Monday Volume 556 7 January 2013 No. 91

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 7 January 2013

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

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET

(FORMED BY THE RT HON.,MP,MAY 2010)

PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. , MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—Lord Hill of Oareford, CBE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR —The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. , MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR —The Rt Hon. David Jones, MP

DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Innovation and Skills— SECRETARY OF STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Willetts, MP (Minister for Universities and Science) The Rt Hon. Michael Fallon, MP Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint (Minister for Trade and Investment) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Jo Swinson, MP § Matthew Hancock, MP § (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills) Lord Marland — MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND PAYMASTER GENERAL—The Rt Hon. , MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Oliver Letwin, MP (Minister for Government Policy) The Rt Hon. David Laws, MP § PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES— Nick Hurd, MP Chloe Smith, MP Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi § MINISTER OF STATE—Mark Prisk, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— , MP The Rt Hon. Don Foster, MP Brandon Lewis, MP Baroness Hanham, CBE ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Maria Miller, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Hugh Robertson, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE— Edward Vaizey, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Helen Grant, MP § Jo Swinson, MP § Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Andrew Robathan, MP The Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Dr Andrew Murrison, MP Philip Dunne, MP Lord Astor of Hever, DL Duchy of Lancaster— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—Lord Hill of Oareford, CBE Education— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Laws, MP § (Minister for Schools) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Matthew Hancock, MP § (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills) Edward Timpson, MP Elizabeth Truss, MP Energy and Climate Change— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Gregory Barker, MP John Hayes, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Baroness Verma Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP MINISTER OF STATE— David Heath, CBE, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Richard Benyon, MP Lord de Mauley Foreign and Commonwealth Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi § MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Lidington, MP (Minister for Europe) The Rt Hon. Hugo Swire, MP Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Mark Simmonds, MP Alistair Burt, MP Health— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP MINISTER OF STATE— Norman Lamb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Anna Soubry, MP Daniel Poulter, MP Earl Howe HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont. iii

Home Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTERS OF STATE— Mark Harper, MP (Minister for Immigration) The Rt Hon. Damian Green, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § Jeremy Browne PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— James Brokenshire, MP Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE

International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Alan Duncan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Lynne Featherstone, MP

Justice— LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Lord McNally The Rt Hon. Damian Green, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Helen Grant, MP § , MP

Law Officers— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Dominic Grieve, QC, MP SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Oliver Heald, MP ADVOCATE-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness, QC

Leader of the House of Commons— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND LORD PRIVY SEAL—The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Tom Brake, MP

Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Mike Penning, MP

Privy Council Office— DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP

Scotland Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Mundell, MP

Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Simon Burns, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Norman Baker, MP Stephen Hammond, MP

Treasury— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP FINANCIAL SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Greg Clark, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—David Gauke, MP ECONOMIC SECRETARY—, MP COMMERCIAL SECRETARY—Lord Deighton PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

LORDS COMMISSIONERS— The Rt Hon. Desmond Swayne, MP Anne Milton, MP David Evennett, MP Stephen Crabb, MP § Robert Goodwill, MP Mark Lancaster, MP ASSISTANT WHIPS— Greg Hands, MP , MP Joseph Johnson, MP Nicky Morgan, MP Robert Syms, MP Mark Hunter, MP Jenny Willott, MP Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Jones, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Stephen Crabb, MP § Baroness Randerson Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Mark Hoban, MP Steve Webb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lord Freud Esther McVey, MP Ministers without Portfolio— The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP The Rt Hon Grant Shapps, MP Her Majesty’s Household— LORD CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The Earl of Dalhousie MASTER OF THE HORSE—Lord Vestey, KCVO TREASURER—The Rt Hon. John Randall, MP COMPTROLLER—The Rt Hon. Alistair Carmichael, MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Greg Knight, MP CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS—The Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, DBE CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD—Lord Newby, OBE BARONESSES IN WAITING—Baroness Garden of Frognal, Baroness Northover, Baroness Stowell of Beeston, LORDS IN WAITING—Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Earl Attlee, Lord Gardiner of Kimble, The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Saltaire, Viscount Youngerof Leckie § Members of the Government listed under more than one Department

SECOND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONER, REPRESENTING CHURCH COMMISSIONERS—Sir Tony Baldry, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS THE SPEAKER—The Rt Hon. John Bercow, MP CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Lindsay Hoyle, MP FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Nigel Evans, MP SECOND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt Hon. Dawn Primarolo, MP PANEL OF CHAIRS Mr David Amess, MP, Hugh Bayley, MP, Mr Joe Benton, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, Mr Peter Bone, MP, Mr Graham Brady, MP, Annette Brooke, MP, Martin Caton, MP, Mr Christopher Chope, MP, Katy Clark, MP, Mr David Crausby, MP, Philip Davies, MP, Jim Dobbin, MP, Nadine Dorries, MP, Sir Roger Gale, MP, Mr James Gray, MP, Mr Mike Hancock, MP, Mr Dai Havard, MP, Mr Philip Hollobone, MP, Mr Jim Hood, MP, The Rt Hon. George Howarth, MP, Mr Edward Leigh, MP, Dr William McCrea, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Mrs Anne Main, MP, Sir Alan Meale, MP, Sandra Osborne, MP, Albert Owen, MP, Mark Pritchard, MP, Mrs Linda Riordan, MP, John Robertson, MP, Andrew Rosindell, MP, Jim Sheridan, MP, Mr , MP, Mr Andrew Turner, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Mr Mike Weir, MP, Hywel Williams, MP SECRETARY—Simon Patrick HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Rt Hon. The Speaker (Chairman), Sir Paul Beresford, MP, Mr Frank Doran, MP, Ms Angela Eagle, MP, The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, MP, John Thurso, MP, SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION—Robert Twigger ASSISTANT SECRETARY—Joanna Dodd ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATE AUDIT COMMITTEE Alex Jablonowski (Chairman), Ms Angela Eagle, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, John Thurso, MP, Stephen Brooker, Barbara Scott SECRETARY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE—Ben Williams LIAISON COMMITTEE The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Beith, MP (Chair), Mr Graham Allen, MP, The Rt Hon. James Arbuthnot, MP, Mr Adrian Bailey, MP, The Rt Hon. Kevin Barron, MP, Dame Anne Begg, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Malcolm Bruce, MP, Mr William Cash, MP, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP, Mr Ian Davidson, MP, DavidTCDavies, MP, The Rt Hon. Stephen Dorrell, MP, James Duddridge, MP, Mrs Louise Ellman, MP, Natascha Engel, MP, Dr Hywel Francis, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, The Rt Hon. Margaret Hodge, MP, Mr Bernard Jenkin, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Andrew Miller, MP, Mr George Mudie, MP, Richard Ottaway, MP, Mr Laurence Robertson, MP, Mr Graham Stuart, MP, Mr Robert Syms, MP, John Thurso, MP, Mr Andrew Tyrie, MP, The Rt Hon. Keith Vaz, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Joan Walley, MP, Mr , MP, Mr Tim Yeo, MP CLERKS—Andrew Kennon, Philippa Helme MANAGEMENT BOARD Sir Robert Rogers, KCB (Clerk of the House and Chief Executive), David Natzler (Clerk Assistant and Director General, Chamber and Committee Services), John Pullinger (Director General, Information Services), Andrew Walker (Director General, HR and Change), John Borley, CB (Director General, Facilities), Myfanwy Barrett (Director of Finance), Joan Miller (Director of Parliamentary ICT) (External Member), Alex Jablonowski (External Member), Barbara Scott (External Member) SECRETARY OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Matthew Hamlyn

OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Peter Barratt ASSISTANT SECRETARY TO THE SPEAKER—Ian Davis MBE TRAINBEARER—Jim Davey DIARY SECRETARY—Briony Potts SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin vi HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont.

OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE

CLERK OF THE HOUSE AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE—Sir Robert Rogers, KCB

PRIVATE SECRETARY—Ben Williams PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Caroline Nicholls

PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—Kathryn Hudson REGISTRAR OF MEMBERS’FINANCIAL INTERESTS—Heather Wood

PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY CO-ORDINATOR PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY DIRECTOR—Peter Mason, CBE ASSISTANT TO PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY DIRECTOR—Emily Baldock PRIVATE SECRETARY—Leonora Chiddicks

OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS SECRETARY TO THE CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Sara Howe

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE HEAD OF OFFICE—Matthew Hamlyn CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT FACILITATOR—Rachel Harrison HEAD OF CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS—Marianne Cwynarski HEAD OF INTERNAL AUDIT—Paul Dillon-Robinson HEAD OF PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAMME AND PROJECT ASSURANCE— Jane Rumsam STRATEGY,PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE MANAGER—Jane Hough

DEPARTMENT OF CHAMBER AND COMMITTEE SERVICES

CLERK ASSISTANT’S DIRECTORATE CLERK ASSISTANT AND DIRECTOR GENERAL—David Natzler PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Charlotte Every DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENTAL SERVICES—Tom Goldsmith Overseas Office— PRINCIPAL CLERK—Crispin Poyser DELEGATION SECRETARIES—Nick Wright, Jyoti Chandola INWARD VISITS MANAGER—Alison Game, MBE NATIONAL PARLIAMENT REPRESENTATIVE,BRUSSELS—Edward Beale DEPUTY NATIONAL PARLIAMENT REPRESENTATIVE,BRUSSELS—Sarah Clarkson Vote Office— DELIVERER OF THE VOTE—Catherine Fogarty DEPUTY DELIVERER OF THE VOTE—Owen Sweeney (Parliamentary),Tom McVeagh (Production)

COMMITTEE DIRECTORATE Committee Office— CLERK OF COMMITTEES—Andrew Kennon CLERK OF DOMESTIC COMMITTEES—Robert Twigger PRINCIPAL CLERKS OF SELECT COMMITTEES—Philippa Helme, Mark Hutton, Chris Stanton, Colin Lee BUSINESS MANAGER—Katie Phelan OPERATIONS MANAGER—Karen Saunders Departmental Select Committees— BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS:CLERK—James Davies COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT:CLERKS—Glenn McKee, Sarah Heath CULTURE,MEDIA AND SPORT:CLERKS—Elizabeth Flood, Grahame Danby DEFENCE:CLERKS—Alda Barry, Douglas Wands EDUCATION:CLERKS— Lynn Gardner, PhD, Geraldine Alexander ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE:CLERKS— Sarah Hartwell-Naguib, Elizabeth Bolton ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS:CLERKS—Richard Cooke, Dr Anna Dickson FOREIGN AFFAIRS:CLERKS— Kenneth Fox, Peter McGrath HEALTH:CLERKS—David Lloyd, Martyn Atkins HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont. vii

HOME AFFAIRS:CLERKS— Tom Healey, Richard Benwell, INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT:CLERK—David Harrison JUSTICE:CLERKS—Nick Walker, Sarah Petit NORTHERN IRELAND AFFAIRS:CLERK—Mike Clark SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:CLERKS—Stephen McGinness, Jessica Montgomery SCOTTISH AFFAIRS:CLERK—Eliot Wilson TRANSPORT:CLERKS—Mark Egan, PhD, Farrah Bhatti TREASURY:CLERKS—Chris Stanton, Lydia Menzies WELSH AFFAIRS:CLERK—Marek Kubala WORK AND PENSIONS:CLERK—Carol Oxborough Domestic Committees— ADMINISTRATION:CLERK—David Weir FINANCE AND SERVICES:CLERK—Robert Twigger Other Committees— ARMS EXPORT CONTROLS (COMMITTEES ON): CLERK—Keith Neary ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT:CLERKS—Simon Fiander, Nick Beech JOINT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS:COMMONS CLERK—Mike Hennessy LIAISON:CLERKS—Andrew Kennon, Philippa Helme JOINT COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY:COMMONS CLERKS—Philippa Helme, Emma Graham PUBLIC ACCOUNTS:CLERK—Adrian Jenner PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:CLERKS—Emily Commander, Catherine Tyack POLITICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM:CLERK – Joanna Dodd REGULATORY REFORM:CLERK—James Davies PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION ON BANKING STANDARDS:COMMONS CLERKS—Colin Lee, Adam Mellows-Facer, Lydia Menzies Scrutiny Unit— HEAD OF UNIT—Jessica Mulley DEPUTY HEAD OF UNIT (FINANCE)—Larry Honeysett

CHAMBER BUSINESS DIRECTORATE CLERK OF LEGISLATION—Jacqy Sharpe Public and Private Bill Office— CLERK OF BILLS,EXAMINER OF PETITIONS FOR PRIVATE BILLS AND TAXING OFFICER—Simon Patrick Steven Mark, Kate Emms, Neil Caulfield, John-Paul Flaherty, Alison Groves PRIVATE BILL OFFICE—Annette Toft Committees— COURT OF REFEREES:CLERK—Simon Patrick SELECTION:CLERK—Annette Toft STANDING ORDERS,UNOPPOSED BILLS:CLERK—Sara Howe Delegated Legislation Office— EUROPEAN SCRUTINY COMMITTEE:CLERK—Sarah Davies CLERK ADVISERS— Peter Harborne, David Griffiths, Leigh Gibson, Terry Byrne JOINT COMMITTEE ON STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS:COMMONS CLERK—Charlotte Littleboy Journal Office— CLERK OF THE JOURNALS—Liam Laurence Smyth Mark Etherton, Elizabeth Hunt, Eve Samson, Huw Yardley, Lloyd Owen, Margaret McKinnon (Clerk of Public Petitions) PROCEDURE COMMITTEE:CLERK—Huw Yardley STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE:CLERKS—Eve Samson, Margaret McKinnon SPEAKER’S COMMITTEE FOR IPSA: CLERK—Elizabeth Hunt SPEAKER’S COMMITTEE ON THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION:CLERK— Elizabeth Hunt Table Office— PRINCIPAL CLERK—Paul Evans Robin James, Tracey Jessup, Rob Cope, Eliot Barrass, Judith Boyce, Richard Ward, Francene Graham, Lynn Lewis (Editorial Supervisor of the Vote) BACKBENCH BUSINESS:CLERK—Rob Cope viii HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont.

OFFICIAL REPORT DIRECTORATE EDITOR—Lorraine Sutherland DEPUTY EDITOR—Alex Newton DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING—John Angeli MANAGING EDITORS—Paul Hadlow, Clare Hanly, Deborah Jones, Ann Street, Jon Prawer, Vivien Wilson, Jack Homer, Ross Gunby, Adele Dodd SUB-EDITORS—Eira Gregory, Kate Myers, Juliet Levy, Victoria Hart, Tony Minichiello, Emma Kirby, Paul Kirby, David Hampton, Jez Oates, Barry Geall, Jonathan Hoare, Portia Dadley, Elaine Harrison, Joanna Lipkowska, Richard Purnell, Bran Jones, Patricia Hill, Ian Oakhill SENIOR REPORTERS—Emily Morris, Mayah Weinberg, Jude Wheway, Felicity Reardon, Paul Underhill, Angus Andrews, Saul Minaee, Jim Barr, Cara Clark, Will Holdaway, Paul Owen, Tom Martin, Keith Brown, Owain Wilkins, Lydia Davis, Eugene Wolstenholme LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER—Jon Prawer HEAD OF ADMINISTRATION—Stephen O’Riordan SENIOR HANSARD ADMINISTRATORS—John Brake, Brian Harrison HANSARD PRODUCTION MANAGER—Stuart Miller ANNUNCIATOR SUPERINTENDENT—Richard Quirk

SERJEANT AT ARMS DIRECTORATE SERJEANT AT ARMS—Lawrence Ward DEPUTY SERJEANT AT ARMS—Mike Naworynsky, OBE ASSISTANT SERJEANT AT ARMS—Lesley Scott CLERK IN CHARGE—Laura Castillo ADMISSION ORDER OFFICE—Samantha Howlett PRINCIPAL DOORKEEPER—Robin Fell PASS OFFICE MANAGER—Hannah Evans MEMBERS’STAFF VERIFICATION OFFICE MANAGER—Guy Turner

LEGAL SERVICES OFFICE SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter COUNSEL—Peter Davis (Legislation), Paul Hardy (European Legislation) DEPUTY COUNSEL—Peter Brooksbank, Philip Davies, Daniel Greenberg ASSISTANT COUNSEL—Helen Emes

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SERVICES DIRECTOR GENERAL/LIBRARIAN—John Pullinger DIRECTOR OF SERVICE DELIVERY—John Benger Curator’s Office CURATOR OF WORKS OF ART—Malcolm Hay Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology (POST)— HEAD—Dr. Christopher Tyler Central Support Services— HEAD OF CENTRAL SUPPORT—Ed Potton Office Services— OFFICE SERVICES MANAGER—Gabrielle Hughes

RESEARCH AND LIBRARY DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH SERVICES—Bryn Morgan Business and Transport— HEAD OF SECTION—Tim Edmonds LIBRARY CLERKS—Louise Butcher, Antony Seely, Djuna Thurley, Douglas Pyper Economic Policy and Statistics— HEAD OF SECTION— Lorna Booth LIBRARY CLERKS—Grahame Allen, Daniel Harari, Christopher Rhodes, Gavin Thompson, Dominic Webb, Feargal McGuinness Home Affairs— HEAD OF SECTION—Pat Strickland LIBRARY CLERKS—Sally Lipscombe, Lorraine Conway, Catherine Fairbairn, Gabrielle Garton-Grimwood, Melanie Gower, Alexander Horne, Philip Ward, PhD, John Woodhouse, Jacqueline Beard HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont. ix

International Affairs and Defence— HEAD OF SECTION—Vaughne Miller LIBRARY CLERKS—Louisa Brooke-Holland, Jon Lunn, DPhil, Claire Mills, Ben Smith, Arabella Thorp SENIOR LIBRARY EXECUTIVES—Emma Clark, Julia Keddie Parliament and Constitution Centre— HEAD OF SECTION—Oonagh Gay LIBRARY CLERKS—Paul Bowers, Richard Kelly, Keith Parry, Mark Sandford, Isobel White Research & Library Central Team— HEAD OF SECTION—Lucinda Maer SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS—Jeremy Hardacre, Catrin Owens Reference Services— HEAD OF SECTION—Dora Clark LIBRARY CLERK— Chris Sear SENIOR LIBRARY EXECUTIVES—Amina Gual, John Prince Science and Environment— HEAD OF SECTION—Patsy Richards LIBRARY CLERKS—Elena Ares, Oliver Bennett, Emma Downing, Louise Smith, Edward White Social and General Statistics— HEAD OF SECTION—Richard Cracknell LIBRARY CLERKS—Gavin Berman, Paul Bolton, Rachael Harker, Oliver Hawkins, Matthew Keep, Rod McInnes, Tom Rutherford, Charley Coleman Social Policy— HEAD OF SECTION—Christine Gillie LIBRARY CLERKS—Susan Hubble, Tim Jarrett, Steven Kennedy, Robert Long, Tom Powell, Nerys Roberts, Wendy Wilson DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT—Steve Wise Indexing and Data Management— HEAD OF SECTION—Gini Griffin/Catherine Meredith Library Resources— HEAD OF SECTION—Katharine Marke

PUBLIC INFORMATION DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION—Edward Wood House of Commons Information Office/Parliamentary Outreach— HEAD OF PUBLIC INFORMATION &OUTREACH—Clare Cowan Web and Intranet Service— HEAD OF ONLINE SERVICES—Tracy Green Media & Communications Service— SENIOR MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER—Lee Bridges

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT—Aileen Walker Public Engagement and Learning— HEAD OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING—Tom O’Leary Education Service— HEAD OF EDUCATION—Emma-Jane Watchorn Visitor Services— HEAD OF VISITOR SERVICES—Deborah Newman Spire Programme— SPIRE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR—Helen Wood

DEPARTMENT OF HR & CHANGE Director General’s Office— DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HR&CHANGE—Andrew Walker ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR GENERAL—Tara Cullen PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Yvonne Carson, BEM x HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont.

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND CAPABILITY—Janet Rissen DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES—Heather Bryson DIRECTOR OF CHANGE—Selven Naicker DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS AND FINANCE MANAGER—Caroline Young HEAD OF PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT—Patricia Macaulay-Fraser HEAD OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS,PAY AND POLICY—Reg Perry HEAD OF HR OPERATIONS—Alix Langley HEAD OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION—Anne Foster BUSINESS PARTNERS—James Bigwood, Johan van den Broek, Soraya Ounssi Members’ Advisory Service and Members’ Personnel Advice Service (PAS)— SENIOR HR MANAGER—Dapo Coker Information Rights and Information Security Services (IRIS)— HEAD OF IRIS—Victoria Payne Safety, Health and Wellbeing— HEAD OF SAFETY,HEALTH AND WELLBEING—Marianne McDougall CONSULTANT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PHYSICIANS—Dr Ira Madan, Dr Paul Grimes HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISERS—Elizabeth Cameron-Taber, Amanda Hastings OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING MANAGER—Anne Mossop WELFARE OFFICER—Tanya Harris CLINICAL NURSE ADVISERS—Karen St Cyr, Lucy Walsh, Sally Nightingale Trade Union Side— TRADE UNION SIDE ADMINISTRATORS—Sandra Deakins, Denise Eltringham

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE DIRECTOR—Myfanwy Barrett PERSONAL ASSISTANT—Yvonne Carson, BEM Pensions Unit— HEAD OF PENSIONS—Lucy Tindal

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT—Christopher Ridley HEAD OF FINANCIAL PLANNING—Anthony Hindley FINANCIAL CONTROLLER—Julia Routledge CORPORATE ACCOUNTANT—Debra Shirtcliffe SYSTEMS ACCOUNTANT—Colin Lewis

COMMERCIAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL SERVICES—Veronica Daly PROCUREMENT MANAGERS—Sheila Brightwell, Kevan Mayor

SAVINGS DIRECTORATE DIRECTOR OF SAVINGS—Elizabeth Honer HEAD OF SAVINGS REVIEWS—Martin Trott

DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES DIRECTOR GENERAL—John Borley, CB BA MA CEng MIET EXECUTIVE OFFICER—Fiona Channon DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES FINANCE—Philip Collins DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT—John Greenaway DEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER—Renee Brownsey-Joyce

PARLIAMENTARY ESTATES DIRECTORATE PARLIAMENTARY DIRECTOR OF ESTATES—Mel Barlex, BSc, MBA, MCR, MRICS, MBIFM DEPUTY DIRECTOR &HEAD OF PROJECTS—Christine Sillis, MBA, DipBldgCons, FRICS HEAD OF DIRECTOR’S OFFICE—Georgina Holmes-Skelton DEPUTY HEAD OF DIRECTOR’S OFFICE AND BUSINESS MANAGER—Deborah Taylor HEAD OF MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS—Lester Benjamin, BEng, CEng, MCIBS HEAD OF PROGRAMME &PLANNING MANAGEMENT—Steve Beck HEAD OF FIRE,SAFETY &ENVIRONMENT—Charlotte Simmonds, BSc(Hons), MSc, CEnv, MIEMA HOUSE OF COMMONS—cont. xi

FIRE SAFETY MANAGER—David Kaye, GIFireE PRINCIPAL,INTERIOR DESIGN AND FURNISHING—Tori Reeve PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT—Adam Watrobski PRINCIPAL ESTATES MANAGER—Helen Arkell PRINCIPAL PROJECT LEADER—Andrew Cunningham, BSC(ECON) MRICS PRINCIPAL ENGINEER—Keith Gregory, BTech, CEng, MCIBSE ASSET MANAGER—Andrew Geehan ESTATES ARCHIVIST—Dr Mark Collins ENVIRONMENT MANAGER—Martin Wittekind

CATERING SERVICES INTERIM DIRECTOR OF CATERING—Richard Tapner-Evans EXECUTIVE CHEF—Mark Hill OPERATIONS MANAGER—Robert Gibbs CATERING MANAGER,TERRACE COMPLEX—Denise Durkin BANQUETING &EVENTS MANAGER—Lee Holt BANQUETING &EVENTS OFFICE MANAGER—Jason Bonello SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER—Martyn Westcott-Wreford CATERING SERVICES MANAGER,NORTHERN ESTATE (PORTCULLIS HOUSE,1PARLIAMENT STREET,7MILLBANK & MONCRIEFF ’S)—Yvonne Sparrow CATERING MANAGER,1PARLIAMENT STREET &MONCREIFF ’S PRESS COMPLEX—James Ellis CATERING MANAGER,7MILLBANK—James Ellis RETAIL MANAGER—Eric Darengosse PURCHASING &STORES MANAGER—Antony Avella

ACCOMMODATION AND LOGISTICS SERVICES DIRECTOR OF ACCOMMODATION AND LOGISTICS SERVICES—James Robertson OBE PARLIAMENTARY LOGISTICS MANAGER—Wesley Auvache MEMBERS ACCOMMODATION MANAGER—Lis Partridge ACCOMMODATION MANAGER—Susanna Lumsden HEAD OFFICE KEEPER—Brendon Mulvihill SENIOR OFFICE KEEPERS—Doreen Irving, Noel Kirby, Les Stockwell CLEANING MANAGER—Carol Hill POSTMASTER—Mark Morrish

PARLIAMENTARY ICT SERVICE (PICT) DIRECTOR OF PICT—Joan Miller DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND MEMBER SERVICES—Matthew Taylor DIRECTOR OF RESOURCES—Fergus Reid DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY—Steve O’Connor DIRECTOR OF NETWORK PROGRAMME—Innis Montgomery DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMES AND DEVELOPMENT—Simon Nicholls MEMBERS’COMPUTING OFFICER (COMMONS)—Andrew Morrison MEMBERS’COMPUTING OFFICER (LORDS)—Loraine Midda TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGER—Caroline Robertson

OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICERS CLERK OF THE CROWN IN CHANCERY—Sir , KCB COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL—Amyas Morse PARLIAMENTARY AND HEALTH SERVICE OMBUDSMAN—Dame Julie Mellor, DBE

7 January 2013

THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT

IN THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT OF THE OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND [WHICH OPENED 18 MAY 2010]

SIXTY-FIRST YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 556 TWELFTH VOLUME OF SESSION 2012-2013

Mrs May: What I accept is that what we have seen in House of Commons the Met and in most forces across England and Wales is that they have dealt with budget cuts. We have seen Monday 7 January 2013 some reductions in the number of police officers, but crucially crime has been falling. Visibility, accessibility The House met at half-past Two o’clock and confidence in policing are not about certain types of building. They are about police being available to PRAYERS people, and that is exactly what the Met intends to do. It intends to put more constables on the beat and increase their visibility by enabling people to access the police in [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] places such as supermarkets.

Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): There are currently Oral Answers to Questions 30 Metropolitan police officers assigned to Operation Alice, dealing with issues relating to the right hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell). Another HOME DEPARTMENT 30 officers are assigned to Yewtree and 170 are dealing with Tuleta, Weeting and Elveden. As well as that, an The Secretary of State was asked— unnamed number of officers are searching for Ibrahim Magag who went missing just before Christmas. Is the Metropolitan Police Home Secretary confident that the Metropolitan police have sufficient resources to deal with the bread and 1. Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): What butter issues of , bearing in mind the burden of recent discussions she has had with the Mayor of London all these specialist operations? on the accessibility and visibility of the Metropolitan police. [135577] Mrs May: Yes. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, The Secretary of State for the Home Department the Metropolitan police receive extra funding for the (Mrs Theresa May): I regularly meet variously with the fact that they are the capital city police force. I have Mayor of London, the deputy mayor responsible for every confidence in the Metropolitan police in all the policing and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan operations that they are undertaking. The number of police. However, it is not for the Government to direct officers deployed to each of the operations that the the Mayor of London or the Metropolitan police how right hon. Gentleman referred to is a matter for the to deploy their officers and staff. commissioner and his officers. Heidi Alexander: Since the general election, the number Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): In May of police officers in London has fallen by 1,700, and it 2010 the Met had more than 32,600 police officers. Last has been reported that nearly half the capital’s police April, Mayor Boris Johnson promised us that he would stations could face closure. The Home Secretary is living maintain this figure, yet in November the latest figures in cloud cuckoo land if she thinks that this is improving show us that policing has fallen to just 30,939. Last year the service for Londoners. Does she accept that having the deputy mayor told the Home Affairs Committee fewer police and fewer police stations is undermining that it was a doomsday scenario for London to have public confidence in the Met and, more crucially, only or around 31,000 officers. Does the Home Secretary undermining its ability to do the job that needs to be agree with this assessment, and if so, what does she done? intend to do about it? 3 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 4

Mrs May: I suggest that the hon. Lady look at the Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): As my hon. plans that the Metropolitan police have and which they Friend has made clear, the scheme is incredibly important published just before Christmas, which are to maintain for farmers and growers throughout the country, certainly officer numbers at around 32,000, to introduce a flatter in Worcestershire. Can he confirm that throughout its management structure and to put more constables on long life the seasonal agricultural workers scheme has the beat. I should have thought the Opposition would lived up to its name and the seasonal workers have welcome the fact that the commissioner, the deputy returned to their country of origin at the completion of mayor and the Mayor of London want to ensure that their work? there are more police officers on the beat in London and in the Metropolitan police. That is surely good news. Mr Harper: That is indeed the case. The MAC report will look both at providing labour to the sector and at how the scheme functions in meeting the Government’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers commitments on controlling immigration. Both aspects will be important when the Government take the decision 2. Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): later this year. Whether her Department has taken steps to ensure the continuity of supply of seasonal agricultural workers Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On 17 October 2011, following the lifting of restrictions on immigration the former Immigration Minister, now the Minister for from Bulgaria and Romania. [135578] Policing and Criminal Justice, the right hon. Member for Ashford (Damian Green), said: The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): “I believe in free movement. The Government believe in free The transitional restrictions on Bulgarians and Romanians movement.”—[Official Report, European Committee B, 17 October come to an end at the end of this year. With reference to 2911; c. 18.] the agricultural industry, we will look to see whether On 21 November 2011 he said: any further schemes are necessary once the Migration “Free movement has been, and is, one of the great achievements Advisory Committee has reported to us in March this of the EU.”—[Official Report, European Committee B, 21 November year. 2011; c. 14.] Does the Minister agree? Harriett Baldwin: As the Minister knows, the finest fruit and vegetables are grown in West Worcestershire. Mr Harper: I do not demur from anything that my Can he reassure my farmers that they will be able to right hon. Friend has said, but that does not mean that face the 2014 growing and picking season with the we will not look at how that operates in our balance of confidence that, working together with the Department competence reviews. Abuses do take place under free for Work and Pensions and the Department for movement throughout Europe. My right hon. Friend Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, there will be an the Home Secretary has discussed the issues at Justice adequate supply of people to pick the crops? and Home Affairs Councils and has found a lot of support from colleagues there. A road map has been set Mr Harper: I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. out by Justice Ministers throughout Europe to deal In December I met one of the West Midlands Members with the abuses that took place and were not dealt with of the European Parliament, Anthea McIntyre, together by the Labour party when it was in power. with farmers who farm both in Herefordshire and in my constituency in the soft fruit sector. That may be the (Hereford and South Herefordshire) one respect in which I slightly disagree with my hon. (Con): The Minister paid an extremely successful visit Friend. I have listened to their concerns and will listen to my county of Herefordshire before Christmas, for to what the Migration Advisory Committee says in its which I thank him. Will he reassure me that SAWS will report before we take a decision early this year. be preserved through the MAC process and that it is not formally part of the immigration figures at all but Mr Nicholas Brown (Newcastle upon Tyne East) (Lab): operates in an entirely separate category? Precisely because of the sort of problems that the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Harriett Baldwin) Mr Harper: My hon. Friend correctly points out that raises, previous Conservative and Labour Governments it was his constituency that I visited in December. I am took a hard look at the Agricultural Wages Board and not going to prejudge the outcome of the work being decided to retain it. The present Government intend to done by MAC. The whole point is that it is doing some abolish it. Surely that will just exacerbate the situation evidence-based work to inform the Government’s decision. and leave agricultural workers without even the limited It will be looking at whether a successor scheme needs protection that the wages board provides. to come into force to ensure that the sector has access to adequate labour when Romanians and Bulgarians have Mr Harper: I do not think that that is true at all. alternative choices after the end of this year. Those working in the agricultural sector are governed by the national minimum wage legislation, and as well Mr Speaker: For the benefit of any uninitiated members as desk-based research the Migration Advisory Committee of the public, those referring to SAWS are talking about will be going out and listening to the sector concerned. I the seasonal agricultural workers scheme, and the MAC am confident that when it produces its evidence-based of course is the Migration Advisory Committee. I am report in March, we will be fully informed and able to sure that 57 million people know that perfectly well, but take a sensible decision for the sector. it is as well to remind them. 5 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 6

MCAT constituency in the coming weeks and will be able to see for himself the impact that this is having there and discuss the issue. 3. John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): What recent assessment she has made of trends in the level of use of Mr Baron: Our public services are already overstretched, the drug MCAT in the UK. [135580] and there is concern that we will see a fresh wave of The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr Jeremy immigration from Romania and Bulgaria as the transitional Browne): The Government started collecting data in the agreements lapse at the end of this year. What lessons crime survey for England and Wales in 2010-11. MCAT have the Government learnt from our experiences in has been banned since April 2010 because it is harmful 2004? to human health. We should not underestimate the impact of the drug, although consumption appears to Mrs May: The very clear lesson we learned was that be falling. Between 2010-11 and 2011-12, mephedrone we should ensure that transitional controls are placed use “in the last year” fell from 1.4% to 1.1% among on any future accession countries, and that is indeed 16 to 59-year-olds and from 4.4% to 3.3% among 16 to what we will do in relation to Croatia’s accession. As my 24-year-olds. hon. Friend the Immigration Minister has indicated, we are also taking a number of steps to look at the abuse of John Mann: Happy new year to you, Mr. Speaker. free movement and how free movement operates across I will be reconvening my heroin panel of 10 years ago the European Union. in the next few weeks, and MCAT is one of the issues that we will be considering. I also wish the Minister a Gavin Barwell: I welcome the Government’s progress happy new year. Will he agree to meet my panel when it in reducing net migration to a level that is in our comes down to London and to receive our report on the national interest. Many of my constituents, however, growing plague of MCAT in my constituency and elsewhere are as concerned about EU migration as they are about in the country? non-EU migration. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the progress the Government are making Mr Browne: I thank the hon. Gentleman through as part of the review of competences, in sharp contrast you, Mr Speaker, for that happy new year welcome, to the previous Government’s failure to apply accession which I reciprocate. I will be happy to meet the group. controls? As I said, we do not underestimate the harmful impact of the drug. Its consumption is considerable, and we would like to see it reduced further. Mrs May: Absolutely—it is this Government who are willing to look at the issues, make the tough decisions Net Migration and take action to put tough policies in place. In relation to the balance of competences, we will be looking in 4. Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) detail at free movement. That work has not yet started (Con): What assessment her Department has made of but will start in the not-too-distant future. There are the most recent statistics on net migration. [135581] other things we are doing outside that work. I am 7. Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): working across the European Union with other member What assessment her Department has made of the states to look at how we can ensure that we reduce the most recent statistics on net migration. [135585] abuse of free movement—through sham marriage, for example—and we are also looking at the pull factors 12. Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): What that encourage people to come to the UK, rather than assessment her Department has made of the most other member states, such as access to benefits. recent statistics on net migration. [135591] Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): But how many The Secretary of State for the Home Department people are in that group who made an application a (Mrs Theresa May): Net migration fell by a quarter in long time ago and were told that their cases would be the year to March 2012. This shows that our tough determined by July 2012 but have still not received a policies are taking effect and marks a significant step decision? towards bringing net migration down from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands by the end of this Mrs May: As the hon. Lady knows, the whole question Parliament. of the legacy case load was looked at recently by the Oliver Colvile: I join the hon. Member for Bassetlaw chief inspector. He found some problems with the way (John Mann) in wishing you a happy new year, Mr the UK Border Agency has dealt with that. I am happy Speaker. to write to the hon. Lady with the precise number of Given that Plymouth is one of the main dispersal people in the category she describes. There are problems centres for asylum seekers, which places strains on local with how that was dealt with and we are working public services, but without significant financial support, through them. are the Government willing to review that policy and, if so, when? Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): The Home Secretary will know that Scotland recently Mrs May: We have no plans to review the policy. recorded its highest ever population figure, something At local level, those providing accommodation are we very much welcome, and much of it is down to contractually required to discuss the local impact with immigration. However, we still have massive demographic local authorities, education providers and others so issues, with an ageing population and a diminishing that it can be assessed regularly. My hon. Friend the active work force, so will she detail how UK immigration Minister for Immigration will be visiting my hon. Friend’s policy is helping Scotland to address those? 7 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 8

Mrs May: Of course we look at immigration policy Mr Harper: I am not entirely certain which cases the across the whole United Kingdom. I believe that we hon. Lady is talking about. If she is talking about the have the right policy and that what we need to do across issues that were raised in the chief inspector’s report the United Kingdom is control immigration. Of course, when he found some unopened post, she will know that the hon. Gentleman, given his desire for a separatist he has confirmed in his report that that has now all been Scotland, will need to answer in future what Scotland cleared and those cases are being dealt with. would do in relation to immigration in those circumstances. Family Migration Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): To return to net migration, can the Home Secretary 6. Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): What confirm that what is actually happening is that more assessment she has made of the effect on family British nationals are leaving the UK and fewer are migration of the new immigration rules which came coming back and that half the fall in immigration last into force in July 2012. [135584] year was the result of fewer students coming here, which is costing UK universities millions of pounds? The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): The new family immigration rules are expected to reduce Mrs May: Over the past two to three years, European burdens on the taxpayer, promote integration and tackle Union and British migration, emigration and immigration abuse. That was clearly set out in the impact assessment have been, roughly speaking, in balance, and the increase that we published in June 2012. We will of course keep in net migration has come from those from outside the the impact of the rules under review in terms of how we EU. We have seen falls in all categories in terms of the are achieving those objectives. number of people coming into this country. The hon. Lady refers to the numbers of students coming into the Kate Green: Children’s well-being may be at risk if country. We have tackled the abuse in the student visa the family migration rules perpetuate family separation system that grew up when the previous Government by preventing a parent from joining his or her family abolished one of the tiers in the point-based system and here in the UK. What is the Minister doing to monitor we saw a significant increase in students who were in the impact of the family migration rules on children’s fact people coming here not to be educated but to work. well-being? We are tackling that abuse, and it is good that we have a Government who are willing to do so. Mr Harper: The purpose of those rules is very straightforward—it is to make sure that people who Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): Capita has a wish to bring somebody who is not a British citizen into contract with the UK Border Agency to clear the migration the country are able to support them out of their own refusal pool and make sure that people leave the country resources rather than expecting them and their family when they are supposed to. However, as the Home to be supported by the taxpayer. That seems perfectly Secretary will be aware, people who are allowed to stay reasonable to me, and it was very well supported in the have also been contacted and told to leave, including consultation, but we will keep its impact under review, British citizens. Is this a problem with Capita or with as I set out in my earlier answer. the UK Border Agency’s continuing problems with its record keeping? What action will she take on the agency? Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): I strongly welcome this change. Although this measure has been Mrs May: If my hon. Friend has specific cases that he denounced by some as hard-hearted, may I suggest to can cite in relation to this, I suggest that he raise them my hon. Friend that, in practice, in many cases it will with my hon. Friend the Minister for Immigration and still let people come in who will require a very significant we will look at the processes that have been followed. subsidy for their housing, so it is only a first step in the right direction? UK Border Agency Mr Harper: The income limit that we set for spouses wishing to bring their family members into this country 5. Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op): is based on evidence that the Migration Advisory If she will take steps to ensure that mail to the UK Committee put forward, having looked at the level at Border Agency is not left unopened owing to a backlog which people were largely not able to claim income-related of cases. [135583] benefits. As I said, the premise is very simple: if someone wants to bring their family to the UK, they can, but The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): they are expected to support them rather than expecting Timely dealing with correspondence is obviously something the taxpayer to do so. That seems perfectly reasonable. that the UKBA takes very seriously. It has not always been perfect in the past and it is very well aware of the Antisocial Behaviour need to improve in future. It has therefore implemented a new national operating model, particularly to deal 8. Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East with MPs, to improve things. Cleveland) (Lab): What steps the Government are taking to tackle antisocial behaviour. [135586] Gemma Doyle: Will the Minister assure the House that full security checks have been or will be carried out 9. Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) in all these cases and confirm how many live cases have (Lab): What steps the Government are taking to tackle been discovered? antisocial behaviour. [135587] 9 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 10

14. Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): (Lab/Co-op): What steps the Government are taking to The latest figures show that in North West Leicestershire tackle antisocial behaviour. [135593] 92% of people who complained about antisocial behaviour were at least satisfied with the service they received from The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr Jeremy the police. Will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating Browne): We have just published a draft Bill setting out Leicestershire police force on the work it is doing in measures to put victims at the heart of the response to combating antisocial behaviour? antisocial behaviour. They include the community trigger, Mr Browne: I do congratulate Leicestershire police which will ensure agencies take persistent problems force. It is coming up to eight years that I have been a seriously; the community remedy, giving victims a say in Member of Parliament and I observe that my own the punishment of offenders out of court; and, overall, police force in Avon and Somerset is making a more faster, more effective powers so that front-line professionals concerted effort—I am sure that this is true generally—to can better protect the public. deal with antisocial behaviour and to respond quickly when concerns are raised. We want to make that service Tom Blenkinsop: Between June 2011 and June 2012, even better across all police forces in the future. more than 2.5 million incidents of antisocial behaviour were recorded in England and Wales. Under Labour, 16. [135595] Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) half the people who breached antisocial behaviour orders (Con): We all know that, often, where Enfield leads went to jail. Why is the Minister replacing Labour’s other areas of the country follow. Certainly, lessons will tough sentencing with much weaker, last-resort injunctions, be learned from Enfield, where there has been a 50% such as activity orders and supervision requirements, reduction in antisocial behaviour as well as in serious and demanding that local authorities pay for them? violence in key gang areas as a result of hard-hitting call-ins. That has been recognised recently, not least by Mr Browne: The short answer is that we are replacing the Minister when he awarded the Tilley national them so that we can have more effective measures in award to Enfield for its good progress. place. I draw the hon. Gentleman’s attention to a recent Mr Browne: I have fond memories of Enfield, Southgate quotation from the Labour Chairman of the Home from when I stood, unsuccessfully, in the hon. Gentleman’s Affairs Committee: constituency. That gave me extra reason to be pleased to “I very much welcome the Government’s decision to overhaul present the Tilley award to Enfield, which was fitting the statutory framework for tackling anti-social behaviour. We recognition for all the hard work that has taken place in must ensure that the new Act is more robust than the original ASBO legislation, which has been amended every year since it his borough. was passed in 1998.” Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Was the Minister as pleased as I was to read in The Daily Bridget Phillipson: The complacency of Ministers in Telegraph on 3 December 2012 the following quote this area and the fact that it has taken two and a half from a Government Minister: years to get to this point offer no reassurance to those “New measures are planned to cut the number of criminals who face daily fear and intimidation because of antisocial who carry knives”? behaviour. Those in my community whose lives are Is this a welcome sign that we now have a Government blighted by this want to know why Ministers appear not who are willing to make the punishment fit the crime? to be on their side and are instead seeking to weaken the powers available to the police to tackle antisocial behaviour. Mr Browne: Knife crime is, of course, of great concern to communities across the country, because its impact Mr Browne: Let me make two brief points. First, we can be devastating for victims and their families. We are take antisocial behaviour extremely seriously. I think working hard to try to reduce the number of knives, that MPs of all parties see the terrible effect that antisocial including specific measures to that effect. behaviour has on decent, law-abiding citizens and we want to help them. Secondly, the measures are designed Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab): The community to be quicker and more effective than those previously trigger has been described as a new and improved way in place. If they were not going to achieve that objective, to deal with repeat complaints of antisocial behaviour. we would not be bringing them forward. Brighton and Hove is one of the pilot areas, and in the first quarter of its pilot there were more than 7,000 recorded incidents of antisocial behaviour. During that same Meg Hillier: The Minister has given warm words period, the community trigger was successfully triggered about his desire to tackle antisocial behaviour, but why just four times. Is that rate a success? is it that my constituents and people up and down the country who suffer antisocial behaviour will now get no Mr Browne: It is difficult to respond definitively action unless they complain three times, not just once? because absolute success would mean never having to use the trigger at all. That would constitute a very Mr Browne: The hon. Lady misunderstands the intention responsive set of authorities. This is a serious measure of the policy. Our hope is that the police and other and I am sure that Members from all parts of the House authorities will respond instantly when concerns are approve of it. We must all be familiar with people in our raised about antisocial behaviour. The problem in the constituencies who have raised a concern repeatedly, past has been when the same concern has been raised but who do not feel that it has been taken sufficiently repeatedly and no response has been forthcoming. What seriously and want greater action to be taken. We want we are putting in place is a defined measure to make to empower them to ensure that their lives are no longer sure that that no longer happens. blighted by antisocial behaviour. 11 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 12

Police Numbers Damian Green: I join my hon. Friend in congratulating the police and crime commissioner for Northamptonshire 10. Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Which on some of the innovative ideas that he is bringing police forces have experienced the greatest recent forward to make the streets of Northamptonshire safer. reduction in the number of front-line police officers. That is precisely why we should have police and crime [135588] commissioners. We now have people all over the country who are able to respond to local needs and demands in 18. Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): a way that is much less top-down and centralist than Which police forces have experienced the greatest under the previous system. recent reduction in the number of front-line police officers. [135597] Student Visas (India) The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian Green): Between March 2011 and March 2012, the West 11. Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): Midlands force had the greatest reduction, 435, in the How many student visa applications were received number of front-line police officers. It also had, in the from India in 2012. [135589] year to June 2012, a 13% reduction in overall recorded crime compared with the previous 12 months—one of the largest falls of any force in England and Wales. The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): There were 21,295 sponsored tier 4 student visa applications Mr Watts: Will the Minister explain to my constituents from Indian nationals in the year ending September why Merseyside is having to cut 552 police officers 2012. We have cut the abuse of student visas, but when Surrey, through the new grant system, can employ continue to attract the brightest and best students from another 49 police officers? Is it because the Government around the world. are fiddling the figures and the grant system? Will he set up an independent body to look at the funding of the Mr Sharma: I thank the Minister for that answer. police? Does he agree with the Mayor of London that the Government are doing Damian Green: The grant system is exactly the same “things that are going to cause unnecessary alarm and prejudice as it was under the Government whom the hon. Gentleman against the UK” supported. I am happy to tell his constituents that crime in the Merseyside area was down 6% from 2011 to 2012, by targeting legitimate foreign students from India? and that victim satisfaction with Merseyside police is 88%, which is higher than the average for England and Mr Harper: No, that is not what we are doing. We Wales. I hope that he and his constituents will join me in want to attract the best and brightest students to the congratulating their local police on how well they are United Kingdom. However, we want to combine that doing. with dealing with the education providers that in the past were not providing education but were in effect Barbara Keeley: In my constituency, people are worried selling immigration permits. We have dealt with the and angry about the cuts, not just because Greater abuse and will continue to do so, but we want students Manchester police has already lost 650 police posts, but from around the world to come here to use our excellent because there are 850 more losses to come. The report universities. The latest figures show that those numbers of Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary says that are up. the police are already less visible and accessible. Is it not time that we had not just a relaunch but a rethink of these police cuts? Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): The Minister will be well aware that London Metropolitan university Damian Green: I can only give the hon. Lady the has been affected by a decision that the UK Border facts. In the Greater Manchester police area, crime Agency made last year. I understand that discussions went down by 10% over the past year. Her constituents’ are going on between the UKBA and the university streets are safer than they were a year ago, two years with a view to seeing whether a system can be brought ago and three years ago, and 84% of the public say that into place so that tier 4 status can be returned. May I they are satisfied with Greater Manchester police. On urge the Minister to interest himself in that, to ensure the specific point that she raises, the HMIC report that we get good overseas students into this country and states that the force will save money through collaboration, benefiting from higher education here? but that “the public will not notice any difference in the service they Mr Harper: The hon. Gentleman raises the case of receive in their community.” London Metropolitan university, and he will know that it was not carrying out its responsibilities as a tier 4 Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Will the Minister highly trusted sponsor, which was why its licence was join me in commending Adam Simmonds, the new revoked. He will know that the Government put in police and crime commissioner for Northamptonshire, place a taskforce to ensure that all the legitimate students who, in his draft crime plan, commits himself to retaining were able either to transfer to another education provider at 1,220 the number of police officers that he inherited, and stay in the country or to finish their course at while at the same time creating a new large-scale reservist London Metropolitan university. They were all written police force of up to 200 officers, each of whom will be to last Friday, so they should all shortly be aware of required to give 20 days a year? their status in the coming months. 13 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 14

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioners (Salaries) Jane Ellison: I thank the Minister. I have become aware of some particularly appalling examples in my 13. Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): What the constituency of young girls being drawn into gangs, and average salary is of deputy police and crime commissioners. there are high levels of sexual violence associated with [135592] that. What work is being done to understand that, and in particular, what further work might be done to The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian provide exit strategies for girls drawn into gang culture? Green): Not every police and crime commissioner has appointed a deputy. Whether PCCs decide to have a Mr Browne: My hon. Friend is right to draw the deputy, and what salary that person should be paid, is House’s attention to an under-reported aspect of the for the PCC to decide. They must publish that salary. problem, which is the involvement of girls and young PCCs are accountable to the public, and it will be for women in gangs and the exploitation of them. We are them to justify their deputy PCC’s salary. supporting financially young people’s advocates around the country to support girls at risk of suffering from Paul Flynn: The maladroit election timing, the sinfully gang-related violence. More generally, we are having a wasteful funding, the creation of cronyism and the reasonable impact, including through reductions in the sapping of democracy make the setting up of police past year in homicides, the use of knives or sharp commissioners one of the most egregious examples of instruments and gun crime, and that impact benefits political incompetence, and it will be seen in the future everybody. as an example of the coalition’s signature policy in creating its ineptocracy. Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) (Lab): The Minister will be aware that just over 18 months ago there was Damian Green: The hon. Gentleman, apart from widespread arson, looting and violence, which emanated having a way with the English language, is slightly from my constituency and spread across the country. confused. The idea that having directly elected posts is Given that context, does he view with alarm the Mayor’s in any way anti-democratic seems perverse. As my hon. decision to shut half of London’s police stations? In Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr Hollobone) particular, is he concerned about the closure of Tottenham illustrated, we now have police and crime commissioners police station and the withdrawal of the police officers in operation all over the country. Indeed, several former stationed in it? Is this not just open season for London’s colleagues of the hon. Member for Newport West (Paul thugs, gang members and hoodlums? Flynn) are now PCCs, and I wish them all well in their new jobs. Mr Browne: No; I do not accept that characterisation The hon. Gentleman asked about the cost of the at all. Perhaps I could draw the right hon. Gentleman’s deputies. The highest-paid deputy at the moment has attention to a recent quote from Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, been appointed at £68,000 a year—[Interruption.] Iam who said: interested that Labour Members are shocked by that “If we ended up with less people but better technology, and figure, because that was an appointment of the Labour ended up being better at fighting crime, I’d say that wouldn’t be a PCC for Northumbria, Mrs Vera Baird, QC. bad thing”. The right hon. Gentleman will note that in London, the Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Are deputy police Metropolitan police reports that serious youth violence and crime commissioners subject to the same rules and has fallen by 34% since the launch of the new Trident regulations under which those who stood for election to gang crime command less than a year ago, in February PCC posts had to qualify before they were accepted? 2012.

