluation criteria set out in the bid documentation jointly written to the Prime Minister to recommend that (and specified by the previous Administration). The we examine wider issues around the approach taken in result of the competition, when the bids were evaluated the UK to the public procurement process, to compare in accordance with the pre-announced criteria, was our approach to that of other EU member states and to conclusive and the Department could not have lawfully consider whether any changes in our procurement practices appointed Bombardier as preferred bidder. Had it sought and the evaluation criteria specified in procurement to do so, it would almost certainly have been subject to tenders should be made.

623W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 624W

(3) how many awards were made by the Criminal Written Answers to Injuries Compensation Authority to victims of attacks by dogs in each of the last five years for which figures Questions are available; [69354] (4) how many claims were made to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority by victims of attacks by dogs in each of the last five years for which figures Wednesday 7 September 2011 are available. [69355] [Continued from Column 622W] Mr Djanogly: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) does not have reliable figures for this. Compensation for victims of violent crime is based on JUSTICE the injuries people sustain not the particular crimes of which they were a victim. The injuries for which CICA Chief Coroner can compensate, and therefore provide reliable figures for, are set out in the Tariff of Injuries in the Criminal Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Injuries Compensation Scheme 2008, but the Tariff from which organisations he has received representations does not contain any injuries specific to dog attacks. in support of the abolition of the office of Chief Coroner under the provisions of the Public Bodies Bill. [69983] It is worth noting that victims of animal attacks are not eligible to receive compensation from CICA unless Mr Djanogly: We have not received any representations it can be shown that their injuries resulted from a crime from organisations in support of abolishing the office of violence, within the terms of the Scheme, on the part of Chief Coroner. The Government propose to retain of the person controlling the animal. the office in statute, and to transfer the majority of the functions to either the Lord Chief Justice or Lord Divorce Courts: Fees and Charges Chancellor. Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Civil Disorder Justice what the cost to the public purse of remission of Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for court fees in divorce proceedings was in each of the last Justice (1) how many people have been charged as a five financial years. [70526] result of the public disorder on (a) 6, (b) 7, (c) 8, (d) 9 Mr Djanogly: HMCTS does not hold data centrally and (e) 10 August 2011; and with what offences; [69917] regarding the amount of income foregone to fee remission (2) how many people have been (a) granted bail, (b) broken down by fee charge type for fee charges collected remanded in custody, (c) cautioned, (d) given an absolute in the family county courts. discharge and (e) given a conditional discharge as a result of the public disorder on (i) 6, (ii) 7, (iii) 8, (iv) 9 Income foregone to remission is published (by business and (v) 10 August 2011; and if he will make a statement. stream) in the HMCTS Resource Accounts. In 2010-11 [69918] income foregone to remission for family business was £16.6 million. Mr Blunt: We are currently publishing frequent updates on people being dealt with by the court system in EU Justice and Home Affairs relation to the disturbances on 6-9 August. These reports can be found on the Ministry of Justice website at: Mr Kennedy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ad- which third pillar EU measures for which his Department hoc/index.htm is responsible have not yet been implemented; by what Charging data are not collated centrally by the Ministry date each such measure will be implemented; and if he of Justice. will make a statement. [69551] As the publication notes the Chief Statistician will review the quality of data and release further breakdowns Mr Kenneth Clarke: There are between 80 to 90 Acts as reliable data become available. It is intended to currently in force that were adopted before 1 December release further data on 8 of September. A more detailed 2009 under the Police and Criminal Judicial Co-operation release will be published on 15 of September containing chapter (Title VI) of the Treaty on the European Union detailed information on age, gender, offence committed, (third pillar measures). This list is subject to change as sentence given, and previous criminal history. Acts that are repealed and replaced or amended by new instruments. Approximately 18 of these are the responsibility Criminal Injuries Compensation of the Ministry of Justice, the majority of which have been implemented. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Article 10 of the Protocol on Transitional Provisions Justice (1) what the largest sum awarded by the Criminal (Protocol 36) to the Treaty on the Functioning of the Injuries Compensation Authority to a victim of attack European Union and to the Treaty on European Union by a dog was in each of the last five years for which applies to these Acts, under which the UK has the right figures are available; [69352] to opt out (en bloc) from all these measures in 2014 (2) how much was awarded by the Criminal Injuries when they will become subject to the jurisdiction of the Compensation Authority to victims of attacks by dogs European Court of Justice. The UK must decide whether in each of the last five years for which figures are or not to opt out by 31 May 2014. The Government are available; [69353] therefore considering the implementation of the remaining 625W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 626W measures in light of the wider process for making that Court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for decision. In accordance with the written ministerial publication in the spring 2012. statement given by the Minister for Europe, my right Persons aged 18 and under proceeded against at magistrates courts and hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), sentenced to immediate custody at all courts for carrying a bladed or on 20 January 2011, Official Report, columns 51-52WS, pointed article in a public place, England and Wales, 2006-101, 2, 3 Parliament will be kept informed of developments. Proceeded Immediate Statute Offence against custody

Immigration Advisory Service Criminal Having an article with 2006 1,853 111 Justice Act a blade or point in a Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 1988, S.139 public place (1) when his received notification of the entry into 2007 1,834 126 administration of the Immigration Advisory Service; 42008 1,826 163 [69594] 2009 1,957 181 (2) when he was first made aware of the financial 2010 1,613 130 situation at the Immigration Advisory Service; [69595] 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons (3) how many people were in receipt of services from for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they the Immigration Advisory Service at the time of its were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or entry into administration; [69596] more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more (4) what estimate he has made of the likely cost to offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory the public purse of the entry into administration of the maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Immigration Advisory Service. [69597] 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 Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice received the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken notification of the Immigration Advisory Service’s (IAS) to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are entry into administration on Friday 8 July. taken into account when those data are used. 3 The figures presented here have been taken from the Ministry of The Ministry was informed that the IAS’s financial Justices court proceedings database and are a record of the sentences position was such that the trustees were concerned passed in courts, they will differ from the figures presented in the about whether the organisation could continue to operate figures published in the ’Knife Crime Sentencing--Quarterly brief on Tuesday 28 June. which are drawn from the Police National Computer. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and The Legal Services Commission (LSC) does not record August 2008. the number of people who receive legal aid, but instead Source: records the number of ‘acts of assistance’. An act of Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. assistance is each instance in which a provider opens a new matter to advise or assist a client. It is important to note that an individual may receive a number of separate Latchmere House Prison acts of assistance and one act of assistance can help more than one person. As at 11 July 2011, there were Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for 8,140 open acts of assistance identified from the IAS Justice what steps he is taking to enable those who lose case management system. their jobs at HM Prison Latchmere House to access The LSC is working with the administrators to establish alternative vacancies. [69382] the value of claims for work that had not been submitted for payment when Immigration Asylum Service (IAS) Mr Blunt: The closure of Latchmere House prison entered administration. These claims will be offset against will result in the loss of 79 staff posts. All staff are being any sum that is confirmed as being owed to the LSC as offered alternative employment at other prisons or young a result of the Contract Compliance Audit, which has offender institutions within the Greater London region not yet concluded. or elsewhere. Five staff who were eligible to do so have decided to leave the Prison Service and formally retire. Knives: Young Offenders In line with the Service’s procedures for redeployment and prison closures, staff have been offered suitable Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice alternative employment at a location within approximately (1) how many individuals aged 18 or younger were 60 minutes travelling distance of their home. Any additional prosecuted for carrying a bladed or pointed article in a travelling costs incurred by the change of location are public place in England and Wales in each year since met by the Service for a limited period to ease the 2006; [69433] process of transition. (2) how many individuals aged 18 or younger received custodial sentences for carrying a bladed or pointed article in a public place in England and Wales in each Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill year since 2006. [69434] Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Blunt: Persons aged 18 and under proceeded Justice (1) what assessment he has made of the potential against at magistrates courts and sentenced to immediate effects of the provisions of the Legal Aid, Sentencing custody at all courts for carrying a bladed or pointed and Punishment of Offenders Bill on the ability of article in a public place in England and Wales, from insolvency practitioners to recover money that funds 2006 to 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the activities including (a) carousel fraud, (b) terrorist following table. activities and (c) alcohol fraud; [70284] 627W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 628W

(2) what assessment he has made of the potential Mr Blunt: The following table shows the number of effects of the provisions of the Legal Aid, Sentencing prisoners serving determinate sentences for sex offences and Punishment of Offenders Bill on (a) HM Revenue who were discharged from prison in 2008, 2009 and and Customs, (b) small businesses and (c) the ability 2010 by type of discharging prison. Prisons are classified of insolvency practitioners to pursue recoveries from according to their predominant function. Security categories delinquent directors in insolvency litigation. [70285] A, B, C, and D relate to categories of adult male prisoner and do not directly relate to individual Mr Djanogly: As I stated in my answers of 15 June establishments. So, for example, an establishment categorised 2011, Official Report, column 835W, and 19 July 2011, as security category B may hold offenders of all categories Official Report, column 893W,my officials are in ongoing up to, but not above, B. Female prisoners and young contact with HMRC and Insolvency Service officials, to offenders are not categorised in this way. Cluster prisons discuss the impact of the reforms on insolvency proceedings. have been shown separately because they hold a wide range of security categories and cannot be easily simplified as a single category of prison. Prison Accommodation These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Justice what the usable operational capacity of the and processing. prison estate was for (a) Prison Service establishment Offenders released from prison having served a determinate sentence for sex for adult offenders, (b) National Offender Management offences, by function of discharging prison, 2008-10 Service operated immigration removal centres, (c) young 2008 20091 2010 offender institutions and (d) secure children’s homes on 5 August 2011. [69803] High Security prisons holding sentenced 83 38 88 and remand prisoners up to Category A Local and training prisons holding 715 353 655 Mr Blunt: Useable operational capacity is the sum of sentenced and remand prisoners up to all establishments’ operational capacity, as set out in the Category B following table, less 2,000 places. This is known as the Training prisons holding sentenced 1,263 594 1,426 operating margin and reflects the constraints imposed prisoners up to Category C Open prisons taking Category D 33 6 26 by the need to provide separate accommodation for prisoners different classes of prisoner i.e. by sex, age, security Female prisons 24 20 29 category, conviction status, single cell risk assessment YOIs 124 59 122 and also due to geographical distribution. Cluster prisons 84 25 72 Useable operational capacity for the NOMS custodial Of which: estate on 5 August 2011 was 88,039. The operating Isle of Wight2 34 9 37 margin is not broken down by prison or type of 1 Due to the roll-out of a new case management system (Prison-NOMIS) in accommodation and therefore an answer cannot be May 2009, offence and sentence length data for the period 1 July 2009 and 31 provided based on usable operational capacity. December 2009 are not available. These release figures are therefore based on the period 1 January 2009 to 30 June 2009. Excluding the operating margin, the total operational 2 On 1 April 2009, three prisons (HMPs Albany, Camp Hill and Parkhurst) capacity of the different segments of the NOMS custodial merged to become HMP Isle of Wight. estate on 5 August 2011 is set out in the table. Where more than one type of accommodation is provided on Prisons the same site, the predominant function of the establishment has been used. : To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Type Operational capacity what the (a) prisoner population and (b) total usable operational capacity is in each prison in England and Adult Prison Accommodation 181,323 Wales. [70082] Young Offender Institutions 17,836 NOMS Operated IRCs 1880 Mr Blunt: Useable operational capacity is the sum of 1 These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, all establishments’ operational capacity, as set out in the which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible table provided, less 2,000 places. This is known as the errors with data entry and processing. operating margin and reflects the constraints imposed Of the 305 secure children’s homes licensed places, by the need to provide separate accommodation tor the YJB currently contracts 183 places, all of which different classes of prisoner i.e. by sex, age, security were available on 5 August 2011. The YJB has an category, conviction status, single cell risk assessment agreement with the Department for Education to spot and also due to geographical distribution. purchase, where necessary, vacant welfare beds in addition The operating margin is not broken down by prison to the YJB contracted number. or by type of accommodation and therefore an answer cannot be provided based on usable operational capacity. Prisoners: Sexual Offences Excluding the operating margin, the total operational capacity and population of each prison in the NOMS Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for custodial estate on 26 August 2011 is set out in the table. Justice how many prisoners with convictions for sex This information is published monthly on the MOJ offences have been released (a) from prisons on the Isle website via the following link: of Wight and (b) from category (i) A, (ii) B, (iii) C and http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ (iv) D prisons in each of the last three years. [70296] prisons-and-probation/prison-population-figures/index.htm 629W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 630W

These figures have been drawn from administrative discharge for each offence with a minimum custodial IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording sentence of (i) five years, (ii) between 12 months and system, are subject to possible errors with data entry four years and (iii) under 12 months in each of the last and processing. five years. [69802] Prisons: Overcrowding Mr Blunt: The offences that carry mandatory minimum custodial sentences within the scope of the question are Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice as follows. what recent assessment he has made of what size of Minimum custodial sentence of five years prison population is required to enact Operation The only offence in this category is possession of a Safeguard. [70081] prohibited firearm by an adult. Table 1 shows the number of offenders cautioned and sentenced (including Mr Blunt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I absolute discharges and conditional discharges) at all gave him on 15 March 2011, Official Report, column courts, by result, for possession of a prohibited firearm 188W.Operation Safeguard is required when the size or in England and Wales from 2006 to 2010 (latest available). distribution of the prison population is such that it can Minimum custodial sentence between 12 months and four no longer be managed within the available capacity. years Pressures in managing the population arise from a There are two offences in this category: possession of number of factors. These include the size of particular a prohibited firearm by a 16-17 year old, and a third demographic sections of the prison population and domestic burglary.For both of these offences the mandatory capacity available to accommodate those segments, the minimum is three years. Table 1 includes details of geographic distribution of population between regions cautions, absolute discharges and conditional discharges and NOMS ability to transfer prisoners to maximise for the first of these offences. Table 2 shows the number the use of space, and whether there are any sudden local of third time domestic burglary offenders, by type of increases in population or losses of accommodation. sentence in England and Wales from 2006 to 2010 Our position remains that as the total population (including absolute discharges and conditional discharges). approaches within approximately 1% of the prison estate’s Cautions data are not available for third time domestic useable operational capacity, the risk of potentially burglary offences. requiring police cells under Operation Safeguard increases Minimum custodial sentences under 12 months and more rigorous assessment of population pressures are required. No offences carry a mandatory minimum custodial sentence under 12 months. Sentencing Relevant legislation provides that the mandatory minimum sentence is not required to be imposed where Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for the court finds that it would be unjust to do so. Justice how many people have been (a) cautioned, (b) Cautions and court proceedings data for 2011 are given an absolute discharge and (c) given a conditional planned for publication in the spring, 2012.

Table 1: Offenders cautioned and sentenced at all courts for firearms offences1 liable for mandatory minimum custodial sentence as prescribed by the Criminal Justice Act 20032 England and Wales 2006-105, 6

2006 2007 20087 2009 2010

16-17 year olds (mandatory Cautioned9 11 15 7 2 2 minimum—at least 3 years3)

Total sentenced 15 15 20 19 18

Immediate custody 8 5 17 18 17

Absolute discharge —————

Conditional discharge — 2———

Other sentences8 78311

18 years and above (mandatory Cautioned9 197 146 115 75 45 minimum—at least 5 years4)

Total sentenced 265 249 340 360 308

Immediate custody 202 202 288 298 250

Absolute discharge — — — 1 —

Conditional discharge 46445 631W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 632W

Table 1: Offenders cautioned and sentenced at all courts for firearms offences1 liable for mandatory minimum custodial sentence as prescribed by the Criminal Justice Act 20032 England and Wales 2006-105, 6 2006 2007 20087 2009 2010

Other sentences8 59 41 48 57 53 1 Offences under Firearms Act 1968 of: Possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition, or Possessing or distributing firearm disguised as other object. 2 The mandatory minimum sentence is only applicable for offences that occurred on or after 26 January 2004. 3 Mandatory minimum for persons aged 16 or 17 at time of offence and for offences taking place after 26 January 2004 is 3 years. Not all of those in this age bracket would have been eligible for the mandatory minimum as they may have been under 16 at the time of the offence; it is the age at the point of sentence that is recorded on the court proceedings database 4 Mandatory minimum for persons aged over 18 at time of offence and for offences taking place after 26 January 2004 is 5 years. Not all of those in this age bracket would have been eligible for the mandatory minimum as they may have been under 18 at the time of the offence; it is the age at the point of sentence that is recorded on courts proceedings database. 5 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. 6 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. 7 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 8 Includes Fines, Community Sentences, Suspended Sentences and other sentences. 9 The cautions statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When an offender has been cautioned for two or more offences at the same time the principal offence is the more serious offence. From 1 June 2000 the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into force nationally and removed the use of cautions for persons under 18 and replaced them with reprimands and warnings. These figures have been included in the totals. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice. Table 2: Number of third time domestic burglary offenders1, 2, 3, 4 by gender and type of sentence received, England and Wales, 2006-10 All offenders 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Absolute discharge — 1 — — — Conditional discharge 32645 Fine 1 2 1 — — Community sentences 34 38 38 34 52 Fully suspended 23 36 51 38 37 Immediate custody 434 500 620 692 778 Other 314222129

All offenders 498 593 738 789 901 1 Aged 18 and over at the time of the third offence. 2 Excluding one male offender who was recorded as sentenced to life imprisonment by a magistrates court. 3 If an offender was convicted of three or more domestic burglary offences on separate occasions under the age of 18, the first subsequent conviction for domestic burglary at the age of 18 or over has been counted. 4 Legislation for third domestic burglary was introduced in 2000. The detail can be found in Power of Criminal Court (Sentencing) Act S111: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/

Wormwood Scrubs: BBC Predominant Function YOI Population Operational Capacity

Ashfield 367 383 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Aylesbury 437 444 pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2011, Official Report, Brinsford 563 577 column 1212W, on Wormwood Scrubs prison, whether Cookham Wood 115 143 HMP Wormwood Scrubs has received payment from Deerbolt 491 513 Mentron. [69109] Feltham 722 762 Glen Parva 778 808 Mr Blunt: Wormwood Scrubs prison received the Hindley 378 440 payment of £2,000 from Mentorn production company Isis 485 622 on 17 August 2011, in relation to facilitating the Question Lancaster Farms 431 530 Time programme for the BBC. Northallerton 194 252 Portland 491 505 Reading 244 293 Young Offender Institutions Rochester 617 664 Thorn Cross 299 322 Warren Hill 124 128 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Werrington 134 160 what the (a) offender population and (b) total Wetherby 382 407 operational capacity is of each young offender Total 7,252 7,953 institution in England and Wales. [70389] This information is published monthly on the MOJ website via the following link: Mr Blunt: The following table shows the population http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ and operational capacity of establishments whose prisons-and-probation/prison-population-figures/index.htm predominant function was a male Young Offender These figures have been drawn from administrative Institution (including those YOIs where places are IT systems, which, as commissioned exclusively by the Youth Justice Board) with any large scale recording system, are subject to in the NOMS custodial estate on the 26 August 2011. possible errors with data entry and processing. 633W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 634W

Youth Justice Board Banks: Regulation

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Chancellor of the if he will withdraw the proposal in the Public Bodies Exchequer what representations he has received on the Bill to abolish the Youth Justice Board. [69979] division of banking regulation powers between the Bank of England and his Department; and if he will Mr Blunt: The Government believe that youth justice, make a statement. [69628] which can in some cases involve the detention of children, is an issue for which Ministers—not an arm’s length Mr Hoban: The Government has completed two body—should be directly accountable. consultations on its plans to reform the UK’s system of The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for financial services regulation. Written responses are available Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member on the Treasury’s website. In June we published a third for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), set out his plans for the consultation document and White paper. Including draft future national governance of youth justice in his written legislation. The consultation closes on 8 September ministerial statement of 23 June 2011, Official Report, 2011 and can be found on the Treasury’s website: columns 27-28WS. It remains our intention to abolish www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/consult_finreg_blueprint.htm the Youth Justice Board (YJB) and to deliver its key Departmental Mobile Phones functions from within a newly created Youth Justice Division in the Ministry of Justice. We have tabled a government amendment to the Public Bodies Bill seeking Gavin Williamson: To ask the Chancellor of the to reintroduce the YJB into schedule one to the Bill. Exchequer how many mobile telephones and The YJB will therefore be included in the list of bodies Blackberrys were provided to staff in his Department which may be abolished by order. between (a) November 1999 and June 2001, (b) May 2002 and June 2007 and (c) June 2007 and January In July 2011, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) launched 2008; and what the total cost to the public purse was of a public consultation on the proposals for reform of the (i) line rental, (i) insurance and (iii) purchase of such majority of MOJ bodies in the Bill to ensure that as telecommunications’ equipment. [68326] many interested parties as possible could contribute views. The consultation closes on 11 October and the Justine Greening: Information on portable computers, views expressed will be carefully considered before any Blackberry and other mobile phone devices, made available draft orders are made. for the use of individuals prior to the creation of a shared IT service for HM Treasury and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) in April 2007 could TREASURY only be provided at disproportionate cost. The number of handsets provided in the years 2007 Arch Cru Fund and 2008 are broken down as follows: Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the policy of his Department is on compensation Year Mobile telephones Blackberrys for investors in the Arch Cru fund. [68405] (2) what the policy of his Department is on the 2007 25 60 establishment of an inquiry into the supervisory 2008 91 203 arrangements by the Financial Services Authority of the Arch Cru fund; [68406] It is not possible to determine the number of handsets between specific months within the year. (3) what meetings he has had with representatives of Arch Cru fund investors. [68413] The Treasury does not record the costs of acquiring or using Blackberry devices (being all-in-one mobile Mr Hoban: The Financial Services Authority (FSA) phones, email devices, web browsers and organisers) or is responsible for the regulation of financial services similar devices separately from other telecommunications firms and operates independently from Government costs, so the information could be provided only at under the powers given to it in the Financial Services disproportionate cost. and Markets Act 2000. HM Treasury sets the legal Departmental Training framework for the regulation of financial services, but does not have investigative or prosecuting powers of its Gavin Williamson: To ask the Chancellor of the own. Exchequer what the (a) date, (b) location, (c) number of In relation to Arch Cru funds, Capita Financial Managers attendees and (d) cost to the public purse was for each Limited (CFM) announced that “The FSA will, in due (i) away day and (ii) team building activity organised course, be publishing a statement of its findings in for staff in his Department between (A) November relation to CFM’s role regarding the Arch Cru funds”. 1999 and June 2001, (b) May 2002 and June 2007 and The FSA is continuing to look at the issues surrounding (C) June 2007 and January 2008. [68337] the Arch Cru funds, and it would not be appropriate to comment before this work is completed. Justine Greening: The Treasury collects information The Treasury has received representations on this on the overall cost of away days and team building issue from a range of stakeholders, but it is not the events but does not hold a central record of the information Government’s practice to disclose details of all such requested, which could only be provided at disproportionate representations. cost. 635W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 636W

European Commission’s Solvency II Mr Hoban: Basel III and Solvency II both aim to ensure sufficient regulatory capital is held by banks and : To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer insurers. whether his Department has received advice from the Basel 111 aims to improve the banking sector’s ability (a) Bank of England and (b) Financial Services to absorb shocks arising from financial and economic Authority on the effect on annuity prices of the stress by increasing the quality and quantity of capital European Commission’s Solvency II proposals; and if that banks hold, and introducing internationally agreed he will make a statement. [69584] liquidity requirements and a leverage ratio to act as a backstop to its risk weighted capital requirements. Mr Hoban: The impact of Solvency II on annuity Solvency II aims to increase the protection of prices cannot be determined until the final shape of the policyholders by ensuring that, regulatory capital is consolidated package of level 2 Implementing Measures calibrated to risks to which insurers are exposed. However, is clear. Negotiations on this package are still ongoing. the effects of Solvency II on the capital requirements of Through the course of negotiations, HM Treasury officials insurance companies cannot be determined until the continue to work closely with officials from the Financial final shape of the Level 2 implementing measures is Services Authority and the Bank of England. clear. As banking and insurance involve different risks, and Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer are exposed to different liabilities, direct comparison of what assessment he has made of the conclusions of the capital requirements for banks and insurers holding an report from the Bank of International Settlements on equivalent level of assets would not provide useful the potential effects of Solvency II proposals on conclusions. insurance company investment in UK business or sterling corporate bonds. [69585] Finanical Services

Mr Hoban: Solvency II will require insurers to assess Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Chancellor of the the risks they are exposed to on both the liability,-and Exchequer by what means the Governor of the Bank of the asset, side of the balance sheet, and hold capital England will be accountable as Chairman of the (a) commensurate to the underlying risks. A wide range of Financial Policy Committee, (b) Monetary Policy international organisations have commented on the effects Committee and (c) Prudential Regulation Authority; Solvency II could have on the investment patterns of and if he will make a statement. [69627] the European insurance industry, including on investment in UK business or sterling corporate bonds. However, Mr Hoban: As Chairman of the Financial Policy the impact cannot be determined until the final shape of Committee, the Governor of the Bank of England will the consolidated package of level 2 Implementing Measures be accountable to the Bank’s Court of Directors; the is clear. This package is currently under negotiation. Chancellor, through bi-annual statutory meetings; The Government gives appropriate and proportionate Parliament, through Treasury Select Committee hearings; weight to the views of such organisations when formulating and the general public, through public announcements its overall negotiating position. and publications. As Chairman of the Monetary Policy Committee Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (and in future, as Chairman of the Prudential Regulation what recent representations he has made to the Authority), the Governor is accountable to Parliament European Commission on the Solvency II proposal to and the general public, through the mechanisms described treat Eurozone sovereign debt as a minimal risk for the above. purposes of calculating an insurance company’s capital Government Procurement Card requirements. [69586] Gavin Williamson: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Hoban: Solvency II will require insurers to assess Exchequer how many Government Procurement Cards the risks they are exposed to on both the liability, and were used by staff of his Department between (a) the asset, side of the balance sheet, and hold capital November 1999 and June 2001, (b) May 2002 and June commensurate to the underlying risks. The treatment of 2007 and (c) June 2007 and January 2008; and what the different types of asset - including sovereign debt - (i) name of the supplier, (ii) date and (iii) value was of under the Standard Formula will be determined by the each transaction during this period. [68356] final consolidated package of Level 2 implementing measures, which is currently under negotiation. The Justine Greening: Information on the number of UK has made clear to the Commission that the Standard Government Procurement Cards held by staff and details Formula needs to be calibrated on the basis of ensuring of the transactions for the periods specified could only that capital requirements for firms using the Standard be provided at disproportionate cost due to the introduction Formula are sufficient to withstanda1in200year in August 2007 of a new accounting system for monitoring adverse event, as set out in the Solvency II Directive. GPC usage. Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Taxation: Nuclear Power whether his Department has made an assessment of the relative effects of (a) European Commission proposals Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the Solvency II methodology on the capital requirements whether he has considered introducing a windfall tax on insurance companies and (b) the Basel III proposals on nuclear operators for the purposes of mitigating the on the capital requirements of banks with an equivalent effect of his proposed carbon price floor support. level of assets; and if he will make a statement. [69588] [68112] 637W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 638W

Justine Greening: The Government has been clear FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE that the carbon price floor does not represent a subsidy Armed Conflict to any particular sector, including the nuclear industry. The Coalition Agreement stated that there would be no public subsidy, for new nuclear power stations and this Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for continues to be the Government’s position. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the National Transitional Council in Libya concerning the location of non- US Community Reinvestment Act portable air defence systems taken from a Qaddafi ammunition depot in the city of Ga’s; and what steps his has taken regarding this matter. [69592] Mr Ward: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider bringing forward legislative proposals Alistair Burt: Proliferation issues in Libya have been with provisions comparable to the US Community a National Transitional Council priority since Libya’s Reinvestment Act. [69906] crisis began. We have raised the subject with them regularly, to ensure that weapons are secured and the Mr Hoban: The Government has undertaken a range situation closely monitored. The NTC has achieved of measures to ensure that financial institutions lend to much in tackling security across Libya in recent weeks, all sections of society, and will continue to ensure that by establishing clear command and control structures the financial sector supports growth in the wider UK and ensuring safekeeping of weapons. This remains a economy. priority for the Government and we will continue to raise with the NTC and discuss ways we can support On 9 February the Chancellor announced a new their efforts to counter proliferation. commitment by the UK’s biggest high street banks on lending expectations and capacity. As part of this British Sky Broadcasting commitment, the banks intend to lend £190 billion of new credit to businesses in 2011, up from £179 billion in Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010. If demand exceeds this, the banks will lend more. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his £76 billion of this lending will be to SMEs. This is a 15 Department has spent on subscriptions to Sky TV per cent increase on 2010 lending of £66 billion. since May 2010. [67564] As part of this agreement, the banks also agreed to provide £200 million to the Big Society Capital group. Mr Lidington: Budgets in the Foreign and This is in addition to the £400 million of capitalisation Commonwealth Office (FCO) are devolved to individual from English dormant bank accounts. The group will directorates in the UK and to our network of Posts act as a social investment wholesaler and play an important overseas. As a consequence, the FCO does not hold this ’ role in accelerating the growth of the social investment information centrally and to respond would incur market in the UK. disproportionate cost. The main use of Sky TV is Sky News which is a free to air channel. Furthermore, on Tuesday 19 July the draft Legislative Reform (Industrial and Provident Societies and Credit Departmental Manpower Unions) Order 2011 was laid in Parliament for its final period of scrutiny. It will present many opportunities : To ask the Secretary of State for for credit unions to develop their services and expand Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his their membership. For example, the changes in membership Department has issued directions to staff in (a) UK rules will allow for recruitment of members in new Trade and Investment and (b) Business Links on areas and for partnerships and companies to become communications with hon. Members about potential (i) members and invest in their local credit union. These job losses and (ii) organisational changes within each new members will also be able to take out loans from organisation. [69608] their credit union to help their own businesses grow. The Government also recognises the importance of Mr Bellingham: The Department has not issued any Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) directions to staff in regional Business Links or in UK which operate to support access to finance in deprived Trade and Investment about communications with hon. areas and continues to support the sector through: Members about potential job losses or organisational changes. £30m of new funding through the Regional Growth Fund, for a new wholesale fund for the community Human Rights development finance sector, subject to due diligence; making a commitment to re-notify the Community : To ask the Secretary of State for Investment Tax Relief to the EU Commission to incentivise Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent private investment in disadvantaged communities and representations his Department has made to the government also consult on how the scheme can be made more of (a) Egypt, (b) Saudi Arabia, (c) Yemen, (d) Bahrain effective; and (e) Syria on human rights. [69797] design changes to the Enterprise Finance Guarantee to Alistair Burt: Human rights concerns in the middle enable smaller and specialist lenders including CDFIs east are a significant priority for the FCO. The Government to participate fully as EFG accredited lenders; and always aim to take a robust and consistent approach to contributing to the European PROGRESS Microfinance human rights concerns across the region. In his speech Facility, which CDFIs can bid to for support. to the National Assembly in Kuwait on 22 February 639W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 640W

2011, the Prime Minister set out the parameters of the Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign UK’s approach to the Arab Spring—an approach based and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he on upholding universal values, rights and freedoms, has made of the human rights situation in Kashmir; with respect for the different cultures, histories and and if he will make a statement. [69909] traditions of the countries in the region. Egypt Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to the response the Minister of State, my noble Friend, the right hon. We regularly raise human rights issues with the Egyptian Lord Howell, gave in the other place on 12 July 2011, authorities. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Official Report, House of Lords, column 597. We recognise Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member there are human rights concerns in both Indian and for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), raised our concerns Pakistan administered Kashmir and we followed the about the dangers of extremism and sectarianism in widely reported violent unrest in Indian administered Egypt, and the use of military courts to enforce the Kashmir last year. Indian Prime Minister Singh has emergency law in proceedings against civilians when he since said that violations of human rights abuses by visited Egypt on 2 May 2011. I visited Egypt on 27-28 security forces in Kashmir would not be tolerated July 2011 and raised our concerns about freedom of religion, and our embassy in Cairo is in regular contact It is encouraging that the violent unrest of summer with the Egyptian Government on human rights issues. 2010 has not been reported this year. We are closely following the work of the three interlocutors appointed Saudi Arabia by Prime Minister Singh to help resolve the situation in We have serious concerns about the human rights Indian-administered Kashmir and officials from our situation in Saudi Arabia and we have made our views British high commission are making regular visits to the well known, including through the Universal Periodic region to review the situation on the ground and the Review process. The UK maintains an open, frank and response of the authorities. We continue to call for an sustained dialogue with Saudi Arabia on human rights. improvement in the human rights situation on both Both myself, the Foreign Secretary, and our ambassador sides of the Line of Control and for an end to external to Saudi Arabia raise the issues of the treatment of support for violence in Kashmir. Officials in our high women, the application of the death penalty, the status commissions in Islamabad and New Delhi regularly of foreign workers and judicial reform at every appropriate discuss India-Pakistan relations, including Kashmir with opportunity. their counterparts in both countries. Yemen In public statements by the Foreign Secretary and Iraq: Kurds myself, and through direct lobbying by our ambassador to Yemen and officials we have raised our concerns : To ask the Secretary of State for about human rights violations with the YemeniGovernment Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment and urged them to uphold their responsibility to protect he has made of the situation in the Kurdistan region of protesters, to respect the principle of freedom of expression northern Iraq. [70427] and address their legitimate demands. We have called for those responsible for the deaths of civilian protestors Alistair Burt: We continue to take a close interest in to be brought to justice. We welcome the recent visit of developments in the Kurdish area of Iraq. I recently the UN Human Rights mission to Yemen and look met a visiting Kurdish Iraqi MP and heard first hand forward to discussing its assessment of the situation at developments on security and in the political process in the next Human Rights Council in September 2011. the Kurdistan region and Iraq more widely. Bahrain Following demonstrations in Suleymaniya earlier this We continue to urge the Government of Bahrain to year, I called for the protection of rights to freedom of meet all its human rights obligations and uphold political expression and assembly. Although there have been no freedoms, equal access to justice and the rule of law. further demonstrations, the Consul-General in Erbil The Foreign Secretary spoke to HRH The Crown Prince raised our concerns with the Kurdistan Regional of Bahrain on 30 June 2011 and to the Bahraini Foreign Government and political figures and continues to monitor Minister on 3 August 2011 to reiterate our serious the situation. We will continue to raise concerns where concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain, we see abuses. and in particular the detention and sentencing of medical professionals and opposition members. Politics and Government Syria We have and will continue to raise human rights Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for issues at every available opportunity, at both ministerial Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations and official level, with the Syrian authorities. We also his Department made to the President of Malawi on the discuss Syria with key international partners, and we action taken by his Government against demonstrations will continue to take a strong and leading role in working held in that country on 21 and 22 July 2011. [69567] with them to increase pressure on the Syrian regime to cease these atrocities and end the abuse of human Mr Bellingham: We responded promptly, and robustly, rights. We have called for Assad to make radical reforms to this entirely unacceptable action. On 21 July 2011, I that meets the legitimate demands of his people, for the issued a statement calling on President Mutharika to violence to stop, for prisoners of conscience to be rein in the security forces and elements of his party, and released and for the UN to have complete freedom to to allow the media to report freely on the situation in assess the humanitarian situation. Malawi. 641W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 642W

On 12 August 2011, ahead of the protests then planned Damian Green: The UK Border Agency is not aware for 17 August, the Secretary of State for Foreign and of any monitoring arrangements currently in place or Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member any plans for such in respect of the reception and for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), urged President removal centres in Turkey. Mutharika to allow legitimate democratic debate and The projects’ purpose has been to develop the standards to open a genuine dialogue with civil society organisations. for the management of the reception and removal centres This is essential to address the serious challenges the as well as addressing overall needs for legislative and country faces. The Foreign Secretary called for all parties administrative alignment with EU law requirements to exercise restraint and for the Malawian Government and best practices. to ensure that the forces under their control allow peaceful demonstrations to go ahead freely. Government Authorised Exchange Medical Training The British Government will continue to work with Initiative the EU, the Commonwealth and other international partners to help resolve the political situation in Malawi. Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign the Home Department what (a) advantages and (b) and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with the disadvantages her Department has assessed in respect Indian Government the number of extra-judicial of the proposal to reduce the Tier 5 visa period for the detentions by that country’s police forces in Kashmir Government Authorised Exchange Medical Training under the Public Safety Act 1978. [69910] Initiative from two years to one year. [69782] Alistair Burt: We are aware of detentions made under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Indian administered Damian Green: The Government are committed to Kashmir. According to State Government figures 4,064 reducing net migration to the United Kingdom. This people were arrested from March 2010 to January 2011 requires action across all immigration routes of entry. and 3,900 of those arrested have been released. Officials Against that background, the consultation document from our high commission visited Indian administered ‘Employment-Related Settlement, Tier 5 and Overseas Kashmir in June of this year where they discussed the Domestic Workers’, published on 9 June, sets out proposed activities of the Indian military with state authorities. changes to Tier 5. This includes a proposal to cap leave We will continue to look for opportunities to discuss across the Tier 5 Temporary Worker route, which includes these issues with the state authorities on future visits Government Authorised Exchange schemes, of which later this year. the Medical Training Initiative is one. The purpose of the consultation is to invite views on this proposal. The UN World Conference Against Racism consultation closes on 9 September. A decision on the way forward will be assessed in the light of responses to Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the consultation, including those from the Royal Colleges. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government’s planned approach is regarding the UN Immigration World Conference Against Racism in September 2011. [70312] Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Jeremy Browne: I will reply to the hon. Member Home Department how many people were granted shortly. indefinite leave to remain having entered the UK on a Tier 5 (temporary worker) visa in each year since 2008. Vitol Group [70308] Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) meetings and Damian Green: Tier 5 came into existence in 2008 and (b) other contacts he has had with Vitol Group since no one who has entered the UK on a Tier 5 visa will May 2010. [70519] have as yet completed the five years needed to be granted indefinite leave to remain. However, some of Mr Bellingham: A full list of ministerial meetings those who have entered on a Tier 5 visa may have with external organisations is published quarterly on switched into the marriage route and thereby been the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s website at: granted indefinite leave to remain but the information www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/ requested could be obtained only by the detailed transparency-and-data1/hospitality/ examination of individual records at disproportionate cost.

HOME DEPARTMENT Immigration: Females Detention Centres Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the confirmed number the Home Department what monitoring arrangements of women granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK have been put in place in respect of the reception and under the domestic violence rule in 2009; and what the removal centres in Turkey to be established under equivalent provisional number is for 2010. [69480] twinning arrangements with the UK Border Agency to ensure compliance with international agreements on Damian Green: The requested information is provided human rights to which the UK is a signatory. [69684] in the following table: 643W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 644W

Wives granted settlement due to domestic violence after leave to As the consultation acknowledges, it is an important remain granted as a spouse consideration that there can be serious problems associated Year of grant Number of people with the treatment of people working for others in a 2009 708 domestic capacity. Documented abuses and the suspicion 2010 766 that the route can enable people to be brought here to Notes: be abused or exploited, provide a case for closing it. We 1. Data for 2010 are provisional. will assess evidence and views submitted in response to 2. Settlement is a grant of indefinite leave to enter (on arrival) or the consultation that closure of the route would increase indefinite leave to remain (after entry) to a non-EEA national. the likelihood of abuse. 3. Excludes dependants. 4. Includes those grants of settlement which follow the outcome of The consultation is available on the UK Border Agency reconsideration cases and the outcome of appeals. website at: 5. May include a small number of cases in which a decision is www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk recorded twice, where an individual has dual nationality. 6. ‘Wives’ includes same sex, civil and unmarried partners. Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Information on grants of indefinite leave to remain Home Department what discussions she has had with under the domestic violence rule is published annually Ministerial colleagues at the (a) Foreign and in the Immigration Statistics release, which is available Commonwealth Office and (b) Department for from the Home Office Science web site at: International Development on the consultation document http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research- on Employment Related Settlement, Tier 5 and Overseas statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/ Domestic Workers. [70309] A copy of the latest release, Immigration Statistics April to June 2011, will be placed in the House Library. Damian Green: The content of the consultation document was agreed collectively by interested Ministers prior to National DNA Database publication. The UK Border Agency continues to discuss the proposals with other Government Departments. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals’ records are held on Police the National DNA database. [69616] Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the James Brokenshire: As at 30 June 2011, there were Home Department from which foreign countries UK 6,696,156 DNA profile records on the National DNA police forces have purchased equipment in the latest database taken by all UK police forces which relate to period for which figures are available. [69356] an estimated 5,729,959 individuals (estimate taken 4 July 2011). On 30 June 2011 there were 6,264,559 profile Nick Herbert: This information is not held centrally. records taken by forces in England and Wales, which relate to an estimated 5,368,950 individuals (estimate Police Custody taken 4 July 2011). The number of individuals is estimated because a Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the proportion of DNA profiles held on the NDNAD are Home Department how many police cells were replicates, that is a person’s profile has been loaded on available for use in England in (a) 2011, (b) 2010, (c) more then one occasion, for example because a person 2000 and (d) 1990. [69911] gave different names on separate arrests. The presence of these replicate profiles on the NDNAD does not Nick Herbert: The provision of police cells is an impact on the effectiveness and integrity of the database. operational matter for each chief officer. As such, the The data provided are management information and information requested is not held centrally and could be have not been formally assessed for compliance with the obtained only at disproportionate cost. Code of Practice for Official Statistics. These figures may also be subject to further quality assurance checks. Police: Budget Overseas Workers Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what tasks she expects the police no Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the longer to carry out as a result of reductions in the Home Department what assessment she has made of policing budget. [69804] the effects of abolishing the overseas domestic worker visa on the security of domestic workers; and if she will Nick Herbert: In response to necessary reductions in make a statement. [69794] central Government funding, every police force should be driving through efficiencies and rooting out wasteful Damian Green: The Government’s consultation on spending in order to maintain or improve services while employment-related settlement, Tier 5 of the points providing them at lower cost. The Government are based system and overseas domestic workers, which is playing their part by reducing central direction, getting open for comment until 9 September 2011, includes an rid of needless bureaucracy, cutting out wasted time option to abolish the route for overseas domestic workers and money in IT, and making sure police forces make to work in the private household of their employer in the most of their vast purchasing power by buying the UK. together. 645W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 646W

Police: Manpower additional costs in the event of an officer’s compulsory retirement on ill-health grounds: A police authority Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the also bears the cost of injury pensions paid to former Home Department if she will estimate the change in officers injured in connection with police duty, under the number of positions in each police force in each of the Police Injury Benefit Regulations. However, information the years from 2011-12 to 2015-16. [69899] concerning the costs associated with police injury benefits are not routinely collected by the Home Office and are Nick Herbert: It is a matter for the chief constable not included here. and the police authority in each force to determine the The relevant costs to Warwickshire Police Authority number of police officers that are deployed within the for police officer pensions (not including injury pensions) available resource. each year were:

Social Services: Manpower £ million 2006-07 8.382 Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2007-08 8.635 Home Department (1) what estimate her Department 2008-09 8.601 has made of the number of people employed in the 2009-10 8.696 adult social care sector who will be subject to regulated 2010-11 18.869 activity following the implementation of the provisions 1 Currently based on unaudited information. of the Protection of Freedoms Bill; [68711] Figures before 2006-07 relate to the previous system (2) what estimate she has made of the number of of police pensions financing. Information for 2005/06 people employed in the adult social care sector who and previous years about police pensions costs is included undertake (a) regulated and (b) controlled activity. in the relevant annual reports published by the Chartered [68712] Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). This information was gathered independently of the Paul Burstow: I have been asked to reply. Home Office. We are informed by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), that a research exercise carried out in 2007 estimated that the total numbers in COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT regulated activity under the then Vetting and Barring Scheme were around 9.3 million, based on a summation Councillors: Travel of estimates for a range of job categories. The categories likely to correspond most closely to Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for adult social care are ‘Residential and day care managers’, Communities and Local Government what guidance ‘Houseparents and residential wardens’and ‘Care assistants his Department has issued to local authorities on the and home carers’, although these will also include some use of (a) taxis and (b) leased vehicles for travel by people who provide care to children. their elected members. [69074] The estimated total for those three categories is some 713,0001. Other categories in the survey are also likely Robert Neill: No such guidance has been issued. to include elements of adult social care2. The new Code of Recommended Practice for local Most areas of adult social care will remain in regulated authorities on data transparency introduces full activity following the changes proposed in the Protection transparency on (a) councillor allowances and expenses of Freedoms Bill, so we do not expect a significant and (b) expenditure on goods and services over £500. reduction in the figure. Such openness will help prevent wasteful spending of It is estimated that a total of 0.5 million people are taxpayers’ money. currently in controlled activity, but figures for individual sectors such as adult social care are not available. This Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers category will be repealed under proposals in the Protection of Freedoms Bill. Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 The research on which this figure is based has a planning Communities and Local Government how many (a) accuracy tolerance of +/-15%. special advisers and (b) press officers were employed 2 For example, various forms of therapists, social workers, by his Department between June 2007 and May 2010; housekeepers-and related occupations. and what the cost to the public purse was in (i) cash and (ii) real terms of such appointments. [68330] Warwickshire Police Authority Robert Neill: The Department’s special adviser and Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for the press office full-time equivalent staff numbers are Home Department what the cost was of police officer summarised in the following table: pensions to the Warwickshire Police Authority in each year since 2005. [69500] Special advisers Press office staff 2007-08 3 38 Nick Herbert: The costs of police officer pensions to 2008-09 3 43 a police authority consist of the employer contribution, 2009-10 3 45.58 currently 24.2% of an officer’s pensionable pay, and 647W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 648W

The number of special advisers within the Department Amount (£) varies within the year (as appointments sometimes overlap). The numbers given in the above table represent the 10 January 2007 348.34 number there were for the majority of each year. In 28 June 2007 500.00 2010, the Department employed three special advisers 2 July 2007 500.00 up to the election in May 2010, and two special advisers 3 July 2007 200.00 subsequent to the election. 4 November 2008 190.68 Salary costs for the Department’s special advisers are 9 December 2008 49.64 given in the following table: Currently the Department pays a 2.95% fee on cash advances (minimum charge of £2.95). For foreign exchange £ transactions we pay a 2.95% fee (minimum charge of 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 £2.95 plus a further currency exchange purchase fee of Cash terms 240,252 201,850 296,653 2.95%). Real terms 250,920 205,137 296,653 The new administration has reviewed its policy on Government Procurement Card usage. As well as reducing the number of cards held, the Department has cancelled Enterprise Zones the cash withdrawal facility for all but two Government Procurement Card holders (for business continuity reasons). Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for he has had with business organisations about the Communities and Local Government what the (a) date criteria on which applications for enterprise zones are of purchase, (b) amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 being assessed. [69914] or enhanced transaction entry was of each transaction undertaken by Firebuy using the Government Procurement : Bids to the competition were put forward Card since its establishment. [68892] by local enterprise partnerships, who were asked to provide, in addition to other information, evidence and Robert Neill: A table providing a breakdown of analysis that their proposals were likely to meet the expenditure by Firebuy using Government Procurement needs of targeted business. Cards since its establishment has been placed in the Library of the House. This includes (a) date of purchase, Government Procurement Card (b) amount and (c) supplier, (d) level 3 or enhanced transaction details are not held centrally. Each transaction Chris Kelly: To ask the Secretary of State for does have an expenditure type which is a broad description Communities and Local Government how many of the type of goods purchased. These data cover the Government Procurement Card transactions were periods July 2006 to June 2011. made by his Department’s officials withdrawing cash Firebuy is closing as part of Government’s review of from automated teller machines from 2006-07 to arm’s length bodies and it went into voluntary liquidation 2009-10; at what cost; and on what dates. [67432] on 13 July 2011. My Department is committed to greater transparency Robert Neill [holding answer 19 July 2011]: The over the use of the Government Procurement Card following cash withdrawals have been made by departmental than under the last Administration, and has strengthened officials from April 2006 to March 2010: checks and balances to ensure protection of taxpayers’ money. Amount (£) Housing: Greater London 24 April 2006 235.10 1 June 2006 611.03 Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for 8 September 2006 88.93 Communities and Local Government what estimate he 8 September 2006 351.42 has made of the level of (a) central Government and 8 September 2006 351.42 (b) local authority expenditure on social housing 8 September 2006 402.64 development in each London borough in (i) 2012-13 18 October 2006 861.21 and (ii) 2013-14. [69078] 7 November 2006 73.12 27 November 2006 527.82 Grant Shapps: The following table sets out the existing 1 December 2006 205.52 commitments through the Homes and Communities 5 December 2006 36.76 Agency’s National Affordable Homes and Kickstart 5 December 2006 477.94 programmes in each London borough for 2012-13 and 2013-14.