Damian Green: Deputy PCCs are accountable to Police Officer Numbers their PCC as a member of staff. They may be delegated functions and powers that other staff may not, for 17. Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab): instance that of appearing before the police and crime What recent representations she has received on the panel. They are the only members of staff who are not number of front-line police officers. [135596] politically restricted, and they may support the PCC politically. All other employees are politically restricted. The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): Home Office Ministers and officials Gang and Youth Violence receive regular representations on policing issues, including on the number of front-line police officers. The most 15. Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): What recent steps recent representations received were questions 10 and she has taken to reduce gang-related and youth 18 this afternoon. violence. [135594] Rushanara Ali: Can the Home Secretary explain why The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr Jeremy Tower Hamlets has lost 17% of its police and community Browne): Large areas of Government policy are having support officers since 2010, when her Government came a positive impact on the matter. Specifically, we are to power, while also seeing crime rise by over 9% in the supporting 29 local areas that face problems of gang same period? and youth violence. That includes tackling young people possessing knives, which we were talking about a moment Mrs May: How many PCSOs should be employed by ago. We have also recently announced that we will a particular police force is a decision that will be taken provide practical support to another four areas. by that police force. The Metropolitan police force has 15 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 16 indicated that it wants to change the number of PCSOs wrong, will he publish the figures from each university in order to increase the number of police constables it for countries that have sent students in the past but are has available. now not sending them?

Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Mr Harper: The hon. Gentleman simply is not right Will the Home Secretary join me in paying tribute to to say that our university sector has not seen an increase. the young police officer who sadly died on his way to an The latest figures show an increase in international emergency call on Saturday? In recognising this tragic students coming into the sector, and I am pleased that loss, will she also take the opportunity to recognise the that is the case. The Government will continue to work role that rural police officers play in sparsely populated with our excellent universities to encourage international areas such as North Yorkshire? students to attend them at every opportunity. Net Migration Mrs May: Yes, I indeed pay tribute to PC Andrew Bramma, who, as my hon. Friend said, died following a 20. Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): What collision while answering an emergency call. Once again, assessment her Department has made of the most this shows the dangers that our police officers face on a recent statistics on net migration. [135599] day-to-day basis. Our sympathies are with him, his family and his colleagues. I would also like to offer my The Secretary of State for the Home Department sympathies to the family of PC Tony Sweeney, QPM, (Mrs Theresa May): I refer my hon. Friend to the who died on 27 December after falling ill on his return answer that I gave some moments ago. from work. Our police officers bravely go about their duties day by day; we owe them a great debt. Mr Spencer: The Home Secretary will be aware that, between 2001 and 2010, more than 50% of the increase Non-EU Immigration in the population in England and Wales was the result of immigration. Do the figures that she gave in her earlier answer demonstrate that she now has control of 19. Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): a problem over which there was previously no control Under which category of immigration entry most at all? people enter the UK from non-EU countries; and if she will make a statement. [135598] Mrs May: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to draw attention to the fact that immigration was out of control The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): under the last Labour Government, and that it is this The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics Government who have taken the tough decisions to show that most non-EU immigrants come to study. In bring it under control. We are able to attract the brightest reforming every route of entry for non-EEA migrants, and best to the UK and, as the Minister for Immigration we have cut the abuse while continuing to attract the has just said, the number of overseas students applying brightest and best. The latest figures show that our to and being accepted by our universities has increased. policies are working. At the same time, we are driving out abuse. The fall in the net migration figures shows that it is this Government Mr Robertson: On a recent trade mission, which I who are dealing with the issue of immigration and happened to lead, to Nigeria, it became clear that bringing it under control. people who are educated in this country help British businesses. When we try to go to those countries, the Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP): Do the English language is already established and there are figures on net migration cover the whole of the United links with this country. Although we should try to cut Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, or do they relate down on immigration and although students who finish only to England and Wales? their studies should go back to their countries of origin, is it not important to recognise that educating foreign Mrs May: They are UK-wide figures. students in this country is greatly beneficial to British business? Asylum Support 22. Sarah Teather (Brent Central) (LD): When she Mr Harper: I agree with my hon. Friend. Of course it expects to announce the asylum support rates for is important that students should actually be coming 2013-14. [135601] here to be educated. We need to deal with the abuse whereby they are really coming here to work instead of The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): study, which happened all too frequently under the There are no current plans to change the asylum support previous Government, but he is right: there is a real rates, but we do of course keep the matter under constant benefit to Britain in having those students come here. review. That is why I am pleased that the latest statistics saw an increase in the number of international students coming Sarah Teather: The Minister’s Department has not to our excellent UK universities. made a decision on the asylum support rates in this financial year. He has therefore frozen the rates by Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): Of course default, without coming to the House to announce that we all want to see an end to bogus colleges and it is right decision. I understand from an announcement made that the Government have taken action on that, but the in another place that a review is ongoing, but does he reality is that legitimate colleges and universities have accept that kicking the matter into the long grass for a seen their numbers reduced. If the Minister says I am further year simply will not do? 17 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 18

Mr Harper: I said in my answer that we keep the accreditation for teachers from Turkey applying for its matter under review. There is no statutory provision to highly regarded training courses. What is the Minister make an annual uprating, but we keep this under review doing to convert the UKBA from an obstacle into a and look at the figures. I have listened carefully to what partner for businesses building a stronger economy? the hon. Lady has said and I will consider the matter. The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper): I Topical Questions am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question. The first part of it related to a very successful enterprise in his T1. [135602] Mr Nicholas Brown (Newcastle upon constituency, which had had good support from the Tyne East) (Lab): If she will make a statement on her UK Border Agency, while the second part showed less departmental responsibilities. good support. On that second point, I would be happy The Secretary of State for the Home Department if he would like to write to, or meet, me to discuss that (Mrs Theresa May): I referred earlier to the deaths of particular issue. I have made it clear to the UK Border the two police officers that occurred over the Christmas Agency generally that it needs to see itself as a partner period. I also wish to extend my sympathies to the for businesses that are trying to do the right thing and family of the 13-year-old girl who died following a to attract good people to come to Britain and skilled traffic accident involving a police patrol car on Sunday workers to work here. If any Member knows of examples night. That matter is being investigated by the Independent when that is not the case, I would be happy to hear from Police Complaints Commission. them. Following a year in which we saw crime fall to the Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) lowest level since the British crime survey began, we saw (Lab): I join the Home Secretary in paying tribute to net migration fall significantly. I should like to thank those police officers who have lost their lives. The hon. officials, the police, the Security Service and all those Member for Thirsk and Malton (Miss McIntosh) was involved in delivering the successes of last year, including right to pay tribute to the officer who lost his life in her of course a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic constituency while rushing to help others in an emergency games. I look forward to 2013, in which the National call. We also extend our sympathies to the family of the Crime Agency will become operational and in which we 13-year-old; it is right for that tragic case to be investigated. will continue to tackle robustly immigration as well as Ibrahim Magag absconded from his TPIM—terrorism working with the new College of Policing further to prevention and investigation measure—on Boxing day. professionalise our police forces to meet the challenges This is someone who the Government believe has attended ahead. terror training camps in Somalia, has raised funds for Mr Brown: I identify myself and my constituents with al-Qaeda and is sufficiently dangerous to warrant a everything the Home Secretary has said about the fatalities TPIM. He has disappeared for the last 12 days. In the that occurred over the Christmas season, and extend final four years of control orders, when relocations were my condolences to the bereaved families. extensively used, the Home Secretary will know that no I also want to ask the Home Secretary about the one absconded. The independent reviewer, David Anderson Communications Data Bill. I had the privilege of serving has asked of Mr Magag: on its pre-legislative scrutiny Committee, which produced “Could he have absconded so easily from the West Country a unanimous report raising points for her to consider where he was made to live when under a control order?”. carefully, particularly in relation to the cost of the What is the Home Secretary’s answer? exercise. Will she tell us what discussions have taken Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Lady for the remarks place between the industry and her Department on the she made about the fatalities of police officers and, cost of the proposals, and what her latest estimate of indeed, that of the young girl at the weekend. the cost is? Will she also tell us where the money is to be found, given that the Treasury has made it clear that no National security is our top priority and the police new funding has been agreed for the proposals? are, of course, doing everything in their power to apprehend this individual as quickly as possible. The right hon. Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Gentleman and all Lady, has, however, been very careful in her use of the Members of this House and the other place who statistics. She has quoted a period in which there were served on the Communications Data Bill’s pre-legislative no absconds from control orders, but as we know, under scrutiny Committee. He is right to say that the report the whole six years of those control orders—and, contained a number of recommendations, and we will particularly, their first two years—seven absconds took accept the substance of all of them. We are currently place. I am afraid that the right hon. Lady cannot working on the details. This includes talking to the therefore argue that control orders were stopping people industry, and discussions about the costs started before from absconding while TPIMs are not. Christmas. We will obviously look carefully at those discussions, but it would not be right to opine on the Yvette Cooper: But the Home Secretary is not dealing question of the costs until we have spoken to all those in with the crucial issue of relocation. No one has absconded the industry that we wish to consult. since 2008 under the extensive use of relocations. The Home Secretary took the personal decision to rule out T2. [135603] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): A relocation for Ibrahim Magag and for every other terror business-friendly visa service can be key to unlocking suspect, even though the judge who reviewed Mr Magag’s exports and investment in our economy. In Melksham, control order said specifically: a multi-million pound investment in Stellram followed “It is too dangerous to permit him to be in London even for a the securing of a visa for someone from Mexico short period”. with specialist skills, yet in Chippenham, Merganser The Home Secretary told the House that she was is threatened by a lack of UK Border Agency “confident”that her policies—TPIMs and extra surveillance 19 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 20

—would be sufficient. They have clearly not been, so T4. [135605] Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Will the will she admit that she got it wrong on relocations; will Minister join me in congratulating Sussex police on the she instigate an urgent review by David Anderson into work that they have been doing in tackling laser pen how Mr Magag has absconded; and, in the interests of attacks on aircraft operating from Gatwick airport, public protection, will she now change course and put which have the potential to endanger hundreds of lives the legislation right? in the air and on the ground? What additional work is the Home Office doing to address the problem Mrs May: Just to be absolutely clear, the right hon. nationwide, and, possibly, to reclassify laser pens? Lady has put this case in certain terms, which I believe do not reflect the reason why the TPIM was originally James Brokenshire: I am, of course, happy to join my put in place—to prevent fundraising and overseas travel. hon. Friend in congratulating his local force on its work We do not believe that Magag’s disappearance is linked in dealing with this very serious matter. Although we to any current terrorist planning in the UK, and it is currently have no plans to classify lasers as offensive important to put that point on the record. As the right weapons, we are determined to ensure that best practice hon. Lady will know, the TPIM regime introduced is shared between forces. I hope that my hon. Friend rigorous measures to manage the threat posed by terror will be pleased to learn that one of the five objectives of suspects whom we cannot yet prosecute or deport by the newly established College of Policing will be to limiting their ability to communicate, associate and identify what works in policing, share best practice, and travel. The new regime was complemented by funding ensure that that best practice is adopted. to the Security Service and the police, so we are maximising the opportunities to put these individuals on trial in an Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and open court. The TPIM regime is, as the right hon. Lady Hillsborough) (Lab): Can the Home Secretary shed any knows, a package. To return to my earlier point, there light on the Prime Minister’s thinking, as expressed were a number of absconds under control orders, so it is yesterday, about the removal of Abu Qatada? not right for her to contrast control orders and TPIMs in the way that she has. Mrs May: The Prime Minister and I are of one mind on that, and I think that the majority of the public and T3. [135604] Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): Members of Parliament are as well. We want to deport This morning, on their way back into work, all MPs Abu Qatada to Jordan. We are working on two tracks: will have walked past the continued encampment on we are continuing to work with the Jordanian Government Parliament square. The banners, the flags and the tents to establish whether anything can be done to deal with were supposed to be removed by the time of the jubilee, the issue raised by the Special Immigration Appeals yet they are still there today—over halfway through the Commission in relation to our inability to deport him, lifetime of this Parliament. When does the Home and we have sought and been granted leave to appeal to Secretary intend to use the powers given to her by the the Court of Appeal. The case will be heard next Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 to month. remove these final eyesores, so that the square can once again be fully used by the public? T6. [135607] Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): As a result of a written question that I tabled on The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the 9 November, it emerged that, on average, three babies a Home Department (James Brokenshire): The Police Reform year are born with an addiction to class A drugs. Given and Social Responsibility Act introduced new powers that the national health service is spending half a prohibiting the use of tents and related items in Parliament billion pounds on the treatment of people who are square, while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest. addicted to class A drugs, does the Home Secretary The use of the powers is an operational matter for the agree that the police should make it a priority to police and Westminster city council, but they were used prosecute dealers, and that those dealers should face in January last year to clear the square of tents. the severest of sentences?

T5. [135606] Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): I think The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr Jeremy that ordinary decent people out there will be absolutely Browne): My hon. Friend has raised a particularly staggered by the Home Secretary’s complacency about tragic aspect of drug abuse, namely its effect on newborn Ibrahim Magag. The difference between the first two children. This is part of a wider effort to reduce the years and the last four years of control orders is that no harm caused by drugs. I am pleased that over the past one absconded during the last four years because the decade there have been substantial falls in the consumption power to relocate was used, and that is the power that of illegal drugs—including the more harmful ones such the Home Secretary got rid of. Ibrahim Magag was in as heroin—but the problem is continuing to evolve, London, where his friends were, and was able to especially in relation to legal highs. We are constantly abscond, because the Home Secretary had given him a thinking about how we can do more to prosecute those travel pass. We all hope that he does not do any harm, who trade in drugs, and how we can reduce the harm but if he does, I think that people out there will hold caused by them. her responsible. Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): A Mrs May: There is no complacency whatsoever. The freedom of information answer from the Metropolitan Government are ensuring that the police and law police revealed that some 4,000 front-line police officers enforcement agencies are doing all that they can to covering the London boroughs had been lost during the apprehend this individual, and it is entirely right that Government’s first two years in office. How does the that should be the case. Minister think that that is helping to tackle gang violence 21 Oral Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Oral Answers 22 and antisocial behaviour—which is causing growing T8. [135609] Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): Further to concern—and does he think that it may have contributed the last question and given the entirely justified outrage to the riots in any way? internationally at appalling cases of violence against women, what steps are the Government taking to The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian ensure that both cultural and other remaining attitudes Green): No, I do not think that, and nor does anyone are challenged and that all allegations are properly and who has investigated the riots. effectively investigated? I want to make an overall point about policing in Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for that point. As I London, which is extremely difficult but hugely important said, violence against women and girls is an abhorrent not just to Londoners, but to the whole country. In this crime and we are committed to ending it. We have taken time of financial stringency, the reason for which the a number of steps: we have ring-fenced up to £40 million hon. Gentleman will understand —it is because of what across the spending review period as stable funding for his Government did—recorded crime in the Metropolitan specialist local services, support services and national police area over the past 12 months was down by 3%. helplines; we have published a cross-Government strategy London is becoming safer. I wish that Opposition Members that includes an action plan; we have announced our who have raised this matter a lot would look at the facts plans to criminalise forced marriage in England and of what is happening on our streets—they are becoming Wales; we have introduced two new stalking offences; safer. we have piloted new ways of protecting the victims of domestic violence; and crucially—in relation to the T7. [135608] Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD): The cultural issues he raised—we have launched prevention accident and emergency unit at my local Stepping Hill campaigns to tackle rape and relationship abuse among hospital has had an 11% spike in admissions, much teenagers, including through some very effective advertising. of it, sadly, driven by the misuse of alcohol. The Internationally, the Under-Secretary of State for Government’s alcohol strategy is very welcome, but will International Development, my hon. Friend the Member the Minister assure the House that the current for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne Featherstone), is consultation will not simply be used to kick things into taking forward an international campaign against violence the long grass? We need serious action quickly. against women.

Damian Green: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): The Home for raising this important issue. Alcohol-related harm Secretary might recall that when he gave evidence to the costs the country about £21 billion a year. Absolutely TPIMs Committee of the House, Stuart Osborne, the the alcohol strategy is not designed to delay anything. deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police, As he knows, it sets out a range of measures to tackle said that the relocation power binge drinking, to cut alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder “has been very useful for us…Without that relocation” and to reduce the number of people drinking at damaging power levels. Just as the Government overhauled the Licensing “and depending on where people choose to live,” Act 2003 to give local authorities the tools they needed to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder, so we will it take further measures as and when necessary. “could be significantly more difficult”––[Official Report, Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Powers Public Bill Committee, 21 June 2011; c. 5, Q10.] Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Over the Christmas and new year period, there seemed to be an abundance for us to monitor and enforce the orders. Does she now of adverts and public information campaigns telling regret the deal she did with the Liberal Democrats to women how they could avoid being raped or sexually abolish the power of relocation, which has led to a assaulted—for example, by not drinking too much or diminution of security for people in this country? dressing in a certain way. Does the Home Secretary agree that this gives out entirely the wrong message—that Mrs May: I say to the right hon. Lady that, during victims are somehow responsible for the crimes being the transition from control orders to TPIMs, both the perpetrated against them—and that we ought to be police and the Security Service made it clear that there sending out the message that it is never okay for men to should be no substantial increase in risk and that assault women? appropriate arrangements would be in place to manage an effective transition and to manage individuals under TPIMs. Of course we take extremely seriously the abscond Mrs May: I absolutely agree with the hon. Lady that that has taken place, and the police and others are we need to send out a very clear message that sexual working to apprehend the individual who has absconded, violence against men or women is wrong. These are but TPIMs were put in place as a series of legislative abhorrent crimes—rape is an abhorrent crime—and we measures, together with the package of extra funding should be doing all we can to stop them. I also agree that went to both the police and the Security Service. As that, although it is necessary to ensure that women, I said, both the police and the Security Service were particularly young women, are aware of the potential clear that there should be no substantial increase in risk. dangers and circumstances in which they could be at risk and that they take appropriate action, it is the Several hon. Members rose— perpetrator of such crimes whom we should be bringing to justice. It is the perpetrator who is at fault, and we Mr Speaker: Order. I am always keen to accommodate should never forget that. colleagues, but time is against us and we must move on. 23 7 JANUARY 2013 Points of Order 24

Points of Order Mr Speaker: I think my response to the hon. Gentleman is substantively the same as my response to the hon. 3.34 pm Member for Telford (David Wright). It is a review David Wright (Telford) (Lab): On a point of order, document—I do not wish to disappoint the hon. Member Mr Speaker. You will be aware that the Cabinet Office for Wellingborough (Mr Bone), but I have not yet read has today tabled a written ministerial statement entitled it and I have no immediate plans to do so—but if there “Coalition Government mid-term review”. I have with are substantive new policy announcements flowing from me the relevant document, “Together in the national it, of course Ministers must make them to the House. interest”; there is nothing like starting the new term We will leave it there for the time being. The hon. with a bit of comedy, and the TV over the Christmas Gentleman has that cheeky grin on his face which period has been pretty poor in comedy terms. Could suggests to me that he knows that he was slightly you give me some advice, Mr Speaker, because there has pushing his luck. been a press conference in Downing street today, where the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister have Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): On a point of been answering questions on this document and the order, Mr Speaker. Only about once every two or three Government’s future programme, but nobody in this centuries does this House consider the supremely important House has had the opportunity to ask any question of matter of the succession of the Head of State. The the Executive about this document? This is supposedly Government propose to rush the Bill through both a further relaunch of the Government, so why is no Houses in a single day, so it will not be possible to have Minister here to answer questions on the failure of this a proper debate on the new clauses and amendments. coalition Government to implement their policies in The anxiety about this matter is not confined to commoners. their first two and a half years? Why is there not a Minister here answering on this document? Mr Speaker: I note what the hon. Gentleman tells me, Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for but I know that he will appreciate that the programme his attempted point of order, which may find some motion for such matters is not a matter for me. He may resonance with the Telford Bugle or some other similar be very genuinely concerned about the length of time purveyor of information to the public. [Interruption.] I available for debate on these issues and his concerns will am grateful to hon. Members for drawing my attention have been heard, but, to put it bluntly, there is nothing I to the Shropshire Star, which is an extremely illustrious can do about it now and I am not sure that there is newspaper. He will have an opportunity to raise this anything I can do about it at any stage. However, he has during questions to the Deputy Prime Minister tomorrow vented his displeasure and I hope that that at least gives and questions to the Prime Minister on Wednesday. It is him some satisfaction. a review document, but if there are substantive policy announcements to make flowing from it, individual Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): And he is in responsible Ministers will doubtless make them to the agreement with the heir to the throne for the first time House ere long. in 200 years. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. Could you advise the Mr Speaker: Order. We are always grateful to the House as to how the leaking of that document in hon. Gentleman for his helpful observations from a television studios by Ministers, or even perhaps the sedentary position, but we will come now to the main Prime Minister, is in order with the announcing of new business. policy to this House first? 25 7 JANUARY 2013 26

Trusts (Capital and Income) Bill [Lords] her and the Government not to tarry in any way in bringing it back to the House to give us the opportunity Bill, not amended in the Public Bill Committee, considered. to correct it at the earliest opportunity. I wish to add Third Reading. nothing further. Queen’s consent signified. Question put and agreed to. Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed, without 3.39 pm amendment. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mrs Helen Grant): I beg to move, That the Bill be now Business without Debate read the Third time. This is a short technical Bill that implements, with minor modifications, the recommendations of the Law STATUTE LAW (REPEALS) BILL [LORDS] Commission. The Government are grateful to the Law Commission, the Charity Commission and the leading Mr Speaker: The question is that the Bill be now read experts and stakeholders who have worked with them a Second time— and the Ministry of Justice to prepare the reforms. The provisions of the Bill are to be brought into force on a Mr Robert Syms (Poole) (Con) rose— date or dates to be specified by order made by the Secretary of State and I will make a statement on the Mr Speaker: I am not sure why the hon. Gentleman timing of commencement following Royal Assent. was hovering, although I am sure his hover was well The Bill will simplify and modernise the law and I intentioned. We shall move to the vote. commend it to the House. Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 58), That the Bill be now read a Second time. 3.40 pm Question agreed to. Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): I do not Bill accordingly read a Second time. wish to add a great deal to what the Minister has said. Motion made, and Question put forthwith, That the The Bill started its life under the previous Labour Bill be not committed.—(Mr Syms.) Government, which in itself means that it must be well Question agreed to. founded. It is of course a Law Commission Bill and has therefore been subject to special procedures. Indeed, when it was considered in the other place and in Committee Mr Speaker: I thank the hon. Member for Poole in this House, it was not amended. There are no (Mr Syms) for rising to move the motion; the choreography amendments today and I have heard no adverse comments is everything in these matters. from any source outside these Houses. Motion made, and Question put forthwith, That the I merely repeat what I said to the Minister in Committee: Bill be now read the Third time. if the Bill is found in practice to have any unintended Question agreed to. consequences, to cause any problems or to do anything Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed, without other than follow the processes we wish it to use, I urge amendment. 27 7 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 28

Commission Work Programme 2013 Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): I should be grateful if the Minister could tell us whether there is [Relevant document: The Twenty-first Report from the provision in the Commission work programme to deal European Scrutiny Committee, HC 86-xxi.] with the new relationship for the United Kingdom that I believe the Prime Minister will be sketching in his Mr Speaker: We come now to the motion on the forthcoming speech. Commission work programme for 2013— Mr Lidington: I appreciate that my right hon. Friend Mr Robert Syms (Poole) (Con): Aye. finds it hard to contain his excitement at the prospect of the Prime Minister’s speech. He will, however, understand Mr Speaker: We are obliged to the Whip for his if I decline to be drawn into speculating about the enthusiasm, but it would be useful to hear the reasons contents of that speech today. I am very confident for considering the question. I call the Minister to move indeed that when my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister the motion. makes his promised speech on European policy, it will address the important issues facing both the United 3.43 pm Kingdom and Europe as a whole, and will chart a way forward that is in the interests of the people of this The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I beg country in particular and the peoples of Europe more to move, broadly. That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 15691/12 and Addendum, a Commission Communication on Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): As the Minister is the Commission Work Programme 2013, and welcomes the Work waxing eloquent about the Prime Minister’s forthcoming Programme as a useful summary that enables the Government speech, could he tell me whether the Prime Minister and Parliament to plan their engagement. intends to consult the Deputy Prime Minister and his I welcome the fact that the European Scrutiny Committee own Back Benchers? has referred this subject for debate. Today’s debate on the 2013 work programme of the European Commission Mr Lidington: I do not know whether that was a bid provides us with a timely opportunity for both Government from the hon. Gentleman to be involved in the No. 10 and Parliament to look ahead and plan our consideration drafting team. The Prime Minister will prepare his of forthcoming European Union business. speech in the way he normally prepares such speeches As is always the case, the work programme sets out within Government. The hon. Gentleman will not have the European Commission’s priorities, in this instance to wait long to see the speech and I am sure that he will for 2013 and early 2014; and it may be the last substantial be first in the queue to express enthusiasm and a warm work programme under the current Commission, whose welcome for what my right hon. Friend has to say. term ends in October 2014. The substance of the Commission’s plans is contained in the annex, which Mr Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley) (Lab): Will a previews 58 initiatives, making it shorter than previous referendum be called for in that speech? work programmes. However, we know that the list of initiatives is unlikely to be exhaustive; previous experience Mr Lidington: Again, I have to say that the hon. suggests that reactive work will arise. As the House Gentleman must wait to see what my right hon. Friend is aware, various European measures from previous the Prime Minister has to say in his forthcoming speech, Commission work programmes are already in the system, but I am sure that the answers to the questions that he and work on those will be ongoing over the next 12 months and other Members have about the speech will be or so. answered in full when my right hon. Friend makes it.

Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): The Minister mentioned reactive legislation. Is any Will my right hon. Friend give way? reflective work done? Eleven years ago, 2012 was supposed to be the year when Europe was the most competitive Mr Lidington: I will, but I hope that the House will economy in the world. What went wrong? understand that I then wish to make progress in this time-limited debate. Mr Lidington: We could spend a fair time debating exactly what went wrong and the extent to which fault Andrea Leadsom: Further to the questions from should be laid at the door of European institutions or Opposition Members, can my right hon. Friend assure of various national Governments who failed to implement me that the Prime Minister will look at the Fresh Start the right economic measures to inculcate greater dynamism. project manifesto that he and other colleagues on the I make no bones about the fact that the European Government Benches received in draft form over the Union as a whole would benefit from focusing—perhaps Christmas recess? It proposes significant reforms to not to the exclusion of everything else, but ahead of all Britain’s relationship with the EU. other priorities—on the urgent need for Europe as a whole to rediscover economic dynamism and economic Mr Lidington: My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister growth through trade and open markets, because in the and the Foreign Secretary and I follow closely the face of a dramatically changing global economy, that is work that my hon. Friend the Member for South the only way Governments of European nations can Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) and the Fresh ensure that future generations enjoy both the material Start group are doing. We think that their ideas represent standards of living and the degree of social protection an extremely creative and valuable contribution to the that we have come to take for granted in our day. debate about this country’s future in Europe. 29 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 30

Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab) rose— month, the European Union successfully concluded a free trade agreement with Singapore, which will create Mr Lidington: I ask the right hon. Gentleman to new opportunities for United Kingdom businesses, allow me to continue. Perhaps he could try to intervene particularly in the export of services, green technologies, later; I will seek to give way to him then. automotive, electronic, and pharmaceutical items, and Overall, we agree with the Commission that the No. 1 medical devices. There are also opportunities to bid for task facing the European Union is to tackle the economic public procurement contracts in Singapore. crisis, return Europe to growth and enable its member We will continue to work on many more such agreements. states to compete in the global economy. Globalisation I hope that it will be possible to conclude the proposed means that the EU faces increased competition from EU free trade agreement with Canada in the coming rapidly developing countries outside Europe, but it also weeks, to open negotiations between the EU and the brings us opportunities to build new markets for our United States by the summer, and to take forward free products and services. To meet those challenges, the trade negotiations with Japan. We will also continue to European Union should prioritise the promotion of support efforts to achieve EU free trade agreements trade, within the EU and outside it. It should seek to with India, Malaysia and other countries. free private enterprise and enable businesses to compete, and it should support those priorities by ensuring that Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): On free the limits of EU power are respected. I would therefore trade agreements with the United States, does the Minister like to highlight three cross-cutting themes that are of agree with me and with many commentators that the the highest importance to the Government: growth, chances of the European Union getting effective agreement better regulation, and safeguarding the interests of the with the United States will be significantly less if the United Kingdom. I shall deal first with growth. UK is not part of the negotiation, and that it is in the UK’s interests that the European Union is able to Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): The Minister is negotiate effectively with the United States and other talking about the importance of European Union member countries, which would not be possible if we were states competing in the world, and indeed with each outside? other. The only way that they can do that fairly is if they have an appropriate value for their currency. They cannot Mr Lidington: I have always taken the view that if the have that when they are fixed inside the euro. United Kingdom were to walk away from the table, the most ardent and most influential champion for free trade and open markets would be removing itself. I am Mr Lidington: I think that this country’s decision to quite clear in my mind, particularly with the pressures stay outside the euro was right. I am certainly not in the that we can observe globally for protection rather than least tempted to see the United Kingdom abolish sterling free trade, that it is important that we continue to bring and participate in the euro, but I say to the hon. our influence to bear within the European Union and Gentleman that we, as a democratically elected House, within other multilateral organisations to promote greater have to respect the sovereign decisions of other European freedom of trade across the world. democracies that have chosen, for reasons of their own that they have explained publicly, to commit themselves to the single currency project. Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): My right hon. Friend, in line with many other members of our party, is deeply committed to the idea of free trade, but given that the Keith Vaz: Will the Minister explain to the House European Union has exclusive competence in relation how the work programme will fit in with the principles to trade, and with the qualified majority vote and with of the presidencies that will take place this year? As he our having only 8% now, and only 12% even when the knows, Ireland has taken over the presidency, and has Lisbon treaty proposals are introduced in a few months, presidency priorities. In six months’ time, another country how will we be able to exercise the degree of influence will take over. How will that fit in with what the that he claims, and how will we maintain bilateral Commission intends to do? trading relations, which will be the answer to all these problems? Mr Lidington: The way this works, as the right hon. Gentleman will know from when he held my position, is Mr Lidington: I have more confidence than does my that the Commission, under the treaties, has the right to hon. Friend in our ability to form alliances with other initiate legislation, but even in the post-Lisbon world, countries to achieve the objectives that he and I share. the rotating six-monthly presidency chairs the various Our right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has already sectoral Council meetings and working groups, and has discussed at length with Chancellor Merkel their shared considerable influence in determining the relative priorities objective of an ambitious free trade agreement between given to particular measures. A presidency may choose the European Union and the United States. The leaders to try to fast-track a particular measure, and use its of our country and of Germany recognise that the prize diplomatic resources to seek early agreement on it; it at stake is not only the phasing out of tariff barriers but may place another measure, about which it cares less, the elimination of non-tariff barriers, thereby establishing, on the back-burner. There is negotiation between the in effect, global regulatory standards agreed on a Euro- presidency and the Commission in that respect. Atlantic basis, which would have to become the model The Government have long argued for the Commission for the rest of the world and which other parts of the to come forward with measures to help boost growth, world would find it difficult to challenge. through agreements with important trading partners, and by strengthening and deepening the single market. I Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): am sure that the House will welcome the news that, last Will the Minister give way? 31 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 32

Mr Lidington: I will give way to the hon. Gentleman, stability, and common rules are essential to safeguard but then I will try to make progress. the single market and the competitiveness of the UK’s financial services sector. Graham Stringer: It is often said that if this country However, the Commission also needs to ensure that were to leave the European Union, we would get all the its proposals on complex financial services dossiers are disbenefits of all the European laws, without any of the properly worked out through the legislative process and benefits implied. Will he tell us, therefore, how many that new proposals do not simply add to the existing EU laws Singapore has adopted, or any EU laws that backlog. We believe that the Commission should prioritise the United States will adopt if a free trade agreement is only the most important issues to ensure that sufficient arrived at? time and expertise can be devoted to them, and that proper consultation takes place with practitioners in Mr Lidington: The arrangements for dismantling barriers, that sector. for the mutual recognition of each other’s standards or We are concerned about the potential impact of a for a common standard are negotiated and set down in relatively small number of measures that are labelled as writing in the terms of a free trade agreement. I am growth promoting. Those include the review of the happy to send the hon. Gentleman a copy of the institutions for occupational retirement pensions directive, EU-Singapore free trade agreement if he wishes, so that which could significantly increase the cost of occupational he can inspect this in detail. pensions and reduce investment. Graham Stringer indicated assent. Right across the range of single market and other measures, we are working closely with the Commission, other member states and the European Parliament to Mr Lidington: It is to the advantage of business and, encourage them to follow smart regulation principles. therefore, ultimately of workers and consumers in the This brings me to the second important theme for the United Kingdom that more such free trade agreements Government in the work programme. are achieved, particularly with the fast-growing economies of Asia and Latin America. Tackling regulatory burdens on business is vital for boosting economic growth. While EU regulation is Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): Will the needed in some areas—for example, in eliminating barriers Minister give way? to the single market—we need to reduce unnecessary costs to business from EU regulation. Our chances of heading off or shaping new EU regulations are much Mr Lidington: Briefly. higher if we influence the European Commission before it has published a formal legislative proposal, so the Robert Flello: I am grateful to the Minister, who is Government use the Commission work programme to being extremely generous. I have great concerns about identify forthcoming proposals, and challenge the Colombia and the move towards EU free trade with the Commission about these in the early stages. We share Colombian regime, as I refer to it. Under President feedback from British businesses on the potential impacts Santos there are ongoing human rights abuses and there of proposals and build alliances with other member is a huge issue concerning the current peace discussions states so that we speak with a louder voice in Brussels. with the FARC. When considering the work programme, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the huge Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): I am problems with Colombia? grateful to the Minister for recognising that it is extremely important that Select Committees of this House are Mr Lidington: As I am sure the hon. Gentleman made aware at an early stage of developing legislative knows, there are standard human rights clauses in all proposals in Europe in time to influence them, and I EU free trade agreements. I am aware that these human hope that he will continue attempting to ensure that the rights issues, particularly the rights of trade unionists in invaluable help that comes from UK representatives to Colombia, have long concerned politicians and Ministers Select Committees is strengthened and that they are not just in the UK but in a number of other European enabled to do this vital job. countries. This is a live issue and it is one that we raise bilaterally with our friends in Colombia. Mr Lidington: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend The European Council has called on the Commission for what he says. It is true that the departmental Select to publish the proposals already identified in its Committees of this House can play an important role communication on the Single Market Act II by the complementing the work of the European Scrutiny spring of this year, and it is encouraging that the work Committee by trying to look ahead of formal legislative programme includes measures to improve the single proposals being tabled for scrutiny. The sort of work market in both services and digital, such as those on that the Select Committees can do in taking evidence access to regulated professions, reducing the cost of from those business sectors that may be affected by a broadband deployment and e-invoicing. particular Commission initiative, producing evidence-based We also welcome measures that aim to put the EU reports, can help better to inform the Government’s economy on a more sustainable long-term footing, including negotiating position and, on occasion, can have a direct through innovation and the green economy, such as a impact on thinking within the European institutions new climate and energy framework up to 2030. We also themselves. I welcome what my right hon. Friend says support measures to improve transparency and customer and I hope that other Select Committee Chairs will protection and to tackle systemic risks in financial look to the example that he and, in fairness, a number services. Better financial regulation is necessary to financial of others have set. 33 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 34

Mr Cash: My right hon. Friend will know that the Mr Lidington: To be fair, that is a charge my right European Scrutiny Committee is currently holding an hon. Friend has levied not only at the European Union inquiry into European Scrutiny Committee matters. but at successive Governments in this country. I certainly Does he accept that timing is very important? What my agree that too often the European Commission’s first right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed instinct—to be fair, too often it is the first instinct of (Sir Alan Beith) has just said is, of course, extremely Departments of State in this country—is to measure its welcome, but does the Minister not accept that unless activity and political success by the number of new the Government are prepared to release the information legislative measures it invents and takes through the they have early enough, it could turn out to be far less legislative process. Often—I certainly believe this is true valuable? Therefore, could not the Government ensure at European level—more could be achieved more effectively that we all get the information as early as they do? and significantly more cheaply through a sensible exchange of best practice, by looking at what works in one Mr Lidington: I am always willing to explore how the member state but perhaps does not work in another and Government can help to make information available to seeing whether it is possible to encourage the dissemination Parliament, particularly its Committees, in a way that of best practice rather than always looking at legislative enables a better informed debate and allows Parliament measures as the first step. an input at the earliest stage in proceedings. As my hon. I do not want to exaggerate the extent to which the Friend will be the first to understand, there is always a Government have been able to shift a deeply ingrained balance to be struck between our wish on the one hand culture that looks to legislation, but I think that it is to do that and our concern on the other hand not to important that the House appreciates that we have divulge ahead of negotiations all the details of our managed to secure some changes that none of our negotiating position, including on those areas that are predecessors, of either party, managed to secure. Last the highest priority objectives and those on which we year we got agreement to a measure under which businesses might be prepared to make concessions. However, I am with fewer than 10 employees should be exempt altogether always happy to look at concrete ideas for improving from any new EU legislative proposals unless there was how we do business. a good reason for their inclusion. This is the first time in the EU’s history that the default position has been that Andrea Leadsom: In the interests of better scrutiny, there should be an exemption from regulations rather does not my right hon. Friend also agree that it would than the inclusion of all companies within them. Agreement be a good idea for this House to consider whether we was reached, too, that lighter regimes should be developed ought to have European business questions periodically, for those occasions when such businesses needed to be rather than just on these unusual occasions? Without included. For example, in March last year agreement wishing unilaterally to promote him, should not it also was reached that exempted up to 1.5 million UK small be considered whether Secretary for Europe should in businesses from certain European Union accounting fact be a Cabinet post? rules.

Mr Lidington: It is always nice to be flattered, but to Ms Gisela Stuart: The Minister says that there will be attempt an answer really would be well above my pay an exemption unless proved otherwise. What is the grade— mechanism whereby we keep track and action is reported back to us, because we hear this year after year but Mr Speaker: Order. I am sure that the Minister of nothing happens? State hopes that the point has been heard by the Whip on duty. Mr Lidington: The hon. Lady makes a perfectly fair comment. That is why at European Council after European Mr Lidington: Mr Speaker, the Whips on duty hear Council my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister keeps everything. coming back to the charge and saying, “We all agreed as Heads of State and Government two or three months Overall, the Government have achieved some success ago that the Commission should come forward with a in trying to shift the Commission away from a culture of set of proposals on smarter regulation; now we want to regulation. Our reform agenda has widespread support see what it has actually been doing in the meantime.” and 12 other member states joined us in November One of the key objectives of the Prime Minister and of in backing a 10-point plan for EU smart regulation. On my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, 12 December the Commission published a new better Innovation and Skills is to ensure that we do not simply regulation strategy, which includes a proposal that the relax having achieved a paragraph in the conclusions of Commission should use EU common commencement a European Council that commits everybody to a measure dates, which ought to help businesses plan for changes of deregulation but follow it through so that in all our in regulation. It has also promised to introduce summary conversations with the Commission, in our work with sheets for impact assessments to make it easier for MEPs, and in the work that we do bilaterally with other businesses to assess the cost of new legislation. member states we try to co-ordinate a more growth-friendly approach across the European Union. These high-level Mr Redwood: Has not the EU been legislating all my declarations need to be nailed down in terms of concrete lifetime? It has far more regulation than anyone could action, and the Commission should be expected to conceivably want. Why does it not have a year off? How report back. We are making progress on that. I am the can the Minister possibly say that it is going our way first to say that there is still a great deal more to do, and when all we see is more and more needless, time-consuming we will encourage the Commission to consider further and costly regulation? and more ambitious measures. 35 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 36

Mr Cash: I suggest that the Minister uses the word Parliament’s role to be vital in strengthening democratic “ambitious” because annexe 2 of the programme refers oversight of EU activity and, more broadly, in improving to “simplification” and “administration burden reduction trust in the decision-making process between citizens, initiatives”. There are three of those, two of which are Parliament and Government, and fuelling a well-informed legislative and one non-legislative. If one turns to the public debate on EU matters. rest of the work programme and goes through the entire Of course, responsibility for most of the measures in list, one finds that 48 of the 58 are new legislation. I am the work programme lies with other Government afraid to have to say to my right hon. Friend that Departments and not the Foreign and Commonwealth ambition is one thing and vanity is another. Office, but I will be happy to discuss further, both with the European Scrutiny Committee and departmental Mr Lidington: My hon. Friend displays his usual Select Committees, how best to engage in a deeper prescience in these matters, because I was about to refer dialogue about EU issues during all stages of their to the list that he recited. The Government welcome the development. The scrutiny of EU legislation by Parliament inclusion in the work programme of a list of simplification is vital to the robust functioning of democracy. measures, but we need to be vigilant to ensure that they deliver genuine savings for business. The list of 14 withdrawn Sir Alan Beith: I say to the Minister that we and the proposals that the Commission has published is Liaison Committee have had that dialogue and that it is disappointing, because those measures are obsolete already now delivery time. or are due to be replaced by further proposals. The Commission needs to do much better than that to remove unnecessary or excessive legislation from the Mr Lidington: It is right to say that it is delivery time, statute book, and not only the Government of the but that means that it is delivery time for Parliament as United Kingdom but the Governments of a significant well as for Government. It has to be for each of the number of other like-minded member states are committed relevant Select Committees to decide the way in which to achieving that. they should give, perhaps, a higher priority to their EU responsibilities, which are, after all, included in their terms of reference under Standing Orders. The Government Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): On the commitment are taking their responsibilities seriously and I look to reducing the burden of these legislative measures, forward to working with not just my right hon. Friend, does the Minister have any idea of how many we would but the other Committee Chairs in successfully providing like to get rid of? Are we suggesting that anything is the level of scrutiny and debate on European matters dropped instead of just waiting for the Commission to that I think we all wish to see. That is why I welcome the show us what it is proposing? opportunity for debate today and I commend the motion to the House. Mr Lidington: Yes. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills keeps returning to this point. The working time directive is one example 4.17 pm that the Prime Minister mentioned again in his television Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): interview on Sunday. The best thing I can do for my I welcome the opportunity to discuss the European hon. Friend is to undertake that I or one of my colleagues Commission’s work programme for 2013. In opening, I in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills apologise to you, Mr Speaker, and the House for missing will write to her with more detail on this point. the first couple of minutes of the Europe Minister’s A third important theme for the Government is speech, but I promise him that I listened attentively to safeguarding the United Kingdom’s interests as a sovereign the rest of it. state. As set out in the coalition agreement, we will not As set out in the European Scrutiny Committee report, participate in the establishment of a European public the work programme follows on from the Commission prosecutor and the UK will not exercise its opt-in for President’s annual speech last September and serves as this measure, which is proposed in the Commission’s a blueprint for the Commission’s activities over the next work programme. Several other measures in the area of 12 months. I agree with the Committee’s assessment justice and home affairs will also trigger opt-in decisions. that the work programme is a useful tool for the These will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with a departmental Select Committees. The Liaison Committee view to maximising our country’s security, protecting has underlined that examining Commission proposals civil liberties, preserving the integrity of our criminal is one of the core tasks of the departmental Select justice and common law systems, and controlling Committees, and as such the proposals in the work immigration. programme will, I hope, be a useful starting point for We also have concerns about subsidiarity in relation further scrutiny. to a small number of items in the work programme, I echo the Europe Minister’s welcome for the 2013 such as those with regard to standardising VAT forms work programme’s improved coherence and greater strategic throughout the EU. Parliament, of course, has an important focus compared with previous years. Last year there role to play in this regard, not least in deploying the were 129 policy initiatives; this year there are 58. It is additional powers that it has under the Lisbon treaty to right that the Commission focuses on the areas in which issue a reasoned opinion when it considers that a proposal it can be most effective. The initiatives are largely grouped is not consistent with the principle of subsidiarity. into seven strategic areas and I will start by considering I hope that today’s debate will set the tone for close the first and most important of those areas, namely consultation between Parliament and Government on the establishment of a genuine economic and monetary European Union issues in 2013 and beyond. We consider union. 37 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 38

The eurozone crisis will rightly continue to dominate Mr Redwood: The Leader of the Opposition recently the EU’s thinking and activities in 2013. Last year made a very interesting speech, in which he said that ended with some positive steps towards banking union Labour had probably been a little too lax on migrants being taken at the December summit, and the measures coming into this country during its period in office and set out in the work programme will build on those that there was going to be a new policy. What would the positive steps. Putting the single currency on a stable hon. Lady like to see in the Commission’s work programme long-term footing is in the interests not only of eurozone to ensure that we can have proper controls on our countries, but of non-eurozone countries such as the borders? UK. It is therefore right that that is a priority. The eurozone crisis was triggered by a crisis in the Emma Reynolds: That would be an innovative use of global financial sector. Concerns remain about the solvency the Commission’s work programme, given that that is of some of the larger medium-sized European banks, so not an element of it. The Leader of the Opposition did it is necessary to establish the means to separate the link say in a recent speech that we got it wrong in government between weak and undercapitalised banking systems and that we should not have had an open-door policy in and sovereign debt. Such an agreement will help to 2004. I think that we should have been more in line with build confidence in the eurozone and bring about greater our European partners. We were one of the small handful long-term stability. We therefore support the progress of countries that had an open-door policy right from towards building a genuine economic and monetary the start. Germany and other countries had transition union in the proposals contained in the work programme periods, and we are certainly committed to them in the for 2013. Within that process, it is crucial that the future. interests and rights of non-eurozone member states Developing modern and efficient infrastructure, both such as the UK are respected, and that the integrity of digital and physical, is central to ensuring that the the single market is protected. We welcome the single market adapts to a rapidly changing world. It Commission’s commitment in the same section to would be impossible for member states of the EU to meet the challenges of tomorrow using the tools of “take action to fight tax fraud and evasion, including an initiative yesterday. We therefore welcome many of the proposals on tax havens”. in the “Connect to Compete” section of the programme, I turn to the Commission’s proposals on deepening particularly those to tackle obstacles to electronic payments the single market. The European Union’s single market across borders. is a great success story. In a world dominated by economic In the “Growth for jobs”section of the work programme, giants such as the US, China and India, countries the Commission is right to express the concern that around the world are co-operating more closely with “high unemployment, increased poverty and social exclusion risk their neighbours. Increased regionalisation has become becoming structural” a defining force. For example, south America has Mercosur and south-east Asia has the Association of Southeast in Europe if no action is taken. It is an absolute tragedy Asian Nations. The European single market is often a that one in every two young people in Greece and Spain model from which others take inspiration. are out of work. Here in the UK, youth unemployment is too high and long-term unemployment is a real The European Commission is right that to remain problem. Last year, including over Christmas, more competitive in the global economy, the single market people than ever before had to use food banks for their must continue to adapt and develop. Without reform, families’ basic needs. The Government seem to have few the potential of the single market will not be realised. answers or solutions to those problems. The Opposition That is why we continue to support the completion of believe it is incredibly important that effective policies the single market, particularly with regard to the digital are formulated and implemented both here in the UK economy and the services sector. It is our view that the and across the EU to reduce unemployment drastically progress in those areas is often too slow. and to reduce poverty.

Kelvin Hopkins: My hon. Friend rightly refers to food Mr Cash: I imagine that the hon. Lady does not recall banks and poverty, and we could talk about mass the White Paper published by the European Commission unemployment. Do not those problems derive directly in June 1985—a huge great thing about an inch deep—on from the heavy deflationist influence of the European completing the internal market by 1992. Here we are in Union? 2012, some 30 years later. Does she believe that there has been progress? Emma Reynolds: In some other member states, such as Germany, there is a low rate of unemployment, and Emma Reynolds: I was alive during that year, but I Germany has done better than we have in exporting to know that the hon. Gentleman was already reading some of the key emerging markets around the world. documents and making speeches on these issues then. Tackling unemployment very much depends on the We must consider the complexities of the markets in policies of individual countries and individual Governments. question and the number of member states—as a country, The EU could certainly do more, but it is down to we pushed for a European Union of 27 member states. domestic Governments in member states. No other regional co-operation in the world has produced In the “Europe as a global actor” section of the work a more successful single market. As I have said, many programme, reference is made to ongoing negotiations bodies around the world that want to co-operate more on free trade agreements with various countries. I echo closely and to form similar internal markets are looking the Minister’s comments on that matter. Agreements to the EU as a source of inspiration. I hope we can now have been reached with South Korea and Singapore and get back to 2013. are being negotiated with Japan, the US, India, Canada 39 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 40

[Emma Reynolds] but I am afraid that is simply not substantiated by the facts. Furthermore, there is also a proposal—the and Mercosur. Such trade deals would result in significant Government welcome all of them—to European job creation. According to the Commission’s “Prioritise action to boost growth through improving the own figures, the free trade agreements with the US and single market in services and digital, and ambitious free trade Japan would create almost 1 million new jobs. agreements.” Finally, I turn to the section of the programme entitled It gives me great pleasure to recall that it was Monsieur “Building a safe and secure Europe”. I hoped that the Jacques Delors, no less, who only last week proposed in Minister would make a winding-up speech, because I Handelsblatt that it was about time that the United wanted to take the opportunity to ask him at what point Kingdom got its act together and decided what it was the Government would make a decision on the mass going to do. I hope the Prime Minister will do that when opt-in to or opt-out from the justice and home affairs he makes his much anticipated big speech on Europe, measures contained in the Lisbon treaty. It is important by following Monsieur Delors’ advice and going for that we have some clarity on that issue at some stage. I either the equivalent of an enhanced economic area or respect what the right hon. Gentleman said today about alternatively—as he himself put it in stark terms—a the individual proposals contained in the work programme: free trade area between the United Kingdom and the there is not enough meat on the bone or enough detail European Union. for the Government to have a developed position on them. We look forward to learning in due course their I say that because we have another provision: position on whether they will opt into or out of the “Help develop the single market in financial services, as the proposals in that part of the programme. basis for a strong and sustainable financial sector.” As I said at the outset, we welcome the broad objectives Say that to the marines: ask the City of London whether of the Commission’s work programme and its more it believes that is the direction in which things are going. strategic focus. I hope that the proposals, once they are The House should look at the problems of qualified submitted, will be given additional scrutiny by departmental majority voting. Despite the attempts to change the Select Committees. It is important to remember that voting arrangements, the problems remain. The manner Europe is not purely a foreign policy issue and that in which jurisdiction over the City’s regulatory system decisions taken by our Government, in Brussels, and was transferred to Europe by the previous Government— voted on by our MEPs have a major impact on domestic endorsed and acquiesced in by those in the present policy. Departmental Select Committees should therefore Government—has been a catastrophe and will remain be thoroughly involved. so. The document also mentions—the Government welcome Several hon. Members rose— this, too—measures to Mr Speaker: Order. I remind the House that we have “Support an environment that encourages innovation, including less than 45 minutes to go, and that at least seven helping drive the transition to a green economy.” colleagues are at least seeking to catch my eye, so there There are many aspects of the green economy that may is a focus on brevity. or may not turn out to be sustainable, but I shall mention just one, in deference to my hon. Friends the 4.29 pm Members for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) and for South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom). [Interruption.] Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): Thank you very Whichever constituency she represents, I know she does much, Mr Speaker, and a happy new year. a great job for it. The question of wind farms is part and I can be brief, for the simple reason that we have parcel of this, and they are growing exponentially. before us a list of initiatives, and although there may be The Government also applaud the work programme fewer than 129, there are still 58, while the number of for helping member states proposals to reduce regulation of a legislative nature amount to no more than two. The second thing to say “to work together more effectively to strengthen the external border and protect citizens from terrorism and serious or organised is that the Commission work programme is crucial, in border crime.” that it gives us the route map for where the European Commission is going. Again, these are important aspirations; the question is The European Union is dysfunctional: it is not working whether that is actually happening. Indeed, I would say as it was claimed it would work. Indeed, as I pointed the same about increasing out, referring to the White Paper that the European “the EU’s influence on external policy issues”. Commission produced in 1985, here we are, 20 years on Over and over again, we get the aspirations and we are from 1992 and nearly 30 years on from 1986, with a given the promises, but the question asked repeatedly in provision that simply does not match up to either the this dysfunctional European Union is: where is it going aspirations or the promises made. If the single market and to what extent is it delivering the kind of things that had worked as I hoped it would when I voted for it in the people in this country vote for in general elections? 1986, we would perhaps be better placed than we are They put their votes into the ballot box, then find that now. Unfortunately, it simply has not worked in that things are implemented through the Commission’s work way. programme, which goes to the Council of Ministers, The suggestion is that the strategic focus of the work and in almost every area, and driven by qualified majority programme is to vote or consensus, we end up with legislation that was “Help business thrive and become more competitive in the not sought, called for, or promised in manifestos in our global market, by reducing the costs of EU law,” general elections. 41 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 42

Mark Hendrick (Preston) (Lab/Co-op): The hon. would send out an appropriate signal. Unfortunately, Gentleman criticises the Commission for trying to do however, that is not happening. We hear about aspirations something about cross-border crime. He was against and reservations, and that it would be a good idea to the introduction of the European arrest warrant, but it change the relationship and to repatriate powers, but I is working well and providing tangible results. Why is he have very little confidence that we will achieve anything critical of it? when it comes down to it. Even more dangerous is the raising of expectations only to have them dashed by Mr Cash: For the simple reason that we would have reality. As Churchill said, offering something to the achieved the same results had we put in place our own British people but not fulfilling that promise is the best operation through our own legislative system. Furthermore, way to ensure that they will no longer trust us. there are many examples of the European arrest warrant There are many aspects to this work programme— being used to convict innocent people in absentia, including including a proposal for a European public prosecutor’s someone in Staffordshire who was recently convicted of office, which I was glad to hear the Minister say we will a murder that they could not have committed because not accept—but I shall not go into other matters this they were serving in a restaurant in Leek at the time. afternoon because they are so numerous and because There might be some advantages to aspects of the others wish to speak. Let me simply make the point that co-operative arrangements, of which I am in favour, but we are now at a threshold and that there is no turning that does not mean that the panoply of powers associated back. Messrs Barroso and van Rompuy, unelected as with the European arrest warrant is justified. they are, have thrown down the gauntlet to the British The Government have expressed reservations about people. They have said, “We are going to have a federal certain proposals, but the key question is: what are they system,” yet it is unthinkable that this country would actually able to do about this? We can express reservations get involved in federal arrangements, be they in the and argue against the proposals, but the qualified majority eurozone or indeed in the European Union as a whole. voting system operates in such a way as to prevent us We must have a clear strategy; we must have a fundamental from exercising our much-vaunted influence. I have to change in our relationship. What goes with that has to say to the Minister and the Government—and through be a return to the British people of the right to determine them, I hope, to the Prime Minister in relation to the the legislation that they voted for in general elections. speech that he is about to make—that if that influence That is the principle on which this House was founded, cannot be effective, it is worthless. and that is the principle on which we have to stand. I have considered the evidence that has accumulated over the past 40 years since we came into the European Union. I wished you a happy new year earlier, Mr Speaker, 4.40 pm but we must also remember that it is the 40th anniversary Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): of our accession to the European Union, through the Just ahead of the debate, I checked one of the political European Communities Act 1972. This is a time for blogs and saw the following phrase: serious reflection. It is a time not only for mere reform “Over a hundred million pounds over budget, four years but for a fundamental change in the relationship. There late, and the subject of a National Audit Office investigation” is a disconnect between the legislation that is going through the House, in relation to the implementation of and I thought that must be about the European Union. sections 2 and 3 of the Act, and what is being offered to No, it was about the BBC’s rebuild. That brought it the British people in manifestos. home to me that this House collectively pays great attention to the BBC, gives it more scrutiny and is Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): The hon. better informed about how it runs than it is of the entire Gentleman talks about a new relationship and mentions Commission work programme. As this is probably the a free trade arrangement. Does he accept that, if the last European Commission work programme before the United Kingdom were to leave the European Union 2014 election, at which the Conservative party might and simply have a free trade relationship with what find itself beaten into second place by the UK Independence would be the remaining 27 states after Croatia had party vote, and we are moving into a time when matters joined, we would be in a similar position to Norway, in European are going to be important across all the that we would have integration without representation? parties, I want to discuss the way in which we talk about We would have to pay in and comply with the EU rules the Commission programme. without having any say on how they were being formulated. It has been interesting to note that over the past hour, we have talked just about process and there has been Mr Cash: I have great respect for the hon. Gentleman, very little on the substance. The truth is that debating who has been vociferous on European matters for a an entire Commission programme in an hour and a half long time, albeit on the other side of the agenda from is a bit like saying that the Chancellor’s Budget speech me. He might be interested to know that the Norwegians or the Queen’s Speech should be debated by the House are now getting restless and using their arrangements of Commons in an hour and a half. That is the equivalent; within the European economic area to challenge directives. let us face it. If, as the Minister says, he is throwing a I heard only a few hours ago that that was happening. gauntlet at Parliament, I would like gently to chuck it back to him and say that a number of things need to Mike Gapes: That is just one instance. change if Parliament is seriously to engage with this Mr Cash: Yes, but that one instance demonstrates a issue. principle. For 15 years, I have been advocating that we I genuinely mean no disrespect, but if the European use the “notwithstanding” formula, and when my party Union has this huge influence on our domestic legislative was in opposition, we agreed that we would do so. If we programme, which this work programme shows it does, were to use it just once now we are in government, it what on earth is this matter doing in the Foreign Office? 43 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 44

[Ms Gisela Stuart] them to grow tobacco.” The House of Commons will never fully understand that kind of give and take, but, This is not foreign; it is domestic. The number of whatever our relationship with the European Union, it legislative issues that need to be addressed must be needs to start to understand it. addressed by departmental Cabinet Ministers on a regular I say to the Minister: yes, continue with the Select basis. I know that suggestions have been made about Committees, but there should also be a much better “in upgrading the role of the Minister for Europe, but I say time” flow of information. UKREP needs to play a no: I want UKREP to have a political role. All the political role in the Cabinet. It should have a ministerial negotiations going on need to be answerable on an “in function, and should be answerable to the House. Moreover, time” basis, not through bits of paper that are fed to us now that we have Westminster Hall, what is to stop us afterwards. That should be done by UKREP, but at the from asking Commissioners to go there in 2014 and moment it has a diplomatic role. If a Cabinet Minister answer questions from Members about the Commission’s were answerable from this Dispatch Box for all the programme? Why is this a “third party” relationship? negotiations at UKREP level, that Minister would be We all stop and stare in admiration or astonishment the equivalent of the Deputy Prime Minister. It is a when we see one of our Members of the European serious post. Parliament in the House of Commons. Most of us Let me give one simple example. The work programme probably would not recognise half of them. That shows talks about a “safe and secure” EU. I always remember that there is a very sad relationship between the two Matthew Parris once saying that a speech or statement legislative bodies. should be assessed on the basis of whether anyone In 2014, there will be a new Commission. On the would dare to say it if the word “not” were put in front assumption that our wonderful coalition will still be in of it. As I read through the document I thought that place then, and that the Prime Minister will not go to that would not apply to a single statement in it. It was a the country until 2015, I think that the Government case of cut and paste, add the year, and motherhood should think seriously about asking the incoming and apple pie. Commissioners to come here and explain their work The Commission refers to establishing a European programme in a way that would allow the House to public prosecutor’s office question them directly and on a cross-departmental “to fight against crimes affecting the EU budget and protect its basis. financial interests”. I remember that 10 years ago, during the negotiations 4.47 pm that led to the Lisbon treaty, the UK had to fight tooth and nail to make sure that a public prosecutor would Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Although operate on a legislative basis that would require unanimity. I disagree with some of what was said by the hon. Ten years ago, we expended considerable political capital Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart), I on that, because whenever the veto is exercised or think that her analysis of the political processes with unanimity is insisted on something has to be given back which we are dealing was fairly shrewd and helpful. I at some stage or other. We are now 10 years on, the also agree with her that there is something unsatisfactory basis of unanimity remains but the Commission still about the way in which we are currently going about wants the office, so this never goes away. this—not least the provision of a mere hour and a half The UK Government have said that they are opposed for the debate, although it must also be said that it is to the proposal. This House has to have a way of taking place at a much earlier stage than the last one, understanding how we are going to be against it—what after two months rather than six, and is taking place on the political negotiating cost will be of our not being the Floor of the House rather than in Committee. part of such a move. I am afraid that an hour and a half However, I do not think that it would be improved by of debate on the Commission’s programme—or even being extended to six or eight hours; I think that what chucking the issue to a Select Committee or the European this tells us is that we need more systematic, subject-by- Scrutiny Committee, however worthy they may be—will subject scrutiny, as well as some awareness of the give not give us an “in time” political debate in order that we and take that happens not just in European politics but may really understand the value of something or the in British politics: a Department will give way on one price that we pay for it. thing, and will be given something else by another. It is to the Minister’s credit that he has engaged in Sir Alan Beith: I do not understand why the hon. dialogue and sought to encourage Select Committees to Lady thinks that Select Committees are incapable of play the role that I have described. I can say, not just in focusing significantly on the issues, obtaining the evidence my Justice Committee capacity but as Chairman of the relating to problems such as those that worry her, and Liaison Committee, that our discussions with him have bringing them quickly to the attention of the House. We been very useful. However, I think that he has found it a do it all the time. bit difficult—and we have found it very difficult—to build sufficiently on qualities that are already there and Ms Stuart: That would be true were it not for the fact available. that we scrutinise on a departmental basis, whereas When Committees go to Brussels and meet UKREP UKREP’s political “give and take”negotiations in Brussels staff, many of whom will have been seconded to UKREP are cross-departmental. I have been present during such from individual Departments, they find them uniformly negotiations. Representatives say, for instance, “We will helpful, very well informed, and able to give a fair give the Germans a bit on cigarette advertising, and in amount of guidance not only on the content of proposals exchange the Danes will be given a bit of an opt-out on but on the amount of traction that they are likely to fish and the Greeks will get a bit more money to enable achieve. They can say whether the proposals are worth 45 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 46 spending time on, or are unlikely to get anywhere. We and the public what questions and issues they have to ought to deploy knowledge of that kind in a process resolve on matters that the Commission are bringing that will engage Committees usefully and in a timely forward. We ought to be doing that clearly and explicitly. way, so that a British perspective on an issue—the Those are issues on which the real knowledge is not perspective of British business, charities or trade unions, necessarily inside the House, but out there among the for example—can be brought to bear where it really wide variety of bodies from which we take evidence and matters. which are affected. The Justice Committee has been We on the Liaison Committee are doing all that we taking evidence from chief police officers about data can to encourage Committees to allocate time for such protection rules and from organisations involving work properly in their programmes. Some of them do it individuals adversely affected by some of these proposals. all the time anyway. Most of the subjects for which the We have the means at our disposal to do the work, but Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, for we need timely information, guidance on issues that the example, is responsible are dealt with at a European Government recognise are difficult to resolve and not level, so the Committee is greatly engaged with it, and too much sensitivity about, “Oh, we’d better not discuss other Committees regularly have issues as well. it with the Committee yet, because Ministers have not decided what they think.” That kind of obstacle is out Ms Gisela Stuart: I am genuinely seeking guidance. of date, given that we are trying to deal with an evolving Which of the Committees of the House could have European situation. looked at ash dieback disease, for instance? People now I think that there is common ground between those say that, even if we had identified it, the EU could not of us who believe that Britain’s place is inside the EU have stopped the trade in infected trees early enough. and those who want to achieve fundamental change in Which Committee in our system could have tackled it: while we are in it—as I hope we will remain—we that, traced it back and said, “We need to do something”? must ensure that the legislative process works for us, and in order to do that we should use the tools at our Sir Alan Beith: In our system, it follows the departmental disposal in the House and the House should have the responsibility, unless it is the kind of cross-cutting thing benefit of the knowledge that the Government have at the Environmental Audit Committee deals with. In the their disposal. case that the hon. Lady mentions, however, it would probably have been the Environment, Food and Rural 4.53 pm Affairs Committee. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): As a member There is absolutely nothing preventing Select Committees of the European Scrutiny Committee, I am partly from seeking to get Commissioners in front of them or responsible—I suppose—for bringing this document to from going to Brussels to talk to them. The Justice the House, so it is important that I say a few words. Committee has questioned Commissioners on our areas The word “work” will have great appeal to the millions of responsibility—for example, we have questioned them of European citizens currently without work, but that is a great deal on EU data protection and information the problem, because none of the many initiatives in the proposals. Select Committees have the opportunity to document address the immediate economic crisis in do that kind of work and to report in a timely way to the EU or the eurozone and will not solve the problem the House. On data protection, for example, the Justice in the longer term either. We have mass unemployment Committee has told Ministers that, in our view, they and we have economic contraction in a number of need to get the Commission to go back to the drawing countries, and more austerity is being inflicted on Greece. board in respect of the excessively prescriptive nature of Apparently, Greece’s economy is expected to contract some proposals. by another 10%—God knows what is going to happen in Greece after that. Spain is in serious difficulty and For the process to be engaged in effectively, however, Portugal is going to inflict on its people a fire sale of there needs to be a change of attitude in some Departments public assets; it will simply be selling off the family in recognising what Select Committees can and should silver at the pawnbroker’s and that will solve nothing in do. I think that the Minister is trying to achieve that. the long term once the money is spent, as it will be. The reason I made the rather harsh comment earlier Other countries are in difficulties and there is worse to about it being delivery time was that we do not need any come. more dialogue; we know what needs to be done and what tools are available to help us to do it properly, so Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Action 58 in let us get on with it. the Commission’s work programme deals proposes a There is some sensitivity in this matter, as the Minister “Comprehensive Approach to Crisis Management outside the referred to when he said that Governments do not want EU”. to give away their negotiating position. Obviously, they The document says: do not, but these are not cold war negotiations or “The European Union more than any other international negotiations with North Korea over weapons; these are actor, has a unique array of tools at its disposal to promote the democratic states with open Governments trying to resolution of complex external crises.” discuss with each other well-known concerns in each It is said that experience can be learned from, and I country. What final decisions Departments come to, guess that the European Commission does have a lot of when faced with having to give up one thing in order to experience and a lot to teach here. get another, will probably remain late-stage decisions—as is the case every December at the Agriculture and Kelvin Hopkins: I thank the hon. Gentleman for Fisheries Council, for example—but none of that precludes intervening. The document talks about solving external sensible and timely discussion. Governments have talked crises, but what about solving the internal crises? The about publishing lists that make it clear to the House European Commission has not shown much ability to 47 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 48

[Kelvin Hopkins] I come now to some detailed points. No reference to railways is made in the section dealing with transport, do that. The problem is that it has inflicted supply-side although they are a major force for the future in the measures—most of these are supply-side measures to transport sector. Surprisingly, after 200 years or so, they try to deal with the economic problems—whereas the have turned out to be the mode of transport for the real difficulty is a serious lack of economic demand. future rather than the past. I have a great interest in That is the deficiency and macro-economic policy is the railways, but no reference is made to them in this problem, as it is failing and is, in most cases, completely document. misguided. Item 1 in the document refers to an “Annual On cigarette smuggling, we lose billions in government Growth Survey”—perhaps that ought to be re-titled the revenues every year because nobody pays taxes on imported “Annual Contraction Survey”. cigarettes. They are brought in by the billion, I guess, Item 6 makes the only reference in the whole list to and if we had proper taxes and duties paid on every the cigarette smoked, we would gain billions in revenues— “importance of a sound macroeconomic framework”. enough to pay many times over for free long-term care I absolutely agree with the importance of that, but there for all. Cigarette smuggling is a major problem, which is no sign of such a framework as yet. Indeed, we have we ought to be addressing as a nation rather than the opposite: co-ordinated deflation driving the EU simply through the European Union. towards deeper recession. Thank goodness this country Most of the measures in the list could be undertaken is somewhat to the side of that. We will of course lose by member state Governments on an individual basis, if—[Interruption.] My hon. Friend the Member for as they felt they were appropriate. If we wanted to Preston (Mark Hendrick) is intervening from a sedentary indulge in international agreements, we could do that position, but I cannot quite hear what he is saying. The through bilateral and multinational negotiation. The euro is the primary problem; Greece, Italy, Spain and a democratic decisions should be taken in this House, by number of other countries ought to be able to recreate this Parliament, and by member state Governments in their own currencies, to depreciate and to reflate behind general. We have shown that we can co-operate bilaterally that. and multilaterally and we do not need a European Commission to determine all these things. I am strongly Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): The hon. in favour of democracy, which means democracy at a Gentleman is a notable voice of reason on the Labour member state level. Benches on these issues. Does he think he will be able to persuade his colleagues to join us in arguing for a 5pm referendum on our relationship with the European Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): It is Union—on whether we should stay in or not? a great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins), who is the voice of reason on Kelvin Hopkins: I certainly think we should have a these matters, but it was the speech of the hon. Member referendum, and I am actively involved in an organisation for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) that made me promoting the idea of one. More than that, we want to think about the forms and substance of power in this get some sensible economic policies adopted, both in nation. When Her Majesty’s Government introduce the Britain and across Europe. We also want to return to Queen’s Speech—their legislative programme—there is some of the common sense that emerged from Bretton a great sense of funfair and fête. The House has trumpeters; Woods in 1944 and led the post-war world to such the imperial state crown comes in its own carriage. success, with full employment, rising living standards, Rather splendidly, Black Rod comes and the door is growing equality and so on. slammed in his face to show the independence of the Items 9 and 10 refer to state aid. Lecturing those House of Commons from the Executive. countries in desperate crisis about not indulging in state When the European Union sets out its legislative aids would be completely unacceptable. If they have to programme, what do we get? When real power is being use state aids to regenerate their economies, they should exercised, what do we see? A dusty, dry and bureaucratically be able to do so. Indeed, state aids in the UK should be written text is sent up to a Committee Room for a few decided by this Parliament and not by the European people to consider and, if they feel like it, they grant an Commission. Some may be against state aids in principle hour and a half—90 minutes—of debate on the Floor and others may think them a very good idea, but we of this Chamber. There is no ability for witty speeches should decide on that, not the European Commission. to be made by old and young Back Benchers alike or for Item 13 refers to: jokes to be made by the Leader of the Opposition and “Reforming the internal market for industrial products”. the Prime Minister. We do not have three or four days of debate to clear maiden speeches out of the way or delve That does indeed need dealing with. One of the great into the thin gruel that now comes from the Queen’s problems—the great problem, in a sense—in the European speech—we know where power really lies. Union is the massive trade imbalances within it. Germany has a gigantic trade surplus with the other members of Mr Leigh: We get a speech from my hon. Friend, the EU, including with this country. If we went back to however, who is himself an ornament of the constitution. the principles of Bretton Woods, we would expect, in normal circumstances, that Germany would let its currency Jacob Rees-Mogg: I am very flattered by that promotion. appreciate—the Americans were rather against that idea Perhaps that is the one ornament I can provide to a of John Maynard Keynes, but it was a sensible one—and debate on the European Union’s legislative programme, that those with trade deficits should be able to depreciate as it is more thoroughgoing and more powerful than the their currencies. That is one of the measures used to get Queen’s Speech and becomes law more easily and with an economy working again. less scrutiny than anything contained in it. 49 Commission Work Programme 20137 JANUARY 2013 Commission Work Programme 2013 50

Mrs Main: Of course, the other point is that we of law, and is therefore an essential and necessary part usually compare and contrast the Queen’s speech with of law-making? To that extent, in European structures the manifestos of the parties. As for what happens in it does make law. Europe, we rarely get it in our manifestos. Wayne David: The hon. Gentleman is right. The Jacob Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. European Commission has the sole right to initiate There is no manifesto; nobody stands for the European legislation. Nevertheless, it does not have the sole right Commission saying what they want to do and the to agree legislation; the initiatives the Commission programme they wish to propose. No, no—it comes formulates are the result of discussions in the European down from on high. Is it not interesting that that which Parliament, and increasingly in the Council of Ministers. has the appearance of power has none whereas that When we talk about democracy inside the European which has the reality of power uses it as far as possible Union, it is important to recognise that this Parliament by stealth? has a pivotal role. If anything has clearly come out of Annex I contains 58 recommendations, 38 of which the debate, it is the fact that this Parliament does not are legislative—including some elements that are non- take European legislation and formulation as seriously legislative in bits of them. One rather splendidly requires as it ought to do. “soft law”, a term that I have not heard before. I wonder whether when up before a judge one could say, “I am Mark Hendrick: Is it not the case that the European not sure whether I broke the law, because it was only Commission is made up of Commissioners directly soft law—does it have to be hard law?” Another is a appointed by democratically elected Governments and negotiating directive that is not law by first degree but they are interviewed by Members of the European becomes law a little later. Parliament before their appointment? Members of the Annex II is on simplifications and 17 out of the European Parliament are directly elected as well. 18 proposals are legislative. Is it not interesting that when the European Union simplifies, it has to pass Wayne David: My hon. Friend makes a very good more law? It does not just repeal things—not a bit of point indeed, and reinforces what I was saying. it—but passes more laws. It reminds me of that quip: “Big fleas have smaller fleas upon their backs to bite I welcome the debate because it occurs at a time when ‘em, and little fleas have lesser fleas and so ad infinitum.” Europe as a whole is experiencing a deep economic We go on and on legislating, apparently making things malaise. Against the problematic economic climate that simpler, but it seems to me that we are just being bitten we all face, we must assess the relevance and appropriateness by the fleas of the European Union. of the Commission’s work programme. The situation is most acute in the eurozone, as I am sure Members will I know that time is short, so I want to go to the agree, although of late, it has stabilised somewhat. The absolute heart of the matter, which, as so often, is in situation is still serious in Spain and Portugal, and in the introduction, which refers to the state of the Union Greece it is extremely serious. However, there are signs speech by Mr Barroso—that reference is wonderfully of improvement; in Ireland, things are starting to get grandiloquent and makes it sound as if he is President better. Nevertheless— of the United States and a democratically elected and important figure rather than a minor panjandrum—and states: Kelvin Hopkins rose— “The State of the Union speech launched ambitious ideas for the long term framing of the EU—a deep and genuine economic Wayne David: Before my hon. Friend intervenes, I union, based on a political union. This vision must be translated take the point that one of the great weaknesses across into practice through concrete steps, if it is to address the lingering the European Union as a whole is the macro-economic crisis that continues to engulf Europe, and the Euro Area in policy being pursued by member states. There is too particular.” great an emphasis on austerity and nothing else. We These are concrete steps about creating an economic need to put a firm emphasis on growth and measures to union based on a political union; they are not in the stimulate our economy so that we can work our way interests of the United Kingdom. to prosperity once again.

5.5 pm Kelvin Hopkins: I want to be persuaded that there are Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab): I begin with a general signs of improvement in the European Union. Writing point about the European Commission. I am not a in at the weekend, a Greek journalist great defender or fan of the Commission, but it is suggested that the Greek economy will contract by a important for us to remember that it is not a legislative further 10%. body. It does not decide laws; it makes proposals and, usually through a process of co-determination or Wayne David: As I indicated, the situation in Greece co-decision, other institutions, such as the Council of is still very serious indeed. As we know, deep-seated Ministers and the European Parliament, are then involved structural problems afflict the Greek economy but there in determining the law. That is when democracy comes are signs of improvement elsewhere. Certainly the contagion into play. It is important to keep that perspective. that many people feared a few months ago does not appear to be materialising. There are signs of stabilisation, Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): The at least, across the eurozone. It is therefore important hon. Gentleman says that the European Commission that the European Commission does as much as it can does not make law, but is it not the case that the to make sure that we take that a stage further and have a European Commission has a monopoly on the proposal coherent growth strategy. In that respect, the document 51 Commission Work Programme 2013 7 JANUARY 2013 52

[Wayne David] Gender Balance on Corporate Boards before us is somewhat lacking, but it does at least recognise the importance of job creation. I cite its [Relevant documents: Uncorrected Oral Evidence from opening statement: the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee on Women in the Workplace, HC 754-v, and the Twenty-third Report “Today’s absolute imperative is to tackle the economic crisis and put the EU back on the road to sustainable growth.” from the European Scrutiny Committee, HC 86-xxiii.] That is a good starting point. At least there is recognition of the need to put that four-square on the agenda. 5.14 pm However, practical measures to realise that goal are somewhat lacking. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills One of the positive things about the document is that (Matthew Hancock): I beg to move, it recognises the importance of taking forward the That this House considers that the draft Directive of the completion of the single market. It states: European Parliament and of the Council on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on “A fully integrated and interconnected European Single Market stock exchanges and related measures (European Union Document covering telecoms, energy and transport is a prerequisite for No. 16433/12 and Addenda 1 to 3) does not comply with the competitiveness, jobs and growth. Achieving this requires affordable, principle of subsidiarity for the reasons set out in Chapter 1 of accessible, efficient and secure network infrastructure. Accelerating the Twenty-third Report of the European Scrutiny Committee the roll out of the digital economy will bring benefits across all (HC 86-xxiii); and, in accordance with Article 6 of Protocol No. 2 sectors, through enhanced productivity, efficiency and innovation.” of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on the That is particularly true. It is something that the previous application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, Labour Government and this Government have effectively instructs the Clerk of the House to forward this reasoned opinion been arguing for. to the Presidents of the European Institutions. The motion is in the name of my right hon. Friend The importance of the single market, particularly to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and the United Kingdom, should not be underestimated. In Skills. This debate gives the House a welcome opportunity support of that point, I refer Members to the important to discuss gender balance among non-executive directors new-year message from John Cridland, the director of listed companies, and to decide whether to send a general of the CBI, in which, on behalf of British reasoned opinion on the European Commission’s recently business, he makes it absolutely clear how important published proposal, improving the directive, to the the single market and the European Union are to British Presidents of the EU institutions. In short, we are here business. He points out that 50% of Britain’s exports go to debate women on boards. to other countries in the EU. He argues the case coherently for completing the single market, and says that the EU The aim of the draft directive is to increase substantially is vital when it comes to enhancing our international the number of women on corporate boards throughout trading relationships. He goes a stage further: he argues Europe. The directive sets an objective of ensuring that, that it is vital that we do not just pay lip service to the at a minimum, 40% of non-executives on the boards of single market, and that Britain stands four-square behind listed companies are female by 2020. It aims to do that the European Union and argues the British case consistently by ensuring that companies have transparent, gender-neutral inside the decision-making chambers of the EU. He appointment processes in place for their boards. Member says: states would be required to have a range of sanctions in “It’s essential that we stay at the table to bang the drum for place for companies that failed to do that. For companies businesses and defend our national interest, particularly protecting that are listed, over which public authorities have a our world-class financial services industry to maintain our dominant influence, the proposed objective is to reach competiveness internationally.” a minimum 40% representation by 2018.

5.13 pm Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): Does my hon. One and a half hours having elapsed since the Friend share my concern that there is confusion here commencement of proceedings on the motion, the Deputy between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome? Speaker put the Question (Standing Order No. 16(1)). If we are not careful, we could have the same few women on different sorts of boards, rather than genuinely Question agreed to. offering opportunities for many women to apply. Resolved, That this House takes note of European Union Document Matthew Hancock: My hon. Friend makes a good No. 15691/12 and Addendum, a Commission Communication on point. A number of objections have been raised, and the Commission Work Programme 2013, and welcomes the Work that adds to them. Programme as a useful summary that enables the Government and Parliament to plan their engagement. Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I am grateful to the Minister for giving way so early in his speech. Has he received any document from the European Union about the wider diversity of our industry and business—for example, ethnic diversity? I fully support the proposals for gender diversity, but it is important to understand that this country and Europe have changed. The ethnic minority communities are not represented on the boards of FTSE companies, but we would like them to be. 53 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 54

Matthew Hancock: So would I. The right hon. Gentleman executive positions are enormously important because makes an important point that is not in today’s document. they are about the day-to-day running of businesses and The importance of diversity on boards is not just about what is happening within businesses. sex, race or background. It is that good boards bring a range of experience, a range of different people, together. Matthew Hancock: It is true that progress has been Good boards tend to have members with different slower in executive appointments, but it is also true that points of view and with all sorts of different characteristics. where legislation has been passed to increase the number All the hard research shows that that is what promotes a of women on boards—for example, in Norway—the good board both for economic and business purposes increase has come almost entirely in non-executive roles, and for social reasons, as the right hon. Gentleman which shows that legislation is not a panacea. The highlights. Davies review recommended a business-led strategy to bring about the necessary change, and we have been Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon) (Con): I recognise working with business to implement the strategy. this as an important issue and I recognise also that the I pay tribute to the 30% Club and Helena Morrissey. number of women on boards has increased, which is They are both pragmatic and passionate about reaching welcome. Is not the question: why is the European their target of 30% representation on boards. Their Union dealing with this? Is this not a matter for the approach is one of persuasion and moral suasion to Financial Reporting Council, the UK Listing Authority change the culture of business from business, and so far and the Department? Why are we discussing it in the it has been highly effective. The figures clearly show that context of the European Union? we are moving in the right direction. Since Lord Davies’s work was started, we have had a Matthew Hancock: We are discussing it because the near 50% increase in the number of female non-executives EU has put forward a proposal. Whether we think it is in the FTSE 350. Now, 17.3% of FTSE 100 board right that it should do so is exactly what we are debating. directors are female and, importantly, 38% of newly I have an awful lot of sympathy with what my hon. appointed FTSE 100 directors and 36% of newly appointed Friend says. In fact, I think I agree with all of it, FTSE 250 directors since March last year have been although I am always cautious about saying that I agree women. Research by Cranfield School of Management with all of anything in case I missed something or shows that should the current pace of change be maintained, misunderstood. we are on a trajectory to reach 37% of women on FTSE 100 boards by 2020, just shy of the 40% proposed Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Will my by the commission. We think that that business-led hon. Friend give way? voluntary approach is the right one for the UK and that it is making progress. Central to it is a change in culture Matthew Hancock: May I make a little progress? I at the heart of business, and that is the only way in shall come to some of these points in detail. which progress will be sustainable and long term. The Government are committed to increasing the number of women on boards. In the coalition agreement Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Has my we pledged to promote gender equality on the boards of hon. Friend come to any conclusion about why the listed companies, and we did so for a good reason. Labour party failed so dismally to achieve better results Historically, the proportion of women on boards has on this issue in its 13 years in government? been too low. In 1999 women made up just 6.2% of the boards of FTSE 100 companies. By 2004, that was 9.4% Matthew Hancock: I have not specifically done any and in 2010 it was 12.5%. In 2010 there were only five research into that, but it is certainly true that since 2010 female chief executive officers of FTSE 100 companies. there has been a big increase in the numbers. However, I As the House will know, we published the review by do not think that this is a particularly partisan issue Lord Davies of Abersoch in 2011 and have been working because there is cross-government and cross-party work to implement the recommendations. The Davies review on trying to make it happen. Crucially, we are following identified several barriers preventing women from reaching a voluntary business-led approach, because the research senior roles in business. The research shows that people shows that diverse boards are better boards. have an unconscious bias to reward and promote people That brings me to the broader point that was made who are like themselves. Davies found that informal by the right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith networks are highly influential in determining board Vaz). The best boards have a diversity of human behaviour selections and that a lack of transparency over selection and experience and there is no bigger determinant of an criteria continues to be an obstacle to progress. Davies individual’s behaviour than their sex. On average, companies also suggests that differences in the way men and women with the most balanced boards out-perform companies are mentored could be giving men the edge over their with no female board members by an average of 56%, female peers, for the clear reason that there are fewer and companies with three or more women on their women in senior roles to act as mentors and role models boards have achieved a return on equity about 45% for female colleagues. higher than the average company. Research suggests that just one female director on a board cuts a company’s Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): I very risk of insolvency by around 20%. much welcome what the Minister is saying and the issues he is describing. Will he say something about the Keith Vaz: I hope the Minister will agree that the differences between non-executive, as opposed to executive, message needs to come from the Government themselves. women board members? We know that significant progress I had many discussions with previous Prime Ministers has been made in respect of non-executive roles, but about the diversity of their trade delegations to countries 55 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 56

[Keith Vaz] demonstrating the need for, and proportionality of, binding EU action was “very weak”, stating that members such as India. I understand why the Minister wants to states had a go down the voluntary approach route, but will he give “proven ability to act in this area” the House an undertaking that the Government will and that also send out a very clear message in the appointments they make to non-government departments and in the “a number of Member States had taken measures which appeared to have achieved significant progress”. delegations that he and other Ministers lead by ensuring that they are representative of our country: more ethnic I hope that list includes us. minority people, more women? Meg Munn: One way of making progress on this is through the voluntary approach, but Lord Davies has Matthew Hancock: Yes, I do agree, but these things made it clear in speeches I have heard him make that he have to be done on merit. As it happens, later this feels that there must be progress and that, if progress is month I am leading a trade delegation to India, and not made, we should look at a non-voluntary approach. the business side of that trade delegation will be led by Is the Minister arguing that the Government would be a woman. I hope that I have satisfied the right hon. willing to look at that as something the UK would do, Gentleman. rather than something the EU would do?

Mr Leigh: We all agree that this should be business Matthew Hancock: For the purposes of today’s debate, led, but can the Government block this or will it go the Government are arguing that this does not pass the through on qualified majority voting? EU’s subsidiarity test. For those purposes, the Government’s position is clear: we think that the voluntary approach Matthew Hancock: I will come to the point that, is best. Before becoming a Minister, I wrote a book in under the principles of subsidiarity in the Lisbon treaty, which I stated that that needs to happen and that we should there be enough motions in national Parliaments should hold open the possibility of having legislation, across the Union, that is enough to ensure that the but the Government’s position is clear: we should approach Commission cannot introduce the current draft proposals. this on a voluntary basis. We want a business environment in which woman can and do take their seats at the boardroom table on merit Mr Djanogly: I thank the Minister for being so generous and in which businesses can respond to the varying in giving way. I wholly support what he has said and the needs of their sector, size and type of business. We need Government’s position. However, he might wish to look to tackle those problems without unduly burdening at the Financial Reporting Council’s most recent annual business. That is the substance of the challenge of report, which basically says, “Over to you, Europe. getting more women on boards. It is clear that the We’ll see what you have to say and then we’ll deal with Government have taken a lead on that and things are it.” I think that the FRC needs to be told that it must moving in the right direction, and the current strategy is look at this, because it is an important issue and we leading us towards the target that the EU has proposed. want to deal with it. I will now move on to the argument about whether this should be an EU competence at all. The Government’s Matthew Hancock: It might be that this debate and position is clear: we believe that member states must the decision of Parliament that will follow will be retain the flexibility to respond to their own individual brought to the FRC’s attention. I wonder who might circumstances. Today’s debate is about allowing Parliament, do that. as distinct from the Government, to express its view on Of course, we share the Commission’s view that fair whether this should be an EU competence. The Government opportunities for women in executive and non-executive are strongly of the view that the principle of subsidiarity posts should be promoted and we are happy for the EU should be respected and adhered to. The principle of to disseminate good practice across member states, but subsidiarity rests on two tests that a Commission proposal it is up to member states to find their own national must pass: the necessity test, which is that the objectives approaches. Many member states are considering, or of the proposed action cannot be sufficiently achieved have implemented, various and differing national measures by member states acting alone; and the EU added value on a voluntary basis to facilitate raising the proportion test, which is that the objectives can be better achieved of women on boards. Some have decided on domestic by action at EU level. Under protocol 2 of the Lisbon legislation and some, like us, think that we can get there treaty, national Parliaments may raise an objection, without it. That multitude of approaches is likely to referred to as a “reasoned opinion”, if they do not help us find which one works best and has the most believe that a draft proposal is compliant with the benefits and the fewest unintended consequences. The principle of subsidiarity. reasoned opinion is intended to set out the views of The Government’s explanatory memorandum, which Parliament separately from the views of the Government, was sent to the European Scrutiny Committee by the so I am very much looking forward to contributions on Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, that front from Members in all parts of the House. sets out the Government’s assessment of whether the Let me turn to a couple of the specific questions from Commission’s proposals meet the principle of subsidiarity. the European Scrutiny Committee. The Committee asked We find that they do not. There is no reason why for the Government’s view of the Commission’s projection member states cannot achieve the objectives by acting that only 17% of UK listed companies would have 40% alone and there is no evidence that value would be women directors by 2020. It is safe to say that the added through EU involvement. Indeed, the Commission’s Commission’s projections are rather out of date, because own impact assessment found that the evidence base for we already have 17% women directors in the FTSE 100. 57 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 58

The Commission’s analysis is based on extrapolating ethnic minority while the new census figures indicate the increase in the number of women on boards in the that 14% of the population is now from a non-white period 2003 to 2011 and using a linear progression, but, background. How can we inspire young black and as we have already discussed, the rate of change increased Asian Britons to reach for the top when they see so few markedly at the back end of the last decade, and we will people who look like them in our boardrooms, never be within a whisker of reaching the target that the mind here in Parliament? Commission has set by 2020. Thirdly, diversity in executive directorships also matters, The Committee asked whether the Government consider as does the diversity of the boards of directors of that the measures proposed by the EU would be counter- non-listed private companies. I think that Sir Richard productive. It is true that legislation can have unintended Branson has made that point, too. consequences, and if an objective can be reached without We cannot stand idly by on other issues of representation legislation it is usually better to do so. in the leadership positions that people hold in modern Finally, the Committee asked about the outcome of Britain. Today, however, we are bound to focus on the the Government’s consultations on the proposed directive issue of gender balance among non-executive directors and the progress on negotiations. We are discussing the of listed companies, because that is the subject of the proposals broadly, but negotiations in Brussels have yet draft directive and the motion. to start. Two central questions flow from the motion. The first is whether we should take action, and if so what sort, in Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): The Minister said—I relation to the gender balance on the boards of listed have some sympathy with this view—that if we can companies. The second is whether that action should be succeed without legislation, that is preferable because taken at the level of the European Union. As the noble there are downsides to legislation. Will he undertake Labour Lord and former Business Minister in the Labour that we will have an annual report on progress and some Government, Lord Davies, made clear in his excellent suggestions about action that could be taken if the rate February 2011 report, “Women on boards”, despite of success that he predicts is less than he hopes for? some progress under the previous Government, the representation of women on boards in this country is Matthew Hancock: We have had a report on this. woefully low, as the Minister has set out today. There are constant reports—for instance, I commend In 2003 we set up the Higgs review into corporate to the hon. Lady the 30% Club website, which has a governance, which called for greater diversity on our quarterly update of the numbers—and there are many corporate boards. In percentage terms, female-held opportunities to debate this in the House. The most directorships in the FTSE 100 doubled under the previous important thing is that we should try to get there Labour Government, but I am clear that we must without legislation, and certainly there does not need to concede, with regret, that despite that, progress was be EU-level legislation, as it is something that this lacking, with—I think the Minister cited the figure—women House can perfectly well do on its own. Having more holding just 12.5% of FTSE 100 directorships when we women on boards is right, and it is good business, but it left office in 2010. As Lord Davies pointed out, if that should be the responsibility of this House. rate of change continued, it would have taken about I am grateful for the European Scrutiny Committee’s 70 years to achieve some level of parity. work. We would argue that legislation is not necessary As Lord Davies made clear, there is as much a moral now. Yes, there is more work to do to promote women imperative to change this state of affairs as there is a on boards, and we and British business are doing it. I strong business case to do so. The Minister has echoed commend the motion to the House. those sentiments. I do not believe that this is a matter of party political discord. 5.32 pm Keith Vaz: I welcome my hon. Friend’s mea culpa in Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): Before I discuss respect of the previous Labour Government. Does he the substance of the motion, it is important to make know why we failed to make more of an impact? Was it three brief observations for the record. because of a lack of a message from the then Government First, today we debate the need for greater gender to the constituent parts that could have acted upon it, balance among those in positions of leadership in business, or was it the case, as the Minister has said, that the but in so doing this House and the Government should culture in the business community took so long to acknowledge their own failings in this area. Just 22% of change? Is my hon. Friend able to offer an explanation the current Members of this House and just four—18%— of why we did not do better? of the Cabinet are women. That is a disgraceful state of affairs in 2013. Labour Members are proud that 33% Mr Umunna: I think that some of the things that my of the parliamentary Labour party and almost 40% of right hon. Friend has just mentioned may have contributed the shadow Cabinet are women, but we all need to do to the state of affairs when we left office. As the Davies better. By all means we should debate the matter, but we report makes clear, this is an historically complex issue. in this House are certainly in no position to lecture. The easy conclusion to draw would be that our business Secondly, the subject of the motion is gender balance, community has a high level of overt and outrageous but, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester discrimination. I know through my own practice as an East (Keith Vaz) said, it is important to note that there employment lawyer that, unfortunately, that still exists is woeful under-representation on company boards in in some small pockets of the business community.However, other respects that must be addressed too. For example, I think that there are cultural factors at play and that according to the latest research from Cranfield university, the issues that women in the workplace face with regard just 5.7% of FTSE 100 directors are drawn from an to child care and flexible working all contribute to the 59 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 60

[Mr Umunna] Mr Djanogly: The hon. Gentleman mentions the 25% figure, but that is an absolute figure. He should also lack of progression in the pipeline of appointments in point out that 27% of all board appointments in FTSE 100 different companies. To tackle that, individuals need to companies are now being taken up by women. take a lead and have the will to bring about cultural change in individual organisations. Mr Umunna: I do not disagree. As I said, I do not think that the progress in this country towards achieving To be frank, one thing for which I do not apologise is the goals since the report came out in February 2011 our reluctance to move straight towards prescriptive has been insubstantial. Whether we are on course to legislative solutions to these problems. I believe that we reach the aspirations set out in the Davies report will be should regulate or legislate as the last resort, but what clearer next year, when the recommendations have had has become clear is that, as Lord Davies concluded, three years to bed in. At that point, we will form a view there needs to be far more will in the business community, on whether further measures are needed. Let me be never mind the political community. Another important clear: if we are to continue with a business-led approach, point that Lord Davies made is that we should be clear we expect to see much greater progress towards parity. about not ruling out taking further action in this House if we do not see enough progress culturally in the That is the case for action, but what of the EU? The business community. draft directive produced by the Commission seeks to introduce a new procedural requirement for the recruitment As the report made clear, many of the more than of non-executive directors that would apply to all boards 2,500 responses to the Davies review said that women of public listed companies in the EU. The objective is to with the relevant experience were frequently overlooked raise the proportion of non-executive positions held for development opportunities and that there were by the under-represented sex to 40% by January 2020 by differences in how men and women were mentored and introducing a new preference rule in the selection of non- sponsored, giving men an edge over their female peers executive directors. Under that rule, priority would be in gaining appointment to boards. We cannot tolerate given to a candidate of the under-represented sex who that in a society that seeks equal opportunities for all, was equally qualified in terms of suitability, competence regardless of background. To do an effective job, boards and professional performance as a candidate of the must be made up of competent, high-calibre individuals other sex—a man in this case—unless an objective who offer a mix of skills, experience and backgrounds. I assessment, taking account of all the criteria, would tilt fail to see how our boards can optimise their performance the balance in favour of the candidate of the other sex. unless they are representative of the population as a That system would not amount to the introduction of a whole. After all, in many cases, their customers are the quota per se, as has wrongly been reported in some population as a whole. There is a wealth of evidence to places, but it would introduce a degree of positive back that up, and it is all in the Davies report. discrimination in favour of female candidates, in the If we accept that the status quo is wrong and believe scenario that I have outlined, for non-executive director that it compromises the performance of our companies positions on boards. The Commission decided not to and our economy, as Opposition Members do, action take action in respect of executive directors because it has to be taken. That is why we endorsed all the says that it would constitute recommendations of the Davies report. Those who “excessive interference in the day-to-day management of a company.” argue against action often accuse those who argue for it The Commission argues that action at EU level is of engaging in tokenism and of promoting diversity justified on a number of grounds, including that if there over merit. Of course board appointments must always is not action at supranational level, insufficient progress be based on merit, with the best qualified person getting will be made at national level towards more gender-balanced the job, but to suggest that no action should be taken is representation on company boards by 2020. The European to presume either that there are not enough women who Scrutiny Committee rejects that and objects to the draft merit appointment or that there are not enough women directive on the grounds that it does not comply with who want to be appointed. That flies in the face of the the principle of subsidiarity. The reasons the Committee evidence in 2013. There are plenty of women who merit cites for its view include that it does not feel it is fair to appointment. Diversity and appointment on merit are say that member states acting individually will not not mutually exclusive. The problem is that there are achieve sufficient progress, given that barriers and obstacles that must be broken down to “many national measures have been introduced within the last ensure that the appointment of women is as usual as the year or two”. appointment of men. The Committee’s objections to the directive are set out The Davies report advanced a set of 10 voluntary in the draft reasoned opinion that it proposes be sent to measures, as the Minister has said, with a view to there the presidents of the European institutions. The Business being a minimum of 25% female representation on Secretary, who is once again absent from the House for boards by 2015. The Minister went through the most the debate on this important issue, asks us in the motion recent update so I will not go through all the details, but to endorse the draft reasoned opinion, with which the there has been not insubstantial progress towards achieving Government agree. the 25% goal. However, more action is clearly needed if The principal problem we have with the motion is we are to achieve the goals set out in the Davies report. that although there may well be strong arguments against Even if the goal is met, I believe that 25% is a modest the action envisaged under the draft directive, for the aspiration. We should all want companies to make reasons that the Committee cites in the draft reasoned more progress than that. The Government should keep opinion, we have heard very little from the Government the matter under review and should reserve the right to about how they might work constructively in other introduce more prescriptive measures to force faster ways to advance the cause of equality in company and greater change if necessary. boardrooms along with our European partners. 61 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 62