£ million

2012-13 2013-14 Total 2012-14

Affordable Affordable Affordable Housing Housing Housing (including Social (including Social (including Social Social Rent Rent) Social Rent Rent) Social Rent Rent)

Barking and Dagenham 7.6 9.1 18.3 21.9 25.9 31.0 649W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 650W

£ million 2012-13 2013-14 Total 2012-14 Affordable Affordable Affordable Housing Housing Housing (including Social (including Social (including Social Social Rent Rent) Social Rent Rent) Social Rent Rent)

Barnet 9.8 10.0 10.3 12.3 20.1 22.3 Bexley 1.2 1.4 0 0 1.2 1.4 Brent 12.2 13.9 0 0 12.2 13.9 Bromley 5.8 5.9 0 0 5.8 5.9 Camden 17.3 18.7 4.7 4.7 22.0 23.4 Croydon 8.0 8.5 0 0 8.0 8.5 Ealing 13.9 16.4 0 0 13.9 16.4 Enfield 6.6 9.8 0 0 6.6 9.8 Greenwich 30.0 35.1 25.0 26.7 55.0 61.8 Hackney 21,0 25.0 3.4 3.6 24.4 28.5 Hammersmith and Fulham 0.7 1.0 0 0 0.7 1.0 Haringey 3.0 5.5 7.3 11.1 10.2 16.6 Harrow 7.1 10.4 2.1 2.9 9.2 13.3 Havering 17.4 19.0 0 0 17.4 19.0 Hillingdon 5.6 6.9 0 0 5.6 6.9 Hounslow 2.4 3.1 0 0 2.4 3.1 Islington 10.4 12.0 4.3 8.2 14.7 20.2 Kensington and Chelsea 2.3 2.3 1.1 1.1 3.4 3.4 Kingston upon Thames 0.7 0.8 1.3 1.6 1.9 2.4 Lambeth 1.0 1.3 0 0 1.0 1.3 Lewisham 14.6 18.5 9.2 11.5 23.9 30.0 Merton 2.6 4.4 0.2 0.2 2.8 4.6 Newham 15.6 17.3 6.8 11.0 22.4 28.3 Redbridge 3.6 5.7 0 0 3.6 5.7 Richmond upon Thames 2.3 2.5 0 0 2.3 2.5 Southwark 9.2 9.3 10.7 14.4 19.8 23.7 Sutton 3.1 3.4 0 0 3.1 3.4 Tower Hamlets 27.0 31.2 3.2 4.3 30.2 35.5 Waltham Forest 10.8 12.0 0 0 10.8 12.0 Wandsworth 4.2 4.5 1.7 2.3 5.9 6.7 Westminster 1.9 2.2 0 0 1.9 2.2 Total for London 278.9 327.3 109.7 137.8 388.5 465.1 Notes: 1. The information is committed expenditure in London as at end of July 2011. 2. Includes expenditure relating to the National Affordable Housing Programme and Kickstart. 3. Excludes expenditure relating to FirstBuy and Kickstart Investment Support. 4. The Affordable Housing Total includes grant provided for social rent, as identified separately, and also grant provided for Low Cost Home Ownership 5. Figures may not sum due to rounding. Source: Homes and Communities Agency

On 14 July I announced the outcome of the Homes an area wide basis, as the breakdown of funding by and Communities Agency’s assessment of the proposals London borough will not be known until the completion of the new Affordable Homes Programme 2011-15. of sales. Through this new programme 146 providers will deliver 80,000 new homes for Affordable Rent and Affordable In addition, we have set aside almost £1 billion over Home Ownership with Government funding of £1.8 this spending review period for the New Homes Bonus billion over the next four years. From this the total Scheme. This scheme will match fund the additional available to London is £627 million. council tax raised, using the national average in each band, for new homes and long-term empty properties The Homes and Communities Agency is currently brought back into use. From 2012-13 an additional negotiating contracts with providers. Once this is completed £350 will be payable for each affordable home. This they intend to publish on their website the allocations unringfenced funding will ensure that the benefits of by local authority area. housing growth are visible to the communities affected. This Government are also providing funding to help Local authorities will need to lead the debate with their first time buyers and maintain capacity in the house communities to determine local spending priorities. building industry through the FirstBuy programme. This Department does not hold details of local authority The scheme will help nearly;10,500 households to purchase expenditure used to support social housing development. a new build property by spring 2013 with a 20% equity loan co-funded by Government and house builders. An The Localism Bill, currently going through Parliament, allocation of £20.8 million for FirstBuy in London was will devolve further responsibilities to the Mayor. announced on 20 June 2011. This has been allocated on 651W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 652W

Land: Waste of regional strategies paragraph 10 will be undertaken; and what the arrangements and timetable will be for Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for public engagement consistent with the obligations Communities and Local Government whether land under the Aarhus Convention. [69583] that is designated with a B2 planning status can be used for a waste incinerator development without requiring Robert Neill: As announced in my written ministerial a change in the outline planning permission. [69599] statement on 5 April 2011, Official Report, column 52WS, a voluntary assessment of the likely significant Robert Neill: A decision on whether a development is environmental effect of revoking the regional strategies an appropriate use for land designated in a development is being undertaken in line with the process laid down in plan for B2 use (General Industry), or whether it is the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes acceptable in terms of any outline planning permission Regulations 2004. The arrangements and timetable will already granted, is one for the local planning authority therefore also be in line with the process laid down in to take having regard to the circumstances of the particular those regulations, which is also in line with the Aarhus case concerned. Convention. An environmental report is being compiled for each regional strategy and public consultation will We are currently undertaking a wider review of how begin shortly. change of use is handled in the planning system. This will include consideration of the status of waste South East Plan management facilities within the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Non-domestic Rates Communities and Local Government whether he has made a determination under regulation 9 of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Regulations 2004 on the likely environmental effects of Communities and Local Government what conclusions revoking the South East Plan; and if he will make a he has reached as a result of his consultation with local statement. [69582] businesses on his proposed changes to local business rates. [68057] Robert Neill: As announced in my written ministerial statement on 5 April 2011, Official Report, column Robert Neill: The Government published proposals 52WS, the Government are undertaking a voluntary for business rate retention in: “Local Government Resource assessment of the likely significant environmental effects Review: Proposals for Business Rate Retention” on of revoking all eight Regional Strategies. A determination 18 July 2011. Responses are requested by 24 October. under Regulation 9 has not been made. I will announce Planning: Radio the start of public consultation on the assessments shortly. Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Tenants: Evictions Communities and Local Government whether his Department has any plans to require local authorities to announce public and planning notices on local or Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many council regional radio. [69711] tenants in each local authority area have received warnings Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and from their local authority that they could be evicted Local Government does not have any plans to require from their homes if they, or a family member, are local authorities to announce their public and planning convicted of criminal conduct during the public disorders notices on local or regional radio. of August 2011. [70578] Local authorities are required by law to publicise Grant Shapps: The Department for Communities and planning notices in accordance with Article 13 of the Local Government do not collect data on the number of Town and Country Planning (Development Management council tenants who have been issued with warnings by Procedure) (England) Order 2010. This normally involves their local authority landlords that they may face eviction notifying neighbours by letter and/or displaying a site as a result of conduct relating to the riots. notice, as well as publishing information about each application on their website. Additionally, in certain circumstances, a notice must be published in a local newspaper. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Regional Planning and Development Barbary Macaque: Morocco

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will provide the answer of 9 March 2011, Official Report, expert advice to the Government of (a) Morocco and column 1128W, on regional planning and development, (b) Algeria on steps to protect and conserve the Barbary and with reference to paragraph 10 of the Government macaque. [70064] Response to the Communities and Local Government Committee’s Report on Abolition of Regional Spatial Richard Benyon: We have not been approached to Strategies: a planning vacuum, by what process the provide expert advice to the Governments of Morocco voluntary environmental assessment on the revocation or Algeria to help protect and conserve the Barbary 653W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 654W macaque. We do, however, provide considerable support TSE Helpline to several multilateral environmental agreements, such This helpline gives general and technical advice to the disposal as the convention on biological diversity and the convention industry and farmers relating to BSE and scrapie testing requirements. on international trade in endangered species of wild Allocated funding is £50,000. fauna and flora in support of biodiversity conservation Rural Payments Agency globally. (Note technical assistance on using the respective systems Biodiversity covered by the two helplines following is provided by the DEFRA Farming Online Helpline listed above). Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for The British Cattle Movement Service Helpline Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether international This helpline supports cattle keepers of Great Britain and co-ordination of the conservation of high seas biodiversity includes a separate helpline. It provides information will be included in her Department’s priorities for the and guidance on the rules, regulations and requirements in respect UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de of cattle passports and the reporting of birth, death and movement Janeiro in 2012. [69390] of cattle. Allocated funding is £777,000. The Rural Payments Agency Helpline Richard Benyon: The UK priorities for the UN This helpline provides information and guidance on the rules, Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro regulations and requirements in respect of the Rural Land Register, in 2012 (Rio+20) are currently being developed across Customer Registration and the Single Payment Scheme (SPS). Government. Biodiversity is likely to feature in those Allocated funding is £2,726,000. priorities, but the form this will take has yet to be Non-Departmental Public Bodies agreed. The Environment Agency Departmental Telephone Services The Environment Agency Floodline This comprises a Recorded Message service and Live Agent Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for service providing information on flood warnings and advice to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much customers on what to do before, during and after flooding in funding she has allocated to each telephone helpline England Wales and Scotland, the Scottish portion is funded by operated by her Department in 2011-12; and what the Scottish Government via Scottish Environmental Protection Agency purpose is of each such helpline. [68544] (SEPA). Allocated funding is £950,000 (which excludes £50,000 funding from SEPA). Richard Benyon: We provide the following telephone The Environment Agency’s National Customer Contact helplines: Centre (NCCC) Core DEFRA This has three helplines: General inquiries, Hazardous Waste General DEFRA Helpline and Agricultural Waste. The NCCC is not purely an inbound helpline service. It provides help and guidance, multiple registration The general DEFRA Helpline provides a single point of contact services, an outbound regulation awareness service and a host of for all DEFRA general inquiries from the public. Allocated non-phone activities that include e-mail correspondence and paper funding is £252,000. and electronic application processing. Allocated funding within DEFRA Farming Online Helpline the NCCC for the three helpline services is £1,400,000. DEFRA Farming Online allocates an element of its ’business Natural England as usual’ budget to maintain a dedicated telephone helpline (delivered by the RPA) which provides technical assistance for Natural England Inquiry Service farmers using DEFRA’s online services through the Business This is the first point of contact for general inquiries covering Link Farming Theme and offers user technical support for farmers Natural England and its work. Allocated funding is £30,000. carrying out online transactions in respect of the systems for Cattle Tracing, Single Payment Scheme (SPS) claims and Farm Cross Compliance Helpline Assessments and Surveys. Allocated funding is £90,000. This fulfils an EU legal requirement to provide advice to Wild Bird Surveillance and Animal Diseases Helpline farmers and landowners. It is available to all Single Payment The helpline’s twin purposes are: to enable members of the Scheme (SPS) claimants and is delivered on behalf of DEFRA. public to report mass (five or more carcases) wild bird fatalities Allocated funding is £60,000. for Avian Influenza surveillance purposes; and to provide assistance Open Access Helpline for animal keepers during outbreaks of non-native (exotic) diseases Open Access restrictions, inquiries and advice for landowners, of animals. Allocated funding is £25,000. farmers and the public as required by legislation and including PLANET (Planning Land Applications of Nutrients for fire severity risk advice. Allocated funding is £60,000. Efficiency and the environment) Helpline Wildlife Management and Licensing Helpline The helpline is a support mechanism for the PLANET computer- based decision support tool which helps farmers and land managers This provides advice on wildlife and the issuing of licences as optimise their use of fertilisers and other nutrients so helping required by legislation. It also provides advice on wild birds, with growing of crops and avoiding over-use which can harm the mammals, reptiles and amphibians that are legally protected. environment. The helpline provides a mix of IT help for farmers Allocated funding is £60,000. while they familiarise themselves with the software and provides Environmental Impact assessment nutritional advice from trained fertiliser advisers. Allocated funding Advice is provided for landowners and farmers on Environmental is £35,000. Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations as required by Executive Agencies legislation. Allocated funding is £20,000. Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency Wildlife Poisoning Incidents PETS Helpline This is for people seeking advice and guidance on as well as This provides advice and guidance on pet passports and travelling reporting of suspected wildlife poisoning incidents. Allocated with pets. Allocated funding is £120,000. funding is £20,000. 655W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 656W

Environment Protection The Rotterdam convention, which promotes shared responsibility and co-operative efforts among parties in Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent in order to protect human health and the environment steps she has taken at an international level in respect and to contribute to the environmentally sound use of of steps to (a) reduce levels of overfishing, (b) those chemicals. mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases in acidifying The Stockholm convention on persistent organic the oceans, (c) reduce levels of man-made pollution pollutants (POPs), a global treaty to protect human and (d) reduce levels of nutrient run-off. [69632] health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become Richard Benyon: The information requested is as widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the follows. fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have adverse effects to human health or to the environment. (a) The UK is leading the calls to reform the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to overcome The UK, as a party to the Stockholm convention, its serious structural failings, which have led to the over agreed at the fifth meeting of the Conference of the exploitation of fish stocks including the wasteful practice Parties on 25-9 April 2011 to add endosulfan, a widely of discarding fish. The UK is building support for used pesticide, to the list of persistent organic pollutants genuine and radical change that includes providing the to be eliminated worldwide. This decision was among incentives and regulatory framework to enable us to: more than 30 measures taken by parties to the convention to boost global action against POPs. catch less fish but land more of it, for example by replacing landing-based quota with catch quotas; The UK plays an active role in the convention on adopt a regionalised CFP that eliminates over-detailed central long range transboundary air pollution (CLRTAP) in regulation; and order to tackle emissions to air of a range of harmful apply the same principles of sustainable use of marine resources pollutants from the wider Europe and North America within and outside EU waters. area. In 2009 the protocol on persistent organic pollutants was revised to include controls on additional organic The UK is also calling on Regional Fisheries pollutants. Amendments to the Gothenburg protocol Management Organisations, which manage fish stocks are expected to be agreed within the next seven months in international and coastal waters, to set quotas that leading to reductions in emissions of five pollutants fully reflect the best available scientific advice in order (nitrogen oxides; sulphur dioxide; volatile organic to ensure the future sustainability of all species. compounds; ammonia and particulate matter) that lead (b) The Department of Energy and Climate Change to acidification, eutrophication, ground level ozone and (DECC) has the lead responsibility for mitigation including particulate matter. Revisions to the heavy metals protocol international negotiations under the UN framework are expected to be agreed within approximately the next convention on climate change. However, in order to year, bringing further controls on the metals cadmium, improve our understanding of the potential impacts of lead and mercury. ocean acidification DEFRA, DECC and the Natural (d) The UK is participating with other North sea Environment Research Council (NERC) are jointly funding countries in an initiative organised through the OSPAR a £12 million research programme. This programme has convention for the protection of the north-east Atlantic to strong links into the European Project on Ocean Acidification (EPOCA) which has enabled cross-national model the contribution of the nutrient load of different field observations and joint modelling projections to be rivers to eutrophication effects (chlorophyll and oxygen) undertaken which could not have been undertaken by in coastal and offshore areas of the North sea to any one country.As a result of this collaborative approach, estimate the degree of change needed in key parameters EU scientists have become the international leaders in to bring the current eutrophication problem areas in the ocean acidification research. The next stage is to engage eastern North sea to non-problem area status. in a major joint EU-US experiment, while maintaining Action to amend the Gothenburg protocol under the a strong European leadership. CLTRAP is expected to lead to further international Scientists all around the world are working to understand controls on emissions of nitrogen dioxide and ammonia, what these impacts might be. The five year UK Ocean and to updated guidance on fertiliser and manure Acidification Research Programme (UKOA) is the UK’s management resulting in more efficient nitrogen use response to these growing concerns over ocean acidification and reduced levels of nutrient run off. and is jointly funded by DEFRA, DECC and NERC. The UK signed up to the commitments under the This programme is also inputting to the Intergovernmental convention on biological diversity new Strategic Plan Panel on Climate Change and the United Nations frame for Biodiversity 2011-20 at the Nagoya Biodiversity convention on climate change. Conference in October 2010. The Strategic Plan includes (c) The UK Government are fully involved in a wide target 8 that by 2020, pollution, including from excess range of international initiatives, beyond those undertaken nutrients, has been bought to levels that are not detrimental within the European Union, to address man-made to ecosystem function and biodiversity. pollution. These include: The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Food: Waste Management (SAICM), which promotes the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle so Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for that, by 2020, chemicals around the world are produced Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has and used in ways that minimise significant adverse set a date by which no food waste will go to landfill. impacts on human health and the environment. [69380] 657W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 658W

Richard Benyon: The Government’s Review of Waste Natural Environment Policy in England, published in June, sets out our vision of a zero waste economy, where resources are fully Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for valued and only disposed of as a last resort. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent progress Keeping food waste out of landfill is central to meeting she has made in developing new supplementary guidance this objective. It will only be achieved by working with to the HM Treasury Green Book on valuing the natural householders, communities and businesses to make sure environment in appraisals. [69313] that waste collection systems are locally appropriate, and that treatment techniques and technologies are as Richard Benyon: The Natural Environment White innovative and sustainable as possible. Paper, “The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature”, Although we have not set a date by which no food made a commitment to publish new supplementary should go to landfill, we believe that the measures set guidance to the Green Book, on accounting for out in the Waste Review, together with the Anaerobic environmental impacts in policy appraisal. DEFRA has Digestion Strategy and Action Plan, put us on the right made good progress, with HM Treasury engagement, path to achieving our zero waste ambitions. on guidance emphasising the importance of accounting for the benefits which whole ecosystems provide, as well as more detailed guidance on the assessment of specific Natural Capital Committee types of environmental impacts, such as air quality. DEFRA will be consulting other Government Departments Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for during September on the matter. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the terms of reference will be for the Natural Capital Committee. Renewable Energy [69310] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The Natural Capital Committee is Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what timetable one of the key commitments of the Natural Environment she has set for the establishment of the loan fund to White Paper, ‘The Natural Choice: securing the value of stimulate investment in additional anaerobic digestion nature’, and has been set up to advise the Government infrastructure. [69228] on the state of English natural capital. Its terms of reference are currently being agreed, and will be based Richard Benyon: The £10 million Anaerobic Digestion on the commitment in the White Paper. Loan Fund (ADLF), as set out in the Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action Plan, is now up and running. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for The ADLF is administered by the Waste and Resources Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Action Programme (WRAP). It is WRAP’S intention progress she has made in developing a scoping study to open the fund for applications in the following periods: for a natural capital asset check. [69311] July to October 2011, January to April 2012, June to September 2012 and December to March 2012-13. Richard Benyon: DEFRA will commission a scoping study for a natural capital asset check this autumn. We held a workshop in May to inform thinking about this ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE study, and commissioned think piece papers which are currently being reviewed. The study will be developed in Bioenergy Review conjunction with the wider research work which builds on the UK National Ecosystem Assessment. Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he expects to publish Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for the UK Bioenergy Strategy; and what account he plans Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who the members to take of the Committee on Climate Change’s Bioenergy will be of the Natural Capital Committee. [69312] Review in formulating the strategy. [70375]

Richard Benyon: The members of the Natural Capital Charles Hendry: DECC is working closely with other Committee have not yet been recruited. The Committee Government Departments and Government advisory will be composed of a small number of leading experts bodies, including the Committee on Climate Change, to in this area. They will be recruited through an open develop a cross-Government bio-energy strategy. We competition process, consistent with the Code of Practice expect to publish this at the turn of the year, as the of the Office of the Commissioner on Public Appointments. response to the Committee on Climate Change’s Bio-energy review. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Biofuels Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what timetable she has set for the establishment of the Natural Capital Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Committee. [69448] and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the contribution renewable heat from biomass Richard Benyon: The recruitment of the chair and combined heat and power generation will make to the members of the Natural Capital Committee will start target for energy consumption from renewable sources this autumn. The Committee will meet as soon as set under the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/ possible after they have been recruited. EC). [69494] 659W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 660W

Gregory Barker: Analysis undertaken for the renewable price floor is the first facet of the Government’s four heat incentive (RHI) impact assessment (published March point plan to transform the UK’s power announced in 2011) suggests a contribution of around 5 TWh of the Electricity Market Reform (EMR) White Paper. renewable heat from biomass combined heat and power Consequently, though the introduction of the carbon (CHP) by 2020 based on a 2.5p/kWh tariff (equating to price floor was led by HMT/HMRC as it is a tax matter, around 9% of 58 TWh). However, actual uptake is DECC has been very closely involved in the analysis uncertain. Our estimates will be subject to further analysis and policy development. All individual responses to and updated in the light of the proposals in the forthcoming HMT’s consultation (where confidentiality was not consultation on the banding review of the renewables requested) are available on HMT’s website: obligation. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ consult_carbon_price_support.htm British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme Departmental Work Experience John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) whether the cost of the British Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme levelling option is Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer to cost neutral; and what profit or loss the option made in the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree of 18 October the latest period for which figures are available; [70761] 2010, Official Report, column 479W, on departmental (2) what formulation (a) is and (b) has previously work experience, what the beginning and end dates were been used to calculate the addition and deduction of of each unpaid internship; for how many weeks each payments to the British Coal Staff Superannuation such intern worked in the Department; what the average number of hours worked by each such intern per week Scheme levelling option. [70762] was; whether each such intern worked fixed hours; what the recruitment process was for each such vacancy; and Charles Hendry: This is a matter for the Trustees of where the positions were advertised. [69475] the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme who are contactable at the following address; Gregory Barker: Pursuant to the answer to the hon. Coal Pension Trustee Services Ltd Member for Liverpool, Wavertree of 18 October 2010, Ventana House Official Report, column 479W, on departmental work Concourse Way experience there were eight unpaid internships. During Sheffield SI 2BJ the course of our current investigations to answer this E-mail: [email protected] question further information has come to light and one of these interns has been identified as an existing civil Carbon Emissions servant on loan to the Department of Energy and Climate Change and therefore not an internship. We Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State apologise for this error. for Energy and Climate Change if he will publish his Detailed information on internships and work experience Department’s submission to the consultation by HM placements was not centrally approved or recorded Treasury on the introduction of a carbon price floor. prior to April 2011 and for this reason there is a gap in [69882] the information relating to one of the seven interns. Since April 2011 DECC has ensured that all work Gregory Barker: The Department made no formal experience placements and internships are awarded through submission to the consultation by HM Treasury (HMT) fair and open competition, in line with Baroness Warsi’s on the introduction of a carbon price floor. A carbon commitment to end informal internships in Whitehall.

Average Number of number of weeks hours Interns Start date End date worked worked Fixed hours Recruitment process Where advertised

1 27 June 2010 27 August 2010 9 <36 No Direct approach by Not advertised student 2 1 July 2010 30 August 2010 9 36 No Limited Through university competition 3 1 July 2010 25 August 2011 8 36 No Direct approach by Not advertised student 4 16 August 10 28 August 2010 2 — No Through internal Not advertised contact 5 11 January 2010 5 February 2010 10 36 No Limited Not advertised competition 6 13 September 2010 24 September 2010 1 36 No Through internal Not advertised contact 7 14 June 2010 2 July 2010 2 36 No Information not Information not available available

Electric Cables Grid on the use of (a) underground cable and (b) pylons and overhead power lines when establishing new Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy grids. [70085] and Climate Change what guidance he gives the National 661W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 662W

Charles Hendry: Government policy on how the This assessment set out the estimated impact of the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) should consider EU Emissions Trading System on an average domestic applications for nationally significant energy infrastructure electricity bill as £30 (6%) in 2020 (in 2009 prices). This projects is set out in the Energy National Policy Statements is compared to a bill in the absence of energy and designated on 19 July following their approval by climate change policies. Parliament. The NPS for Electricity Networks Subsequent to this publication, the impact assessment Infrastructure (EN-5) specifically covers the impacts of for the carbon price floor: overhead lines as well as the undergrounding of lines http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/consult_carbon_ that National Grid will need to consider when preparing price_support_ia.pdf an application for development consent. estimated that it would add a further £11 (2%) to the average domestic electricity bill in 2020 (in 2009 prices). This is the marginal impact of the carbon price floor Energy: Conservation relative to a baseline that includes those policies already in place (or planned to a sufficient degree) at the time of Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for publication. Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has Both these policies will help deliver a cleaner and given to offering rewards to communities to encourage more secure electricity supply and their impact on household the take-up of energy efficiency measures. [69243] energy bills will be offset by policies that help to improve energy efficiency. Gregory Barker: The Green Deal supported by the An updated assessment of the impact of energy and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) will deliver a range climate change policies on energy prices and bills will be of energy saving measures at little or no effective cost to published alongside the Annual Energy Statement in the recipients. Local community partnerships may be a the autumn reflecting policy developments over the last very efficient way of driving take up. year. We are exploring with local authorities the potential EU Emissions Trading Scheme for them to make use of the new freedoms they will gain under the Localism Bill to develop incentives. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Additionally, the Behaviour Change and Energy Use Energy and Climate Change what projects in the UK report released by the Government in July announced a have received funding from the EU New Entrant trial to test the impact of offering community rewards Reserve Fund 300 (NER300) since the scheme’s on the impact of take up of energy efficiency measures. inception. [69233]

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: No projects have received funding Energy and Climate Change whether he has any plans from the NER300. for a national roll-out of the RE:NEW energy All applications for funding from the first tranche of efficiency programme. [70060] the NER300 are currently undergoing a due diligence assessment, by the European Investment Bank. After Gregory Barker: From late 2012 the Green Deal will this the European Commission will carry out their own be available to British households and businesses. While checks before making final award decisions (expected in there are no Government plans for a national roll-out, the second half of 2012). the type of partnership arrangements that underpin London’s RE:NEW programme is certainly an approach Fuel Oil: Prices we envisage will be relevant under the Green Deal. Furthermore, under the Home Energy Conservation Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Act we will encourage local authorities to work together State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is and with the private sector to deliver energy efficiency taking to ensure that vulnerable people are protected improvements. from high domestic heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas costs; and if he will make a statement. [70798]

Energy: Prices Charles Hendry: The Government are sympathetic to the plight of many off-grid energy consumers who were hit hard by high prices and supply issues last winter. We Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for are keen that the reasons for this are thoroughly investigated Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has which is why I wrote to the Office of Fair Trading made of the effects of the European Union Emissions (OFT) in January to ask it to bring forward its competition Trading Scheme and carbon floor price on domestic and consumer study into off-grid energy. The OFT has energy bills up to 2020; and if he will make a statement. launched its market study into the off-grid energy market [70304] on 15 March and will publish its findings in October 2011. The market study will provide an independent Gregory Barker: DECC’s assessment of the overall assessment of the off-grid market and establish what impact of energy and climate, change policies on energy further action may be necessary to ensure it works prices and bills was published alongside the Annual properly. Energy Statement in July 2010: Vulnerable off-grid consumers, including those whose http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/ec_social_res/ primary heating source is heating oil or liquefied petroleum analytic_projs/price_bill_imp/price_bill_imp.aspx gas, could be eligible for grants under the Warm Front 663W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 664W scheme for specified heating and insulation measures the Gannet release, which occurred between 10 and 19 up to £3,500 in value or £6,000 where the work includes August, was the largest oil release on the UKCS in the installation of an oil fired central heating system or an last decade, totalling approximately 218 tonnes. alternative low carbon technology for properties off the There has been no evidence of any significant main gas grid. Additionally the Warm Home Discount environmental impact to date resulting from any of scheme introduced in April this year will require energy these releases, including the recent Gannet release. companies by law to give a discount on electricity bills Since l June 2011, 15 crude oil releases have been to more of their most low income and vulnerable customers. reported with a total volume of approximately 223 Government are working to ensure 600,000 of the poorest tonnes, which includes the Gannet release at approximately pensioners receive a £120 discount on their electricity 218 tonnes and 14 other releases making up the balance bill this year, ensuring eligible households off the gas of 5 tonnes. grid will benefit. Other groups such as low income families and those with long-term illnesses and disabilities For details of my assessment of the Gannet oil release, may also receive this discount; they may also receive I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today to assistance under transitional arrangements from the my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Park (Zac previous voluntary agreement. In total, the scheme will Goldsmith) to question 70147. benefit around 2 million households this year, with a value of up to £250 million. Renewable Energy

Fuel Poverty Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the timetable is for Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the (a) publication, (b) consultation and (c) laying for Energy and Climate Change when he last met before Parliament of the Renewables Obligation representatives of charitable organisations to discuss (Amendment) Order 2012; and whether he has assessed fuel poverty. [70699] the potential effects of the Order on delivering investor certainty. [70376] Gregory Barker: Policy officials in the fuel poverty team and I regularly meet, with key stakeholders with Charles Hendry: We intend to launch a public an interest in fuel poverty. I recently met with Macmillan consultation shortly on proposals for banded support Cancer Support, and have had wider engagement with under the renewables obligation for the period 2013-17. other groups through my attendance at the Fuel Poverty The consultation package will include a draft of the and Energy Efficiency All Party Group, including National Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2012. The Energy Action and Citizens Advice. final draft order will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible after the Government issues its formal response Nuclear Power: Research to the consultation. Subject to State Aid’s approval, the new bands will come into effect on 1 April 2013 as Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for planned (1 April 2014 for offshore wind). Energy and Climate Change how much has been spent Investor confidence is essential to helping the UK on nuclear research and development by (a) the Office achieve its ambitious aims for renewables energy for Nuclear Development and (b) the Nuclear deployment. That is why I announced last December Decommissioning Authority since May 2010. [70198] the speeding up of the renewables obligation banding review. We will complete the review, and introduce the Charles Hendry: The Office for Nuclear Development order enshrining support levels in law, several months has not funded any nuclear research and development ahead of the original banding review timetable announced (R&D) since May 2010. by the previous Government. This will give investors The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) funds earlier certainty on the support levels available for large-scale R&D to advance the UK’s decommissioning and clean-up renewable electricity deployment from April 2013. programme, and to progress the implementation of geological disposal for higher activity radioactive wastes. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership The figures available cover the period from May 2010 to July 2011: Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Direct spend by NDA HQ on decommissioning and clean-up Energy and Climate Change what financial support his R&D: £5.4 million. Department allocated to the Renewable Energy and Spend by NDA’s Radioactive Waste Management Directorate Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) in the financial on geological disposal R&D: £6.0 million. year (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and what discussions Total NDA spend £11.4 million. his Department has had with the Department for International Development on the priorities for REEEP Oil: Seas and Oceans funding. [70195]

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Gregory Barker: REEEP received a £2.5 million grant for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he from the Department of Energy and Climate Change has made of the recent oil spills in the North Sea; and (DECC) for 2010-11, and will receive £1 million for if he will make a statement. [70292] 2011-12. DECC officials consulted officials from the Department for International Development on identifying Charles Hendry: Over the last ten years crude oil high quality projects in priority countries for REEEP’s releases on the UKCS have been typically relatively 2010-11 project call, and will continue to liaise with small—ranging from 0.0001 tonnes to 36 tonnes. However, them on future priorities and funding for REEEP. 665W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 666W

Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs Drawing on TINAs and other evidence, the Department is reviewing the needs of a range of innovative technologies Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for and is developing four-year programme plans, in Energy and Climate Change (1) whether he plans to conjunction with others. This summer, the Department put in place transitional arrangements for low-carbon announced that it would set aside up to £30 million of projects intending to participate in the feed-in tariff its innovation budget over the next four years to support with Contracts for Difference scheme that require a innovation in offshore wind, and up to £20 million to final investment decision before the scheme is support marine energy. Subject to satisfactory value for implemented; [70135] money assessments, these schemes will be launched this autumn. Announcements on further allocations are (2) whether he plans to put in place transitional expected to follow later this year. arrangements for new nuclear projects that require final investment decisions ahead of implementation of the Feed in Tariff with Contracts for Difference; Shell: North Sea [70148]

Gregory Barker: In order to ensure the continuity of Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for all low-carbon development, the Government are working Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has with relevant parties to enable early investment decisions made of the oil leak from Shell’s Gannet Alpha to progress to timetable wherever possible, including platform; and if he will make a statement. [70147] those required ahead of implementation of the feed in tariff contract for difference. Full details of the EMR transition, including the transition from the renewables Charles Hendry: It is estimated that approximately obligation (RO) to the Contracts for Difference scheme, 218 tonnes (1,300 barrels) of oil were released as a can be found in chapter 8 and annex D of the White result of the incident at the Gannet F subsea development, Paper, “Securing Our Electric Future”. all of which dispersed naturally. There has been no evidence of any significant Renewable Energy: Heating environmental impact to date resulting from this release: Aerial surveillance was undertaken by Marine Scotland, which Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy confirmed that there were very few birds in the vicinity of the oil and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the release. This was supported by additional vessel-based seabird proportion of the annual Renewable Heat Incentive observations. budget for dedicated biomass combined heat and Samples of fish, sea water and sediment were also collected by power generation projects (a) under 200 kilowatt Marine Scotland. A Taste Panel confirmed that the fish samples thermal, (b) between 200 and 1,000 kilowatt thermal had not been tainted by the release. Chemical analyses are being and (c) over 1,000 kilowatt thermal in 2014-15. [69492] undertaken to confirm there has been no significant contamination of fish, seawater or sediment samples. Gregory Barker: Analysis undertaken for the Renewable Regular visual reports received from the area confirmed that heat incentive (RHI) impact assessment (published March no wildlife casualties had been observed. 2011) suggests around £7 million of spending on biomass The leak was stopped on 19 August and my officials combined heat and power (CHP) in 2014 based on a are now involved in carrying out a thorough joint 2.5p/kWh tariff. Our modelling assumes that biomass investigation with the HSE not only to determine the CHP projects will only come forward above 1,000 kilowatt cause of the incident but to learn the lessons from it. thermal and are incentivised by the renewables obligation The investigation, which is likely to take a number of until 2013 and by the RHI between 2014-20. However, months, will focus on all aspects of the incident including actual uptake is uncertain so some smaller projects may any underlying factors which may have contributed. A nevertheless come forward under the RHI. Our estimates full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal in will be subject to further analysis and updated in the Aberdeen to consider whether further action is appropriate. light of the proposals in the forthcoming consultation on the banding review of the renewables obligation. Renewable Energy: Research United Nations Climate Change Conference

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what changes his Energy and Climate Change how many officials from Department has made in the funding of research and his Department he expects to attend the United development for renewable energy programmes in Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban. financial year 2011-12; whether he has any plans to [70775] change the priorities for funding for renewable energy programmes for financial year 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. [70196] Gregory Barker: The UK delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban is yet Gregory Barker: In order to target support for low to be finalised. The final delegation size will seek to carbon technologies, a series of Technology Innovation strike the right balance between ensuring the UK’s Needs Assessments (TINAs) have been undertaken to effectiveness in the negotiations while minimising the provide a robust evidence base on the innovation needs cost and carbon footprint, but will be significantly of the technology families most likely to be important smaller than the UK delegation to the Conference of in achieving our energy and climate targets. Parties in 2009. 667W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 668W

DEFENCE SA payments to MOD civilian staff Financial Year £ million British Sky Broadcasting 2010-11 0.92

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for As MOD civilian employees pay for school tuition Defence how much his Department has spent on fees directly in the first instance and these fees are later subscriptions to Sky TV since May 2010. [67559] reimbursed, there is no tax and NI liability. Mr Robathan: In the 14 months for which data are Both totals include payments to independent sector available since May 2010, payments for the whole range schools, local authority boarding schools and further of services in the UK provided by British Sky Broadcasting education colleges. Spend by educational institution Ltd have totalled some £285,000. The majority of this type could be provided only at a disproportionate cost. expenditure was incurred to provide our ships with Sky TV while in UK waters or docked in certain UK ports Commonwealth War Graves Commission as part of the welfare entitlement of our sailors, who would not otherwise be able to arrange such services. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Action has been taken to reduce payments for Sky Defence what plans he has for the future of the TV, and they are expected to reduce by some £120,000 Government grant to the Commonwealth War Graves per year. Commission; and if he will make a statement. [66912]

Children: Armed Forces Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence has no plans to change the long standing arrangement whereby the Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for United Kingdom funds 78% of the Commonwealth Defence how much his Department spent on private or War Graves Commission costs, which is proportionate independent education of children of serving military to the number of war casualties the United Kingdom or defence personnel in each of the last five years. sustained during what are considered the war years. [67053] This year’s United Kingdom funding is in excess of £44 million. Mr Robathan: Payments may be paid to Service We remain committed to ensuring that those who personnel, and Ministry of Defence (MOD) civilian died during the two World Wars, and the men and employees appointed overseas, to allow their children to women who have died while serving in HM armed achieve a stable education. These are made via Continuity forces in subsequent years, continue to be commemorated of Education Allowance (CEA) for Service personnel, with the same honour and dignity as hitherto and which and School Allowance (SA) for civilians. Limits apply they so richly deserve. in respect of the amount that can be claimed and all claims are subject to a parental minimum contribution Conditions of Employment of 10%. Changes to the regulations governing CEA came into effect on 1 April 2011. Amounts payable were not reduced, but changes to the eligibility rules and the Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence governance of claims will reduce the Department’s how many meetings officials of his Department have spend. These changes are expected to have an impact in had with the Department for Business, Innovation and Financial Year 2011-20. Skills on the Government’s employment law review since May 2011. [67218] Details of CEA costs before FY 2007-08 are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence does not cost. have responsibility for employment-related legislation. Elements of CEA are subject to a PAYE Settlement However, in common with partners across Government, Agreement with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs we have been consulted throughout on the proposals for (HMRC) for tax purposes. Therefore, in addition to the the Employment Law review. money paid to individuals, the MOD also makes payments to HMRC for tax and National Insurance (NI) for the Defence Equipment and Support: Location grossing up of the allowance. CEA payments to armed forces personnel Anas Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Financial Year (£ million) Defence (1) what plans he has to consult staff affected 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 by the proposal to relocate Defence Equipment and CEA 101.8 108.1 111.3 114.9 Support posts from Glasgow to Bristol; [69387] Tax and NI 60.3 64.7 65.6 1n/a (2) whether his Department plans to undertake Total 162.2 172.8 176.9 n/a consultation in accordance with the policy of 1 1 Tax and NI figures are not yet available for Financial Year 2010-11. October 2007 on employee relations in relation to the SA payments to MOD civilian staff proposed relocation of Defence Equipment and Financial Year £ million Support staff from Glasgow to Bristol; [69617]

2006-07 1.24 (3) whether his Department has any plans to meet 2007-08 1.08 representatives of the Public and Commercial Services 2008-09 0.97 Union to discuss proposals to relocate Defence and 2009-10 0.98 Equipment and Support posts from Glasgow to Bristol; [69618] 669W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 670W

(4) what assessment he has made of the value for Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for money of relocating Defence Equipment and Support Defence how much his Department spent on travel by posts from Glasgow to Bristol. [69619] ministerial car for each Minister in his Department in the last 12 months. [66923] Mr Robathan: A review is being undertaken to consider the possible transfer of some Defence Equipment and Dr Fox: A breakdown by individual Minister of the Support (DE&S) posts that are currently based in Kentigern cost of using an official car is not available. However, House, Glasgow, to the DE&S headquarters in Abbey the Ministerial Code, published on 21 May 2010, reduced Wood, Bristol. ministerial entitlement to a car and driver, and thus This work is at a very early stage, and no decisions costs, when compared to the last Government. have yet been made. Staff in Kentigern House and the To reduce costs, the junior Defence Ministers have trades unions have been advised that the review has given up their cars with a dedicated driver and now been initiated; the work is due to be completed in the share pool cars with senior military officers and officials autumn. working in Main Building. I am driven and protected Staff will continue to be involved in and informed of by the Metropolitan Police. the work as it progresses. This will include formal trades The Ministry of Defence incurred £171,041 on the union consultation as appropriate. use of official cars by all Defence Ministers in financial year 2010-11. Departmental Carbon Emissions Libya: Armed Conflict Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2011, Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Report, column 1139W, on departmental Defence what recent estimate his Department has made carbon emissions, whether the sources of low-carbon of the cost to date of the military operation by UK energy generation on its estate were manufactured in forces in Libya for the purposes of implementation of the UK. [67935] UN Security Council Resolution 1973. [69796]

Mr Robathan: Information on the country of Dr Fox: As I announced on 23 June 2011, Official manufacture of low-carbon energy technology is not Report, column 24WS, the current estimate of the net held. additional costs of military operations for six months, from mid-March, in support of Operation Ellamy—the Departmental Official Cars United Kingdom’s contribution to coalition operations in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 1973—is in the region of £120 million. This excludes Defence what criteria are used to determine eligibility costs associated with capital munitions expended. for the use of official cars in his Department. [66911] Based upon current consumption rates we estimate the cost of replenishing munitions may be up to £140 Mr Robathan: Eligibility for a staff car is currently million. The Treasury has agreed to meet these costs dependent upon the nature of the duties of an appointment, from the Reserve. and it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s top level budget holders to identify and justify Radar which appointments have such eligibility. For officers and civil servants holding equivalent military rank, Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for eligibility is generally linked to command status, but Defence what arrangements he is making for the certain officers holding key staff appointments may continuation of radar coverage following the closure of also be eligible. This policy applies across the MOD and RAF Leuchars. [69593] its agencies, including the trading funds, and their chief executives. Nick Harvey: There is a Watchman Air Traffic Control We are, however, reviewing departmental policy on (ATC) radar at RAF Leuchars. The drawdown of Leuchars, the provision of staff cars, taking account of the need as an operational RAF airbase, does not necessitate the to demonstrate value for money, provide maximum removal of the Watchman radar from that site. Detailed flexibility and meet our sustainable development decisions on the requirement to continue ATC radar commitments. services at RAF Leuchars, in light of the planned drawdown of the Typhoon force at the station, have yet The Ministerial Code, published on 21 May 2010, has to be taken. already led to changes in the circumstances in which Ministers would be entitled to a car and driver. In the Redundancy MOD, these cost-saving changes have meant that the junior Defence Ministers have given up their cars with a Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for dedicated driver and now share a central MOD car pool Defence what steps he has taken on employment with senior military officers and officials working in opportunities for people leaving his Department under Main Building. its redundancy programme. [66914] Staff cars are an extension of the office and give Ministers and our most senior military and civilian staff Mr Robathan: For armed forces personnel prior to a more private space to work in than public transport, discharge, individual employment needs are identified so they can make best use of the time they spend from a mandatory interview with a trained service travelling, with appropriate security. resettlement adviser, who is able to signpost to a number 671W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 672W of organisations and services, ranging from the ’Flexible who have conditions applied by the General Medical New Deal’ programme available at Jobcentre Plus through Council pending investigation because of concerns about to workshops and training delivered through the Career professional misconduct. Transition Partnership. For those who have left, lifetime job finding support is available through the Officers’ Disability Living Allowance Association or the Regular Forces Employment Association. In addition, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for been working closely with the Department for Work Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has had and Pensions. Armed forces champions have been appointed with disabled people on reform of the disability living that aim to ensure Jobcentre Plus staff are providing the allowance. [68831] correct advice and support, not only to families of our armed forces but also to former service personnel. Maria Miller: Throughout the development of the For those civil servants who are leaving on redundancy new personal independence payment, which will replace or early release, the MOD offers an outplacement support disability living allowance, we have had extensive discussions programme. Among other services, this provides support and consultation with disabled people, their families and guidance on finding and securing alternative and organisations representing them. employment. We have just completed our informal consultation on Furthermore, this support will be enhanced by giving the draft assessment criteria. Ministers and departmental those leaving access to the talent retention system, the officials have between them met with and sought views new national web-based job vacancy system which is from around 60 organisations of and for disabled people. being set up under the initiative announced by the In addition, we have received over 160 written responses Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. from disabled people and their organisations on how United Kingdom Hydrographic Office well the initial draft criteria worked and if they could be improved. We are looking closely at the contributions we have received and intend to publish another draft of Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the assessment criteria in the autumn. Defence how many staff at the (a) Met Office and (b) Hydrographic Office earned more than £100,000 on the We will continue to work closely with disabled people latest date for which figures are available. [66919] and their organisations as the detail of the assessment criteria and its operation is developed and tested. Mr Robathan: Details of the remuneration of the most senior employees of both Trading Funds are Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work disclosed in their Annual Reports and Accounts, copies and Pensions how many migrants from Eastern Europe of which are available in the Library of the House. in receipt of disability living allowance had (a) made national insurance contributions and (b) not previously made national insurance contributions in the latest period for which figures are available; and if WORK AND PENSIONS he will make a statement. [69441] Atos Healthcare: Doctors Maria Miller: Disability living allowance is a benefit for children and adults paid as a contribution towards Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for the extra costs of disability, depending on the extent of Work and Pensions what discussions his Department a persons care and/or mobility needs has had with the General Medical Council on the conduct of doctors employed by Atos Healthcare. Disability living allowance is a non-contributory benefit. [70143] As national insurance contributions are not required to claim disability living allowance, information regarding Chris Grayling: DWP has had no discussions with the a claimant’s record of national insurance contributions General Medical Council on the conduct of doctors is not gathered. employed by Atos Healthcare as this is the responsibility Although nationality data are collected on claim of the doctor’s employer. It would therefore be inappropriate forms, this is not collated as it is not required for the for the Department to have direct discussions with the administration of the benefit. GMC regarding individuals. Atos Healthcare: Manpower Incapacity Benefit

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with and Pensions what discussions he has had with Atos Healthcare on the investigation by the General Ministers in the Scottish Government on health Medical Council of staff it employs. [70295] interventions and programmes to reduce the number of claimants of incapacity benefit; and if he will make a Chris Grayling: The DWP Chief Medical Adviser statement. [69640] routinely discusses with Atos the suitability of continued employment of doctors who are under investigation by Chris Grayling: There have been no discussions with the General Medical Council when either party has ministerial colleagues in the Scottish Government on concerns about this. The DWP contract requires Atos this specific issue although our Departments work closely to discuss with the Chief Medical Adviser those doctors together on the Government’s plans for welfare reform. 673W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 674W

The Department for Work and Pensions has an effective Jobcentre Plus working relationship with officials in the devolved Administrations, including those in Scotland, and ensures Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work that there are many opportunities to discuss issues and and Pensions what plans he has to increase the use of concerns in detail. digital media and communication by Jobcentre Plus; All those moving to employment and support allowance and if he will make a statement. [69699] or jobseeker’s allowance as a result of the incapacity benefit reassessment will be able to access the Work Chris Grayling: The Department is fully committed programme at an early stage of their claim. Work to delivering more of its services online and has a target programme providers are free to innovate and design of delivering 80% of jobseekers allowance claims online. support that addresses the needs of individuals. They We are actively looking at how to extend and improve will be paid primarily for the results they achieve in these services. supporting people into sustained employment, and they Currently it is possible to search for jobs, check will be paid more to support people who are further potential entitlement for working age benefits, and to from the labour market. make a claim to jobseeker’s allowance online through In addition, Work Choice, launched last October, Directgov. provides tailored support to help disabled people who From 2012 working age benefit claimants will be able face the most complex barriers to employment find and to register, via the Government Gateway, for a secure stay in work (including self-employment) and ultimately customer account which they can access through Directgov. help them progress into unsupported employment, where This account will improve the online claim service for it is appropriate for the individual. Work Choice is jobseeker’s allowance and enable claimants of the main voluntary and available regardless of any benefits being working age benefits to track their claim and payments claimed. and to notify some changes online. Some of these services will be available later this year to a limited Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work number of jobseeker’s allowance claimants by invitation. and Pensions how many and what proportion of individuals In the future as we modernise our online vacancy who have been on incapacity benefit and recently reassessed posting service and jobsearch functionality we would in Scotland have been (a) placed in the support group, also expect that claimants and non-claimants would be (b) placed in the work-related activity group and (c) able to register online, search for vacancies and receive transferred to jobseeker’s allowance; and if he will notifications of suitable vacancies through the customer make a statement. [69641] account. Jobcentre Plus: Internet Chris Grayling: The Department’s Management Information indicates that since October 2010, around 7,300 incapacity benefits claimants in Scotland have Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work been through the work capability assessment part of the and Pensions whether Jobcentre Plus staff have access incapacity benefits reassessment process. This includes to social networking sites that are intended to assist those involved in the incapacity benefits reassessment with job searches; and if he will make a statement. trial, and those assessed face-to-face, cases assessed on [69700] paper scrutiny and therefore not requiring a face-to-face work capability assessment, and those that have had a Chris Grayling: The Department recognises that social recommendation based on their non-compliance with media is a valuable tool for engaging with jobseekers the assessment process. and partners. All staff have access to Linkedin and for business use, and the Department does However, information on the entire incapacity benefits actively use social networking to communicate with reassessment process including the final outcomes and customers, for example through the ‘Job Coach’ on subsequent destinations of claimants being reassessed Linkedin aimed at unemployed professionals. is not yet available at any geographical level. Data are being collected, but it will take time to complete because Access to some internet sites from departmental of the overall length of the reassessment process. The computers is restricted or blocked. This includes Facebook. Department will publish data on the outcomes of the However, access has been provided to staff in reassessment process, but only once it has been quality communications roles where their roles involve use of assured and is considered robust. social media. We are also considering wider use of social networking by Jobcentre Plus staff. While Jobcentre Plus staff do provide support for Independent Living Fund claimants looking for work, claimants are also required to use all appropriate jobsearch techniques and resources independently. Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will ensure that no reductions are Jobcentre Plus: Telephones made in Independent Living Fund payments. [70293] John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Miller: As set out in my written ministerial Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of any statement on 13 December 2010, Official Report, 85-86WS, profit made by his Department through use of 0845 the Government are committed to safeguarding the numbers to call Jobcentre Plus in respect of each position of the existing recipients of Independent Living number provider in the latest period for which figures Fund for the duration of this Parliament. are available. [69807] 675W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 676W

Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions A scheme’s s179 liabilities represent the premium that (DWP) does not receive any revenue through the use of would have to be paid to an insurance company to take 0845 telephone numbers. on the payment of PPF levels of compensation. This compensation may be lower than full scheme benefits. Jobseeker’s Allowance: Social Workers It should also be noted that estimates are volatile with equity markets and gilt yields being the main drivers of funding levels. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many care workers are claiming Membership of pension schemes from ONS’ jobseeker’s allowance. [70301] Occupational Pension Scheme Survey are given as follows. In 1995, there were 4.1 million active members of DB pension schemes in the public sector. In 2009 there were 5.4 million active Chris Grayling: Although the Department can provide members of such schemes. information on the number of jobseeker’s allowance In 1995, there were 5.2 million active members of DB pension claimants who are doing some part-time work for less schemes in the private sector. In 2009 there were 2.4 million active than 16 hours a week, the type of occupation they are members of such schemes. undertaking is not available. However extensive statistics on jobseeker’s allowance Social Security Benefits: Students claimants are published on the Nomis website at https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/Default.asp Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many higher education These include breakdowns of case loads and flows by students have suspended their studies due to illness or occupation (both usual and sought). Occupation is incapacity in each of the last five years; and in how categorised according to the 2000 Standard Occupational many such cases the allowance or benefit awarded on Classification, so, the number of JSA claimants whose the first application was (a) applied for and (b) usual occupation is in the group Caring Personal Service awarded (i) employment and support allowance and (ii) Occupations, in Great Britain, as at July 2011, is 72,450. disability living allowance in that period. [70581] The number seeking a job in Caring Personal Service Occupations in Great Britain at July 2011 is 73,205. Chris Grayling: Details of the number of higher education students who have suspended their studies is Pensions a matter for the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable). Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the The Department for Work and Pensions does not (a) number and (b) monetary value of final salary keep records of the number of applications or awards pension schemes in the UK in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2011. for benefit for higher education students who have [69601] suspended their studies due to illness or incapacity. Telephone Services Steve Webb: Comparable data for the numbers of pension schemes are only available since March 2006. The numbers of active members of defined benefit Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for (DB) pension schemes in 1995 and in 2009 are given at Work and Pensions pursuant to the oral answer to the the end of this response. hon. Member for Southport of 13 June 2011, Official Report, column 487, on 0845 telephone numbers, what Data earlier than 2006 are unavailable as aggregate the terms of reference are of his Department’s internal statistics on private sector pension schemes have only review of the use of 0845 numbers and the other options been routinely collated following the launch of the available; and if he will make a statement. [64095] statutory corporation—the Pension Protection Fund (PPF)—in April 2005. Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions Estimates are for DB schemes (or DB elements of (DWP) uses both 0800 and 0845 telephone numbers. hybrid schemes) in the UK, which are eligible for PPF 0845 numbers carry a cost to members of the public, protection. however a call-back is offered when they express a These DB schemes include final salary schemes and concern about the cost of the call. others whose accruals are based on a career average or A review of the use of these numbers has recently other average terms. According to the Occupational been carried out. Its terms of reference were to consider Pension Schemes Survey (OPSS), in 2009, 23% of private whether the Department could stop using 0845 numbers sector DB schemes were based on a career average. with the objective that all calls from members of the public to DWP be free. (a) (i) According to the Purple Book 2010, there were 7,751 such DB schemes in the UK in March 2006. A number of options were presented, and their feasibility (a) (ii) According to the PPF7800 Index, there were 6,533 such is currently being considered. While this consideration DB schemes in the UK in July 2011. is underway, DWP will continue to provide 0800 ‘free (b) (i) The aggregate balance of these schemes on a s179 basis call’ numbers for benefit claim lines and 0845 numbers in March 2006 was—£22.7 billion. This balance represented for other calls. assets of £769.5 billion, and s179 liabilities of £792.2 billion. The options presented were: (b) (ii) The aggregate balance of these schemes on a s179 basis Option (i): Replacing 0845 numbers with 0800 numbers. This in July 2011 was—£67.3 billion. This balance represented assets would provide free calls but at significant cost to DWP due to the of £1,001.4 billion, and s179 liabilities of £1,068.7 billion. additional charges associated with 0800 numbers. 677W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 678W

Option (ii): Migrate 0845 numbers now to the 03 range reflecting (2) what representations he has received on the Ofcom’s suggestion for chargeable calls to public services to be at provision of welfare waivers for people starting their a single national rate. own business using micro-credit; and if he will make a Option (iii): Retain existing 0845 numbers until Ofcom’s final statement. [69701] report on numbering in 2012. Chris Grayling: The Secretary of State had a meeting Unemployment: Young People on the 13 July with representatives of the Grameen Scotland Foundation at which a proposal to introduce Mr Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the ‘UK Enterprise from Welfare Transition Scheme’ to and Pensions what estimate he has made of the level of help people into self-employment was discussed. Part of youth unemployment in (a) England, (b) the West the proposal was to waive or disregard micro finance Midlands and (c) Coventry local authority area in each and the income generated during participation on the of the last 12 months. [70346] scheme across the current benefit system for the first two years of participation. Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. While the Government welcome initiatives to improve The information requested falls within the responsibility the take up of self-employment as a route out of benefit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority dependency, it has no plans to introduce specific disregards to reply. for this proposal. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated September 2011: However, we are clear that more needs to be done to As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I encourage and help unemployed people to see self have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking employment as a viable route off benefits and into what estimate has been made of the level of youth unemployment financial independence. We have therefore introduced in (a) England, (b) the West Midlands and (c) Coventry local the new enterprise allowance (NEA). The NEA provides authority area in each of the last 12 months. (070346) mentoring and financial support in the form of a weekly The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles unemployment allowance and small loan. statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. The NEA is just one element in our wide ranging However, estimates of unemployment of 16 to 24 years resident programme of welfare reform, a major part of which is in the Coventry local authority area are not available. As an universal credit and the introduction of the Work alternative in Table 1, we have provided the number of people programme, both of which will provide more flexible aged 16 to 24 years who have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance ways of supporting people into sustained work including (JSA) resident in England, the West Midlands and Coventry for self-employment. each of the last 12 months. National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and JSA count Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for are available on the Nomis website at Work and Pensions when he expects to publish an http://www.nomisweb.co.uk estimate of how many staff will be required for the administration of universal credit. [70492] Table 1: Number of persons aged 16-24 claiming jobseeker’s allowance resident in England, the West Midlands and Coventry West Chris Grayling: The Welfare Reform White Paper sets England Midlands Coventry out that the Department for Work and Pensions will be responsible for organising the delivery of universal credit. August 2010 340,095 46,900 2,860 Universal credit is expected to be introduced in October September 344,855 47,775 2,860 2010 2013. October 2010 337,500 46,455 2,805 It is still too early to say how many staff will be November 329,275 45,490 2,695 required to administer universal credit. We are continuing 2010 to work with colleagues in HM Revenue and Customs, December 2010 324,390 45,140 2,700 and local authorities, to test new ways of working and January 2011 340,415 47,480 2,835 consider how, in the longer term, we can build on the February 2011 358,765 49,050 2,935 best capabilities of current organisations to provide a March 2011 355,095 48,680 3,030 consistently excellent service to claimants and ensure April 2011 350,980 48,310 3,000 value for money. May 2011 341,710 47,190 2,905 Detailed plans will inform the introduction of universal June 2011 336,905 46,595 2,875 credit in 2013. July 2011 366,765 50,450 3,150 Note: Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Figures rounded to nearest five. Source: Work and Pensions whether new applications for Jobcentre Plus administrative sources out-of-work support will be treated as claims for universal credit from October 2013 and for in-work Universal Credit support from April 2014. [70493]

Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Chris Grayling: The timescales the right hon. Member and Pensions (1) what consideration he has given to the for East Ham refers to reflect the provisional timetable provision of welfare waivers for people starting their discussed in the White Paper, Universal credit, Welfare own businesses using micro-credit; and if he will make that works. These dates remain the Department’s planning a statement; [69639] assumptions. 679W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 680W

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Universal Credit: Poverty Work and Pensions when he will announce his plans for supporting the costs of child care in universal Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work credit. [70494] and Pensions what modelling his Department has undertaken into the effect on rates of (a) poverty and Chris Grayling: The Government have made a clear (b) child poverty of the universal credit following its commitment to provide support for child care costs as full introduction at each level of take-up; and if he will an additional element within universal credit. make a statement. [70398] During the Commons stage of the Welfare Reform Bill, we held productive discussions with MPs, peers Chris Grayling: The estimate of numbers lifted out of and stakeholder groups, and are considering the advice poverty as a result of universal credit are based on an and suggestions raised in those. We have promised to assessment of the impact of universal credit using DWP’s return to the House with more information when it is Policy Simulation Model. This model uses data from ready. the 2008-09 Family Resources Survey (FRS) and uprates We will provide information as soon as possible, as incomes and demographics to the relevant year using child care plays an important part in the work decisions projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility. of those who have responsibility for children and therefore The model is able to assess entitlement to universal we are determined to take the time to get this right. credit, because of the wide range of personal characteristics reported to the FRS by respondents. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Our best estimate of the impact of take up is included Work and Pensions whether local authorities will be in the modelling, it is assumed that those currently compensated for any penalty charges they incur from taking up some, but not all of their benefit entitlements the early termination of contracts for the administration will take up in full under universal credit; and of those of housing benefit when housing benefit is replaced by taking up none of their current entitlement, around half will do so under the new system. universal credit. [70495] The combined impact of entitlement changes and increased take up leads to approximately: Steve Webb: My officials continue to work with colleagues in local authorities to assess the impact of introducing (a) 950,000 individuals being lifted out of poverty universal credit. This work includes the implications for (b) 350,000 children being lifted out of poverty local authorities’ existing service contracts and deciding the appropriate action to take. Universal Credit: Telephones Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects to announce how Jim McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for many staff will transfer from local authorities to his Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Department on the merger of housing benefit into number of staff required to handle customer queries by universal credit. [70496] telephone from universal credit claimants once the new system is introduced. [70518] Chris Grayling: The Welfare Reform White Paper sets out that the Department for Work and Pensions will be Chris Grayling: The Welfare Reform White Paper sets responsible for organising the delivery of universal credit. out that the Department for Work and Pensions will be It also states that we will continue to pay housing responsible for organising the delivery of universal credit. benefit to working age customers until we can migrate Universal credit is expected to be introduced in October them successfully on to universal credit, currently expected 2013, and individuals will be migrated to universal to be by October 2017. We are working on the precise credit over the subsequent four years. details of how the transition will work, and the effects We are continuing to work with colleagues in HM on housing benefits staff. This approach will ensure an Revenue and Customs, and local authorities, to test new orderly transition and that we have people with relevant ways of working and consider how, in the longer term, skills and experience to support claimants both in work we can build on the best capabilities of current organisations and out of work, as they migrate to the new credit. to provide a consistently excellent service to claimants We will continue to work with colleagues in HM and ensure value for money. Revenue and Customs and local authorities to test new It is still too early to say how many staff will be ways of working and consider how, in the longer term, required to handle telephone customer queries during we can build on the best capabilities of current organisations the transition period and in the longer term. Detailed to provide a consistently excellent service to claimants plans will inform the introduction of universal credit in and ensure value for money. 2013. It is still too early to say how many staff and what skills and experience will be required for universal credit. Jim McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for The impact on local authority staff will be affected by Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the the design of the council tax benefit replacement, and number of staff of his Department and its agencies decisions about the delivery model for universal credit. who are engaged in telephone handling of customer We expect to make an announcement on the delivery queries in respect of each of the benefits to be replaced model for universal credit this autumn. by universal credit. [70522] 681W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 682W

Chris Grayling: In preparation for the launch of 2011, Official Report, column 856W, on work universal credit the DWP is reviewing its current telephone capability assessment: illnesses, whether there are handling processes. We are also continuing to work with circumstances in which those in receipt of incapacity colleagues in HM Revenue and Customs, and local benefit who have a terminal illness may be sent an authorities, to test new ways of working and consider ESA50 form to complete as part of the migration how, in the longer term, we can build on the best process to employment and support allowance. [70240] capabilities of current organisations to provide a consistently excellent service to claimants and ensure value for money. Chris Grayling: Individuals who are diagnosed with a It is still too early to say how many staff will be progressive disease, where death is a likely consequence required to handle telephone customer queries during of that disease and where this is reasonably expected the transition period and in the longer term. Detailed within six months, will be treated as having limited plans will inform the introduction of universal credit in capability for work and limited capability for work 2013. related activity. At any point in the incapacity benefits reassessment process, where there is sufficient evidence Work Capability Assessment: Atos Healthcare that an individual is terminally ill as defined, they will placed in the support group and no further related Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for information requested. However, cases are dealt with on Work and Pensions whether staff employed by Atos a case by case basis, dependant on available evidence, Healthcare who are under investigation by the General and so a guarantee cannot be provided that an ESA50 Medical Council may continue to carry out work will not be sent to the claimant in every case where capability assessments whilst being investigated. [70294] insufficient information is available. It should also be noted that existing incapacity benefits Chris Grayling: Where the allegations relate to (IB) claimants will have already been in receipt of professional misconduct, Atos will routinely stop the benefit for a period in excess of two years and as such, doctor from carrying out work capability assessments. unless their circumstances have changed during that For allegations of a less serious nature the decision is time, are unlikely to be subject to the provision covering made on a case by case basis. terminal illness within employment and support allowance. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment he has made of the suitability of Atos Healthcare to conduct HEALTH the work capability assessment programme. [70504] Abortion: Peterborough Maria Miller: The suitability of Atos Healthcare to conduct work capability assessments was assessed during Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State the contract extension process in 2010. The continued for Health how many women aged (a) 15 to 24 and (b) suitability of Atos Healthcare to perform the assessments 25 years and over normally resident in the is reviewed regularly and performance monitored at Peterborough Primary Care Trust area have undergone least monthly. (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three and (iv) four or more terminations of pregnancy since 2001; and if he will Work Capability Assessment: Illnesses make a statement. [68658]

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Anne Milton: The information is shown in the following Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 19 July table.

Number of previous abortions to women resident in Peterborough primary care trust (PCT)1 2002-10 Age under 25 Age 25 and over Total age Total age 25 and Total all 0123+under 25 0 1 2 3 4+ over ages

2002 238 — — — 294 189 82 — — — 299 593 2003 251 — — — 315 204 79 — — — 308 623 2004 268 — — — 319 243 58 — — — 325 644 2005 275 42 — — 332 240 75 — — — 337 669 2006 286 — — — 362 199 103 21 — — 333 695 2007 277 51 — — 341 231 108 — — — 370 711

2008 269 — — — 340 204 120 — — — 352 692

2009 301 — — — 373 219 83 — — — 322 695

2010 282 — — — 363 235 115 — — — 391 754

Total 2,447 517 59 16 3,039 1,964 823 200 32 18 3,037 6,076 2002-10

‘—’ Suppressed value less than 10 (between 0 and 9) in line with Office for National Statistics guidance on the release of abortion statistics, 2005. 1 Peterborough PCT is used for years 2006-10. Between 2002 and 2005 Peterborough was covered by North Peterborough and South Peterborough PCTs. Prior to 2002 there are no boundary data relating specifically to Peterborough. 683W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 684W

Air Ambulance Services due to use of Cannabinoids (ICD10 code F12) in England and the North West by age groups (a) under 18, (b) Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 18-23, (c) 24-29 and (d) 30 and above. HES analysis what recent assessment he has made of (a) the quality has established that no people were admitted to hospital of air ambulance service provision in England and (b) for mental and behavioural disorders attributable to the the value for money provided by such air ambulance use of cannabis or skunk cannabis in St Helen’s primary services. [69497] care trust therefore no data has been provided for this local area. Mr Simon Burns: Between 2001 and 2003, the All England Department commissioned the university of Sheffield Age group to conduct a survey of air ambulance service provision 18 to 24 to Age in the United Kingdom, and review the published evidence Under under under 30 and not on the costs and benefits. 18 24 30 above known Total It found that the main benefit of air ambulances is 2000-01 69 192 126 194 — 581 for serious blunt trauma patients, particularly those 2001-02 117 205 134 217 1 674 injured in road traffic accidents with severe injuries. If 2002-03 86 245 142 231 — 704 an air ambulance responded to four or more of these 2003-04 140 294 175 281 — 890 patients per year, it could be seen as cost effective in 2004-05 116 283 210 259 — 868 terms of quality adjusted life years. 2005-06 128 300 224 293 1 946 However, there was not enough reliable evidence, 2006-07 92 218 175 251 14 750 relevant to England, to judge whether there is any 2007-08 93 235 131 276 — 735 benefit in any other groups of patients, and the targeting 2008-09 71 197 163 219 1 651 of helicopters to serious blunt trauma patients was 2009-10 93 237 155 225 3 713 deemed to be poor. Therefore the large number of non-blunt trauma cases attended by air ambulances Q31 North West strategic health authority currently reduces cost effectiveness overall. Age group Cancer: Drugs Under 18 to 24 to 30 and 18 under 24 under 30 above Total Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2000-01 14 11 9 13 47 how many people have been prescribed cancer drugs 2001-02 13 25 15 18 71 since the introduction of the Cancer Drugs Fund who 2002-03 12 31 14 33 90 would not otherwise have received such drugs in each 2003-04 26 39 25 38 128 strategic health authority area since 5 May 2010. 2004-05 23 31 29 27 110 [68175] 2005-06 27 43 32 38 140 2006-07 13 32 21 35 101 Mr Simon Burns: The Cancer Drugs Fund was launched 2007-08 15 34 15 37 101 on 1 April 2011. Over three years, the fund is providing 2008-09 18 36 29 45 128 £200 million a year to help thousands of cancer patients 2009-10 23 56 31 42 152 access the drugs their clinicians believe will help them. Source: As an interim measure, an additional £50 million was Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for made available to strategic health authorities (SHAs) in health and social care. 2010-11 to support improved access to cancer drugs. Since October 2010, this funding has so far helped over 5,000 cancer patients in England to access the cancer Departmental Data Protection drugs their clinicians recommended. A final breakdown of SHA activity for 2010-11 is Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for being confirmed and a copy will be placed in the Health (1) on what occasions security breaches relating Library when this information is available. to official material stored on equipment owned by his Cannabis: Mental Illness Department’s officials have been identified in each of the last five years; [70506] Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) on what occasions security breaches of his Health how many people aged (a) under 18, (b) between Department’s IT system caused by (a) loss of mobile 18 and 24, (c) between 24 and 30 and (d) 30 and above devices provided by his Department, (b) loss of were admitted to hospital for mental illnesses attributable personal mobile devices owned by officials and used for to the use of cannabis or skunk cannabis in (i) England, Departmental business, (c) loss of laptops provided by (ii) the North West and (iii) St Helens in each of the last his Department, (d) loss of personal laptops owned by 10 years. [69009] officials and used for Departmental business and (e) malicious attacks on his Department’s IT systems have Mr Simon Burns: Data on the numbers of people been identified in each of the last five years; [70508] admitted to hospital with mental and behavioural disorders (3) what security guidance he has issued to officials of due to the use of cannabis is available from Hospital his Department on the use of (a) mobile devices, (b) Episode Statistics (HES). The following tables provide laptops and (c) e-mail accounts, (d) other IT equipment information on the Finished Admission Episodes with which are not supported by his Department’s IT systems; a Primary Diagnosis of Mental and Behavioural Disorders [70509] 685W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 686W

(4) what security guidance he has issued to officials Disability: Children of his Department on the use of (a) mobile devices and (b) laptops which have been provided for official David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for use by his Department. [70510] Health what consideration he has given to improving respite care for parents of disabled children. [67616] Mr Simon Burns: In the last five years no instances have been identified of security breaches relating to official material stored on equipment owned by Sarah Teather: I have been asked to reply. departmental officials, or of security breaches caused This Government have committed more than £800 by: million to support local authorities to deliver short (a) loss of mobile devices provided by the Department, breaks services over the current spending review period. (b) loss of personal mobile devices owned by officials and used From April of this year all local authorities were for departmental business, required to deliver a range of short breaks services and (c) loss of laptops provided by the Department, to publish a statement to parents about the full service (d) loss of personal laptops owned by officials and used for range and how services can be accessed. It is our intention departmental business, that greater transparency about availability of services (e) malicious attacks on the Department’s IT systems. will drive improvements. The Department’s Acceptable Use of ICT Policy Local authorities will continue to receive practical states what staff are permitted and not permitted to do support to deliver short breaks services through a when using officially provided IT equipment, and is the Department for Education grant with an external foundation of security guidance to staff. The policy organisation. The Department is in the process of recruiting includes guidance on the use of email, including advice a partner organisation to take on that role. that staff should not use home or web-based personal The Department for Education will continue to fund email accounts for official business, and restrictions on parent carer forums for the parents and carers of disabled sending sensitive or protectively marked messages to children, which have access to support and training external email addresses. Complementary guidance (based which enables them to better work with local authorities on the website Get Safe online) includes information on to design services that meet their needs. how to protect home computers, personal mobile telephones and other devices. The Department has also issued specific guidance around the risks of mobile phone Doctors: Communication Skills hacking. Further security guidance is available on home working, John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health use of departmental mobile devices, looking after portable whether practising doctors are required to undertake equipment, and home computer protection. in-career training in communication skills. [68161] Departmental Procurement Anne Milton: It is the responsibility of individual doctors and their employers to consider their continuing : To ask the Secretary of State for Health professional development needs. what methodology (a) his Department and (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which he is In 2004 the General Medical Council (GMC) published responsible used to estimate savings to the public purse its guidance “Continuing Professional Development” made in respect of its procurement and purchasing which aimed to make explicit for the first time the ways since May 2010. [69271] in which doctors might identify their learning needs and fulfil their professional obligation to keep up to date. Mr Simon Burns: For value for money savings realised The GMC’s “Education Strategy 2011-13” includes a through procurement activity recorded in 2009-10 and commitment to review its role in relation to doctors’ 2010-11, the Department has used a methodology based continuing professional development (CPD). The review on guidance issued to Departments by the Office of is being taken forward by a small working group which Government Commerce (OGC). Using this, the brings together the GMC and key interest groups, including Department has, since April 2009, tracked and reported the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, employers, savings, ensuring that firm evidence is in place to show postgraduate deaneries and others. One of the outcomes when contracts are let at a lower cost than the baseline. of this review will be a revised edition of their CPD In addition, the Department has also realised savings guidance. as a result of procuring its non-pay spend through Continuing professional development is one of the framework arrangements and contracts set up by the proposed elements for the revalidation of doctors, which Buying Solutions organisation (now the Government is currently being developed. Procurement Service) and the Central Office of Information (for marketing, advertising and communications spend). These organisations use their own methodologies to Eyesight: Testing report the savings realised for each Department. Details of those savings methodologies can be obtained from Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Government Procurement Service and the Central Health what his policy is on the provision of free eye Office of Information direct. tests for people with certain conditions; what plans he The Department does not currently collect information has for the future (a) qualifying criteria and (b) on the methodology used to estimate procurement savings provision of free eye tests; and if he will make a through its non-departmental public bodies. statement. [69742] 687W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 688W

Mr Simon Burns: Free national health service sight the Department will allocate a ring-fenced public health tests are available to people diagnosed with diabetes or grant to local authorities, based on relative population glaucoma. health. Free NHS sight tests are also available to priority Hepatitis groups including children, people aged 60 and over, people on low incomes and defined categories of people at particular risk of developing eye disease. Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the diagnosis and There are currently no plans to change eligibility to treatment rates of hepatitis C among south Asian free NHS sight tests. communities. [70029]

General Practitioners Anne Milton: We expect local national health service organisations to take appropriate steps to improve the Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health detection, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C among what information his Department holds on the number South Asian communities. of GP surgeries which have discontinued evening The Department is grant-funding the Hepatitis C surgeries in (a) England and (b) Manchester in the Trust to increase hepatitis C testing in partnership with last 12 months. [69805] local NHS organisations through community pharmacies and an outreach mobile information and testing service, Mr Simon Burns: This information is not held centrally. including for South Asian communities. NHS Choices hosts a dedicated website for South Asian communities Government Procurement Card at: www.nhs.uk/hepatitisC/southasian Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for including essential information and advice about hepatitis C. Health how many Government Procurement Cards The Department has funded the Royal College of were used by staff of his Department between (a) May General Practitioners to produce an educational resource 2006 and June 2007 and (b) June 2009 and May 2010; for GPs and other health care professionals on hepatitis and what the (i) name of the supplier, (ii) date and (iii) C (and hepatitis B), involving online and face-to-face value was of each transaction during this period. learning. The resource is intended to assist in increasing [68354] the detection, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in groups at risk of infection, including South Asian Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the reply communities. given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hereford and The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence South Herefordshire (Jesse Norman) on 13 June 2011, is developing public health guidance for health care Official Report, column 634W. professionals and the NHS on promoting and offering hepatitis C (and hepatitis B) testing to those at risk. Health Services: Standards Hip Replacements Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the long-term Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for effects of a reduction to 10 per cent. of the weighting Health what the average waiting time for a hip replacement for health inequalities in the primary care trust operation was in (a) St Helens, (b) Merseyside and (c) allocation formulae. [70282] England in each of the last 15 years. [68907]

Mr Simon Burns: The Disability Free Life Expectancy Mr Simon Burns: The median time waited, in days, (DFLE) adjustment (referred to by the previous for hip replacement operations, is shown in the following Administration as the health inequalities adjustment) tables. was introduced in 2009-10 to address the 1reduction in Median time waited, in days, for hip replacement operations avoidable health inequalities’ objective of the weighted Halton and capitation formula for primary care trust (PCT) allocations. St Helens Primary Care The DFLE adjustment is based on a measure of Trust Merseyside England health status which targets money at the areas where it will be most effective. 2009-10 74 67 77 For the 2011-12 PCT allocations, Ministers felt that a 2008-09 52 65 75 weight of 10% of the overall formula strikes the right 2007-08 93 92 107 balance between ensuring that vital work on health 2006-07 148 139 148 inequalities, including public health, continues and that funding to support access to health care is sufficient. St Helens PCT and Halton This Government are committed to reducing health PCT Merseyside England inequalities. Subject to the passing of the Health and Social Care Bill, once fully established, the NHS 2005-06 174 151 158 Commissioning Board would take over responsibility 2004-05 222 193 182 for the allocation of resources from the Department 2003-04 243 199 217 and will have a duty to have regard to reducing inequalities 2002-03 260 206 229 in access to, and the outcomes of health care. In addition, 2001-02 264 218 220 689W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 690W

Paul Burstow: The Department has no intention to St Helens PCT and Halton review the provision of in-patient secure accommodation PCT Merseyside England following the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill. The provision of in-patient accommodation 2000-01 257 254 212 is a matter for the national health service. 1999- 241 212 198 2000 Since the only proposed legislative change applies to 1998-99 236 245 198 Mental Health Treatment Requirements, which are unlikely 1997-98 231 236 181 to impact on secure mental health services, these impacts 1996-97 213 206 162 are unlikely to distort greatly the current interchange between the Criminal Justice System and Mental Health 1995-96 1— 1— 157 services. Planning for this interface will be a matter for 1 PCT data not available prior to 1996-97. Notes: NHS commissioners, based on local planning assumptions 1. From 2006-07 to present, Merseyside data comprises Halton and St and Joint Strategic Needs Assessments. Helens PCT, Knowsley PCT, Liverpool PCT, Sefton PCT and Wirral PCT. Mental Illness: Drugs 2. Prior to 2006-07, Merseyside data comprised St Helens PCT, Halton PCT, Knowsley PCT, South Liverpool PCT, Central Liverpool PCT, North Liverpool PCT, Southport and Formby PCT, South Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Sefton PCT, Birkenhead and Wallasey PCT and Bebington and West Health what research his Department (a) has Wirral PCT. 3. In 2006-07 the following mergers occurred: St Helens PCT and commissioned and (b) plans to commission on the Halton PCT formed Halton and St Helens PCT; South Liverpool social, economic and health costs of brain damage as a PCT, Central Liverpool PCT and North Liverpool PCT formed result of excessive and long-term use of legally Liverpool PCT; Southport and Formby PCT and South Sefton PCT prescribed benzodiazepines. [70291] formed Sefton PCT; and Birkenhead and Wallasey PCT and Bebington and West Wirral PCT formed Wirral PCT. 4. PCT level data is not available prior to 1996-97 therefore data for Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not 1995-96 is provided at national level only. commissioned, and has no plans to commission research Source: specifically on the social, economic and health costs of Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for brain damage as a result of excessive and long-term use health and social care. of legally prescribed benzodiazepines. Lung Diseases: Cardiovascular System The Department’s National Institute for Health Research welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including use of benzodiazepines. Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for These applications are subject to peer review and judged Health if he will estimate the number of deaths attributable in open competition, with awards being made on the to (a) long-term exposure to fine particulate matter basis of the scientific quality of the proposals made. (PM2.5) and (b) all cardiovascular causes in each local authority. [69631] NHS: Data Protection Anne Milton: The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) estimated, on the basis of Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2008 data, that particulate air pollution (measured as what security guidance (a) he and (b) NHS Connecting for Health have issued to NHS personnel on the use of PM2.5) had an effect on the mortality of the United Kingdom population equivalent to 29,000 deaths in (i) mobile devices, (ii) laptops, (iii) e-mail accounts and 2008. However, the Committee considered it very unlikely (iv) other IT equipment provided by NHS organisations that this represents the total number of individuals for official use that relate to (A) non-patient-identifiable affected. Instead it speculated that, given that much of and (B) patient-identifiable information. [70507] the effect of air pollution on mortality is linked to cardiovascular deaths, then PM2.5s acting together with Mr Simon Burns: The Department of Health, which other factors, may have made some smaller contribution incorporates NHS Connecting for Health, has provided to the earlier deaths of up to 200,000 people. a wide range of information security guidance in the A subgroup of COMEAP is currently considering form of a code of practice supported by an online whether estimates can be made for smaller areas of the library of good practice guidelines and an information UK. governance toolkit. The guidance reflects the Cabinet Office data handling review in 2008. A number of We do not hold information on the estimated number letters have also been issued by the NHS chief executive, of deaths attributable to all cardiovascular causes in which make clear that patient-identifiable and other each local authority. The Office for National Statistics personal data must only be held on encrypted mobile holds data on mortality rates for cardiovascular diseases. devices and laptops and such information should not be e-mailed in an unencrypted form. Guidance on other Mental Health Services types of information follows best risk management practice, which recommends that the protection provided Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Health reflect the sensitivity of the information held. whether he intends to review the provision of in-patient NHS: Microsoft secure accommodation for mentally-ill patients following implementation of the proposals in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health [68837] how much the NHS paid to Microsoft in annual licence 691W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 692W fees (a) in total and (b) via subcontractors in each of Clinical Excellence is able to request a formal opinion the last five years for which figures are available. from the Advisory Group for National Specialised [69630] Services when taking decisions on ultra-orphan treatments. [68816] Mr Simon Burns: The following table details the amount paid by the Department on behalf of the Mr Simon Burns: It is a matter for the National national health service to Microsoft for desktop licences Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to for the fiscal years 2007-08 to 2010-11. consider whether to consult the Advisory Group for Microsoft national agreements expenditure: 2007-11 National Specialised Services (AGNSS) during an appraisal £ for a high cost, low volume drug. However, the NICE topic selection team and the secretariat of AGNSS 2007-08 76,399,906.00 work very closely in considering the most appropriate 2008-09 80,385,292.00 route for looking at high cost, low volume drugs for the 2009-10 91,384,336.00 treatment of patients with very rare conditions. 2010-11 116,317,127.50 Total 364,486,661.50 Pharmacy Notes: 1. The figures are the total of sums paid to Microsoft by the Department on Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State behalf of the NHS via appointed resellers (Trustmarque, Computacenter and Bytes) under central agreements held by NHS Connecting for Health on behalf for Health whether he proposes any changes to the (a) of the NHS. commissioning and (b) monitoring of community 2. The figures exclude any additional local purchases of Microsoft products, for pharmacy services. [69431] example Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Project and Microsoft server licences which may have been made by individual trusts via separate local agreements to which NHS Connecting for Health is not party. Mr Simon Burns: Subject to its successful passage through Parliament as part of the Health and Social Nottingham City Primary Care Trust: Finance Care Bill 2011, it is proposed that, in England, functions that currently lie with primary care trusts (PCTs) in Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health relation to the commissioning and monitoring of if he will assess the financial effects of his recent pharmaceutical services will pass to the NHS changes to the NHS funding formula on Nottingham Commissioning Board when PCTs are abolished. City Primary Care Trust. [69587] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Simon Burns: In December 2010, Nottingham for Health what steps he is taking to ensure the City Primary Care Trust (PCT) received total revenue adequacy of supply of medicines for community allocations of £550.3 million for 2011-12. This represents pharmacies. [69491] a total cash increase of £21.6 million, or 4.1% which is 1.1% above the England, average. The allocation includes Mr Simon Burns: The Department, Medicines and a recurrent revenue allocation of £522.4 million and a Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and non-recurrent allocation of £27.9 million for general pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders are working ophthalmic services, primary dental services, pharmaceutical collaboratively, within the Medicines Supply Chain Group, services and support for joint working between health to better understand and mitigate the impact of supply and social care. difficulties so that patients receive the medicines they At the close of 2010-11, under the previous formula, need in a timely manner. “Best Practice for Ensuring Nottingham City PCT was 6.2% below target for the the Efficient Supply and Distribution of Medicines to recurrent component of its allocation. At the opening Patients”, was published in February jointly by the of 2011-12, under the changes to the funding formula, Group. A copy has been placed in the Library. the PCT was 5.7% below target. Slaughterhouses: Closures Nottingham City PCT received higher than average funding growth in 2011-12 to move it towards target. At Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the close of 2011-12 the PCT will be 4.7% below target Health how many small to medium-sized slaughter for recurrent funding. houses in England closed in each of the last five years. [70315] Orphan Drugs Anne Milton: The numbers of red and poultry meat Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for slaughterhouses that have closed in the last five years is Health whether the National Institute for Health and as follows:

Size1 Type 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Total

Medium Red meat slaughterhouses 231107

Poultry meat slaughterhouse 4331213

Total 6642220

Small Red meat slaughterhouses 1243212

Poultry meat slaughterhouse 8734123 693W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 694W

Size1 Type 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Total

Total 9977335 1 Size is based on the following classification: Small—throughput of up to 5,000 livestock units a year Medium—throughput of between 5,000 and 50,000 livestock units a year Large—throughput of between 50,000 and 125,000 livestock units a year Very large—throughput over 125,000 units a year

Smoking: Public Places of smokefree legislation in England: Guidance for council regulatory officers and Implementation of smokefree Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health legislation in England: Associated issues’. Copies of whether he has provided advice to local authorities both publications have already been place in the Library. who wish to extend the smoking ban to parks and The application and operation of smokefree legislation other public places. [69709] in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Government. A group convened by the Welsh Local Government Association Anne Milton: No such advice has been provided by has published guidance titled Enforcement Guidance the Department. and Protocols for Smoke-Free Public Places: Guidance for officers in the enforcement of provision of the Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health Act 2006 and Smoke-Free Premises etc. A copy what steps he plans to take to ensure consistency in the has been placed in the Library. (a) application, (b) scope and (c) operation of the Specialised Service Transitional Oversight Group smoking ban in England and Wales. [69712]

Anne Milton: The scope of smokefree legislation for Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health England and Wales is set out within part 1, chapter 1 of who instructed that the Specialised Service Transitional the Health Act 2006. Oversight Group be established; on what date the decision to establish the group was taken; when the group was ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy People: A Tobacco Control formed; what the (a) name and (b) occupation is of Plan for England’ was published in March 2011, and set each member of the group; and what advice the group out that the Government believe that the aims of smokefree has given to NHS commissioning bodies on the legislation continue to be effectively achieved and that commissioning of stereotactic body radiotherapy treatment. levels of compliance and public support for the law are [69131] high. To support the application and operation of smokefree Mr Simon Burns: The Specialised Service Transitional legislation by local authorities in England, Local Oversight Group was set up in shadow form prior to Government Regulation, the Chartered Institute of formal approval for establishment from the Commissioning Environmental Health and the Trading Standards Institute Development Board in April 2011. It’s membership and have jointly published guidance titled ‘Implementation their occupation are:

Member Occupation

Sir Neil McKay Chair of the Transitional Oversight Group Kate Caston Transitional Programme Lead-Specialised Services, NHS Commissioning Board Implementation Team Department of Health Gerard Hetherington Director Clinical Programmes Department of Health Anne McDonald Deputy Director Forensic Mental Health and Disability Department of Health Rachel Atkinson Deputy Director, Reducing Re-offending, Ministry of Justice John Bewick Director of Commissioning Development, NHS South West Ailsa Claire OBE Director of Commissioning Development, NHS Yorkshire and the Humber Paul Watson Chief Executive, NHS Suffolk Teresa Moss Director of the National Specialised Commissioning Team Kathy McLean Medical Director, NHS East Midlands David Black Director of Public Health Derbyshire NHS Derbyshire County Sally Brearley NHS Future Forum, Patient and Public Engagement Worker Specialist Services Group London Ian Poree Director of Commissioning and Commercial National Offender Management Service Denise White Programme Support Officer Department of Health Sharon Beamish Director, East Midlands Specialised Commissioning Group Catherine O’Connell Director East of England Specialised Commissioning Group Karen Helliwell Director, West Midlands Specialised Commissioning Group

To date the Transitional Oversight Group has given Warwickshire Primary Care Trust no formal advice to NHS commissioning bodies on individual treatments and interventions of stereotactic Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for Health body radiotherapy treatment. how many managers there were in Warwickshire Primary Care Trust in each year since 2007. [69528] 695W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 696W

Mr Simon Burns: Information from national health service hospital and community health services on senior managers and managers in the Warwickshire primary care trust at 30 September each year is shown in the following table:

Headcount 2007 2008 2009 2010

Warwickshire primary care trust 83 106 118 140

Senior Manager 34 16 22 31 Central functions 30 16 20 27 Hotel, property and estates 1 — — 1 Clinical support 3 — 2 3

Manager 49 90 96 109 Central functions 39 74 76 88 Hotel, property and estates 2457 Clinical support 8 12 15 14 Note: It should be noted that headcount totals are unlikely to equal the sum of components. Source: NHS Information Centre for health and social care non-medical workforce census

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many miles of rail Afghanistan: Reconstruction track his Department has funded in Afghanistan in each year since the start of UK military operations. Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what major projects his [69904] Department has funded in Afghanistan which involve (a) government and civil society and (b) economic Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International infrastructure and budget support since the start of Development has not funded any rail track construction UK military operations; and who the recipients were of in Afghanistan since the start of UK military operations. such funding. [69902] Africa: Agriculture Mr Andrew Mitchell: All projects funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) in Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Afghanistan can be found using the Project Information Development what discussions his Department has had Database which can be accessed via: on future levels of financial support for the Forum for http://projects.dfid.gov.uk/ Agricultural Research in Africa. [68094] and selecting ‘Afghanistan’ as the location. You are then able to filter the search further by using the ‘Sector Mr Duncan: The Department for International Groups’ function. The database does not include Development (DFID) has no plans to fund the Forum information on projects which ended before the website for Agriculture Research in Africa (FARA) at the present went live in August 2009. Obtaining complete programme time. information outside this period would incur In December 2010, DFID considered FARA’s request disproportionate cost. for new funding against the coalition Government’s DFID does not provide budget support to Afghanistan. emphasis on demonstrating value for money and delivering results. Our decision, which was relayed to FARA in Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for December 2010, was that we would focus our support International Development how much his Department to African research on the two African Sub Regional has spent on rail track construction in Afghanistan in Organisations of the West and Central African Council each year since the start of UK military operations. for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/ [69903] WECARD) and the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa Mr Andrew Mitchell: To date the Department for (ASARECA), who are more closely aligned to these International Development has not funded any rail priorities. track construction in Afghanistan since the start of UK military operations. Africa: Droughts However, the UK Government have recently contributed £35 million to the new Afghanistan Infrastructure Trust Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Fund (AITF) which is managed by the Asian Development International Development what support his Department Bank. Future AITF programming is likely to include is providing to countries that are experiencing an influx investment in rail, in line with the Afghan Government’s of refugees arising from the drought in the Horn of National Priority Programmes on infrastructure. Africa. [68471] 697W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 698W

Mr Andrew Mitchell: In response to the drought and Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for population displacement in the Horn of Africa the UK International Development on what date the has directly allocated £124.29 million to humanitarian Commonwealth Development Corporation first appointed agencies working in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. Of a person designated as the relevant person under Part 3 this amount £10 million has been earmarked specifically of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. [69634] for Somali refugees in Ethiopia and Kenya who now number more than 500,000. Mr Duncan: As CDC is itself a “relevant person” The UK’s overall package of support will benefit under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, CDC more than 2 million people in the Horn of Africa has not appointed anyone else for that purpose. CDC including hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees. In had a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) Ethiopia this includes over 1.6 million people, including prior to the Money Laundering Regulations 2003 coming Somali refugees, who will receive food and nutrition into force and appointed a “nominated officer” (the assistance for three months. In Kenya this includes over term used for a MLRO in the regulations) on 8 April 130,000 Somali refugees now in Dadaab refugee camp 2004 as required by both the 2003 and 2007 Money who will benefit from clean water and health care Laundering Regulations. services. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Burma: Refugees International Development in which months in (a) 2008, (b) 2009 and (c) 2010 the Commonwealth Development Corporation made no reports of suspicious Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for activity. [69635] International Development how much funding his Department has provided to the United Nations Refugee Agency to assist refugees from Burma who are Mr Duncan: As a matter of general practice CDC in Malaysia. [68686] does not disclose any information relating to suspicious activity reports (SAR) as it believes that were it to do so, Mr Duncan: The Department for International it could be at risk of committing the offence of “tipping Development (DFID) has provided no funding to the off” under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) specifically to assist refugees from Burma who are in Malaysia. From 2007 to 2011 DFID provided Departmental Consultants UNHCR with £96 million in core funding to enable it to respond to emergency situations wherever they arise. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many senior civil servants Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for in his Department at each grade had worked for International Development what funding his Department PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte or has provided for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh in KPMG immediately prior to taking up their appointment each of the last three years; and what projects such in each of the last four years; what consultancy agreements funding was spent on. [68687] his Department had with those firms in each such year; and how many consultants from those firms have advised Mr Duncan: The Department for International his Department in each such year. [68951] Development does not directly fund projects focused on Rohingya refugees but provides core contributions to Mr Duncan: The Department for International the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Department Development (DFID) has no senior civil servants who (ECHO) and United Nations agencies, who are active have worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst and in Bangladesh in this area. The United Nations High Young, Deloitte or KPMG immediately prior to taking Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) manages the up their appointment in any of the last four years. official camps. The World Health Organisation, the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the United A list of supplier contracts issued to these organisations Nations Population Fund have also been working with in the past four years has been placed in the Library of Rohingyas within the camps and in the surrounding the House. communities over the past three years. DFID do not retain a central record of individual consultants who provide advice as part of a contract Commonwealth Development Corporation with a supplier organisation. To collate this information would incur disproportionate cost. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what date the Departmental Correspondence Commonwealth Development Corporation first appointed a person designated as the appointed representative under Regulation 6 of the Money Laundering Regulations Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003. [69633] International Development how many letters his Department received from hon. Members in June 2011. Mr Duncan: CDC has not appointed any person as [68754] an “appointed representative” under Regulation 6 of the Money Laundering Regulations 2003 because appointed Mr Duncan: The Department for International representatives are not applicable to the business that Development (DFID) received around 550 letters from CDC carries out. hon. Members in June 2011. 699W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 700W

Departmental Procurement Departmental Work Experience

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what methodology (a) his International Development how many (a) persons Department and (b) the non-departmental public bodies undertaking unpaid work experience, (b) unpaid for which he is responsible used to estimate savings to interns and (c) other persons in unpaid positions were the public purse made in respect of its procurement and working in his Department as of 1 July 2011. [69507] purchasing since May 2010. [69269] Mr Andrew Mitchell: The only internship programme Mr Duncan: The Department for International currently being supported within the Department for Development (DFID) uses its Procurement Efficiency International Development (DFID) is the Cabinet Office Savings Benefits Policy as the methodology for recording programme designed to provide work experience to procurement savings. This is based on the Benefits ethnic minority and under represented students aged Methodology Guide published by the Office of Government between 16 and 18 years old; DFID accommodated Commerce (OGC) Markets and Collaborative Procurement three students as part of this programme over a two (MCP) Programme. DFID adopted this methodology week period in July 2011. in October 2010; prior to that date no formal methodology DFID has developed a ’Business and Innovation was used. Fellows Programme’ designed to supplement the private sector skills and experience of DFID staff. This will involve short term and unpaid input from experienced Departmental Research private sector specialists. The first secondee, who is a knowledge and information specialist, started in DFID : To ask the Secretary of State for on 22 August 2011. International Development what his Department’s DFID departments also independently provide unpaid strategic research priorities are. [69258] work experience for school aged students but these are not managed centrally nor formally recorded. Mr Andrew Mitchell: The research strategy for the Department for International Development has three Developing Countries: Agriculture broad aims; the first is to support the development of new technologies which would have an impact on poverty or the effects of poverty, such as new vaccines, drugs or Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International drought-tolerant crops; the second is to find better and Development what discussions his Department has had more cost-effective ways of delivering aid and development with its research partners on ensuring that agricultural assistance to those who need it; the third is to increase research funded by his Department reaches smallholder understanding of key development questions to support farmers who would benefit the most from its findings in best policy choices. a timely, accessible and intelligible form. [68026]

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Mitchell: Ensuring that the end products International Development how much his Department of research are what small-holder farmers need is the has spent on academic research since May 2010. best way of translating research into impact. This is [69259] why the UK is now leading efforts to increase the accountability of international, regional and national research organisations to small-holder farmers and other Mr Duncan: The amount spent on centrally funded users of research. research by the Department for International Development in the period 1 May 2010 to 31 July 2011 is. £225,961,207. We recognise that products and technology have to reach famers. The UK has invested heavily in getting research into widespread use through better; Departmental Visits Abroad communications. For example Research into Use Programme (RIU) commissions Kenya based ShujaazFM to cover relevant agricultural messages in free comic Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for books. The comic is focused on the needs of young International Development what information his people in both urban and rural areas and engages them Department publishes on foreign visits to be undertaken through popular culture and combining accessible youth- by Ministers of his Department; how much prior focused media: the comic, daily syndicated FM radio notification is provided to external bodies of such visits; and TV programmes and interactive SMS. Additional and how such information is publicised. [68559] DFID investment in June 2010 raised circulation to 600,000 copies per month, with an anticipated readership Mr Andrew Mitchell: For security reasons, the of 12 million. ShujaazFM won the 2011 Special Award Department for International Development (DFID) at the One World Media Awards. does not publish information on foreign visits in advance. For the same reasons, only external bodies directly Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for involved in a particular overseas visit would receive International Development how much his Department prior notification of DFID Ministers’ travel proposals. has spent on extension services in developing countries DFID submits quarterly returns to the Cabinet Office to ensure that agricultural research funded by his providing details of all ministerial visits that have taken Department reaches the end user in each of the last five place in that quarter. years. [68028] 701W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 702W