The Under-Secretary of State for Womenand Equalities, few years. I suspect that this work will continue. I also who is also a Business Minister—[Interruption.] Yes, commend the Government on the work to increase why is she not here? In her response to the report of mentoring, which is an incredibly important part of the the House of Lords European Union Committee on the jigsaw puzzle in informing not just women but people issue, she said that the Government from ethnic minorities about how they can aspire to get “agrees that the EU has an important role to play in improving on boards and into senior management positions in our the representation of women on boards.” companies. If that is the case, surely the Government are obliged to say how that should happen, and to give more of a lead Keith Vaz: I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his on what that role should be, if we want to lead the way appointment as vice-chairman of the Conservative party in Europe on the issue. with responsibility for ethnic minorities, but I am not Given that other European countries are also keen clear what he is saying, because so far we have failed on to see more women on boards, and given the extent to ethnic minority representation. Is he in favour of continuing which many of our major companies operate across with voluntary arrangements and hoping that things Europe, why have the Government not put forward will get better, or does he think that Government and proposals on what constructive moves European countries business should send a much stronger message about could make to work more positively together to promote boards needing to be made more diverse? having more women on boards? That would be good for tackling discrimination and promoting equality, and it would be good for business. Alok Sharma: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his comments; let me come to that point shortly. The situation is most unsatisfactory, because the Government have had a golden opportunity to make it I am also pleased that last year the Government clear that the UK wishes to be at the forefront of the introduced a set of draft regulations that will require debate on achieving greater equality across society both listed companies to set out the gender breakdown of here and in the EU. Instead, without the Government their work force at board level, in senior management having set out proposals on how member states could and in the work force as a whole. Normally, those of us work together to improve matters, I fear that the motion on the Conservative Benches are not particularly keen will leave people with the impression that yet again, the on huge amounts of business regulation, but this is a Government are dragging their feet on issues of equality, good regulation, which would not be burdensome but diversity and representation. That is the problem. Although helpful in shining a light on companies and getting we do not propose to divide the House on this technical them to focus on increasing diversity and, in particular, motion on a directive that is still at an early stage of improving the gender balance on corporate boards. development and negotiation, we urge the Government Indeed, the regulations, which are due to be introduced, to reconsider their overall approach. have already been implemented in a number of other jurisdictions across Europe, so this is nothing new. At Several hon. Members rose— the end of last year, the Secretary of State—who is now in his place—urged head-hunting firms to break down Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. This is the number of individuals they place in senior positions a time-limited debate, and the Question will be put no by gender. Again, that is extremely good news. later than 6.43 pm, so if Members could bear that in The right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith mind when considering the duration of their speeches, I Vaz) made the point about work force diversity. Gender am sure others would be grateful. balance is one measure of work force diversity, but ethnicity is another. Championing diversity should 5.48 pm undoubtedly be about improving both. The hon. Member for Streatham (Mr Umunna) pointed out that just as Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): As you say, there is under-representation of women at senior levels Mr Deputy Speaker, this is a time-limited debate, so I on boards, there is also under-representation of those will keep my remarks fairly brief. from non-European ethnic backgrounds. He gave the I welcome the Government’s work to increase gender figure of 5.7%. To break that down even further, research balance on boards. As we have heard, the Davies review by Cranfield university showed that only 4.4% of board was a seminal piece of work that helped to identify how members in FTSE 100 companies are ethnic minority not just the Government but particularly the corporate male, while only 1.3% are female. Indeed, of the 48 male sector can respond to the challenge of having more directors from minority backgrounds, only eight are women on boards and of increasing the diversity of British. As has been pointed out, the census showed boards. As the Minister said—the shadow Minister that the proportion of people from non-white or ethnic made this point too—diverse boards make for better minority backgrounds is currently around 14%. companies, better decisions and ultimately better outcomes The all-party group on race and community has just for shareholders. That is something for which every published a report—it came out at the end of last company should be striving. year—on ethnic minority female unemployment. Let The Government have absolutely the right approach me set out what it uncovered by quoting briefly from in getting companies to co-operate rather than coercing the executive summary: them into coming up with artificial quotas or targets—and “Discrimination was found to be present at every stage of the certainly by not forcing legislation on them. The approach recruitment process—when assessing applications, during interviews, is clearly working. A number of colleagues have pointed at recruitment agencies and also in the workplace itself. Strikingly, out that the number of women on boards, both executive it was estimated…that 25% of the ethnic minority unemployment and non-executive, has been increasing over the past rate for both men and women could be explained by prejudice 63 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 64

[Alok Sharma] fast enough. However, there is a risk that even recent progress might not necessarily be a predictor of the and racial discrimination. Discrimination based on name and future. A reduction in more recent months of the number accent was also uncovered both in data received and from personal of women FTSE 100 chief executive officers, down to testimony. two, is one indicator of that, and it should be a cause for In addition, it was found that discrimination based on both concern about the pipeline of talent among women gender and ethnicity is taking place in job interviews.” going into senior positions. I think all hon. Members today would agree that that is For years, including before becoming a Member of incredibly worrying. this House, I have worked in a number of ways to I appreciate the fact that today’s motion is about support the progress of women and other under-represented women on boards, but may I ask the Minister to consider groups—ethnic minorities and people with disabilities—in extending the draft regulations for listed companies to reaching senior levels in our public life, whether on disclose their gender balance—which are due to be public boards or the boards of business. This is a introduced this year—to include the ethnic balance at passion and an interest that I have taken forward not senior level, on boards and in the work force as a whole? only in my professional work on leadership and increasing As for further disclosure that could be considered—this diversity on public bodies, but in a voluntary capacity, could be part of a voluntary code—perhaps we could through the leadership and mentoring programme run ask listed companies also to break down the total by the Fabian women’s network. As several Members number of job applicants, interviewees and new employees have discussed and mentioned, better diversity in decision they take on every year by gender and ethnicity. That making aids better outcomes. To quote Peninah Thomson, would help to highlight which companies and sectors the author of “A Woman’s Place is in the Boardroom”, ethnic minority candidates and women are just not the customer is queen. Women influence the majority of applying to in numbers, as well as which are not giving purchases for themselves and their families. A much them any interviews. better understanding of consumer and customer needs I share the view that people should be appointed to through a better reflection of women’s lives at the top of jobs on merit and experience. That is absolutely right. business can only be good for our British companies. The whole idea of artificial quotas is not particularly Over the past 20 years, Labour has taken decisive helpful. However, what I am suggesting for the proposed action to ensure that women are better represented in new regulations is about taking companies one step Parliament and in politics, and we know that outcomes forwards, towards focusing on what they need to do to can take a generation to deliver. As a result of that increase diversity as a whole in the workplace, whether drive, we have more women MPs than all the other in the gender or ethnic make-up of boards or in the parties combined, but we still have a long way to go workplace as a whole. before women are equally represented in politics and I will end, as many others want to speak. As we have before a culture of gender balance pervades political heard, at the end of the day, diverse boards are much debate and discussion in seminars and in the media. I more effective, and they absolutely outperform their hope that we will also see an end to all-male panels, to rivals—there are reports out there by McKinsey and ensure a gender balance at all levels of debate. many others. If a company’s work force and senior It is unfortunate that such progress has not been management are representative of its customers, it is made at the same pace in all the parties. The World much more likely to make decisions that respond to Economic Forum’s annual global gender gap report their needs and, ultimately, benefit the business. That is published in October 2012 showed that the UK had a virtuous circle that every company should be looking slipped down the international gender gap index from to square. 16th to 18th place. The report states that that was mainly the result of a decrease in the percentage of 5.56 pm women in ministerial positions from 23% to 17%. Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): This debate must not be positioned simplistically in I welcome this debate and thank you, Mr Deputy terms of representation versus merit. It is about the Speaker, for the opportunity to speak. We know that outcomes that we want to see, and we must take a stand this is a vital debate, on which we need to make faster on the progress that we want to make while taking progress, not just for women but for our economy. responsibility for the outcomes. I am not the only one This debate is about non-executive directors on listed who wants Britain to lead the way in this area, rather companies, which in one way is convenient, as progress than just catching up. It is important that we reserve the has been made in that area. We know that the gender right to take more prescriptive measures, beyond the balance in executive roles has remained at approximately voluntary ones, to enforce faster and greater change at a 5%, which is woefully low. This is also an important later stage if necessary. If we are to continue with a debate for our economy. A McKinsey study in 2010 on business-led, voluntary approach, we expect to see greater listed firms in six European countries and the BRIC progress towards parity, and we must not favour ideology countries found a correlation between the proportion of over evidence when it comes to policy. We must consider women on a company’s board and its performance. encouraging greater positive action. Indeed, across all sectors, companies with the most With regard to the reasoned opinion that is the women on their boards of directors significantly outperform subject of the motion, there might be arguments against those with no female representation—by 41% in return the action envisaged in the draft directive, for the reasonable on equity and by 56% in operating results. Diversity reasons that the Committee cites, but I remain concerned does indeed unlock growth. More recently, that important that the reasoned opinion says nothing about how the study has helped to fuel a growing body of work and a Government will take a lead in the debate, if not through consensus that the current pace of change is not nearly the directive as currently constructed but in other ways, 65 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 66 to advance these matters with our European partners. talent and hard work, not on positive discrimination. Business does not stop at geographical boundaries, and The entrepreneur and “dragon” from “Dragons’ Den”, with Europe as one of our main trading blocs, we Julie Meyer, powerfully argues that if someone is on a should have a voice in ensuring greater representation board because of a quota, of women at the top of businesses across Europe. “your voice will be neutered and your advice won’t be heard”. It is also a matter of concern that the report of the That is what this directive would achieve; that is what it European Scrutiny Committee and the draft reasoned is about. It would force top FTSE companies faced with opinion were published only on Christmas eve. Members equally qualified applicants to positively discriminate in have had no opportunity to table amendments to ensure favour of women, with fines and court-ordered annulment that the UK is at the forefront of moves to achieve of appointments as the sanctions for non-compliance. greater equality in society here and across the EU. Let us not kill ourselves, as those on the Opposition Instead, there is a danger that the motion will leave the Front Bench are trying to do. This is a quota, not a impression that the Government are dragging their feet target. on issues of equality, diversity and representation. The message must be that Britain wants to be at the forefront Mr Umunna: I have read the hon. Gentleman’s of positive change for all groups that are under-represented contributions on this topic, and I see that the headline on grounds of gender, ethnicity or disability. to his recent piece in The Sunday Times was, “Sorry, girls, a seat on the board must be earned”. I am sure 6.3 pm that many women would find that quite insulting, although I am sure that he did not write it himself. I hear what he Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con): The is saying about child care—I have said it myself—but draft directive is unprincipled and counterproductive. It does he not accept that there are certain cultural issues needs to be understood in the context of the progress at play here? Lord Davies’s report indentified the fact that has been made towards a more equal society in this that people seek to select people who are like them to country. We are sometimes churlish in acknowledging positions on their boards, and that that operates as a the strides that we have made, notwithstanding our barrier towards women getting on to those boards. desire to go further and faster. For example, the UK median full-time gender pay gap has almost halved Mr Raab: I note that the hon. Gentleman did not since 1998. Women in their 20s now earn 3% more than take issue with the substance of my article—[Interruption.] men; women in their 30s earn almost the same. One of No, listen to my point. He talked about the headline, the key residual issues—in regard to the pay gap and, but, as a media-savvy politician, he well knows that I arguably, more broadly—appears to arise at the age of had no hand in writing it. He also mentioned group-think, 40, when women with young families strive to strike the and I think that there is a substantive point there, critical balance between child care and breadwinning. although it might not be the one that he wanted to Even at the top level, however, progress is being make. If he will bear with me, I will come to that made. Figures from Cranfield university, some of which shortly. have already been cited, show that the number of female I was about to make the point that the Commission’s FTSE 100 directors more than doubled between 2000 notion of equally qualified candidates is an utter fallacy. and 2012. That demonstrates a high rate of change, As anyone in the real business world knows, a rigorous albeit starting from a low base. Since March 2012, 44% recruitment process will always identify the best, the of new FTSE 250 non-executive directors have been brightest, the top person for the job, on merit. My wife women. That is evidence in favour of the argument that works for Google, and she was interviewed 10 times, the problem is to a large extent an historic hangover even after they had got rid of all the other candidates. that will be corrected over time, although we can argue That is a good example of a cutting-edge, high-tech about how quickly that is likely to happen. firm testing and testing until it finds the very best If we look at this issue across the piece, rather than candidate. just at what is happening in the boardrooms, we see The directive is not just anti-meritocratic; it would that, for most modern couples, the juggling act between also damage business competitiveness. No one has yet work and family is not just about women. It is about mentioned that. The Government estimate that it would teamwork and about freeing couples to make their own cost listed companies £9 million between now and 2020, choices. Let us also recognise that fathers are increasingly with additional ongoing monitoring costs. There is a far doing their bit, with a tenfold rise in stay-at-home dads greater cost involved, too, but people are just too politically in 10 years, supporting more and more women to correct to mention it. pursue their professional ambitions. A 2011 study by Aviva found that 39% of cohabitating couples now Seema Malhotra: Will the hon. Gentleman clarify share child care responsibilities equally, or have the what he meant when he said that the measure to increase father as the main child-carer. It is these grass-roots, diversity on boards would damage business competitiveness? bottom-up changes in social attitudes, and not regulatory diktat, that will deliver real change in this country. Mr Raab: If the hon. Lady will just have an iota of In the light of that progress, it is anti-meritocratic patience, I will come to the empirical evidence for that in the extreme to suggest that women need quotas to in a moment. succeed in modern Britain. I have lost count of the I want to cite some empirical research from Kenneth number of women who have told me how deeply insulting Ahern and Amy Dittmar of the business school of the they find the idea. No one has mentioned this in the university of Michigan, which examined the introduction debate today. Boardroom appointments, like any other of mandatory quotas in Norway from 2003. Looking competitive recruitment, should be based on individual assiduously at the impact on the boards, they found 67 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 68

[Mr Raab] the interesting point for those who care to look at the evidence—positively refuted by the available empirical that the quotas damaged equity, asset and shareholder material. Research for the Bundesbank—hardly an values in the companies affected. The report also found institution regarded as lacking in rigour—that reviewed “significant decreases in operating performance and higher costs German boards between 1994 and 2010 found female as a result of the imposition of the quota.” board members tended to increase, not decrease, risk taking. The report attributes that to a public policy I would be happy to debate this afterwards with the drive for more female directors, which resulted in the hon. Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra) recruitment of less experienced women, as we discussed if she wants to quibble with the empirical evidence of before. The issue was really about experience, not about this study, but let me cite its findings correctly: gender. A similar review of Swedish boards found exactly “These results are consistent with boards of directors that lack the same. This kind of evidence punctures the prejudice sufficient experience to act as capable advisors.” promoted by people such as the right hon. and learned The point is that if we have tokenism of this kind, we Member for Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman) get inexperienced people on the boards and it damages that men are somehow innately more reckless than shareholder value. Equality and diversity policy must women. Of course it depends on the individual and be about widening the talent pool. On that we all agree, their personal character, not on crude gender stereotypes, and it is through that that we strengthen business which too often inform this debate and have too often competitiveness. Tokenism is utterly counter-productive. informed this sort of proposal. Equally, high-flying women would see minimal benefits I welcome the Government’s reasoned opinion arguing from this directive because it focuses only on non-executive that that the directive does not comply with the principle directorships. In that sense, I agree with some of the of subsidiarity, but let us be careful not to give the comments of Opposition Members. That, of course, impression that we are making process points here. This encourages tokenism. If we look again at the Norwegian directive is corrosive of a meritocratic vision of our example—it is the one place in Europe where mandatory society where we are gender blind and what matters is quotas were introduced—research in 2011 by Dr Hakim who people are and of what they are capable. If we of the London School of Economics showed that Norway, really care about maximising opportunities for working the pioneer of gender quotas, had no female executive women, we should be talking about such things as directors at all. That is why this measure—to me and, I transferable parental leave and other family-friendly think, to many outside the cloistered politically correct policies, which this coalition are adopting. We should Westminster village—feels like a political elite debating be addressing the exorbitant costs of child care— an issue that is relevant pretty much solely to a business elite. It is largely irrelevant to the challenges of the Seema Malhotra rose— millions of working women who live in the real world. Of course, to come back to the point made by the Mr Raab: I will not give way, as I am conscious that hon. Member for Streatham (Mr Umunna), there are others wish to speak and I have already given way to the still outdated attitudes in the City. There is a problem of hon. Lady. “group think” among those from similar backgrounds. The last Labour Government did nothing to address I worked in the City before I went into the Foreign the soaring costs of child care, which is arguably the Office, and I saw that all the time. It is true in many single biggest practical problem for working women professions, including—and it would be useful to see today, so I am delighted that the Government are more acknowledgement of the fact—some of the politically shortly to announce proposals to address it. These are correct institutions such as the Government Equalities the policies that will make a real difference in the real Office and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, world. which have an appalling imbalance in the gender Finally, let me touch on a point raised by the right composition of their staff. If anyone bothered to look hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), the Chairman at it, they would find it deeply hypocritical that these of the Home Affairs Select Committee. It is about the bodies are constantly lecturing others on the subject. tendency of those on the left to label and treat any form In terms of the City, which is what the directive is of ostensibly low representation in one area or one about, raw competitive forces are ensuring that companies sector or another as inequality, then bluntly equating it look far more carefully at their boardroom composition with discrimination. This fails to recognise, in the words to maximise their breadth of experience. It is taken far of the great British liberal thinker Isaiah Berlin, that more seriously as a strategic business issue. McKinsey from and various other firms have been cited with that in “the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing was ever mind. I am confident, given the rates that we are seeing, made.” that a rising flow of talented women into more senior That tendency is destined to stoke up social tensions, positions will continue to break through the glass ceiling, not to ease them. If we bow to this and go down the which I do not deny we residually have. path that quotas and positive discrimination tempt us We need to be careful, however, not to give succour to to go down, we will open the floodgates to special the very stereotypes of which we want to rid ourselves. interest politics, with every conceivable social group The deputy leader of the Labour party notoriously turning every gripe and grievance into an equality issue. suggested that we might not have suffered the financial We invite lobbying under the Equality Act 2010 based crisis if we had had “Lehman Sisters” rather than on gender, sexuality, ethnicity, faith, age, parenthood Lehman Brothers. That sort of progressive prejudice, and even non-religious beliefs, but for those who bother for want of a better term, is scarcely more subtle or to look at the Equality Act and at the list and number of savoury than the conventional kind. It is also—this is protected characteristics, it becomes mind boggling. 69 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 70

Instead of reducing these dividing lines as factors that taking a career break, which impacts for ever on the determine people’s fate in life, we make them decisive. woman’s earning capacity. We must look much more That is a major social mistake and I would argue broadly at the general culture of work. The hon. Gentleman against it at all costs. was right to say that the Government had given the I would like to see us build a meritocratic society issue a profile, but the discussion in Europe has done so where people are not judged according to tick-box as well, and has enabled people to understand the need criteria—one that recognises that, in a free country, for progress. The Government have a much bigger job perfect parity of representation is not only utopian, but to do in the world of work overall. positively dangerous, and one that in the words of the As I said in an earlier intervention, the Government great Martin Luther King judges people should think seriously about what they, and Parliament as “based on the content of their character”, a whole, would want to happen if the progress that is not on race, gender or any other arbitrary social dividing currently being made in relation to non-executive directors line. This directive is a social engineer’s dream and every did not continue. It is all very well to say that we believe meritocrat’s nightmare. I hope we send it back to Brussels in voluntary arrangements, but if more progress is not and never see it again. made in the future, will the Government opt for more prescriptive measures? If so, what will those measures be? 6.16 pm Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): Before I Several hon. Members rose— move on to my substantive point, which will be brief, I have to correct the statement of the hon. Member for Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I Esher and Walton (Mr Raab) that the last Government regret to say that we are a little short of time, so, in did nothing on child care. I have to tell the hon. Gentleman order to ensure that every Member who wishes to speak that when we took office there was no child care in can do so, I am imposing a limit of five minutes for many parts of the country and there were no options the remaining speakers. The debate will end at 6.43 pm for parents who wanted to work. I know that from my or a little earlier, so I should be grateful if Members work in the social services sector. I welcome, however, would bear that limit in mind. the Minister’s words about the importance of this issue and the fact that companies are hampering themselves 6.21 pm by not having diversity, as this means not doing all they can in the achievement of economic output. Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): As My main point is that the issue is not about imposing others have said, this is an important debate. I spent quotas. I do not want to see the European Union 20 years working in business in the City, and I often imposing quotas, but neither do I want to see this found that for days on end I was the only woman sitting country or this Government being complacent about at the table during meetings. I spoke out about that to how to move forward towards gender equality—not the many organisations with which I was connected. just in the one area of women on boards, but across our As the Minister said, the coalition set out to change whole culture as well as across our businesses as a the position—that is in the coalition agreement—and it whole. We know that substantive and sustained progress has done so. Many Members have pointed out today has been made more recently in the appointment of how important that change is to the economy. It is good non-executive directors, and we should all welcome it. for business, and, of course, it is good for women. We We saw it previously, but there has been an increase in should focus on the incredible amount of talent that the number. We also know—here we can learn from the exists among women in the workplace throughout Britain, experience of Norway—that it is easier to achieve and on using their skills and experience for the benefit appointments in the area of non-executive directors. of the economy as well as enabling them to fulfil their Focusing just on that, however, will not help the vast own potential. Other Members, including my hon. Friend majority of companies, and it will not help us see the Member for Reading West (Alok Sharma) and the greater gender equality. hon. Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra), This weekend, The Observer told us about its research have already referred to the advantages for business, on the 100 top private companies, of which only 64 currently and I shall not repeat their arguments. Suffice it to say publish their board composition. Of those, 73% have that we need to use those talents, which can benefit all-male executive directors, and we know, too, that 51% individuals, companies and the country as a whole. have all-male non-executive directors. If we look at the I do not believe in quotas; I believe we need business-led FTSE 250, we find that 71% of companies have all-male change based on absolute merit. My hon. Friend the executive directors. This relates not just to who is sitting Member for Esher and Walton (Mr Raab) explained around the board table, but to what is happening within very articulately why that is so important. However, I companies. We need a culture that, right from the time also believe that businesses should work hand in hand a woman first enters a company, promotes those who have with the Government, who can highlight the issue—as talents and supports them whatever their circumstances. we have today—in order to promote further progress. A The hon. Member for Esher and Walton made some great deal of good work has been done, and I congratulate important points about both parents being able to the Minister and the Government on what has been work, but we know that all too often it is women who achieved by Lord Davies’s report and the measures that take on the majority of the responsibility for child care. have been introduced to help business. We know from all the statistics on the gender pay gap We have already heard about the improvements in about the disadvantage that comes from spending time the FTSE 100 and 250. In the last year alone, 49% of away from work, whether it be working part-time or FTSE 100 and 44% of FTSE 250 non-executive directors 71 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 72

[Mary Macleod] In response to what was said by the hon. Member for Esher and Walton (Mr Raab), let me point out that have been women. That is real progress. According to diversity means introducing different experiences to a the FTSE board report published by Cranfield school board, rather than a single set of pre-judged experiences. of management in 2012, if we maintain the current The hon. Gentleman advanced the classic Catch-22 momentum, female representation on boards could be argument that those who do not have enough experience a record 26.7% by 2015 and 36.9% by 2020. The report cannot join a board, but those who are not members of identified some great performers. Four women are members the board do not have enough experience in the first of Diageo’s board—44% of the overall membership—while place. However, we all have to start somewhere. three out of eight members of the Burberry board are Evidence given to our Committee has made clear that women, including the chief executive and chief financial there are strong views on both sides about the imposition officer, and 33% of Pearson’s board members are women. of quotas, but it has also shown that some companies Some organisations are leading the field, and are already have taken strategic steps to increase diversity through, doing a great job. for instance, regular reporting on how they are achieving The role of women in Parliament, and in politics a gender balance. I was interested in what was said by generally, was mentioned earlier. I chair the all-party the hon. Member for Reading West (Alok Sharma) parliamentary group for women in Parliament, which is about the use of reporting to drive progress. Pay determined to change the current position. In 2010, transparency is another key component, as are solid the number of female Conservative MPs increased from targets and consistent ways of ensuring that progress is 17 to 49. Of course there is more work to be done, but made. As with politics, progress can go back as well as we have made significant inroads. In the recent reshuffle, forward. Unfortunately, when it comes to membership 50% of the 2010 intake who were appointed to Government of the Cabinet, it is going back. It is important to have a roles were women. clear and consistent policy in this regard. The solution to the remaining problems lies partly in We should take account of companies that are keeping what the Government can do to encourage female their heads well down and not joining in the argument representation and partly in what can be done by those because they think that if they do not participate in it in business, such as head-hunters, nomination committees they can ignore it. I do not rule out the use of quotas if and investors. Businesses can nurture talent by encouraging we find that a persistent sector of the economy does not and mentoring women, and by changing the organisational consider diversity to be integral to the progress of the culture of which Members have spoken today. Chief economy overall, and I think that the Government have executives should lead from the top. If they really a role to play in that respect. I agree that quotas are not believe in a change in the culture, and if they can drive the only way of achieving diversity, but I think it that change through their organisations, they will make important for the Government to think about procurement a difference. I recently organised a women on boards and about how they spend money on training and leadership forum in the House, and was heartened to higher education. hear Antony Jenkins, the group chief executive of Barclays, One other aspect we should be considering is regulation speak so passionately about what the bank has done of the London stock exchange. Requiring companies and will do in order to make a difference. We need more that are members of the stock exchange to look at how people like him. they achieve diversity on their boards and throughout I agree with Members who have said that non-executive senior management is a way of avoiding primary legislation director roles are still an issue. As was pointed out by while driving progress. In response to the hon. Member the hon. Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Meg Munn), we for Esher and Walton, I should add that one of the must continue to increase the number of women in both companies that gave evidence to us, Clydesdale bank, executive and non-executive positions. has set a target of increasing the number of women in As for the directive, it is important for subsidiarity to the three top senior management roles over the next few be respected, and for women to be appointed on merit. years. That is one way women can gain experience in This is not something on which we should receive executive director roles, as well as non-executive director directions from Europe; it is something that we can do roles, which have been referred to. ourselves, and we have made progress already. This is a work in progress, but the Government need to be at the heart of it. 6.26 pm David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): The hon. Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): I welcome Lady said that companies that are more diverse grow the opportunity to speak in the debate. As the Minister more quickly and that there is evidence of that. Is this will know, I am a member of the Business, Innovation not, then, a self-correcting problem, because all companies and Skills Committee. The Committee is currently need to grow, and those that are struggling to grow and undertaking an inquiry into women in the workplace, are not diverse enough should surely being doing what which will include a review of the recommendations of is required to correct that? Surely this is self-correcting, the Davies report. I do not want to pre-empt our final so the measures she is describing are unnecessary. report and recommendations to the Government, but I will say that we wanted to institute a cross-party inquiry Ann McKechin: A persistent group of people will for the very reasons that the Minister gave earlier. always resist change if they can. Despite the good track Diversity on boards is good for companies, and therefore record, there are contrary voices, as we heard during the good for the British economy. Given the present state of Business, Innovation and Skills Committee inquiry, stating the economy, we should explore every avenue that may that men are inherently better at doing these things lead to increased innovation, diversity and productivity. anyway and that things will be fine. That view should 73 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 74 not be accepted in the 21st century. The public, this This really is a dodgy dossier of an EU proposal. The Parliament and the Government should take an active reason given for the proposal on page 3 is that it will role in engaging with this. Issues of pay transparency, ease the functioning of the single market, but on page 9 part-time work, child care and business culture should it states that it will address the fundamental objective of interest us all, whether we are in business or not. gender equality. The polling support by the reliable I concur with my hon. Friend the shadow Business Eurobarometer is also shaky. In fact, it shows more Secretary about it being important that we respond support for self-regulation than for legislation. The positively to the EU over how this country and this impact assessment states that there is only a weak case Government can make a difference to the economy, for the EU intervening in this area, and there is no which will, I hope, improve if we ensure that diversity is rigorous detail of the important work already being key to our corporate structures. done by member states. Only France is held up as a holy grail, with its 40% statutory level—France, with its Strauss-Kahn-style commitment to sexual equality. 6.32 pm More worryingly, the directive proposes stringent Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): The first question mandatory quotas on EU-listed companies, but glosses for consideration in this reasoned opinion debate is, in a over the many and complex reasons for the poor numbers nutshell, whether the Commission will have to reconsider of female executives and non-executives. Where is the its proposal, and that issue turns on whether there will self-analysis of the EU’s long list of employment rules be sufficient opinions representing one third of all the and regulations, which might have made matters worse votes in national Parliaments—on the basis that each for female business leaders over the past few years? Parliament has two votes. The real question is whether Where is the hard-headed debate and evidence of whether we will really get that. Of course, if we do not, the current maternity and paternity rules risk keeping women question that follows is: what will happen? Some believe out of the workplace for too long? Where are the that the principle of subsidiarity ought to be applied, apologies for forcing employers into the most soul- but there is also the question of whether we should destroying transactional relationship with female employees refuse to accept it—but that is for another day. going on maternity leave, rather than encouraging ongoing Secondly, there is a question about whether the directive contact and involvement? EU policies have driven a will achieve its target of 40% representation of female wedge between employers and female employees. non-executive directors and—this has not been mentioned We should be proud of the work that the Government yet—30% of all directors on the boards of publicly have done in this area, which I am delighted the shadow listed companies by 2020, or 2018 in the case of listed Secretary of State recognised. Lord Davies adopted a public undertakings. Furthermore, there is the question sensible and pragmatic target of 25% and the focus on of the exemption for small and medium-sized enterprises—I transparency has been working. Furthermore, the Financial have not heard that mentioned either—and for companies Reporting Council has now introduced its requirements whose work forces have fewer than 10% female employees. and there will be a focus on the top 350 companies Thirdly, where national measures have already been setting out their aims for the number of women on introduced in some countries with a view to increasing boards by 2013-15. Furthermore, the Cranfield school the representation of women on corporate boards, of management has recognised that the Government companies need not apply the new recruitment and are on track for 37% take-up by 2020. selection requirements, but will be required to do so from 2018-20 if they have not reached the 40% target. I Mary Macleod: Does my hon. Friend agree that the put that on the record because, as far as I am aware, Women’s Business Council, set up by the Government, none of those three points has been made in the debate and the extra funding for female mentors for female so far. business women will also help? In the interest of brevity, I will simply say that the questions concerning breaches of the principle of subsidiarity are set out in the draft reasoned opinion Julian Smith: I think it will help, and I pay tribute to and I do not need to repeat them. I would like to put my hon. Friend’s work on this issue since entering the several questions to the Minister, but, in order to ensure House. that we get through what we have to get through in the Transparency is putting pressure on companies to time allotted, I shall write to him with the questions change. The Association of British Insurers and the that the European Scrutiny Committee would like answered, National Association of Pension Funds are now reporting and he can reply to us. I do not therefore have to go the number of women on boards and incorporating the through them all now—I would not have time anyway. figures into the voting information service for investors. I shall make only one more point. Will the Minister Some asset management companies, including that run tell us whether—and, if so, to what extent—the Government by the co-operative movement, which Labour Members plan to make use of the reasoned opinion in the Council are close to, have started to request data about board negotiations on the proposal? With that I shall conclude, compositions from companies in which they invest. The but I shall be writing to the Minister and look forward Government have nudged the private sector to do more, to his considered response. and they are doing more, going with the grain of business and encouraging investor-led decisions to get more women on boards. 6.35 pm The UK is right with its approach of focusing on Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): I refer pipeline. Because companies are being forced to report Members to my declaration in the register of Members’ on the number of women on their boards and the interests. number of female employers, industry groups, mentoring 75 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards7 JANUARY 2013 Gender Balance on Corporate Boards 76

[Julian Smith] understand why the Whips are looking worried about need for paternity leave coming down the track. groups and board clubs, which have been mentioned, I will make three quick points. I think that the whole are springing up, and head-hunters have now signed up House has recognised the first of these, but I wish to put to a code of conduct. it in stark terms. The UK has had the fastest rise in the The UK is also right to look at overall numbers. My number of women on boards in the EU, bar three hon. Friend the Member for Esher and Walton (Mr Raab) countries. Our rise has been faster than that of Germany, mentioned the drop-off rate when women have children. the Netherlands and Spain; we have been faster than all This is where the EU proposals are so hypocritical. Its but three of the 27 member states. equality policies have focused too much on length of On the point about whether it is good business to leave and rights, and not enough on how to keep women have women on boards, the evidence is very clear. The and employers engaged. Here again, the Government Bundesbank evidence was cited and I have read it in have taken the right decision by pushing ahead with detail. It was analysis of the impact on risk, but it right to request, maternity legislation and in relation to omitted the banks that had been rescued because they child care. As has been mentioned, the main reason the had been too risky—that is a bit like looking into the change is happening is the rapid change in social attitudes; risk of the British banking system but omitting RBS. So we have much more enlightened employers. I know that it is a partial report, but the evidence is uncontroversial. the City got a hard time earlier in the debate, but in fact Finally, I come to the point raised by the Chairman the American banks I was working with as a head-hunter of the European Scrutiny Committee. The rules are were the most forward-thinking on this issue. We also clear: if a third of member Parliaments cite a reasoned have more enlightened men now. My wife is expecting a amendment and reject the proposal, the Commission baby in a couple of weeks—[Interruption.] Thank you. must consider again. As far as we know, eight member Only three months ago, I was making the case that she Governments and Parliaments are against, which is just should stay off work for a year to look after our child, under a third, as there are 27 members, and about a but I have since seen the error of my ways and realised third of member states are yet to be clear in their that her career is more important. I will be looking to position. If this motion goes through tonight, that eight the Minister for nappy changing advice—I hear that he will rise to nine. So I have some confidence that he will is an expert—in order that I can fill the gap. be happy with the outcome of the process and that we Attitudes at home and attitudes in the workplace can ask the Commission to look again at this proposal. driven by national Governments nudging business to I commend the motion to the House. look at the business logic of maximising women in the Question put and agreed to. workplace are what is going to get us there much better Resolved, and much smarter than this EU diktat. That this House considers that the draft Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving the gender 6.40 pm balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (European Union Document Matthew Hancock: With the leave of the House, No. 16433/12 and Addenda 1 to 3) does not comply with the Madam Deputy Speaker, I will respond briefly to all the principle of subsidiarity for the reasons set out in Chapter 1 of points raised. First, I shall deal with the last one by the Twenty-third Report of the European Scrutiny Committee (HC 86-xxiii); and, in accordance with Article 6 of Protocol No. 2 congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on the and Ripon (Julian Smith). I do so not least because this application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, morning my wife and I attended the three-month scan instructs the Clerk of the House to forward this reasoned opinion of our new baby—we did so together, of course. I can to the Presidents of the European Institutions. 77 7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 78

Backbench Business I was finance director of a billion-dollar global business in the mid-‘90s. What has changed since then is the scale, complexity and aggression of the avoidance schemes. Corporate Tax Avoidance For example, we would never have set up legal entities in countries where we did not trade, solely to avoid tax. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Before I call Mr Ian Swales to move the motion, may I inform Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Sir Martin Sorrell Members that 17 Back Benchers are hoping to participate has claimed that the tax that some companies pay is a in the debate, so if each one aims to speak for less than matter “of judgment”. Avoidance such as that by Amazon, 10 minutes, there will not be a need for a time limit? If which the hon. Gentleman and I heard about at the that does not happen, a time limit will be imposed and it Public Accounts Committee, has disadvantaged domestic will probably be less than 10 minutes. businesses, which cannot relocate to lower tax regimes and shift their profits abroad. Does he agree that British businesses deserve a level playing field? 6.43 pm Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): I beg to move, Ian Swales: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that That this House has considered the matter of corporate tax intervention. I totally agree with him. The idea that avoidance. large companies see their tax payments as voluntary, or First, I thank the hon. Members from all parts of the as some kind of contribution they feel like making, is House who supported my bid for a debate, and the completely out of order. I will discuss the competition Backbench Business Committee for scheduling it so aspects later. quickly. In October, the Government borrowed more than Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): The hon. predicted, and the main reason given was lower than Gentleman is making a compelling argument about expected corporation tax receipts. In November, former how tax avoidance has grown in recent years. By 2015, City Minister Lord Myners said: the number of staff employed by Her Majesty’s Revenue “Corporation tax for an MNC”— and Customs will have fallen by 40,000 since 2005. Does he agree that this apparent bid to save money is a multinational company— entirely counter-productive, given that if we had those “operating in the UK is close to being a voluntary payment.” members of staff at HMRC we would be much more In December, Eric Schmidt, chief executive officer of likely to be able to crack down on avoidance? Google, said that he was proud that his company had avoided $2 billion of corporate income taxes worldwide Ian Swales: The hon. Lady makes a powerful point. I in the last year. We have a crisis—a growing crisis of our will say more about that later, but I agree with her that national tax system operating in an international business we need more resource in the whole area of enforcement. environment. Lurid stories of tax avoidance appear I was talking about my experience and how we would almost every week, and Private Eye magazine deserves never have set up legal entities in countries just to avoid special mention for its exposure work. Vodafone, the tax. Now, News International has more than 150 companies Ritz hotel, bookmakers, water companies, care homes, in tax havens. Transfer pricing, management fees, royalties, professional services companies such as Accenture and patent, copyright and interest payments are all ways to CSC, and of course American behemoths including move money. The moving of whole businesses and Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook and headquarters to new jurisdictions is also becoming much Starbucks, are just a few of the examples. ActionAid more common. says that 98 of the FTSE 100 companies have a subsidiary in a tax haven. The Government have fuelled the frenzy Let us remember that companies that are prepared to by doing private finance initiative and outsourcing deals go to elaborate lengths to avoid corporation tax may with tax avoiders. We must also consider whether we seek to avoid other taxes, too. If the BBC was making can trust our media to report all this fairly, given that wide use of tax-avoiding personal service contracts for most of our national newspapers and their owners are staff, we can be sure that some private sector companies themselves engaged in some form of tax avoidance. are doing so, too. At a recent Public Accounts Committee hearing, Amazon told me that it raises UK VAT and Of course tax avoidance is not illegal, but that is why pays it to the taxman, but it is a Luxembourg company; the Government must act. We are a long way from it also claimed that it did not even know the value of its having fiscal union in Europe. Our tax systems are a sales to the UK. Someone wrote to me after the hearing cornerstone of sovereignty; they are resolutely national confirming that they could not get a VAT invoice for and I think they will remain so for as long as any of us their new iPad, bought for business purposes. Amazon are MPs. So when Amazon sat in front of the Public said that Accounts Committee recently and fielded many questions with the response that it ran a pan-European business “we are unable to provide a VAT number as we are registered from Luxembourg, it was not excusing itself, but vividly overseas”. illustrating the problem. The French Government are already looking to levy huge extra tax payments from Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I thank the hon. the company. It is totally unacceptable for EU legislation Gentleman for giving way and appreciate the opportunity to be used to support national tax avoidance. Arguably to speak on something about which I know little. If a some of that already contravenes the abuse concept in company does not know the value of its sales in the EU law, which deals with situations where a consequence country, I think that HMRC should estimate them, was not intended when a law was made. charge corporation tax on that amount, and let the 79 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 80

[Bob Stewart] recently estimated that the world’s tax havens hold $13 trillion of cash, which is the total GDP of the USA company argue against it to prove that HMRC was plus Japan, or enough to buy the entire London stock wrong. We would then get better corporate tax returns, market four times over. That highlights the compounding would we not? effect of tax avoidance, as those companies benefit from not paying the tax to begin with and can then use that Ian Swales: That is an interesting idea and I thank the money to compete ever more aggressively. hon. Gentleman for the suggestion. HMRC needs to The big accountancy firms have led the charge in look much more closely at companies that have that devising schemes from which companies benefit. What type of business model. I agree that we need to start world do they envisage? If more and more companies making some presumptions. routinely avoid taxes, the Government will get revenue only from people stuck as employees on pay-as-you-earn, Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Is it not the case that and from property taxes, business rates and ever-increasing for physical goods, Amazon would have to account for VAT and duty from the companies that cannot find VAT in the UK? The issue is that for electronic goods, it ways to avoid them. There will be a net move from tax accounts for VAT in Luxembourg, so Luxembourg is on companies to tax on individuals, and if that trend eating our VAT lunch. continues, only companies with offshore tax havens will be able to compete. A nation of shopkeepers will be run Ian Swales: That could well be the case, and I shall out of business. There is also a threat to our political speak about that later, too. system, because we cannot expect all those who pay The person who wrote to me saying that they could their taxes fully and fairly to keep on tolerating such not get a VAT number for the iPad they bought for abuses indefinitely. UK Uncut might be just the start of business purposes was told that Amazon was unable to the protests. provide one. Had that been made clear to the buyer, I have been talking about the problem; now I want to they would have gone elsewhere to get a lower net price. explore ideas for action. First, having a national tax Who knows, they might even have gone to Comet? system operating in an international business world Amazon’s turnover in Europe is ¤7 billion. The gross means that we need to police our financial borders just VAT on that, even at Luxembourg’s lower rate of 15%, as rigorously as we police our physical borders for would be more than ¤1 billion. Where is it paid? That illegal movements of people, counterfeit goods, drugs would be ¤2,000 a head for every man, woman and or any other activity that we want to control. We must child in Luxembourg, but I would guess that is not paid say that if a sale or business activity takes place in the at such a rate. I would also guess that Amazon’s UK UK it should be accounted for in the UK. The idea that order fulfilment subsidiary pays little or no VAT. I ask an item can be manufactured in the UK, stored in the the Minister urgently to investigate how the business UK and shipped to a UK customer, but invoiced from model operates. Luxembourg, must be challenged. We should then force transparency into the system. Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): I happen to be UK companies doing the right thing report their profits reading Deloitte’s tax guide to Luxembourg in 2012, and taxes paid to Companies House in some detail, so which states that the standard rate of VAT in Luxembourg the blanket taxpayer confidentiality regime in HMRC, is 15%, but that for printed materials and e-books it is which prevents the disclosure of tax affairs not only to 3%. Parliament and the Public Accounts Committee but Ian Swales: My hon. Friend makes a good point. to HMRC’s own non-executive directors, mainly helps Amazon has already been found out for charging 20% the international tax avoiders. It is time for the publication when it should have been charging 3% on e-books. of simple statistics that are mostly available anyway in Companies House, as that would force companies to Should we care about all that? Yes, we should. There justify their behaviour. Transparency and honesty with is the obvious point about the loss of billions in Government consumers are important. If companies have nothing revenue, leading to higher taxes on other parts of the to hide, they will have nothing to fear. economy or cuts in services, including the very infrastructure and services on which a tax-avoiding company and its Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): Does the hon. employees might depend. Then there is the question of Gentleman agree that one thing we could do is require competition. My previous experience was in the global large companies to file their corporation tax returns chemicals industry, but in the internet and franchising with their accounts at Companies House? Then, from age, the unfair effects can hit anyone. Our high streets their accounts, we could all see their taxable profits and are now subject to global competition in burger restaurants, how they got them. bookshops and coffee bars. Local bookmakers have largely disappeared rather than trying to compete with Ian Swales: I appreciate that intervention, because I rivals operating from Gibraltar—on paper. Most retailers know that the hon. Gentleman has great experience in are competing not only with the unstoppable rise of the this area. He goes further than I was proposing, but it is internet but with offshore-based giants such as Amazon certainly a good idea. and eBay. The list of national and local UK businesses Transparency and honesty are important. As we have that cannot compete will get longer and longer: Comet seen recently with Starbucks, transparency can lead to was the latest to go broke, just before Christmas, probably consumer power influencing company behaviour. I hope costing the UK taxpayer £50 million. that we will see more of that. Retail, business or government Companies that pile up untaxed revenue in tax havens consumers who do not like the ethics or practices of a also have enormous financial muscle to reinvest cheaply company do not have to deal with them, except perhaps or take out any other business they want to. It was in cases involving utilities. 81 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 82

HMRC must also be more transparent. Although it price was paid. Of course, that would crystallise a big steadfastly claims that it does not do deals, Vodafone’s tax liability in the selling country. The United States finance director told the City that its deal was worth would be especially enthusiastic about such a move, as £500 million a year. One lesson from that and other it is one of the big losers from payments going to tax cases is that no high-level discussions with companies havens. should take place without being minuted, and those Because our tax systems are national, all movements minutes must be freely available to tax commissioners of value across borders, including business transfers, and the National Audit Office. The transparency must need a price attached to them for tax purposes. The work both ways; we cannot go on operating through Government must also find a way to ensure that VAT tinted windows. is charged on all qualifying sales in the UK, whatever the country of origin. To go back to the point made by Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) (Con): Does my the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas), hon. Friend not regard it as extraordinary that in the we need much more specialist resource in HMRC. A negotiations between HMRC and Goldman Sachs about department that brings in 100 times what it costs should some back payments that were due, no legal advisers not be treated like a normal cost centre; there must be were present and no minutes were taken? many more invest-to-collect business cases to be made. Maximising our tax revenue is as much about enforcing Ian Swales: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that the rules as about the rules themselves. In particular, a invention. As fellow members of the Public Accounts special unit is needed to look at everyone running an Committee, he and I have looked in detail at that case. internet-based business selling to UK customers, starting He is right that such arrangements should not be made. with the biggest. It should look at where they are based, The UK should take a look at its own role and its their business model and whether they abide by UK relationship with tax havens such as the Isle of Man, the VAT and corporation tax rules. We need our rules and Channel Islands, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar and so enforcement to be up to date with technological changes. on, which Secretary of State for Business, Innovation The tax system is way too complex; a whole industry and Skills has described as sunny places for shady has grown up to find creative ways to avoid tax. When people. UK citizens deserve a full explanation from the will we see significant output and action from the Office Government of why they support those places as tax of Tax Simplification? Surely we need radical ideas for havens and what net benefit they bring to the UK. cutting through the jungle of our tax system, not just It is also urgent that work takes place at EU level to the deletion of obscure, rarely used reliefs. Simplification ensure that companies cannot exploit sweetheart tax is badly needed, yet we see even more complexity. deals in countries such as the Netherlands and Luxembourg, I talked earlier about consumer power. The UK aided by the free movement of goods, people and Government are by far the biggest purchaser and grant- capital. It is time properly to enforce the 1997 EU code awarding body in this country. Is it right that Amazon of conduct on business taxation. I am especially pleased can get more than £10 million of Government money to see you in the Chair, Madam Deputy Speaker, as that for a new warehouse in Dunfermline when it is a code was ratified under your chairmanship. It specifically Luxembourg-based retailer paying little corporation tax highlights issues such as doing deals to give lower rates in this country, and apparently does not pay VAT on all and tax incentives for activities that are isolated from its sales either? Is it right that Accenture, Capgemini the domestic economy of a given country. The OECD and others win Government contracts when they are set up a forum on harmful tax practices at about the named as aggressive tax avoiders? Should HMRC itself same time. Both initiatives highlighted the need for have sold its buildings for leaseback to Mapeley, a transparency. A race to the bottom helps nobody. Bermuda-based company? Is it not time that we recognised Next, the Government should consider disallowing in financial assessments that most of the profits from some foreign interest payments for tax purposes. It is private finance initiative and outsourcing contracts are depressingly easy to move a chunk of capital to a low now disappearing offshore? tax regime, then export all one’s profits via interest payments. Foreign interest should have to be specifically John Pugh (Southport) (LD): My hon. Friend is justified. When the loans were taken out, what was the giving a list of remedies for tax avoidance schemes. purpose? Were they proportional to business need and Would not most of them have been caught by a general are they now? Who is the lender? A related company anti-avoidance rule? deal needs particular scrutiny, especially as the capital may originally have been exported from the UK with no equivalent taxable interest coming back. Ian Swales: I thank my hon. Friend for the intervention. The Government should look at setting maximum I am not familiar enough with how such a rule would be royalty and management fees, and disallowing them as structured, but the idea would certainly be helpful. a deduction if they are disproportionate to profits. There should be an ability-to-pay test; such payments Caroline Lucas: May I suggest that all Members look should not be allowed to wipe out UK profits, as we saw at the private Member’s Bill introduced by the right with Starbucks. The Government should work with hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton (Mr Meacher)? international partners to disallow management fees and The Bill refers to the importance of a general avoidance royalty, patent and copyright fees unless they go direct principle rather than rules. The problem with rules is to the country where the relevant value was generated. that people can bend them and get round them. A Payments to tax havens could be automatically disallowed. general avoidance principle is much harder to get round When a company claims that rights have been sold to and has much wider scope. That is the route the other countries, it needs to show that a full and fair Government should be taking. 83 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 84

Ian Swales: I certainly have something to learn. I future, and I shall give two examples of where it will hope that the right hon. Member for Oldham West and harden. Let us look at long-term trends in revenue in Royton (Mr Meacher) will speak about his Bill later. relation to the tax on fuel. We know that thanks to more We should play the tax avoiders at their own game. If efficient fuel use, the revenue gained by the Exchequer their UK accounts show virtually no profit, are they from tax on fuel will fall dramatically. At the same time, robust enough to deal with for the long term, and do there will be pressure on Government budgets from they have the right ethics to work in our public sector? demands for the health service and pensions, and it is There is a big drive in manufacturing at the moment—the not impossible to envisage that by 2060 they could be desire for “Made in Britain.” Perhaps it is time for taking half of the total. Government procurement to work on a “Paid in Britain” We hold this debate at a time of crisis, but not the basis. Small and medium-sized UK companies who are immediate crisis about the deficit with which the doing the right thing have a clear disadvantage when Government are trying to grapple. There is a longer bidding against the tax-avoiding giants. I am convinced term crisis, because as a nation we have grown accustomed that doing public sector business with tax avoiders does to demand far more than we are prepared to pay in tax. net damage to our economy. Government action could I have three suggestions for the Government about what mean that companies quickly change their behaviour. they could do to convince taxpayers, as well as the When I suggested such a step to Google at the PAC House, that they are as serious about clamping down on hearing, the signal was quickly picked up, with an tax abuse as they are about clamping down on other article in the trade press. forms of abuse in our public finances. The Government have enormous power to require The first suggestion is that we issue kitemarks to those seeking grants or contracts to reveal the tax companies that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs structure of their UK entities. When making their choice, believes have paid their fair share of taxes. We would decision makers could then include the bidder’s tax then develop a “white list” of companies with which we arrangements. The National Outsourcing Association know it is safe to trade, and would have warnings about supports such a move, which is surely part of getting the those with which it is not safe to trade, or would know best value for UK taxpayers when spending their money. that if we did trade with them, we were aiding and To those who cry “EU bidding rules,” I say that it is abetting the crimes that they were committing against right to look at both costs and potential tax income. the commonwealth of taxpayers in this country. Who can stop countries demonstrably making the best Secondly, I make this plea: why cannot the Revenue value choice in the national interest from an open be more bold in exposing companies that it believes are process? abusing their position and fiddling their tax rates? Might The issue is not party political. MPs on both sides of not that threat, certainly if carried out, concentrate the the House want action. The problem is urgent, huge mind of many companies and get them to start behaving and growing. The more companies and their advisers better, to the good of taxpayers? see what others are doing, the more the leakage becomes My third suggestion relates to a point on which I do a flood. Only a select few will be able to keep their heads not agree with the hon. Member for Redcar (Ian Swales), above water, and it will be the smaller, independent whom I congratulate on his contribution; I do not think companies who are overwhelmed. We cannot rely on that we have the time to wait for groups of countries to pleas for morality or altruism. Companies play by the behave, let alone to get the European Union to agree on rules set in this House and the enforcement we put in a common stance. Let us look at those who are outside place to back them up. Just last week the Prime Minister the European Union. Norway, for example, has to pay said that the issue is a top priority. Tinkering will not to trade within the European Union. Why cannot we do. Now is the time for radical action. say to companies such as those that the hon. Gentleman listed, “If you wish to trade in this country, you have to 7.6 pm pay a fee, which will be more than we would gain from you in taxes if you paid corporation tax honestly”? Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): I have three We might start with companies—coffee houses and points to make, but I begin by expressing my anger at so on—that could well find that other companies could companies who take us and the Government for fools. substitute for them. There would be no diminution of We have a fairly united view about welfare abuse. I the public good if we could not go to Starbucks. The should like the Government to enact measures that country would not come to a standstill. We would not reflect the sense of urgency the country feels about have breakdowns if we could not buy Starbucks coffee— people who similarly abuse their tax position. there are plenty of alternatives—and we might begin to The Government’s fiscal crisis is of long standing. In turn the tide in favour of honest taxpayers and against the vast majority of the 60 years since 1948, Government those who are taking us to the cleaners. I would be accounts have been in deficit. We have developed a greatly interested to hear how, if the Government wish habit whereby Governments are elected to implement to be taken seriously on the subject, they will respond to programmes for which they have no intention of raising those proposals, and other proposals that I know right the necessary tax revenue. In only a handful of the years hon. and hon. Members wish to put to the Government since ’48 have Government budgets been in surplus; for in this debate. the rest of the time they have been in deficit, and under Tory periods the deficit was twice as large as during Labour years. 7.12 pm We habitually have real difficulties in raising revenue Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) (Con): It is a to support the level of expenditure taxpayers would like great pleasure to take part in this debate, and I commend to see. We know that the position will get worse in the my fellow member of the Public Accounts Committee, 85 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 86 the hon. Member for Redcar (Ian Swales), on bringing It came out in the PAC’s hearing on the subject that the forward this debate. I was interested in his exchange permanent secretary for tax—the head of HMRC—was with the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline unaware of the warning that HMRC had issued in a Lucas) on having a set of general anti-avoidance rules. letter to Goldman Sachs in October 2005 until I told Her view was that it is best to have a set of principles, him about it. That rather makes one worry about whether because principles are less easy to bend than rules. I am HMRC has the right skills in the right places. Indeed, not quite sure that I agree; whenever I hear anyone that was the central burden of the National Audit talking about principles, I hear the voice of Oscar Wilde Office report, “Core skills at HM Revenue & Customs”, saying, “If you don’t like my principles, I have others.” I published on 2 December as HC 1595. fear that if there were a general anti-avoidance principle, The report makes pretty grim reading. It makes it as long as it were justiciable, which it would be, it would clear that just create more work for lawyers. I do not think that there is a simple way round this, other than simplicity. I “HMRC does not yet have a strategic and systematic approach shall come on to that in a minute. to its investment in skills”, I do not normally take too much notice of the and because HMRC is so decentralised, it cannot ensure handouts for these debates, but I thought I would take a that there is alignment, at a high level, of investment in look at today’s, just in case. I was struck by the words at skills with its business priorities. To quote the report: the beginning, under “points to make”: “As well as having limited information on its investment in “Tax evasion is morally wrong as it means that law-abiding skills, HMRC does not, at the level of the organisation as a whole, people face higher taxes to make up for the lost revenue.” know its current skills gaps or gain an early warning of future skills gaps.” Right there, in the first sentence, is the confusion that is so widespread that the difference between tax evasion The report continues: and tax avoidance has almost disappeared—so much so “there is no clear line of sight from HMRC’s Executive Committee that I wonder whether I was dreaming when I used to to business areas that would enable the Executive Committee to think that there was a clear division between the two. Of evaluate whether business areas are delivering expected business course, tax evasion is not just morally wrong; it is benefits from their investment in skills”, illegal. That is the central point. Tax avoidance is not and illegal. “Problems are slow to be resolved. Many of the points in this I shall quote from the National Audit Office report, report were raised by HMRC’s own reviews in 2008 and 2009, but “Tax avoidance: tackling marketed avoidance schemes”, HMRC has not made the changes needed.” which provides a handy definition. You drove through a The report goes on; I could quote much more, but I am lot of the legislation on this in the previous Administration, trying to be brief. The issues that we face to do with Madam Deputy Speaker, though you have probably corporate tax avoidance are fundamentally around forgotten much about this. The report says: complexity. The reason we have had an increase in tax “HMRC’s working definition of tax avoidance is ‘using the tax avoidance is that we have had an increase in complexity. law to get a tax advantage that Parliament never intended’. The only cure for that is much greater simplicity. Unlike tax evasion which involves fraud or deliberate concealment, tax avoidance is not illegal. However, it often involves contrived, I mentioned earlier that I have seen evidence of a artificial transactions that serve little or no purpose other than to tightening of the attitude of HMRC towards small produce a tax advantage.” business customers. Recently, a bookkeeper came to see That gives rise to the question: how can it be that tax me in my surgery; he does the accounts and tax returns avoidance has grown so much, and how can it be that for a variety of small businesses, from corner shops to we have the distinct impression—the Treasury might try companies with a £10 million or £15 million turnover— to deny it, but I believe that there is evidence for it—that everything from small manufacturers to fish and chip there has been simultaneously a cosying-up to a large shops. He came to see me because he was concerned number of bigger corporate taxpayers, and tightening about the change in HMRC’s behaviour; it was becoming of terms applying to, and greater aggression from HMRC more and more aggressive. He had clients who had towards, small businesses in our constituencies? had to lay people off in order to pay tax bills, and with The best example of cosying-up that I can think of is whom HMRC was not making the time-to-pay the deal with Goldman Sachs. Some years ago, a number arrangements that are certainly made available to some of investment banks—around 22 of them—came up larger companies. Vodafone’s is a classic case; although with a scheme for avoiding national insurance contributions it had £10 billion on its balance sheet, it was given five by ensuring that many of their highly paid employees years to pay the tax liability resulting from the dispute were technically employed by a company registered in to which the hon. Member for Redcar referred. the British Virgin Islands. It was a very contrived scheme, I do not think that the solution that we saw in the and HMRC challenged it. Indeed, 21 of the 22 investment case of Starbucks, which gave evidence to the PAC, is banks involved caved in eventually and paid the money the right one. Starbucks made the bizarre announcement due. One did not, and that was Goldman Sachs, which that it would pay £10 million in corporation tax in each continued to pursue its position for many years until, in of the next two years, whether or not it made a profit. October 2005, HMRC wrote it a letter, warning it that That is not the way forward. As for the idea that unless it played ball, it would eventually be liable for all companies should pay corporation tax because the mob the interest due on the back payments as well. has turned on them, the spotlight is on them, there is The case continued for many years, and in 2009 there public relations attention on them, and they think they was an important Court of Appeal judgment that was have to make an announcement and do something, that favourable to HMRC, which made it all the more surprising is a bizarre way of arranging our tax affairs. The way to when HMRC did not pursue the matter more vigorously. do it is for companies to obey the law. 87 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 88

Mr Field: If Governments are inactive on this front, the most egregious examples of tax misfeasance, but what action does the hon. Gentleman propose taxpayers actually promote some of the most brazen examples of should take, other than that mob action? tax avoidance. I will come on to that. This is scarcely surprising when the whole apparatus Mr Bacon: Governments should take notice when of tax policy has been captured by the corporate interest. they see outside 100 Parliament street, the headquarters The so-called clamp-down which the Government are of HMRC, large crowds of riot police—there are promising will be run by the former City corporate tax photographs to that effect, which can easily be found on lawyer and former Tory special adviser, Edward Troup, the web. When Governments see such a thing happening, who is now in charge of tax at HMRC. It will be they should sit up and take notice that the system is not overseen by the HMRC chairman, Ian Barlow, who ran working and that it is not fit for purpose. I understand the most aggressive tax avoidance schemes for KPMG. the burden of the right hon. Gentleman’s question. I Even the HMRC’s ethics committee is chaired by Phil understand why people are so angry and feel that they Hodkinson, who is a director of the Resolution insurance need to do something. There are many people, including company based in a tax haven. All that tells a pretty those who have given their lives and those who have clear story. fought overseas on behalf of this country, who probably As we all know, corporation tax avoidance has become would have had better equipment if more tax revenue a hot political issue only as a result of the relentless had been collected—if more of the tax revenue that highlighting of it by analysts such as Richard Murphy should have been paid was paid. of Tax Justice Network and journalists such as Tom It is not always a case of the tax not being due. If Bergin of Thomson Reuters and Richard Brooks of HMRC does not have the resources in the right places Private Eye, as well as campaigners such as UK Uncut. to check whether the tax is due or not, it may indeed be Why is it left to voluntary campaigners to nail the tax that corporations are acting illegally, that what they are dodgers who are cheating honest taxpayers and the doing is evasion and that they are getting away with it. Revenue out of, according to the Government, £35 billion That is why it is so important that HMRC is able to to £40 billion a year? That is equal to about a third of have the right management information at the top level the total deficit and the sum is probably a considerable so that it can align its investments in skills and in people underestimate. with its business priorities in a way that currently, as is One answer might be that the banks, which are by far clear from the NAO study, it is unable to do. the biggest tax dodgers, pay half the Tory party funds I believe that the solution to all this must be much every year. [Interruption.] The Minister should not just greater simplicity, and I mean radically greater simplicity. shake his head. These are facts which are highly relevant. The time for tinkering is over. It was Einstein, I think, The multinational companies, which are the second who famously once said that the definition of insanity biggest tax dodgers, pay most of the rest. If, instead of is to do the same thing over and over again and to all the rhetoric that we get from the Prime Minister and expect different results. It is time that we got different Chancellor about moral repugnance and abhorrence, results and we will get them only by taking different the Government were seriously concerned about stopping action. industrial-scale tax avoidance, let them answer three questions. If the Minister wants to answer them in my Several hon. Members rose— time, he is very welcome to do so. First, since we all know that the really big numbers Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. It are not the tiddly Jimmy Carrs of this world but the is necessary to have a time limit in the debate as more transfer pricing by multinationals, why do the Government Members are standing to indicate that they wish to not bring in country-by-country reporting, which at a participate. The time limit will therefore be eight minutes stroke would put a stop to the artificial switching of tax per Back-Bench contribution, starting from the next liability to low tax jurisdictions for no other reason than speaker. simply to avoid tax? I do not know whether the Minister wants to answer. Perhaps he will. 7.21 pm Secondly, since many, if not a majority, of the world’s Mr Michael Meacher (Oldham West and Royton) most used tax havens are UK-controlled overseas territories (Lab): I sincerely congratulate the hon. Member for and Crown dependencies, why do the Government not Redcar (Ian Swales) on securing this debate, which has close them down? Why are not all such countries and been much needed for a very long time. He raised a territories—the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, series of important issues and I strongly endorse the Bermuda, Jersey and so on—required automatically to gist of his recommendations. I shall explore a little hand over details of income, assets and finance structures further the reasons why the tax system has been corrupted such as trusts to the UK authorities? This is the point in the way that he suggested, and therefore what needs that the hon. Member for Redcar made. If territories to be done. fail to comply, why do the Government not refuse to A conventional view and a charitable view is that the recognise the validity of any financial transactions Government do the best they can, but are outgunned emanating from them, as well as through domestic tax and outmanoeuvred by all those smart tycoons and law, making it far harder, which the Government could multinationals who employ an army of accountants well do, to get money into the recalcitrant tax havens in and lawyers to run rings round the flat-footed regulators the first place? and tax inspectors who are always behind the curve. The simple answer is that the Government would do That is, in my view, a pastiche of the truth. The reality is that perfectly well and very effectively, but they will not that Government, as I will show, so far from cracking do so because they do not want to, because their corporate down on tax dodgers, not only turn a blind eye to all but and financial backers would scream blue murder if they 89 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 90 ever tried to do so, and this is a very feeble Government, 7.31 pm who are quite willing to bash the weak through benefit cuts but are not prepared to stand up to the strong. Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): I congratulate the hon. Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) on securing this Back-Bench debate on corporate tax avoidance. It is an Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) important subject that has been dangerously blurred by (LD): I have great respect for the right hon. Gentleman, some of our colleagues. I want to say at the outset that I who has been consistent in pursuing the issue, but his find myself far more concerned about the way in which last criticism is completely ill-founded. I do not speak Government spend our money than about how they as somebody who backed the previous Tory Governments collect it. If spending were controlled, or had been—I or the previous Labour Governments when they failed give the example of the last Labour Government—the to deal with the issue for years and years. Looking collection problem would be vastly reduced. I believe objectively, I have seen far more action from the Treasury that my Government have taken such sentiments to under this Government than I saw under 13 years of the heart and we are actively reducing spending to aid our Labour Government whom he supported. country in difficult economic times. I certainly think the approach of the Chairman of Mr Meacher: The right hon. Gentleman, whom I the Public Accounts Committee, the right hon. Member respect, wishes to raise a partisan issue—[Laughter]—when for Barking (Margaret Hodge), and others who have we are discussing something of much greater importance. swallowed her line, misses two simple and quite fundamental Perhaps I can satisfy him by saying that I entirely agree points. First, the tax on shareholders is inseparable with him. New Labour was just as bad as the Tories and from company tax and is quite high. While companies I fully recognise that, but let us turn to where we are and are literally separate legal entities from their shareholders, what we ought to do about it. they are in effect tax collection agencies for Governments to tax the profit stream which in effect belongs to their The third question is this: if the Government are shareholders. That profit stream is not just taxed by the serious about tackling tax avoidance, why are they corporation tax payment on which all of this debate is cutting the number of tax inspectors, many of whom focusing. In reality, the profit stream belongs to the recover more than 100 times the cost of their salary? In shareholders and it is taxed not once by corporation 2010 there were 68,000 of them. There are now far tax, not twice by corporation tax and income tax, but fewer. The problem is that when the Chancellor gives three times, once as corporation tax, once as income tax his dog-whistle that Britain is open for business, part of on distribution, and finally with capital gains tax, or that coded message is that Britain is open for tax inheritance tax, on retentions as a proxy for the capital avoidance, and there will be far fewer tax inspectors gain. nosing about and prying into shady practices. I have a sound mathematical example in my notes While the Government have ostentatiously avoided all that might well lose some Opposition Members, so let the actions that will end the transfer of tax avoidance, me just outline that on £100 of pre-tax profit, with the truth is even worse. They are now drawing up corporation tax and other taxes taken into account, the measures which, frankly, will rip the guts out of the Government take £52.91 in tax paid. Some of this laws that safeguard the nation’s corporate tax base. amount comes from income that can be deferred, but it They have exempted from tax multinationals’ foreign is a tax that is ultimately not avoidable, other than profits, but allow tax relief for the costs of funding perhaps by devices such as the trust of the right hon. them. In effect, that turns the UK itself into a corporate Member for Barking for her shares in her family company, tax haven, which incentivises multinationals to shelter which one presumes is morally fine with the Opposition income offshore and to place real business overseas, Members who have followed the debate so far and so using the UK as a worldwide platform for tax avoidance. must be okay. But that near £53 from £100 does not The Government are now going even further with the sound very low to me, especially given that the Government CFC—controlled foreign companies—rules. From January scrapped indexation relief on capital gains at a time 2014, multinationals that open a finance subsidiary in a when they are clearly targeting higher inflation. Perhaps tax haven will have their corporation tax, as staggering more importantly though, what incentive is such a tax as it may seem, reduced from the current 23% to 5.5%. on profits to entrepreneurs? What encouragement do In future, therefore, multinational companies really need such figures give to those involved in setting up and not bother with tax avoidance any more, because the driving forward young businesses, or those entrepreneurs Government are serving it up to them on a plate. thinking of taking that big first step into the world of small business and working for themselves? The latest wheeze that the Government have come up Secondly, is it wrong for companies to avoid tax? with is the patent box. If a company has a product with Janan Ganesh in the has written well a small patented component, it will qualify for a 50% on this particular issue, but I would draw hon. Members’ cut in its corporation tax—that is 10% from April attention to one of his main and salient points for this 2017—not only on that product but on the whole of its debate with which I agree. The Starbucks precedent—and profits. by association, one might say, any future pressure on A third example is the general anti-avoidance rule, Google, Amazon, and historically some of the mobile which the Government portray as their flagship measure phone companies and indeed perhaps most notoriously against tax avoidance. Actually, it is the reverse. By the Guardian newspaper group—is a dangerous one. being narrowly drawn it will block the worst kinds of Tax should be a matter of law not moral persuasion. If tax avoidance, but by the same token— any Government want Starbucks or any other corporation to pay more tax, pass an appropriate piece of legislation. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. Otherwise tax payment will become a matter of public 91 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 92

[Karl McCartney] law, it is their own and our fault if companies use the rules in place to minimise their tax. Our tax legislation image and impact, and I imagine that very little tax will is huge and very complex, so any shortcomings are be paid by the maker of the polystyrene cups, which we down to Government failure to create and implement may never have heard of. Do we really want to travel the right tax framework. down “The X Factor” road of choosing something, The multinational aspects of tax collection and avoidance indeed policy setting in this country, making important can be solved only by international bodies working decisions based on fickle public opinion on the hoof? together. That will not be easy for any of my ministerial colleagues to achieve I am sure, but as for any avoidance Mr Bacon: While my hon. Friend is right that it by UK companies, we do not perhaps need this debate should be a matter for law, not for moral persuasion, now, as the GAAR legislation will, we trust, come into PricewaterhouseCoopers’ request of the Government, force during the next tax year. Surely that is the mechanism in the consultation that took place last year, that they to stop so-called unacceptable tax avoidance that the should do more to clarify what constitutes unacceptable hon. Member for Redcar seeks to debate this evening. tax avoidance versus what constitutes acceptable tax Many private sector individuals in business may view planning, places a burden on the Government to be this debate and other pronouncements by some hon. clearer about their own intentions. Members as politicians just diverting public opinion away from their own shortcomings by encouraging media Karl McCartney: My hon. Friend will be pleased interest in the tax avoidance issue. As politicians we to know that I agree with him. I will mention organise the rules and therefore as long as what the PricewaterhouseCoopers shortly. companies do is legal, morality surely does not come The objective of business, any business, is not ostensibly into it much. Google, The Guardian, Amazon and others to do good or to pursue corporate social responsibility, are perhaps insulated in that they have little direct it is to do business and make money for the owners competition in the services they provide, so no incentive and/or shareholders. Directors of all small, medium, to make voluntary tax payments as they have avoided large and multinational companies have a fiduciary such sizeable payments for a number of years. But responsibility to maximise gains for that company’s Starbucks is now paying reportedly quite sizeable sums owners, including minimising the tax paid. Any diversion of voluntary tax, not for moral reasons but to protect of company management from that objective is wrong its brand and customer loyalty—that is to protect its as a matter of law and dangerous as we move forward in profits. the 21st century. John Christensen of the campaign group Tax Justice Bob Stewart: Surely if a company is making a voluntary Network made a true claim when he said that the contribution of £10 million a year, it must be making figures highlight that tax avoidance by large businesses very much more than that, and be doing that only has become a “much bigger issue” over the past 10 years because it hopes to get off the hook, and that is something because of the “enhanced relationship” policy put in that we must legislate about. place. That policy was put in place by the then Labour Prime Minister, , and his then Chancellor and Karl McCartney: My hon. Friend makes a good ultimately successor as Labour Prime Minister, the right point. I agree that it is probably making a lot more in hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown). profit than £10 million for the next two years. The problem is perhaps exacerbated in that we have a A potential solution is perhaps not to hound companies very complicated tax system. The previous Labour that legitimately use the tax laws as they are, but to Government did nothing to uncomplicate matters. In make the tax system such that there is no benefit in tax fact, they set up a whole new industry making it more avoidance, that is, reducing corporation tax rates and complex. What we need as a country, and for us to the complexity of the system, whilst at the same time remain an economic powerhouse on the world stage, is cracking down hard on those who are abusing the tax much greater tax simplicity and lower tax rates. system. This, for those in the Chamber who are technically I am pleased that the Government are consulting on minded, is known as the old carrot and stick approach. a general anti-abuse rule, the GAAR, targeted at artificial We want multinationals to headquarter in the UK. and abusive tax avoidance schemes, with a view to Frankly, I cannot complain if they organise themselves bringing forward legislation later this year. Echoing my to pay the lowest legitimate tax that they can. What I earlier statement, Mary Monfries, head of tax policy am more interested in is that they bring their jobs and and regulation at PricewaterhouseCoopers, has also spending power to our shores. It fills our restaurants, been quoted in the media citing with regard to our tax houses and shops. It provides secondary support service system that “simplicity is key”. She described complexity employment across a plethora of sectors in Great Britain. as a Let us not be negative this evening, because that will “key problem with the current tax model”, put businesses off coming here, which is the exact adding that the GAAR should opposite of what we want. We want the whole world to “help to act as a disincentive” know that Great Britain is a superb place to start up, locate or relocate a business, and with the Conservatives against in government we continue to be Great Britain. We can “abusive, extreme tax avoidance arrangements”. all help to send out the message that we welcome But I also believe that some of my colleagues are international businesses—even Starbucks, Amazon, PayPal being disingenuous with the great British public in that and Google—to our shores and would like them to the vast majority of multinationals mentioned are not bring more of their business to the UK. We are a breaking any laws and, as the Government make the country that is determined to drive down tax rates, as 93 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 94 demonstrated by our recent corporation tax reductions, Sport Committee, of which I am a member, the public undoubtedly a feather in the jaunty cap of the Chancellor affairs spokesperson, whom I am reliably informed is a and the Treasury team. We are a great place to do former No. 10 adviser, when asked any serious question, business. replied, “That’s above my pay grade.” It is telling that employment tax brings in 5.4 times It seems to me that those large corporations are more revenue than corporate tax—£259 billion versus treating Parliament, and indeed politicians, with utter £48 billion—so let us focus on those things that create contempt. We are well aware of the statement by Google, more sustainable jobs, the positives. One of the but there is also the statement from the chief executive Government’s main roles is to make the UK the best of WPP, who said that corporation tax paid was largely country in the world to do business in. Everything else “a question of judgment” and that it paid it more out of will be easier if we can achieve a massive influx of a sense of corporate social responsibility. Experience foreign companies moving their bases and thus employing tells me that we should not hold our breath if we are more people here. waiting for corporate social responsibility. I believe that populist politics masquerading as morality There is a serious problem, and in order to solve a is a Lib Dem trade mark that would inevitably lead us problem we must first look at its size. General corporation into a vicious spiral, one that is downward and certainly tax receipts from big businesses have dropped from not a virtuous circle. We know that the Lib Dems are £26 billion in 2000-01 to £21 billion in 2011-12, a 20% desperate to be popular. They often say anything on the decline but a 65% increase in profits. In October 2012 doorstep, often expressing views that are diametrically companies paid £7.8 billion, down from £8.7 billion in opposed to those of their neighbours in order to garner October 2011. The Office for Budget Responsibility votes, as anyone who has canvassed after them will predicted that corporate tax receipts would grow by 4% know. That cheapness was amply demonstrated by their this financial year, but they are actually down by 10%. head of communications—presumably the paper clips HMRC estimates that the tax gap—the difference between organiser—who last month supposedly leaked instructions what should be received and what is received—is £4.1 billion. to Lib Dem Members of this House to monster the That would pay the salaries of 153,000 nurses or Conservatives, people like me and my fellow cuddly 164,000 police officers, or for 430,000 nursery places. Conservative Back Benchers, in their vicious pre-Christmas Indeed, if the Treasury closed the tax gap, it would briefing. cover almost a third of the expected deficit for 2012-13. The Liberal Democrats might hanker after a yellow As has already been alluded to, 98% of FTSE 100 firms paradise of sand and yellow sun, but it is a very small have at least one subsidiary in a tax haven. The cost of yellow island they currently inhabit, surrounded by very tax havens is estimated at £160 billion annually. That is deep and clear blue water. I think they know that it is in excess of all the aid flowing now. likely to become a smaller island. They need to mature There is hope, hopefully. The Chancellor has pledged as members of the coalition Government. They need a more resources for the Organisation for Economic dose of reality over the next two and half years. We are Co-operation and Development to create a levy catching not some paradise or utopia—this is the real world. earnings of multinational firms. Indeed, he has announced I am conscious that my time is almost up and so will an extra £77 million a year for two years to fund more conclude. Of course all the Conservatives on the HMRC staff to pursue companies that are not paying Government Benches want our country to have the their taxes. However, his close friend the Chief Secretary most competitive corporate tax system of any major to the Treasury, the right hon. Member for Inverness, world economy. By doing so we will ensure that our Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (Danny Alexander), country’s economic recovery will be private sector-led, said that we should not name and shame firms that but we expect those corporate taxes to be paid, regardless avoid tax as that would breach taxpayers’ confidentiality. of where any larger international firms that do business To return to a point made earlier, I think that we should here might be based or have business operations. A need be looking at fair tax in the same way we looked at fair for fairness and reasonableness from both sides seems trade. to be most apt. In that respect, I am particularly pleased The well-respected organisation Christian Aid has that the Chancellor recently announced extra investment put out a briefing highlighting the headlines of tax in the part of the Inland Revenue that tackles tax avoidance and some statistics to go with it. A recent avoidance by multinational companies. study has shown that in excess of £13 trillion might be hidden in tax havens beyond the reach of tax authorities. 7.42 pm The cost to developing countries is estimated to be Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab): £160 billion annually, which is far in excess of the global I rise as a sponsor of early-day motion 867, which deals aid flowing at the moment. A recent UK survey showed with the behaviour of Google and its tax avoidance that 56% of adults polled believed that tax avoidance statements. As the sad person I am, over the festive was morally wrong and 74% felt that the Prime Minister period I took the opportunity to catch up with the work should be demanding international action to tackle tax of some of our Select Committees, particularly the evasion and avoidance. We look forward to the G8 summit excellent work of the Public Accounts Committee, chaired in Ireland, where the Prime Minister and the Chancellor by my right hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Margaret have promised to take the whole question of tax extremely Hodge). Having watching Committee members try to seriously. get reasonable answers out of some of the big corporations, I can understand their frustration. In my view, they Caroline Lucas: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman treated the Committee with contempt, simply smirking for giving way and for his words on fair taxation. Does when asked any serious question. Likewise, when Google he agree that transparency is an absolutely fundamental representatives appeared before the Culture, Media and principle at the heart of fair taxation and, in that 95 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 96

[Caroline Lucas] I can fully understand the temptation to brand this as a moral issue, appealing to corporates’ consciences when respect, does he agree that the Government should be the legislative framework has failed, but it is a temptation supporting country-by-country reporting, as set out that we in politics should try to avoid. In sparking a in my private Member’s Bill, the Tax and Financial debate on morality in relation to the payment of tax, I Transparency Bill, in the previous Session? Is that the fear that elite politicians open up a dangerous flank, kind of measure he would support? because it suggests that the Government are either impotent or are being disingenuous in their outrage. Jim Sheridan: We need transparency in the system, That applies to Governments of all colours. After all, because if we do not have transparency we will not be Parliament must ultimately set the rules within which able to find out where the problem is, so I would fully companies operate. As my hon. Friend the Member for support such a private Member’s Bill. South Norfolk (Mr Bacon) said, the precedent that has now been set, with Starbucks paying an amount of tax I will move on to what is commonly known as the that it alone has determined sufficient publicly to salve people’s game: football. The Independent on Sunday has its conscience, is a very odd one. conducted an investigation into “Football’s tax shame”. It states: I am very concerned about the whole idea of mob rule. I am sorry that the right hon. Member for Birkenhead “Britain’s Premier League football clubs are awash with money. (Mr Field) is not in his place. He speaks eloquently They pay star players £250,000 a week, and turn over £2.2bn a year. Yet records show they paid only £3m in corporation tax last about issues such as immigration, and he would be year… according to analysis of their most recent accounts.” unwise to think that mob rule is a way of dealing with immigration problems, for example. We must recognise That money comes from the spectators, the hard-working that we are a democracy and that this is the forum men and women who buy the products and go to the within which the rules should be made. We should not games. The article continues: try to inspire mob rule, whether on the payment of tax “This is an effective tax rate of 2 per cent. Equally startling is or for any other purposes within our society. that a profit of £150m made by eight clubs is all that the Premier League has to show for a turnover of about £2.2bn a year. Five I have lost count of the number of times that media clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham commentators have remarked that they would be delighted Hotspur, paid no tax at all, despite a combined surplus of more to apply the same approach to their own tax affairs by than £70m. Blackpool, relegated from the Premier League last paying what they feel like rather than what the Government year, paid just over £100,000 on profits of £21m—a rate of 0.5 per demand of them. However, I have a much wider concern— cent. The club was able to pay minimal tax on its substantial that investors will begin to sense that UK policy on tax profits because of the effects of a £6.7m loss the year before. The and regulation is becoming ever more arbitrary, governed club also donated just over £5,000 to charities. Of the other profitable elite clubs, Arsenal had the biggest potential tax bill—£7m on more by sentiment and the news cycle than by the strict group profits of £36.6m—but paid less than half a million pounds rules that should be enforced by HMRC and ultimately while deferring more than £6m. West Bromwich Albion topped by the courts. The UK should be proud of its traditional the company tax table, paying £1.8m on £18.9m profits. The club place as a bastion of commercial certainty attracting accounts of those that made a profit cover the financial year investment from every corner of the globe, and, as my 2010-11, with the exception of Manchester United and Arsenal, hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Karl McCartney) which have both recently published their 2011-12 accounts. None pointed out, that will be undermined by high-profile of the clubs has acted illegally and all of them pay big sums in rows such as this. PAYE and other taxes.” That is not to say that all is well. As we saw in my own We should not buy the argument about the complexities constituency with the protest outside St Paul’s cathedral of the tax system being the reason people do not pay only a year or so ago, there is deep-seated concern that their taxes. There is nothing complicated about saying the rules of capitalism are being skewed. None of us to big corporations, “If you make and sell your products should take this issue lightly, not least—dare I say in this country, you pay the appropriate tax.” That is it?—Conservative Members, as middle-class Tory voters not too complex, and that is the road we should be often feel most strongly about it. To focus on arbitrary going down. media campaigns or to invoke mob rule, as several Members have, is entirely the wrong way forward. 7.50 pm Too often, as my hon. Friend the Member for South Norfolk said, coalition Ministers have conflated the concepts Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): of avoidance and evasion in debating taxation policy. I congratulate the hon. Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) The ideal solution is for aggressive tax avoidance schemes on initiating this very important debate, although I to be stopped in their tracks before they are marketed. must confess that I did not agree with everything he That requires constant dialogue and the re-establishment said. I am rather concerned by the strongly anti-business of trust between HMRC and tax intermediaries. As approach to this issue shown by certain Members. a matter of urgency, therefore, the Treasury needs to I have a great deal of sympathy for the leaders of all promote a much better and more extensive pre-clearance the political parties in formulating what would be regarded regime to allow companies, individuals and tax advisers as an adequate response to the hot potato of corporate to road-test their proposed schemes. HMRC must start tax avoidance. In today’s 24/7 media world, there is a investing more time in developing and managing constant demand on political figures to provide a running relationships with accountants and tax lawyers. commentary on populist media campaigns following Meanwhile, the Treasury is committed at the time of the high-profile cases to which the hon. Gentleman the next Finance Bill to introducing general tax anti- referred, including global businesses such as Google, avoidance provisions. It is clear that any such general Amazon and Starbucks. power of anti-avoidance will feature some retrospective 97 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 98 taxation. That is wrong in a free society, and it will risk stripping out of the system any incentive to avoid further damaging our nation’s reputation as a free, open income tax. A simpler tax code would also free up and transparent place to set up, develop and run businesses. HMRC resources to concentrate on tackling the real problem of tax evasion while making transgressions Ian Swales: I hope that the hon. Gentleman did not easier to identify. interpret my remarks as being anti-business. Does he It has been a pleasure to make a brief contribution to not worry about the competitive situation if certain this debate on an important issue to which we must all companies get away with these practices and are then return. However, I am concerned that too much of the competing with other companies that do not have the rhetoric coming from this place almost suggests a sense ability to do so? of powerlessness that gives rise to the view that there is an aggressive anti-business approach in this country. Mark Field: I do. Andy Street, the managing director We do need to have a thriving business sector. Global of John Lewis, has made that point, but it obviously businesses can, of course, choose where they locate applies to many of the smaller independent companies. their business. We should be proud in this country of I represent a central London seat where a lot of big having a track record of being open to business, but I businesses are based and operate. Nothing is more also accept that we want to ensure that businesses pay important than encouraging independents, whether they their fair share, because we have a huge deficit and a are restaurants, wine bars or book shops, rather than huge debt that has to be paid off if we are not to burden just relying on big multinationals. No one wants to see future generations. all our high streets entirely dominated by large international I hope that we will look at the whole issue with that in corporations, many of which may involve themselves in mind, but above all I hope that the Minister will take on what is currently regarded as aggressive tax avoidance. board the idea that HMRC needs to have an approach that is much more open to the pre-clearance I referred John Pugh: The hon. Gentleman said that retrospective to. We must also, as a matter of urgency, look at the taxation is a threat. Does not the previous Government’s complications in our tax code that are allowing some of pre-approval scheme, which puts proposals through the the high-profile avoidance to take place. Treasury to find out whether they are sound, get round that and remove that fear? 8pm Mark Field: Not entirely, because it does not work as Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): From the well as it should. There is no doubt that this is going to beginning of this debate until the point when the hon. be a much more high-profile issue, and I will be interested Member for Lincoln (Karl McCartney), who is not in to hear what the Minister has to say about my suggestion. his place, spoke, I wondered, given that we were all so agreed, whether there was any point in our having a The underlying lesson is that the UK tax code and debate. That begs the question of why we, collectively, regime remains far too complicated. The godfather of have not dealt with the issues sooner if we are in so tax avoidance is complexity and uncertainty in the much agreement. However, we have different views about system. When even tax experts find it impossible to tax and they underlie many of the issues. understand the workings of the tax code, people begin to question whether everyone is really paying their fair One such view is whether there should be tax at all. share. This, in turn, creates a sense of greater acceptability There is a tendency in Britain and, I suspect, a lot of in the avoiding and evading of tax. Furthermore, a other countries, but not all, to see tax as inherently a complicated and opaque tax system will always be bad thing. If that is the case, it then becomes legitimate, vulnerable to misrepresentation, particularly by the media, according to many people, to find ways to minimise and that again weakens confidence and encourages either one’s individual personal tax burden or a business further avoidance. People think, “If Amazon can get tax burden. I believe, however, that tax is inherently a away with not paying its fair share, why should I bother good thing and that it is right that we as a society pay in to stump up?” I can understand why that is a general what we can afford in order to provide the kind of social sentiment, but it frustrates many of the corporates that, and other services that we want in a civilized society. It as the hon. Member for Redcar said, have paid in an would help if we took the view that tax is not inherently open and transparent manner and will ultimately undermine bad, because once that stance is taken all kinds of their whole business framework. things flow from it. Government can make piecemeal efforts to address Another issue that we have come up against is tax particular instances of avoidance—they can play catch-up simplification, as if that is the answer to a lot of the to a certain extent—but responses tend to involve making problems we face. I briefly studied tax law—it was not the entire system far more complex, thereby reinforcing my favourite law subject, although I did win a class the very factors that have driven avoidance in the first medal in it, somewhat to my surprise. As I understood it place, displacing the activity and giving rise to a whole then—this did not happen yesterday; it is not something set of new avoidance techniques. Instead, the Government new—much of the reason for having a lot of complexity need to take an entirely different and fresh approach. in tax law was precisely because people were constantly They should look at how they can overhaul the entire finding loopholes. system so that avoidance and evasion offer a similar, If the answer is simplification, can we be satisfied smaller reward and will therefore be seen as far less that complicated ways around it will not be quickly acceptable. Fundamentally, that can mean only lower found? The law, perhaps, follows clever tax lawyers and taxes and a radically simplified tax code. For example, a accountants—not the idea that we have made our tax single income tax applicable to income, however it is book and tax code so complicated—and that is why received, at the same single rate is the best way of people get to the point of saying, “Well, we’ve got to 99 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 100

[Sheila Gilmore] own businesses and industries, but if so much tax is not being paid in those countries, they will probably end up have complicated tax avoidance.” It is a question of not making the progress that they need to make and we where we think the starting point should be. There might end up having to give them further aid. Those appears to be a view that the starting point should be developing countries also need us to act. that the law is too complex and that if we somehow made it simple, people would no longer seek to avoid tax. 8.8 pm There is a clear legal distinction between tax avoidance Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis and Littlehampton) and tax evasion, but perhaps the time has come to think (Con): I pay tribute to the work of the Public Accounts about where we place the line. I agree with those Members Committee, particularly its questioning of executives who have said that it is important that we and the law from Starbucks, Google and Amazon on 12 November. are clear and that people know where they stand. We I will focus on just one of those companies: Amazon. cannot have a system that allows people to say, “I don’t I preface my remarks by paying tribute to the brilliant particularly like this or that kind of scheme.” The other service that Amazon provides. It has made buying books side of that coin seems to be to allow companies to far simpler and cheaper for millions of consumers, decide how much they want to pay, rather than how myself included. The speed of delivery and its innovative much they should pay. We might need to think, at logistics make it a company about which there is a huge another time, about drawing a line with regard to what amount to admire. The question, though, is: which constitutes tax evasion and tax avoidance. Aggressive company? The way in which Amazon is structured tax avoidance, which has been described, might actually means that, when I buy a book from Amazon, I am in be tax evasion and not just a very clever way of avoiding fact buying it from Amazon EU SARL, a Luxemburg tax. company. The profit on the sale of a book belongs to It is interesting that many of the companies that we this Luxemburg company, notwithstanding the fact that talk about a great deal have bad practices in other Amazon owns no warehouses in Luxemburg and that respects. Only a few months ago, we heard not only that the book, if it is in English, will have been sent from one Starbucks was not paying a great deal of corporate tax, of Amazon’s eight warehouses in the UK. Amazon.co.uk but that it was seeking to reduce the working conditions Ltd, a UK company, is just the service company for the of its own employees here in the UK. Usually, we are Luxembourg company, fulfilling a customer’s order on told that that is necessary because companies are not behalf of Amazon EU SARL. Therefore, although making a profit. In this case, Starbucks appears to be Amazon’s sales in the UK are in the billions of pounds, making a profit, although it is not always accountable the sales income of the UK company is just £207 million. here, yet it wanted to reduce the conditions of its own The technical thing that the tax planners at Amazon employees. Bad practices, therefore, go beyond tax. are keen to avoid is creating what the tax authorities call In a global economy we need to look at things a permanent establishment of the Luxembourg company internationally. The Government have said that they in the UK. If the UK tax authorities perceive there to will use the next few months as an opportunity—in the be such a permanent establishment, all the income of G8, for example—to try to make some progress. I hope the Luxembourg company that relates to that permanent that that will be the case. If we need international establishment would be taxable in the UK. When I drive clarity and transparency and proper accounting, we up the M1 and see the huge Amazon buildings that should do it. It cannot be right that it is possible for package and dispatch millions of books a year, I cannot companies that are clearly profitable here—they are not help thinking that they look pretty permanent, but unprofitable—to be able to siphon profits away through technically they are not. There will have been great schemes such as brand purchasing and loans, which effort and attention to the detail of the documentation mean that they are paying interest rather than making a to ensure that the warehouses are the operation of the profit. If those are avoidance schemes and if we cannot UK service company and that all Amazon’s property deal with them in our country, we must do so internationally. and activity in the UK relate to that service and not to If we are all able to sign up to a certain level of the activities of the Luxembourg company. consensus—it may not be universal in this place—we Mr Bacon: When my hon. Friend sees those buildings, need to introduce the necessary legislation for the UK do they move slightly each time? Are they on wheels? in this year’s Finance Bill. We should all sing up to that. It is not good enough to come back from international Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend makes a good point. conversations and say, “We had some discussions and Everyone knows that this structure is a legal fiction. All made some progress.” We need to set some clear targets the real economic activity for the transaction of my to end some of the practices. If the UK does that today, book purchase takes place in the UK. Andrew Cecil, other countries might take note and do so tomorrow. the director of public policy at Amazon, in his evidence That leads to another international dimension—the to the Public Accounts Committee, said that Amazon.co.uk problems that many developing countries face with is the trading name of the Luxembourg company.Therefore, regard to tax. They, too, suffer deeply from the way in although it sounds as though I am buying my book from which income profits are manipulated and moved out the UK company, in fact I am not. However, according of their country so that, despite the fact that production to the e-mail that I received in December confirming a is taking place in the developing country, the profit book order that I made, if I want further details on my appears to be made elsewhere, usually a tax haven with statutory rights, I should contact Amazon.co.uk customer a much lower rate of taxation. Developing countries services at 2 to 4 Waverly Gate, Edinburgh. The trading probably suffer from that more than we do. They are name for the Luxembourg company therefore has premises trying, as they have been asked and told to do, to raise in Edinburgh. Does that not sound like a permanent themselves up, not rely on aid and get going with their establishment of the Luxembourg company? 101 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 102

Paul Farrelly (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab): I am by necessity, moves slowly. Speedier action could be glad that the hon. Gentleman has chosen to talk about taken by the UK tax authorities by speeding up transfer Amazon, because it gives me the opportunity to pay pricing inquiries. It is therefore welcome that the Chancellor tribute to my great friend and former journalistic colleague, has allocated additional funding to HMRC to do that. Ian Griffiths, who wrote the seminal investigation on HMRC could also take powers to require companies to behalf of The Bookseller in The Guardian in April, disclose in advance all international connected party which showed that Amazon had made £7.6 billion of payments and to supply the associated documentation. sales in the UK but had paid zero corporation tax There could be tougher penalties when a company’s because of the Luxembourg structure, even though the tax return is wrong because of over-aggressive transfer warehouses are here. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman pricing. will come on to this, but does he think that it is right I conclude by touching on a wider issue relating to that the tax playing field should be levelled, because corporate tax avoidance: the ethics of companies and booksellers and record retailers are going out of business their boardrooms. In our everyday lives, we are all day by day in this country? governed by a sense of morality, not just by law and regulation. Corporations are artificially created legal Mr Gibb: That is why this issue is so important. It is personalities. The morality of a corporation is determined not just about the corporate tax base, which is hugely by its board—by both executive and non-executive directors. important, but about the competitiveness of British-based It is no good for individual companies or for free businesses. market capitalism, which I support passionately, if directors Another thing that I found odd about the Amazon interpret their role too narrowly. Too often, people who structure was that the accounts filed at Companies sit on company boards fail to ask the simple and House report that the company has 2,265 employees, straightforward question that governs moral behaviour: which is vastly different from the 15,000 employees that is this the right thing for us to do? Too often, directors Andrew Cecil told the Public Accounts Committee seem to take the view that their fiduciary duty as Amazon employs in the UK. The other strange thing directors stops at the maximisation of shareholder value, about Amazon’s group structure is that even the but section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 makes it Luxembourg operation, with its ¤9 billion turnover, clear that the duty of a director to promote the success appears to have made a post-tax profit of just ¤20 million. of the company must be subject to a number of wider considerations including As we have seen with Starbucks and Google, profits can be siphoned off from individual jurisdictions by “the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for payments for intellectual property rights through royalties high standards of business conduct”. or technical fees. Starbucks pays a royalty of 6% of its I question whether the directors, including the non-executive turnover to its company in the Netherlands. Google directors, of the three companies so ably questioned by also pays for the use of its technology. Although that the PAC were fulfilling that duty. technology was developed in California, the rights to Action needs to be taken to ensure that the corporate use it outside the USA are held in Bermuda. tax contribution of a multinational to a nation’s Exchequer Much of this area of law is governed by a network of is broadly consistent with the level of economic activity double tax treaties, of which the UK has signed more in that jurisdiction. We need to ensure that that action than 100. They are based on a model double tax convention does not hamper world trade: it must be multilateral, that was agreed at the OECD and have been highly but it needs to be swift. There are measures that HMRC effective in boosting worldwide trade and overseas can take in the meantime to ensure that it has the investment over the decades. Britain benefits hugely intellectual resources to match those of the international from that network of treaties. We have £10.9 trillion accounting firms. There are also questions that the of investments abroad, which generated £188 billion of boards of corporations need to take seriously as business income in 2011. The Government are therefore right to leaders and members of society. want to tackle the problem of corporate tax avoidance through international negotiation. As the Prime Minister Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): The time limit wrote in his letter to G8 leaders on 2 January: is now seven minutes. “in a globalised world, no one country can, on its own, effectively tackle tax evasion and aggressive avoidance. But as a group of eight major economies together we have an opportunity to galvanise 8.18 pm collective international action.” John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): The One such action is the OECD’s study into the transfer hon. Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) set the scene pricing aspects of intangibles. In its discussion draft, exceptionally well and went through all the points that snappily entitled “Revision of the Special Considerations have been reiterated by others. for Intangibles in Chapter VI of the OECD Transfer I want to take up one point. I chair the cross- Pricing Guidelines and Related Provisions”, published party parliamentary group of the Public and in June last year, the OECD concluded: Commercial Services Union, which represents 50,000 of “It should be emphasized that not all intangibles deserve the 54,000 members of staff in HMRC—in other words, separate compensation in all circumstances, and not all intangibles tax inspectors. I echo the simple point made by my right give rise to premium returns in all circumstances.” hon. Friend the Member for Oldham West and Royton In other words, the OECD is coming to the view that (Mr Meacher) and the hon. Member for South Norfolk the huge royalty payments that some international groups (Mr Bacon): if we want to collect the taxes, we need make their overseas subsidiaries pay to their home country the staff to do it. If HMRC is to do that efficiently, it or to tax havens may no longer be allowable against tax also needs those staff to have the appropriate skills in the overseas jurisdictions. However, the OECD, and resources. I have raised that matter consistently on 103 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 104