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International action when agricultural markets become more volatile—are Development (DFID) does not collect specific data on intended to reduce the negative impacts of price volatility expenditure on agricultural extension services. However on the poor. several country programmes have programmes that are seeking to improve agricultural production and the Horn of Africa: Sexual Offences outcomes for smallholder farmers, and as part of these programmes may be contributing to building the capacity Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for of extension services. International Development what reports he has received We also fund a number of specific agricultural research of sexual assault of female refugees in the Horn of initiatives which will provide stronger evidence of how Africa; what steps are being taken to safeguard such to get research into widespread use more quickly through refugees; and what further steps are being considered. effective partnerships with the national extension agencies [68594] and also with the private sector, NGOs and farmers organisations. This information is shared with others Mr Andrew Mitchell: In Kenya last month, the involved in agricultural development, including small-scale International Rescue Committee (IRC) released the report farmers themselves. of a rapid assessment of Gender Based Violence in Dadaab refuge camp. The report made several Developing Countries: Domestic Service recommendations including improving the access to quality health services, provision of age appropriate Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for emotional support, establishment of female only safe International Development what assessment his areas for the reporting of protection concerns, and that Department has made of the potential effects on domestic all sectors of camp life must take prevention and risk workers in developing countries of the International mitigation actions to minimise potential risks and violence Labour Organisation’s Convention on Domestic Workers. to women and girls. [68688] By contrast in Ethiopia there are limited data or confirmed reports of sexual assault of female refugees. Mr Duncan: We have not made a specific assessment However, recent assessments by aid agencies in the of the potential impact on domestic workers in development Dolo Ado refugee camps now hosting over 118,000 countries of the International Labour Organisation’s Somali refugees (of whom 53.5% are female) have (ILO’s) Convention on Domestic Workers. The Government highlighted a number of risk factors that make female recognise the importance of protecting vulnerable workers refugees vulnerable to sexual and gender based violence. worldwide, and continues to support developing countries The United Nations High Commission for Refugees in implementing national labour laws, ensuring decent (UNHCR) and other aid agencies are working with work for all workers including domestic workers. In community members to improve the level of services, addition we plan to look at the impact of the ILO expertise of staff and awareness in the refugee camps to Convention through the Asia Regional Anti-Trafficking address these risks. We are working to ensure that this Programme which will include a focus on migrant workers happens. from India, Nepal and Bangladesh. India: Overseas Aid Developing Countries: Food Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to International Development what assessment he has made ensure the targeting of development aid at people of the potential contribution of local, national and living in unstable and fragile circumstances as a result regional (a) emergency and (b) strategic food reserves of the conflict in north east India. [68685] to alleviating the effects of food price volatility in developing countries. [68582] Mr Duncan: We have agreed with the Government of India to focus our development co-operation on a number Mr Duncan: At the meeting of Agriculture Ministers of large states which contain a substantial proportion in June, G20 members agreed to ask the World Food of the people living on less than $1.25 per day. We are Programme (WFP) to develop a pilot proposal for an therefore not targeting our development aid at those emergency food reserves system, to complement existing affected by conflict in north east India. We are however regional and national food reserves. Department for supporting some national programmes of the Indian International Development (DFID) staff are currently Government, such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Universal participating in the working group set up to support Elementary Education Programme) which benefit the WFP in preparing a feasibility study and cost-benefit north-eastern states. analysis for this pilot. G20 countries, including the UK, do not advocate Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for the development of physical food reserves as a means of International Development whether his Department alleviating the effects of food price volatility in developing plans to provide support in respect of battle-related countries. The proposed pilot will not aim to fill commercial deaths in India between 2000 and 2008. [68691] gaps or purchase or release stocks large enough to impact on wider food markets or commodity price Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International levels. Other measures included in the G20 Agriculture Development (DFID) does not plan to provide support Action Plan—such as the Agricultural Market Information specifically for those affected by battle-related deaths in System to improve data on agricultural markets and an India between 2000 and 2008. DFID has agreed with international Rapid Response Forum to co-ordinate the Government of India to focus our development 703W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 704W cooperation on a number of India’s poorest states. Our Mr O’Brien: The UK Government announced on 14 support will be targeted to the poorest women and girls, July 2011 that they were suspending general budget to help them obtain quality schooling, health care, support to Malawi. This decision does not mean that nutrition and jobs. We will also help unlock the potential the Department for International Development (DFID) of the private sector to deliver jobs, products, infrastructure intends to reduce the amount of UK aid Malawi receives. and basic services. It simply means we intend to deliver that aid through other channels. We are determined to continue funding Kenya: Refugees other programmes in Malawi that protect the poor and deliver basic services like health and education. This Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for means keeping girls in school, ensuring women deliver International Development what plans he has to support their babies safely and helping farmers grow enough UN efforts to encourage the Kenyan Government to food to feed their families and communities. allow the expansion of refugee camps in Kenya. [68595] DFID is currently revising its Operational Plan for Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK Government have been Malawi following the 14 July 2011 announcement on pressing the Government of Kenya throughout 2011 on general budget support. This will set out the specific the need to allocate more space for refugee camps, plans and results for the programme over the next four working closely with the UN High Commissioner for years. Refugees. The Minister for Internal Security recently Overseas Aid confirmed that they would open Ifo II camp in Dadaab, which is expected to be occupied by approximately 40,000 refugees. However, with nearly 1,300 people, Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for International including children, arriving from Somalia on a daily Development what steps he is taking to assist UK basis, the process of decongesting the Dadaab camps companies in tendering for overseas contracts funded needs to be accelerated. I raised these points with the by his Department. [68171] Kenyan Prime Minister and the Minister for Internal Security during my visit to Kenya in July. The UK is Mr Duncan: The Department for International also providing a substantial package of financial support Development (DFID) launched a Supplier Portal at the through UN agencies, to assist new refugees in the beginning of April 2011. The Portal provides an electronic Dadaab camps. platform of easy single point access to allow all our suppliers, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Malawi: Overseas Aid to have the opportunity to compete equally for DFID contracts. There is no charge to the supplier for this Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for service, which includes automated alerts for new International Development when his Department plans opportunities. to publish its revised Operational Plan for Malawi. DFID actively engages with suppliers through [68729] participation at events like the British Expertise seminars. These forums are an opportunity for suppliers to gain a Mr Duncan: We are in the process of revising the greater understanding of DFID business, engage directly Department for International Development’s Operational with senior Procurement Officials and openly discuss Plan for Malawi following the announcement on 14 DFID procurement policies to identify further opportunities July 2011 to suspend general budget support to Malawi. to improve. This revision includes discussing certain policy issues with the Government of Malawi. The Malawi All competitions for procurements with a value of Government’s response will affect DFlD’s Operational £100,000 or above are carried out in line with the Plan, which we intend to publish once these policy European Union (EU) Directives and are advertised in issues have been clarified. the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). The EU principles of fair and open competition are Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for also applied to lower value procurements. All OJEU International Development which projects in Malawi adverts are automatically shown on the DFID Supplier listed on his Department’s website on 19 July 2011 will Portal. be reduced as a result of the freeze on direct aid to that Overseas Aid: Private Sector country. [68730] Mr Duncan: The UK Government announced that Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for they were suspending general budget support to Malawi International Development what proportion of aid he on 14 July 2011. This decision does not mean that proposes will be delivered through the private sector. DFID intends to reduce the amount of UK aid Malawi [68618] receives, but that we intend to deliver that aid through other channels. Hence there are no plans to reduce any Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International projects listed on the website as a result of the Development (DFID) does not allocate funds on the announcement to suspend general budget support to basis of an organisation’s business profile. Partners are Malawi. chosen on a case by case basis to ensure maximum value for money. For planning purposes DFID allocates Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for money by priority pillars. The pillars are wealth creation, International Development what proportion of the aid governance and security, climate change and global formerly committed to Malawi between 2011 and 2015 partnerships, as well as DFID funding in support of the will not now be delivered following his Department’s Millennium Development Goals (education, health, water freeze on direct aid to that country. [68731] and sanitation and humanitarian assistance). 705W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 706W

DFID’s new Private Sector Department will play a we recognise that northern Somalia has not escaped the key role in promoting private sector activities within impact of the current drought and is also suffering, wealth creation, as well as the other pillars. More detail although to a lesser extent—acute malnutrition rates in on DFID’s approach to working with the private sector many southern regions are almost double those in the is contained within the paper titled “The Engine of north, and mortality rates are many times worse. Development: The Private Sector and Prosperity for Last month I announced a £25 million package of Poor People”. This can be found on the DFID website: support to help over 500,000 victims of the drought http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Media-Room/News-Stories/2011/ across Somalia, including treatment for thousands of Mitchell-Harness-dynamism-and-energy-of-private- acutely malnourished children, urgently needed food, enterprise-in-international-development/ clean water, shelter and health care. UK support to the For more information on current activities in this area UN’s pooled funding mechanism, the Common and budget allocations please see the DFID Annual Humanitarian Fund (CHF), is helping non-governmental Report and Accounts 2010-11, which can also be found organisations (NGOs) to access urgently required funds on the DFID website: to respond to ongoing needs across the country, including http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-DFID/Finance-and- in Puntland and Somaliland. performance/Annual-report/ British aid in Somalia is being targeted to help those Palestinians: Overseas Aid people most in need of emergency assistance. At present, and based on recent UN assessments, the majority of Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International northern Somalia does not fall into this category of Development what checks his Department has put in severity. However, my officials will continue to monitor place to ensure that UK aid and assistance to Gaza is the food security situation in the north of the country to ensure needs are being met across this area. used for its intended purpose. [68494]

Mr Duncan: The UK takes extensive precautions to Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for ensure that our assistance to Gaza is used to meet the International Development how much humanitarian humanitarian needs of the civilian population and support funding his Department is giving to Puntland as part the legitimate Gazan economy. of its response to the food supply situation in East We carefully select the partners we work with in Africa. [68005] Gaza. They are, in the main, United Nations agencies and reputable international non-governmental organisations Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK Government humanitarian with proven track records of effective delivery in Gaza. funding reaching Puntland is approximately £4.5 million, Our funding to the Palestinian Authority (which spends reaching the affected pastoralist communities. The UK approximately half its budget in Gaza) is administered Government’s humanitarian aid targets the most vulnerable through a World Bank managed trust fund, which has people who are currently in southern Somalia, where stringent audit requirements. We work closely with all more than 90% of our current response is going. our partners on project design to ensure that our support reaches only its intended beneficiaries; and that European Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Union and UK legislation on anti-terrorist funding is International Development if he will consider the adhered to. merits of increasing his Department’s humanitarian Private Sector aid to Puntland. [68006]

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Mitchell: My Department’s officials are International Development how many staff of his in constant contact with United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation’s unit which conducts regular Department have expertise in the private sector. [68619] food insecurity and nutritional surveys in all of Somalia. Mr Duncan: The Department for International The most recent survey was conducted in July and the Development currently has 58 accredited private sector food insecurity situation was classified as serious to development advisers. 12 more are due to join us this critical in Puntland. The next survey results are expected year and we plan to recruit 12 more next year. by the end of August and these will inform my Department’s officials on the merits of increasing Somalia: Overseas Aid humanitarian aid to Puntland.

Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what recent assessment International Development what recent assessment he he has made of the requirement for humanitarian aid has made of the requirement for humanitarian aid in in Puntland; [68003] Somaliland. [68007] (2) how much humanitarian funding his Department is giving to Somaliland as part of its response to the Mr Andrew Mitchell: The United Nations’ Food and food supply situation in East Africa. [68004] Agriculture Organisation’s unit which conducts regular nutritional surveys in all of Somalia indicated a serious Mr Andrew Mitchell: British humanitarian support food insecurity situation in Somaliland during the last to Somalia has mostly been focussed on delivering survey in July but this had not yet moved to critical. The lifesaving aid where acute needs are greatest, specifically next survey results are expected at the end of August in south and central areas of Somalia, where some 2.8 and my Department’s officials will use these results to million people are in desperate need of help. However, re-assess the humanitarian aid requirements for Somaliland. 707W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 708W

Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Famine has not been declared in either Somaliland or International Development if he will consider the Puntland, but the UK Government is in regular contact merits of increasing his Department’s humanitarian with the authorities in both regions and we continue to aid to Somaliland. [68009] monitor the humanitarian situation throughout Somalia. Some of our funding to humanitarian partners working Mr Andrew Mitchell: My Department’s officials are across Somalia is being used to support urgent needs in in constant contact with United Nations’ Food and these regions. Agriculture Organisation’s unit which conducts regular food and nutritional surveys in all of Somalia. The South Sudan: International Trade most recent survey conducted in July indicated serious food insecurity in Somaliland. My Department’s officials Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for International are closely following the surveys and will use the unit’s Development what assistance his Department is providing results expected by the end of August to consider the to increase levels of (a) economic output from and (b) merits of increasing the UK Government’s humanitarian trade with South Sudan. [68273] aid to Somaliland. Mr Andrew Mitchell: UK aid will improve farmers’ Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for access to markets through the construction and maintenance International Development what aid his Department of over 500 kms of feeder roads, as part of a joint has provided (a) directly and (b) through international programme with the World Bank, USAID and EU. A agencies in respect of the famine in Somalia; and if he trade facilitation programme will establish a customs will make a statement. [69081] service and lower the cost of cross-border trade. Further Mr Andrew Mitchell: Consecutive poor rains and programmes are being developed to promote private failed harvests, coupled with conflict and widespread sector development, including by addressing corruption insecurity across Somalia, have left some 3.2 million and providing incentives to firms to create market people in immediate need of lifesaving assistance, many opportunities for poorer people. The Department for of them in the famine-affected areas of Southern Somalia. International Development (DFID) is also helping the Government of South Sudan to improve economic The British Government have been swift to respond management and investment decisions. to the needs of the Somali people, providing emergency support to over 500,000 men, women and children. South Sudan: Overseas Aid British aid, delivered through trusted UN and charity organisations like UNICEF, Oxfam GB and Concern Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Worldwide, is helping to: treat over 60,000 acutely Development what priorities his Department has set for malnourished children; provide food for almost 20,000 the outcomes of aid delivered by his Department to people; provide clean drinking water for over 300,000 South Sudan. [68568] people and; provide access to basic health care for some 140,000 people. Mr Duncan: The Department for International I announced a package of £25 million of new assistance Development’s (DFID’s) four year Operational Plan to Somalia during my visit to the region on 16 July, as for South Sudan was published on the DFID website well as £16 million of support for Somali refugees in Kenya and Ethiopia. This was in addition to £17 million www.dfid.gov.uk of humanitarian aid the UK had already provided on 28 July 2011. The UK’s aid programme in South earlier in 2011. UK support is also helping Somalia Sudan will focus on enabling poor people, particularly indirectly through our contributions to the UN Central girls and women, to benefit from more equitable and Emergency Respond Fund, UN agencies, the European sustainable services; increased employment and livelihood Union and various UK NGOs. opportunities—supported by private sector investment; We will continue to closely monitor the situation and greater security; more accountable and efficient government; urge other countries to contribute to the humanitarian and less corruption. DFID is aiming for extensive results response immediately. including: 1 million people having enough food to eat; 240,000 more children completing primary school; 750,000 Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for people to be treated for or prevented from getting International Development what recent discussions he malaria; 4 million people receiving life-saving healthcare has had with the (a) government of Somalia and (b) and nutrition; 12 million textbooks printed and distributed authorities in Somaliland and Puntland on steps to to almost 2 million children; and increased private facilitate international support in respect of the current sector investment and trade by reducing cross border famine. [69082] transport costs up by 15%. Mr Andrew Mitchell: I visited Mogadishu on 17 August Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for where I met Prime Minister Abdiweli, Ministers involved International Development what steps his Department in the Transitional Federal Government’s Drought is taking to increase access and protection for aid Management Committee and the Deputy Mayor of workers in south Sudan. [69456] Mogadishu. I pressed the Somali authorities to do everything possible to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian Mr Andrew Mitchell: Humanitarian personnel across aid. I emphasised the UK’s continued leadership role in South Sudan work in a difficult security environment. galvanising the international response and detailed the The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) support we are providing through humanitarian partners is playing a vital role in engaging the Government of on the ground: nutritional support for starving children, South Sudan on issues of access and security. The UK water, sanitation and health services. Government work closely with the UN on these issues 709W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 710W and also raises them bilaterally with the authorities, Estimates of the number of apprenticeships available including during my visit in May 2011. The UK are not available for 2011 and 2012. The apprenticeships Government are providing financial support to the programme is demand led. Government does not plan non-governmental organisation (NGO) RedR in order apprenticeship places by level but provides funding and to train NGO staff on security. It is important that forecasts the overall number of places that may be NGOs have full access and are adequately protected afforded. We rely on employers and providers to work when going about their important work, and we urge together to offer sufficient opportunities to meet local the Government of South Sudan to ensure that this is demand, taking advantage of the greater freedoms and the case. flexibilities that we have created in the further education system. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for For the 2011/12 academic year, our indicative forecast International Development what recent discussions he is to fund over 360,000 apprenticeship places. The sectors has had with the government of South Sudan on (a) that these places fall within will be determined by the incidences of violence against aid workers and (b) the employers coming forward to make places available. protection of such workers in South Sudan. [69554] Table 1: Apprenticeship programme starts by sector subject area, Mr Andrew Mitchell: Humanitarian personnel across 2009/10 South Sudan work in a difficult security environment. Sector subject area Number The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care 5,690 is playing a vital role in engaging the Government of Arts, Media and Publishing 440 South Sudan on issues of access and security. The UK Business, Administration and Law 76,590 Government work closely with the UN on these issues Construction, Planning and the Built 25,210 and also raises them bilaterally with the authorities, Environment including during my visit in May 2011. The British Education and Training 860 Government are providing financial support to the Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies 37,860 NGO RedR in order to train NGO staff on security. It Health, Public Services and Care 44,150 is important that NGOs have full access and are adequately Information and Communication Technology 12,570 protected when going about their important work, and Languages, Literature and Culture — we urge the Government of South Sudan to ensure that Leisure, Travel and Tourism 14,690 this is the case. Preparation for Life and Work — Sri Lanka: Politics and Government Retail and Commercial Enterprise 61,620 Science and Mathematics — Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Unknown — International Development what recent discussions he Grand total 279,700 has had with the Government of Sri Lanka regarding ‘—’ Indicates a base value of less than five. the humanitarian situation in that country. [68868] Note: Figures are rounded to the nearest ten except for the grand total which is rounded to the nearest hundred. Mr Duncan: The Secretary of State for International Source: Development, the right hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield Individualised Learner Record. (Mr Mitchell), has not had any recent discussions with the Sri Lankan Government. The British high commission Information on the number of apprenticeship starts in Colombo regularly discusses the humanitarian situation is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). with the Sri Lankan Government and monitors progress The latest SFR was published on 23 June 2011: on the ground, which has greatly improved since the http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ end of the military conflict in May 2009. The Department statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current for International Development (DFID) is currently providing £3 million of de-mining assistance to allow those displaced by the conflict to return to their home areas. The high commission also meets with other donors in country, including multilateral organisations to which Apprentices: Greater London the UK makes a contribution. Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS made of the number of people aged over 18 who (a) Apprentices began and (b) completed an apprenticeship in (i) the London borough of Tower Hamlets and (ii) Bethnal Green and Bow constituency in each year since 2005-06. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for [68679] Business, Innovation and Skills what information his Department holds on the number of apprenticeships available in each skill area in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and Mr Hayes: Table 1 shows the number of apprenticeship (c) 2012. [69795] programme starts and framework achievements by learners aged 19 and over in Tower Hamlets local education Mr Hayes: Table 1 shows apprenticeship starts by authority, Bethnal Green and Bow parliamentary sector subject area for 2009/10, the latest academic year constituency for academic years 2005/06 to 2009/10, the for which final data are available. latest year for which final year data is available. 711W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 712W

Table 1: Apprenticeship framework starts and achievements in Tower Hamlets local education authority and Bethnal Green and Bow parliamentary constituency by learners aged 19 and over, 2005/06 to 2009/10 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10

Tower Hamlets local education authority Starts 90 110 250 350 460 Achievements 50 40 90 140 270

Bethnal Green and Bow constituency Starts 50 50 120 180 240 Achievements 30 20 40 70 130 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Geographic information is based upon the home postcode of the learner. 3. These figures are based on the geographic boundaries of parliamentary constituencies as of May 2010. 4. Age is calculated based on age at start of the programme. Source: Individualised Learner Record

Information on the number of apprenticeship starts Information on security business is not available for and achievements is published in a quarterly statistical the year 2006. first release (SFR). The latest SFR was published on 23 June 2011 £ billion http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ Defence Security Total statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current 2010 6 2 8 Apprentices: Skills Funding 2009 7.2 1.6 8.8 2008 4.3 1.5 5.8 Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007 9.6 1.3 10.9 Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has 2006 5.5 — 5.5 had with the head of the Skills Funding Agency on possible changes to the monitoring of apprenticeships Arms Trade: Syria lasting 13 weeks or less. [69915]

Mr Hayes: End to end responsibility for apprenticeships Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, including delivery of the programme and accountability Innovation and Skills how many arms export licences for ensuring high standards and value for money for have been granted for arms sales to Syria in each of the public investment in apprenticeships sits with the chief last five years; what arms were exported under each executive of the National Apprenticeship Service rather licence; who received the arms in Syria; and what their than the chief executive of Skills Funding. As Minister end-use was. [67846] responsible for apprenticeships, I meet with the chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service regularly Mr Prisk: In the past five years, the Export Control to discuss these matters. Organisation has issued three licences for the export of The length of apprenticeships is already monitored. military goods to Syria. Of the record number of apprenticeships starting between In October 2008, a Standard Individual Export Licence 1 August 2010 and 30 April 2011, only 3% of achievers (SIEL) was issued for the export to UNICEF of seven had an actual length of stay lasting less than 13 weeks. pieces of body armour, 14 ceramic plates to be fitted to The National Apprenticeship Service is scrutinising each body armour and seven helmets, for the protection of of these programmes to satisfy itself that they meet the their staff in conduct of their humanitarian work. required quality standards and that an appropriate level These items have been exported and the SIEL is therefore of funding is paid to reflect the training needed and exhausted. delivered. In August 2008, a SIEL was issued for the export of Arms Trade: Exports sporting gun ammunition to a sporting organisation for training and competition. The SIEL was for 300,000 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for rounds of sporting ammunition (of the internationally Business, Innovation and Skills if he will estimate the recognised sporting calibre .22). Our records show that value of each contract the UK Trade and Investment 60,000 rounds were exported in September 2008 and Defence and Security Organisation has helped companies that the licence has since expired. in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern In January 2010, a SIEL was issued for the export of Ireland to secure in each of the last five years. [68719] sporting gun ammunition to a sporting organisation for training and competition, including international Mr Prisk: The information requested is not held by competition. The SIEL was for 200,000 rounds of sporting UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security ammunition (.22 calibre). The goods on this licence Organisation. Data collected from defence companies have not been shipped. The Government reviewed all on the total value of new contracts signed for the sale of licences for Syria in May 2011 after the EU arms products and services overseas in the last five years, and embargo was imposed. This licence was revoked as the for security companies the value of export business proposed export was no longer consistent with the completed in each of the last four years, are shown in Consolidated Criteria, Criteria 1 (UK’s International the table. commitments to enforce EU arms embargoes). 713W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 714W

Business: Banks Regional Growth Fund (RGF) The Local Growth White Paper published on 28 October Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 launched the £1.4 billion Regional Growth Fund Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has (RGF) that will operate over three years from 2011 to made of information asymmetries between small and 2014. This is a challenge fund that operates in England medium-sized enterprises and banks. [67483] only and is not ring-fenced or pre allocated in any way. Mr Prisk: It is widely recognised (e.g. the 2004 Graham The first round of bidding for the fund closed on Review) that market failures exist in small and medium-sized 21 January 2011. Announcements on the successful enterprise (SME) debt markets, where information needed bids from that round were made in April, with £450 by lenders to make judgments on individual loan million being invested by the Government through the applications may be expensive, or difficult to obtain. RGF, expected to leverage more than £2.5 billion of Although advances in credit assessment techniques may private sector investment. The second, main, round was have helped to overcome these difficulties, barriers resulting launched on 12 April with a closing date of 1 July. We from a lack of information may still be faced by certain are very pleased with the response to this round and the types of business, in particular those that lack an established team is currently processing details of the bids received. track record. Details of both rounds can be found on the BIS website: This Department is aware that some businesses can www.bis.gov.uk/rgf encounter difficulties when accessing bank finance due to a lack of financial track record, or collateral. For Grant for Business Investment (GBI) instance, the SME Finance Monitor (July 2011) reported that, for SMEs whose borrowing requests were declined, In 2010/11 the total Selective Finance for Investment the main reason given was lack of credit history or a in England (SFIE)/GBI actual expenditure in England poor credit history. was £48 million. Of this, £11 million was in the north-west. This figure includes two SFIE projects located in Merseyside In order to help viable businesses lacking a track (Getrag Ford and Pilkington) on which £2.06 million record, the Government have extended the Enterprise was paid. Finance Guarantee Scheme, which is targeted at such businesses and those businesses who lack security. Going forward, the budget figures for forecast expenditure in 2011/12 are £32 million, in 2012/13 and 2013/14 it is Business: Government Assistance £23 million and in 2014/15 it is £19 million. The forecast for individual projects in the north-west Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, in 2011/12 is £8.5 million, in 2012/13 it is £6.2 million Innovation and Skills how many business mentors are and in 2013/14 and 2014/15 it is £5.2 million. The (a) working in the Business Mentoring Scheme nationally, expenditure relates to three projects, all in Merseyside. (b) in each region and (c) in each parliamentary constituency. [67481] Business Coaching for Growth

Mr Prisk: Mentorsme.co.uk, Britain’s first online The Government are committed to creating the right mentoring gateway, was launched on 4 July and provides long term environment to make it easier to start and a single point of access for those seeking mentoring and grow a business. This includes a new Business Coaching those seeking to be mentors, covering the whole of the for Growth (BCG) programme which will help up to UK. 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a At launch, it included approximately 40 mentoring year to overcome the barriers to high growth. This is a organisations, providing access to around 10,000 mentors. national service so it is not possible to provide a regional Since launch, a number of applications from other breakdown. mentoring organisations who wish to be listed on the BCG will be built around two main themes: portal have been received and are currently being assessed. More organisations will be added in the coming months Coaching: the programme will provide coaches to work face to as they register interest, providing they meet certain face with senior management teams to help them to develop and standards. The site includes both national and regional implement their strategies and develop the skills, expertise and techniques to overcome the barriers they face to growing. organisations, including at least eight which cover the hon. Member’s constituency. We do not currently have Connectivity: BCG will be highly networked and will connect data to establish how many individual mentors are in high growth potential businesses to other forms of support such each region or parliamentary constituency. as business incubators and science parks. It will also fast track businesses to trusted sources of specialist advice. Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for The formal process to procure BCG began in April Business, Innovation and Skills what Government funding and has attracted considerable interest from the business (a) was and (b) is to be made available for business community. support in (i) Wirral, (ii) Merseyside, (iii) the north-west and (iv) England in (A) 2010-11, (B) 2011-12, (C) BIS has adopted the Competitive Dialogue procurement 2012-13, (D) 2013-14 and (E) 2014-15. [67992] procedure which involves strong engagement and discussion with private sector bidders. BIS is confident that the Mr Prisk: Government funding for business support market will deliver an innovative, flexible and cost-effective in (i) Wirral, (ii) Merseyside, (iii) the north-west and (iv) solution to delivering BCG across England. The full England in (A) 2010-11, (B) 2011-12, (C) 2012-13, (D) procurement process should be completed in the autumn 2013-14 and (E) 2014-15 is as follows: and the service will be rolled out in early 2012. 715W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 716W

Enterprise Finance Guarantee been allocated for 2011/12. In addition, businesses in The Enterprise Finance Guarantee is a loan guarantee the north-west may benefit from UKTI’s nationally scheme to facilitate additional bank lending to viable funded trade development programmes. SMEs with insufficient or no security with which to Enterprise Zones secure a normal commercial loan. Budget 2011 allocated £20 million (2012/13), £40 Enterprise Loan Guarantee (EFG) loans to businesses million (2013/14), £65 million (2014/15) and £80 million in the Wirral, Merseyside, north-west and England for (2015/16) to fund delivery of Enterprise Zones. the financial years 2010/11 and 2011/12 were as follows: The Government have put forward a range of measures to develop enterprise zones and make them attractive Number of loans Loan amount places to do business including: offered (£ million) A 100 per cent business rate discount worth up to £275,000 Wirral over a five year period (for businesses that move into an enterprise zone during the course of this Parliament). FY 2010/11 21 2.19 FY 2011/12 2 0.02 All business rate growth generated by the zone for a period of at least 25 years will be kept by that area. Grand total 23 2.22 Local development orders are available to local authorities to establish a simplified planning regime. Merseyside Government support to ensure that super fast broadband is FY 2010/11 96 11.03 rolled out throughout the zones. This will be achieved through FY 2011/12 20 1.78 guaranteeing the most supportive planning environment and, if Grand total 116 12.81 necessary, public funding. In addition, the Government will work with individual North West local enterprise partnerships to consider: FY 2010/11 699 66.34 The scope for introducing enhanced capital allowances to support zones in assisted areas where there is a strong focus on FY 2011/12 157 13.19 high value manufacturing; Grand total 856 79.52 The use of tax increment finance to support the long-term viability of the zone, in tandem with the Local Government England Resource Review; and FY 2010/11 4494 422.23 UKTI support on inward investment and trade opportunities. FY 2011/12 1067 104.99 The first 11 local enterprise partnerships to host Grand total 5561 527.22 enterprise zones announced at Budget were: Greater Birmingham and Solihull; Leeds City Region; Sheffield City Region; Liverpool City Region; Greater Manchester; Regional Development Agencies/Venture Capital Loan West of England; Tees Valley; North East; Black Country; Funds Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Regional development agencies (RDAs) established a London. range of venture capital and loan funds (VCLFs) providing The open competition to identify a further 10 enterprise debt and equity funding to SMEs in their respective regions. zones closed on 30 June with 30 bids received. All of the These funds were established using money from the bids were assessed against their ability to deliver growth Single Programme and European Regional Development and jobs, their value for money and their plans for Fund (ERDF). In many regions, including the north-west, implementation. European funds were used to leverage private sector Following careful consideration the following local investment into the VCLF. Across England almost £0.5 enterprise partnerships were selected to be granted an billion (RDA funds, ERDF and private investment) has enterprise zone: Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Greater been committed to VCLFs investing in SMEs up to the Cambridge and Greater Peterborough, The Marches, end of 2015. Of this, £185 million has been committed New Anglia, South East Midlands, South East (formerly to the North West Fund. It is expected that 40% of the East Sussex, Kent etc), Oxfordshire, Hull and the Humber, North West Fund will be invested in Merseyside. Liverpool City Region, Leicester and Leicestershire, Apprenticeships and Solent. In addition the Government have made some £1,328 High Street Support Scheme: Support for small or medium- million available in the 2010-11 financial year to support sized enterprises apprenticeship training in England and we expect to The Secretary of State for Communities and Local spend over £1,400 million in the 2011 -12 financial year. Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for The apprenticeships programme is demand led. Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), announced on 18 Government do not plan apprenticeship funding by August a £20 million High Street Support Scheme, region. The Government funding for apprenticeships is jointly funded by BIS, to give grants to local firms paid directly to the organisation that provides and affected by the riots for out-of-pocket expenses. The supports the apprenticeship training. In most cases this scheme is being administered through local authorities. will be a further education college or independent learning provider. Copyright UK Trade and Investment Direct Government funding via UK Trade and Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Investment (UKTI) for trade development in the north-west Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on region was £2.5 million in 2010/11 and £2.9 million has fair use in copyright law. [69671] 717W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 718W

Mr Davey: The Hargreaves review of intellectual Mr Hayes: As part of the Government agenda to property and growth was charged in its terms of reference support unemployed people into work we will fully with a number of aims, including investigating what are fund units and full qualifications for people in receipt of the benefits of “fair use” exceptions to copyright and jobseekers’ allowance and employment support allowance how these might be achieved in the UK. The review (in the Work Related Activity Group) to help them concluded that a broad legal mechanism similar to US enter and stay in work. FE colleges and training fair use would not be practical within the EU framework, organisations also have local discretion to provide fully but that there is a need for more flexibility in order to subsidised courses for people on a wider range of benefits meet new opportunities. Therefore the review recommended where the training is to help them enter employment. that the UK should make more use of the freedoms The Government will continue to fund 50% of the available within the EU framework, including permitting cost of English for Speakers of Other Languages training consumers to make private copies of copyright works in for eligible people who are settled here, with individuals order to use them within fair and reasonable limits. expected to meet the remainder of the costs. We will no The Government have accepted the conclusions and longer fund ESOL in the workplace. This contributes to recommendations of the review. The Government have our broader objective of establishing a fairer balance no intention of prejudicing the fundamental role of between the investment made in skills by Government, copyright in providing appropriate incentives for the the employer and the learner. creation of valuable works, on which much value for the This Department and the Department for Communities UK depends. We nonetheless believe the review is right and Local Government are working in partnership to to identify activities that copyright currently over-regulates develop new forms of support for individuals who need unnecessarily to the detriment of the UK, and we will language skills to assist with integration and community propose a substantial opening up of the UK’s copyright cohesion. I will announce further details in due course. exceptions regime, as set out in our response to the review. The Government will also press at EU level for a Export Controls: Iran wider set of exceptions to secure further flexibilities without prejudicing appropriate incentives for creation David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for of works. Business, Innovation and Skills whether there is a legal requirement for an exporter to consult his Department Departmental Responsibilities before exporting goods to Iran. [67507]

Mr Prisk: If the goods or technology to be exported Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for are specified on a UK or EU control list, or if the Business, Innovation and Skills when the Minister for exporter has been informed that non-listed items may Universities and Science first met representatives of (a) be intended for a weapons of mass destruction (WMD)- LCU Business School, (b) Tribal Education, (c) Edison related end-use or a military end-use in an embargoed Education, (d) Career Education, (e) BPP/Apollo, (f) destination (such as Iran), the items can only be exported Laurette, (g) Bridgepoint and (h) the Education Centre under a valid licence issued by the Export Control of Excellence following his appointment; and whether Organisation (ECO). If the exporter is aware that non-listed subsequent meetings have taken place. [68134] items may be intended for a WMD-related end-use or a military end-use in an embargoed destination they must Mr Willetts: I have not met with representatives of notify the ECO before exporting the items and the ECO LCU Business School, nor with representatives of Tribal will determine whether or not an export licence is Education, Edison Education, Career Education, required. If the exporter has grounds for suspecting a Bridgepoint and the Education Centre of Excellence I WMD-related end-use they must not export the items met with representatives of BPP as a part of a wider unless they have made all reasonable inquiries as to meeting on 12 July 2010. I met with representatives of their actual end-use and satisfied themselves that they Laureate on 15 September 2010 and on 1 February will not be used for WMD-related purposes. A breach 2011. I met with representatives of Apollo and BPP on of any of the above requirements is a criminal offence. 10 May 2011. The Government offers an advice service regarding A quarterly-updated list of all BIS ministerial meetings whether an export requires a licence or not, and strongly with external organisations is also available at: advises that any exporter who is unsure on this point http://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/disclosure-ministerial- should use this service. hospitality-received-department-for-business Export Credits Guarantee English Language: Education Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what progress has been Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, made by his Department’s cross-departmental working Innovation and Skills pursuant to the written ministerial group established to implement the Government’s decision statement of 18 July 2011, Official Report, columns that the Export Credits Guarantee Department and 59-60WS, on English for speakers of other languages, UK Trade and Investment should become champions what resource allocation (a) his Department and (b) for British companies that develop and export innovative the Department for Communities and Local Government green technologies around the world. [66443] are to make to facilitate education for those (i) women and (ii) others identified as requiring additional support Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the in order to ensure their competence in the English Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) are language; and if he will make a statement. [69129] keeping officials across departments informed of their 719W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 720W progress in supporting British companies that develop year in table 2. Socio-economic and term-time and export green technologies. As part of the low accommodation information are not available for part-time carbon priority published in its new strategy, ‘Britain entrants. Open for Business’, UKTI is delivering a green export Table 2: UK-domiciled full-time undergraduate entrants by term-time campaign to help UK businesses through trade missions, accommodation and socio-economic group1, UK higher education exhibitions, keynote speeches, overseas media and press institutions, academic year 2009/10 activity. ECGD is actively reaching out to exporters of Number per cent renewable energy equipment and services so that they are aware of the products available from ECGD to Entrants with known term-time 401,095 — accommodation information provide them with credit protection and facilitate the provision of finance. Of which: lived away from home2 288,755 72.0 Higher Education: Admissions Youngentrants with known socio- 252,930 — economic information Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Of which: Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 18 July from socio-economic groups four 77,920 30.8 2011, Official Report, column 761W,on higher education: to seven3 admissions, how many and what proportion of students (a) were from socioeconomic groups four to seven, (b) Mature entrants with known socio- 53,040 — were aged 25 or older, (c) were aged 35 or older, (d) economic information were women, (e) studied full-time, (f) livedawayfrom Of which: home during their education, (g) studied science, technology, engineering or mathematics while at university, from socio-economic groups four 25,575 48.2 to seven3 (h) studied languages and (i) studied a humanities 1 Information on socio-economic class is gathered on a different basis subject; and if he will make a statement. [69060] for young (aged under 21) and mature (aged 21 and over) entrants and is shown separately in the table. Socio-economic class is derived from Mr Willetts: The numbers and proportions of information on occupation: for entrants aged under 21 this is based UK-domiciled undergraduate entrants to UK higher on the occupation of their parent, and for those aged 21 and over it is education institutions who were aged 25 or older, were based on their own occupation. 2 Covers entrants whose term-time accommodation address was 35 or older, were women, studied full-time, studied recorded as institution maintained property, own residence, other science, technology, engineering or mathematics, studied rented accommodation, and private sector halls. languages and studied a humanities subject are shown 3 Covers the socio-economic groups Small employers & own account for the 2009/10 academic year in table 1. workers, Lower supervisory & technical occupations, Semi-routine occupations and Routine occupations. Table 1: UK-domiciled undergraduate entrants1 by age, gender, mode Notes: of study and subject area, UK higher education institutions, academic 1. Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population and year 2009/10 are rounded up or down to the nearest five.. Number Percentage of total 2. Percentages are based on unrounded figures and are given to one decimal place. Total entrants 750,895 — Source: Of which: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record Aged 25 or older 311,600 41.5 Figures are taken from the Higher Education Statistics Aged 35 or older 184,680 24.6 Agency Student Record. Information for the 2010/11 Female 448,315 59.7 academic year will become available from January 2012. Studied full-time 436,125 58.1 Studied a STEM2 307,290 40.9 Higher Education: Fees and Charges subject Studied Languages 44,205 5.9 Studied a 29,885 4.0 Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Humanitiest3 Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has subject made of the potential effect on youth unemployment of 1 Covers entrants to full-time and part-time courses. the change in higher education fee arrangements in 2 STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 2012. [67405] Covers the following subject areas: Medicine and dentistry, Subjects allied to medicine, Biological sciences, Veterinary science, Agriculture and related subjects, Physical sciences, Mathematical Mr Willetts: The change in the fee arrangements Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering and technology and enables the Government to continue to finance a high Architecture building and planning. number of places in higher education for students in 3 Covers Historical and philosophical studies. 2012, and therefore there is expected to be no adverse Notes: 1. Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population impact on youth unemployment as a consequence of and are rounded up or down to the nearest five. the change. 2. Percentages are based on unrounded figures and are given to one decimal place. Source: Insolvency Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record The numbers and proportions of UK-domiciled full-time Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for undergraduate entrants who lived away from home Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to during term time, and those who were from socio-economic amend the insolvency rules to introduce a clear definition groups four to seven are shown for the 2009/10 academic of administration expenses. [70286] 721W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 722W

Mr Davey: The Government are listening to the views and Newcastle and Northumberland colleges. I will of interested stakeholders but has not yet made a decision consider what additional information and advice I may as to what legislative change might be required. need at the point I receive a recommendation from the Representative bodies have been invited to provide evidence chief executive of Skills Funding on the final merger as to the practical impacts being felt as a result of a proposal. recent High Court decision in this area. International Subscriptions Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has had discussions with the Office of Fair Trading on the potential effects Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for of a merger between Newcastle and Northumberland Business, Innovation and Skills what international Colleges on the promotion of competition in the further subscriptions for use of equipment or facilities were education sector in the north-east. [69591] funded by the research councils in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; and what such subscriptions will be funded in Mr Hayes: Discussions on the proposed merger are 2011-12. [69801] still taking place between the Skills Funding Agency and Newcastle and Northumberland Colleges. I will Mr Willetts: The following international subscriptions consider what additional information and advice I may for use of equipment or facilities were all funded by the need at the point I receive a recommendation from the Research Councils in 2009-10 and 2010-11 and will be chief executive of Skills Funding on the final merger funded in 2011-12, unless stated otherwise. proposal. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council: The Joint European Torus (JET) which investigates the potential Nuclear Power of fusion power (through a grant to the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy). The Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe (PRACE), Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for an initiative to allow researchers to access a world-class suite of Business, Innovation and Skills what funding his supercomputers across Europe via a central peer review system. Department provided for research into nuclear energy Medical Research Council: in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; and how much such European Molecular Biology Laboratory funding he plans to provide in 2011-12. [69799] Natural Environment Research Council: Mr Prisk: The Department for Business Innovation International Ocean Drilling Programme and Skills does not directly provide funding for research European Space Agency (ESA) into nuclear energy. The Department provides funding European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association (EISCAT) to the research councils and the Technology Strategy ESA has transferred to the UK Space Agency with effect from Board (TSB) which then provide a range of support. 1 April 2011. EISCAT transferred to NERC (from STFC) with The Research Councils UK (RCUK) Energy Programme effect from 1 January 2010. will invest £540 million in energy related research between Science and Technology Facilities Council: 2011-15, which includes research and training related to European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern nuclear fission energy. Hemisphere (ESO) The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Institut Laue-Langevin (EPSRC) spent £6.4 million on nuclear fission in 2009-10 European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and £6.5 million in 2010-11. It is not possible to give The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) precise figures for future spend on nuclear fission. Priorities European Space Agency (2009-10 and 2010-11 only). The UK for the whole RCUK Energy Programme will be regularly Space Agency assumed responsibility for ESA for 2011-12. reviewed with advice from the programme’s Scientific Manufacturing Advisory Council. In addition the EPSRC spends £25 million per year on nuclear fusion energy research, primarily through the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department has The Economic and Social Research Council spent contributed funding to the Made by Britain manufacturing approximately £335,000 on nuclear energy related research campaign run by the Associate Parliamentary in 2009-10 and £4,000 in 2010-11. It is not possible to Manufacturing Group. [69710] give precise figures for future spend on nuclear energy. Future spend will be determined by the proposals for Mr Prisk: The Department for Business Innovation funding received. and Skills has not contributed funding to this initiative. In addition to the funding within its nuclear physics programme, which examines how atomic nuclei behave Newcastle College: Mergers and the origin of elements, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) provided £2 million in 2009-10, Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, £1.5 million in 2010-11 and £0.5 million in 2011-12 for Innovation and Skills what legal advice he has received the HiPER project. HiPER is a proposed European on the effects of a merger between Newcastle and High Power Laser Energy Research facility dedicated to Northumberland colleges on the promotion of competition demonstrating the feasibility of laser driven fusion as a in the further education sector in the North East. [69590] future energy source. Between 2009 and 2011 STFC provided £424,000 to a pilot Knowledge Exchange grant Mr Hayes: Discussions on the proposed merger are for the project ’Using Thorium as fuel in conventional still taking place between the Skills Funding Agency Reactors’. 723W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 724W

The Technology Strategy Board have provided Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for approximately £200,000 in 2010-11 for Nuclear R&D Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has feasibility studies under their £2 million competition to made of the demand for funding from a third round of develop innovation in the supply chain with the remainder the Regional Growth Fund following the most recent of this funding expected to be drawn down in 2011-12. growth forecast by the Office of Budget Responsibility. Furthermore, some of the funding, which is currently [69913] being finalised, for the High Value Manufacturing Technology and Innovation Centre will support the Mr Prisk: No formal assessment of demand for work of the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research funding from a third round of the Regional Growth Centre. The Technology Strategy Board also plan a Fund has been made. further £10 million Collaborative R&D competition in 2012. Small Businesses: Civil Disorder

Ordnance Survey: Government Procurement Card Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for prioritise small and medium-sized businesses which Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a) date of have been adversely affected by the August 2011 public purchase, (b) amount, (c) supplier and (d) level 3 or disorders. [69916] enhanced transaction entry was of each transaction undertaken by Ordnance Survey using the Government Mr Prisk: The Government have already introduced Procurement Card in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) a number of measures to support businesses affected by 2009-10. [68890] the recent public disorder between 6 and 11 August. Government are giving £20 million to local authorities, Mr Davey: This is an operational matter for the under the High Street Support Scheme, to help affected Ordnance Survey. I have asked Vanessa Lawrence CB, small and medium-sized businesses and commercial Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance districts get back on their feet following the recent Survey to write to my hon. Friend. A copy will be disorder. placed in the libraries of the House. This funding will be administered by local authorities Letter from Dr VanessaLawrence CB, dated 2 September and is being provided to: 2011: help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) get back on their As Director General and Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey, feet more quickly, including with cash flow problems, while I have been asked to reply to your question on transactions they wait for insurance or other claims to be met; undertaken by Ordnance Survey using the Government Procurement help SMEs with non- refundable exceptional business expenses; Card in 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. help rebuild business confidence in the area affected; and An electronic copy of this information has been placed in the help fund the full costs to local authorities of providing House of Commons Library. For each transaction this includes Business Rate Hardship Relief. the date of purchase, amount and supplier. Information on the “level 3 or enhanced transaction entry” is not readily available SMEs who have suffered loss or damage to property and could only be provided at disproportionate cost; however, the as a result of the disturbance can seek compensation broad category of spend under which each transaction has been from their police authority under the Riot Damages allocated is included. Act (1886). The Home Secretary has extended the period Use of the Government Procurement Card reduces administrative to claim to 42 days. costs and helps to ensure payments to suppliers are made promptly. The Government have also ensured that affected The GPC card system provides the most efficient way for Ordnance Survey to make payment for low value items only, I hope this businesses have access to practical advice, information information is helpful to you. and support and this is available on: www.BusinessLink.gov.uk Regional Growth Fund These measures are set out in the written ministerial statement on Public Disorder—Support for Business Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, laid before the House of Commons on 11 August 2011, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of Official Report, columns 119-21WS. the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises of not being able to bid directly to the Regional Growth Students: Assessments Fund. [69912] John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Mr Prisk: No assessment has been made as small and Innovation and Skills how many students affected by medium-sized enterprises can bid directly to the Regional examination board errors were not accepted by their Growth Fund (RGF) either on their own or they may first choice of university in August 2011. [70300] come together to submit a package of projects which make a coherent whole but which individually would Mr Willetts: Higher education institutions have until not meet the minimum bidding threshold of £1 million. 14 September to process decisions on the conditional Furthermore, four out of the 50 successful bids to choices held by applicants. The information requested Round 1 were conditionally allocated funding for small about university destinations is therefore not currently and medium enterprise support schemes. RGF funding available. for these four schemes totals £175 million, which was UCAS was in close contact with Ofqual in the run-up almost 40% of all the funds allocated (£450 million) in to A level results day and the regulators (Ofqual in Round 1. England, CCEA in Northern Ireland and DfES in 725W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 726W

Wales) oversaw the actions that each awarding organisation EDUCATION took in relation to the examination paper errors. On 5 Academies: Pay August, Ofqual issued a statement confirming that they were satisfied that everything that could be done had been done to make sure that, as far as possible, candidates Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for had not been unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged and Education what requirement there is upon academies that there was a level playing field. to pay staff earning less than £21,000 a year the £250 In addition, it should be borne in mind that there uplift in accordance with Government policy on the may be many reasons why individuals have been not public sector pay freeze; how many such academy staff accepted by their first choice university, and it should have not received the uplift; which academies have not not be assumed that there is a direct link between an paid the uplift to such staff; and what monitoring his applicant sitting a paper with an error and them failing Department has put in place on the payment of uplifts to secure a place at their firm choice. to academy staff. [68190]

Students: Illnesses Mr Gibb [holding answer 5 September 2011]: Academies are publicly funded independent schools and are not covered by public sector pay arrangements. Governing Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for bodies for academies are free to set the pay and conditions Business, Innovation and Skills how many higher that are appropriate for their school and are able to education students suspended their studies due to make their own decisions on how to respond to the illness or incapacity in each of the last five years. public sector pay freeze. [70580] The Department collects details on the salaries of Mr Willetts: The Higher Education Statistics Agency staff in maintained schools and academies annually, (HESA) collects information on the number of students through the School Workforce Census, to aid strategic who suspend their studies, however the reason for planning for the school work force. The census does not suspension is not recorded. Figures are given for all collect information in the detail necessary to identify students who suspended their studies in the academic whether academies are imposing a pay freeze or paying years 2005/06 to 2009/10. support staff earning less than £21,000 a £250 pay increase. Unemployment: Scotland Apprentices

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess trends how many and what proportion of (a) 16 and (b) 17 in underemployment in Scotland. [69620] year olds are undertaking an apprenticeship. [64210]

Mr Hayes: Skills funding and provision are a devolved Mr Hayes [holding answer 18 July 2011]: The following activity and I would advise the hon. Member to write to table shows the number and percentage of apprenticeship the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning starts in England by age in 2009/10, the latest year for (Michael Russell MSP) at the Scottish Parliament. which we have full year data.