[John McDonnell] We need to ensure that the staff of HMRC have the tools to collect tax effectively. As the hon. Member for behalf of the PCS parliamentary group over the past Lincoln (Karl McCartney) said, we cannot criticise decade, and particularly over the past seven years, as others if the House itself does not fulfil its own responsibility have other Members. of ensuring that we have effective legislation that the staff can use to collect tax. That is why we should listen When HMRC was created by the merger of Customs to the experts—the HMRC tax inspectors—when they and Excise and the Revenue, we had a debate in the advise that the Government’s proposed general anti-abuse House for which I think there were little more than half rule will not be effective and instead advise support for a dozen Members in the Chamber. However, there were the Bill tabled by my right hon. Friend the Member for staff cuts of 3,000 overnight, and a further 12,000 within Oldham West and Royton to introduce a general anti- six months. A process called the lean system was introduced, avoidance principle. Their view is that we need to return producing the first industrial action in the Inland Revenue’s at least partly to the Ramsay principle, which was a existence, so there was an element of demoralisation. decision of the Lords in 1982, overturned in 2001, that In 2005 there were 97,000 staff in HMRC, and by at least led to some commitment to the anti-avoidance 2015 there will be 55,000. The Government have recognised principle in law. It laid a duty upon directors to abide by that further investment is needed, for which I am grateful. that principle. They have provided £900 million for reinvesting in tax The hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster collection and recently pledged another £77 million (Mark Field) said that we should not drag this into over the next two years on top of that, but that does not being a moral issue, but it is a moral issue. When my make up for the £3 billion of cuts in the October 2010 constituents pay their taxes in the pay-as-you-earn system, statement. That means that there will be another 10,000 jobs they expect others to make their fair contribution as cut from HMRC by 2015, which is ludicrous and completely well, yet the Public Accounts Committee has effectively counter-productive. exposed scandal after scandal. I understand why UK My right hon. Friend the Member for Oldham West Uncut is occupying premises and taking direct action. and Royton made the point about how much each tax That is the only way to publicise what companies are inspector brings in in proportion to their salary. The doing. cuts and tax office closures seem to be undermining the We have been at this for a number of years in the very system that we want to make effective in delivering House. I hosted what I think was the first meeting in the the tax that we need and tackling the scandals that have House with Richard Murphy and John Christensen of occurred. There is also real anxiety about the use of the Tax Justice Network, when the issue was not particularly private companies in the tax collection system, which popular. It became popular and had resonance when the Government have developed. I urge the Government UK Uncut took direct action. We have a responsibility to rethink the whole process of investment in HMRC to our constituents to ensure that the balance is redressed, for the long-term future. It has lost staff and is losing by providing resources for HMRC and putting in place skills, which is undermining its ability to undertake the appropriate legislation so that it becomes effective as a work that we ask it to do. tax collector once again. The hon. Member for Redcar mentioned the awarding of contracts to companies that we then discover avoid their taxes. I raised that matter under the previous 8.25 pm Government. I found it bizarre when the private finance Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): It is a pleasure to initiative scheme was introduced and the Inland Revenue speak in yet another tax debate—we seem to be having offices were sold off to Mapeley, and then leased back more and more of them as the months of this Parliament from that company, only for us to discover that it was go by. This is an important issue, and the debate is using a tax haven and not paying tax itself. about corporate tax avoidance, not just corporation tax The hon. Gentleman also mentioned Capgemini. Let avoidance. We can sometimes drift into focusing on tax us get on the record what has happened in that case. on profits and miss out on the avoidance of VAT or Capgemini and Accenture are the two IT companies payroll tax, which we could more readily do something with which HMRC has contracts, and both were recently about. identified as avoiding tax themselves. Capgemini, the The publicity on the issue has had some positive lead contractor on the £8 billion Aspire contract, paid impact, because it has probably discouraged a lot of only £308,000 of corporation tax last year on £38 million businesses from entering into aggressive or artificial of profits—less than 1%. That company is employed by avoidance schemes. That has to be welcomed on one HMRC but avoids the tax that HMRC seeks to use it to level, but we do not want to go so far that we start to do collect. It is extraordinary. Accenture, which has a damage. The last thing that we want to do is deter £9.6 billion contract with HMRC to supply technical international investment in this country. After all, the support, managed to reduce its tax bill to 3.5%, paying Government have set out to make ours the most attractive only £2.8 million in tax on nearly £82 million of profits corporate tax regime in the G20. There has been great in Britain last year. It was employed by HMRC and progress on that through rate reductions, and I believe awarded a massive contract, and then used those resources that after the latest reduction we are about fifth in the to avoid paying tax. You couldn’t make it up, but it is G20. However, when we consider the effective rates that happening regularly. As the hon. Gentleman said, the people actually pay, we are down to about 15th because Government should introduce some principle to ensure of the complexities of our system. There is still a lot that when we award contracts to such companies, we of work to do to make our system an attractive one are at least confident that they are not in the tax that encourages investment both internationally and avoidance business. domestically. 105 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 106

We have to be careful that we do not drift towards things regularly marketed into the UK should be accounted having a tax regime that ceases to be based on a clearly for here and VAT should be paid. I think we are moving advanced and published rule of law and is instead based towards that system, which is absolutely right. on arbitrary decisions, with the Revenue having the To return to my thread, it is not in our interests to power to ignore the law completely or rewrite it encourage some kind of global race towards tax barriers, retrospectively, or if that fails, to bully people into withholding taxes or whatever else. The right hon. paying a bit more tax until we think it is about right. Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) was talking about After all, corporation tax is on profits for tax purposes, some strange tariff for international companies to come not on profits for accounts purposes, and certainly not and trade here, which would be crazy—certainly illegal on sales for accounts purposes. It is worrying that and probably economically suicidal. We do not want to people seem deliberately to confuse the matter, talking end up in that sort of mess. about a company with a turnover of £1 billion paying only £500,000 of corporation tax and saying that that is We should not vilify the payment of royalties, a low percentage. That percentage could be completely management fees, design fees or even interest. What we irrelevant, because if it has made no profit, it will pay need to do is ensure that those payments are not excessive, no corporation tax. We need to be accurate and focus either individually or collectively. One of the things I on a different issue. fear, having worked in the industry, is this. At times, it is easy to say, “That fee’s okay, that fee’s okay and that There are some aggressive avoidance schemes that are fee’s okay,” but then we forget to look at the overall intended to exploit UK domestic law that we can tackle. situation in the UK and reflect on the fact that no one The Government are tackling them, and I believe they would operate a business if the most they could ever have announced some more rules today to do so. We make was a 1% margin on turnover in a very good year, need to be as proactive as we can on those schemes, and while regularly making a loss in an average or bad year. that is where the general anti-abuse rule has a role to That is not how to trade: these things have to be looked play. I am a sceptic about that. I am not sure I like the at as a whole, to try to ensure that the profit expected in idea of giving any government bodies the power to an average year is reasonable enough for a business to implement something that is not law, but which they want to operate in that territory. think ought to be. We are here to make laws; they are That point can easily be lost, so what the Government there to implement the laws we make. If we get the laws can do to try to improve the situation is this. First, we wrong, we should sort that out and improve our processes, need global rule changes to try to make internet-based not expect those bodies to find a way of fixing the business fit our tax systems. What we are trying to do, problem retrospectively. not just in the UK but globally, is make a tax system However, a lot of the avoidance we have been talking from the 1940s and 1950s—or even earlier—work for a about involves transfer pricing. We are an international different model of business. I remember that even when economy and we want to remain one. One of the things I started work a lot of my clients were inbound investors we are focused on is trying to encourage exports—we who actually made stuff in the UK and sold it just in want people to invent and design things here, and then the UK. That is not how things work now: people make export and license them and get royalties and sales stuff in low-cost territories, market it globally and back. However, we will not win if we start an international administer that regionally. I do not think our system war to see who can clobber royalties the most or put up can be made to work in the current situation, where we the biggest barriers to trade. That would be a suicidally have Amazon. There is a global need for reform. stupid thing to do. However, we can do more on transparency. As I said earlier, we ought to require large corporates to file their tax returns with their annual accounts. People might Paul Farrelly: One example of where the Government say, “We have taxpayer confidentiality,” and yes, for have quite sensibly changed the taxation regime is their individuals we do have that. However, we make companies approach towards remote gambling, where they are file accounts and show what their profits are. What is moving towards a “point of consumption” basis. We the harm in making them show how they got to their might argue about what profits should be taxed, but the taxable profit and the tax they paid? That would add principle is that the bet is taxed where it is “consumed”— transparency and show that the vast majority of corporates that is, where the good or service is consumed—not are not avoiding tax at all, but trying to do the right where the business is accounted for. Does the hon. thing and making use of the different calculations that Gentleman agree that that is a model we might follow in exist for tax. I have moved amendments in this place order to repatriate other tax revenues? proposing to move our corporate system much closer to one based on accounting profit. We do not need all the Nigel Mills: Yes, I do. Indeed, I think we will end up different tax schedules—we probably do not even need travelling in that direction, because corporation tax a capital versus revenue divide. We can get our tax rates will be in some kind of global race to the bottom—as system much closer to one based on accounting profit, we reduce ours, people will follow suit, which will lead which would stop all these fears that some people are to revenues falling. However, it is right to say that if avoiding tax when they are perhaps not doing so. It something is sold to a UK customer, the VAT on it would be much harder to implement complex transactions should be accounted for in the UK—in fact, what we if that were in the accounts published. Indeed, we are are talking about is like a trading activity. To be fair, if I talking about the profit that a business is judged on by rang a random business in Botswana tomorrow and lenders and the markets. said, “Can you send me a widget you’ve made?”, and We could go so far as to say that all multinationals that business did not regularly sell anything to the UK, had to disclose all their cross-border transactions with I suspect we would not be too worried, but sales of related parties. A lot of companies used to do that in 107 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 108

[Nigel Mills] We have heard that this is not just about corporation tax, and that the problem exists in relation to other their accounts. They would list the royalties that they taxes as well. We need to look at the matter across the had paid to the US, for example, and the management piece. My hon. Friend the Member for Redcar made fees that they had paid to Japan. We could get back to that point very well when he framed the debate. that. It would not be too difficult for a company to say We know why companies avoid paying tax. It is that it had paid a royalty of 6% on sales to the United rational behaviour, and we cannot knock them for States. That would aid disclosure. There are practical doing it. An industry has grown up around it because it measures that we could take to improve the situation is legal, rational behaviour. Governments of all political without ending up with some kind of awful taxation colours have sought to exploit this and to push behaviour baseball-bat regime that would put people off investing in a certain direction. An example is waste policy and here at all. the effect of the landfill tax regime, which was used to push behaviour in a particular way. We all bear some 8.34 pm responsibility for how we set the terms of the tax Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): I pay tribute regime, but we can also set the culture. The hon. Member to my hon. Friend the Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb) mentioned for securing the debate, and for the work that he and his boardroom culture earlier, but this is about the culture colleagues on the Public Accounts Committee do on of society as a whole. The fact that we are having this our behalf to delve a bit deeper into these issues. It is debate today is a positive thing. This is not about also a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Amber populism; it is a genuine response to concerns expressed Valley (Nigel Mills), who made a lot of sensible points. by people who want us to articulate their views. The hon. Member for Lincoln (Karl McCartney) was The coalition has acted to make corporation tax a little strident earlier, when he sought to have some more reasonable, but that will work only if people political fun within the coalition. I am sure that hon. actually pay it. The trade-off involves ensuring that we Members from Northamptonshire would have been have a tighter regime. I agree that we should not move proud of him. I thought he was being rather ideological. towards a bargaining system in which the final arbiter is The Conservatives used to be the party of pragmatism, public opinion. That is certainly not the way to run a but his message was that there should be cuts at all tax system. I praise my right hon. Friend the Chief costs, and that implementing cuts was the virtuous Secretary to the Treasury and his colleagues for investing thing to do. I disagree with that. I believe that if there is in the areas of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs something good to be done and the Government have that carry out such work, because that is where the the money to do it, they should spend that money on battle must be fought and won. Yes, the solution involves behalf of the people to try to achieve that goal. I do not the legal framework, but it is also about HMRC having think that there is anything inherently good in cuts, but the resources to implement the measures. the Government are trying to cut the deficit that we It is no accident that we are in this situation. Previous inherited, because it has burdened the country and Governments have preferred not to discuss the matter, future generations with huge interest payments and because big business has a seat at the top table and has threatened to destabilise the economy. It is therefore the been able to lobby effectively. It has made the case that right thing to do. everything it does is good and everything it touches Pretty nearly all the parties in the House agree that turns to gold, and that it should therefore be left alone the deficit needs to be reduced over a certain period, but to get on with it. I think the culture has changed at this if we are asking people to contribute to that through time of austerity in favour of delving a little deeper and cuts or through paying tax elsewhere, they need to know saying, “No, that is not the case. Where you do good, that everyone is making a fair contribution. That is we will be partners in rewarding it and ensuring that our understandable. Even though UK Uncut sometimes economy works, but where you are trying to pull one takes an extreme position and oversells the contribution over on us, we will invest in the resources through that could be made to the economy by dealing with this HMRC to get the job done.” problem more equitably, there is a core of truth in what The hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington was it says, which is that some organisations are using absolutely right to highlight the closure of tax offices expensive advice to ensure that they get away with not under the last Government. I lost the battle to save my paying the same contributions as everyone else. As the local office in North Cornwall, even though our compliance hon. Member for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) officers had a great deal of skill at doing such work. If it said, those who pay their taxes on a more straightforward had been argued that their work could be done more basis want to know that everyone else is making a fair efficiently so that the bigger corporations could be contribution. looked at, we could have retrained those people and We represent a diverse economy here in the UK. I they could still have been based out in the regions—as represent a small business economy in which it is incredibly Amazon showed, it does not really matter where people difficult for retailers to survive. The hon. Member for are based; the trade will keep coming if things are Cities of London and Westminster (Mark Field) talked managed effectively. It is a great shame that we lost that about not wanting our high streets to be homogenous, expertise, but that is now ancient history, as we are but we need to be sure that there will be some sort of whereweare. high street left. I am sure that most of us will have done It is clear that the sums involved are highly significant some online shopping, because it is convenient and and that previous Governments have been too timid in helpful, but it cannot be right for small, local businesses tackling the problem. We are now having an open and to compete under a completely different set of rules public debate—both here tonight and out in the country— from those used by multinationals such as Amazon. which I welcome. I look to the Minister to set out his 109 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 110 determination to tackle the problem, invest the resources the UK takes over the presidency of the G8, and I in HMRC and ensure that we tighten up the regulations would urge him to convene a cross-Whitehall meeting where possible. with tax justice experts and campaigners to identify what this policy would look like in practice. Karl McCartney rose— There is real concern and feeling in this evening’s debate about the fact that transfer pricing seems to be at Dan Rogerson: I am afraid that I cannot give way. the heart of the problem, so the draft Finance Bill could Significantly and finally, we must work with our include some measures to try to create enforcement in international partners to set up an international framework respect of transfer pricing and to stop the problem. for a culture in which companies pay for the profit they However, despite the best of intentions, I believe that in make and work effectively and in harmony with the end it will be up to the companies themselves to lead Government to achieve prosperity in the way that most the way and they will only do that if their customers—the people would expect. British public—drag them kicking and screaming towards tax transparency and a fairer tax system for us all. 8.41 pm With that in mind, in October or November I wrote to the chief executives of all the FTSE 100 companies Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con): I congratulate asking them individually whether they were willing to the hon. Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) on securing pledge their support for corporate tax transparency, such an important debate. I listened with great interest and whether they would support a new international to the comments of my hon. Friends the Members for accounting standard for country-by-country reporting. South Norfolk (Mr Bacon) and for Bognor Regis and The current international accounting standards only Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), who eloquently described require multinational companies to report accounts on the differences between tax avoidance and tax evasion, a global consolidated basis, which makes it incredibly and how the lines between them have been blurred. Tax difficult to know where taxable economic activities are evasion is clearly wrong, illegal and unfair to the rest of occurring and where profits are declared. Companies, society, as everyone else has to pay more in taxes to particularly multinational corporations, move billions make up for those who do not pay their fair share. We of pounds of profit between jurisdictions in order to cannot have mob rule and, as explained by my hon. reduce their tax bills, and large companies are allegedly Friend the Member for Cities of London and Westminster manipulating their centres of interest through the use of (Mark Field), we cannot have anti-business sentiments. holding companies, offshore accounts and intellectual Just before Christmas, there was an explosion of property rights. public interest after the Public Accounts Committee Whether this is tax avoidance or tax evasion, whether named and shamed some well-known companies that it is illegal or immoral, the British public and most used transfer pricing to offset their tax liability here in Members of Parliament believe that it is wrong and the UK, basically to avoid paying tax. I am aware there should be stopped. A recent inquiry by the International is a strong argument that the tax authorities in the UK Development Committee recommended legislation could do more to enforce tax payments. The Government have done a lot of work on tackling tax avoidance—so “requiring each UK-based multinational corporation to report its financial information on a country-by-country basis. Such information much so that I fear the general anti-avoidance rule that should include the names of all companies belonging to it and will be introduced might be too severe and end up trading in each country, its financial performance in each country, penalising the sole trader and small and medium-sized its tax liability in each country, the cost and net book value of its enterprises more than the larger corporates. fixed assets in each country, and details of its gross and net assets My interest in tackling tax avoidance stems from a in each country.” meeting I had with Christian Aid supporters in my I believe that the only way of resolving the problem is constituency last September when the tax justice bus to introduce greater transparency, and Members will be tour visited Stevenage. The tax justice campaigners pleased to learn that, in the interests of transparency, I believe that tax dodging by international companies am publishing all the responses that I have received on a costs the UK around £35 billion and developing countries website that I launched today: www.taxchallenge.co.uk. an estimated $160 billion a year. Just imagine the dramatic The first 15 responses from the FTSE 100 are now live, difference such a huge sum of money would make if it and many more will be published during the coming were available to invest in public services, infrastructure days and weeks. The responses have been wide-ranging. and other vital services essential for economic growth—both HSBC has offered to help design a tax transparency at home and abroad. standard, BT and others have welcomed the transparency There is growing anger and concern at the fact that initiative—although not the means—and Hargreaves some large companies are hiding behind complex Lansdown has questioned the value that it receives for accounting rules that may be strictly legal, but are the taxes that it pays. My hon. Friend the Member for considered to be unethical by the public. The problem Lincoln (Karl McCartney) spoke about that eloquently of the missing billions in tax is not just a problem in the earlier today. UK; it is worldwide, and it does the greatest damage to poor and developing countries that cannot stand up Paul Farrelly: One of the reasons for the Government’s to massive corporations. intention to change remote gambling taxation is the I know that Governments from all around the world fact that all the companies bar one have gone offshore. will agree with the sentiment of greater tax transparency, That one is Bet365, which owns my local team, Stoke but they will struggle to introduce it as every nation City. It is staying here because the Coates family believe competes in the global race. I welcome the Prime Minister’s in paying their taxes—they paid £130 million last year initiative to make tackling tax avoidance a priority as through Bet365—and in creating local employment. 111 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 112

[Paul Farrelly] Members will know that the Committee heard evidence from Google, Starbucks and Amazon. We looked at the Does the hon. Gentleman agree that all the companies extent to which they exported their profits to more in his survey should wholeheartedly follow their example, favourable jurisdictions and whether those arrangements and that the National Association of Pension Funds could be described as fair. In that respect, the evidence and the Association of British Insurers should try to supplied by Amazon was the least convincing—that has ensure, on our behalf, that shareholders encourage them very much been the flavour of this debate. Those of us to do so? who have used Amazon—I am sure that many of us have—think we were dealing with a company in Slough, Stephen McPartland: I do agree, and I firmly believe and those of us who visited our local post offices over that most employees in most of the FTSE 100, the Christmas would have seen just how much business FTSE 250 and other companies in the United Kingdom Amazon was doing, yet, despite booking billions of would expect their employers to pay their fair share of pounds of sales through the UK, it pays less than tax in the UK. They all have very devolved and developed £2 million in corporation tax, as has been said, with the corporate social responsibility projects and organisations, profits being exported to the parent company in and they want to understand what British customers, Luxembourg on more favourable terms. employees and consumers want them to do. They are Before we get too excited, we need to recognise that very conscious of their brand. this is one of the things the European single market The new website—www.taxchallenge.co.uk—gives contributes to achieving—a company, wherever it is Members’ constituents an opportunity to sign a petition based in Europe, can sell across member states. The calling for greater tax transparency, so that everyone question is why, when Amazon has so much business will know which FTSE 100 companies are willing to here, it has chosen not to locate here. Ultimately, there sign up to tax transparency and which are not. Every is nothing wrong with trying to limit tax liability. After one of us can then decide individually whether the all, that money is earned and owned by the individuals biggest companies in Britain really care about the poorest and business; it does not belong to the Government. We in our society, at home and abroad. need to look at what more we can do to encourage those firms to be more honest in their reporting of how much money is made here. In that sense, I associate myself 8.48 pm with the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for South Norfolk (Mr Bacon): this is about simplicity of Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): I am very pleased the tax system. to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Stevenage (Stephen McPartland). I think that his excellent initiative will do much to provide transparency, and to enable Paul Farrelly: Does the hon. Lady agree that it is not consumers to make informed decisions. If there is one just a case of headline corporation tax rates—for instance, thing that the debate has shown us, it is that consumer ours compared with Luxembourg’s—but about the special power is perhaps the most effective weapon that we have deals that those companies can do with the authorities when it comes to ensuring that companies pay their fair in Luxembourg, the Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands, share of tax. through which they pay very little tax and export their profits to tax havens? Does she agree that we need to do I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for more at European level to ensure that those sorts of Redcar (Ian Swales) for securing this important debate. special deals do not happen in one jurisdiction in a way Let me say for the benefit of some of my colleagues that that disfavours another jurisdiction? I am happy to refer to him as my hon. Friend, and that I am gratified to see that so many of his own colleagues are present. That contrasts markedly with the attendance Jackie Doyle-Price: I suspect this will be a rare occasion, on the Opposition Benches. but I totally agree with the hon. Gentleman. The important As my hon. Friend the Member for Redcar will know, point to which he alludes is that we cannot afford to the debate was prompted partly by the work of the take unilateral action in this area. We live in a global Public Accounts Committee—of which I am proud to marketplace, and in reality some countries—even members be a member—and its work on tax avoidance by global of the EU—are perhaps less honourable in their dealings companies. Our report at the back-end of last year under tax treaties than we are. We all need to be a lot found that HMRC’s performance in that regard was more savvy and a bit more mature about what will make perhaps not as good as we would have liked. our tax system more efficient and competitive, and that comes down to simplifying rates. I shall concentrate on some of the wider lessons learnt from the inquiry about how to make the UK tax The hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Paul system efficient and effective, while remaining competitive. Farrelly) mentioned the sweetheart deals made by other I would like to associate myself with the comments countries. In that respect, I would like to highlight the made by my hon. Friend the Member for Cities of issue of Google. Google is an internet firm, but the London and Westminster (Mark Field) and others about language of the internet is English, so why would a the debate becoming unduly political and playing to the company such as Google choose Ireland over Britain? gallery. It is good politics to attack global names as tax It can only have been because of the offers made to it. dodgers in the media, but we have to be careful about Again, we need to use the institutions of the EU to the messages we send out to potential investors in our ensure a level playing field and a genuine single market. country. I am pleased that, in the main, this debate has We need to recognise that companies will locate where been a lot more mature than the debate that has played they like and make sure that everybody is doing their bit out in the media. to ensure a genuinely competitive market between states. 113 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 114

In response to the comments of my hon. Friend the companies would have made more than £3.3 billion in Member for Stevenage, I mentioned the issue of consumer profits in the UK, resulting in a tax liability of £879 million. power. Perhaps the most telling thing about what has The UK tax actually paid was just £78 million, so, happened since the PAC’s inquiry is how Starbucks has according to my research, the tax gap was £801 million. reacted. Amazon and Google are in near-monopoly We are seeing big business tax avoidance on an industrial positions, so competition cannot make them change scale. To me, it is unacceptable, unethical and irresponsible. their behaviour. There is no doubt that the negative Hard-pressed families are struggling to get by and to publicity Starbucks faced following our inquiry forced pay their taxes—and they do pay their taxes—so it is it to make its gesture of offering to pay more corporation quite wrong that highly profitable businesses abuse our tax. We are in the bizarre position where that company tax system. We urgently need reform. No Government seems to behave as if the amount of tax it pays is very contracts should be awarded to businesses that are much a voluntary contribution. It is incumbent on the fleecing our tax system, and the Government should Treasury and HMRC to make it clear that such a examine how much UK tax companies pay when deciding practice will not be tolerated. who gets plum Government contracts. If taxpayers’ I wish to highlight another issue that the Committee money and a Government contract are being awarded, found when it examined Starbucks and the more sinister we should look at the taxpayers’ money we are paying impact it had on the marketplace here in the UK. This out and the tax money that we get back when we assess comes back to the degree to which the ability to export the value for the nation of awarding a particular contract. taxes on profits enables these companies to engage in If, for example, a Government contract for £500 million anti-competitive behaviour. Despite the phenomenal is awarded to a computer company, it should be asked growth in the presence of Starbucks throughout the what tax it pays. If it pays zero tax in the UK, and UK, we were told throughout our inquiries that Starbucks another company is paying £40 million in tax in the UK had made no profits here. We were also told that Starbucks and says that it will do the work for £520 million, the was committed to expanding its operation, as its presence balance of best value shifts. We should consider the in the UK was important to it. Those two statements question holistically, rather than simply thinking about simply do not add up. If we look a little more deeply, we how much the contract should be let for. find that it seems the most significant losses were run up during a bidding war with Coffee Republic for certain Ian Swales: The hon. Gentleman refers to a point that sites on our high streets, with the result being that I made. Does he agree that if we are asked to give a Starbucks entered into more expensive contracts for Government contract to a company that makes no property and Coffee Republic was reduced to having a profit, we should take a view about that company’s mere fraction of the stores it had had hitherto. So we long-term future? We should play it at its own game and are talking about a global provider engaging in very ask whether, if it does not make any money, it will be aggressive anti-competitive behaviour against a home-grown around for the long term. provider, and the tax system, in effect, subsidising it to do so. I would like the Minister and the Treasury to Charlie Elphicke: My hon. Friend makes a powerful reflect on the extent to which that sort of behaviour point, but we all know the reality. We all know that gives unfair competitive advantages to foreign providers. companies are using Luxembourg sandwiches and parking I am running out of time, so I shall just come back to profits in Bermuda while claiming that they are sending one point: we cannot afford to act unilaterally. I call on them back to the States, as the IP suddenly is not in any the Government to make full use of relationships in the intellectual property territories outside the United States. G20, the OECD and the EU to lead a global effort to I find that unacceptable. tackle these unfair and uncompetitive practices. Let us take Oracle as an example. The company had a turnover of about £1.4 billion and a global operating 8.56 pm margin of 32%, so its UK projected profits should have Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): It is a pleasure to been about £446 million. Its declared profits in the UK, speak in this debate, and I congratulate my hon. Friend however, were basically nothing and it did not pay any the Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) on securing it. I tax whatsoever. I regard that with concern, because its wish to discuss an area that has not been so deeply Government contract earnings were about £42 million. explored this evening, although it is the area where we Even more concerning was the fact that a small are not as powerless as we are in so many areas of this amount of tax was paid by Microsoft, which is interesting debate because of international obligations. I wish to as it has about £700 million from Government contracts focus on companies in receipt of money from taxpayers and paid £19 million in the UK on a turnover of under Government contracts. £2.35 billion. It has a global operating margin of 40%, I have undertaken a study of technology companies so if we apply the consolidated operating margin to that benefit from taxpayers’ money under Government the UK we can see that its projected profits in the UK contracts and have found that Oracle, Xerox, Dell, CSC would be about £945 million. Its projected tax would and Symantec paid no corporation tax whatsoever last have been about £246 million. I am not saying that year, despite earning more than £474 million from Microsoft should not have some wriggle room for the Government contracts and having a UK turnover of fact that its IP was generated outside the UK, but when £7 billion. Overall, my study of 10 technology companies we award Government contracts we should take into in receipt of more than £1.8 billion of taxpayers’ money account how much tax will be paid in the UK by the found that they paid just £78 million in taxes on UK person to whom it is awarded. There are difficulties earnings of just over £17.5 billion of turnover. On the with that under European procurement rules, but we basis of group profitability—we are looking at the could have a box on the procurement form asking how consolidated international group here—the 10 technology much corporation tax and how much in PAYE the 115 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 116

[Charlie Elphicke] I begin by mentioning some of the international tax impacts of corporation tax avoidance. Over the last company anticipated paying in the UK in relation to year, I worked closely with ActionAid and Christian that contract. That would enable us to assess best value Aid to highlight how multinational companies divert in awarding Government contracts. We could and should their profits all around the world and avoid paying tax consider that. in the countries where they derive much of that money, I am particularly concerned about IBM, which turns particularly in the developing world. It is entirely appropriate over about £4 billion in the UK but has a global that a great deal of our increasing budget for international operating margin of 16%, which means that its UK development is spent on upgrading the capacity of projected profits should have been about £642 million. developing countries to safeguard their tax base, so that Its declared profits in the UK, however, were about they build expertise in their equivalents of HMRC £327 million. Again, the tax gap is substantial and to make sure that they can stand up to multinational rather than the projected UK tax take of £167 million, companies. only £41 million of tax was paid. We have a shifting and I endorse what the hon. Member for Stevenage (Stephen sliding in that the amount of tax we are getting is rather McPartland) said earlier, when he referred to the report less than one might expect, even if we take into account of the International Development Committee. One of the question of IP being based elsewhere and not being the things we need as a country in terms of our corporate generated in the UK. We need to consider that more law is country by country reporting so that we can see deeply and should consider the whole question of royalties clearly, whether as shareholders, Government, consumers paid for IP as well as licensing fees. or citizens, where UK-based companies are earning We should see how we can make the corporation tax their profits, where their economic activities take place system in this country flatter and much simpler by and, more importantly, how much tax on those activities getting rid of a lot of the deductions that enable our tax is being paid and where. system to be flouted. That would bring the rate down We are concerned about UK-based companies that and give the UK a system with even lower tax than we have huge UK activity but apparently pay little UK already have. corporation tax. Several companies were highlighted in I pay tribute to the work that the Government have the course of our debate; Starbucks was one of them. done; I am merely trying to advance the argument, the Several months ago, I was the first Member of Parliament discussion and the debate. We have a Chancellor who to criticise the UK operations of Starbucks, so I was has started to take real and positive action in the OECD pleased that the chief executive of Starbucks UK, Mr Kris to start the discussion on how to change the international Engskov, came to see me in my office in Portcullis rules. We have a Prime Minister who is leading an House and used all his Arkansas charm to run through international summit in Northern Ireland and making some of the corporate numbers line by line to persuade tax, including international tax, a key priority. The me that the company was doing nothing wrong. I have Government have taken tax very seriously, and rightly to take at face value what he said about high rental so. Over the past 15 years, the amount of income tax charges in the UK, although they do not seem to affect paid by the working nation has gone up by about 80% competitors in the field. None the less, Starbucks structures whereas the amount of tax paid by business has gone its international corporate affairs so as to minimise its up by just 6%. tax liabilities. If royalties are paid on the brand of a The previous Government were very keen on the company that originated in Seattle, yet the brand value whole prawn cocktail circuit; they were keen to be close lies in the Netherlands and the cup of coffee is bought to big business and to let it off the hook. It is well elsewhere in Europe, where even with the generosity of known that the former Prime Minister and his adviser, the common agricultural policy we do not grow coffee, now the shadow Chancellor, were keen that the Revenue it is obvious that aggressive tax planning is taking place. took a softly, softly approach to big business. I think we Consumer pressure has led Starbucks to seek to make all feel that it has gone too far, and it is time to take voluntary tax payments. international as well as domestic action and to be much Several Members mentioned Amazon. The hon. Member firmer on big businesses that do not pay their fair share. for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb) described We have a deficit to clear. We need the revenue, so we in some detail what Amazon does. I disagree that the need to be firmer, but we also need a system that has a company has a novel business structure that has enhanced level playing field, where there is a lower, more globally the book-purchasing experience. I have never bought a competitive rate that makes it more attractive for businesses book from Amazon. The company has in essence developed to set up and trade in Britain whether they are domestic older business models, such as mail order and telesales, or foreign. The way forward is to start an honest and which have been around for half a century. There is open debate about bringing in a flatter tax system in the nothing particularly innovative or transformational about UK and taking the rate of corporation tax right down, it, yet we are asked to believe that there are huge so that hopefully it will be even lower than in Ireland. amounts of intellectual property and that royalty and interest payments are needed to have what appears at first inspection to be an artificial structure, contrived 9.5 pm for tax rather than business purposes. Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): Much of the Of course, Amazon also damages the high street, and debate so far has been about the domestic impact of the principal reason I have never bought anything from corporate tax avoidance, and rightly so. Safeguarding it is the loss of bookshops from all our high streets. It the UK tax base and watching over how the Government structures its sales via Luxembourg because the corporation spend its proceeds is one of the primary duties of the tax rate there is 21%. Over time, the coalition Government House of Commons, over which you preside, Mr Speaker. will reduce the differential between that country and the 117 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 118

UK; it was 7% in 2010, but that will be eroded. Perhaps Let me read a brief quote from two companies’ at some point Amazon will ship its books and DVDs corporate social responsibility promises on their websites; from some other lower-corporate-tax haven. the companies are in the same sector. The first company What would my Liberal Democrat colleagues and I says it like to happen, so that we can tackle the problem? First, “will be accurate and truthful in representing business transactions we need the right resources in Her Majesty’s Revenue to government agencies.” and Customs. I listened carefully to Labour Members Some hon. Members may have already identified that earlier, when they lamented the reduction in HMRC’s this CSR missive is from Starbucks. Did it understand total staffing numbers. Of course we all lament the fact that we all need to contribute? Of course not. The that cuts have to take place, but what is more important whole country probably now knows that since 1998, is not the total headcount of a public sector organisation, despite expanding at an incredible rate to almost 800 stores but what people are doing in it. What HMRC needs is UK-wide, the parent company paid just £8.6 million in specialists and forensic accountants to tackle these tax over that whole period, having racked up more than complicated transactions. That is why I am pleased £3 billion in sales. It said that was because the company that, in the autumn statement, the Chancellor announced failed to make a profit. That not only absolutely beggars extra resources in that area, and that we would look at belief, but insults the British public, for one very simple transfer pricing. The second thing that I would like is reason: many Starbucks stores are franchises, which the introduction of a general anti-avoidance rule— means that such rapid expansion could only have happened something for which my colleagues and I have called because the parent company promised, and delivered, many times in the past few years. There will be legislation real profits to the independent franchise owners. on that later this calendar year. Starbucks has not so much been failing to tell the Thirdly, there needs to be much more transparency truth to us or to its franchisees as telling a whopper of about the deals that HMRC is striking with several such magnitude that it is almost funny.Its clearly nonsensical international companies. I am talking about the sorts of distance from reality could become a catch phrase issues frequently raised in the pages of Private Eye; equivalent to Baldrick’s “I have a cunning plan”—a Vodafone is a classic example. We often see people who great catch phrase which we all know because it is so might be characterised as benefit scroungers named and completely disconnected from reality, similar to Starbucks’ shamed in the press, and it is right that that happens. I “Trust me, we only made £8.5 million profit over 14 years, would like much more transparency about the deals while expanding to every high street in the United being done with large companies, with regard to how Kingdom,” except, of course, that it is not funny. It is much tax is at stake and what deal has been arrived at. contemptuous of its franchisees, the public, the taxpayer Fourthly, and more importantly, we need more and its suppliers. The behaviour of Starbucks and other international action through the European Union. It is such companies represents the contemptuous face of ludicrous that corporation tax rates vary so much in global capitalism—a pernicious, ugly underbelly beneath what is supposed to be a single market, and within the the glossy, shiny exterior. OECD, in the model tax treaties. They are double We all know, and it has been discussed this evening by taxation treaties that are meant to prevent double taxation numerous colleagues across the Chamber, that the rules of the same profit by more than one country, but they around globalisation mean that companies can switch are being used for the perverted purpose of avoiding tax accounts from country to country to hide their real altogether. We need to get to a system in which the profitability from the tax man. This makes it difficult commercial substance, rather than the legal form, is for HMRC to challenge the corporate giants, but there looked at closely by tax authorities, and that is what is an upside to the whole tawdry affair, and it has been ends up being taxed. mentioned this evening: the public have the power, and did they not show it with their boycotting of Starbucks 9.12 pm coffee shops? I pay tribute to the previous speaker, my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol West (Stephen Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD): I pay tribute to my Williams), who played such a key role in the boycott of hon. Friend the Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) for Starbucks. In a very short time his campaign had well securing this debate. I am well aware that many of the over 10,000 members of the public determined to call companies mentioned today have not broken the law, Starbucks to account, and they did—a fantastic effort but they have broken the spirit of the law. We know all round. that, HMRC knows that and, most important, the public know that. Companies such as Amazon, which has I would not want anyone in the Chamber to think been mentioned frequently this evening, and which paid that I am anti-business. Nothing could be further from a tax rate of just 2.4% in 2011, have outraged the British the truth. In my constituency, Eastbourne, my No. 1 public in recent months, and rightly so. These companies priority since the general election has been growing the have used the vast resources at their disposal to bypass town’s economy, because to me it is all about jobs and the tax system, while taking a great deal of money and communities, be they local or national. That makes profit from their UK customers. At a time of such companies which avoid tax through legal loopholes tough worldwide economic circumstances, that is nothing even worse. Their lack of any sense of community but an insult to the hard-working individuals and businesses integrity or community responsibility means that they who pay their fair share of tax, who understand that we do not pay their way. all need to contribute, and who appreciate that, whatever I am not here just to condemn, so here is an excerpt the partisan nay-sayers may say, we are all in this from my second company’s vision: “We understand the together, because that is the only way that we will get need to incorporate environmental, social, ethical and through our desperately indebted situation. Some companies consumer concerns into the heart of our business understand that, and some do not. operations”. Who is that? Same industry, similar scale 119 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 120

[Stephen Lloyd] have all acknowledged, is already complex enough. That is why I welcomed the introduction by Labour of and, one could say, similar vision; the difference is the the vetting and pre-approval scheme, which has not tax take. The second company has paid £34 million in been mentioned much today. The duty to disclose was tax over the past two years, compared with Starbucks’ introduced by the last Government and it was a good grand total, as I said earlier, of £8.6 million over 14 years. and commendable move, but it is also why I argued in Starbucks paid one quarter of the amount over a period favour of a GAAR in the face of some scepticism. seven times longer. That is deplorable. Hats off to Costa Some scepticism persists, and I want briefly to address Coffee, which is the second company. It paid its dues, so that. it deserves the recognition. The main argument against the GAAR is that it will The public have power if they choose to use it. lead to tax uncertainty and so make tax planning and Another example is a company called Fruit of the investment decisions more difficult. After all, many of Loom, a clothing manufacturer which summarily decided us take steps to defray tax liability—to organise our a few years ago to close a factory in Honduras and sack affairs, quite legally, to minimise tax—and we need to all the employees, after the 1,200 workers there formed be sure that these arrangements will not be retrospectively a union. A boycott of the company’s products took off penalised. Let us not be hypocritical about it either: as a in the US and subsequently the UK. This initiative cost country we are not averse to encouraging foreign nationals the company dear, not just in reputation but on the to avoid their domestic taxation regimes and come here bottom line. After $50 million in lost trade it saw the and invest here. This argument about certainty is a little light, reopened the factory and gave the reinstated overblown. In many walks of life, the law seeks to workers $2.5 million dollars in compensation. That is inhibit genres and types of behaviour without always what I call people power. being over-specific or utterly specific, and yet we all The Government’s additional investment in specialists cope. There is the tort of nuisance, but not a complete in HMRC will increase the tax take significantly over list of actionable nuisances. Dangerous driving is entirely the next few years. In the final year it will be £9 billion contextual and is not defined by road speed. When I go more than a couple of years ago. In addition, we should out on the town, which I all too rarely do, I do not have name and shame. I disagree with one of my colleagues a pocket list of what counts as disturbing the peace. who said earlier that we need to be careful about going Without the law being absolutely specific, in many down that road. I agree with those Opposition Members contexts we manage with tolerable certainty and without who said that we need to name and shame and harness rampant and obvious injustice. the power of the public. The public are ready for that The Chancellor certainly believes that there are and they have the power. I believe fundamentally that arrangements that the Treasury and tax planners can tax avoidance is immoral. It may not be against the law, identify as egregious tax avoidance schemes—I think but it is wrong. those are his words—and that we all ought to identify as out of order, whether or not they are formally outlawed. One thinks of profitable companies in the 9.19 pm UK using their profit to repay a pointless loan to an John Pugh (Southport) (LD): I congratulate my hon. associated company in Luxembourg; or people who are Friend the Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) on introducing in all respects BBC employees taking their wages as a this important debate. I begin with the slightly shocking contractual payment to their company whose sole function confession that I recently bought a cup of coffee in is to receive that payment; or business men who instead Starbucks at the Leicester Forest service station. I had of a pay increase receive a pension contribution to a pot no alternative. I am afraid that on that occasion caffeine with surprisingly quick draw down facilities. All are addiction overcame moral outrage. very obvious attempts to frustrate the intentions of the I want to take head on some of the concerns about Treasury, and so the Government, and so the nation. the general anti-avoidance rule that have been raised by There is no doubt that the Government want profits hon. Members, because I have a long-standing interest and employment taxed and not disguised. in this going back over several Parliaments. I have If one simply hid one’s money, it would be described observed at close quarters Labour’s approach, which as tax evasion. If one cloaks it as something else, it is was basically to spot an abuse and legislate against it. very similar and has to be described as egregious tax Due to the efforts of Madam Deputy Speaker, the right avoidance. It not only ignores the intent of tax legislation hon. Member for East Ham (Stephen Timms) in particular, in a way that, say, putting money into research and and the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne development does not, or having some of one’s wages (John Healey), that produced some quite commendable paid to a charity does not, but it manifests the fundamental stuff. Those efforts were often buried quietly away in a and second feature of egregious tax avoidance: it has no Finance Bill or obscure statutory instruments. business purpose beyond frustrating the intent of tax Now, because resources are short, we need to get in legislation. If a business asks itself whether a scheme expected tax revenue far more than we ever used to frustrates the intention of tax law and whether it would because, brutally, the alternative is deeper cuts, but even be used if it did not do so, it should really have no doubt in those days the post hoc approach was seen to have its about whether it would be caught by a GAAR. weaknesses. It was seen to be shutting the door after There is an interesting parallel with the situation we the horse had bolted; an endless chase against some found in this place in 2009 during the expenses saga. pretty sophisticated opponents and some horrendously The media and the public managed quite satisfactorily complicated schemes devised by clever and extraordinarily to distinguish between proper and improper use of the well resourced people. Dealing with avoidance in that second homes allowance by considering its purpose. To way led to a more complicated tax code, which, as we plead that egregious behaviour could be excused by 121 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 122 being within the rules was sufficient for neither MPs, national obligation—we can do things ourselves—and nor the public. If tax planners, having asked the right an international obligation to act, and I am grateful questions, are still in doubt, they can acquire even that the Prime Minister understands that, as do others, greater certainty by using the HMRC pre-approval and that it will be on the agenda for the G8 summit in scheme, which will presumably put all concerns to rest. Fermanagh later this year. If even then they are still worried about what will be the As I made clear earlier, when intervening on the right general effect on commerce, they can simply look at hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton, it was not other regimes and what might be achieved there. really fair to criticise this Government on corporate tax, Although it is a classic saying that only two things are because all recent Governments have been very weak on certain in life, death and taxes, I would argue that the it. The right hon. Gentleman conceded that new Labour proper functioning of commerce requires any tax burdens had been poor and criticised it equally. I compliment to be reasonably probable, not absolutely certain. To the Government on their investment in additional effort insist on absolute certainty as a precondition of a in the Treasury on this issue, on the commitment to GAAR is simply wrong. Fundamentally, recognising implement the anti-abuse rule later this year, on putting the intent of tax law and not frustrating it is a good the subject on the international agenda and on making thing, and if people have an issue with that, the way the UK more competitive for business to provide a to change it is not to engage in subterfuge but to seek to disincentive for trying to fiddle the system. In particular, change the law democratically. I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on picking up on an idea I have lobbied him about a great deal: making sure that the Government 9.26 pm look at those companies with which they, and local Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) government, do business and ensuring that we do not (LD): This has been a really good debate. I pay tribute give Government money to those who do not pay their to my hon. Friend the Member for Redcar (Ian Swales) taxes properly; it is exactly the right principle that they for going to the Backbench Business Committee and should not get contracts from the Government either. persuading it, with the support of some of us, that this Of course, there have also been bilateral agreements is a debate we ought to have. We are on the centre court with other countries. at the beginning of a new year, and I think that the Let me flag up one main area and one subsidiary area Exchequer Secretary and his colleagues will be aware —in relation to the tax treatment of interest payments— that this issue will remain an important one for the which I ask Ministers to look at. Traditionally, interest Treasury and the Government for the second half of has been seen as the cost of doing business while this Parliament. dividends are seen as the distribution of profits. For We have heard valuable contributions from among that reason, under accounting rules, interest payments others my hon. Friends the Members for Bognor Regis are deducted from operating profits before corporation and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), for Stevenage (Stephen tax is paid, while dividends are distributed after tax has McPartland) and for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) and the been paid. Debt can be used to strip out cash generated right hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton by companies and to move it offshore before it is taxed. (Mr Meacher), who is not currently in his place. We There is also a large problem with private equity funds have paid tribute to others who have been part of the buying companies, making those companies take on a culture change, such as ActionAid’s tax justice campaign, lot of debt, and using the cash to pay off the loans that people such as Richard Murphy and journalists such as they took out to buy them in the first place, so that they Ian Griffiths and others who have ensured that we can end up owning a company for a fraction of its real confront the issue. price. Companies receive a huge tax advantage from the ratcheting up of debt. My constituents, like yours, Mr Speaker, and others, will see posters reminding them that they have until In the finance sector, that is called creating a more 31 January to complete their tax returns if they have not efficient capital structure, and people will say that they done so already—MPs included. We all understand that are just working within the structure put in place by there is a civic obligation to pay tax as individuals, but the Government. However, it has a huge effect on the we all expect, particularly in times of austerity, that businesses concerned and on the economy as a whole, there should also be a corporate obligation to pay due as well as on the Treasury. It is not about efficiency, tax, and that is what the debate is about. If we are because the companies affected are often left seriously encouraging people to be entrepreneurial and to start weakened and at risk. Many operate on the margins and their own businesses, it is not a great encouragement for are unable to withstand any financial shocks. That someone who wants to set up a coffee shop, a book magnifies the impact of recent downturns. Comet is a shop or a garage, for example, to think that they will recent example of the consequences of excessive borrowing. have to pay tax while some great international company The increase in debt gives companies far less freedom to might put them out of business or prevent them from invest in new machinery or to make other capital gaining a foothold in the market by avoiding paying. It investments, and that holds back growth. is about justice between small and medium-sized enterprises and big international enterprises. Charlie Elphicke: If we believe in deleveraging the There is a UK obligation, because some of the companies economy and deleveraging business, should we not put that offend most use tax havens that are UK Crown equity and debt on a similar footing? dependencies. Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Guernsey, Simon Hughes: That is a valid point. Jersey and the Isle of Man feature regularly as places As well as tax treatment of interest payments being where the system is abused. There is clearly both a an unfair incentive to avoid paying due taxes, shareholder 123 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 124

[Simon Hughes] hon. Friend the Member for Oldham West and Royton (Mr Meacher), who also spoke today, passionately and loans are a particularly iniquitous example of these thoughtfully, about his General Anti Tax-Avoidance practices. That is my second and subsidiary point. Where Principle Bill, or GAntiP. owners of a company are receiving interest payments, I also commend the many valuable, thoughtful and they can manipulate the interest rates in order to remove powerful contributions made by my right hon. Friend their tax liability. The current transfer pricing rules are the Member for Birkenhead (Mr Field) and my hon. supposed to stop that, as they prevent a company from Friends the Members for Paisley and Renfrewshire lending to a subsidiary at a higher rate than the market North (Jim Sheridan), for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) rate, but what is the market rate in a negotiated transaction and for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell), and between two parties that are, as it were, two sides of the to those Government Members who have spoken, including same coin? the hon. Members for South Norfolk (Mr Bacon), I want to give three examples of companies involved for Lincoln (Karl McCartney), for Cities of London and then conclude with some proposals to add to those and Westminster (Mark Field), for Bognor Regis of my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol West (Stephen and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb), for Amber Valley (Nigel Williams) and others. I have often cited in this House Mills), for North Cornwall (Dan Rogerson), for Stevenage the water industry in general and Thames Water—the (Stephen McPartland), for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price), local water company here, and a monopoly—in particular. for Dover (Charlie Elphicke), for Bristol West (Stephen In 2012, it paid £500 million in interest, which accounted Williams), for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd) and for for the vast majority of its operating profit of almost Southport (John Pugh) and the right hon. Member £650 million. In the same year, it paid no tax and for Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes). I instead received a tax credit of £38 million. In the hope that I have not missed anybody out. previous year, it paid just £500,000 in corporation tax Members have touched on a wide range of issues, despite showing an operating profit of £600 million. many of which I will pick up on in my comments. There Half its debt has been issued through its finance subsidiary seems to be a degree of cross-party consensus on the in the Cayman Islands. Put simply, Thames Water raised problem. I am less sure that there is an entire consensus the debt and gave the cash to Macquarie, which is based on the solution, but I am sure that we are all much in Australia, so that that company could pay off the better informed about the issue and members of the loans that it took out to buy Thames Water. The level of public will know the strength of our feeling about it debt in the company is now equivalent to 90% of its after today’s debate. value. Arqiva, which has Government contracts, receives I join those Members who have applauded the individuals annual revenues of about £1 billion a year, holds £3 billion and organisations who have fought for some time to in debt, and has an interest rate of 13%, which is move this issue up the political agenda, whether they extraordinarily high for a monopoly infrastructure provider. be Private Eye, Reuters, the Tax Justice Network or Boots, now Alliance Boots, has escaped paying £500 million development organisations such as Christian Aid, whose in tax through a complex arrangement of companies. tax bus I joined in Newcastle last autumn. Today’s I hope that in the forthcoming Budget Ministers will debate has vividly illustrated the fact that the issue of look at the tax treatment of interest payments and, tax avoidance and the strength of feeling about it will specifically, do what countries such as Germany do in not go away any time soon. limiting the amount of interest payments that can be It is clear that many ordinary people and businesses deducted before tax, adopting the earnings-stripping are angry about corporate tax avoidance. They are rule which applies there and elsewhere. I also ask them angry about the unfairness and injustice of working to consider whether that should be further dealt with if hard and paying their far share in taxes while a small the company uses a tax haven, to address the question but significant number of incredibly wealthy and powerful of UK dependencies, and to have an annual debate, as multinational corporations go to great and complicated part of the Budget, on how to avoid such abuses of the lengths not to do so—and get away with it. tax system. Let me be clear—hon. Members have referred to this—that nobody doubts the importance of multinational 9.34 pm corporations to the British economy in terms of the Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) jobs they create and support, the investment they bring (Lab): Let me take this opportunity to wish you, and the goods and services they provide to UK consumers. Mr Speaker, and colleagues throughout the House a Labour absolutely believes that we need the most happy and productive new year. competitive tax and regulatory environment possible I begin by commending the hon. Member for Redcar for British businesses as part of a wider package of (Ian Swales) for securing this afternoon’s debate on measures to drive the economy back to growth. corporate tax avoidance, an issue that provokes increasing People are angry, however, at the apparent ability of attention from all parties in this House and about which multinational corporations to use extremely complex the public’s awareness and media interest have probably and, indeed, aggressive tax-planning arrangements, devised never been higher. That is thanks in no small part to his and promoted by highly paid tax experts, to shift profits and his colleagues’ work over the past year or so on the offshore that have actually been generated from economic Public Accounts Committee, which is formidably led by activity here in the UK. These profits have been generated my right hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Margaret from hard-working, UK tax-paying consumers and firms, Hodge). The quality and range of contributions that we in what appears to be yet another example of one rule have heard from Members of all parties builds on those for those at the top and another rule for everybody else. made during the excellent debate in September on tax People are also angry at the hugely significant amounts avoidance and evasion, which was secured by my right of money being lost to the Exchequer at a time when 125 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 126 living standards are being squeezed, Government borrowing from HMRC, which risks being a false economy, as was and debt figures are up, growth forecasts have been argued powerfully by my hon. Friend the Member for downgraded yet again, and the public services on which Hayes and Harlington. we rely are being cut up and down the country. The Government’s priorities are to give a tax cut to millionaires Last year, HMRC officials brought in £16.7 billion while striving, low and middle-income families and over and above that returned by businesses and individuals. pensioners are struggling to make ends meet, so it is The Association of Revenue and Customs, which represents little wonder that we are seeing increasing hostility to senior staff in HMRC, published a proposal in November those multinational corporations that are managing outlining the case for £120 million of additional investment, to avoid paying their fair share—and, indeed, to a arguing that it could deliver £3.7 billion to the Exchequer system that allows them to do so—when it appears that in return. I understand that the ARC is now developing the poorest and often the most vulnerable in society are a comprehensive investment proposal for the 2013 Budget, bearing the brunt. which sets out a long-term strategic approach to challenging and reducing the tax gap. It believes that the scale of the We all know that there are varying assessments of the budget deficit and the tax gap are such that modest tax gap—the difference between the tax owed and the investment is no longer enough. It would be helpful if tax that would be collected if everybody complied with the Minister outlined today what discussions he has had the letter and the spirit of the law. Her Majesty’s Revenue or will have with the ARC on those proposals and if he and Customs recent estimate stands at £32.2 billion, acknowledged the contribution that HMRC could make which differs from the estimates of other organisations, to reducing the tax gap and the deficit if it was properly such as the Tax Justice Network, which puts the figure resourced. at £120 billion. Whatever the actual figure, a hugely There are serious concerns at HMRC that it is being significant sum of money is being lost to tax avoidance. stretched to the limit. Severe pressure is being caused by Although those involved in this practice may believe problems created by the Government’s policies, including that they are simply beating the taxman, their tax the debacle over the changes to child benefit, which planning arrangements are actually beating our schools, come into force today; the impending chaos of the hospitals, Sure Start centres and all the other vital introduction of universal credit, with its dependence on services that rely on public expenditure. This issue is real-time information; and the unacceptable delays for becoming ever more pressing in this period of austerity taxpayers and businesses when trying to contact HMRC and growing Government debt. by phone. Will the Minister clarify whether the £77 million What must be done? The recent recommendations of of funding announced in the autumn statement will see the Public Accounts Committee following its investigation entirely additional staff brought into HMRC or whether into tax avoidance point us in the right direction. However, existing staff will be diverted from other HMRC activity? I will turn first to the Government’s response to the Given the hugely complex nature of tax avoidance problem to date. It is fair to say that tackling tax schemes and arrangements, will he outline the specific avoidance has risen up the coalition’s agenda. I have no steps that he is taking to ensure that staff are sufficiently doubt that the light being shone by the Public Accounts skilled and experienced to take on the highly-paid army Committee and others on this complex and sometimes of accountants and consultants who are engaged in the murky world has speeded up that process. avoidance industry? That is a crucial part of what we are discussing today and of what has been highlighted The position in which the Government find so effectively both this year and last year by the Public themselves—being forecast to borrow £212 billion more Accounts Committee. than they planned two years ago and failing the one test they set themselves of balancing the books and getting There is a niggling feeling, whether rightly or not, the debt down by 2015—lends ever greater urgency to that HMRC does not deal with multinational corporations the situation. Indeed, the Prime Minister, who has and complex tax avoidance schemes in the way that it previously described tax avoidance as “morally repugnant” deals with other tax offences by smaller firms and pledged last week that he was going to make “damn individuals. In its treatment of companies such as Vodafone sure”that “really aggressive tax avoidance”by multinational and Goldman Sachs, which have been mentioned by a corporations would be stopped. He even went on to number of Members and in particular by the hon. suggest that such behaviour lacked “moral scruples”. Member for South Norfolk, there is a sense that HMRC Those are tough words, but they have been questioned takes the easy road and cuts easy deals, whereas it today by some Members, including those on the comes down hard on people paying their plumbers cash Government Benches, notably the hon. Member for in hand. If the Minister could clarify the resources that Lincoln. We are yet to see those tough words being HMRC will receive to tackle the problem, that would backed up by tough action. provide some reassurance. Of course, the nature of multinational corporations The coalition has been making itself look busy in means that Britain cannot act alone in tackling the tackling tax avoidance with a series of recent problem. It is therefore welcome that the Prime Minister announcements. The Chancellor’s announcement ahead has written to G8 leaders setting out that tackling tax of his autumn statement of £77 million of new funding evasion and avoidance will be one of his priorities for for HMRC to expand its anti-avoidance and evasion the UK’s presidency of the G8 in 2013. It is absolutely activity was certainly welcome, but it is a tiny proportion right that that is at the top of the G8 agenda, alongside of the more than £2 billion of swingeing cuts to HMRC promoting jobs and growth. I look forward to hearing that he is already pushing through. If the Government from the Minister what specific measures he hopes the were really serious about tackling tax avoidance, they G8 will agree over the coming months and what outcomes would at least rethink the plan to cut a further 10,000 staff he hopes will be delivered. 127 Corporate Tax Avoidance7 JANUARY 2013 Corporate Tax Avoidance 128

[Catherine McKinnell] to reducing the deficit by paying their fair share of tax, and we are determined to clamp down on the minority I would be grateful if the Minister also clarified what who engage in tax avoidance. progress the OECD is making in preventing artificial As other Members have pointed out, tax avoidance transfers of profits in tax havens, and tell us how much not only damages the public finances but undermines funding the UK is committing to providing support for the perception of fairness in the tax system and is that important work. Will he also state whether changing anti-competitive, which in turn risks harming genuine OECD tax treaty standards on company residence and investment by those who play by the rules. At a time permanent establishment is on the agenda? I know that when we all have to tighten our belts, it is particularly Government Members are always heartened to hear unacceptable for some taxpayers to manipulate the about closer European working, so I would be grateful system and act to reduce their tax liability in a way that if he also outlined the UK’s position on the European is contrary to Parliament’s intention. It is for that Commission’s action plan on tackling tax avoidance reason that where HMRC finds tax avoidance, it takes and evasion, which was published last month. action. Perhaps one of the key planks of the Government’s It is important that those who should pay do pay. It is approach is the proposed general anti-abuse rule, which also important that we have a competitive tax system. is now expected to take effect from July. The hon. Our intention is to have the most competitive tax system Member for Southport made a thoughtful contribution in the G20. That is the best route to economic prosperity. on that issue. The Minister is well aware of the various Foreign direct investment plays an important role in concerns that have been expressed that the Government’s that. It is worth pointing out that approximately half proposals will do little to tackle the problems that the our total corporation tax receipts in 2011-12 that came public feel vexed about. from large businesses was from foreign-owned companies. Finally, I turn to the findings of the Public Accounts The Chancellor recently announced a further cut to the Committee, and particularly to the entirely curious main rate of corporation tax, so that by 2014 it will announcement by Starbucks on the publication of the reach 21%—the lowest it has ever been and the lowest in Committee’s report that it would pay a significant amount the G7. Having set a competitive rate, we aim to ensure of tax in 2013 and 2014 regardless of whether the that all businesses, including multinational companies, company was profitable. That seemed to miss the point pay the right amount of tax by taking action internationally somewhat, as Members have said today. I am sure that and domestically. many of my constituents in Newcastle would welcome the ability to inform HMRC of how much tax they Mr Frank Field: Will the Minister give way? intended to pay and when, regardless of what their circumstances may be, but that is not how our taxation Mr Gauke: I am very short of time, but I will give way system should work. Taxation is not voluntary, and it this once. requires transparency, public confidence, fairness and integrity if it is to function properly. It is now time to Mr Field: We all want to see the lowest possible change the situation and ensure that HMRC has the competitive rate, but is it not possible to combine that powers and resources that it needs to ensure fairness with denying access to our markets to companies that across the board. clearly do not pay it? Mr Gauke: I do not think the right hon. Gentleman sets out a practical approach by proposing that we 9.47 pm should deny those companies markets and engage in The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David protectionism. We have to ensure that all businesses pay Gauke): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for the tax due under the law in this country. Redcar (Ian Swales) on securing the debate, and I thank There are two ways we can look at this: domestically him and the other 19 Members who participated— and internationally. Internationally, it is clear that our 14 Government Members and five Opposition Members. tax system, as with all other major economies, works Time is short, but I will make a few remarks before my within internationally agreed OECD guidelines—we hon. Friend concludes the debate. I will begin by putting have heard a number of hon. Members make that point. into context the problem that we face on tax avoidance, I know that there are concerns about whether the current and then I will lay out in some detail the actions that the corporate tax rules adequately capture the profits generated Government are taking. I will also try to respond to by multinational companies in the jurisdictions where some of the concerns that right hon. and hon. Members the economic activity is located. We take those concerns have raised. seriously. Reform in this area will require concerted As I am sure all Members will understand, it would international action. This is an issue that all countries not be right for me to discuss individual examples of face. We need to work with others to develop the alleged tax avoidance. I therefore do not intend to appropriate solutions. We are doing just that through respond to accusations made this evening against specific the OECD, on the erosion of the tax base and the businesses. However, I do want to point out that the shifting of profits to lower-tax rate jurisdictions. vast majority of UK taxpayers, whether they be businesses Two months ago the Chancellor issued a joint statement or individuals, pay the tax that is due on time. They do with the German Finance Minister calling for concerted not try to dodge, avoid or delay paying their tax. Large international co-operation to strengthen international businesses, which are the subject of our discussion tax standards. Following that statement, the UK, together tonight, pay about 60% of all taxes in the UK, or more with France, offered voluntary contributions, equivalent precisely, they write the cheques. The Government are to ¤150,000 each, in order to make rapid progress in fully committed to ensuring that everyone contributes achieving concrete results. The OECD’s work is vital 129 Corporate Tax Avoidance 7 JANUARY 2013 130 in helping to promote a better way of dealing with Mr Meacher rose— profit shifting and the erosion of the corporate tax base at the global level, and it will be reporting to the G20 Mr Gauke: I really do not have time to give way, I am Finance Ministers on progress in February. I should afraid. I have to say that the right hon. Gentleman’s also mention that only last week the Prime Minister speech did him no credit. Some of his wild conspiracy wrote to G8 leaders calling for international action to theories will not do his reputation much good. tackle tax evasion and aggressive avoidance. He suggested that the issue should be at the heart of the forthcoming With more time, I would have liked to address a summit’s agenda. We agree that more needs to be done number of other issues, including EU policy on VAT. in this area internationally. I hope that the fact that the My hon. Friend the Member for Redcar will be pleased Chancellor and the Prime Minister have intervened on to hear that, from 2015, the process will be much more this issue will reassure Members that it is very much a to his liking. I want to underline that the Government priority for this Government. are committed to dealing with tax avoidance, be it domestic or international. We are taking the necessary As far as domestic action is concerned, we have legislative steps and giving HMRC the necessary resources. strengthened HMRC’s capability in this area. It is worth We are determined to address the matter, as I am sure pointing out that since March 2010 HMRC has collected the whole House is. £14.8 billion in additional compliance revenue through its large business service. In particular, £1.5 billion has been raised since 2010 through increased efforts in 9.57 pm tackling transfer pricing. We want to build on that Ian Swales: In calling for the debate, I wondered what success, which is why we have announced additional level of interest the House would show in this subject. sums. In the autumn statement we announced a further Then, when I agreed to accept a slot on the first day £77 million in new investment by the end of 2014-15 for back after Christmas, I feared that I might find myself HMRC to expand its anti-avoidance and evasion activity. sitting here alone except for the Minister and the shadow Together with the package we announced in the October Minister. Imagine my delight, therefore, at the quality 2010 spending review, we expect to see additional yield, of the debate today. Great expertise has been shown by rising from £13 billion a year when we came into office Members, who have made great speeches and interventions. to £22 billion a year by the end of 2014-15. Some of the The overall emotion expressed right across the House money we announced recently will be focused on tackling was one of concern tinged with anger. The only words tax avoidance by multinationals. of dissent involved a suggestion that the debate was in Let me deal quickly with the point about HMRC some way anti-business, but I believe that everyone will staff. The point was made that staff numbers had fallen. recognise that we are talking about the need for a level The big fall, from around 94,000 to 65,000, occurred playing field, nationally and internationally. That is all under the last Government. Yes, there will be a fall in we are asking for; we are not targeting any business or the total number of staff from 65,000 to 55,000 during practice. this Parliament, but the number of staff who deal with tax evasion—the tax inspectors—is going to go up. The Our tax system might once have been simple and number of people working on enforcement and compliance smooth, but it is now showing all the signs of having will go up by 2,500, in contrast to the 10,000 reduction had pieces nailed on, decade after decade, until it has that we saw during the last Parliament. become unrecognisable. I hope that the Minister will I should also point out HMRC’s success in other have heard the pleas for simplification that echoed all areas, including its litigation strategy. Over the past two around the House. Today’s debate has shown me that years, 85% of tax avoidance cases in the courts and we have a confident and capable group of Back Benchers tribunals have gone in HMRC’s favour. We have also who are ready to scrutinise this issue and support the taken legislative measures to deal with a whole range Government’s efforts. I welcome the efforts that the of corporate tax avoidance arrangements. Indeed, just Minister summarised in his speech, and the further before Christmas we closed down a further corporate work that is going on. The whole House will wish him tax avoidance scheme that sought to exploit tax rules to and his colleagues well, but we will be watching the generate artificial loss relief from a property business. speed of his progress very closely. HMRC had become aware of the scheme only a week Question put and agreed to. previously. Resolved, We are also bringing in a general anti-abuse rule, That this House has considered the matter of corporate tax following the advice of Graham Aaronson’s committee. avoidance. He is a distinguished tax QC, and his committee comprised a number of distinguished figures from the tax world. They recommended measures that focused on the abusive Business without Debate end of the matter. We believe that that will not have the disadvantages of the proposals suggested by the right hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton (Mr Meacher), REGULATORY REFORM which would create uncertainty for ordinary taxpayers. Also, his proposals contain an exception for any Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing arrangements specifically permitted by legislation, and Order No. 118(6)) much avoidance is built on that. His proposals would That the draft Legislative Reform (Constitution of Veterinary therefore be defective in some respects. I think that we Surgeons Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees) have struck the right balance, and that the concerns Order 2013, which was laid before this House on 5 November, be expressed by some of my hon. Friends are unfounded. approved.—(Karen Bradley.) It is right that we should focus on abuse of the system. Question agreed to. 131 Business without Debate 7 JANUARY 2013 132

DELEGATED LEGISLATION Newark Hospital Mr Speaker: With the leave of the House, we will take Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House motions 7 and 8 together. do now adjourn.—(Karen Bradley.) Ordered, That the Motion in the name of Secretary Vince Cable relating 10 pm to Financial Assistance to Industry shall be treated as if it related Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): I start by thanking to an instrument subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. 118 (Delegated Legislation Committees) in respect of which the Speaker’s Office for granting this debate, the second notice has been given that the instrument be approved. debate on Newark hospital in the past couple of years. That the draft Purbeck (Electoral Changes) Order 2013, which I thank the Minister for making himself available tonight, was laid before this House on 20 November, be referred to a I thank colleagues on both sides of the House, and I Delegated Legislation Committee.—(Karen Bradley.) thank my constituents who have come down here for this evening’s debate. I am most grateful to all of them. As I said, we have already had one debate on Newark hospital. I do not wish to bore the Minister, but a little bit of history might be useful. I do not know how well he knows Newark, but I hope to enlighten him. We sit right on the border between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, and we are bedevilled with dreadful roads and awful traffic, particularly as we move from east to west and west to east. Newark is a growing town and the population of over-65s is likely to have doubled by 2026. I shall explain later why that is so important. Newark is a town that I fear suffers from the Nottinghamshire health care model, which has been in place for at least a decade and a half. Centres of excellence have been established in places such as Lincoln, Grantham and the King’s Mill hospital, but not in Newark. I am realistic about that, but it presents huge challenges for a growing town. The hospital delivers superb services, but is diminishing relative to the services offered in the recent past; in addition, with King’s Mill, it is saddled with a private finance initiative that has been in place for two years now but will be in place for 30 years. The problem is not new. It has been a hot potato in the Newark constituency since at least 2004. We had a helpful visit from a Minister in the previous Government in 2004, and in 2010 the PFI project that I mentioned was put in place. Then, a couple of years ago, the A and E department was closed and replaced with a minor injuries unit. I have to say that the more I see of the national health service, the more byzantine I find the organisation. I cannot understand how a department that called itself an A and E for the best part of 10 years was not an A and E—it did not qualify to be an A and E. It was always going to be painful when the department’s title was changed—in this case from A and E to minor injuries unit. The fact remains that the goalposts in the national health service seem constantly to change. If, for instance, Mr Speaker, you asked me how an anti-tank platoon was organised, I could tell you how many weapons, how many men and how many vehicles were involved. If you ask what an MIU looks like in one hospital and what an A and E looks like in another hospital, the answers are usually widely different. We definitely suffer from that problem in Newark. Another point about the growing town is that it has been clear to me for at least the last five years, and was recently confirmed in the Monitor report, that there is no plan for the hospital to increase in size—no matter whether one is critical of the services it currently offers—to take into account the growth and the natural explosion of the population that is likely to occur. 133 Newark Hospital7 JANUARY 2013 Newark Hospital 134

Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): I congratulate as comparable with smaller towns and, indeed, towns of my hon. Friend on securing this debate. He makes a similar size, such as Worksop and Grantham. I have compelling case for the importance of the hospital to suggested that if a clinical case can be made, there is no the people of Newark, but does he recognise that people reason why such a system should not be introduced at in my Sherwood constituency also value the services Newark—why, in other words, our services should not that the hospital provides? be improved. The GPs with whom I have had some interesting Patrick Mercer: As my hon. Friend knows, I live right friction over the last couple of weeks—constructive on the edge of my constituency and almost inside his, friction, I hope; I say that with the greatest respect to and my family and I unquestionably depend on Newark those GPs—have a rather different view. They think hospital—and, of course, on the East Midlands ambulance that the system would be extremely difficult to implement. service—just as much as those in many parts of the I do not know; I cannot judge. I am not a doctor, a Sherwood constituency. clinician or a medical man of any sort. I should greatly appreciate it if the Minister gave me his unequivocal but Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): Might it help the detached view on exactly how realistic the proposal is, Minister if my hon. Friend told him where the nearest bearing in mind all that I have said about the increasing major road and rail routes to Newark are, and where size of the town, the fact that there seem to be no plans the nearest A and E unit is? to increase the size of the hospital in line with that, and the fact that it sits on major routes, both rail and road, Patrick Mercer: The answer to that question is, of which are always susceptible to the mass casualties course, Lincoln, but it is by no means true that all the which we see frequently during the year. serious cases in Newark go there. I shall say more about that shortly. Sir Alan Meale (Mansfield) (Lab): I congratulate the Let me continue my brief history.Last autumn, Monitor hon. Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer), whose tenacity delivered a devastating report on the private finance on this issue is well worth the effort and appreciated by initiative and on Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS many of us who reside in the area covered by the Foundation Trust, which includes King’s Mill and Newark Sherwood Forest trust. I have been closely involved hospitals, drawing attention to serious financial problems. with the trust for many years, and his description and It pointed out that Newark hospital was underutilised analysis is honest and probably mostly correct. I believe by 55% at times, that it was closed for admissions after that the Newark part of the trust has been let down 6 pm, and that many members of the board had resigned badly in recent years by the reorganisation, and his as a result. There is no doubt that good has come of description of the situation that led to the resignation of that, but on top of all those difficulties, East Midlands most of the trust’s board some time ago was an exact Ambulance Service NHS Trust has decided to close and correct one. I assure him that I and other colleagues Newark ambulance station. I shall say more about that in the north of the county will do whatever we can to shortly as well. support his effort not only to keep Newark hospital open, but to build on the services that are required for Where does the problem lie at the moment? First, let the growing population in that part of Nottinghamshire. me nail a couple of misapprehensions. I am sure that the Minister will not be surprised by my raising them. First, in certain malicious quarters in the town, rumours— Patrick Mercer: I am most grateful to my hon. Friend more than rumours—have been stoked that the hospital who sits on the Opposition Benches. His view is always will close. I do not believe that it will close; I see no valued by me and certainly by the people of Newark. I reason for that to happen. Indeed, indeed, Chris Mellor, have tried to keep politics out of this, and my stand has the new acting chief executive of Sherwood Forest been consistent under the last Government and this Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has made it clear Government. I really appreciate his comments, because that if the hospital does close, it will be a liability for the this issue, more than anything else, stands above party next 28 years no matter what, because there can be no politics. withdrawal from the PFI in which Newark hospital is One of the benefits of having an upgraded minor engaged with King’s Mill. Secondly, we still hear forlorn injuries unit is that more cases could be dealt with in and ill-informed voices talking about the reopening of Newark. GPs and others would be more willing to send an A and E unit. No one who understands the problem patients to Newark, rather than hospitals some way could think for a minute that Newark will have an away from the town, and this will have a direct effect on A and E unit. That really is not the issue at hand, and, availability of the ambulances—their reaction times given that the subject will no doubt arise during our and their number—needed to cover Newark and the continuing conversations, I want to reassure the Minister rural areas. For instance, if we ensured that the transfer that, in my opinion at least, it will not happen. times for all green 1 to 4 and urgent minor emergencies Since the new team has taken over—and I appreciate could be covered locally, the effect would be felt by East that it is only a temporary team—some refreshing views Midlands ambulance service right the way across have been expressed following the hammer blows of last Nottinghamshire. autumn’s Monitor report. For instance, Eric Morton, That brings me neatly on to the point about EMAS who is running the administration of the hospital, and the service it provides, particularly in Newark town albeit temporarily, has responded to a request from me and the rural area. As well as all the other difficulties and others for Newark’s minor injuries unit to receive I have mentioned, which the Minister will recognise, further resources, so that it can at least provide level 2 we are currently going through a consultation about critical care and become a sort of MIU-plus or A and exactly how the ambulance service in Newark should be E-minus—the terms are confusing—and we can be seen reconfigured. The ambulance service’s boss, Mr Phil 135 Newark Hospital7 JANUARY 2013 Newark Hospital 136

[Patrick Mercer] gauge for himself how strongly we feel about the hospital, how close it is to our hearts and how we hope it will Milligan, has helpfully admitted that the ambulance continue to improve in the future. service is not performing to the necessary standard and that there are difficulties with EMAS, particularly in the Nottinghamshire area. The details are there to be 10.17 pm seen. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health I ask the Minister to look carefully at the need, or (Dr Daniel Poulter): I congratulate my hon. Friend the otherwise, for a hub inside or adjacent to Newark and Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer) on securing this at the positioning of the two community ambulance debate and on his continued, long-standing dedication points that we are being promised, again either in or to and strong advocacy for his constituents, and his adjacent to Newark. We can have the best hospital in local health care services and all the patients who use the world in Newark, but, unless we have an ambulance them. It was good to hear interventions from hon. service that can take people with whom it cannot deal Members on both sides of the House; we heard from quickly, effectively and properly to other hospitals, the my hon. Friends the Members for Sherwood (Mr Spencer) health care model will not work. That lies at the heart of and for Lincoln (Karl McCartney), and the hon. Member the two issues here: the upgrading of the MIU and for Mansfield (Sir Alan Meale). That shows that on provision of further critical services, and the improvement important issues such as local hospitals we can put —not continuation of the status quo—of the ambulance party differences aside to come together for the benefit service. Those two major issues, with all their interlocking of the people who matter most in the NHS—local threats, lie at the heart of the problem of health care patients. I was pleased to hear that party politics had across the Newark area. been put aside today and I was glad to hear the hon. Member for Mansfield say that he will continue to do so It is not all doom and gloom. I visit the hospital in the future for the benefit of patients in Nottinghamshire. regularly—I there last on Christmas day and shall be there again on Friday—and am always impressed by the As has been articulately outlined by my hon. Friend nurses, doctors, support staff, ambulance drivers and the Member for Newark, Newark hospital provides an clinicians who deal in Newark. Anybody treated in extensive range of consultant-led out-patient services Newark will say that we have an excellent hospital and and does so with short waiting times. It provides many that the services it provides are second to none, but we high-quality day-case procedures, and diagnostic and must not allow it to dwindle. When I visit, I am always other services. It also has a high-quality minor injuries impressed to find people from Lincolnshire and Derbyshire unit and urgent care centre. Some 35 beds are available who are electing to be dealt with in that hospital. That across two medical wards, with 21 more beds in the raises the question why, when King’s Mill hospital runs surgical ward. As my hon. Friend rightly outlined, one out of beds, as it has over the past couple of months, it challenge that faces the NHS as a whole and patient is not the customary practice for patients to be taken provision in Newark is the fact that many people are straight to Newark hospital. Surely if the money follows now living longer and need high-quality, close-to-home the patient, too many Newark patients are being taken community health care services. That is exactly what is “abroad”, with the money being paid out to different provided at his hospital. health trusts around and adjacent to ours, including to We also know that a new 12-bed facility is to open in King’s Mill. Why does the arrangement not work properly Newark hospital in February 2013. The Fernwood in the other direction? That is exactly the point Chris community unit will be a specialist unit of single-sex Mellor made to me when he took over in his new job. bays and private rooms that will meet the needs of the There is no doubt that improvements have been made: growing number of elderly patients we have discussed, a bus service now runs between our hospital and King’s ensuring that people have the right to recuperation and Mill; and we have reopened what used to be called the recovery in an appropriate intermediate care setting Friary ward, providing extra beds, particularly for the before they return to their own homes. elderly. Those good things have to be celebrated, not The hospital receives full back-up from the teams at sneered at, as certain individuals in the town have done. King’s Mill and the services provided by the two hospitals I look forward to such improvements being replicated are compatible and work well in synergy. I want to put throughout the hospital and in the different authority—the on record my congratulations on and gratitude for the different aegis—of the East Midlands ambulance service. dedication and hard work of all the NHS staff who I also look forward to the meeting that the Minister work on the King’s Mill site and at Newark and who do has kindly agreed to have with me on 4 February—it excellent work to look after patients to a very high might be on 5 February, but we will tie the date down. standard. I will be happy to take up my hon. Friend’s I am grateful to him for that, and I have no doubt that offer of a visit to Newark hospital when time permits we will talk and talk about these issues. However, I hope later in the year, so that I can meet the staff and see first I can leave him in absolutely no doubt about the isolation hand the excellent care provided there. that many of my constituents feel in respect of the It is worth highlighting that there was a local agreement hospital. The resources of the hospital and its ability to on Newark services, which was signed off on 18 December. cope with the sick, the halt, the lame, the deaf and the Newark and Sherwood district council agreed across blind have been seriously diminished over the past party lines to work with the Newark and Sherwood couple of years and perhaps even longer. To that end, I clinical commissioning group and the Sherwood Forest ask him not only to address these specific points, but, if Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to maintain what he has the time, to visit Newark. I would like him to talk they see as essential elements for local services. When to not only the staff of the hospital and the ambulance looking after older people, it is good to have cross-agency service, but to the people of Newark, so that he can integrated care and working and a commitment to 137 Newark Hospital7 JANUARY 2013 Newark Hospital 138 those principles from not only the NHS but local authorities, turn around the trust’s financial fortunes, notwithstanding which play such an important part in the care of older the massive PFI debt repayments. There are clearly people through housing and social services. further opportunities to develop what the hospital can The commitments made in the agreement were that do to put itself on a stable financial footing while doing there should be high-quality primary and secondary more to look after local patients better. I know that the health care for the people of Newark and Sherwood; a chief executive and the team at the trust are listening to strong and positive future for Newark hospital within the debate, and that they will take on board what I have Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; said and the concerns that my hon. Friend raised. and accessible and safe health care services for patients My hon. Friend talked about ambulance services in across Newark and Sherwood district that are as close the Newark area. It is worth pointing out the distances to people’s homes as possible. As has been outlined that some patients have to travel to reach a fully functioning, throughout the debate, it is important that we ensure 24-hour A and E service. King’s Mill hospital, one of that older people do not have to travel many miles to the acute settings, is 23 miles away, which is about receive high-quality care and that they receive that care, 42 minutes by road. The Queen’s Medical Centre in if not in their own homes, as close to their homes as Nottingham is 22 miles away, a 50-minute road journey, possible. That is why I am confident that Newark hospital and Lincoln county hospital is 20 miles away, which will always have a strong and viable future as a setting is 45 minutes from Newark by car. Those are average for the provision of high-quality care for many older journey times; there may be busy times and road congestion. people and for all the other patients it looks after so There are particular challenges in making sure that in well. an emergency patients can get to an appropriate A and E My hon. Friend also raised the question of the PFI care setting in a timely manner. My hon. Friend pointed debt at the hospital trust and he was right to do so. out that according to East Midlands Ambulance Service Monitor, the independent regulator of foundation trusts, NHS Trust figures, in the years 2009-10 and 2010-11 recently expressed concern about the financial situation and in the first quarter of 2012-13, Nottinghamshire at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. did not reach its A8 response targets. Sometimes, those The trust signed its £320 million PFI deal in November targets are skewed; they can be better in urban areas, 2005 for the redevelopment of King’s Mill, and in such as Nottingham, but worse in more rural settings. I 2012-13 the trust’s PFI cash outflow is £42.5 million, am sure my hon. Friend will want to take things further which equates to 17% of the trust’s income—a very with the ambulance service and drill into the data for large PFI debt, with 17% of the income spent on PFI Newark by postcode, to compare response times in a repayments. If we were not already aware of the great more rural area, where there is a long distance to travel damage inflicted on our NHS by PFI agreements, which to an A and E, with those in some of the more urban were sometimes signed in haste and which we have often settings in Nottinghamshire. It is obviously unacceptable lived to regret, that agreement would make the case very to all of us if patients in rural communities have to wait clearly. a long time for an ambulance and life-saving treatment. On 21 September, Monitor published a breach of In the ambulance service review and the consultation compliance report which referenced a McKinsey’s report on its proposals, it is vital that rurality and travel it had commissioned. The report concluded that the distances to A and Es and other urgent care settings are trust’s PFI commitments were affordable only with taken into account in any changes to the service. From additional activity from the local health economy. That the figures I referred to, we already know about the means it does not qualify for Department of Health challenge the ambulance service in Nottinghamshire national PFI support. The report outlined the fact that faces, because it is not meeting response targets. If we the trust has potential for additional health care activity, break down those targets by postcode and by area, we which would benefit it financially and put it on a more may find that rural areas are even further behind. When stable financial footing. The emphasis on additional the review takes place, it is important that the rurality of activity in the report seems to suggest that more can be Newark is properly taken into account so that patients done potentially at Newark to develop services for the in rural areas have the same quality of ambulance benefit of local patients. That could bring revenue and response as those in more urban settings. income into the trust and would do more better to serve In conclusion, I am pleased to confirm that there is a the needs of a growing population and its future health strong and viable future for services for local patients at care demand. Newark hospital. I very much look forward to taking To answer one of the points my hon. Friend raised, the discussions further with my hon. Friend in early enhancing facilities in the minor injuries unit could play February, and to visiting the hospital later in the year. a part in putting the trust on to a more stable financial Question put and agreed to. footing. The new chief executive is keen to look into the issues, as my hon. Friend said, and he is right to 10.29 pm highlight the fact that good, dynamic leadership can House adjourned.

1WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JANUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 2WS

document. For the first time, the report is being released Written Ministerial in parallel with an electronically searchable form of the directory. Statements “Public Bodies 2012” can be downloaded from the civil service website at: www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/ resources/ndpb. Copies have been provided to the Libraries Monday 7 January 2013 of both Houses.

TREASURY CABINET OFFICE

Income Tax and Corporation Tax (Anti-Avoidance) Coalition Government (Mid-term Review) The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke): The Government are committed to tackling The Minister for Government Policy (Mr Oliver Letwin): aggressive and artificial tax avoidance to ensure the Today, at the halfway point in the Parliament, the Exchequer is protected and fairness is maintained for Government are publishing a mid-term document. the taxpayer. Two and a half years ago, the coalition came together In December, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and formed a Government at a time of significant (HMRC) were notified of an avoidance scheme that economic danger. The Programme for Government, seeks to generate loss relief from a property business which was published in May 2010, described the decisions which could then be used by corporate users of the and policies that the Government believed were required scheme to reduce their corporation tax profits. to address the fiscal deficit, to rebalance the economy, to improve the public services, to build a better society On 21 December the Government acted swiftly to and to reinforce Britain’s position in the world. tackle this scheme. It made a public announcement that targeted anti-avoidance rules will be introduced in the This mid-term review highlights the key actions of next Finance Bill. These rules will have effect from the coalition to date and illustrates the progress that has the date of that announcement (21 December 2012). been made in taking forward the principal policies The text of the public announcement is provided below. contained within the programme for government. The Government are extremely disappointed that On all of its key aims the coalition Government this scheme has been designed and is being sold despite remain steadfast and united. the Government making it clear that we will take swift As well as describing what has been done since the action to prevent schemes like this being used by those start of the Parliament, the review document also sets who want to escape paying the tax they owe. The out the coalition’s priorities for the remainder of the Government do not accept that these arrangements Parliament—with the twin aims of enabling the UK to have the effect that is sought, but to remove any doubt compete in the global race at a time of increasing prompt action has been taken to protect the Exchequer. international competition and of enabling all of our The legislation will have effect for both income tax citizens to fulfil their aspirations. and corporation tax purposes from 21 December 2012 The Government will, above all, prioritise reducing and will protect significant amounts of revenue. the deficit, rebalancing the economy, and reforming Draft legislation and further details of this measure welfare and education. But the review identifies a large were published on HMRC’s website together with the number of policies in other areas that will be implemented public announcement. during the second half of the Parliament—including The text of the announcement: setting out some future policy directions. “Anti-avoidance: trade and property business deductions I am placing a copy of the review document in the The Government is today announcing that it will introduce Libraries of both Houses. targeted anti-avoidance rules (“TAARs”) to the income tax and corporation tax provisions governing the relationship between rules prohibiting and allowing deductions from profits of a trade “Public Bodies 2012” or property business. The TAARs will have effect from today’s date (21 December 2012). The Government is acting today because HMRC was recently notified of an avoidance scheme that seeks to exploit the rules in The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr Nick relation to a property business to generate artificial loss relief for Hurd): Over the Christmas recess, the Cabinet Office use by companies to reduce their corporation tax profits. The published “Public Bodies 2012”which provides an update Government does not accept that the scheme has the effect of the Government’s programme of public body reform intended but to remove any doubt, prompt action is being taken and a directory of non-departmental public bodies to protect the Exchequer. (NDPBs), as well as summary information on the size The provisions in sections 31 and 274 of the Income Tax and expenditure of the NDPB sector and information (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005 and sections 51 and 214 of on public appointments. the Corporation Tax Act 2009 govern the relationship between rules prohibiting and allowing deductions. They provide that Publication of “Public Bodies 2012” is a positive step certain business expenditure incurred by trades and property for transparency; providing detailed information about businesses, that would otherwise be disallowable, can be deducted every non-departmental public body in a single easy-to-use from business profits. 3WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JANUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 4WS

Legislation will be introduced in Finance Bill 2013 to amend and the small minority who abuse planning rules. Under all of the above sections to include a TAAR. The TAAR will proposals, councils would be given greater freedom to apply where a permissive rule would otherwise allow a deduction determine whether to use temporary stop notices in in calculating the profits of a trade or property business for an relation to caravans that are in breach of planning amount which arises from tax avoidance arrangements. The effect will be that the rules prohibiting a deduction take precedence over control, and are used as a person’s main residence. This those allowing a deduction. would be backed up with the potential for fines of up to Tax avoidance arrangements are those to which the person is £20,000 on a summary conviction or an unlimited fine party and the main purpose, or one of the main purposes, is the on indictment. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, obtaining of a tax advantage. The term “arrangements” will be proposals will allow councils to act quickly to stop widely defined. unauthorised sites before they become established, saving The amendments will apply to amounts which arise directly or on the costs of enforcement and preventing long-term indirectly in consequence of, or otherwise in connection with, harm to the environment and local amenity. arrangements which are entered into on or after 21 December 2012, or any transaction forming part of arrangements which is The coalition Government are committed to making entered into on or after that date, except where the arrangements the planning system simpler, more efficient and more are, or any such transaction is, pursuant to an unconditional effective. On 21 December, my Department launched a obligation in a contract made before that date.” consultation to consider the recommendations of the external review group on planning practice guidance led by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor, to rationalise the volumes COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT of unwieldy and contradictory advice. The goal is to make practice guidance easier to understand for both Department’s Work (Christmas Recess) practitioners and the public. This does not involve any change to planning policy, which is laid out in the national planning policy framework. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local On 27 December, my Department outlined our response Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to update to the consultation paper on streamlining information hon. Members on the main items of business undertaken requirements for planning applications. This will encourage by my Department since the House rose on 20 December a more proportionate approach to the information that 2012. applicants are required to provide with outline planning Helping hard-working families with council tax applications, reducing administrative costs to both On 1 January, my Department highlighted new legislation applicants and councils, while ensuring that all interested that takes effect in April 2013 which allows local taxpayers parties continue to be well informed of the details of to choose to pay their bill over 12 months rather than any proposed application. 10, if they wish. This new right will make it easier for A fairer deal for taxpayers on local government pensions those on fixed incomes to manage their bills, and would On 21 December, my Department published a lower the average band D council tax instalment by an consultation seeking responses from interested parties average of £24 per month for 10 months. on draft regulations for the new local government pension This builds on the support that the coalition Government scheme to come into force in April 2014 relating to have already announced for local authorities and police membership, contributions and benefits. This represents and crime commissioners in England to help them a key step in the process of reform that began with the freeze council tax for a third year and assist in keeping commitment given in the coalition Government’s the cost of living down. The Government have set aside programme to review the long-term affordability and £450 million in the autumn statement. Taxpayers living sustainability of public service pension schemes. in an average band D home in England could save up to £72 compared to a 5% increase, while the cumulative Figures for the last financial year show that the local effect of the three years’ worth of freezes is potentially government pensions scheme cost £7.5 billion. worth over £200 to band D residents. I hope hon. Employers—i.e. taxpayers—contributed £5.9 billion towards Members will encourage their local authorities to take maintaining staff pensions. The cost to the public is up this year’s freeze offer. equivalent to £320 a year for average band D council tax. Yet, for the first year, the cost of local authority Tackling council tax fraud helps reduce bills for pension taxpayer-funded contributions has actually fallen, law-abiding citizens. I intend to lay and publish this and these further reforms will protect taxpayers’ interests week draft affirmative regulations, including setting out while protecting those on low and moderate incomes. the powers which local authorities will have to combat fraud in the council tax system and to prosecute those Cutting intrusive red tape who commit criminal acts. These regulations will ensure On 21 December, my Department wrote to local that local authorities continue to be able to tackle fraud authorities to make clear that equality impact assessments when council tax benefit is replaced by local council tax are not a legal requirement. Indeed, they can be resource reduction schemes in April, and are consistent with intensive and take staff away from planning and delivering those that prevent fraud in the welfare benefit system. important public services. We also reminded councils Reflecting the coalition Government’s commitment to that statutory guidance makes clear that councils do civil liberties, we have scaled back existing state powers not need to undertake unnecessary lifestyle or “diversity” which we believe to be disproportionate. questionnaires of their local residents and suppliers. I A fairer and simpler planning system will shortly be giving guidance to my Department’s The coalition Government believe in fair play, with arm’s length bodies on the same issue. everyone abiding by the same rules. On 21 December, On Boxing day, the media reported how residents in we launched a consultation on proposals to give councils Stockport, Cheshire East and Manchester were being greater freedom to prevent unauthorised traveller sites asked about their sexual preferences when they responded 5WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JANUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 6WS to a consultation on a proposed road improvement. These activities, and many of the organisations and This is a typical example of how the public sector institutions that host them, play a pivotal role in our wastes money on pointless and intrusive bureaucracy. communities. We are determined to ensure that needless A helping hand on housing bureaucracy does not restrict these kinds of positive contribution to society. This is why we announced our On 20 December, my Department launched the new intention to act in the coalition programme for Government, £200 million build to rent fund which will boost the the growth review, the red tape challenge, and in the construction of new homes specifically for private rent. departmental business plan for the Department for By financing the construction of rental homes until Culture, Media and Sport. they are built, let out and managed, the fund will give developers the freedom to build homes specifically for The consultation received a very full response—around that market with confidence. An expert taskforce will 1,350 responses—and the Department has examined also work to boost investor awareness of the fund and every comment carefully. We are extremely grateful to offer practical support to those interested in this new everyone who responded. market. The prospectus for the fund has been published This consultation has played a full part in shaping on the Homes and Communities Agency’s website. future policy. Its key findings were that there was Over Christmas, Ministers highlighted the help available considerable support for deregulation, but that certain to those sleeping rough through the new StreetLink protections needed to be retained, including an 11 pm hotline and website. StreetLink, run by charities Homeless end time for deregulated performance, and, in most Link and Broadway with funding from my Department, circumstances, a lower audience cap than was originally offers a valuable alternative to a cash handout for proposed. people sleeping rough. This will support the “no second The new policy for entertainment is outlined below: night out” initiative as it is extended across the country. In London, where “no second night out” has been Performance of plays: no longer requires a licence between adopted, already 70% of rough sleepers have not spent 08:00-23:00 for audiences of up to 500 people. more than one night on the streets. Performance of dance: no longer requires a licence between On 2 January, my Department highlighted new 08:00-23:00 for audiences of up to 500 people. deregulation that will cut red tape and costs for homeowners Indoor sport: no longer requires a licence from 08:00-23:00 and businesses alike. Changes are being made to the for audiences of up to 1,000 people. building regulations regime in England to deliver an Live music has already been partially deregulated under the even better and more cost-effective way of ensuring our Live Music Act 2012, which came into force on 1 October buildings remain safe and sustainable. The changes will 2012, with the following effect: deliver savings of around £50 million per year to business unamplified live music deregulated between 08:00-23:00 and will come into force from April 2013. Changes to with no restrictions on audiences size; remove the requirement to notify simple and low risk amplified live music deregulated between 08:00-23:00 in electrical works will mean that householders keen to premises licensed for sale and supply of alcohol, and in improve their home no longer need to pay £240, or certain workplaces. more, to their local council to have simple electrical jobs We will, additionally, retain the key protections of the Live checked. Music Act 2012, but raise the permitted audience ceiling New Year’s Honours from 200 to 500, in on-licensed premises and workplaces in line with most other deregulated activities. I wish to congratulate to all those working in the local government, housing, fire and voluntary and Recorded music: in line with live music deregulation, regulation for recorded music (mainly discos and DJs) will be suspended community sector that were recognised in the new year’s between 08:00-23:00 in premises licensed for the sale and honours list acknowledging their valued contribution supply of alcohol. This measure, like live music deregulation, to society. is subject to controls from the local licence review process. I have placed in the Library of the House a copy of We also intend to exempt from most forms of entertainment the associated documents and press notices relating to licensing: these announcements. Community venues (including local authority) Schools Nurseries CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Hospitals Circuses Entertainment Licensing Reform Film exhibition: we will consult in the coming months on detailed proposals to partially deregulate community film exhibition whilst maintaining important age restriction The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media protections for children. and Sport (Hugh Robertson): In late 2011, the Department We will bring the measures into effect as the for Culture, Media and Sport launched a consultation parliamentary timetable allows. into reforming the regime that regulates many public and charitable entertainment activities. I am arranging for a summary of responses, and the The consultation was launched after many years of Government’s full response, to be made available on the calls to reduce unnecessary regulation arising from the DCMS website and be deposited in the Libraries of 2003 Licensing Act for low-risk activities that hamper both Houses. cultural and community creativity, restrict charities and I will also place the impact assessment on the website prevent small businesses from diversifying. and in the Libraries of both Houses in due course. 7WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JANUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 8WS

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS of the programme. The specific concerns of other member states were wide-ranging, but several member states voiced a particular concern about proposed targets to EU Environment Council reduce landfill. Under environmental AOB items, a progress report The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and was offered on the programme for the environment and Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): My noble Friend the climate action (LIFE), and the presidency provided Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Resource Management, information on environmental quality standards in the the Local Environment and Environmental Science, field of water policy (priority substances). The presidency Lord de Mauley, represented the UK at the EU also gave information on the assessment of the effects Environment Council in Brussels on 17 December 2012. of certain public and private projects on the environment Paul Wheelhouse (Scottish Minister for Environment (the EIA directive). Belgium, Spain and the Czech and Climate Change) and John Griffiths (Welsh Minister Republic all intervened to air their concerns about the for Environment and Sustainable Development) also proposed measures, after which the presidency curtailed attended. the discussion, highlighting that there would be further After adopting the list of legislative and non-legislative opportunities to discuss the proposal during the Irish A items, Environment Ministers adopted Council Presidency. conclusions on “A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s In the afternoon, several climate change items were Waters”. The UK welcomed the blueprint, praising its discussed under “Any Other Business”. The emissions focus on implementation rather than new legislation, trading scheme appeared on the agenda in the context which is in line with principles of better regulation. of aviation, the recently published carbon market report Several other member states similarly supported the and the Commission’s proposed measure for changing blueprint’s focus on implementation and greater integration. the auctioning profile for ETS allowances (known as Next, the presidency led an exchange of views on “backloading”). With regards to backloading, Poland “Greening the European Semester”, based on the annual presented a paper, based on Commission data, which growth survey 2013. Discussion at Environment Council appeared to show the negative financial impact that focused on the bottlenecks to achieving Europe 2020 backloading would have for certain member states. The resource efficiency objectives, and member states were Commission responded by questioning the validity of asked to give their views as to which measures in the their analysis, and were supported by the Netherlands. field of resource efficiency and climate action had the A proposal to define the modalities for reaching the biggest potential to contribute to growth and job creation. 2020 targets to reduce CO2 emissions from cars and A broad range of opinions were put forward. The UK vans was also presented. Most member states who made clear that actions needed to reflect the specificities intervened supported the proposal’s ambition in terms of each member state; that any additional targets would of target levels, and most supported looking at longer-term need to be clearly justified; and highlighted our domestic targets post-2020. The presidency also presented actions to support resource efficiency. The Commission information on proposals for accounting rules and action (Hedegaard) summarised the discussion by stating that plans on greenhouse gas emissions and removals relating the debate was timely, as the annual growth survey was from activities related to land use, land use change and increasingly becoming the key tool for setting economic forestry (LULUCF). Finally, the Irish presented their priorities for the year to come. Discussions on the priorities for the forthcoming Irish Presidency. annual growth survey 2013 will take place at various The UK also held short bilateral meetings with Croatia, EU-level Councils, and will inform debate at the spring France, the Netherlands and Lithuania. European Council in March 2013. Lord de Mauley attended a ministerial lunch, during which the outcomes of the COP18 climate change negotiations which recently took place in Doha were discussed. Member states recognised that overall a good Flooding outcome had been achieved at COP18 but, moving forwards, there is still much work to be done. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and In the afternoon, an orientation debate on the seventh Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): The period leading EU environment action programme (seventh EAP) was up to Christmas and in to the new year has again seen held. The Commission said that it had been a “difficult flooding across the country. This was particularly birth”, but that the seventh EAP should offer a clear-cut unfortunate in that it impacted on people and families programme and a solid and pragmatic framework for during the festive season and I would like to offer my years to come. The Commission said that there were sincere sympathies to those who were affected. only a few legislative gaps to be filled, and the main focus was on implementation. The tone of the discussion The recent floods which began mid way through was generally positive. Many member states, including December affected much of the country. Following on the UK, welcomed the focus on implementation. The from previous flooding in November and a very wet UK said that they believed the environmental acquis summer, the December rainfall quickly led to further was largely complete, and that any new proposals for flooding. Although rain is not unusual at this time of legislation must be based on evidence and supported by year we have experienced a prolonged period of heavier a robust impact assessment. In that vein, the UK felt than usual rainfall during the year. 2012 was the wettest that the seventh EAP impact assessment was not quite on record in England with some areas experiencing over fit for purpose, and stated that the UK would carry out 131% of average levels. This heavy rain led to flooding further work to assess more accurately the ramifications from rivers, groundwaters and surface water. 9WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JANUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 10WS