Apprenticeship programme starts by age, 2009/10 and population estimates for 2010 Percentage of apprenticeship Percentage of all starts in 2010 England Apprenticeship starts apprenticeship starts 2010 England population population

16 29,380 10.5 633,000 5 17 40,780 14.6 646,000 6 16-18 116,800 41.8 1,953,700 6 Total 279,700 100.0 — — Notes: 1. Apprenticeship figures are rounded to the nearest 10 apart from the total which is rounded to the nearest 100. England population figures (ONS population estimates, 2010) are rounded to the nearest 100. 2. Percentages are based on unrounded figures. 3. Apprenticeship age is calculated based on age at start of the programme. Source: Individualised Learner Record and ONS population estimates, 2010.

Information on the number of apprenticeship starts completed an apprenticeship in (i) the London is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). borough of Tower Hamlets and (ii) Bethnal Green and The latest SFR was published on 23 June 2011: Bow constituency in each year since 2005-06. [68678] http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current Mr Hayes: The following table shows the number of Apprentices: Tower Hamlets apprenticeship programme starts and framework achievements by 16 to 18-year old learners in Bethnal Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Green and Bow constituency and Tower Hamlets local Education what estimate he has made of the number of education authority for academic years 2005/06 to 2009/10, people aged 16 to 18 years who (a) began and (b) the latest year for which final data are available. 727W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 728W

Apprenticeship framework starts and achievements in Tower Hamlets local education authority and Bethnal Green and Bow parliamentary constituency by 16 to 18-year-olds, 2005/06 to 2009/10 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10

Tower Hamlets local education authority Starts 280 230 210 250 320 Achievements 120 100 100 120 140 Bethnal Green and Bow constituency Starts 130 110 80 130 140 Achievements 60 40 40 60 70 Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Geographic information is based upon the home postcode of the learner. 3. These figures are based on the geographic boundaries of parliamentary constituencies as of May 2010. 4. Age is calculated based on age at start of the programme. 5. 16 to 18-year-old learners include a small number of learners who are aged under 16. Source: Individualised Learner Record.

Information on the number of apprenticeship starts Substitute prescribing for under-18s is therefore rare, is published in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). and it is expected that if young people are receiving The latest SFR was published on 23June 2011: substitute prescribing, it should normally be as part of http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/ a reduction or detoxification programme. Most substance statisticalfirstrelease/sfr_current misuse interventions for young people focus on psychosocial counselling-based therapies aimed at achieving abstinence. This is supported by NDTMS figures, which show Discretionary Grants: Tower Hamlets that of the 294 young people with opiate problems receiving pharmacological interventions in 2009/10, 78 Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for were continuously receiving these interventions a year Education when his Department expects to inform schools later. This suggests that of the total 23,528 young and further education colleges in (a) the London borough people receiving interventions for substance misuse, of Tower Hamlets and (b) Bethnal Green and Bow 0.3% were prescribed methadone or other substitute constituency of their allocation of discretionary learner opioids on a maintenance basis. support. [68677] Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: The YoungPeople’s Learning Agency (YPLA) Education what recent estimate has been made of the notified schools, colleges and training providers of their average cost per week of a drug addiction care plan for 2011/12 funding allocation for the new 16 to 19 Bursary a young person in a care home or the secure estate. Fund on 17 June 2011. [69648]

Drugs: Misuse Sarah Teather: Information on costs specifically relating to a drug addiction care plan is not held centrally. Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education The full average cost of care in a local authority how many children and young people are prescribed children’s home is £2,881 per resident week, including methadone under National Treatment Agency for external services. Substance Misuse regimes; and what procedures are in In 2009-10, the full average annual cost of a placement place to assist such people in ending drug use. [69645] in the secure estate was £59,000 for a young offender institute, £163,000 for a secure training centre and Sarah Teather: The National Drug Treatment Monitoring £219,000 for a secure children’s home. System (NDTMS) collects information on the number of young people in specialist substance misuse services Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education in England. In 2009-10, there were 480 young people what qualifications are required of those who work on under 18 in treatment who had opiates as their main delivery of drug addiction treatment to young people in problem drug and, of these, 294 received pharmacological the secure estate and care homes. [69652] interventions. NDTMS does not distinguish between opiate substitute drugs (such as methadone or Sarah Teather: Expectations for staff competencies buprenorphine), other prescribed drugs (such as Ritalin and staff development in the secure estate are set out in for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), or what the national specification for substance misuse: they are prescribed for (in this context it could include prescribing for detoxification, stabilisation and symptomatic http://yjbpublications.justice.gov.uk/Scripts/prodView.asp? relief of substance misuse). Information on the doses idproduct=443&eP prescribed is not recorded within NDTMS nor held For children’s homes the National Minimum Standards centrally. set out the qualifications and staffing arrangement required. These are available via the following link: Youngpeople’s substance misuse is markedly different to that of adults. Young people tend to have shorter https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrdering Download/ histories of substance use and have used lower levels of NMS%20Children’s%20Homes.pdf drugs for shorter periods. They are therefore much less Standards 17 and 18 specify the qualifications and likely to be physically dependent. 2% of young people training for those working in children’s homes and in treatment in 2009-10 had heroin or crack cocaine as standard 14 specifies the minimum qualifications for their primary problem substance. managing the administration of a children’s home. 729W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 730W

Specialist substance misuse staff may also be working The national specification for substance misuse sets in conjunction with residential staff where required. out the guidelines for young people in the secure estate and the support that should be available: http://yjbpublications.justice.gov.uk/Scripts/prodView.asp? Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for idproduct=443&eP Education what residential rehabilitation facilities are available to those under 18 years of age with substance addictions. [69654] Education Maintenance Allowance

Sarah Teather: Youngpeople with very complex needs, Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for including substance misuse, who require a residential Education how many students in (a) Newcastle upon placement can be supported in a range of settings Tyne, (b) Northumberland and (c) North Tyneside including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services constituency were in receipt of education maintenance or, for looked after children, a children’s home or allowance in academic year 2010-11; and how many intensive fostering placement. However, such placements students in each area he estimates will receive 16 to 19 will be made after a full assessment of the child’s needs bursaries in 2011-12. [69589] have been carried out, rather than an assessment of their drug and alcohol use alone. Mr Gibb: This is a matter for the Young People’s Some adult residential rehabilitation facilities also Learning Agency (YPLA) who operate the education accept young people aged 17 where a placement is maintenance allowance for the Department for Education. deemed suitable. Peter Lauener, the YPLA’s chief executive, has written to the hon. Member for North Tyneside with the Young people’s drug and alcohol related needs differ information requested and a copy of his reply has been considerably from those of adults. 2% of young people placed in the House Libraries. in treatment in 2009-10 had heroin or crack cocaine as Letter from Peter Lauener, dated 16 August 2011: their primary problem substance, with the vast majority I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question (91%) accessing services due to cannabis or alcohol misuse. PQ69589 that asks; Young people have, typically, been misusing drugs or “How many students in (a) Newcastle upon Tyne, (b) alcohol for a much shorter period of time and very few Northumberland and (c) North Tyneside constituency were in have developed a dependency to the point that residential receipt of education maintenance allowance in academic year rehabilitation facilities, such as those used for adult 2010-11; and how many students in each area he estimates will dependency are required. receive 16 to 19 bursaries in 2011-2012.” As at the 31 July 2011 the number of young people who had received Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) was as follows: Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education a. Newcastle upon Tyne: 3,618; (1) what types of drug addiction treatment are offered b. Northumberland: 3,596; to young people in care homes and the secure estate; c. North Tyneside: 2,589. [69655] In each case, figures refer to the local authority area. Information (2) what type of care plan is provided for young is not available at levels below local authority such as Parliamentary people with a drug addiction in the secure estate and constituencies. EMA take-up is defined as young people who have received one or more EMA payments in the academic year care homes; and what assessment has been made of the concerned. effectiveness of such plans. [69650] EMA take-up data showing the number of young people who have received one or more EMA payments, broken down by local authority, during 2010/11 is available on the YPLA website, at the Sarah Teather: Looked after children, including those following address: in children’s homes or in intensive fostering placements, who are misusing drugs or alcohol should have access http://ema.ypla.gov.uk/resources/research/takeup/ to the full range of support services provided by the Further information on take up for 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, local young people’s substance misuse service. These 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 can also be found on that website. include psychosocial interventions (such as counselling), It is not possible to say how many young people will receive family support and pharmacological interventions for 16-19 bursaries in the 2011/12 academic year. Schools, colleges, Academies and training providers will be able to determine their those few young people who need them. These should own criteria for eligibility for discretionary bursaries, and for be provided on an “in-reach” basis to the children’s deciding the level of awards. Therefore the YPLA does not hold home where appropriate. data about the number of young people that are expected to benefit from the bursary scheme in each local authority area. We For young people with very complex needs their care expect that in many cases providers will want to agree a consistent plans should consider the full range of their needs and approach across an area, taking account of the needs and set clear objectives for the end of their drug and alcohol circumstances of young people locally. treatment. Local commissioners will need to consider the full range of need carefully for looked after children Education Maintenance Allowance: Tower Hamlets before making an appropriate residential placement. All young people entering custody are screened for Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for substance misuse and those with identified needs should Education what progress his Department has made in have a care plan in place that considers the full range of its investigation into the effects of changes to education their substance misuse and associated needs, as well as maintenance allowance in the London borough of Tower their resettlement back into the community. Hamlets. [68709] 731W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 732W

Mr Gibb: Schools, colleges and training providers in protected money to the front line, and we shall be Tower Hamlets will receive £695,860 in 2011/12 under setting out our detailed proposals, later this year, in a the arrangements for the new 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. In national plan for music education. This will include our addition, all young people in Tower Hamlets who first proposals for encouraging the uptake of good quality applied successfully for EMA in 2009/10, and the majority music education in state funded schools. of those who first did so in 2010/11, will continue to receive weekly payments via the nationally administered Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for transitional arrangements in 2011/12. Education what representations he has received from As the new arrangements take effect we will be representatives of (a) parents, (b) teaching unions, (c) monitoring participation data closely, including relating local authorities and (d) head teachers regarding the to London boroughs. We also expect to undertake a effects on music education of changes in the level of formal evaluation of the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, which spending on schools. [69612] will allow us to consider its impact in more detail. We have at present no evidence that the introduction of the Mr Gibb: In addition to the 900 responses to the call 16 to 19 Bursary Fund has had an impact on participation of evidence for Mr Darren Henley’s review of music in education and training post-16 in Tower Hamlets. education in 2010, the Department for Education received between January and July this year almost 400 items of Music: Education correspondence from people concerned about music education. It would be a disproportionate cost to the Department to break these down by type of correspondent. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what estimate he has made of the cost of peripatetic In response to Mr Henley’s review of music education, music lessons per student for (a) primary and (b) the Government made clear their commitment to ensuring secondary age pupils in (i) England, (ii) west midlands every child experiences a sound music education with and (iii) Dudley borough for the school year 2011-12; opportunities to learn to play a musical instrument and [69609] to sing. In addition to announcing a funding settlement for music education of £82.5 million for 2011-12, the (2) what the cost was of peripatetic music lessons per Government pledged to eliminate historical discrepancies student for (a) primary and (b) secondary age pupils in funding. Moving to a more transparent funding in (i) England, (ii) west midlands and (iii) Dudley formula has resulted in some local authorities receiving borough in each of the last five years. [69610] an increase in funding, while we have guaranteed that no local authority would lose more than 10% of its Mr Gibb: Local authorities are responsible for arranging funding compared to 2010-11. The majority of the the provision of music instrument lessons and for setting funding for 2011-12 will go to the front line to deliver the charges for these lessons which historically have music education. often been paid for by parents. Information on the cost of peripatetic music lessons is not collected by or held Schools: York centrally by the Department for Education but the total number of children in England taking music lessons in 2010 was just over 1.1 million at a cost of £219 million. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much central Government resource Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education funding was allocated to schools in York in each year what steps his Department is taking to encourage the since 1996-97; and how much he plans to allocate in uptake of music education in (a) primary and (b) each year of the comprehensive spending review period secondary schools. [69611] in (a) cash and (b) real terms (i) in total and (ii) per pupil. [65596] Mr Gibb: We want every child to learn a musical instrument and to sing. We are committed to significant Mr Gibb: The per pupil and total revenue funding public expenditure in providing music services because figures, from the Department to local authorities, for we are determined that every child will have access to a pupils aged three to 19 for York for years 1997-98 to quality music education, including those from families 2005-06 are as follows. that cannot afford to pay for private lessons. We have These figures are in cash terms:

Local authority total revenue funding (cash) 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

York (£ per pupil) 2,286 2,409 2,574 2,827 2,994 3,160 3,325 3,545 3,813 York (£ million total) 54.864 58.637 63.343 71.074 76.304 80.298 84.259 88.958 94.345

These figures are in real terms:

Local authority total revenue funding (real)

1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

York (£ per pupil) 3,131 3,230 3,385 3,670 3,801 3,887 3,978 4,127 4,360 733W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 734W

Local authority total revenue funding (real) 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

York (£ million total) 75.131 78.638 83.311 92.268 96.890 98.781 100.809 103.552 107.866 Notes: 1. Price Base: Real terms at 2010-11 prices, based on GDP deflators as at 29 June 2011. 2. Figures reflect relevant sub-blocks of Standard Spending Assessment/Education Formula Spending (EFS) settlements and exclude the pensions transfer to EFS and YPLA. 3. Total funding also includes all revenue grants in DfE Departmental Expenditure Limits relevant to pupils aged three to 19 and exclude Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) and grants not allocated at LEA level. 4. Where responsibility for funding a school has transferred from an authority, related funding no longer appears in the series. 5. The pupil numbers used to convert £ million figures to £ per pupil are those underlying the SSA/EFS settlement calculations plus PLASC three-year-old maintained pupils and estimated three to four-year-olds funded through state support in maintained and other educational institutions where these are not included in the SSA pupil numbers. 6. Rounding: Total figures are rounded to the nearest £0.1 million, per pupil figures are rounded to the nearest £10.

The total revenue per pupil figures shown in the still funded through DCLG’s Local Government Finance following table are taken from the Dedicated Schools Settlement but education items cannot be separately Grant (DSG). They are not comparable with those for identified. Consequently, there is a break in the the years 1997-98 to 2005-06 because the introduction Department’s time series as the two sets of data are not of the DSG in 2006-07 fundamentally changed how comparable. An alternative time series is currently under local authorities are funded. development. The 1997-98 to 2005-06 figures are based on Education To provide a comparison for 2006-07 DSG, the Formula Spending (EFS) which formed the education Department have isolated the schools block equivalent part of the Local Government Finance Settlement, plus funding in 2005-06; as described above this does not various grants. This was an assessment of what local represent the totality of ’education’ funding in that authorities needed to fund education rather than what year. they spent. The DSG is based largely on an authority’s previous spending. In addition, the DSG has a different The total and per pupil revenue funding figures for coverage to EFS. EFS comprised a schools block and years 2005-06 to 2010-11 for York are provided in the an LEA block (to cover LEA central functions) whereas following table. The figures shown are for all funded DSG only covers the school block. LEA block items are pupils aged three to 19 and are in cash terms:

Local authority total revenue funding (DSG + grants cash) 2005-06 (Baseline) 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

York (£ per pupil) 3,730 3,900 4,160 4,380 4,580 4,790 York (£ million total) 92.229 95.594 100.277 104.299 108.066 114.338

These figures are in real terms:

Local authority total revenue funding (DSG + grants real) 2005-06 (Baseline) 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

York (£ per pupil) 4,260 4,320 4,470 4,580 4,720 4,780 York (£ million total) 105.447 105.744 107.835 109.141 111.271 114.235 Notes: 1. This covers funding through the Dedicated Schools Grant, School Standards Grant, School Standards Grant (Personalisation) and Standards Fund as well as funding from the Learning and Skills Council; it excludes grants which are not allocated at LA level. 2. Price Base: Real terms at 2010-11 prices, based on GDP deflators as at 29 June 2011. 3. These figures are for all funded pupils aged three to 19. 4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest £10. 5. Some of the grant allocations have not been finalised. If these do change, the effect on the funding figures is expected to be minimal.

Special Educational Needs core features of this role will be: working with local partners, such as Health and Wellbeing Boards, to plan Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for strategically for services to meet the needs of local Education what role local authorities will have in communities; commissioning high quality provision for co-ordinating specialist support for pupils with special disabled children and those with SEN; and enabling educational needs between schools, health services and families to make informed choices and exercise greater other services. [69714] control over services, by, for example, setting out a local offer of provision for these children. Sarah Teather: The special educational needs (SEN) For individual children who require specialist support, and disability Green Paper, “Support and aspiration”, local authorities will be an important agency, working set out a strong strategic role for local authorities in with the voluntary sector and others, in arranging a England acting as the champions of vulnerable children, single assessment process, drawing up Education, Health including those with SEN, and their families. The three 735W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 736W and Care Plans and agreeing on responsibility among Recommendations in the society’s report, such as the the agencies involved for making the provision set out call for schools to have access to autism specialists, are on the plan. addressed by proposals in the Green Paper, such as The Department is considering responses to the Green those for outstanding special schools, including autism Paper and the Government will be publishing their specialist schools, to become Teaching Schools, developing plans for the future of SEN and disability provision in their own staff alongside staff in schools throughout England by the end of the year. their network and sharing their expertise. Great Expectations is being considered alongside other Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for responses to the Green Paper and the Government will Education if he will take steps to ensure that implementation be setting out its plans for special educational needs and of the proposal in his Department’s Special Educational disability provision in England by the end of the year. Needs Green Paper to remove the bias toward inclusions of pupils with special educational needs does not prevent Vocational Guidance such pupils from accessing mainstream education. [69716] Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the outcome was of the careers summit Sarah Teather: The proposals set out in the special which took place in his Department on 15 July 2011; educational needs and disability Green Paper, “Support and if he will make a statement. [68014] and aspiration”, will not lead to any lessening of parents’, rights. In the move from SEN statements to Education, Mr Hayes [holding answer 5 September 2011]: The Health and Care Plans parents will retain the right to outcomes of the careers summit on 15 July 2011 have request a mainstream education for their children if been published on the Local Government Association’s that is what they want and local authorities will still be Communities of Practice website, available via under a conditional duty to send those children to www.communities.idea.gov.uk mainstream schools and those schools will be under a duty, or obligation in the case of academies, to admit the child. Except in prescribed circumstances, children with TRANSPORT SEN but without statements must be educated in Agility Trains mainstream schools and this will continue to be the case following introduction of the new plans. : To ask the Secretary of State for Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what dates he has met representatives of Education whether the evaluation of special educational Agility Trains since May 2010. [61258] needs personal budget pilots will consider the role of local authorities in developing a market from which parents Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State has met with can choose an appropriate range of services. [69719] representatives of Agility Trains, a consortium of Hitachi Rail Europe and John Laing Investments, four times Sarah Teather: The Green Paper “Support and since May 2010. Details of the Secretary of State’s Aspiration: A new approach to special educational diary commitments are published quarterly on the DfT needs and disability” (SEND) (March 2011) outlined website. proposals to improve the current support system for Biofuels families, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in England. Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport We are commissioning a series of SEND pathfinders how many companies have (a) received and (b) to test out a range of new and innovative approaches to applications pending for funding under the EU Strategic improve services, including the use of special educational Energy Technology Plan for the development of biofuels needs personal budgets. I can confirm that the national from (i) waste, (ii) residues, (iii) non-food cellulosic evaluation study, commissioned to underpin the SEND feedstocks and (iv) lignocellulosic feedstocks. [69556] pathfinder programme, will consider the local authority role in developing markets to support special educational Norman Baker: The Strategic Energy Technology needs personal budgets. Plan (SET Plan) is the European Union’s vision for accelerating the development and deployment of cost- Special Educational Needs: Autism effective low carbon technologies. The SET Plan is not a funding body but rather the umbrella title for research Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for and demonstration activities. Funding for activities Education what steps he is taking in response to the promoted under the SET Plan may be provided from conclusions and recommendations relating to autism in any of a number of sources, including the European the National Autistic Society’s report on special Union’s Framework Programme 7, individual European educational needs entitled Great Expectations. [69715] member states and private industry. Many of these sources have an interest in research and demonstration Sarah Teather: The National Autistic Society’s report activity that predates the SET Plan. Great Expectations was published in response to the In the last three years Framework Programme 7 has special educational needs and disability Green Paper awarded support to 11 projects involving UK organisations and it showed that there was welcome support from for biofuel research and development. Two further bids parents for important proposals in the Green Paper. are currently being assessed. This has provided at least 737W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 738W

7 million euros of support to UK institutions. However, Departmental Procurement it is likely that not all of this work is directly related to the SET Plan initiative as Framework Programme 7 has Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for a wider scope. The Department for Transport itself Transport what the annual value is of his Department’s does not provide any direct funding for SET Plan current contracts in each sector in which contracts are activities and we do not have a role in the funding held. [66589] decisions of other bodies that may fund this work. Norman Baker: The annual value of my Department’s current contracts in each sector in which contracts are Cycling held is shown in the following table. The category structure is based on the PSPES (Public Sector Procurement Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Expenditure Survey) taxonomy. Transport what his policy is on the involvement of employers in the promotion of cycling as a means of PSPES Category Level 1 Amount (£) transport to work; how many meetings he has had with Construction 1,156,508,494 employer organisations on promoting cycling in the Energy and Utilities 27,024,294 last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. Engineering Goods 0 [68446] Facilities 29,241,654 Fuels Lubricants and Gases 882,008 Norman Baker: It is good that many employers help ICT 174,458,014 their staff to cycle to and from work. Logistics 444,569 . We see encouraging cycling and walking, along with Marketing and Media 4,884,678 improving public transport, as key to cutting carbon Not in PSPES 34,848,115 emissions and enhancing the quality of our urban areas. Office Solutions 73,661,694 The Local Sustainable Transport Fund makes £560 Operational Goods and Services 41,902,129 million available over the period 2011-2015 to support Personnel Related 2,080,512 growth and cut carbon through transport initiatives. Professional Services— 12,884,712 Many of the bids to the fund have involved partnership Financial arrangements with local employers, which we view positively. Professional Services—Learning 4,061,991 Earlier this year I met with Business for Life, and and Development encouraged them to sign up to the Cycle to Work Professional Services— 116,741,258 Guarantee, which forms part of the Department for Technical Services Health-led Public Health Responsibility Deal. Professional Services— 4,579,514 Consultancy The Department also funds the National Business Professional Services—Other 29,483,439 Travel Network (NBTN). NBTN launched a DfT part Professional Services— 1,551,689 funded “ways2work” tool kit in November 2010 to help Temporary Staff people and businesses work more efficiently. The tool Social Care 20,310,415 kit includes a section on encouraging cycling to work. Travel and Events 5,105,826 Uncategorised 32,840,306 Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Vehicles 10,007,021 Transport what recent estimate he has made of the Waste Management 158,061 number of people taking part in the Cycle to Work Clinical and Medical 157,000 scheme. [68832] Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Baker: There are no precise figures for the Transport what methodology (a) his Department and number of people taking up Cycle to Work schemes as (b) the non-departmental public bodies for which he is the tax allowance is covered by an exemption meaning responsible used to estimate savings to the public purse employers do not have to make an annual tax return made in respect of its procurement and purchasing regarding the benefit. since May 2010. [69265] The Cycle to Work Alliance, made up of the four largest Cycle to Work scheme administrators (Cycle Norman Baker: The Department for Transport and Scheme, Halfords, Evans and Cycle Solutions), report its non-departmental bodies followed Office of Government helping over 400,000 people take advantage of the Commerce methodology for estimating savings made scheme. via its procurement and purchasing. Cash savings were measured against the indicative contract budget, the initial tendered price and the final price following Departmental Correspondence negotiation. Electric Vehicles Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many letters his Department received Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport from hon. Members in June 2011. [68750] whether the UK Renewable Energy Roadmap published on 12 July 2011 assumes the 25 per cent. grant for Norman Baker: The Department for Transport received eligible ultra-low carbon vehicles will continue beyond 1,462 letters from hon. Members in June 2011. January 2012. [69557] 739W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 740W

Norman Baker: Last year’s spending review Mike Penning: The Department is conducting analysis announcement confirmed that Government have made of the effects of a change in the motorway speed limit provision to support the Plug-in Car Grant consumer but we do not yet have the results that show what the incentive for ultra low emission vehicles for the life of impact on casualties would be. this Parliament. This is referred to in the UK Renewable Energy Roadmap. Noise: Pollution To ensure continued value for money for the taxpayer, the scheme, and the level of subsidy provided, will be regularly reviewed; with the first review of the Plug-In Jack Lopresti: To ask the Secretary of State for Car Grant taking place in January 2012. Transport what requirements there are on his Department’s agencies to seek to alleviate levels of environmental Government Car and Despatch Agency noise in First Priority Location identified by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in its Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for noise mapping. [69428] Transport how much revenue the Government Car and Despatch Agency received from each Government Norman Baker: The Highways Agency is the DfT Department in respect of its (a) allocated service and agency that has direct responsibility for managing traffic (b) ministerial car pool in the last 12 months for which noise in First Priority Locations. figures are available. [69789] The Highways Agency is required to investigate First Priority Locations identified by DEFRA under the Mike Penning: Details on the revenue that the Environmental Noise (England) Regulations (2006). Government Car and Despatch Agency received from each Government Department for both allocated and These regulations require strategic noise maps and ministerial car pool services for the period 2010 to 2011 action plans to be prepared for urban areas will be published in a written ministerial statement to (agglomerations), major roads, major railways and major the House in due course. airports. England’s Noise Action Plans were formally adopted by the Secretary of State for Environment, Invalid Vehicles: Public Transport Food, and Rural Affairs on Monday 15 March 2010.

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Franchise Transport with reference to his Department’s review of legislation on powered mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs, whether the national strategy for carrying Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for mobility scooters on public transport vehicles will Transport how much money his Department has consider plating wheelchairs that are suitable to be received under revenue sharing arrangements from the carried on public transport. [69689] Northern franchise in each year since the Northern franchise was granted. [69604] Norman Baker: My Department recognises the need for consistency when it comes to the carriage of powered Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has received wheelchairs and mobility scooters on public transport, the following revenue sharing receipts from the Northern so people can be confident of whether their vehicle can franchise: be accommodated. The consultation on the review of legislation around £ million electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters did not address 2006-07 6,747 the issue of carriage on public transport, but, as 2007-08 7,836 recommended by the Transport Select Committee, we 2008-09 10,804 are now addressing this. We will be working with industry 2009-10 10,995 and users to look at the practicality of a plating system, and an announcement will be made once all the issues The revenue share for 2010-11 has yet to be finalised. have been considered. Metals: Theft Railways: Cardiff

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost of metal theft was to projects Transport which train manufacturers he has met to and infrastructure maintained or administered by his discuss bidding for the Intercity Express Programme Department in each of the last six years. [69811] trains planned to operate on the electrified line to Norman Baker: I regret that the information requested Cardiff; and on how many occasions he has met each can be provided only at disproportionate cost. such manufacturer since May 2010. [61257]

Motorways: Speed Limits Mrs Villiers: Since May 2010 the Secretary of State has met with Hitachi, the appointed manufacturer to Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Agility Trains, who are the preferred bidding consortium Transport what analysis his Department has conducted for the Intercity Express Programme contract, appointed on the potential effects on the level of (a) fatalities, (b) in 2009 to discuss the procurement process that is serious casualties and (c) slight casualties of an nearing completion. A record of these meetings is in my increase in motorway speed limits to 80 mph. [69357] answer given today (UIN 61258). 741W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 742W

Within this period the Secretary of State has also met Mr Philip Hammond: The Government’s proposed once with representatives of each of Bombardier, Alstom, strategy for high speed rail is to construct a Y-shaped and Siemens, each of whom pre-qualified for the Intercity network linking directly to Manchester and Leeds. This Express Programme as part of other consortia. would be able to accommodate 400 m trains carrying up to 1,100 people, enabling a significant increase in capacity Railways: Diesel Fuel to Manchester, as well as reducing the journey time to London to around 73 minutes. Other destinations in the Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for North West such as Liverpool or Preston could also see Transport what his policy is on the use of diesel Pacer significant capacity and journey time improvements via railbuses after 2019. [69603] high speed services through-running onto the conventional network. Mrs Villiers: The deployment of rolling stock is typically In addition, even the opening of the initial London a matter for train operators and Rolling Stock Leasing to West Midlands phase of the proposed network would companies, with the Department’s role being limited to see through-running high speed trains serving Manchester, ensuring that tax-payers and fare-payers receive value Liverpool and other cities in the North West of England. for money. The expansion in the number of electrified rail routes Rescue Services may mean that fewer diesel trains will be needed in the future. Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport The Department has set out the level of accessibility what would be the operational responsibilities of that it expects Pacers to have if they are to remain in coastguards based in the (a) Maritime Operations Centre service after 2019—it will be for the owners to decide and (b) Maritime Rescue Sub-centres under the revised whether to invest in life-extension works. Indeed, one proposals for the future of the Coastguard service. has already released images of interior refurbishment [69598] concepts. Mike Penning: The operational responsibilities and Railways: Greater Manchester skill levels of Coastguards at a Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) and a Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (MRSC) are the same and are described within the if he will publish details of the effects on train services original consultation document published on 16 December to Manchester and the North West of England of the 2010, pages 26 to 28. completion of a high speed line to Manchester and The concept of operations is further explained in the Leeds. [69605] supporting documentation to the second consultation document published on 14 July 2011 which may be Mr Philip Hammond: Subject to the outcome of the found on pages 2 to 6 at: public consultation, HS2 would result in faster and more frequent services between London and cities in www.dft.gov.uk/mca/supporting_documentation-3.pdf the North West. A full ‘Y’ shaped high speed network Roads: Schools to Manchester and Leeds would be able to accommodate trains that can carry up to 1,100 people from Manchester to London in one hour 13 minutes, and from Manchester Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for to Birmingham in 49 minutes. In addition, high speed Transport what the (a) name and (b) address is of services through-running onto the conventional network each school within 150 metres of a road which carries would be able to reach other towns and cities in the on average over 10,000 vehicles per day. [69435] North West, for example reducing the journey time between London and Liverpool to as little as one hour Norman Baker: The Department does not hold the 37 minutes. information in the form requested, and I regret it could As per the illustrative service specification for the ‘Y’ be obtained only at disproportionate cost. network outlined in the Economic Case for the Thameslink Railway Line: Rolling Stock Government’s proposals for High Speed 2, there would be four high speed services an hour to Manchester from London in the peak, two services an hour from Birmingham Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to Manchester, two services an hour from London to how many carriages the Thameslink programme will Liverpool (with intermediate stops at Stafford, Crewe, release for redeployment in each year between 2013 and and Runcorn and Warrington) and two services an 2018. [69027] hour in the peak from London to Wigan, Preston and Glasgow. Mrs Villiers [holding answer 6 September 2011]: No existing carriages will be redeployed in 2013 or 2014 as In addition, HS2 would free up capacity on existing the first of the new Thameslink trains are not expected rail lines which will provide more space for better and to enter service until early 2015 with all trains (around new services, including services to and from the North 1,200 vehicles) expected to be operating in time for the West. December 2018 timetable. The exact detail of the Railways: North West deployment and roll-out of the new trains is currently being developed. Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport The redeployment of existing vehicles is dependent what plans he has to extend high speed services to the on other factors, for example franchise lengths and the North West. [69606] exact timing of the electrification programmes. However, 743W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 744W approximately 400 existing vehicles are expected to be Article 4 of the Utilities Contracts regulations 2006 redeployed in the period from 2015 to 2018. requires bidders to be treated in a way which is equal, non-discriminatory and transparent. This reflects European Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for treaty principles. Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement This article would prevent new requirements being of 16 June 2011, Official Report, columns 85-86WS, on introduced into the evaluation process which discriminate, Thameslink rolling stock, whether he has (a) requested against a particular bidder. or (b) received legal advice since 10 May 2010 on options for changing the terms of the original Margaret Beckett: To ask the Secretary of State for invitation to tender for the Thameslink contract; and if Transport pursuant to the answer of 18 July 2011, he will publish any such advice. [R] [65775] Official Report, column 718W, on Thameslink railway line: rolling stock, on what dates officials in his Department Mrs Villiers [holding answer 13 July 2011]: It is in the met representatives of Bombardier Transportation UK public interest that the decisions taken by the Secretary Ltd between 12 May and 16 June 2011; and what the of State are taken in a fully informed legal context purpose was of such meetings. [69196] where relevant. Communications between the Secretary of State and his legal advisers are subject to the legal Mrs Villiers: DFT officials met representatives of advice privilege. Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd on 12, 17 and 19 May 2011. The meetings discussed business matters John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for between the Department and Bombardier. Transport whether he gave consideration to the July 2009 Competition Commission report on the rolling Trains: Rolling Stock stock leasing market as part of the assessment of bids for the Thameslink rolling stock contract; and if he will Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport make a statement. [R] [68702] what information his Department holds on plans to deploy rolling stock to train operators in future; and if Mrs Villiers: The Department was aware of, and he will publish the most recent plans. [69602] considered, the report by the Competition Commission on the rolling stock leasing market when it was published. Mrs Villiers: Work is under way to provide additional The Competition Commission did not require any rolling stock on many routes around the country.Combined alterations to the Thameslink rolling stock procurement with the IEP, Thameslink and Crossrail projects, our process, and none were made as a result of their report. plan is that 2,700 new carriages will be in service by the end of 2019. 349 additional carriages were added to the John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for network during the coalition’s first 12 months in office Transport whether any part of the process to assess and progress has been made on the procurement process bids for the Thameslink rolling stock contract was for carriages to be delivered under the IEP, Thameslink sub-contracted to a third party; and if he will list any and Crossrail programmes. such sub-contractors. [R] [68713] The last formal rolling stock plan was prepared by the previous Administration, and published in July 2008. We will be considering Sir Roy McNulty’s Mrs Villiers: The assessment of bids was led by the recommendations on rolling stock but start from the Department for Transport, supported and advised by position that the rail industry should be best placed to representatives from Network Rail, First Capital Connect, lead on rolling stock cascade proposals, with the PricewaterhouseCoopers, Freshfields Bruckhaus Derringer, Government’s role primarily focused on ensuring that Interfleet Technology and Arup. these represent value-for-money.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) sections of the procurement document Transport what information he holds on the number of and (b) provisions of EU procurement law prevents a current rolling stock for train carriages. [69702] re-appraisal of the existing award of preferred bidder status for the Thameslink rolling stock contract. [R] [68733] Mrs Villiers: The information is available from a number of industry publications such as Platform 5 and associated trade magazines. The current passenger rolling Mrs Villiers: The detailed process and criteria for the stock numbers excluding locomotives is around 11,600 evaluation of Thameslink bids and the process defining carriages. the award of a Preferred Bidder are clearly set out in section 3 of the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project invitation West Coast Railway Line: Rolling Stock to tender. In particular section 3.3 defines the process that must be used for the selection of the Preferred Bidder. Any re-appraisal of the existing bidder proposals Margaret Beckett: To ask the Secretary of State for against these criteria will only produce the same outcome. Transport pursuant to the answer of 18 July 2011, As a matter of procurement law the Department would Official Report, column 722W, on West Coast Railway be open to legal challenge if it now sought to change the line, on what dates he received information from officials evaluation criteria, process or process for identifying in his Department on the status of the procurement for the preferred bidder. the Intercity Express programme. [69195] 745W Written Answers7 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 746W

Mrs Villiers: Since taking office Ministers have received In order to lower unit operating costs, the new franchisee submissions on the status of the Intercity Express will assume full repair responsibilities for the 17 stations Programme on an ongoing basis. which it manages under a 99 year lease from Network West Coast Railways Line Rail (at present it is split between the operator and Network Rail). Bidders will be expected to consider what appropriate enhancements should be made and John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for how best to improve service quality at these stations. Transport if he will include a requirement to modernise railway stations on the West Coast Main Line in the A residual value mechanism is being created to account tender which is to begin in 2012. [69672] for the long term value of station improvements if these carry on beyond the franchise end date. This could Mrs Villiers: A new franchising system has been reward operators for investment with a pay back period devised to facilitate and encourage private investment, longer than their franchise term. and to deliver benefits for passengers. 747W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 748W

Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign Written Answers to and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) and I have Questions had no recent discussions on the British Indian Ocean Territory with their US or Mauritian counterparts.

Thursday 8 September 2011 Gibraltar

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to increase the number of officials of his Department MyUK based in Gibraltar. [70875] Jo Swinson: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Mr Lidington: There are no plans to increase the Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of number of officials in the Governor’s Office in Commons Commission, what feedback the Parliamentary Gibraltar. Education Service has received following the launch of MyUK; and if he will make a statement. [70622] Sergei Magnitsky John Thurso: 8 September 2011 is the official launch of MyUK, the new online learning activity from Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Parliament’s Education Service. Feedback from and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he students and teachers prior to the launch has been has received from the Russian Interior Ministries on extremely positive, and the quality of the material has the prosecution of the late Sergi Magnitsky for tax already been recognised, having been shortlisted in the evasion; and if he will make a statement. [70119] ‘best learning game, simulation or virtual environment’ category at this year’s prestigious E-Learning Awards. Mr Lidington: While we have not had discussions The Education Service will provide hon. and right hon. with, or received representations from, the Russian Members with MyUK publicity material for their Government on the resumption of the prosecution case schools to coincide with Parliament Week (31 October against the late Mr Magnitsky, we have repeatedly to 6 November 2011). made clear to the Russian Government our concerns Construction about his arrest, detention and death. We have urged the Russian Government to investigate the case fully Mr Knight: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, and bring to justice those responsible. Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of The Foreign Secretary discussed the case with Commons Commission, by what date the House of Foreign Minister Lavrov when he visited London in Commons Commission expects Commons Court to be February, and I raised the case during my visit to free of scaffolding, portacabins, builders’ huts and Moscow in July. contractors’ vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [69753] Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his John Thurso: The portacabins currently located in Department has had with the Russian Government on Commons Court are being used for the medium-term the prosecution of the late Sergi Magnitsky for tax mechanical and engineering project. It is envisaged that evasion. [70120] they will remain in place until the current phase of the project is completed, expected to be at the end of Mr Lidington: While we have not had discussions December 2011. Commons Court is an area suitable with, or received representations from, the Russian for site huts and from time to time in the future huts Government on the resumption of the prosecution case are likely to be sited there in connection with various against the late Mr Magnitsky, we have repeatedly works projects. made clear to the Russian Government our concerns Most of the scaffolding in Commons Court has been about his arrest, detention and death. We have urged erected to permit the demolition of a roof-top hut. This the Russian Government to investigate the case fully scaffolding is due to be removed in the next few weeks. and bring to justice those responsible. The remainder of the scaffolding is there to carry The Foreign Secretary discussed the case with power and water services above the carriageway to the Foreign Minister Lavrov when he visited London in portacabins and will be removed at the same time as February, and I raised the case during my visit to the cabins. Moscow in July.

Zimbabwe: Racial Discrimination FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Chagos Islands Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Government intends to ask the United Nations to activate Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of he has had with his (a) US and (b) Mauritius counterpart Racial Discrimination in respect of Zimbabwe; and if on the Chagos Islands. [70878] he will make a statement. [70821] 749W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 750W

Mr Bellingham: Zimbabwe ratified the International COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) on 13 May 1991 and is Community Right to Challenge required to respect that obligation. The British Government regularly call on Zimbabwe Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities to uphold its obligations under international human and Local Government what guidance his Department rights treaties, and to treat all of its citizens equally and plans to issue to local authorities on the statutory fairly. grounds on which certain local services may be exempted from the Community Right to Challenge. [70183]

Andrew Stunell: The Localism Bill enables the Secretary PRIME MINISTER of State to exempt services from the Community Right to Challenge, and set out grounds for rejecting an expression of interest, in regulations. The Department Climate Change: Conferences is considering what additional guidance may need to be provided on these issues and will discuss this with key Luciana Berger: To ask the Prime Minister whether interested parties. he plans to attend the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban. [70828] Community Relations

The Prime Minister: The Government are committed Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for to achieving an ambitious global deal to cut emissions Communities and Local Government what assessment consistent with limiting global temperature increase to he has made of the effects on community cohesion of 2 degrees Celsius. The UK will be represented at Durban the Al Quds Day rally held on 21 August 2011. [70037] by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eastleigh (Chris Andrew Stunell: My Department has made no Huhne) and the Minister of State, Department of Energy specific assessment of the effects of the Al Quds Day and Climate Change, my hon. Friend the Member for rally. Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker). Council Housing: Evictions Departmental Consultants Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Austin Mitchell: To ask the Prime Minister how Communities and Local Government what (a) guidance many senior civil servants in his Office at each grade has been issued to and (b) discussions he has had with had worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst and local authorities on the eviction of council tenants from Young, Deloitte or KPMG immediately prior to taking their homes if they, or their family members, are convicted up their appointment in each of the last four years; of criminal conduct resulting from the public disorder what consultancy agreements his Office had with those of August 2011. [70572] firms in each such year; and how many consultants from those firms have advised his Office in each such Grant Shapps: No guidance has been issued to local year. [68957] authorities on the eviction of tenants if they or their family members are convicted of criminal activities Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply. during the recent disorder. The Department for The Prime Minister’s Office is an integral part of the Communities and Local Government is however currently Cabinet Office and therefore the answer provided is for consulting on proposals to extend the existing discretionary the whole of the Cabinet Office. ground for possession for antisocial behaviour to include tenants or family members who have been convicted of Appointments to the civil service are made on merit the sort of criminality witnessed during the recent riots, on the basis of fair and open competition in wherever that criminality took place. accordance with the Constitutional Reform Act 2010. During and in the aftermath of the riots a number of The information requested for the Cabinet Office is discussions took place between Ministers in this not readily available and could be obtained only at Department and local authorities. Eviction was one of disproportionate cost. many issues discussed. In May 2010 the Government announced a freeze on new consultancy expenditure. Any exception to this Travellers freeze (where the estimated value is over £20,000) must be approved by the relevant Minister. In the case of the : To ask the Secretary of State for Cabinet Office, the Minister for the Cabinet Office Communities and Local Government how much approves any exception to the consultancy freeze. funding was provided to each local authority from Expenditure on consultancy is only allowed if the Homes and Communities Agency Gypsy and Traveller consultancy is deemed to be operationally necessary, or programme grants for new Gypsy and Traveller sites in the work can not be done by in-house staff. All each of the last five years. [70550] consultancy contracts are subject to a review every three months, for a maximum of nine months. Where Andrew Stunell: Before 2009, Gypsy and Traveller contracts go beyond nine months, they must be Site Grant was administered by DCLG and the submitted for approval to the Efficiency and Reform following total sums were paid out: Group for consideration by the Chief Secretary to the 2007-08—£32,295,321 Treasury and the Minister for the Cabinet Office. 2008-09—£22,945:064 751W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 752W

Figures broken down by local authority are available 2010-11 in the Library of the House. The Homes and Local authority New/additional pitches Communities Agency has been responsible for paying Kent 18 the Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant since financial year 2009-10. Since then they have provided funding for: Lancashire 2 Lincolnshire 2 2009-10 Middlesbrough 5 Local authority £ North Dorset 8 Bedford 326,155 North Yorkshire 2 Sandwell 1,063,000 Northumberland 1 South Gloucestershire 418,163 Norwich 3 Total 1,807,318 South Cambridgeshire 1 South Gloucestershire 5 2010-11 Total 77 Local authority £ Barnsley 1,160,000 Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Bedford 279,786 Communities and Local Government what estimate his Bromsgrove 999,600 Department has made of the number of unauthorised Buckinghamshire 358.072 Traveller sites in (a) each local authority area and (b) Corby 475,000 England (i) in each of the last five years and (ii) since East Riding 1,214,139 May 2010. [70552] Gateshead 512,549 Kent 932,107 Andrew Stunell: The ″Count of Gypsy and Traveller Lancashire 278,362 Caravans″ undertaken bi-annually by local authorities Lincolnshire 1,248,571 in England and collated by my Department collects Middlesbrough 583,009 data on the number of caravans on unauthorised sites North Dorset 956,856 in England. It does not provide data on the number of North Yorkshire 43,986 unauthorised sites. Information on the number of Northumberland 935,007 caravans on unauthorised sites in England and by local authority area for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 is Norwich 475,000 available in the Library of the House. South Cambridgeshire 1,101,051 ″ South Gloucestershire 77,250 Figures from the Count of Gypsy and Traveller ″ Total 11,630,345 Caravans for the past five years indicate a downward trend on unauthorised caravans. In the spending period 2011-15 £60 million has been set aside for the provision of new Traveller sites and the Number refurbishment of existing ones. January 2007 3,797 Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 3,680 Communities and Local Government how many Traveller sites have been built in each local authority 2009 841 2010 896 area since May 2010. [70551] 2011 695 Andrew Stunell: The Department for Communities and Local Government only holds details on the number of pitches that have been built since May 2010 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER with Homes and Communities Agency funding. These are: Edelman 2009-10 Local authority New/additional pitches John Mann: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) how many telephone calls have taken place between his Bedford 9 Department and Edelman since 6 May 2010; [67951] Sandwell 1 (2) how many representatives of Edelman have South Gloucestershire 2 visited his Department since 6 May 2010. [67952] Total 12

2010-11 Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply. Local authority New/additional pitches The Deputy Prime Minister’s office is part of the Cabinet Office. Details of telephone calls and meetings Barnsley 2 held by officials are not held centrally. Bedford 2 Bromsgrove 5 The Government are committed to publishing details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations on a Buckinghamshire 1 quarterly basis. Details of these meetings can be accessed Corby 4 on the Cabinet Office website at: East Riding 10 http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/ministerial- Gateshead 6 gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings-external-organisations 753W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 754W

WORK AND PENSIONS Chris Grayling: Despite an extensive search, I am afraid the Department has found no trace of these Housing Benefit: Domestic Violence letters.

Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensioners: Jarrow Pensions what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on the award of housing benefit to victims of domestic violence who flee their homes. [70181] Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners (a) aged 80 and Steve Webb: Guidance for local authorities on the over received the annual £400 winter fuel payment and award of housing benefit for victims of domestic violence (b) aged 60 and over received the annual £250 winter is contained in chapter A3, paragraphs 3.410-3.415 and fuel payment in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South 3.630-3.633, of the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Tyneside, (iii) the North East and (iv) the UK in (A) Benefit Guidance Manual, which is published on the 2009-10 and (B) 2010-11. [70098] Department’s website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/hbgm-a3-liability-to-make- payments.pdf Steve Webb: Winter fuel payment information is available in the document “Winter Fuel Payment recipients 2009-10 Housing Benefit: Parents by Parliamentary Constituencies, age and payment amount”. This is available in the Commons Library and on the internet at: Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=wfp number of non-resident parents (a) in Bristol and (b) Information for 2010-11 is not currently available. nationally who will be restricted to the local housing allowance shared accommodation rate as a result of increasing the age threshold to 35 in January 2012. Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average weekly income was of a [70138] pensioner household in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in Steve Webb: It is estimated that around 10,000 of the each year since 1997. [70451] people affected by the extension of the shared accommodation rate are non-resident parents who have some contact with children who live elsewhere. Steve Webb: Estimates of the median equivalised Estimates have not been produced at local authority household incomes After Housing Costs are published level. in the Households Below Average Income series. The Source: median income is the income of the middle person in DWP analysis of 2008/09 Family Resources Survey and 2008 the population, such that half the population have Families and Children Survey incomes below the median and half the population have incomes above the median. The median is used instead of the mean income because the mean is affected by Housing Benefit: Prisoners outlying cases with very high income values. These statistics only allow a breakdown of the overall Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for numbers in poverty at regional level. Therefore, information Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with is available for the North East region, but not available charities and support workers on the effects on single for Jarrow or South Tyneside. people under 35 leaving (a) prison and (b) supported housing of changes to the local housing allowance Three-year averages are used to report regional statistics shared accommodation rate. [70137] as single-year estimates are subject to volatility. The first table shows the median equivalised weekly Steve Webb: We have regular meetings with voluntary household income for pensioners in the North East of organisations and these have included discussions on England, After Housing Costs, for three year periods the change to the shared accommodation rate. We have spanning 1997-98 to 2009-10, which is the latest year for also liaised closely with the Department for Communities which figures are available. and Local Government, the Ministry of Justice and the Scottish Government on the introduction of two new The second table shows the median equivalised weekly exemptions: for ex-offenders who could pose a risk of household income for pensioners in the United Kingdom, serious harm to the public, and those leaving hostels After Housing Costs, for each year since 1998-99, which who have been homeless or are at risk of homelessness. is the first year for which UK figures are available. Equivalisation adjusts incomes for household size Members: Correspondence and composition, taking an adult couple with no children as the reference point. For example, the process of equivalisation would adjust the income of a single Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work pensioner upwards, so that we can use income to directly and Pensions when he plans to respond to the letters compare their standard of living with a pensioner couple. from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay of 25 May and 30 June 2011 regarding his constituent Mr In each case, incomes are presented in 2009-10 prices P Philpot. [70733] and have been rounded to the nearest pound. 755W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 756W

Table 1: Median equivalised weekly household incomes for pensioners in the Table 2: Median equivalised weekly household incomes for pensioners in the North East, After Housing Costs United Kingdom, After Housing Costs Median equivalised household weekly Median equivalised household weekly income for pensioners, (£) income for pensioners, (£)

1997-98 to 1999-2000 223 2008-09 341 1998-99 to 2000-01 225 2009-10 347 1999-2000 to 2001-02 240 Notes: 2000-01 to 2002-03 254 1. These statistics are based on Households Below Average Income (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable 2001-02 to 2003-04 269 household income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for 2002-03 to 2004-05 278 household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard 2003-04 to 2005-06 287 of living. 2. Net disposable incomes have been used to answer the question. This includes 2004-05 to 2006-07 297 earnings from employment and self-employment, state support, income from 2005-06 to 2007-08 309 occupational and private pensions, investment income and other sources. Income 2006-07 to 2008-09 314 tax, payments, national insurance contributions, council tax/domestic rates and some other payments are deducted from incomes. 2007-08 to 2009-10 317 3. Figures have been presented on an After Housing Cost basis. For After Housing Costs, housing costs are deducted from income. Table 2: Median equivalised weekly household incomes for pensioners in the 4. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to a degree of United Kingdom, After Housing Costs uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be Median equivalised household weekly affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. income for pensioners, (£) 5. The reference period for HBAI figures is the financial year. 6. Monetary amounts have been rounded to the nearest £1. 1998-99 241 1999-2000 253 2000-01 268 Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2001-02 280 and Pensions how many pensioners in (a) Jarrow 2002-03 289 constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East 2003-04 295 and (d) nationwide received the basic state pension in 2004-05 313 each year since 1981. [70452] 2005-06 321 2006-07 323 2007-08 335 Steve Webb: The information available is in the table.

State pension recipients, March 2000 to March 2002 and February 2003 to February 2011 South Tyneside local Jarrow parliamentary Great Britain North East region authority constituency

March 2000 10,126,800 472,200 30,100 15,600 March 2001 10,176,700 473,700 29,800 15,500 March 2002 10,233,000 475,000 30,100 15,900 February 2003 10,296,240 470,900 30,030 15,950 February 2004 10,385,360 473,970 29,930 15,990 February 2005 10,517,940 478,930 29,950 16,040 February 2006 10,585,700 481,260 29,930 16,070 February 2007 10,726,000 486,970 29,960 16,180 February 2008 10,920,230 494,900 30,220 16,400 February 2009 11,108,310 501,720 30,410 16,570 February 2010 11,334,610 511,870 30,870 16,830 February 2011 11,403,370 513,890 30,700 17,130 Notes: 1. Geographical breakdowns were not available on the state pension data until September 1999. 2. 5% sample figures are rounded to the nearest hundred, 100% figures to nearest 10. 3. Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% data was not available prior to February 2003, therefore 5% sample data was used instead. The sample data is uprated to be consistent with WPLS case loads. 4. State pension figure provided is the total State pension case load. Around 1% of state pension recipients are not in receipt of the basic state pension, but are receiving additional pension only or graduated retirement benefit only. 5. From April 2010, the age at which women reach state pension age started to gradually increase from 60. This will introduce a small increase to the number of working age benefit recipients and a small reduction to the number of pension age recipients. Figures from May 2010 onwards reflect this change. 6. This data does not include claimants living abroad. This data is available on the Department’s tabulation tool at http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/index.php?page=tabtool Sources: 1. Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate, 5% samples from March 2000 to March 2002. 2. DWP Information Directorate, 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study from February 2003.

Post Office Card Account Work Capability Assessment

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Work and Pensions how many work capability and Pensions how many people had a Post Office card assessments have been completed in each month of the account in the latest period for which figures are last year. [70900] available. [70052] Chris Grayling: The Department regularly publishes Steve Webb: As of July 2011, around 3.5 million official statistics on employment and support allowance people held a Post Office card account. (ESA) and the work capability assessment (WCA). The 757W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 758W information requested can be found in the latest report Mr Vaizey: In addition to grant in aid, lottery funding published in July 2011 on the internet at the following and the film tax relief, the Government have commissioned link: an independent review of film policy, with findings http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/ expected later this year. index.php?page=esa_wca We are committed to publishing a response to the Tables 2 and 2a in the above publication show monthly Livingstone-Hope report on skills for the video games statistics on completed initial and repeat assessments and visual effects sectors this summer. for ESA claims from October 2008 up to February 2011 (the latest data available). London Olympics The following table shows completed assessments for the latest year of data currently available. This is a 18. Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for summary of Tables 2 and 2a in the publication. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment Completed assessments by month of assessment he has made of the potential legacy of the equestrian Initial Repeat events of the London 2012 Olympics. [70605] assessments assessments Total Hugh Robertson: Greenwich was chosen as the venue 2010 for the equestrian events for the London 2012 games March 38,900 5,700 44,700 with the support of the International Equestrian Federation April 32,200 5,700 37,900 and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). Staging May 34,100 6,300 40,400 the events in Greenwich Park ensures a compact games, June 38,600 7,600 46,100 increases exposure and stimulates interest in equestrian July 40,300 9,300 49,500 sports with new audiences locally and across the UK. August 37,200 9,700 46,900 The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) September 38,900 11,100 50,000 staged the equestrian test event in July attended by October 38,200 11,600 49,700 5,000 local people, including over 3,500 from local November 41,300 13,900 55,300 schools and colleges—the vast majority of whom attended December 28,700 10,800 39,500 an equestrian event for the first time. Sport England is providing £4.2 million of funding to 2011 the BEF between 2009 and 2013 to increase access to January 34,600 14,900 49,500 equestrian sports under its Whole Sports Plan as part of February 37,900 17,000 54,900 the 2012 legacy. Total 440,900 123,600 564,500 Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Notes: 1. The data presented above come from benefit claims data held by Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what the status is the Department for Work and Pensions and functional assessment of the contingency fund for the London 2012 Olympics. data from Atos Healthcare. [70739] 2. These figures do not include IB reassessment claims. 3. A small number of clerical assessments, where the result cannot be determined from DWP benefits data, are excluded from these figures. Hugh Robertson: The Government Olympic Executive publishes quarterly reports on progress towards delivering the Olympic and Paralympic games. These reports include the latest position on the status and level of contingency CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT remaining within the £9.3 billion public sector funding package for the games. The most recent report, published in July 2011, showed that the balance of contingency Daylight Savings Bill and other savings in the programme stood at £643.5 million. For more information see: 15. Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.culture.gov.uk/publications/8308.aspx Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent While we are confident that the programme will be representations he has received on the potential benefits delivered within the £9.3 billion budget, significant to the tourism industry of the provisions of the Daylight challenges remain in the final year before the games. We Saving Bill. [70602] will continue to publish quarterly reports on progress, including the level of contingency remaining. John Penrose: I have received a number of representations and am aware of a range of arguments regarding the BSkyB effect of introducing daylight saving time on tourism businesses, other industries and sectors. Steps towards any movement in this area must be with consensus 20. Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State across the UK. for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent representations he has received on the implications for the broadcasting sector of the decision by News Film and Video Games Industries Corporation not to proceed with its proposed acquisition of BSkyB. [70607] 17. David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has Mr Jeremy Hunt: We have received a number of for future support for the (a) film and (b) video games representations over the course of the proposed acquisition industry; and if he will make a statement. [70604] of BSkyB. 759W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 760W

Casinos Motor Sports

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he plans Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions to review the restrictions on building new casinos under he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005. [70031] Innovation and Skills on Formula One motor racing in the last year. [70260] John Penrose: Not immediately.The Government would want to consider the impact of the small and large Hugh Robertson: Neither the Secretary of State nor I casinos which can currently be developed under the have had specific discussions on Formula One. However Gambling Act 2005, before making any judgment on departmental officials, along with their colleagues at how casino regulation should be treated in the future. Business, Innovations and Skills, meet regularly with The timing of any such consideration will depend on motorsport representatives. I have also met with the how quickly sufficient numbers of small and large casinos chief executive of the Motorsport Association to discuss are in place to allow assessments of local impact in a range of issues in the sport. order to establish an overall picture.

Telephone Tapping Football: Flags Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what progress has Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) whether he has been made in the Leveson inquiry into telephone had any discussions with the Scottish Executive regarding hacking. [70136] the flying of the Cross of St. George at matches where Berwick Rangers play; [70869] Mr Jeremy Hunt: Lord Justice Leveson has made (2) whether his Department issues guidance on the some opening remarks which set out how he intends to flying or possession of flags by attendees at football run his independent Inquiry. Details of that and of the matches; [70873] panel members appointed to assist him in his work can (3) what recent discussions he has had with (a) the be found on the Inquiry’s website at: Football Association, (b) the Scottish Football Association, http://www.levesoninquiry.org.uk (c) the Football Association of Wales, (d) the Irish Football Association, (e) the Scottish government and (f) FIFA on the flying of flags at football matches. Written Questions: Government Responses [70877]

Hugh Robertson: Neither the Secretary of State nor I Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for have had discussions with colleagues at the Scottish Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what proportion Executive, or with the domestic or international football of written questions tabled to him for answer on a bodies, on this issue. There are no requirements in named day did not receive a substantive answer on the relation to the flying of flags at football grounds in the day named for answer between (a) 27 May 2010 and 19 leagues in England, Wales and Scotland. It is for the July 2011 and (b) 9 March 2011 and 19 July 2011. club in each case, in conjunction with the police, and the [71125] local authority to decide on their use, based on safety and public order considerations. John Penrose: During the period 27 May 2010 to 19 July 2011, 22.8% of written parliamentary questions tabled to my Department for answer on a named day Gun Sports did not receive a substantive answer on the day named for answer. During the period 9 March 2011 to 19 July Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, 2011, 24.9% of written parliamentary questions tabled Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has to my Department for answer on a named day did not made of the effect of the provisions of section 5 of the receive a substantive answer on the day named for Firearms Act 1968 on levels of grassroots participation answer. in target pistol shooting. [70179] My Department endeavours to answer all named day parliamentary questions on the allocated day but where Hugh Robertson: Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 this is not possible we aim to provide a substantive reply concerns prohibited weapons, which Parliament has at the earliest opportunity possible. judged to be especially dangerous, and may only be The Government have committed to providing the possessed with the authority of the Home Secretary. In Procedure Committee with information relating to written 1997, following the tragic shooting incident at Dunblane, parliamentary question performance on a sessional basis Parliament legislated to place most pistols within this and will provide full information to the Committee at category. Sport England advise it is broadly accepted the end of the Session. Statistics relating to Government that participation in the Olympic Sport of Target Pistol Department’s performance for the 2009-10 parliamentary Shooting in Great Britain dropped by an estimated 70% Session were previously provided to the committee and post 1998. are available on the Parliament website. 761W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 762W

LEADER OF THE HOUSE Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he and Business Questions his ministerial colleagues have had with European counterparts to discuss the forthcoming United Nations Caroline Lucas: To ask the Leader of the House if he Climate Change Conference in Durban. [70827] will make it his policy to increase the number of days allocated to backbench business in the 2010-12 Session Gregory Barker: Discussions with EU counterparts pro rata from 35 to reflect the anticipated length of the on preparation for the United Nations Climate Change Session. [70397] Conference in Durban took place at the March EU Environment Council, which the Secretary of State for Sir George Young: As I said in my written ministerial Energy and Climate Change the right hon. Member for statement of 23 March 2011, Official Report, column Eastleigh (Chris Huhne) attended, and at the Informal 60WS, the Government are mindful that, due to the Meeting of EU Environment Ministers, which I attended longer than usual current session, extra provision will in July. Both Ministers are in regular contact with key be necessary for Opposition days and backbench business European counterparts outside of these meetings to days. No changes to Standing Orders are necessary to discuss issues including preparation for Durban. accommodate adequate extra provision in these two instances, and I will announce the provision of extra Departmental Written Questions time through the weekly business statement as usual. Departmental Written Questions Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what proportion of written Thomas Docherty: To ask the Leader of the House questions tabled to him for answer on a named day did what proportion of written questions tabled to him for not receive a substantive answer on the day named for answer on a named day did not receive a substantive answer between (a) 27 May 2010 and 19 July 2011 and answer on the day named for answer between (a) (b) 9 March 2011 and 19 July 2011. [71127] 27 May 2010 and 19 July 2011 and (b) 9 March 2011 and 19 July 2011. [71135] Gregory Barker: 313 named day questions for written answer were tabled to the Department between 27 May Sir George Young: I have answered all 35 named day 2010 and 19 July 2011. Of these, 35 questions did not written parliamentary questions tabled to this Office receive a substantive reply on the named day. since 27 May 2010 on the named day. 178 named day questions for written answer were The Government have committed to providing the tabled to the Department between 9 March 2011 and 19 Procedure Committee with information relating to written July 2011. Of these, 14 questions did not receive a parliamentary question performance on a sessional basis substantive reply on the named day. and will provide full information to the Committee at The Government have committed to providing the the end of the session. Statistics relating to Government Procedure Committee with information relating to written Department’s performance for the 2009-10 parliamentary parliamentary question performance on a sessional basis session were previously provided to the Committee and and will provide full information to the Committee at are available on the Parliament website. the end of the Session. Statistics relating to Government Departments’ performance for the 2009-10 parliamentary Session were previously provided to the committee and ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE are available on the Parliament website.

Climate Change Desalination: Carbon Emissions

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change what discussions has he and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the had with the Prime Minister on the forthcoming United effects of desalination plants on UK carbon emissions. Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban. [70825] [70053]

Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State meets regularly Gregory Barker: The UK has one desalination plant, with the Prime Minister to discuss a range of issues. run by Thames Water, which opened in 2010. We will not have any estimates of emissions from this plant Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for until the UK’s greenhouse gas inventory for 2010 is Energy and Climate Change what meetings (a) he and published in early 2012. Emissions attributable to the (b) other ministers in his Department have had on the energy used by the plant will be included in these forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference estimates. in Durban. [70826]

Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State and other Fuel Poverty: Housing DECC Ministers have had a range of meetings, including bilateral and formal events on the forthcoming United Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban. Attendees and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the at these meetings have included non-government number of households in fuel poverty living in (a) F organisations, external stakeholders, other Government and (b) G rated properties in each of the last five Departments and representatives of other Governments. years; and if he will make a statement. [R] [71234] 763W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 764W

Gregory Barker: The years for which data are available “the majority of studies indicate that (bird) collision mortality for England are shown in the following table. Numbers rates per turbine in the UK are low.’ of households are rounded to the nearest thousand. 1 Under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive (92/42/EEC). 2 See http://www.offshore-sea.org.uk/site/index.php Number of Number of 3 See http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Positive%20Planning%20 households in fuel households in fuel for%20Onshore%20Wind_tcm9-213280.pdf poverty (F rated poverty (G rated properties) properties) Wind Power: Hydrogen 2009 856,000 436,000 2008 811,000 410,000 Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007 749,000 415,000 Energy and Climate Change what the status is of hydrogen 2006 735,000 437,000 in his Department’s energy policy; what consideration he has given to the possibility of storing power from Fuel Poverty: Prices wind farms in the form of hydrogen; and what conclusion he reached. [71168] Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of Charles Hendry: Hydrogen is regarded as having the the effects of increasing fuel prices on levels of fuel potential to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions poverty since July 2011; and if he will make a in the UK and globally in the period 2020-50. statement. [R] [71171] Hydrogen is an energy carrier (like electricity) which has to be produced using a primary energy source. If Gregory Barker: On 14 July 2011, DECC published used in fuel cells, hydrogen offers zero emissions at the projections of fuel poverty in England in 2011. These point of use. It can be produced using low carbon indicated that the number of fuel poor households in routes such as electrolysis using renewable electricity, England is likely to rise to 4.1 million in 2011 as the but currently the most economic route is from fossil price changes begin to impact. fuels such as natural gas. Nevertheless, the main impact on fuel poverty will Hydrogen has long-term potential for both transport occur in 2012 and will only be known when we have full and distributed energy applications, but further research, information on price changes and data from the 2011 development and demonstration will be needed before and 2012 English Housing Survey (EHS). The EHS the market can make a realistic assessment of its prospects. provides vital information for calculating the level of It is technically feasible to use hydrogen to store power fuel poverty, including the mix of domestic fuels used from wind farms but with the exception of some remote by households, the income of those living in the households or island installations it does not appear so far to have and the energy efficiency of the housing stock. Each of found favour with wind farm developers. This may the devolved Administrations manages equivalent surveys reflect the costs of hydrogen relative to that of other with the same range of information as fuel poverty is a energy storage options, or the non-storage option. devolved statistic. Wind Power: Birds TRANSPORT Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Buses: GPS Energy and Climate Change if his Department will commission independent research into the effect of (a) Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for offshore and (b) onshore wind turbine bird strikes on Transport if he will develop a strategy for the installation bird habitats and populations. [70171] for global positioning system tracking systems on bus fleets. [70100] Charles Hendry: Both on and offshore wind farm developers commission specialist consultants to undertake Norman Baker: In England, outside London, the survey work and modelling to determine the likelihood installation of global positioning systems or other automatic and significance of bird strikes as part of their vehicle location (AVL) equipment on bus fleets is a environmental impact assessments. If a Special Protection matter for the individual bus operator. Since April 2010 Area or other Natura 2000 site is affected, the competent operators have been eligible for a 2% increase in bus authority is also required to conduct an Appropriate subsidy for each bus where AVL equipment is installed 1 that will address bird collision risk, if Assessment and operating. appropriate. The Department funds a strategic programme of Departmental Consultants research into the impacts of offshore wind farms, as part of its rolling programme of Offshore Energy Strategic Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environmental Assessments2. This has included bird Transport how many senior civil servants in his Department tagging and monitoring to determine the foraging behaviour at each grade had worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, and flight heights of selected seabird species to provide Ernst & Young, Deloitte or KPMG immediately prior input to collision risk assessments. to taking up their appointment in each of the last four A considerable amount of research has been undertaken years; what consultancy agreements his Department to determine the significance of impacts of wind farms had with those firms in each such year; and how many on wildlife. The RSPB has noted in its own report on consultants from those firms have advised his Department planning for onshore turbines3 that: in each such year. [68948] 765W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 766W

Norman Baker: One senior civil servant, a deputy rather than just age, which is a key determinant of road director, worked for Ernst & Young immediately prior safety risk. We believe such a practice is likely to meet to their appointment at the Department for Transport the objective justification test if challenged as indirect in March 2010. There is no central record of a consultancy age discrimination. agreement with that consultancy for that financial year. Driving: Licensing Departmental Telephone Services Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Transport when his Department plans to publish its how much funding he has allocated to each telephone response to the consultation on proposals to amend helpline operated by his Department in 2011-12; and driving licence standards for vision, diabetes and epilepsy. what the purpose is of each such helpline. [68547] [71012]

Norman Baker: The Department does not currently Mike Penning: Responses to the proposed changes operate any permanent telephone helplines, but directly for vision and epilepsy are being analysed now with manages four public facing contact centres. The budget further input being sought from some of those who for each contact centre in 2011-12 is as follows: have responded. Final decisions have not yet been taken and a date for implementation or publication of responses £ million has not been set. However, we do intend to introduce DVLA 18.5 changes to the law in October to allow drivers with DSA 3.9 insulin treated diabetes to apply for a licence to drive VOSA 1.7 larger lorries and buses. Highways Agency 0.8 Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for These provide a range of services to citizens and Transport what discussions he has had with (a) the businesses via telephone, e-mail and post including: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and (b) Diabetes supplying advice and information on services; handling UK on proposals to amend driving licence standards inquiries about driver and vehicle licensing transactions; for people with diabetes. [71013] dealing with bookings for driving tests and vehicle inspections; and providing up to date information on Mike Penning: I have held discussions with the Driver road works and traffic conditions on the strategic road and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) but I have not network. met with Diabetes UK about the proposal to amend DSA also provides a small contact centre for the driving licence standards for people with diabetes. I am Driving Theory Test. This is part of an externally aware that officials from the DVLA have held discussions tendered contract for which costs for the contact centre with Diabetes UK. Diabetes UK has also submitted element are not separately available. written comments as part of the recent public consultation exercise. I plan to introduce legislation in October that Driving: Age will permit drivers with insulin treated diabetes to be considered for driving entitlement to buses and lorries. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the potential effects of Rescue Services: Scotland the application of provisions of the Equality Act 2010 relating to age discrimination to car rental companies Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for on his Department’s road safety strategy. [70645] Transport what estimate he has made of the number of lives saved by coastguards operating out of the (a) Mike Penning: The Government are currently considering Forth and (b) Clyde station in the last 10 years; what the responses to the age discrimination consultation estimate he has made of the average length of service of which finished on 25 May 2011, before making a decision staff serving at each station; and what estimate he has on the policy, which will be conveyed in the Government’s made of the number of redundancies at each station published response to the consultation. consequent upon the decision to close them. [68196] We have thought carefully about whether the different road safety risk faced by older and younger drivers Mike Penning [holding answer 5 September 2011]: might justify a blanket exception. While these groups The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCC) clearly do have different risk profiles from other drivers, at Clyde and Forth are responsible for the co-ordination a blanket exception would be an excessively blunt of maritime Search and Rescue. It is organisations such instrument, and inconsistent with what the Equality as the volunteer Coastguard Rescue Service and the Act is trying to achieve. Under the exemption planned RNLI that respond to maritime incidents. They will for financial services, firms will be able to reflect in their continue to be tasked by the MRCCs to respond to such prices the link between age, risk and insurance costs. incidents. In addition, and irrespective of what is finally decided Her Majesty’s Coastguard do not record estimates of on any exception, it will be still open to firms to justify lives saved. However, following the debate in Westminster objectively any restrictions they may wish to place on Hall on 24 March 2011 the Maritime and Coastguard who may rent their cars. For example, a firm might Agency (MCA) published a breakdown of incident require a minimum level of driving experience of those statistics for the period 2006-10. This information is renting vehicles This would be consistent with the road available on the MCA’s website: safety evidence which suggests that it is experience, www.dft.gov.uk/mca 767W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 768W

The average (median) length of service for Coastguards Mike Penning: The correspondence records of the at Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) Department and its executive agencies (specifically VOSA is 13.43 years, and at Forth MRCC is 15.98 years. and DVLA) suggest that no pieces of correspondence With the closure of the MRCCs there will be a loss of regarding national flags on vehicle number plates were 31 posts at Clyde MRCC and 20 posts at Forth MRCC. received in the 12 months up to September 2011. However, these will be reduced by a mixture of natural wastage and redundancy depending on the agreed implementations schedule. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Thameslink Railway Line: Rolling Stock Afghanistan: Reconstruction

Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department Transport on what dates bidders for the Thameslink has spent on tarmac roads in Afghanistan in each year Rolling Stock Project were required to submit (a) their since the start of UK military operations. [69901] initial bids and (b) any revised bids. [65190] Mr Andrew Mitchell: Since 2007 the Department for Mrs Villiers [holding answer 11 July 2011]: Initial International Development (DFID) has spent £17.2 bids were required on 25 June 2009 and further responses million on improving roads in Afghanistan’s Helmand from both bidders were required to the following province. Supplementary Instructions as follows: Up to 2010, an estimated £98 million provided by 2nd Supplementary Instructions on 16 March 2010; DFID through the World Bank-managed Afghanistan 3rd Supplementary Instructions on 16 March 2010; Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) was used for 4th Supplementary Instructions on 26 May 2010; infrastructure, a large proportion of which supported priority road projects through the National Rural Access 5th Supplementary Instructions on 24 January 2011. Program and National Solidarity Program. Road improvement work in Afghanistan is a combination John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for of road construction, repair and improvement, including Transport (1) how many meetings (a) Ministers in his tarmacing. Figures for annual spend are not available. Department and (b) senior departmental officials had with lobby companies representing Siemens between 10 July 2008 and 16 June 2011 at which the Thameslink Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for rolling stock contract was discussed; and if he will International Development how many miles of tarmac roads his Department has funded in Afghanistan in make a statement; [68620] each year since the start of UK military operations. (2) whether (a) Ministers in his Department and (b) [69905] senior officials met to discuss the Thameslink rolling stock contract with lobbying companies between 10 Mr Andrew Mitchell: Between 2007 and 2010, the July 2008 and 16 June 2011. [68715] UK Government have directly contributed to the construction or rehabilitation of approximately 91 miles Mrs Villiers: Details of the Secretary of State for of roads in Helmand province, Afghanistan. A further Transport’s meetings are published quarterly on the 53 miles of road improvements are under way. DfT website. In addition, through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Since 10 July 2008 no Ministers or senior officials in Trust Fund (ARTF), DFID has indirectly supported the Department have met with lobbying companies to the improvement of 6,584 miles of roads through the discuss the Thameslink rolling stock contract, since 10 National Rural Access Program (NRAP), and contributed July 2008. to construction or upgrades of a further 10,875 miles of roads through the National Solidarity Program. Thameslink: Contracts Road improvement work in Afghanistan is a combination of road construction, repair and improvement, including tarmacing. Annual figures are not available. Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings (a) he and (b) other Ministers in his Departmental Research Department have had with representatives of manufacturing industry to discuss the Thameslink contract; on what Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for dates; and with whom. [65894] International Development from what organisation each piece of research commissioned by his Department Mrs Villiers: All ministerial diary commitments are since May 2010 was commissioned; and what the net published on the Department for Transport’s website. worth was of the commission in each case. [69260]

Vehicle Number Plates: Flags Mr O’Brien: I have placed in the Library of the House a table detailing the lead organisations commissioned to undertake research by the central research department Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for at the Department for International Development (DFID) Transport how many pieces of correspondence relating since 1 May 2010, along with the value of each contract to the use of national flags on vehicle number plates he or agreement. Research work is routinely subject to has received in the last 12 months. [70872] competitive tendering. 769W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 770W

Departmental Responsibilities Mr Paice [holding answer given 7 September 2011]: Nitrogen fixing crops offer an opportunity to reduce Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for synthetic fertiliser use on farms, with the benefit that International Development what (a) meetings and (b) greenhouse gas emissions associated with fertiliser other contacts he has had with Vitol Group since May production and use can be reduced. DEFRA is co-funding 2010. [70520] a project with industry (LK09106) investigating the use of legume-based mixtures to enhance the nitrogen use Mr Andrew Mitchell: Details of meetings are available efficiency and economic viability of cropping systems. on the DFID website: The Department is also funding research on the genetics of grass and clover mixtures (project IF0145) to develop http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-DFID/Our-organisation1/ Ministers more sustainable and productive pasture systems, and maximise opportunities for climate change mitigation and are published every quarter in the normal way. and adaptation. This represents an investment of Libya: Reconstruction £1.7 million in research into nitrogen fixation on farms.

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Animal Welfare: Antisocial Behaviour International Development how much funding his Department has allocated to post-conflict reconstruction Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for in Libya. [70516] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what support she plans to provide to local authorities seeking to Mr Andrew Mitchell: In classifying expenditure, the tackle anti-social behaviour involving dogs. [69692] Department for International Development (DFID) does not explicitly separate conflict prevention from Mr Paice: DEFRA is working closely with the Home post-conflict reconstruction. Post-conflict reconstruction Office on the antisocial behaviour aspects of the issue work is funded both from the tri-departmental Conflict of dangerous dogs. The Home Office launched a public Pool, part of a separate HM Treasury settlement on consultation on proposals to give the police; local authorities conflict resources, and from DFID’s own budget. and other partners more effective powers to tackle The Conflict Pool is used to fund a wide range of antisocial behaviour. The proposed new, flexible, tools conflict prevention work including activities aimed at would replace the 18 formal powers currently available preventing the recurrence of violent conflict, for example to the police and local authorities—including those in the Western Balkans. Planned Conflict Pool expenditure, applicable to dogs. The consultation closed in May and which includes Official Development Assistance (ODA) the Home Office is currently considering the responses. and non-ODA spend, to 2014-15 is as follows: Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for £ million Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on (a) proposed measures to Conflict 256 270 290 309 tackle anti-social behaviour and (b) the effect of such Pool measures on the ownership of dangerous and status Of which: dogs. [69694] ODA 130 150 175 200 non-ODA 126 120 115 109 Mr Paice: My noble Friend the Lord Henley has The Government have committed to increase the been working alongside Baroness Browning at the Home proportion of UK ODA that supports conflict-affected Office to see how the antisocial measures can be best and fragile states to 30% by 2014-15. In 2010-11, applied to such behaviour relating to dogs. approximately £1.9 billion, around a fifth of UK ODA, supported fragile and conflict-affected states, tackling Badgers the drivers of instability, building more responsive and accountable governments and strengthening security : To ask the Secretary of State for and justice overseas. Increasing such spending to 30% Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what estimate of UK ODA means we could double the amount spent she has made of the cost to the public purse of the on such activities by 2014-15. While we are not able to training of operatives to carry out a badger cull; [68985] provide further details of expenditure by year we will (2) what estimate she has made of the cost to Natural publish in our Annual Report and Resource Accounts England of training associated with her proposals for a the percentage of UK ODA spent in fragile and conflict- badger cull. [68987] affected states. Mr Paice: To obtain a licence to carry out culling operators would be required to demonstrate competence ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS and attend a Government-approved training course. This badger-specific course would include training to Agriculture cover anatomical and behavioural characteristics of badgers and how these differ from other species, as well Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for as health, safety and security aspects. Additional Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research marksmanship training and assessment would be required her Department is funding on nitrogen fixation on for those who may have experience but no formal farms. [70298] qualification such as Deer Stalking Certificate or equivalent. 771W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 772W

The farming industry would be expected to design, Mr Paice [holding answer 6 September 2011]: To organise and deliver these training courses. We expect obtain a licence to carry out culling operators would be Government will incur some modest costs relating to required to demonstrate competence and attend a the approval and auditing of these courses, which will Government-approved training course. This badger-specific be met from existing resources. course would include training to cover anatomical and behavioural characteristics of badgers and how these Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for differ from other species, as well as health, safety and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate security aspects. Additional marksmanship training and she has made of the likely costs to the public purse in assessment would be required for those who may have each cost category arising from the proposed badger experience but no formal qualification such as Deer cull in respect of each 150 km cull area. [68988] Stalking Certificate or equivalent. Mr Paice: Our most recent estimates relate to two The farming industry would be expected to design, pilot areas of 350 km2 each. For each area, the costs to organise and deliver these training courses. We expect the public purse are expected to be £0.6 million for Government will incur some modest costs relating to licensing, £0.3 million for monitoring and £0.1 million the approval and auditing of these courses, which will for testing and compensation costs in cattle TB incidents be met from existing resources. arising from perturbation impacts in the areas neighbouring the pilots. If the pilot areas were 150 km2, these costs Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control would be slightly lower at £0.4 million, £0.2 million and £0.1 million respectively. All the costs are expressed in Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for present value terms. The savings to the public purse Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate from reduced costs of cattle TB incidents prevented by she has made of the potential reduction in compensation a successful cull are estimated to exceed these costs. and testing costs over (a) five and (b) 10 years under Policing costs have not yet been estimated. her proposed measures to tackle the spread of bovine Biodiversity TB in cattle. [68981]

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Paice: Our central estimate of the potential net Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to reduction in compensation and testing costs to Government her Department’s Natural Environment White Paper, for a single badger control area of 350 km2 is £2.9 million what decision-making process will apply to the timing over 10 years, of which £1.1 million occurs in the first and distribution of funding for forest and biodiversity five years. These figures are expressed in net present conservation under the International Climate Fund. value terms. [69675] Without any further action to tackle bovine TB, it is Richard Benyon: Decisions on forestry funding under estimated that the disease would cost the taxpayer £1 billion the International Climate Fund (ICF) will be informed in England alone over the next 10 years. by a recently published independent review commissioned by the Government. This will set out and assess options Common Agricultural Policy for how the UK can most effectively scale up its programming on REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was countries), offering the best outcomes for carbon abatement, paid to farmers in Harrogate District under the common poverty reduction and biodiversity enhancement. agricultural policy in the last 12 months. [70233] The UK is currently undertaking a design phase to prepare a programme for UK bilateral support (of up Mr Paice: The Rural Payments Agency does not to £300 million) on REDD+ in priority countries. This record information on payments to farmers on a support will be distributed over the length of the spending constituency basis. The information requested could be review period (2011-15). Resources will be allocated in only obtained at disproportionate cost. line with ICF objectives and an agreed set of expected results. The ICF will use a set of high level indicators to measure impact and value for money, including an Dogs: Urban Areas assessment of ecosystem services saved. In line with commitments set out in the Natural Environment White Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Paper, all funding decisions will be based on strong Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate scientific evidence. We will ensure environmental monitoring she has made of the size of the (a) dog and (b) cat systems are in place to assess impact, thus aiding the population in urban areas; and if she will bring forward design of future programmes. proposals to institute a national neutering day. [69698] Bovine tuberculosis Mr Paice: No definitive statistics are available on the Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for size of the dog and cat population. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her The Government recommends all owners to have Statement of 19 July 2011, Official Report, column their dogs and cats neutered if they do not intend to 811-2, on Bovine TB, who will provide training courses breed for them. While there are no plans for the Government for those carrying out a badger cull; and whether additional to institute a “national neutering day”, many animal courses will be provided on (a) the physiology of badgers welfare organisations promote neutering through a range and (b) any health and safety requirements. [69212] of initiatives. 773W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 774W

Foot and Mouth Disease 1 January 2012. This legislation will be laid before Parliament in December 2011. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for On tapeworm controls, following representations made Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment by the UK, the European Commission has come forward her Department has made of the risk that a reduction with a proposal that would enable us to retain controls in resources affects the capability of the Animal Health with a treatment window of one to five days. We have and Veterinary Laboratories Agency to detect and decided that the evidence doesn’t justify maintaining prevent a foot and mouth outbreak. [70307] tick controls, though should pet owners chose to do so as part of wider animal welfare considerations they Mr Paice [holding answer 7 September 2011]: The could and we are working with veterinary and welfare primary responsibility for the detection and prevention organisations to ensure that those travelling with their of foot and mouth disease (FMD) rests with the animal pets are provided with the necessary advice. keeper. The animal keeper has a duty to report any suspicion of FMD to Animal Health and Veterinary Poultry: Animal Welfare Laboratories Agency (AHVLA). AHVLA and its delivery partners retain their capabilities to respond effectively to outbreaks of FMD and the impact of the current Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, reduction in the AHVLA resources is considered to be Food and Rural Affairs how much funding her Department very low. has allocated in England to convert existing cages for laying hens into enriched cages. [70247] Meat: Labelling Mr Paice: DEFRA has made no funding available Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for under the English Rural Development Programme to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring egg producers in England to enable them to convert out forward proposals to introduce meat labelling that indicates of conventional cages. Our position is that this aid whether the animal slaughtered has been stunned or should not be available for meeting minimum legal non-stunned. [70316] standards. It would also be totally unfair to all those producers who have already invested heavily in conversion Mr Paice [holding answer 7 September 2011]: While to give those late in doing so financial assistance. the Government remain of the view that it would prefer to see all animals stunned before slaughter it has, over Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for the last few months, made it clear that it has no plans to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information ban the slaughter of animals without a pre cut stun her Department holds on rates of lameness among where this is done for religious purposes to meet the broiler chickens in each of the last three years. [70297] needs of a particular religious community. However, Ministers have made it clear that they will wish to Mr Paice [holding answer 7 September 2011]: DEFRA discuss options for improving the welfare of animals does not hold annual data on rates of lameness amongst slaughtered without stunning with the Jewish and Muslim broiler chickens. communities. This will be done in the context of work to implement the new EU Regulation (No 1099/2009) Roadmap on the protection of animals at the time of killing, which comes into effect on 1 January 2013. There will be full consultation with all interested parties before Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for any final decisions are taken. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the European Commission’s proposed roadmap Pets for a resource-efficient Europe. [69309]

George Freeman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Paice: In January, the Commission published the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is communication “a resource-efficient Europe”, a flagship taking to ensure that Regulation (EC) 998/2003 on the initiative of the Europe 2020 growth strategy for the animal health requirements applicable to the non- coming decade. commercial movement of pet animals is renewed at the The UK responded positively to the communication end of 2011; and if she will make a statement. [68674] via a UK position paper which was sent to the Commission in April. This set out the UK’s views on the forthcoming Mr Paice: As announced to the House by the Secretary Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe, and forms of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my the basis for our discussions with the Commission on right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) the initiative. It is available on DEFRA’s website. by written ministerial statement on 30 June 2011, Official Report, columns 63-66WS, the UK will harmonise its Weedkillers rabies entry requirements with the EU-wide pet movement system from Sunday 1 January 2012. Under EU law, the new entry requirements will be directly applicable and Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for will apply as soon as the derogations expire. New domestic Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent legislation is being drafted to repeal the Non-Commercial reports she has received on the contamination of crops Movement of Pet Animals (England) Regulations 2004 and produce by the herbicide aminopyralid; and if she and to enforce the EU rules when they take effect on will make a statement. [69790] 775W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 776W

Mr Paice [holding answer 7 September 2011]: DEFRA Number of children in receipt of CEA Ministers receive regular information from officials on reports of crop damage allegedly caused by aminopyralid, Financial Craigiehall Redford Dreghorn and the latest of these shows that the number of such years Camp Barracks Barracks Total reports is decreasing. 2007-08 20 15 5 40 Given the concern about the effects of aminopyralid 2008-09 20 10 — 30 in manure, the approval holder, Dow AgroSciences, is 2009-10 20 10 — 30 also providing the Government with regular reports 2010-11 20 15 — 35 detailing any complaints it has received and what action Total 80 50 5 135 it has taken. Officials from the Health and Safety Executive’s Note: Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD), as the pesticides All figures have been rounded to the nearest five, ‘—’ represents fewer regulator, also monitor any complaints received directly than five. and are keeping this issue under scrutiny. It is not possible to provide this information for earlier years as this is held on the single Service legacy systems and could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost. DEFENCE It is also not possible to identify the proportion of children based at each site, due to the limitations of the Armed Forces JPA system. This is because it is not a mandatory requirement for service personnel to disclose specific details about their children unless they are submitting a Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for claim for CEA. Defence what plans he has to extend tour of duty periods for (a) regular and (b) reservist service personnel serving overseas. [70170] Army Air Corps

Mr Robathan: The Force Generation Review is Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for considering a wide range of factors including tour Defence (1) what the establishment is of (a) lengths and harmony guidelines; this work is ongoing. helicopters by type and (b) fixed wing aircraft of each type of the Army Air Corps; [70302] Armed Forces: Housing (2) what the establishment is of the Army Air Corps at each rank; and which bases it operates from. [70303] Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers are based at (a) Redford, Peter Luff [holding answer 7 September 2011]: The (b) Dreghorn and (c) Craigiehall. [70202] current establishment of aircraft operated by front-line and training Army Air Corps units is as follows: Mr Robathan: The number of Army officers currently based at Redford Barracks, Dreghorn Barracks and Helicopter type Forward fleet Craigiehall is shown in the following table: Lynx 57 Apache 60 Location Number of officers Gazelle 15 Redford Barracks 59 Bell 212 7 Dreghorn Barracks 38 Islander/Defender (Fixed Wing) 13 Craigiehall 62 The current establishment for Army Air Corps units This information is taken from the joint personnel by rank is shown in the following table. Some of the administration system and includes regular, non-regular posts are ‘rank-ranged’ which means that a post could permanent staff, reserves and full-time reserve service be filled by any of the defined ranks for that post, officers. according to availability.

Armed Forces: Private Education Rank Regular Territorial Army Col 5 1 Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for LtCol 17 2 Defence how many children of army personnel based Maj 63 13 at (a) Craigiehall, (b) Redford and (c) Dreghorn have Capt 158 13 received funding from the public purse for the purposes Capt-Maj 20 0 of attending private schools (i) in total and (ii) as a Lt-Maj 20 6 proportion of the number of children based at each site Lt-Capt 17 0 in each of the last 10 years. [70194] Lt 2 0 WO1 31 0 Mr Robathan: The number of children of Army W02-W01 50 0 personnel based at Craigiehall Camp, Redford Barracks SSgt-WO1 117 14 and Dreghorn Barracks, who are recorded as having WO2 62 7 claimed continuity of education allowance (CEA) on SSgt-WO2 30 0 the joint personnel administration (JPA) system are SSgt 55 4 detailed in the following table: 777W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 778W

Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Rank Regular Territorial Army Defence (1) what unit price he has agreed for the Joint Sgt-WO2 48 4 Strike Fighter carrier variant; [70289] Sgt-SSgt 10 6 (2) how many Joint Strike Fighter carrier variants he Sgt 135 13 has ordered. [70290] Cpl-Sgt 2 0 Cpl 143 45 Peter Luff [holding answer 7 September 2011]: We LCpl-Cpl 52 12 have yet to make final decisions on the overall number LCpl 271 124 of Joint Strike Fighter carrier variant aircraft we intend Air Tpr-Cpl 0 51 to order and will not do so before the next planned LCpl 4 0 Strategic Defence and Security Review. The costs of the Air Tpr-LCpl 41 13 Joint Strike Fighter carrier variant will be determined at Air-Tpr 427 300 its main investment decision point. Publishing any details prior to this point would prejudice the commercial The locations of Army Air Corps main front-line and interests of the Ministry of Defence. training units is shown in the following table: Strategic Defence and Security Review

Location Unit Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Aldergrove 5 Regiment AAC Defence (1) pursuant to the oral statement of 18 July Aldergrove JHC Flying Station Aldergrove 2011, Official Report, column 644W, on defence Brunei 7 Flight AAC transformation, what assessment his Department made Bury St Edmunds 6 Regiment AAC (V) of the likely effects of its proposed changes on local Dishforth 9 Regiment AAC communities; and if he will place in the Library a copy Gutersloh 1 Regiment AAC of the results of this assessment; [70241] Hereford 8 Flight AAC (2) what assessment has been made of the effect on Middle Wallop 25 Flight AAC local (a) schools and (b) services of any interval between Middle Wallop Army Air Corps Centre the relocation of military personnel and their families Middle Wallop HQ AAC from Redford and Dreghorn Barracks in 2014-15 and Netheravon Air Manoeuvre Planning Team the opening of the new barracks in Kirknewton. [70399] RAF Odiham 657 Squadron AAC RAF Shawbury Defence Helicopter Flying Mr Robathan: The comprehensive planning work School needed to assess the impact of the announcements RNAS Yeovilton Wildcat Force made on 18 July 2011 is now under way, including Wattisham 3 Regiment AAC engaging and working with the Scottish Government, Wattisham 4 Regiment AAC the local councils and other relevant bodies and agencies. Wattisham Air Manoeuvre Training and Work is also under way to plan the timing and Advisory Team sequencing of the Army moves. Once we have finalised Wattisham HQ Wattisham Station these plans we will, working with the respective local councils and other interested bodies, make assessments of any effect on schools and local services. We have a Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft shared interest in managing local issues, such as school and local services, as effectively as we can for the benefit of both the local community and for our own personnel. Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for I will be happy to place copies of these assessments in Defence what savings he expects to arise as a result of the Library of the House at the appropriate moment. changing from the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) VTOL to the JSF carrier variant. [70287]

Peter Luff [holding answer 7 September 2011]: We EDUCATION expect savings to arise from the lower than anticipated Academies unit price acquisition costs, and lower than anticipated through-life support costs, of the Joint Strike Fighter carrier variant compared with the short take off vertical Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for landing variant. The precise value of these savings Education who will identify academy schools at risk of remains subject to further work. (a) educational and (b) financial failure; and who will be responsible for ensuring such a school’s governing body takes adequate measures for improvement. Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence [68000] whether his Department has secured source code access to the Joint Strike Fighter for non-operational UK-based Mr Gibb: Officials from the Department and the upgrades or developments. [70288] YPLA work together to ensure that academies at risk of educational or financial failure take action to achieve Peter Luff [holding answer 7 September 2011]: Through rapid and sustained improvement. Ministers are considering life capability developments and upgrades for the Joint the best way to monitor academies’ performance in the Strike Fighter will be managed collaboratively, for which future, including the role to be played by the new the necessary agreements are in place. Education Funding Agency (EFA). 779W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 780W

Assessments: Standards subject of special guardianship in each local authority in England in each year since 2000; and how many such Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for special guardianship arrangements broke down in each Education what steps his Department has taken to local authority in each year since 2000. [68230] ensure consistency of academic standards among examination boards. [70232] Tim Loughton: Information on the number of looked after children who ceased to be looked after as a result Mr Gibb: The independent regulator of qualifications, of a special guardianship order is shown in the following Ofqual, has a statutory responsibility for protecting table. The table shows information for each local authority exam standards. I have therefore asked them to respond for the years ending 31 March 2006 to 2010. directly to my hon. Friend. A copy of Ofqual’s reply Information is not available between 2000 and 2005 will be placed in the House Libraries. as special guardianship orders were introduced on 30 December 2005. The figures shown for year ending 31 March 2006 therefore only account for the period Children in Care 30 December 2005 to 31 March 2006. Information on the number of special guardianship Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for arrangements that have broken down is not collected Education how many looked after children were the centrally by the Department.

Children who ceased to be looked after during the year ending 31 March by local authority, as a result of a Special Guardianship order being granted1, 2, 3, years ending 31 March 2006 to 2010, coverage: England Numbers 20064 2007 2008 2009 2010

England 70 750 1,130 1,230 1,260

North East 10 50 70 80 70 Darlington 0 5— 5—1010 Durham 5— 5 15 10 10 Gateshead 0 0 0 5— 5— Hartlepool 0 0 10 15 5 Middlesbrough 0 5—05— 5— Newcastle Upon Tyne 0 5 5—1010 North Tyneside 0 5— 5—105— Northumberland 0 5 15 5—5 Redcar and Cleveland 0 5—05— 5— South Tyneside 5—55— 5—5 Stockton-On-Tees 0 5 5 5— 5— Sunderland 0 5 10 10 10

North West 10 130 220 230 250 Blackburn with Darwen 0 5— 5— 5—5 Blackpool 0 5—55— 5— Bolton 5— 5—151510 Bury 5— 5 10 10 20 Cheshire 0 10 5— 5— 6— Cheshire East 6— 6— 6— 6— 5— Cheshire West & Chester 6— 6— 6— 6—5 Cumbria 5—10151015 Halton 0 0 5 5—0 Knowsley 0 5—10105 Lancashire 5—10254020 Liverpool 0 15 25 10 10 Manchester 0 10 25 35 45 Oldham 0 5—10105— Rochdale 5— 5— 5—510 Salford 0 5— 5 15 20 Sefton 5—1055—5 St Helens 0 5—105—10 Stockport 0 0 5 5— 5— Tameside 0 5— 5— 5— 5— Trafford 0 0 5—55— Warrington 0 5— 5— 5— 5— Wigan 0 10 10 20 20 Wirral 015251525 781W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 782W

Children who ceased to be looked after during the year ending 31 March by local authority, as a result of a Special Guardianship order being granted1, 2, 3, years ending 31 March 2006 to 2010, coverage: England Numbers 20064 2007 2008 2009 2010

Yorkshire and The Humber 10 50 80 100 120 Barnsley 0 0 10 10 5— Bradford 0 5— 5—05— Calderdale 5—55— 5— 5— 0 10 10 5—15 East Riding of Yorkshire 0 0 5— 5— 5— Kingston Upon Hull, City of 0 5—055— Kirklees 5— 5— 5— 5— 5— Leeds 5—25353025 North East Lincolnshire 5—0005— North Lincolnshire 0 5— 5—105 North Yorkshire 0 5— 5— 5—20 Rotherham 0 0 5— 5—10 Sheffield 0 0 5 15 10 Wakefield 5—05—105— Yo rk 5— 5— 5— 5—5

East Midlands 030606070 Derby 0 5—1055— Derbyshire 0 5—55— 5— Leicester 0 5—5515 Leicestershire 0 10 10 10 5 Lincolnshire 0 5— 5—1010 Northamptonshire 0 10 10 15 5— Nottingham 0 5—15520 Nottinghamshire 0 5— 5— 5— 5— Rutland 0 0 5— 5—0

West Midlands 5— 80 90 100 110 Birmingham 5—10253030 Coventry 0 10 5— 5— 5— Dudley 0 0 5—05— Herefordshire 0 5—505— Sandwell 0 20 5— 5—10 Shropshire 00000 Solihull 0 5— 5— 5— 5— Staffordshire 0 20 20 20 10 Stoke-On-Trent 5—105—1520 Telford and Wrekin 0 0 5— 5— 5— Walsall 0 0 5—55— Warwickshire 5— 5—101010 Wolverhampton 0 0 5— 5—5 Worcestershire 0 0 5— 5— 5—

East of England 5— 50 100 110 110 Bedfordshire 0 5 15 5— 6— Bedford Borough 6— 6— 6— 6— 5— Central Bedfordshire 6— 6— 6— 6— 5— Cambridgeshire 0 5—5515 Essex 0 10 20 25 25 Hertfordshire 0 15 10 10 20 Luton 0 5— 5 10 10 Norfolk 0 0 5—105 Peterborough 0 5 10 5 5 Southend-on-Sea 0 0 0 10 5— Suffolk 5—10201010 Thurrock 0 0 5 15 10 783W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 784W

Children who ceased to be looked after during the year ending 31 March by local authority, as a result of a Special Guardianship order being granted1, 2, 3, years ending 31 March 2006 to 2010, coverage: England Numbers 20064 2007 2008 2009 2010

London 30 170 270 300 270 Inner London 10 100 170 I8O 150 Camden 5 10 20 10 15 City of London 00000 Hackney 0 10 20 10 10 Hammersmith and Fulham 5—10252015 Haringey 0 5 20 10 15 Islington 0 10 5 25 0 Kensington and Chelsea 0 0 5 10 5— Lambeth 5— 5—103020 Lewisham 0 10 10 10 5— Newham 010101020 Southwark 5—10102515 Tower Hamlets 0 15 15 10 10 Wandsworth 0 5 10 5 25 Westminster 0 5—155— 5—

Outer London 10 70 90 120 110 Barking and Dagenham 0 5—155—10 Barnet 5— 5— 5—55 Bexley 0 5— 5— 5— 5— Brent 5— 5—101510 Bromley 0 5— 5—105— Croydon 0 5 5— 5—10 Ealing 0 5—101515 Enfield 0 5—05— 5— Greenwich 5—10102015 Harrow 0 0 5—55— Havering 0 5— 5—55 Hillingdon 0 5— 5—50 Hounslow 5—1010155 Kingston Upon Thames 0 5— 5— 5— 5— Merton 5— 5— 5— 5—5 Redbridge 0 5—05— 5— Richmond Upon Thames 0 0 0 5— 5— Sutton 0 5—105—0 Waltham Forest 0 5—105—5

South East 10 130 180 170 170 Bracknell Forest 0 5—05—0 Brighton and Hove 5— 5 10 5 10 Buckinghamshire 5— 5—105— 5— East Sussex 0 5—10510 Hampshire 5—20302525 Isle of Wight 0 5— 5— 5—5 Kent 025302020 Medway Towns 0 5 15 10 10 Milton Keynes 5—105—55 Oxfordshire 0 5 15 15 15 Portsmouth 0 5— 0 15 5 Reading 0 10 5 10 5— Slough 0 5 5— 5— 5— Southampton 0 5—000 Surrey 5— 5 35 25 25 West Berkshire 0 5—05—0 West Sussex 5—10101025 Windsor and Maidenhead 0 5—055— Wokingham 0 5—05—0 785W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 786W

Children who ceased to be looked after during the year ending 31 March by local authority, as a result of a Special Guardianship order being granted1, 2, 3, years ending 31 March 2006 to 2010, coverage: England Numbers 20064 2007 2008 2009 2010

South West 5—606090100 Bath and North East Somerset 0 5 5— 5— 5— Bournemoulh 5— 5— 5—50 Bristol, City of 0 10 10 10 20 Cornwall 0 10 10 10 15 Devon 5—10102025 Dorset 0 5—055— Gloucestershire 055010 Isles Of Scilly 00000 North Somerset 0 5— 5— 5— 5— Plymouth 0 10 5—1010 Poole 0 0 5— 5—0 Somerset 0 5— 5—105— South Gloucestershire 0 0 5— 5— 5— Swindon 0 5— 5— 5— 5— Torbay 00005 Wiltshire 0 5— 5— 5— 5— 1 Source: SSDA903 return on children looked after. 2 Only the last occasion on which a child ceased to be looked after in the year has been counted. 3 Figures exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements. 4 Special Guardianship orders were introduced on 30 December 2005. Consequently figures for year ending 31 March 2006 only account for the last three months of the data collection year. 5 Figures not shown in order to protect confidentiality. 6 Not applicable. Note: To ensure that no individual can be identified from statistical tables, we use conventions for the rounding and suppression of very small numbers. National and regions level figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Numbers at local authority level have been rounded to the nearest five . Source: SSDA 903

GCE A Level: Mathematics GCSE

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what proportion of Year 11 pupils were Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for entered for a (a) GCSE in (i) history, (ii) geography, (iii) Education what proportion of pupils achieving A-level a modern foreign language, (iv) physics, (v) chemistry, grades of AAB or higher achieved one of those grades (vi) biology, (vii) science, (viii) English, (ix) English in (a) mathematics and (b) a science in the latest literature and (x) mathematics, (b) OCR National Level period for which figures are available. [69124] 2 in ICT and (c) a diploma in digital applications at each academy in academic year 2009-10; [69282] (2) what proportion of Year 11 pupils eligible for free Mr Gibb: The information for 2010 A level achievements school meals were entered for a (a) GCSE in (i) history, is in the following table: (ii) geography, (iii) a modern foreign language, (iv) physics, (v) chemistry, (vi) biology, (vii) Science, (viii) Number/ English, (ix) English literature and (x) mathematics, (b) Percentage OCR National Level 2 in ICT and (c) a diploma in Number of students taking A levels 267,345 digital applications at each academy in academic year Number of students achieving A-level grades of AAB or 54,390 2009-10; [69283] higher (3) what proportion of Year 11 academy pupils were Percentage of students achieving A-level grades of AAB or 20.3 entered for a (a) GCSE in (i) history, (ii) geography, (iii) higher a modern foreign language, (iv) physics, (v) chemistry, Number of students achieving A-level grades of AAB or 25,864 (vi) biology, (vii) science, (viii) English, (ix) English higher who achieved one of those grades in mathematics literature and (x) mathematics, (b) OCR National Level Percentage of students achieving A-level grades of AAB or 47.6 higher who achieved one of those grades in mathematics 2 in ICT and (c) a diploma in digital applications in [69289] Number of students achieving A-level grades of AAB or 25,765 academic year 2009-10; higher who achieved one of those grades in science (4) what proportion of Year 11 academy pupils who Percentage of students achieving A-level grades of AAB or 47.4 were eligible for free school meals were entered for a (a) higher who achieved one of those grades in science GCSE in (i) history, (ii) geography, (iii) a modern foreign Notes: language, (iv) physics, (v) chemistry, (vi) biology, (vii) 1. Students get counted once at their highest grade in each subject category. 2. Science includes biology, chemistry, physics and other sciences, i.e. science science, (viii) English, (ix) English literature and (x) single award, electronics, environmental sciences, geology and science in society. mathematic, (b) OCR National Level 2 in ICT and (c) 3. The figures in this answer are derived from the final data collected in April a diploma in digital applications in academic year 2009-10; 2011 for the 2010 Performance tables. [69290] 787W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 788W

(5) what proportion of key stage four exam entries Mr Gibb: The information requested can be provided by students who were eligible for free school meals were only at disproportionate cost. in (a) academic non-applied GCSEs, (b) applied Schools: Reading GCSEs and (c) other qualifications equivalent to A* to C GCSEs for each school with academy status in Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Education academic year 2009-10; [69284] how many schools in (a) Reading West constituency (6) what proportion of key stage four exam entries and (b) Reading achieved a rating of (i) outstanding, were in (a) academic non-applied GCSEs, (b) applied (ii) good, (iii) satisfactory and (iv) inadequate in their GCSEs and (c) other qualifications equivalent to A* to Ofsted inspection in each of the last five years. [70802] C GCSEs for each school with academy status in academic year 2009-10; [69285] Mr Gibb: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief (7) what proportion of exam entries that achieved Inspector, Miriam Rosen, has written to my hon. Friend GCSE grades A* to C or the equivalent were in (a) and a copy of her reply has been placed in the House academic non-applied GCSEs, (b) applied GCSEs and Libraries. (c) other qualifications equivalent to A* to C GCSEs Letter from Miriam Rosen, dated 6 September 2011: in each academy school in academic year 2009-10; Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as [69286] Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for response. Since 2005, maintained school inspections have been carried (8) what proportion of exam entries by pupils who out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005. Ofsted records all were eligible for free school meals and who achieved judgments made by inspectors in section 5 inspections, including GCSE grades A* to C or the equivalent at each school the judgement for overall effectiveness of the school. with academy status were in (a) academic non-applied Maintained schools inspected under section 5 include nursery, GCSEs, (b) applied GCSEs and (c) other qualifications primary, secondary (including academies and city technology equivalent to A* to C GCSEs in academic year 2009-10; colleges), special schools and pupil referral units. [69287] Tables A to F show the number of maintained schools judged to be outstanding, good, satisfactory and inadequate for overall (9) what proportion of key stage 4 examination effectiveness at their section 5 inspection during each academic entries for pupils eligible for free school meals consisted year between 2005/06 and the end of the spring term 2010/11 of academic non-applied GCSEs in each academy in inclusive in the Reading West Constituency, Reading local authority academic year 2009-10; [69292] and England as a whole. (10) what proportion of year 11 academy pupils Statistics covering the outcomes of all inspections carried out achieved at least (a) five A* to C GCSEs, not including in each academic year since 2005/06 can be found at: any other qualification judged to be equivalent and (b) http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/advanced-resources- five A* to C GCSEs including English and mathematics search/results/%2A/all/all/any/200/ but not including any other qualification judged equivalent any?solrsort=im_search_date_mktime%20desc to GSCEs in each academy in academic year 2009-10; The most recent official statistics release covering the outcomes of maintained school inspections carried out during the autumn and what proportion of pupils were entitled to free and spring terms 2010/11 were released on 15 June 2011 and can school meals in each such case. [69288] be accessed at the same link. Outcomes of inspections carried out during the full academic year 2010/11 are due to be published in November 2011. Mr Gibb: The information requested has been placed in the House Libraries. In September 2009 Ofsted implemented a policy of more proportionate inspection using risk assessment and deliberately set out to inspect a greater proportion of previously satisfactory Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for or inadequate schools and a smaller proportion of previously good or outstanding schools. This led to a skew in the sample of Education what proportion of key stage four exam schools inspected and means that comparisons between years entries consisted of academic non-applied GCSEs in should be treated with caution as some differences are due to the each school that has been replaced by an academy in different sample of schools inspected during the different periods. the last year of each such school’s existence; and what A copy of this reply has been sent to Nick Gibb MP, Minister the name is of each academy that has replaced a of State for Schools, and will be placed in the Library of both school. [69291] Houses.

Tables A to F: Overall effectiveness judgments for schools inspected under section 5 in the Reading West constituency1, Reading local authority2 and England in each academic year since 2005/06 (number of schools)

Table A

Overall effectiveness

Academic year Area Total inspections Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

2005/06 Reading West 12 2 7 1 2 constituency

Reading local 15 3 5 5 2 authority

England 6,128 648 2,933 2,063 484 789W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 790W

Table B Overall effectiveness Academic year Area Total inspections Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

2006/07 Reading West 14 0 5 7 2 constituency Reading local 19 1 6 10 2 authority England 8,323 1,150 3,899 2,810 464

Table C Overall effectiveness Academic year Area Total inspections Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

2007/08 Reading West 15 2 5 7 1 constituency Reading local 19 2 7 8 2 authority England 7,866 1,146 3,838 2,507 375

Table D Overall effectiveness Academic year Area Total inspections Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

2008/09 Reading West 16 4 8 3 1 constituency Reading local 18 6 7 5 0 authority England 7,065 1,327 3,512 1,955 271

Table E Overall effectiveness Academic year Area Total inspections Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

2009/10 Reading West 13 1 4 6 2 constituency Reading local 18 2 5 10 1 authority England 6,171 782 2,631 2,281 477

Table F Overall effectiveness Academic year Area Total inspections Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

2010/11 (autumn Reading West 73220 and spring terms constituency only) Reading local 10 3 4 3 0 authority England 4,062 408 1,805 1,592 257 1 Reading West constituency falls across two local authorities: Reading and West Berkshire. 2 Reading local authority encompasses parts of the constituencies of Reading East and Reading West.

Teachers: Pensions the LGPS regulations state “pension authorities should have regard to the desirability of maintaining as nearly Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for constant a common rate across employers as possible”. Education whether the level of employers’ contribution for academy school pension funds will be the same as that for other schools; and if he will make a statement. [68805] TREASURY Mr Gibb: Academies pay the same level of employers’ contribution for teachers, to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, Air Force: Military Bases as all other employers within the scheme. The employer contribution rate is currently 14.1%. Thomas Docherty: To ask the Chancellor of the Academies are required to offer Local Government Exchequer on what occasions (a) he, (b) Ministers in Pension Scheme (LGPS) membership to all non-teaching his Department, (c) political advisers and (d) civil staff. The scheme’s framework is set out in the LGPS servants have discussed the future of RAF bases within regulations. It is administered by different local pension the context of the Defence Transformation review. funds and so employer contributions can vary. However, [70283] 791W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 792W

Danny Alexander [holding answer 7 September 2011]: HM Revenue and Customs maintains a database that Treasury Ministers, political advisers and officials have records the number of ongoing child benefit awards discussions with a wide variety of organisations in the under EC Regulations. The database is currently being public and private sectors as part of the process of updated to provide comparable data about child tax policy development and delivery. As was the case with credit awards. previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s The EC Social Security Coordinating Regulations practice to provide details of all such discussions. 883/2004 and 987/2009 contain cross-border recovery provisions which allow for one EEA member state to recover overpayments on behalf of another member Banks: EU Action state, either from arrears of benefit, deduction from ongoing payment of benefit or by instalments if benefit Jonathan Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer is not in payment. The regulations also provide for what assessment he has made of the European enforcement action to be taken through the courts of Commission’s proposed Capital Requirements Directive; the country in which the person is now residing, subject and if he will make a statement. [69730] to the domestic rules in force in that country. However, information about the amount of child tax credit overpaid Mr Hoban: On 20 July 2011, the European Commission to, or recovered from, non-UK residents could be provided adopted proposals on prudential requirements for credit only at disproportionate cost. institutions and investment firms, which will replace the current Capital Requirements Directive with a regulation Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation and a directive. The first is the draft regulation on prudential requirements and the second is the draft directive on the access to the activity of credit institutions Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the and the prudential supervision of credit institutions Exchequer if he will publish a timetable for the and investment firms. I refer the hon. Member to my commencement of compensation payments to those Explanatory Memorandum on the Commission’s proposals, categories of Equitable Life policy holders who have which has been deposited today, of which copies will be not yet begun to receive compensation, together with available in the Library. an indication of the size of the payments to be made; and if he will make a statement. [70707]

Child Tax Credit Mr Hoban: Payments began on the 30 June, and hundreds of payments have been made to date. Payment volumes will continue to be ramped up over the coming Mrs Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer months as the scheme’s complex payment processes are pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2011, Official Report, refined further. column 461W, on habitual residence, what level of child tax credit is available in each other EU member Payments will be made in accordance with the profile state; whether the child tax credit helpline makes set out at the spending review settlement—with £1 language provision for claimants calling from other EU billion allocated to the scheme in the first three years of member states; what plans he has to record tax credits this spending review—and the Independent Commission paid to non-UK residents; what estimate he has made on Equitable Life Payments’ recommendations on the of the amount of child tax credit overpaid to non-UK prioritisation of payments. residents; what mechanism is in place for recovering such overpaid child tax credits once the recipients have Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Chancellor of the returned to their home country; and how much has Exchequer what payments he has made to Equitable been reclaimed in overpaid child tax credit from Life policy holders; and what further payments he non-UK residents following their return to their home plans to make in 2011. [70730] country. [69160] Mr Hoban: Payments began on 30 June, and hundreds Justine Greening: Information about the level of child of payments have been made to date. Payment volumes tax credit payable in respect of children resident in will continue to be ramped up over the coming months other member states is available only at disproportionate as the scheme’s complex payment processes are refined cost. This is because the rate of award will vary from further. case to case depending on the income of claimants, whether child tax credit is payable at the appropriate Payments will be made in accordance with the UK rate or as part of a UK family benefit supplement prioritisation criteria set out in the scheme rules, available in those cases where entitlement to family benefit arises at: in more than one member state; for example, where the http://equitablelifepaymentscheme.independent.gov.uk/ parents are working and insured in two different member resources/elps_main_doc_final.htm states. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) encourages Eurostar: Sterling customers to ask a member of the family or trusted friend to provide help with interpretation where appropriate, Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer but HMRC Contact Centres offer language/interpretation if he will seek an explanation from the operator of services if customers need assistance. Further details Eurostar on the reasons for its refusal to accept British about these services can be found online at: currency from customers seeking to purchase www.hmrc.gov.uk/contactus/particular-needs.htm#4 refreshments on its services. [70919] 793W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 794W

Mr Hoban: It would not be appropriate for Government More broadly, the UK is working to encourage the to comment on a corporate policy decision. Eurostar development of renewable energy technologies through has announced that, in response to customer feedback, the World Bank and other multilateral development restrictions of the use of sterling cash will not be taken banks. forward.

Excise Duties: Wines Tax Evasion: Criminal Proceedings

Mel Stride: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Meacher: To ask the Chancellor of the whether he has any plans to introduce a sliding scale on Exchequer how many prosecutions for tax evasion of rates in excise duty for wine production similar to that (a) companies and (b) individuals there have been in for beer production. [69412] each year since 1990; and how many convictions led to (i) imprisonment and (ii) fines in excess of (A) £10,000, Justine Greening: There are no plans to introduce a (B) £100,000 and (C) £1,000,000 in each category in sliding scale on rates for wine duty which are similar to each such year. [70377] that for beer. The Chancellor keeps all taxes under review as part of the Budget process. Mr Gauke: The majority of tax evasion cases are dealt with using cost-effective civil settlement procedures. Members: Correspondence A breakdown of prosecutions for tax evasion between Mr Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer individuals and those related to companies or organised when he plans to respond to the letter from the hon. criminal attacks is available only at disproportionate Member for Basildon and Billericay of 26 May 2011 cost. regarding his constituent Mr Simon Licence. [70734] Details of the total numbers of cases prosecuted for income tax, corporation tax, VAT, excise and other tax Justine Greening: The hon. Member’s letter regarding offences are set out in the following table for the available his constituent Mr Simon Licence, has been transferred years. Cases may relate to one or a number of persons. to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Cases

National Insurance Contributions: Northern Ireland 2006-07 389 2007-08 416 Sammy Wilson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2008-09 340 (1) how many businesses in Northern Ireland have 2009-10 237 participated in the national insurance contribution holiday 2010-11 385 since September 2010; [69425] (2) how many businesses in East Antrim constituency Details of sentences are not held centrally and are have participated in the national insurance contribution available only at disproportionate cost. holiday since September 2010. [69426] HMRC is not the prosecuting authority. Cases are Mr Gauke: As of 15 August, HMRC has received 246 referred to, but prosecutions are undertaken by, the successful applications from businesses in Northern relevant independent prosecuting authorities. Working Ireland and received 10 successful applications from in partnership with those authorities, HMRC expects to businesses in East Antrim constituency. deliver significant year on year increases in prosecutions as part of the reinvestment package announced in the 2010 spending review. Renewable Energy: Developing Countries

Jim McGovern: To ask the Chancellor of the VAT: Golf Exchequer what steps he is taking to work with the International Monetary Fund to promote renewable energy in developing countries. [69844] Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will amend the Value Added Tax regulations so Mr Hoban: The Chancellor of the Exchequer, my that charges levied on golf clubs operated by right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), proprietors are the same as those levied on non-profit and his officials have regular discussions with the making clubs; and if he will make a statement. [70918] International Monetary Fund on a range of issues. The role of the IMF is to promote international monetary Mr Hoban: The Principal VAT directive, which governs co-operation and exchange rate stability, facilitate the the application of VAT in the European Union, requires balanced growth of international trade, and provide member states to apply a VAT exemption to certain resources to help members in balance of payments activities in the public interest, including supplies of difficulties or to assist with poverty reduction. sporting services by non-profit making organisations. Given the potential adverse effects of continuing Subscription fees charged by non-profit-making golf with non-renewable sources of energy—both economically clubs are therefore exempt from VAT. The exemption and environmentally—the Fund has an interest in ensuring does not extend to subscription fees received by proprietary that developing countries take a sustainable approach (profit-making) clubs nor is there any scope to extend it to these issues as part of their broader economic strategy. in this way. 795W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 796W

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS the type of mentoring being offered, the geography involved and the needs of the small business. Ultimately, Business Links: Manpower the frequency of contact will be agreed between mentor and mentee. Full-time or professional mentors will be Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for able to take on more mentees as time permits. Business, Innovation and Skills how many Business Link advisers were working in (a) each region and (b) Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for each parliamentary constituency in May 2010. [67852] Business, Innovation and Skills what training (a) has been and (b) will be provided to business mentors Mr Prisk: The information requested is as follows: under the Business Mentoring Scheme; and how this (a) The regional development agencies who manage training has been or will be accredited. [67479] the Business Link regional service in England have reported the following levels of Business Link advisers Mr Prisk: The type of training for individual mentors were working in each region at end March 2010 as will be a matter for the mentoring organisation to which follows: they belong and will vary according to the operating Number of Business Link advisers (FTE) model of the organisation, the type of mentoring being Region Position at end March 2010 delivered and the experience level of the mentor. The majority of mentoring organisations train their mentors East of England 112 and SFEDI—a key provider of enterprise training—offers East midlands 93 a range of the mentoring courses. Indeed all bank London 51 mentors go through one of SFEDI’s enterprise mentoring North-east 138 courses. North-west 225 South-east 199 All of the organisations available via mentorsme.org South-west 130 have been assessed by the British Banker’s Association West midlands 261 to ensure that they meet certain quality standards, including a programme of training and development of Yorkshire and Humber 223 mentors and having a robust process for identifying and Total 1,432 matching mentees. (b) The Regional Development Agencies do not hold the information requested at a parliamentary Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for constituency level. Business, Innovation and Skills what information he plans to collect on the (a) number and (b) size of Business Links: Training businesses taking up advice through the Business Mentoring Scheme; and when he plans to publish this Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for information. [67480] Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) training and (b) professional development has been provided to Mr Prisk: Mentorsme.co.uk, Britain’s first online Business Link advisers; and how these have been mentoring gateway, was launched on 4 July and provides accredited. [67478] a single point of access for those seeking mentoring and those seeking to be mentors, covering the whole of the Mr Prisk: The nine regional Business Link advisory UK. services in England have supported their Business Link advisers through formal training to gain accreditation Since the launch there have been over 21,303 visits against a National Occupational Standard (e.g. SFEDI and 123,000 page views. Plans for the monitoring and Business Link Broker standard). In addition, where evaluation of the portal are currently being agreed with their role involves offering specialist advice (e.g. finance, the British Bankers Association. innovation, skills), they are further supported to achieve relevant professional qualifications or accreditation of Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for competence. Business, Innovation and Skills what process will be followed to appoint mentors under the Business Business: Government Assistance Mentoring Scheme. [67792]

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Prisk: People can become mentors by joining an Business, Innovation and Skills how many hours each established mentoring organisation such as those now business mentor is expected to provide (a) per week available on mentorsme.co.uk. The site currently includes and (b) per month to the Business Mentoring Scheme. approximately 40 mentoring organisations providing [67477] access to around 10,000 mentors. All of these organisations have signed up to a uniform minimum standard developed Mr Prisk: No requirements have been set to dictate by organisations across the sector. Mentoring organisations or to restrict the number of hours each business mentor are invited to register their interest in becoming part of is expected to provide. The general rule of principle—and the mentoring network via the website: a SFEDI (the sector skills body for enterprise and enterprise support) recommendation—is that a volunteer http://www.mentorsme.co.uk/about mentor should have no more than three mentoring and must complete a questionnaire which allows them relationships at any one time. However, this can vary to be screened to ensure they meet certain quality according to the policy of the mentoring organisation, standards. 797W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 798W

The site also allows business professionals to offer CABINET OFFICE their services as a business mentor via the mentoring organisations listed. All of these organisations will have Mortality Rates their own quality assurance processes and recruitment processes for potential mentors. Dr Poulter: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the (a) life expectancy, (b) cancer survival Overseas Students rate and (c) infant mortality rate was for the five (i) most and (ii) least prosperous primary care trust areas Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for in England in each year since 1997. [68222] Business, Innovation and Skills what legal advice he has received on the eligibility of EU students (a) to the Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the National Scholarship Programme and (b) for fee responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have waivers; and if he will make a statement. [69053] asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011; Mr Willetts: Legal advice obtained by the Department As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I is confidential and the subject of legal professional have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking privilege. what the (a) life expectancy, (b) cancer survival rate and (c) infant EU students are only eligible for National Scholarship mortality rate was for (i) the five wealthiest primary care trust Programme awards that are related to fees. areas in England and (ii) the five poorest primary care trust areas in England in each year since 1997. [68222] Regional Growth Fund There is currently no indicator available for the wealth of the population of primary care organisations in England, and an individual’s wealth is not recorded at either death or cancer Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for registration. However, there is an income deprivation indicator Business, Innovation and Skills what the value of bids available for primary care organisations, based on the percentage which were successful in Round 2 of the Regional of the population of each area living in low income families Growth Fund was for each administrative English reliant on means tested benefits1. This indicator has been used as a proxy for defining wealthy and poor areas in this answer, region. [70913] although it should be noted that populations and families could be wealthy but have a low income and vice versa. Mr Prisk: Decisions on Round 2 bids have not yet Life expectancy figures are calculated as three-year rolling been made as bids are being assessed. We expect to averages and are available for primary care organisations, from make announcements on successful bids in the autumn. 2001-03 to 2007-09, for males and females separately. Table 1 provides the period life expectancy at birth for (a) males and (b) Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for females living in (i) the five primary care organisations with the Business, Innovation and Skills on what date he will lowest percentage of the population living in low income families, complete the process of validation of successful bids and (ii) the five primary care organisations with the highest percentage of the population living in low income families. for the Regional Growth Fund. [70914] One-year cancer survival index figures are available for individual Mr Prisk: We do not have dates yet for the completion years 1996 to 2006, all cancers combined, persons resident in each primary care organisation, for patients diagnosed during 1996-2006 of validation process of successful bids for the Regional and followed up to the end of 2007. Table 2 provides one-year Growth Fund. Over 490 bids have been received in survival index figures for all cancers combined for persons living Round 2 of the Regional Growth Fund. Bids are being in (i) the five primary care organisations with the lowest percentage assessed and will be forwarded to the Ministerial Panel of the population living in low income families, and (ii) the five before decisions can be announced in the autumn. primary care organisations with the highest percentage of the population living in low income families. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Table 3 provides infant mortality rates for each year from 1997 Business, Innovation and Skills how many officials in to 2009 (the latest year available), for (i) the five primary care his Department are working primarily on validation of organisations with the lowest percentage of the population living in low income families, and (ii) the five primary care organisations successful bids for the Regional Growth Fund. [70917] with the highest percentage of the population living in low income families. Mr Prisk: There are 11 (FTE) officials drawn from Copies of Tables 1 to 3 have been placed in the House of Government Departments who are based in the Commons Library. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and 1 This small area indicator was developed by the Association of working primarily on the assessment of bids received in Public Health Observatories, on behalf of the Department of Round 2 of the Regional Growth Fund. Health, for Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. The indicator is based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (2010) income domain Students: Lone Parents score.

Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for BBC Monitoring Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with (a) the Minister for Women and Equalities John McDonnell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet and (b) the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Office when his Department will issue a response to the on the eligibility of lone parents for fee waiver or Intelligence and Security Committee Annual Report remission following the Government’s proposed 2010-11 in respect of BBC Monitoring. [68253] changes to fees for courses. [70915] Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office plans to issue a Mr Davey: None. response to the ISC’s Annual Report on 14 September. 799W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 800W

John McDonnell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Corruption Office what recent meetings have taken place between members of his ministerial team and officials working Philip Davies: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet in his Department and representatives of the BBC Office whether account is taken of (a) convictions for regarding funding for BBC Monitoring. [68254] corruption and (b) breaches of rules in (i) the UK and (ii) the EU when deciding on the award of Government Mr Maude: There was intensive consultation on funding contracts. [69736] between Cabinet Office and BBC Monitoring (BBCM) teams up to the beginning of April when the funding Mr Maude: Much public procurement is governed by profile for BBCM over its transition (2011-12, 2012-13) European Union Procurement Directives, implemented to BBC Main from 2013-14 was finalised. Since funding in UK legislation. These rules explicitly require bidders has now been settled the focus of ongoing consultations to be excluded if they or their directors have been is now on making the transition work for BBCM and convicted of certain offences, including corruption. for its customers in Government. Exclusion is permitted for other wrong doing, including other criminal offences or gross professional misconduct. John McDonnell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment his Department has made of Creative Industries the effects on local economies of the implementation of the outcomes of the 2010 spending review in respect of Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet funding for BBC Monitoring. [68255] Office whether the creative industries are included in the Office for National Statistics economic indicators. Mr Maude: The outcome of the 2010 spending review [68532] was that BBC Monitoring (BBGM) would transition to BBC Main from 2013-14. The BBC will become responsible Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the for how and from where agreed services are delivered. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated July 2011: Civil Contingencies Secretariat As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking whether creative industries are captured in any economic Mark Pritchard: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet indicators produced by the ONS. [68532] Office if he will review the effectiveness and efficiency Economic indicators are routinely published according to the of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat. [70165] Standard Industrial Classification 2003. The concept of the creative industries is not easily constructed from the SIC and so economic Mr Maude: The effectiveness and efficiency of all indicators are not regularly published as an aggregate. However, teams in the Cabinet Office is monitored through the an article was published on the ONS website in early 2011 which Cabinet Office’s annual business planning and performance detailed the nine main industries that form the UK’s creative process. There are no plans to conduct a specific review sector, as identified by the Department for Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS). into the work of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat. This article can be found at: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/search/index.html?page Civil Service Live Conference Size=50&newquery=creative+industries Departmental Consultants Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the cost to the public purse was of Civil Service John McDonnell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Live on 5-7 July 2011. [69112] Office how many times officials in the Office of Government Commerce met representatives of (a) Mr Maude: Civil Service Live events are owned and Siemens Project Ventures GmbH, (b) Innisfree Ltd managed by the private company Dods (the publisher and (c) 3i Infrastructure plc between 1 January 2008 of Civil Service World). and 16 June 2011. [68705] The events are free for civil servants to attend. There will have been some travel and subsistence costs for Mr Maude: There are no records of meetings between delegates. These will have followed the travel and subsistence officials in the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) guidelines set by Departments. and representatives of (a) Siemens Project Ventures GmbH, (b) Innisfree Ltd and (c) 3i Infrastructure plc between January 2008 and June 2010, when OGC was Common Good Communications Council absorbed into the Efficiency and Reform Group. Departmental Manpower Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress he has made on implementing the Alan Johnson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet proposal for a Common Good Communications Office whether his Department has issued directions to Council; and if he will make a statement. [68282] staff in (a) UK Trade and Investment and (b) Business Links on communications with hon. Members about Mr Maude: Preparatory meetings have been held potential (i) job losses and (ii) organisational changes between officials and public sector broadcasters. within each organisation. [69607] 801W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 802W

Mr Maude [holding answer 7 September 2011]: I list of each meeting the Rt. hon. Member for Doncaster refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the North held with newspaper and media proprietors, Minister for Business and Enterprise, my hon. Friend editors and senior media executives, while he was Minister the Member for Hertford and Stortford (Mr Prisk), on in the Cabinet Office, disclosing the same information 6 September 2011, Official Report, columns 609-10W. as if a request had been submitted under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 provisions Departmental Procurement and using the same criteria and methodology as the Prime Minister in compiling his list. [69017] Owen Smith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what methodology (a) his Department and (b) Mr Maude: It is not for this Government to account the non-departmental public bodies for which he is for the actions of the previous Administration. responsible used to estimate savings to the public purse made in respect of its procurement and purchasing Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet since May 2010. [69273] Office (1) what recent discussions he has had with the Information Commissioner’s office on steps to improve Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office and its NDPBs calculate his Department’s performance in responding to savings on their procurement expenditure by comparing requests made under the Freedom of Information Act (a) the total annual spend for each category of goods 2000; [69792] and services with the equivalent expenditure for 2009-10 and (b) current prices with previous prices paid for (2) how many subject access requests his Department commodities where existing contracts have been has received in the last 12 months for which figures are renegotiated or new contracts put in place since May available; [69780] 2010. (3) how many requests his Department has received to conduct internal reviews of requests made under the Director of Public Prosecutions Freedom of Information Act 2000 in the last 12 months for which figures are available; [69779] Helen Goodman: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet (4) how many requests under the Freedom of Office pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2011, Official Information Act 2000 his Department has received in Report, column 262W,on Director of Public Prosecutions, the last 12 months for which figures are available; and whether Lord Macdonald of River Glaven cleared his what proportion of such requests were answered within contract with News Corporation with the Advisory 20 working days; [69778] Committee on Business Appointments. [68787] (5) how many people are employed by his Department to monitor and respond to requests made under the Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Freedom of Information Act 2000; what level of training gave on 19 July 2011, Official Report, column 891W. each such member of staff has received; and if he will Financial Services: Foreign Workers make a statement. [69777]

David Wright: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Maude [holding answer 7 September 2011]: Officials Office whether he has undertaken an impact assessment from the Cabinet Office met with the Deputy Commissioner of jobs being offshored by private companies holding on 11 May to discuss the improvements necessary when public sector contracts in the next five years. [68601] responding to requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and, following the undertaking Mr Maude: The Government have not undertaken agreed with the Information Commissioner on 22 June, any impact assessment of the number of jobs delivering on 4 August to discuss the steps being taken to put these public sector contracts likely to be offshored in the next measures in place and the progress made in improving five years. It is for suppliers to determine the number the handling of requests. and location of jobs required to enable them to fulfil Requests for information held by the Cabinet Office any given contract. are dealt with by the most appropriate area within the Department. The Cabinet Office operates a centralised David Wright: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet system for managing cases and for authorising disclosure Office whether he has estimated how many jobs are of information involving a team of five staff. All people likely to be offshored by companies holding Government in the team receive training in dealing with handling contracts over the next five years. [68602] information requests http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/training_ Mr Maude: The Government do not hold this of_foi_staff_in_cabinet information as it is for suppliers to determine the number Guidance on the handling of requests for information is and location of jobs required to enable them to fulfil available to all staff on the departmental intranet and is any given contract. supplemented by advice by the central team as necessary. Freedom of Information Statistics on the implementation of FOI in central government, including the Cabinet Office are available Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet on the Ministry of Justice website Office with reference to (a) the publication by the www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/foi/ Prime Minister of his meetings with media executives implementation.htm and (b) paragraph 74 of the Third Report of the The Cabinet Office received 44 subject access requests Procedure Committee, Session 2008-09, on written for information under the Data Protection Act in the parliamentary questions, HC 952, if he will publish a period 1 July 2010-31 July 2011. 803W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 804W

Government Departments: Procurement Public Sector: Pensions

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Anderson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress he has made on eliminating pre- Office whether he has had recent discussions with the qualification questionnaires for central Government Chancellor of the Exchequer on the timetable for procurements under £100,000. [70080] negotiations on changes to public service pension schemes. [70562] Mr Maude: 14 out of 17 Departments have confirmed that they have eliminated the use of pre-qualification Mr Maude: I meet regularly with my ministerial questionnaires for procurements below £100,000. A colleagues including those in the Treasury to discuss a further Department will have eliminated their use by range of issues, including various aspects of the reform the end of September 2011. Work is under way with the of public service pension schemes. two remaining Departments, which have additional security requirements to consider, to implement necessary changes Public Sector: Procurement to their pre-qualification processes. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Licensing Office what progress has been made on requiring small and medium-sized enterprises to provide pre-qualification Mike Weatherley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet data only once for Government procurements in common Office whether his Department has considered the merits commodities. [70043] of fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing obligations in respect of procurement policy Mr Maude: The Government Dynamic Marketplace Action Note 3/11, issued on 31 January 2011. [70111] pilot, launched on 19 July provides a single, simple registration process for suppliers: Mr Maude: The Government require that their ICT https://register4ukgov.procserveonline.com should be built on open standards, wherever possible, to improve competition and avoid lock-in to a particular Tom Greatrex: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet technology or supplier. Office what progress his Department has made Fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) regarding use of the open procedure for large central specifications may present some difficulties for the open Government procurements. [70065] source software development model in terms of patents and royalties. To deliver a level playing field for both Mr Maude: Departments are currently piloting the open source and proprietary software, open standards use of the open procurement procedure in 12 procurements, are needed. in order to assess the impact of a broader range of suppliers submitting tenders for Government business. Public Bodies We will collate emerging findings from these procurements to assess the impact of using this procurement procedure on both buyers and suppliers. Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will place in the Library an updated list of Tom Greatrex: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet non-departmental public bodies and their parent Office (1) which (a) products and (b) services have departments. [69791] been pitched successfully as a result of an SME Product Surgery; [70069] Mr Maude [holding answer 7 September 2011]: The Cabinet Office publishes a list of non-departmental (2) how many products and services have been pitched public bodies and their parent Departments in its successfully at an SME Product Surgery organised by publication “Public Bodies”. The latest version will be his Department since the scheme’s inception; [70070] published in due course taking into account any changes (3) what the monetary value has been of central that may occur as a result of the Public Bodies Review Government contracts with small and medium-sized and proposed legislation. enterprises (SMEs) that were a direct result of a product or service pitched at an SME Product Surgery. [70071] Andrew Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate he has made of savings to the Mr Maude: The Product Surgeries are intended to public purse from the abolition of public bodies since promote an opportunity for constructive dialogue between May 2010; and what estimate he has made of savings to innovative SMEs and Government Departments. be realised in the next year. [70093] From over 350 submissions, the following nine SMEs were invited to present their products or services to the Mr Maude: We estimate that cumulative administrative Innovation Launch Pad Product Surgery on 19 July: savings of £2.6 billion will flow from public bodies over Adinfa the spending review period. When reductions in programme Becrypt and capital spend are taken into account, we estimate that total spending through public bodies will be reduced CatN by at least £11 billion per year by 2014-15, a cumulative Cambridge Temperature Concepts amount of £30 billion over the spending review period. Health Analytics Departments are currently refining their estimates, as HotDocs implementation plans develop. Learning Pool 805W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 806W

MyWorkSearch Mr Maude: Cabinet Office did not carry out a generic Software Europe cost-benefit analysis on the policy procurement note. However, it is not possible to say that any new contracts Cost-benefit analysis should be carried out by Departments have been or will be awarded as a direct result of any as part of the procurement process for each specific Product Surgery, as public sector contracts can only be implementation. awarded after an appropriate competitive procurement. Social Enterprises Tom Greatrex: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many small and medium-sized enterprises Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet have participated in the mystery shopper scheme. Office whether he has any plans to review (a) [70075] procurement policies in relation to and (b) the effects of procurement decisions on social enterprises. [69377] Mr Maude: Between 11 February and 6 September, 69 small and medium-sized enterprises have participated Mr Maude: We continue to look at new approaches in the mystery shopper scheme. The results for the first to delivering public services. In the Open Public Services three months (February to May) can be seen at: White Paper we have made a commitment to regularly www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/mystery-shopper assess the barriers to entry and exit that may prevent innovation from being achieved and hamper diversity Tom Greatrex: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet of supply, which includes from social enterprises. Office when the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Panel last met; and on what date it will next meet. We believe public services should be open to a range [70079] of providers, including social enterprises (and SMEs) and have consulted on how this can be achieved. On Mr Maude: The SME Panel last met on 29 June 2011. 11 February we announced a set of measures to tackle The next meeting is planned for 26 September. barriers to SMEs in government procurement, which will also help social enterprises. As with all government Tom Greatrex: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet procurement, value for money for the public purse is the Office (1) when he last met the SME Panel to discuss the over-riding imperative. Government’s progress in increasing the level of business with small and medium-sized enterprises; [70311] Voluntary Work (2) when he last met representatives of his Department’s SME Panel to discuss progress in increasing government Steve Rotheram: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet contracts with small and medium-sized enterprises. Office what recent assessment he has made of progress [70041] with the big society initiative. [70814]

Mr Maude [holding answer 7 September 2011]: I Mr Hurd: The Government have taken significant attended the first meeting of the SME Panel, held on steps towards changing the relationship between the 29 June 2011 where this was discussed. citizen and the state by pushing down power to individuals and communities, encouraging people to take action to Royalties make the changes they want to see, and challenging public service providers to deliver better and more Mike Weatherley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet localised services. For example: Office what assessment he has made of the effect of 24 free schools are now up and running, creating choice for procurement policy Action Note 3/11 on industries parents, enabling communities to set up schools that meet their that depend on royalties. [70112] needs. National Citizen Service is delivering to thousands of young Mr Maude: Through specifying open standards in people in England; and aspires to deliver opportunities for up to government ICT procurement, the Government are looking 30,000 young people by next year. to improve interoperability, maximise efficiency and The Giving White paper has set out a number of announcements reduce cost to the taxpayer. to support the giving of time and money—such as AMT and payroll giving. No formal assessment has been carried out on the effects of policy Action Note 3/11 on industries that The Localism Bill—currently in the Lords—will devolve greater powers to councils and neighbourhoods and give local communities depend on royalties or on industry that requires royalty more control over housing and planning decisions. free standards to operate. We are about to commence a review of this note and Government are actively engaged 45,000 public sector workers are now in mutuals, with the aspiration to have 1 million public sector workers in mutuals by with industry on the impact of Action Note 3/11 which 2015. is being considered alongside feedback from the UK The Open Public Services White Paper has set out plans to Government Open Standards Survey and other create greater diversity in the delivery of public services by consultations. opening up the market to a greater number of providers. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Voluntary Work: Young People Office whether his Department carried out a cost- benefit analysis of the procurement policy Action Note 3/11 on the use of open standards when specifying ICT Mr Hollobone: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet requirements issued on 31 January 2011; and if he will Office what recent assessment he has made of the make a statement. [70115] National Citizens Service pilots. [70058] 807W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 808W

Mr Hurd: NCS is providing 16-year-olds across England JUSTICE with the opportunity to take part in challenging outdoor activities and to give something back to their communities. Birmingham Prison I have visited a number of the pilot programmes this summer and the feedback I have heard from the young people taking part has been overwhelmingly positive. Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the period of protection is for prison staff An independent evaluation of the NCS pilots is working in HMP Birmingham under the Transfer of currently taking place and I will be able to update the Undertakings (Protection of Employment) House on the outcomes of that evaluation once it has Regulations. [70249] concluded. Mr Blunt: The Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) Regulations do not specify a time limit. Therefore the protection afforded by TUPE HOME DEPARTMENT is not time limited. Contractual terms and conditions are protected indefinitely against changes that are directly Civil Disorder connected to the transfer, unless there is a valid economic, technical or organisational reason entailing changes in Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for the the workforce. Home Department whether budgets for criminal justice agencies in 2011-12 and subsequent financial years will Civil Disorder be reviewed in light of the public disorder in August 2011. [70127] Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what effect the public disorder in August 2011 Mr Djanogly: I have been asked to reply. will have on the funding of (a) probation, (b) court The Ministry of Justice has responsibility for the and (c) prison services in (i) the current financial year criminal justice system and my Department works closely and (ii) subsequent financial years. [70121] with the Home Office and Attorney-General’s Office. As part of its regular financial and operational Mr Djanogly: The recent civil disorder will potentially management, the Ministry of Justice monitors sentencing impact the operational costs of the Ministry of Justice, trends and prison population against the financial and including courts, probation, and prison services. As capacity plans. The Department is closely monitoring part of our regular financial and operational management the impact on its services, but the full scale of the we are monitoring sentencing trends and prison population financial implications will not be known until all offenders against our financial and capacity plans. The full impact have been sentenced by the courts. of the public disorder will not be known until all offenders have been sentenced by the courts. In relation to the police, there is no plan to review the funding settlement. Although challenging, the Home Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Office believes that the settlement they have reached for Justice (1) how many court reports were prepared on the police is both fair and manageable. There is no people in connection with the public disorder in August question that the police will have the resources to do 2011 in England and Wales; [70122] their important work. (2) how many people convicted of an offence in The CPS is currently assessing the additional costs connection with the public disorder in August 2011 which will be incurred as a result of the recent public have been imprisoned; [70123] disorder. Investigations and prosecutions will continue over the next two years at least and the full impact will (3) how many people arrested in connection with the not be known until all investigations and prosecutions public disorder in August 2011 were remanded into are concluded. custody following a first hearing. [70124] The Ministry of Justice and CPS will continue to keep the Treasury informed about the implications for Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice is currently publishing their financial position. frequent updates on people being dealt with by the court system in relation to the disturbances on 6-9 August. These reports can be found on the Ministry of Justice website at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ad- WOMEN AND EQUALITIES hoc/index.htm As the publication notes the Chief Statistician will Departmental Correspondence review the quality of data and release further breakdowns as reliable data become available. A more detailed release Austin Mitchell: To ask the Minister for Women and will be published on 15 September containing detailed Equalities how many letters the Government Equalities information on age, gender, offence committed, sentence Office received from hon. Members in June 2011. given, and previous criminal history. [68766] Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs May: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Justice whether he plans to review sentencing terms as given on 5 September 2011, Official Report, columns 243- part of the Government’s response to the recent 44W. disturbances in London and other English cities. [70270] 809W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 810W

Mr Blunt: Sentencing decisions are entirely a matter Mr Kenneth Clarke: Special advisers serve the for the courts; magistrates and judges are independent Government as a whole and not just their appointing of the Government and their sentencing decisions are Minister. Part of their role is organising responses to based on the individual circumstances of each case and press inquiries. My Special Adviser spoke with a press offender, and the relevant sentencing guidelines. Early officer at the Office of the Information Commissioner cases are providing a clear indication of the seriousness three times last July to alert them to a number of related being attached to these particular cases by the courts. inquiries from newspaper, and to We have established the Communities and Victims Panel obtain the statements they had released to the paper. to explore what lessons can be learned, both from the The calls were followed up by three e-mails. riots and the civic action to clear up the damage caused. Driving Offences: Insurance Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what proportion of (a) men and Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (b) women who have been (i) remanded in custody and how many prosecutions there have been of uninsured (ii) given custodial sentences as a result of the public drivers in each police force area in each of the last 10 disorder of August 2011 are parents of dependent years; and what the average penalty was in each case of children; and how many children there are of each age conviction in each such year. [69908] group whose parents have been imprisoned. [70575] Mr Blunt: Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts, by sentence breakdown, Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice is currently publishing the median and average fine amount and the average frequent updates on people being dealt with by the custodial sentence length for driving without insurance, court system in relation to the disturbances on 6-9 by police force area in England and Wales, 2000 to 2010 August. These reports can be found on the Ministry of (latest available), has been placed in the House Library. Justice website at: Court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ad- publication in the spring, 2012. hoc/index.htm As the publication notes the Chief Statistician will European Court of Human Rights review the quality of data and release further breakdowns as reliable data become available. A more detailed release Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice will be published on 15 September containing detailed whether he has received any interim findings from the information on age, gender, offence committed, sentence Commission on a UK Bill of Rights on reform of the given, and previous criminal history. European Court of Human Rights. [70265]

Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Kenneth Clarke: I refer my hon. Friend to my Justice how many (a) young people have been written ministerial statement I have issued today. I have prosecuted and (b) parenting orders have been issued placed in the Library of the House copies of two letters in connection with the public disorder of August 2011. received from Sir Leigh Lewis, the Chair of the Commission [70813] on a Bill of Rights. One of those letters contains the Commission’s interim advice on reform of the European Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice is currently publishing Court of Human Rights. frequent updates on people being dealt with by the court system in relation to the disturbances on 6-9 HM Prisons Brockhill and Latchmere House August. These reports can be found on the Ministry of Justice website at: Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ad- Justice (1) what the estimated market value is for HM hoc/index.htm Prison Brockhill; and if he will make a statement; As the publication notes the Chief Statistician will [70856] review the quality of data and release further breakdowns (2) what proportion of the capital receipts his Department as reliable data become available. A more detailed release expects to realise from the sale of HM Prison Latchmere will be published on 15 September containing detailed House will be retained by (a) the National Offender information on age, gender, offence committed, sentence Management Service and (b) his Department; and if he given, and previous criminal history. will make a statement; [70896] (3) what capital receipts his Department expects to Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers realise from the sale of HM Prison Latchmere House; and if he will make a statement. [70897]

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Blunt: The market value of HMP Latchmere (1) under which Minister’s authority his special advisers House and part of HMP Hewell, formerly known as communicated with the Office of the Information Brockhill, has not been formally assessed. The Ministry Commissioner about a complaint relating to a Minister of Justice seeks to gain best value from the sale of in his Department in July 2011; [70708] surplus assets which will contribute to the Ministry’s (2) on how many occasions and on what dates his capital expenditure budget. Ministry of Justice expenditure special advisers communicated with the Office of the will be prioritised as appropriate and will include investment Information Commissioner with regard to complaints in the National Offender Management Service estate about a Minister in his Department in July 2011. [70709] and services. 811W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 812W

Homicide: British Nationals Abroad who apply for legal aid. Nor does it record data on the basis of the areas referred to in the question. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The LSC does record the number of ‘acts of assistance’ what (a) support and (b) assistance his Department provided to individuals, although one individual may provides to the families of victims of murder and receive a number of separate acts of assistance, and one manslaughter abroad. [70442] act of assistance can help more than one person. Mr Kenneth Clarke: When a homicide occurs abroad The information in the following tables sets out acts the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) will of assistance on the basis of parliamentary constituency provide an automatic referral to Victim Support’s National areas and the LSC’s regional offices, and represents the Homicide Service for bereaved families resident in England nearest matches of the LSC’s data to the information and Wales which provides emotional support and practical requested. These figures are as at August 2011 and are assistance. Victim Support receives £2 million from the unaudited so may not be directly comparable over time. Ministry of Justice to fund the Homicide Service. In Figures for 2010-11 are not yet available. addition to this the FCO has recently agreed to provide Coventry Victim Support with £100,000 in this and the next Coventry North East constituency financial year to help support families bereaved by Type of assistance Quantity homicide abroad. 2006-07 Crime Lower Claims 1,147 Human Rights Act 1998 Legal Help New Matter Starts 622 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 197 Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Crime Higher Cases 116 Justice if he will make it his policy to introduce legislation to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998. 2007-08 Crime Lower Claims 1,578 [70539] Legal Help New Matter Starts 477 Mr Kenneth Clarke: On 18 March, the Government Civil Representation Certificates Issued 188 announced the establishment of a Commission to investigate Crime Higher Cases 155 the case for a UK Bill of Rights. The Commission’s terms of reference set out that it should aim to report 2008-09 Crime Lower Claims 1,295 no later than by the end of 2012. We cannot prejudge Legal Help New Matter Starts 546 the findings of the Commission and it is too early to say Civil Representation Certificates Issued 187 what the next steps might be until the Commission has reported. Crime Higher Cases 188

Legal Aid Scheme: Nationality 2009-10 Crime Lower Claims 1,232 Legal Help New Matter Starts 482 Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Civil Representation Certificates Issued 231 pursuant to the answer of 28 June 2011, Official Crime Higher Cases 170 Report, column 702W, on legal aid: nationality, what consideration he has given to restricting legal aid to British nationals. [70042] Coventry South constituency Type of assistance Quantity

Mr Djanogly: The Government published the White 2006-07 Crime Lower Claims 9,316 Paper ‘Proposals for the Reform of Legal Aid in England Legal Help New Matter Starts 4,051 and Wales’on 15 November 2010, which set out proposals Civil Representation Certificates Issued 843 for the fundamental reform of the legal aid system and the rationale for those reforms. As set out in the White Crime Higher Cases 689 Paper, and the Consultation Response which followed in June 2011, our proposals have taken into account our 2007-08 Crime Lower Claims 7,626 domestic, European and international legal obligations, Legal Help New Matter Starts 3,736 including the European convention on human rights, Civil Representation Certificates Issued 719 and a number of other factors. We have no plans to Crime Higher Cases 802 restrict the availability of legal aid based on the nationality of the claimant. 2008-09 Crime Lower Claims 7,877 Legal Aid Scheme: West Midlands Legal Help New 3,833 Matter Starts Mr Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Civil Representation Certificates Issued 763 how many people in (a) Coventry, (b) Warwickshire Crime Higher Cases 820 and (c) the west midlands received legal aid in each of the last five years. [70342] 2009-10 Crime Lower Claims 7,544 Mr Djanogly: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) Legal Help New Matter Starts 3,848 is responsible for administering the legal aid scheme in Civil Representation Certificates Issued 776 England and Wales. The LSC does not record the Crime Higher Cases 799 number of applications granted to individual people 813W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 814W

Warwickshire Rugby and Kenilworth constituency North Warwickshire constituency Type of assistance Quantity Type of assistance Quantity

2006-07 Crime Lower Claims 676 2008-09 Crime Lower Claims 1,225 Legal Help New Matter Starts 774 Legal Help New Matter Starts 483 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 108 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 60 Crime Higher Cases 65 Crime Higher Cases 42

2007-08 Crime Lower Claims 729 Legal Help New Matter Starts 795 2009-10 Crime Lower Claims 982 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 85 Legal Help New Matter Starts 430

Crime Higher Cases 24 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 69

Crime Higher Cases 63 2008-09 Crime Lower Claims 863 Legal Help New Matter Starts 903 Stratford-on-Avon constituency Civil Representation Certificates Issued 93 Type of assistance Quantity Crime Higher Cases 51 2006-07 Crime Lower Claims 124 Legal Help New Matter Starts 327 2009-10 Crime Lower Claims 808 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 179 Legal Help New Matter Starts 935 Crime Higher Cases 5 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 102

Crime Higher Cases 56 2007-08 Crime Lower Claims 102 Legal Help New Matter Starts 313 Nuneaton constituency Civil Representation Certificates Issued 182 Type of assistance Quantity Crime Higher Cases 5 2006-07 Crime Lower Claims 1,908 Legal Help New Matter Starts 940 2008-09 Crime Lower Claims 95 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 329 Legal Help New Matter Starts 313 Crime Higher Cases 86 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 186 Crime Higher Cases 5 2007-08 Crime Lower Claims 1,421 Legal Help New Matter Starts 1,009 2009-10 Crime Lower Claims 107 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 343 Legal Help New Matter Starts 357 Crime Higher Cases 92 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 189 Crime Higher Cases 5 2008-09 Crime Lower Claims 1,289 Legal Help New Matter Starts 1,341 Warwick and Leamington constituency Civil Representation Certificates Issued 396 Type of assistance Quantity

Crime Higher Cases 91 2006-07 Crime Lower Claims 3,190 Legal Help New Matter Starts 810 2009-10 Crime Lower Claims 1,193 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 200 Legal Help New Matter Starts 1,051 Crime Higher Cases 254 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 457

Crime Higher Cases 78 2007-08 Crime Lower Claims 2,859 Legal Help New Matter Starts 663 Rugby and Kenilworth constituency Civil Representation Certificates Issued 142 Type of assistance Quantity Crime Higher Cases 192 2006-07 Crime Lower Claims 1,246 Legal Help New Matter Starts 669 2008-09 Crime Lower Claims 2,501 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 168 Legal Help New Matter Starts 770 Crime Higher Cases 36 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 182 Crime Higher Cases 194 2007-08 Crime Lower Claims 1,171 Legal Help New Matter Starts 460 2009-10 Crime Lower Claims 2,289 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 124 Legal Help New Matter Starts 792 Crime Higher Cases 29 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 182 Crime Higher Cases 178 815W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 816W

West Midlands Mr Djanogly: The total number of legal aid certificates Birmingham regional office1 and the legal aid costs of clinical negligence cases Type of assistance Quantity relating to claimants under 18 whose final bills were 2006-07 Crime Lower Claims 162,820 paid in each of the three years 2008-09 to 2010-11 are Legal Help New Matter Starts 69,282 shown in the following table: Civil Representation Certificates Issued 14,256 Certificates closed Whole case costs (£ million) Crime Higher Cases 11,897 2008-09 825 7.6 2009-10 681 6.9 2007-08 Crime Lower Claims 146,038 2010-11 587 6.3 Legal Help New Matter Starts 66,901 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 12,960 Additionally, the number of new matters started under legal help which includes initial advice and assistance Crime Higher Cases 12,377 where no certificate has been granted, together with the value of those legal help claims, is shown in the following 2008-09 Crime Lower Claims 144,239 table: Legal Help New Matter Starts 73,939 Civil Representation Certificates Issued 13,865 Category Claim volume Claim value (£)

Crime Higher Cases 13,038 2008-09 200 52,438 2009-10 190 53,812 2009-10 Crime Lower Claims 111,407 2010-11 165 55,679 Legal Help New Matter Starts 62,917 Other costs to the public purse of clinical negligence Civil Representation Certificates Issued 13,155 claims relating to persons under 18, for example the Crime Higher Cases 13,147 costs to the national health service, are not held by the 1 Comprising the following local authority areas: Birmingham, Coventry, Ministry of Justice and could be provided only at Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, City of Wolverhampton, County of disproportionate cost. Herefordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Shropshire, City of Stoke-on-Trent, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Newcastle-under-Lyme, South Staffordshire, Prison Service: Manpower Stafford, Staffordshire Moorlands, Tamworth, North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick, Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Worcester, Wychavon, Wyre Forest. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the ratio of prison officers to prisoners was in the prison estate in each month of (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) NHS: Negligence 2010 and (d) 2011 to date. [70084]

Mr Blunt: Information relating to the question is Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice provided in the following table. what assessment he has made of the effects of his plans NOMS Public sector prisons for (a) legal aid and (b) conditional fee agreements on Public sector prisons (officer to the level of costs payable by the Department of Health Month prisoner ratio)1 in respect of clinical negligence claims. [70267] 2008 31 January 1:2.9 Mr Djanogly: An impact assessment was published 29 February 1:2.9 alongside the response to consultation paper ‘Proposals 31 March 1:2.8 for the reform of legal aid in England and Wales’. 30 April 1:2.9 Annex B of the impact assessment on the reforms to 31 May 1:2.9 conditional fee agreements sets out estimated savings of 30 June 1:2.9 £50 million to the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) 31 July 1:2.9 as a result of abolishing recoverability of success fees 31 August 1:2.9 and after the event insurance premiums. This figure 30 September 1:2.9 does not account for the NHSLA paying After the 31 October 1:2.9 Event premiums for policies covering the cost of expert 30 November 1:2.9 reports in some cases; my officials are in ongoing discussions 31 December 1:2.9 with the NHSLA and stakeholders about how the commissioning of expert reports can be improved so 2009 that, for example, joint reports can be commissioned wherever possible. 31 January 1:2,8 28 February 1:2.8 31 March 1:2.8 Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for 30 April 1:2.8 Justice how many clinical negligence cases involving 31 May 1:2.8 claimants aged under 18 years the Legal Services 30 June 1:2.8 Commission provided support for in each of the last 31 July 1:2.9 three years; what estimate he has made of the cost to 31 August 1:2.9 the public purse of such cases in each such year; and 30 September 1:2.9 how much the Commission disbursed in legal aid in 31 October 1:2.9 respect of such cases. [70268] 30 November 1:2.9 817W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 818W

NOMS Public sector prisons Mr Blunt: Information on bail and remand held Public sector prisons (officer to centrally by the Ministry of Justice on the Court Proceedings 1 Month prisoner ratio) Database does not include all the circumstances relating 31 December 1:2.9 to each case, and it is not possible to determine from this information if remanded defendants have dependent 2010 children. This information could be ascertained only by reference to individual court and prison files, which 31 January 1:2.9 could be achieved only at disproportionate cost. 28 February 1:2.9 31 March 1:2.9 30 April 1:3.0 Remand in Custody 31 May 1:3.0 30 June 1:3.0 31 July 1:3.0 Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for 31 August 1:3.0 Justice what recent discussions he has had with the 30 September 1:3.0 Secretary of State for Education on (a) steps to require 31 October 1:3.0 that pre-sentence reports consider family circumstances 30 November 1:3.0 and (b) the feasibility of introducing a statutory obligation 31 December 1:2.9 on the judiciary to check whether arrangements have been made for children whose parents or carers are 2011 remanded in custody. [70573] 31 January 1:2.9 28 February 1:2.9 Mr Blunt: Officials from a range of Government 31 March 1:3.0 Departments, including the Ministry of Justice, the 30 April 1:3.0 National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and 31 May 1:3.0 the Department for Education, are working together to 30 June 1:3.0 contribute to the cross-Government to support families 1 Officers include Prison Officers, Senior Officers and Principal Officers. Officers with multiple problems, including the children and families working within NOMS HQ are also included within the calculation. of offenders. The Children Act 2004 requires inter agency co-operation Prison Service: Retirement to safeguard and promote the well being of the child and NOMS specifications set out that Probation Staff have a responsibility to identify the safeguarding needs Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for of children and promote their welfare of an offender’s Justice if he will make it his policy to allow prison children when preparing pre sentence reports. officers to retire at the age of 60 years; and if he will make a statement. [70272] A statutory obligation on the judiciary has been considered, and been discussed at Official’s level with Mr Blunt: Prison officers are civil servants and, as the senior judiciary and voluntary and community sector such, are members of the Principal Civil Service Pension groups. Raising awareness is our main focus and a Scheme (PCSPS). The scheme pension age of members statutory obligation is not being further considered at is set out in the relevant PCSPS rules. With the limited this time. exception of some prison officers who were in post prior to 30 September 1987 and retain a “reserved Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for right” to retire at age 55 years, the majority of civil Justice if he will consider introducing a statutory obligation servants, including prison officers, have a scheme pension on the judiciary to inquire as to whether arrangements age of 60 years. have been made for children whose parents or carers A change to the PCSPS rules raised the scheme have been remanded in custody. [70574] pension age to 65 years for all civil servants, including prison officers, who joined the scheme after 30 July Mr Blunt: A statutory obligation on the judiciary has 2007. been considered, and discussed at official’s level with Lord Hutton’s final report on the proposed reform of the senior judiciary and voluntary and community sector public service pensions recommended that a pension groups. Raising awareness is our main focus and a age of 60 might be more appropriate for employees in statutory obligation is not being further considered at uniformed services to recognise the unique nature of this time. their job. Consultation will take place on what form this The Children Act 2004 requires inter agency co-operation takes and whom it covers as part of the reform process. to safeguard and promote the well being of the child. Probation staff working in court or preparing pre-sentence reports have a responsibility to consider the impact of Prisoners: Parents custody on an offender’s children. If there is a likelihood of custody then children’s services will be alerted to Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for ensure arrangements are in place to safeguard the well Justice how many and what proportion of (a) men and being of any children. (b) women who have been (i) remanded in custody and Officials are currently working to ensure that this (ii) given custodial sentences are parents of dependent system of assessment and referral is as robust as possible children; and how many children there are of each age by establishing minimum standard specifications for group whose parents have been imprisoned. [70576] both pre-sentence report assessment and court practice. 819W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 820W

Road Traffic Offences: Sentencing for road traffic offences in England and Wales in 2008 to 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the table. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Information held centrally on the Ministry of Justice Justice how many people (a) in total and (b) who were Court Proceedings Database does not identify a defendant’s illegal immigrants have received a custodial sentence of immigration status. 12 months or more following a conviction for a road traffic offence in each year since 2008. [70332] Court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for publication in spring 2012. Mr Blunt: Persons found guilty and sentenced to immediate custody of 12 months or more at all courts,

Persons found guilty and sentenced to immediate custody of 12 months and more at all courts, for road traffic offences1, England and Wales, 2008 to 20102, 3 20084 20095 2010

Found guilty 550,999 562,419 521,623 Immediate custody 7,780 6,600 5,090 of which 12 months and more 533 476 434 1 Includes: dangerous driving, fraud and forgery, driving after consuming drink and drugs, careless driving, accident offences, driving licence related offences, vehicle insurance offences, vehicle registration and excise offences, vehicle test offences, vehicle or part in dangerous condition, speed limit offences, neglect or traffic offences, obstruction waiting or parking offences, other summary motoring offences 2 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 3 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. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 5 Post publication revisions have been made to 2009 figures to account for the late receipt of a small number of court records. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

HEALTH order to inform the further development of policy. The main factors informing further work will be the viability Abortion and clarity of regulatory arrangements, proportionate public health protection, and issues of consumer choice. Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions there were resulting from diagnosis of a club foot or cleft palate in 2010. [70061] Contraceptives: Coventry Anne Milton: In 2010, there were five abortions resulting from a primary fetal diagnosis of club foot and seven Mr Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for due to cleft lip and palate. Health how many prescriptions for emergency contraceptives were issued in the Coventry primary Community Nurses: Manpower care trust area in each year since 2005. [70363] Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many district nurses are employed in the Anne Milton: The information requested is not available. NHS. [71094] The National Health Service Information Centre for health and social care provides data at sub-national Anne Milton: The last NHS Information Centre annual level for complete calendar years from 2007. The following census showed that there were 9,652 headcount (7,859 table shows the number of prescription items for emergency full-time equivalent) district nurses employed in the contraception (as defined by British National Formulary national health service in England. paragraph 7.3.5) written in Coventry primary care trust area and dispensed in the community in the United Complementary Medicine Kingdom for the available complete calendar years.

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Prescription items State for Health what his policy is on (a) the future of 2007 2,321 anthroposophic medicine and (b) the Medicine and 2008 2,282 Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s review of 2009 2,146 the field; and if he will make a statement. [70704] 2010 2,228 Source: Mr Simon Burns: In January 2011 the Medicines and ePACT Healthcare products Regulatory Agency started an informal consultation and discussions with interested parties about These figures cover contraceptives issued on prescriptions the future regulatory position of longstanding product in primary care only. Contraceptives can also be supplied licences of right, including anthroposophic products without a prescription either through family planning falling in that category. These discussions and feedback clinics or by pharmacists under a Patient Group Direction. have highlighted a need for additional information and Emergency contraception may also be purchased by analysis about the position of individual products in patients in pharmacies. 821W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 822W

Departmental Consultants Mr Simon Burns: The Department has worked closely with the Home Office to mitigate the effects of changes to Tier 2 on speciality doctors and other health care Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for professionals. Health how many senior civil servants in his Department at each grade had worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Currently, students completing the foundation Ernst and Young,Deloitte or KPMG immediately prior programme switch to Tier 1 Post-Study work to undertake to taking up their appointment in each of the last four the required speciality training. Following the closure years; what consultancy agreements his Department of this category in April 2012, students will be able to had with those firms in each such year; and how many switch to Tier 2 and will not be subject to the Resident consultants from those firms have advised his Department Labour Market Test. in each such year. [68953] East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust: Manpower Mr Simon Burns: No senior civil servants were employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst and Young, Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Deloitte or KPMG immediately prior to their taking up Health how many people are employed (a) full-time appointment by the Department in any of the last four and (b) part-time in the Media and Communications years. Department of the East of England Ambulance Services The Department does not hold records centrally about Trust; at what cost; and if he will compare those costs the identities or the number of consultants involved in with those of other NHS ambulance trusts. [70736] the delivery of services from these consultancy companies but does have the numbers of the purchase orders Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not involved. These figures are given in the following table. collected centrally. Local national health service organisations are responsible for the skill mix of their Ernst and work force as they are best placed to assess their needs. Deloitte Young KPMG PwC The hon. Member may therefore wish to contact East 2008 15 32 15 54 of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust and other 2009 18 28 34 37 ambulance trusts directly. 2010 13 6 9 26 Health Services: West Midlands 2011 to 2016 date Mr Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much each hospital trust in the west Departmental Manpower midlands region has paid in compensation arising from clinical negligence in each year since 2006. [70364] Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people working in his Department are on Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not secondment from (a) KPMG and (b) private health held by the Department. It is available on the national care firms. [70823] health service Litigation Authority’s website under NHSLA Factsheet 5—trust and health authority claims data, at the following address: Mr Simon Burns: As of 7 September 2011, the Department does not have anyone on secondment from www.nhsla.com/Publications/ KPMG nor from private health care firms. Heart Diseases: Children Arrangements between the Department and consultancies such as KPMG or private health care firms would be Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State considered as consultancy services. Any individual employed for Health what plans he has for the future of emergency by such companies providing services to the Department, ambulance and hospital services for children with acquired would do so in that capacity, and not by way of a heart defects following the outcome of the NHS Safe secondment arrangement between the Department and and Sustainable review. [70706] their employing consultancy. Mr Simon Burns: The Safe and Sustainable review is Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health being conducted by the NHS National Specialised how many people employed in his Department have Commissioning Team. However, we have been following previously worked for KPMG. [70824] its progress. The review focuses on improving care for children with congenital heart disease. While paediatric Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s business surgery in some centres may cease, these centres may management system does not hold information on continue to provide specialist, non-interventional services employees’ previous employment history. for their local population. The review wants to ensure that as much non-surgical care is delivered as close to a child’s home as possible through the development of Doctors: Foreign Workers local congenital heart networks. No decisions have yet been made on the proposed Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for location of specialist surgical centres. The Joint Committee Health what assessment he has made on the effect of of Primary Care Trusts (JCPCT) is expected to make a Tier 2 visa changes on doctors undertaking specialty decision by the end of the year. In making its decision, training. [70485] the JCPCT will consider the Ipsos MORI independent 823W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 824W analysis of the consultation responses, reports from Health is a devolved matter and decisions affecting Overview and Scrutiny Committees, a health impact the health of people with learning disabilities is a matter assessment and other relevant evidence. for the Northern Ireland Assembly. Learning Disability MRSA

Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) his Department, Health whether he intends to bring forward legislative (b) the NHS and (c) GP consortia plan for the future proposals to reduce the incidence of MRSA in milk. needs of people with profound and multiple learning [70134] disabilities; and if he will make a statement. [70039] Anne Milton: We are advised by the Food Standards Paul Burstow: The Government are committed to Agency, which has responsibility for food hygiene matters, improving outcomes for people with learning disabilities, that there are no plans to introduce new legislative including those with profound and complex needs. proposals to reduce the incidence of methicillin-resistant The Operating Framework for the national health Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in milk. service in England for 2011-12 highlighted that health Current evidence suggests that there is a negligible food care for people with learning disabilities continues to be safety risk from MRSA bacteria in milk. The vast an area for improvement and that the NHS should majority of milk sold for human consumption is pasteurised ensure momentum is maintained in improving care and and this process is effective in destroying bacteria present outcomes; in the milk, including any MRSA. Our aim is to give general practitioners real responsibility through clinical commissioning groups to ensure that NHS: Finance commissioning decisions are underpinned by clinical insight and knowledge of local health care needs. Mr Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department’s contract with the Norah Fry Research Health how much (a) funding was allocated and (b) Centre to run the Confidential Inquiry into the premature was spent per capita by the NHS in (i) South Tyneside, and avoidable deaths of people with learning disabilities (ii) the north-east and (iii) England and Wales in each and to continue to support the Public Health Observatory year since 1997. [70094] in relation to people with learning disabilities currently hosted for North East Public Health Observatory have Mr Simon Burns: The amounts allocated per capita both been extended for a further two years to March in South Tyneside, the north-east and England are 2013. shown in tables 1 and 2.

Table 1: Recurrent revenue allocations per head 1996-97 to 2003-04 to health authorities £ 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 1999-2000 1998-99 1997-98 1996-97

Gateshead and South Tyneside HA1 938 846 777 713 528 498 474 North-east SHA2 902 815 749 683 497 471 451 England 824 740 688 629 464 443 426 Note: Allocations are not always comparable between years because of changes in baselines —that is changes in HAs’ responsibilities to be funded from allocations. 1Allocations between 1996-97 and 1999-2000 were made to 100 health authorities (HAs). Between 2000-01 and 2001-02 they were made to 99 HAs and in 2002-03 to 95 HAs. Gateshead and South Tyneside HA was not part of any merger that reduced the overall number of HAs over this period. 2 North-east strategic health authority (SHA) was formed on 1 July 2006. The figures here comprise an aggregation of previous HAs based on current north-east SHA boundaries. Table 2: Recurrent revenue allocations per head 2003-04 to 2011-12 to primary care trusts £ 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04

South Tyneside PCT1 1,932 1,945 1,848 1,724 1,639 1,492 1,245 1,139 1,038 North-east SHA2 1,813 1,812 1,724 1,626 1,551 1,419 1,196 1,095 1,000 England 1,615 1,612 1,540 1,449 1,388 1,274 1,097 1,003 916 Note: Allocations are not always comparable between years because of changes in baselines—that is changes in PCTs’ responsibilities to be funded from allocations. 1 Allocations for 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 were announced for 304 PCTs, the previous HA of Gateshead and South Tyneside split to form Gateshead PCT and South Tyneside PCT. 2 North-east SHA was formed on 1 July 2006, having merged from Northumberland Tyne and Wear SHA and County Durham and Tees Valley SHA. The figures here comprise an aggregation of these two SHAs based on current north-east SHA boundaries.

The amounts spent per head in South Tyneside, the years figures are available by individual organisation. north-east and England are shown in table 3 for the Figures for Wales are not held centrally. financial years 2003-04 to 2009-10, which are the only

Table 3: Spend per capita in South Tyneside, the north-east and England, 2003-04 to 2009-10 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04

South Tyneside PCT 1,947 1,784 1,691 1,532 1,446 1,316 1,124 North-east SHA 1,839 1,700 1,612 1,475 1,394 1,272 1,127 825W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 826W

Table 3: Spend per capita in South Tyneside, the north-east and England, 2003-04 to 2009-10 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04

England 1,650 1,499 1,428 1,315 1,286 1,183 1,045 Notes: 1. Expenditure data used in the calculation of spend per capita value are taken from the audited summarisation schedules of NHS bodies, 2003-04 to 2009-10. 2. North-east SHA was formed on 1 July 2006, having merged from Northumberland Tyne and Wear SHA and County Durham and Tees Valley SHA. The figures here comprise an aggregation of these two SHAs based on current north-east SHA boundaries.

The amount spent by the national health service in taken from the published NHS summarised accounts. It England per capita for 1997-98 to 2002-03 is separately is not possible to disaggregate spend in specific shown in table 4. Expenditure figures for these years are constituencies or regions from these figures. only available at a consolidated national level, and are

Table 4: Spend per capita in England, 1997-98 to 2001-02 £ 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 1999-2000 1998-99 1997-98

England 917 915 842 773 718 663

NHS: Foreign Workers Pharmacy

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health what factors he took into account in respect of when he expects to replace the 100 hour rule for new workforce planning in the NHS in determining his pharmacies with the pharmaceutical needs assessment. proposed changes to immigration rules. [70484] [70815]

Mr Simon Burns: The Home Office is the lead Mr Simon Burns: As part of the implementation of Government Department on immigration and any changes the Health Act 2009, an independent Advisory Group to the immigration rules are ultimately made by the was set up in July 2009 to assist in developing new Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right regulations for entry based on local assessments of hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May). pharmaceutical needs. Details of the group’s work can The Home Office reviewed Tier 1, 2 and the student be found at: route (Tier 4) of the Points Based System. The Department www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Primarycare/ worked closely with the Home Office to mitigate the Communitypharmacy/RegulationsAdvisoryGroup/index.htm effects of the proposals on health care professionals. Ministers are considering carefully the question of To improve the effectiveness of workforce planning whether, and when, we should move to a system of the Department of Health has developed a Centre for national health service market entry based on local Workforce Intelligence. They will provide a single, assessments of pharmaceutical need. This includes whether authoritative and expert resource on workforce development or not the current exemptions to the control of entry planning for all parts of the national health service and test should continue. social care system. Surgery

Organs: Donors Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how his Department monitors outcomes for Mr Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Health vascular surgery; [70473] what steps his Department is taking together with (2) what assessment he has made of outcomes for pharmacists to encourage organ donor registration. vascular surgery in (a) Dudley Primary Care Trust, (b) [70184] Walsall Primary Care Trust and (c) Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust. [70474] Anne Milton: NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is the organ donation organisation for the United Kingdom Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not monitor and is responsible for matching and allocating donated outcomes for vascular surgery. One of the key standards organs. To promote registration to the organ donor of the national health service Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm register (ODR) at both a national and local level, NHSBT (AAA) screening programme is that all surgeons treating work with a number of partners in the private, public patients identified through the NHS AAA screening and third sectors. programme must submit data to the National Vascular Database and participate in regular reviews of their Through these partnerships, opportunities to sign up practice and outcomes. to the ODR are universally available to everyone in the UK via national initiatives. For example, each year Surgery: West Midlands NHSBT mail out posters and ODR recruitment leaflets to all pharmacies in the UK. The last mailing was completed in March 2011 and included 14,025 pharmacies. Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for NHSBT had 4,920 forms returned of which 1,805 have Health what assessment he has made of the reconfiguration been converted into new registrations. of vascular surgery in the Black Country. [70472] 827W Written Answers8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Written Answers 828W

Mr Simon Burns: The Department has not undertaken determine the nature of their local NHS services. The an assessment of the reconfiguration of vascular surgery Government have pledged that, in future, all service in the Black Country. The reconfiguration in the changes must be led by clinicians and patients, not be Black Country is part of a wider review of vascular driven from the top down. To this end, we have outlined services being led by the national health service at the new, strengthened criteria that we expect decisions on local level. NHS service changes to meet. They must focus on The Government are committed to devolving power improving patient outcomes, consider patient choice, to local communities—to the people, patients, general have support from GP commissioners and be based on practitioners (GPs) and councils who are best placed to sound clinical evidence.

3MC Ministerial Corrections8 SEPTEMBER 2011 Ministerial Corrections 4MC Ministerial Correction The full answer given was as follows: The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster Thursday 8 September 2011 General (Mr Francis Maude): We aim to minimise compulsory redundancy. We reformed the civil service compensation scheme so that, for the first time, voluntary redundancy was more attractive than compulsory CABINET OFFICE redundancy, which was impossibly expensive under the scheme left in place by the previous Government. We Civil Service (Voluntary Severance) estimate that in early 2010-11 11,200 civil servants left the civil service on the new terms. 6. Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) (Lab): What estimate he has made The correct answer should have been: of the number of civil servants who will leave the civil service on voluntary severance terms in 2010-11. The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster [69986] General (Mr Francis Maude): We aim to minimise [Official Report, 7 September 2011, Vol. 532, c. 343.] compulsory redundancy. We reformed the civil service compensation scheme so that, for the first time, voluntary Letter of correction from Mr Francis Maude: redundancy was more attractive than compulsory An error has been identified in the oral answer given redundancy, which was impossibly expensive under the to the hon. Member for East Kilbride, Strathaven and scheme left in place by the previous Government. We Lesmahagow (Mr McCann) during Cabinet Office Question estimate that 11,200 civil servants left the civil service Time on 7 September 2011. early, in 2010-11. ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 8 September 2011

Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 527 CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT—continued Brighton Digital Festival...... 532 Women’s Football ...... 528 Broadband (Rural Communities)...... 534 Broadcasting (Commonwealth Games)...... 529 HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 543 BSkyB...... 537 Savings Programme...... 543 Digital Transmitter Sites ...... 533 Formula 1 ...... 539 LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 544 High-speed Broadband Scorecard...... 533 E-petitions ...... 548 Human Trafficking ...... 538 Grand Committees...... 544 Local Television ...... 529 House of Commons Reform...... 546 London Olympics ...... 531 Lobbying (Transparency)...... 546 Public Service Broadcasting ...... 535 Ministerial Statements ...... 548 Sports Projects (Nottinghamshire)...... 527 Parliamentary Questions...... 545 Topical Questions ...... 540 Westminster Hall...... 547 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Thursday 8 September 2011

Col. No. Col. No. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 27WS JUSTICE...... 28WS Commission on the “West Lothian” Question ...... 27WS Commission on a Bill of Rights on Reform of European Court of Human Rights (Interim Advice) ...... 28WS PETITION

Thursday 8 September 2011

Col. No. TRANSPORT ...... 15P Future of the British Train Building Industry ...... 15P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Wednesday 7 September 2011—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 709W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Apprentices...... 709W Students: Assessments...... 724W Apprentices: Greater London ...... 710W Students: Illnesses ...... 725W Apprentices: Skills Funding ...... 711W Unemployment: Scotland ...... 725W Arms Trade: Exports...... 711W Arms Trade: Syria...... 712W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 646W Business: Banks...... 713W Councillors: Travel...... 646W Business: Government Assistance ...... 713W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 646W Copyright...... 716W Enterprise Zones...... 647W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 717W Government Procurement Card ...... 647W English Language: Education ...... 717W Housing: Greater London...... 648W Export Controls: Iran ...... 718W Land: Waste...... 651W Export Credits Guarantee...... 718W Non-domestic Rates...... 651W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 719W Planning: Radio ...... 651W Higher Education: Fees and Charges ...... 720W Regional Planning and Development...... 651W Insolvency...... 720W South East Plan ...... 652W International Subscriptions...... 721W Tenants: Evictions...... 652W Manufacturing...... 721W Newcastle College: Mergers ...... 721W DEFENCE...... 667W Nuclear Power...... 722W British Sky Broadcasting...... 667W Ordnance Survey: Government Procurement Children: Armed Forces...... 667W Card...... 723W Commonwealth War Graves Commission...... 668W Regional Growth Fund ...... 723W Conditions of Employment...... 668W Small Businesses: Civil Disorder ...... 724W Defence Equipment and Support: Location...... 668W Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE—continued HEALTH—continued Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 669W Cannabis: Mental Illness...... 683W Departmental Official Cars...... 669W Departmental Data Protection...... 684W Libya: Armed Conflict...... 670W Departmental Procurement...... 685W Radar...... 670W Disability: Children...... 686W Redundancy...... 670W Doctors: Communication Skills ...... 686W United Kingdom Hydrographic Office...... 671W Eyesight: Testing...... 686W General Practitioners ...... 687W EDUCATION...... 726W Government Procurement Card ...... 687W Academies: Pay...... 726W Health Services: Standards...... 687W Apprentices...... 726W Hepatitis ...... 688W Apprentices: Tower Hamlets ...... 725W Hip Replacements...... 688W Discretionary Grants: Tower Hamlets...... 727W Lung Diseases: Cardiovascular System ...... 689W Drugs: Misuse...... 727W Mental Health Services ...... 689W Education Maintenance Allowance...... 730W Mental Illness: Drugs...... 690W Education Maintenance Allowance: Tower NHS: Data Protection...... 690W Hamlets ...... 730W NHS: Microsoft ...... 690W Music: Education...... 731W Nottingham City Primary Care Trust: Finance...... 691W Schools: York...... 732W Orphan Drugs...... 691W Special Educational Needs...... 733W Pharmacy...... 692W Special Educational Needs: Autism...... 735W Slaughterhouses: Closures...... 692W Vocational Guidance...... 736W Smoking: Public Places ...... 693W Specialised Service Transitional Oversight Group.. 694W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 658W Warwickshire Primary Care Trust...... 694W Bioenergy Review...... 658W Biofuels...... 658W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 641W British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme ...... 659W Detention Centres...... 641W Carbon Emissions...... 659W Government Authorised Exchange Medical Departmental Work Experience...... 660W Training Initiative ...... 642W Electric Cables ...... 659W Immigration...... 642W Energy: Conservation...... 661W Immigration: Females ...... 642W Energy: Prices ...... 661W National DNA Database ...... 643W EU Emissions Trading Scheme ...... 662W Overseas Workers...... 643W Fuel Oil: Prices...... 662W Police ...... 644W Fuel Poverty...... 663W Police: Budget ...... 644W Nuclear Power: Research ...... 663W Police Custody ...... 644W Oil: Seas and Oceans...... 663W Police: Manpower ...... 645W Renewable Energy...... 664W Social Services: Manpower...... 645W Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Warwickshire Police Authority...... 645W Partnership ...... 664W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 665W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 695W Renewable Energy: Heating ...... 665W Afghanistan: Reconstruction ...... 695W Renewable Energy: Research...... 665W Africa: Agriculture...... 696W Shell: North Sea...... 666W Africa: Droughts...... 696W United Nations Climate Change Conference ...... 666W Burma: Refugees...... 697W Commonwealth Development Corporation ...... 697W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Departmental Consultants...... 698W AFFAIRS...... 652W Departmental Correspondence ...... 698W Barbary Macaque: Morocco ...... 652W Departmental Procurement...... 699W Biodiversity...... 653W Departmental Research...... 699W Departmental Telephone Services ...... 653W Departmental Visits Abroad ...... 699W Environment Protection...... 655W Departmental Work Experience...... 700W Food: Waste...... 656W Developing Countries: Agriculture ...... 700W Natural Capital Committee...... 657W Developing Countries: Domestic Service ...... 701W Natural Environment...... 658W Developing Countries: Food ...... 701W Renewable Energy...... 658W Horn of Africa: Sexual Offences ...... 702W India: Overseas Aid...... 702W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 638W Kenya: Refugees...... 703W Armed Conflict...... 638W Malawi: Overseas Aid ...... 703W British Sky Broadcasting...... 638W Overseas Aid...... 704W Departmental Manpower...... 638W Overseas Aid: Private Sector ...... 704W Human Rights ...... 638W Palestinians: Overseas Aid ...... 705W Iraq: Kurds ...... 640W Private Sector...... 705W Politics and Government...... 640W Somalia: Overseas Aid ...... 705W UN World Conference Against Racism ...... 641W South Sudan: International Trade...... 708W Vitol Group ...... 641W South Sudan: Overseas Aid...... 708W Sri Lanka: Politics and Government ...... 709W HEALTH...... 682W Abortion: Peterborough...... 682W JUSTICE...... 623W Air Ambulance Services...... 683W Chief Coroner...... 623W Cancer: Drugs...... 683W Civil Disorder ...... 623W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TRANSPORT—continued Criminal Injuries Compensation ...... 623W Roads: Schools...... 742W Divorce Courts: Fees and Charges ...... 624W Thameslink Railway Line: Rolling Stock ...... 742W EU Justice and Home Affairs...... 624W Trains: Rolling Stock...... 744W Immigration Advisory Service...... 625W West Coast Railway Line: Rolling Stock ...... 744W Knives: Young Offenders ...... 625W West Coast Railways Line ...... 745W Latchmere House Prison...... 626W Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of TREASURY ...... 633W Offenders Bill...... 626W Arch Cru Fund ...... 633W Prison Accommodation ...... 627W Banks: Regulation...... 634W Prisoners: Sexual Offences ...... 627W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 634W Prisons ...... 628W Departmental Training ...... 634W Prisons: Overcrowding ...... 629W European Commission’s Solvency II...... 635W Sentencing...... 629W Finanical Services ...... 636W Wormwood Scrubs: BBC ...... 631W Government Procurement Card ...... 636W Young Offender Institutions...... 631W Taxation: Nuclear Power...... 636W Youth Justice Board ...... 633W US Community Reinvestment Act ...... 637W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 671W TRANSPORT ...... 736W Atos Healthcare: Doctors...... 671W Agility Trains...... 736W Atos Healthcare: Manpower...... 671W Biofuels...... 736W Disability Living Allowance...... 672W Cycling...... 737W Incapacity Benefit ...... 672W Departmental Correspondence ...... 737W Independent Living Fund ...... 673W Departmental Procurement...... 738W Jobcentre Plus ...... 674W Electric Vehicles ...... 738W Jobcentre Plus: Internet...... 674W Government Car and Despatch Agency...... 739W Jobcentre Plus: Telephones...... 674W Invalid Vehicles: Public Transport...... 739W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Social Workers ...... 675W Metals: Theft ...... 739W Pensions...... 675W Motorways: Speed Limits ...... 739W Social Security Benefits: Students ...... 676W Noise: Pollution ...... 740W Telephone Services...... 676W Northern Franchise...... 740W Unemployment: Young People...... 677W Railways: Cardiff ...... 740W Universal Credit...... 677W Railways: Diesel Fuel...... 741W Universal Credit: Poverty...... 680W Railways: Greater Manchester ...... 741W Universal Credit: Telephones ...... 680W Railways: North West ...... 741W Work Capability Assessment: Atos Healthcare ...... 681W Rescue Services ...... 742W Work Capability Assessment: Illnesses...... 681W WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 8 September 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 795W CABINET OFFICE—continued Business: Government Assistance ...... 795W Royalties ...... 805W Business Links: Manpower ...... 795W Social Enterprises...... 806W Business Links: Training ...... 795W Voluntary Work ...... 806W Overseas Students ...... 797W Voluntary Work: Young People...... 806W Regional Growth Fund ...... 797W Students: Lone Parents ...... 797W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 750W Community Relations ...... 750W Community Right to Challenge...... 750W CABINET OFFICE...... 798W Council Housing: Evictions ...... 750W BBC Monitoring...... 798W Travellers...... 750W Civil Contingencies Secretariat ...... 799W Civil Service Live Conference...... 799W Common Good Communications Council...... 799W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 757W Corruption...... 800W BSkyB...... 758W Creative Industries ...... 800W Casinos ...... 759W Departmental Consultants...... 800W Daylight Savings Bill...... 757W Departmental Manpower...... 800W Film and Video Games Industries...... 757W Departmental Procurement...... 801W Football: Flags...... 759W Director of Public Prosecutions ...... 801W Gun Sports ...... 759W Financial Services: Foreign Workers ...... 801W London Olympics ...... 758W Freedom of Information ...... 801W Motor Sports ...... 760W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 803W Telephone Tapping...... 760W Licensing...... 803W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 760W Mortality Rates...... 798W Public Bodies ...... 803W DEFENCE...... 775W Public Sector: Pensions ...... 804W Armed Forces ...... 775W Public Sector: Procurement...... 804W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 775W Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE—continued HOME DEPARTMENT...... 807W Armed Forces: Private Education ...... 775W Civil Disorder ...... 807W Army Air Corps...... 776W Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft...... 777W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION ...... 747W Strategic Defence and Security Review ...... 778W Construction...... 747W MyUK ...... 747W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 752W Edelman...... 752W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 768W Afghanistan: Reconstruction ...... 768W EDUCATION...... 778W Departmental Research...... 768W Academies...... 778W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 769W Assessments: Standards ...... 779W Libya: Reconstruction...... 769W Children in Care...... 779W GCE A Level: Mathematics ...... 785W JUSTICE...... 808W GCSE ...... 786W Birmingham Prison...... 808W Schools: Reading...... 788W Civil Disorder ...... 808W Teachers: Pensions ...... 789W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 809W Driving Offences: Insurance...... 810W European Court of Human Rights ...... 810W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 761W HM Prisons Brockhill and Latchmere House ...... 810W Climate Change ...... 761W Homicide: British Nationals Abroad ...... 811W Departmental Written Questions ...... 762W Human Rights Act 1998 ...... 811W Desalination: Carbon Emissions...... 762W Legal Aid Scheme: Nationality ...... 811W Fuel Poverty: Housing ...... 762W Legal Aid Scheme: West Midlands...... 811W Fuel Poverty: Prices...... 763W NHS: Negligence ...... 815W Wind Power: Birds ...... 763W Prison Service: Manpower ...... 816W Wind Power: Hydrogen...... 764W Prison Service: Retirement ...... 817W Prisoners: Parents ...... 817W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Remand in Custody ...... 818W AFFAIRS...... 769W Road Traffic Offences: Sentencing...... 819W Agriculture...... 769W Animal Welfare: Antisocial Behaviour ...... 770W LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 761W Badgers ...... 770W Business Questions...... 761W Biodiversity...... 771W Departmental Written Questions ...... 761W Bovine tuberculosis ...... 771W Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control...... 772W PRIME MINISTER...... 749W Common Agricultural Policy ...... 772W Climate Change: Conferences...... 749W Dogs: Urban Areas ...... 772W Departmental Consultants...... 749W Foot and Mouth Disease...... 773W Meat: Labelling...... 773W TRANSPORT ...... 764W Pets ...... 773W Buses: GPS ...... 764W Poultry: Animal Welfare ...... 774W Departmental Consultants...... 764W Roadmap ...... 774W Departmental Telephone Services ...... 765W Weedkillers...... 774W Driving: Age ...... 765W Driving: Licensing...... 766W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 747W Rescue Services: Scotland ...... 766W Chagos Islands...... 747W Thameslink: Contracts...... 767W Gibraltar...... 748W Thameslink Railway Line: Rolling Stock ...... 767W Sergei Magnitsky ...... 748W Vehicle Number Plates: Flags...... 767W Zimbabwe: Racial Discrimination ...... 748W TREASURY ...... 790W HEALTH...... 819W Air Force: Military Bases ...... 790W Abortion ...... 819W Banks: EU Action...... 791W Community Nurses: Manpower...... 819W Child Tax Credit ...... 791W Complementary Medicine...... 819W Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation .. 792W Contraceptives: Coventry...... 820W Eurostar: Sterling...... 792W Departmental Consultants...... 821W Excise Duties: Wines...... 793W Departmental Manpower...... 821W Members: Correspondence ...... 793W Doctors: Foreign Workers...... 821W National Insurance Contributions: Northern East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust: Ireland ...... 793W Manpower ...... 822W Renewable Energy: Developing Countries...... 793W Health Services: West Midlands...... 822W Tax Evasion: Criminal Proceedings...... 794W Heart Diseases: Children...... 822W VAT: Golf ...... 794W Learning Disability ...... 823W MRSA ...... 824W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 807W NHS: Finance ...... 824W Departmental Correspondence ...... 807W NHS: Foreign Workers...... 825W Organs: Donors ...... 825W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 753W Pharmacy...... 826W Housing Benefit: Domestic Violence...... 753W Surgery...... 826W Housing Benefit: Parents...... 753W Surgery: West Midlands ...... 826W Housing Benefit: Prisoners...... 753W Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Members: Correspondence ...... 753W Post Office Card Account ...... 755W Pensioners: Jarrow ...... 754W Work Capability Assessment...... 756W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Thursday 8 September 2011

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CONTENTS

Thursday 8 September 2011

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 527] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Leader of the House House of Commons Commission

Business of the House [Col. 551] Statement—(Sir George Young)

Baha Mousa Inquiry [Col. 571] Statement—(Dr Fox)

Fixed-Term Parliaments Bill [Col. 581] Lords message considered

London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (Amendment) Bill [Col. 601] As amended, considered; read the Third time and passed

Sentencing (Cameron Ross) [Col. 641] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Flood and Water Management [Col. 143WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 27WS]

Petition [Col. 15P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 623W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 3MC]