The December floods affected many parts of the that concerns have been raised about clearance of water country with 532 properties flooded, most notably in channels in rural areas and that the Department is the south-west with 379 properties impacted. Nearly working with the Environment Agency to examine the 22,000 properties were protected from flooding and issue. My Department and its agencies will continue to over 135,000 properties were sent a warning about the do all that we can to issue warnings and to moderate the potential risk of flooding giving people essential time to impacts of floods. We will assess the long-term impact protect their homes and possessions. In total over 1.1 million of the recent saturation of agricultural land. people are signed up to receive Environment Agency The Government recognise the adverse impacts that flood warnings. flooding has had on communities, both urban and I would like to pay tribute to the work of the Environment rural, across the country throughout 2012. Continued Agency, fire, ambulance, police and other rescue services, Government investment means that during 2012 we local authorities, the voluntary sector and local communities have been able to protect a total of over 200,000 properties who contributed to the flood response. This is particularly from flooding. We now expect to exceed our goal to relevant for those who put aside their traditional Christmas better protect 145,000 homes from flooding and coastal and new year celebrations to help others and to them I erosion by March 2015. The autumn statement announced offer my sincere thanks. an extra £120 million for flood defences in England I saw for myself some of the magnificent work that during this spending period allowing us to protect up to results from this multi-agency response when I visited a further 60,000 properties. Upton-upon-Severn to see new flood defence schemes We remain committed to ongoing discussions with successfully keeping high river flows at bay. I also met the Association of British Insurers (ABI), on behalf of some of the people who managed the response at the their members, and others about what replaces the local incident room in Tewkesbury. Last Thursday the statement of principles agreement. It would not be Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and appropriate to comment in detail on their progress. A Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury range of options are on the table and discussions have (Richard Benyon) visited Dorset and Wiltshire to gain a been very constructive. No final decisions have been better understanding of the continuing groundwater taken. We are keen to improve on the statement of flooding challenges and to meet some of the people principles. We need a solution that ensures affordable who contributed to our operational response in the insurance bills for those at flood risk but does not place region. unsustainable costs on wider policyholders and the As river levels fall, saturated ground continues to lead taxpayer. The Secretary of State for Communities and to potential groundwater flooding problems. The Local Government is responsible for the Bellwin scheme of Environment Agency’s teams will be monitoring emergency financial assistance to help local authoritieswith groundwater levels across England and Wales for many the immediate costs associated with protecting life and weeks to come and advising local authorities who lead properties in their areas. His Department stands ready on groundwater flooding. As the rain eases over the to support all councils that have suffered from the coming days slower responding rivers such as the Thames, devastating floods including financial support through Severn, Nene and the Ouse in Yorkshire, will continue the Bellwin scheme and we are monitoring the situation to rise in their lower reaches. The Environment Agency carefully. High river levels, groundwater flooding, standing will be monitoring these closely. water and surface water runoff continue to make conditions difficult in different parts of England. I encourage The recent heavy rain caused major disruption to the people to continue to take care and think about their rail network in different parts of the UK, particularly in own safety and that of friends, relatives and neighbours. the south-west of England. Major flooding resulted in These floods, coming as they have after a long series certain sections of the network being closed and this of previous floods, have been a tragedy for those affected, was compounded by landslips resulting in severe damage and I want to conclude by paying tribute to the wonderful to tracks and signalling equipment. Where possible community spirit that I, my hon. Friend the Under- train operating companies either re-routed services or Secretary of State and Members across the House have provided alternative means of transport, although this seen around the country in their local communities. was not always possible due to local road conditions. I shall, of course, keep the House informed of any On the roads there was some initial minor disruption to further significant developments. the strategic road network but the major impact was on local roads under the responsibility of local authorities. In addition to the impacts on homes and businesses TRANSPORT around the country, the current floods have been keenly felt among farmers. The Somerset Levels and Moors have been inundated for a large proportion of the year EU Transport Council and continue to be under water. The Lower Hampshire Avon has been at flood risk since early July. In the north-east, there has been extensive and prolonged The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport flooding of agricultural land in the Vale of York. I (Stephen Hammond): I attended the last Transport Council recognise the difficulties that this situation presents to of the Cypriot Presidency in Brussels on Thursday farmers and offer my sincere sympathies to those who 20 December. have been affected. It is important to note that investment The Council agreed a general approach on the proposal in flood defence schemes has protected agricultural for a directive of the European Parliament and the land. For example, 59 projects completed during 2011-12 Council on periodic road worthiness tests for motor provided an improved level of flood protection to more vehicles and their trailers and repealing directive 2009/40/EC. than 74,000 hectares of agricultural land. We recognise Following widespread criticism of the Commission’s 11WS Written Ministerial Statements7 JANUARY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 12WS proposal at the October Transport Council, the UK has highlighting in particular the worsening aviation relationship been an active and leading negotiator at the working with Russia, especially Russia’s ongoing refusal to group meetings chaired by the presidency. The presidency implement its commitments on Siberian overflight charges. subsequently presented a compromise text that reflected The Commissioner called for collective action at EU the reality of member states’ road safety testing practices. level and said he would be producing a road map in the We supported the change of the legal form of the new year with a view to pursuing an EU/Russia proposal from a (directly applicable) regulation to a comprehensive agreement in due course. directive (which gives member states some flexibility in The Council also adopted a proposal for a decision transposition). on the comprehensive aviation agreement between the I welcomed the many improvements in the presidency’s EU and its member states and Israel. The original plan text which had substantially reduced the cost implications had been for the agreement to be signed in the margins to a manageable level, and indicated that the UK could of the Council, but due to internal political reasons, accept the presidency’s text. I made clear that as negotiations Israel was not able to sign at this time. The Commission begin with the European Parliament, we would seek to hoped that Israel would be in a position to sign this provide Members of the European Parliament with as agreement shortly after national elections in the spring much information as possible to explain why the changes 2013. to the original proposal were both justified, and necessary. A high level co-operation agreement with Eurocontrol The presidency provided progress reports on two (European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation) proposals. was signed in the margins of the Council. The first was the proposal for a regulation of the Under any other business, the Commission provided European Parliament and of the Council establishing an update on recent discussions at the International the connecting Europe facility. This regulation will provide Civil Aviation Organisation to agree a global approach the legal basis for funding of trans-European transport, to tackling emissions from aviation. The Commission energy and telecoms networks for 2014-20. The text will clarified that it was proposing a temporary derogation not be finalised until the budget figures for 2014-20 on enforcement of the aviation emissions trading system have been agreed in discussions on the multi-annual (ETS) relating to international flights and hoped the financial framework (MFF). European Parliament and the Council would approve The second was the proposal for a regulation of the this through a decision in the first quarter of next year. European Parliament and of the Council on the Also under any other business, France tabled a room implementation and exploitation of European satellite document which called for a discussion to be held in the navigation systems. The Council’s position on this International Maritime Organization on the 2015 deadline regulation, which will provide the legal basis for taking for implementing the new requirements on the sulphur forward the Galileo satellite navigation programme from content of marine fuels. A number of member states 2014, was agreed earlier in the year. However, technical intervened and stressed that they would be keen to discussions with the European Parliament since then discuss practical issues, such as the cost of low sulphur have not led to much progress. The dossier will be fuels to businesses. passed to the Irish Presidency to conclude negotiations with the European Parliament once the budget for The cleaner power for transport package which was Galileo under the MFF has been confirmed. due to be discussed as an AOB item was taken off the The Council adopted conclusions on the Communication agenda. on “EU’s External Aviation Policy—Addressing Future Keith Brown MSP, Scottish Minister for Transport Challenges”. The Commission welcomed the conclusions, and veterans also attended. 1P Petitions7 JANUARY 2013 Petitions 2P

constituent is required to but does not attend, and the Petitions constituent does not give a full explanation, then their benefits will be stopped (at least 2 instances). Monday 7 January 2013 Further declares that benefits are stopped with no OBSERVATIONS regard to the means to buy food. Further declares that civil servants are fully aware of the health consequences and that it threatens people’s COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT lives and are acting to cause harm. Rushden Lakes retail leisure park Further declares that as they understand the The Humble Petition of residents of Rushden and consequences it is done with the intent to cause harm, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire and the surrounding injury that may kill. areas, Further declares that those listed in Early Day Motion Sheweth, 454 Fatalities in Afghanistan (No. 11) and countless That the planning application for the Rushden others in previous conflicts including the Second World Lakes retail leisure park has the support of East War and the First World War gave their lives so that Northamptonshire District Council, the Borough Council people would not be treated this way. Declares that this of Wellingborough, Rushden Town Council, Higham officer is asking that it be stopped. Ferrers Town Council and the overwhelming majority Further declares that the following are participant of local residents, will provide 2,000 new jobs, a high members of the Department of Work and Pensions quality leisure park and retail outlets such as Marks (DWP): Phil Allen, Mike Baker, Sarah Britton, Jim and Spencers. Crook, Stuart Erskine, John Finn, Ros Flatters, Lynn Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable Gandy, Heather Hayes, Richard Heaton, Steve Hopwood, House urges the Secretary of State for Communities Mark Inman, Mary Lengden, Leigh Lewis, Phil Lowthian, and Local Government to as speedily as possible approve Wendy Mayer, John Milligan, Paul Mooney, Sarah the scheme. Morgan, Sarah Ryan, Adam Sharples, Sue Owen, Darra Singh, Gurbux Singh, Mike Smith, Nicola [Surname And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever not given], Dorothy Stafford, Wendy Stockton, Jackie pray, &c.—[Presented by Mr Peter Bone, Official Report, Wall, and at least three others names not given. 29 November 2012; Vol. 554, c. 482.] [P001140] Further declares that questioning by civil servants in job centres is conducted under conditions of deliberate Observations from the Secretary of State for Communities stress; the use of shouting, with members of the public and Local Government, received 2 December 2012: unknown to the interviewee sat just behind; numerous East Northamptonshire Council referred a planning interviews at irregular intervals over a long period of application for a retail and leisure development at Rushden time; prolongation of the duration of meetings (“as long Lakes, Northamptonshire to the Secretary of State for as it takes”). Communities under the Consultation Direction (2009). The Secretary of State has considered this case against Further declares that other small stresses are designed call-in policy, as set out in the Written Ministerial to have a cumulative effect: staff entering personal Statement by Nick Boles on 26 October 2012. The space; uncomfortable chairs; unable to sit under the policy makes it clear that the power to call in a case will desk fully; sitting with the back to a busy room looking only be used very selectively. The Government are either at the interviewer directly or the wall; conversation committed to give more power to councils and communities interruptions; the use of two interviewers and different to make their own decisions on planning issues, and interviewers; forced to sit close next to and face to face believes planning decisions should be made at the local opposite strangers in the waiting areas; deliberately level wherever possible. keeping people waiting; disclosure of personal information in public; the giving of wrong and misleading information; In this case the Secretary of State considers the unreasonableness (“I ask the questions”); telephone application to be of more than local importance as it calls to “Decision Makers”; deliberate delay in replying involves a conflict with policies contained in the National to correspondence. Planning Policy Framework, could have significant effects beyond the immediate locality and give rise to substantial Further declares that these are under the general cross boundary controversy and has therefore “called-in” threat of loss of benefit when there is little money for the application for his determination. A decision will be food, nor money for heating in winter, and that these made by the Secretary of State following a public actions are designed to condition a person into signing inquiry into the application. one-sided contracts. Further declares that the life-threatening health WORK AND PENSIONS consequences of stress are known. The Right to Silence Further declares that the interviewees do not consent to this treatment. The Petition of Mr Martin Burke of Elizabeth Regina Love in Manchester, Further declares that civil servants who do this are Declares that if a constituent visits their Member of skilled and experienced, trained and managed, enthusiastic, Parliament at the House of Commons by appointment, enjoy what they do and work as a team. and that in the meantime the Department of Work and Notes that the restriction of access to and the denial of Pensions arranges a meeting at a Jobcentre which the food was a tactic used in the Malayan counterinsurgency. 3P Petitions7 JANUARY 2013 Petitions 4P

Further notes that for adults to use starvation as a identify a claimants barriers to work; identify the relevant weapon against children is a criminal offence. support available to help claimants address those barriers; and to make referrals to the help available locally. Declares that the Petitioner is fortunate that he can Where there is a failure to comply—without good read and write. reason—with any mandatory requirement or condition The Petitioner notes that the House of Commons of entitlement then legislation requires Jobcentre staff asks that requests made in a Petition to the House be to apply sanctions or disentitle the claimant. addressed to the “Government”, however a distinction Sanctions play an important role in encouraging has to be drawn between elected Members of the House claimants to comply with requirements to help them of Commons and civil servants. move into or prepare for work. Research suggests that 40% of claimants say they are more likely to look for The Petitioner asks the House of Commons to make work due to the existence of sanctions. Of those who a law so that when a constituent has any business with are sanctioned the vast majority receive just one sanction their elected Member of Parliament they are given during their claim and most say they would not repeat explicitly the right to silence without punishment when the behaviour which led them to being sanctioned. questioned by civil servants; In reaching a decision to impose a sanction, impartial decision makers will consider all relevant information Further asks that the mistreatment voters are being from both the adviser and the claimant to assess whether subjected to by civil servants described above, and more, the claimant had good reason for not complying. This be stopped; decision is subject to formal appeal rights to help ensure we get it right. Claimants may appeal to the First Tier Further asks that members of the House of Commons Tribunal if they are not satisfied with any decision to ensure that the people, who include their constituents, reduce or stop their benefits using a sanction or are always fed properly. disentitlement. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Outside of consideration of good reason, legislation Commons consider the matter of the Right to Silence does not allow Jobcentre staff discretion to waive or and that were the questions put the House consent to vary a sanction to reflect the wider circumstances of the what is asked in this Mr. Burke’s 19th petition first claimant, including any health implications. However, posted to the House on 18 October 2012, and formalised once sanctioned claimants can apply for hardship payments on 29 November 2012. which does consider these issues. If claimants are eligible for hardship payments they will normally receive 60% And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by of their JSA personal entitlement allowance for the Sir Gerald Kaufman, Official Report, 4 December 2012; period of the sanction. Vol. 554, c. 7P.] Jobcentre staff are trained in the skills required to [P001145] support a range of claimants and to respect their individual needs. This approach ensures they are skilled to deal Observations from the Secretary of State for Work and with a diverse set of circumstances, whilst treating Pensions, received 2 December 2012: everyone as individuals. Jobcentre Advisers, in particular, have access to a comprehensive training programme The Government believe that—for those benefit which focuses on raising awareness of the individual’s claimants who are able to—work is always the best personal circumstances, and also recognises that those option. Many people play a full and active role in the circumstances can affect individuals in different ways. labour market, and there is evidence that work is good The Department’s service delivery standards are set for people’s physical and mental wellbeing. In line with out in the DWP Customer Charter. This is based on this many benefit claimants are, in return for financial what claimants said were the most important elements support, expected to comply with reasonable requirements of customer service: Right Treatment, Right Result, On designed to help them move into work as quickly as Time and Easy Access. The Department is committed possible. to giving customers the right information, making it Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) claimants, in particular, clear what they can expect from the Department. In must be available for and actively seeking work in order return, claimants are asked to tell staff if their personal to be eligible for the benefit. JSA claimants must also circumstances change, keep any appointment they have meet other mandatory requirements—including engagement with the Department (or advise as soon as possible if with Jobcentre advisers in interviews. All such requirements they cannot), treat staff with courtesy, and advise if they are intended to be beneficial, helping the claimant move need to be communicated with in a different way. More into or towards work. Interviews, for example, can be information about the DWP Customer Charter is available used to: check compliance with requirements—ensuring at: claimants are doing all that is necessary to find work; http://www.dwp.gov.uk/about-dwp/customer-delivery/ 1W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 2W

authority, to consider whether to progress this scheme Written Answers to using available funding such as the devolved funding for local authority major schemes which the Government Questions will make available from 2015 or to bid for local authority pinch point funding recently announced in the autumn statement on 5 December 2012, Official Report, columns Monday 7 January 2013 871-82.

Blue Badge Scheme DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Electoral Register Transport what representations he has received on the reissuing of a blue badge to a young person with Miss McIntosh: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if autism who is not eligible for the higher level of he will give consideration to amending the electoral mobility allowance but has behaviour patterns which register to require individual registration; and if he will have previously been accepted as meeting the criteria make a statement. [135829] for a blue badge; and if he will make a statement. [135821] Miss Chloe Smith: The Coalition programme for government set out our commitment to ’speeding up Norman Baker: The Department for Transport receives the implementation of Individual Electoral Registration’ various items of correspondence from people with cognitive in Great Britain. This is exactly what the Government is and mental impairments concerning Blue Badge eligibility. doing with the Electoral Registration and Administration Members of the National Autism Society also responded Bill, which is currently before the House of Lords. to the Department’s consultation on Personal Independence Electoral registers in Northern Ireland are compiled Payments and Blue Badges. under a system of continuous registration whereby electors The underlying eligibility rules of the Blue Badge are individually registered. scheme have not changed. Eligibility is not condition The Government has also published an implementation specific. Any person who does not receive the higher plan for the transition to Individual Electoral Registration, rate of mobility component of the Disability Living which is available on the Cabinet Office website: Allowance, or meet any of the other automatic qualifying http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/transition- criteria for a badge, may apply to their local authority individual-electoral-registration to have their eligibility assessed. The governing Disabled This document sets out the stages of implementation up Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (England) Regulations to and beyond the December 2015 electoral register, 2000 provide that a badge may be issued to someone which will be the first register entirely made up of who has “a permanent and substantial disability which individually registered electors, with the exception of causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty some service voters. in walking”. It is for the relevant local authority to decide if an applicant meets the eligibility criteria. A Ministers: Codes of Practice badge should not be issued to someone who does not meet the eligibility criteria, irrespective of whether the Mr Hollobone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister applicant previously held a badge. what recent discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on compliance with the Ministerial Code. Bus Services: Disability [135820] Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for The Deputy Prime Minister: I have regular meetings Transport what steps he has taken to make disabled bus with the Prime Minister on a wide range of issues in the passes valid 24 hours a day and seven days a week in course of government business. England. [134960]

Norman Baker: There are no plans to make bus TRANSPORT passes for eligible disabled people valid at all times. The statutory England-wide bus travel concession gives eligible A338 older and disabled people free local bus travel between 9.30am and 11.00pm on weekdays and all day at weekends Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for and on bank holidays. Extending the statutory period Transport what recent progress he has made on further could create localised capacity issues at peak travel improvements to the A338 Bournemouth spur road. times and would have significant cost implications for [134848] local authorities. This does not prevent disabled passholders from travelling by bus at peak times, for example, to get Norman Baker: Following the 2010 spending review, to work, although they will have to pay the fare. the Government announced in February 2011 that the Travel Concession Authorities (TCAs) in England A338 Bournemouth spur road scheme had not been may offer additional discretionary travel concessions to selected for funding within this spending review period their older and disabled residents, including free bus as Dorset county council’s bid was not competitive in travel at all times, if they choose to do so. Such terms of the local financial contribution offered. It will enhancements are not part of the statutory minimum be for Dorset county council, as the responsible highway and must be funded from an authority’s own resources. 3W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 4W

The Department carried out a survey earlier this year Conditions of Employment which reported that at least 71 of the 89 TCAs outside London offered some form of extension to the available Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for times for concessionary travel. In London the Freedom Transport what proportion of staff in his Department Pass gives a more generous concession regarding the have requested (a) part-time, (b) job-share or (c) available times and includes rail modes of transport. other flexible working arrangements in each of the last The latest statistics are published in ‘Concessionary five years; and how many such requests were granted. Travel: England 2011/12 and 2012/13’ on the web site: [135009] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/11840/concessionary-travel-statistics- Norman Baker: Part-time, job-share and other flexible 2011-12-and-2012-13.pdf working arrangements are agreed at local level by managers—we do not keep central records of how Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for many requests are received and granted. However, the Transport whether he has considered providing a Department is committed to flexible working. We encourage companion bus pass for those who accompany people our employees to consider alternative working patterns with a disability bus pass. [134961] as we recognise both the individual and business benefits of this in terms of work/life balance and more flexible Norman Baker: There are no plans to provide a use of resources. statutory concessionary travel entitlement to companions Driving: Licences of eligible disabled people. The categories of people entitled to the statutory England-wide bus travel concession are defined in legislation but it does not specify a Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for particular category of person who might be regarded as Transport how many driving licences have been a travel companion. renewed subject to an annual eye test in the last year for which information is available. [135386] Travel Concession Authorities (TCAs) in England may offer additional discretionary travel concessions to Stephen Hammond: In the financial year 2011-12, their older and disabled residents, including free or 1,206 driving licences were renewed following an annual reduced price bus travel for companions accompanying eye test. These figures are for drivers who suffer from a an eligible disabled person, if they choose to do so. visual condition only. It is not possible to identify Such enhancements are not part of the statutory minimum drivers separately with multiple medical conditions that and must be funded from an authority’s own resources. include a visual disorder. The Department carried out a survey earlier this year which reported that at least 57 of the 89 TCAs outside Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for London offered free or reduced price travel to companions Transport what the average time taken to process an of their eligible disabled residents. The latest statistics application for the re-instatement of a driving licence are published in Concessionary Travel: England 2011/12 consequent upon restoration of eye sight is. [135387] and 2012/13 on the web site: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Stephen Hammond: During the financial year 2011-12, attachment_data/file/11840/concessionary-travel-statistics- the average time taken to issue a driving licence in the 2011-12-and-2012-13.pdf circumstances described was 22 days following the receipt of an appropriate examination report.

Bus Services: Greater London East Coast Railway Line Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the conclusion of the Transport how much bus service operators grant was British Chambers of Commerce transport priorities paid for bus services in London in (a) 2010-11, (b) map published on 26 November 2012, what steps he is 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; and if he will make a taking to address the time taken on the enhancement of statement. [135383] the East Coast Mainline. [135758]

Norman Baker: The information requested is not Mr Simon Burns: The upgrading and enhancement of available in this form or for the whole period requested. the East Coast Main Line is a key priority for the However, the following links provide information on Government. A total of £428 million (in 2012-13 prices) payments made to individual operators for claims covering is currently being invested in a series of schemes designed the periods up to (i) 31 March 2010 and (ii) 31 March to improve capacity and performance on this critical 2011. These show the local authority area in which route. These include capacity enhancements being delivered individual bus operators are registered, but this does by Network Rail at Doncaster North, Peterborough, not mean that the bus services to which these payments Hitchin and between Alexandra Palace and Finsbury relate necessarily took place within the borders of that Park in London. In addition significant works are underway local authority: to develop the capability of the GN/GE line from http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110504135837/ Peterborough to Doncaster designed to improve capacity http:/www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/busgrants/bsog/ and performance on the main line. 661224 The High Level Output Specification (HLOS) statement https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ for the period from 2014 to 2019 contains a further attachment_data/file/3258/bsog-grants-paid-2011.pdf £240 million of funding to Network Rail in order to 5W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 6W continue this programme of capacity enhancement and Stephen Hammond: Keep apart chevrons (vehicle further investment in power supplies to support the separation markings) are in use across the motorway introduction of new Intercity Express trains and an network in England. They have been shown to be useful enhanced timetable. at maintaining safe distances between vehicles where traffic is consistently travelling at, or about 70 mph. Heathrow Airport They have not been shown to be particularly effective where traffic changes their speed, either through lane changing near junctions or by congestion. This means Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for that only a limited number of motorway have these Transport what assessment his Department has made markings. of the case for the introduction of a congestion premium at Heathrow airport. [135091] Research was completed in 2007 on the effect of vehicle separation markings and included an assessment Mr Simon Burns: Any decisions on matters concerning of the changes in injury accidents at eight sites. The taxation are taken by the Chancellor of the Exchequer findings are set out as follows: and the Treasury. As such, the Department for Transport On average, a small reduction in accident rates and accident has made no assessment of the case for introducing a frequencies in comparison with a control section, has been found congestion premium at Heathrow. to occur at the chevron sites. Last October, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Extensive variability between sites has been found with, in (HMRC) published a research report, drawing on analysis some cases, an active disbenefit being demonstrated. commissioned from the Department for Transport, which In many cases, however, these findings on accidents are not includes analysis of a theoretical price increase to passengers statistically significant at the 5% level (due to the paucity of data using Heathrow airport. The research report is intended available) and there is a heavy dependence on the exact criteria to provide evidence and improve understanding, not to used to define the accidents involved in the analysis. make policy recommendations or assess the case for any There is some indication that chevrons may be used to target particular options. specific types of incidents and that this benefit may be more pronounced at low heavy goods vehicle rates, and for sites with less hour to hour flow variation during the course of the day. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of flights arriving and departing London Heathrow airport had London as Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for their origin or destination in the latest period for which Transport what process is used to decide which figures are available. [135881] motorways are painted with white chevrons to encourage the spacing of cars. [134850] Mr Simon Burns: In 2011, there were 476,000 air transport movements (arrivals and departures) at Heathrow. Stephen Hammond: The Highways Agency is responsible Information on the proportion of these that were transit for ensuring the strategic road network remains safe flights is not held centrally. and serviceable. If there are concerns about a high volume of accidents caused by close following traffic, London Midland the installation of vehicle separation markings is an option that might be pursued. Vehicle separation markings (white chevrons) are prescribed for use on motorways Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for only by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions Transport what conversations he or staff of his 2002, together with their associated traffic signs. Department have had with officials from London Midland on levels of service and cancellations in the The value for money of a scheme of this type would last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. need to be assessed against other competing safety [135082] improvement proposals.

Norman Baker: I discussed levels of service and Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for cancellations with London Midland’s managing director Transport (1) how many miles of motorway were on 23 October 2012. Departmental officials have been painted with white chevrons to encourage the spacing in daily contact with London Midland’s management of cars in each of the last five years; [134851] team, discussing service levels and cancellations, among (2) how much funding was allocated to painting other issues. white chevrons on motorways to encourage the spacing The hon. Member may also wish to note the Written of cars in each of the last five years. [134852] Ministerial Statement on this subject that was laid before the House on 20 December by the Secretary of Stephen Hammond: Since 1 January 2008 approximately State for Transport, Official Report, columns 127-30WS. 8.3 miles of motorway have been painted with white chevrons to remind drivers to keep a safe distance Motorways: Repairs and Maintenance apart: 2010—M5 between junctions 4a and 5 southbound (3 miles) Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010—M6 between junctions 14 and 15 southbound (2 miles) Transport what research his Department has commissioned or evaluated on the effect on the number 2011-12—M2 between junctions 5 and 6 coastbound (3.3 miles). of motorway accidents of the placing of white These are in addition to the 13 other sections of chevrons on the road to encourage spacing of cars. motorway that were painted with white chevrons prior [134849] to 2008. 7W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 8W

There is not a specific budget allocated for the painting Stephen Hammond: The Department only collects of white chevrons for vehicle spacing. Information about information relating to personal injury accidents, and the costs of specific sites is not held centrally. The cost therefore does not include in its statistics damage-only would normally be included as part of a wider carriageway accidents, or cases where a police officer attended an renewal scheme to provide value for money. accident but did not report it. The 13 other sections of motorway that have been In each of the last five years, the number of reported painted with white chevrons, prior to 2008, are: personal injury accidents and the number of those M1 southbound between junctions 13 and 12 accidents involving a fatality, where a police officer M1 southbound between junctions 16 and 17 attended the scene and obtained report details, in (a) the Lancashire police force area, and (b) England, were M11 southbound between junctions 9 and 8 as follows: M11 northbound between junctions 10 and 11 Reported number of personal injury accidents in the Lancashire police M4 between junctions 16 and 17 in both directions force area, and England, where a police officer attended the scene and M4 between junctions 18 and 19 in both directions obtained report details, 2007 to 2011 M5 between junctions 11a and 12 in both directions Number of accidents M5 between junctions 22 (from the Services) and 21 in both 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 directions Lancashire Fatal 51 70 48 44 41 M56 between junctions 12 and 14 in both directions— Total 5,247 4,961 4,704 4,437 4,072 0.12 miles were renewed in 20121 M6 between junctions 1 and 2 northbound England Fatal 2,280 1,936 1,715 1,431 1,491 M6 southbound between junctions 18 and 19—1.25 miles were Total 128,947 119,034 115,531 110,033 108,895 renewed in 20111 M6 southbound between junctions 32 and 33 M62 westbound between junctions 23 and 22. 1 Renewal costs are not available as they are met from supplier Rolling Stock lump sum duties.

Railways: Bridges Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of whether all contracts for the delivery of new trains by 2015 will be Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for delivered on time. [135317] Transport if he will assess the efficacy of Network Rail in ensuring that railway bridges are repainted to avoid rusting. [135046] Mr Simon Burns: The latest information held by the Department for Transport suggests that the delivery of new trains for London Midland, Transpennine Express Mr Simon Burns: Network Rail is a private sector and Southern is on, or ahead, of schedule. We are on company limited by guarantee. The repainting of its target for the first delivery of new Thameslink rolling railway bridges is an operational matter for the company, stock in 2015. in which Ministers have no powers to intervene. The independent Office of Rail Regulation oversees and monitors Network Rail’s activities, and has an ongoing Transport for London remit to investigate the effectiveness of the company’s inspection and maintenance regime in relation to the structural condition of its bridge stock. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 11 December Railways: Harrow 2012, Official Report, column 195W, on Transport for London, how much funding his Department allocated for Transport for London (a) in total and (b) for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for capital investment in 2010-11; and if he will make a Transport what the highest load factor on trains from statement. [134878] Harrow and Wealdstone to London Euston was on the nearest Monday to 31 March in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; and if he will make a statement. [135806] Stephen Hammond: Pursuant to the answer provided on 11 December 2012, Official Report, column 195W, Mr Simon Burns: The Department for Transport the amount of funding the Department allocated to the does not hold the information requested. Greater London Authority Transport Grant for 2010-11 was as follows: Roads: Accidents 2010-11 £ million Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for GLA Transport Grant 2,772 Transport how many road traffic accidents were Note: responded to by police in (a) the Lancashire police Unlike funding from 2011-12 onwards the 2007 Spending Review Settlement did not distinguish between a General and Investment force area and (b) England in each of the last five Grant. This figure does not include funding for Crossrail, payments years; and how many such accidents involved a fatality. made under the Bus Service Operators’ Grant or funding for the East [135105] London Line. 9W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 10W

TREASURY Week commencing Number Percentage Banks: Loans 1 November 92,000 11.68 5 November 200,000 25.39 12 November 224,000 28.43 Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if 19 November 241,000 30.58 he will make an assessment of the effects of the funding for lending programme on levels of net bank 26 November 14,000 1.77 lending to (a) small and medium-sized businesses and 3 December 17,000 2.15 (b) individuals in each month since its introduction. [122979] Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many taxpayers have been notified of Greg Clark: The Bank of England is publishing, for their suspected liability for the high income child each institution participating in the FLS, the net quarterly benefit charge in each parliamentary constituency. flows of lending to UK households and firms. On 3 [134484] December, the Bank of England published data that showed that net lending by participating banks increased Mr Gauke: An estimate of the number of letters by £0.5 billion in the third quarter of 2012. This data received by taxpayers by the end of November by will be updated on a quarterly basis. The Bank of constituency was published in response to parliamentary England also publishes data on lending to individuals question number 131585 on 4 December 2012: and small and medium-sized businesses in its “Trends in http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/ Lending” publication. cmhansrd/cm121204/text/121204w0001.htm

Business: East Yorkshire Devolution: Wales

Owen Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the (1) when he expects (a) Ministers and (b) officials in Exchequer how many businesses in (a) Haltemprice his Department to have assessed the effect on the and Howden constituency and (b) East Yorkshire have Exchequer of implementing the recommendations of received funding from the Funding for Lending the first report of the Commission on Devolution in scheme; and how much funding each such business will Wales; [134967] receive over the next year. [134721] (2) how many officials in his Department have been Greg Clark [holding answer 20 December 2012]: The tasked with assessing the effect on the Exchequer of Funding for Lending Scheme is aimed at boosting bank implementing the recommendations of the first report lending in aggregate across the UK. The Bank of England of the Commission on Devolution in Wales; [134968] is publishing net lending data to UK households and (3) what (a) discussions, (b) meetings and (c) businesses for each institution that has signed up to the correspondence Ministers and officials in his scheme. Between July and September this year banks Department have had on implementation of the participating in the Funding for Lending Scheme have recommendations of the first report of the increased their net lending by £0.5 billion. Commission on Devolution in Wales in the last two months. [134970] Child Benefit Danny Alexander: The Government announced in the autumn statement of 5 December 2012, Official Report, Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer columns 871-882, that it plans to issue an initial response how many taxpayers will receive correspondence from to the Silk Commission in spring 2013. HM Revenue and Customs in respect of the changes Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings and from January 2013 to child benefit entitlement. [133473] discussions with a wide variety of authorities as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was Mr Gauke: Approximately 780,000 letters were sent the case with previous Administrations, it is not the to taxpayers affected by the high income child benefit Government’s practice to provide details of all such charge. meetings and discussions. An individual’s entitlement to child benefit is not There are no figures available for the number of affected by the introduction of the high income child HMT staff tasked with assessing the effect on the benefit charge. Underlying entitlement to child benefit Exchequer of implementing the recommendations of will remain if an individual decides to stop receiving the first report of the Commission on Devolution in child benefit as a result of the charge. Wales. This is because officials are deployed across a number of areas. Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of letters were sent by Employee Ownership his Department to taxpayers regarding changes to child benefit by the beginning of each week in November Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer and December 2012. [133475] (1) what assumptions he has made with respect to (a) take-up rates and (b) the average value of shares under Mr Gauke: The high income child benefit charge employee owner status in each financial year to letters which were sent is shown in the following table. 2017-18; [133649] 11W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 12W

(2) following his Department’s consultation on Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the employee owner status, what estimate he has made of Exchequer how many meetings (a) he and (b) the (a) proportion and (b) total number of employees Ministers in his Department have had with making use of the scheme who are expected to make a representatives of the pub and brewery sector on the capital gain over and above the annual exempt amount. future of the beer duty escalator. [135130] [134054] Sajid Javid: Treasury Ministers and officials engage Mr Gauke: In autumn statement 2012, the Government with a wide variety of organisations in the public and published a Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and a supplementary document, ‘Policy Costing’, detailing and delivery. the assumptions and the uncertainties in estimating the The Treasury publishes a list of ministerial meetings Exchequer impact of employee shareholder status. Links with external organisations. This is available online at: are provided as follows: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/minister_hospitality.htm TIIN: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/tiin/2012/tiin1008.htm Financial Services Policy costings (page 27): http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/as2012_policy_costings.pdf Guto Bebb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer As it is entirely new, predicting the take up of the new (1) whether he has undertaken any analysis of the net employment status is highly uncertain. It is broadly present value of interest rate swap contracts involving expected that 20,000 to 40,000 individuals a year may small and medium-sized enterprises on the balance eventually benefit from the capital gains tax (CGT) sheets of UK banks; [134514] exemption on disposal of the shares. This is fewer than the total take up because that will also include those (2) if he will take steps with banks and credit ratings whose expected capital gains are likely to be below the agencies to ensure that businesses that have suffered CGT Annual Exempt Amount (AEA). For those benefiting financially as a result of mis-sold interest rate swap from the CGT exemption, the average value of shares is agreements are not unfairly burdened with poor credit assumed to be above the midpoint of the £2,000 to records as a result. [134515] £50,000 limits specified for the awards. No estimates of the proportion of employees benefitting from the CGT Greg Clark [holding answer 19 December 2012]: Treasury exemption are available. Ministers and officials carry out a wide range of analysis as part of their ongoing work on financial services. As Excise Duties: Beer was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such analysis. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the The Government would expect banks and credit reference Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the actual agencies to ensure that businesses’ credit records fairly revenue generated by the beer duty escalator against reflect their credit history. This includes taking into predicted revenue; and if he will make a statement; account the impact on credit ratings of the mis-sale of [135129] an interest rate hedging product. (2) when he plans to make a decision on the future of the beer duty escalator. [135370] Health and Social Services: Finance Sajid Javid: Decisions on alcohol duty rates are made at Budget. A wide variety of factors are considered Paul Burstow: To ask the Chancellor of the when the Government decides alcohol duty rates, including Exchequer what models his Department uses to make the public finances, the impact on business, receipts projections of (a) health and (b) social care spending; from alcohol duty, the likely impact on the illicit trade how those models are independently verified; what and the broader social impacts of taxation. steps his Department has taken to ensure that it can model the whole health and social care system effects Budget 2012 made no further changes to alcohol and interdependencies of different spending decisions duties, beyond the increases designed and pre-announced in health and social care; and if he will make a by the previous Government. statement. [135834] Information on actual and expected tax revenues is publically available. Forecasts for alcohol duty revenues Danny Alexander: The Treasury draws on a range of are published twice-yearly by the Office for Budget sources for modelling and analysis of health and social Responsibility (OBR). The OBR’s most recent Economic care spending, including the Department of Health and and fiscal outlook, published alongside the autumn the independent Office for Budget Responsibility. The statement of 5 December 2012, Official Report, columns Government is of course committed to considering the 871-882, can be found online at: full range of impacts of all spending decisions, including http://cdn.budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/ the implications for other public services. In recognition December-2012-Economic-and-fiscal-outlook23423423.pdf of the interdependences between the health and social Alcohol duty receipts are published online by HM care systems, in the 2010 spending review (Cm 7942, Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and are updated monthly. 2010) it was announced that the NHS would set aside These can be found online on the HMRC website at: funding rising to £1 billion by 2014-15 to help break https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/Pages/ down the long-standing barriers between health and TaxAndDutyBulletins.aspx social care. In ‘Caring for our future: reforming care 13W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 14W and support’ (Cm 8378, 2012) it was announced that National Insurance Contributions: New Businesses these funds would be increased by £100 million in 2013-14 and £200 million in 2014-15. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 26 November Income Tax 2012, Official Report, column 73W, on national insurance contributions: new businesses, when he Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the expects claims for the 2011-12 tax year to have been Exchequer with reference to the autumn statement, if processed. [135507] he will review the target for raising the personal allowance limit from £10,000 per annum to £12,000 per Mr Gauke: The Government intends to publish a annum. [134410] factsheet for the national insurance contributions (NICs) holiday scheme in the first quarter of 2013. The factsheet Mr Gauke [holding answer 19 December 2012]: The will show registrations up to the end of 2012 and Government believes the income tax system should give provide additional information for the 2011-12 tax year. more support to those on low to middle incomes, rewarding the efforts of those who choose to work. This is why the Northern Rock coalition Government has committed to increasing the personal allowance to £10,000. Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Together the personal allowance increases announced pursuant to the answer of 17 December 2012, Official by the Government in this Parliament will benefit 25 Report, column 562W, on Northern Rock, on which million individuals, and take 2.2 million working age date (a) he and (b) officials in his Department were people on low incomes out of income tax by April 2013. made aware of the probable remediation of interest charges for Northern Rock customers before the Income Tax: Young People formal notification by UK Asset Resolution of its proposal. [134855] David T. C. Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of 16 to 18-year-olds living Sajid Javid: As specified in the answer to the in the UK pay income tax at the (a) standard rate, (b) parliamentary question on 17 December 2012, the decision higher rate and (c) additional rate. [132844] to remediate interest charges for Northern Rock Asset Management customers with Consumer Credit Act (CCA) Mr Gauke: The information requested is shown in the regulated loans where the loan documentation is not following table for 2012-13. compliant with CCA requirements was taken by the UKAR board on 5 December. Ministers were made Thousand aware of the proposal on the same day. The UKAR proposal was agreed by UKFI in a letter to UKAR on Taxpayers aged 16 to 18 years old1 10 December. UKFI sought and was granted Treasury Basic rate 78 approval on 10 December. Higher rate 2— Additional rate 2— PAYE

UK population estimate3 2,250 Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the 1 These projections are based on the 2009-10 Survey of Personal Exchequer how many employers were invited to join Incomes (SPI) data projected in line with the Office for Budget the PAYE real time information pilot from November. Responsibility’s December 2012 economic and fiscal outlook. [133957] 2 Sample size too small to provide reliable estimates. 3 Office for National Statistics, 2010 mid year based population projections, adjusted to financial year estimates for individuals aged Mr Gauke: 46,228 employers were invited to join the between 16 and 18 years of age. Real Time Information pilot from November 2012. ONS population estimates are at mid year whereas taxpayer estimates represent number of individuals with Staff tax liabilities arising during the financial year. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Military Bases Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the overall change in departmental staffing levels as a Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the result of the Government’s planned changes in Exchequer what effect the autumn statement will have departmental spending in 2013-14 and 2014-15. on his Department’s ongoing Basing Review; and if he [134950] will make a statement. [134259] Danny Alexander: The Office for Budget Responsibility Mr Philip Hammond: I have been asked to reply on (OBR) published projections for general Government behalf of the Ministry of Defence. employment to 2017-18 as part of the December 2012 In the light of the new form of private finance and ‘Economic and Fiscal Outlook’. This can be found at: reductions in resource spending that were announced http://cdn.budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/ by the Chancellor in the autumn statement on 5 December December-2012-Economic-and-fiscal-outlook23423423.pdf 2012, I decided to postpone the announcement on However, the OBR does not provide a breakdown of future military basing until the new year to allow further the impact of individual policies on general Government funding options and opportunities to be explored. employment, or of work force changes by Department. 15W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 16W

It is for individual employers to decide what would be Olympic Games 2012 the most cost-effective work force to enable them to deliver public services and live within their spending Hugh Bayley: To ask the Attorney-General which review settlements. events at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Stocks and Shares: Tax Allowances were attended by each Minister in the Law Officers’ Departments using tickets or passes for which they did Guto Bebb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer not pay personally; and what the cost was of attending whether he will give consideration to allowing tax relief each such event for members of the public who used on share purchases in the context of management buy comparable seats or had comparable access. [135644] outs. [134883] The Solicitor-General: The Government pledged to Mr Gauke: There are currently no plans to introduce publish these details following the Olympic and Paralympic tax reliefs on share purchases in the context of management games and will do so shortly. buy-outs. The Government does, however, keep all areas of the tax system under review at all times. Prosecutions Tax Avoidance Mr Hollobone: To ask the Attorney-General how Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the many prosecutions were brought against (a) UK Exchequer what recent steps his Department has taken nationals and (b) foreign nationals in (i) to enable better detection of tax avoiders. [132266] Northamptonshire and (ii) London in the last year for which figures are available. [135824] Mr Gauke: Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) detects avoidance schemes through a variety The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service of means including formal disclosure under the Disclosure maintains no central records of proceedings in respect of Tax Avoidance Schemes (DOTAS) regime. Users of of the nationality of defendants prosecuted. Such data disclosed schemes are identified by a combination of a could not be reasonably obtained locally or nationally reference number system and ‘client lists’ provided by without incurring a disproportionate cost. the promoter of the scheme. The Government has announced on 3 December that measures enhancing the information DOTAS provides about avoidance schemes and users, including improvements BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS to the client list system, will be implemented in 2013. Communications Data Bill: Draft

WALES Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Bill Department has produced an impact assessment of the draft Communications Data Bill for businesses based Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for in the UK and for investment in the UK; and if he will Wales when he plans to publish the costs of his legal make a statement. [135369] challenge to the Welsh Government over the Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Bill. [135065] Jo Swinson: The Home Office is the lead Department for the draft Communications Data Bill. Producing any Mr David Jones: The total costs are in the process of impact assessment for the draft Bill is therefore a matter being finalised. I will write to the hon. Gentleman with for them. these details when they are available. Credit: Interest Rates

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Crown Prosecution Service Business, Innovation and Skills if he will direct the Office of Fair Trading to update its 2010 assessment of Miss McIntosh: To ask the Attorney-General what the profitability of payday lending; and if he will make assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the a statement. [134880] Crown Prosecution Service. [135831] Jo Swinson: The Government will not make such The Solicitor-General: The Law Officers meet regularly direction at this time. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the chief is currently conducting a review of the payday lending executive of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to sector, investigating the extent to which lenders comply review the effectiveness of the CPS, and information is with the law and relevant guidance. The interim progress also received from Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution report published on 20 November 2012 uncovered non- Service Inspectorate. compliance and poor practice. The OFT has therefore During the last year, performance has improved overall opened formal investigations into several payday lenders against five performance measures, has been maintained and is expecting to issue warnings to the majority of the in four, and declined in only one. In its two most recent 50 firms inspected that they risk enforcement action if reports, HMCPSI reported positively on the performance they do not improve. They have also written to payday in CPS East of England, and to improvements made in lenders and the relevant trade associations highlighting CPS Nottinghamshire. their emerging concerns. 17W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 18W

OFT will publish the final compliance review shortly, part of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill to which will include some wider analysis of the sector. In improve the ability of the tribunal to take actions this report, they expect to set out their view of what against parties that make claims or responses that have further improvements may be required by lenders to little or no reasonable prospect of success. ensure full compliance. They will also consider whether Current legislation allows tribunals to make a deposit other action may be necessary, including whether to order as a condition of pursuing a whole claim or make recommendations to the future Financial Conduct response. The Government is taking forward the Underhill Authority, to Government or to industry code sponsors. review of employment tribunal rules recommendation In doing so, they will consider whether the problems that tribunals should be able to apply a deposit award to identified are systemic in nature, affecting the market as individual parts of a claim or response. This is one of a a whole, rather than essentially ones relating to compliance wider package of measures which will help improve by a proportion of individual firms. case management and deter both parties from pursuing weak elements of a claim or response. It will provide Debts: Advisory Services both parties with a clear sense of where they should focus their efforts and encourage a more realistic approach Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for to settlement. Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department has taken to ensure individuals who are seeking support with their debt problems are able to Export Credit Guarantees: Indonesia distinguish between (a) commercial and (b) charitable providers offering (i) responsible and high-quality Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for services and (ii) irresponsible and lower-quality Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of services. [134498] Indonesia’s sovereign debt currently owed to UK Export Finance was accrued through defence exports; Jo Swinson: I refer the hon. Member for Huddersfield and what defence exports are the source of such debt. to the answer that I gave on 19 December 2012, Official [134858] Report, column 812W. Michael Fallon: The debt was rescheduled into a Employment Agencies number of agreements which also includes non-military debt. It is not possible to disaggregate the debt between Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for military and non-military exports. Business, Innovation and Skills what the total spending on recruitment agencies by his Department was in each month from July to December 2012. [135210] Higher Education: Scholarships

Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for and Skills spent the following sums on staff supplied by Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment recruitment agencies: he has made of the use of participation of local area quintiles in determining eligibility for the National 2012 £ Scholarship Programme. [134853] July 461,586 August 406,034 Mr Willetts: The National Scholarship Programme September 348,258 (NSP) is designed to help students of all ages whose October 388,573 family income is no greater than £25,000 per annum. November 498,755 The minimum level for an award is set at £3,000 for each December 463,968 eligible full-time student. Institutions offer a range of Total 2,567,174 support from a menu which includes tuition fee waivers or discounts, subsidised accommodation and other In addition to salary costs and agency fees for the institutional support, and a cash bursary of up to hire of temporary agency staff from recruitment agencies, £1,000. these sums also include the cost of hiring of interim Higher education institutions set their own criteria managers and may include recruitment fees where external for determining entitlement to an award from amongst recruitment has been conducted by an agency. the broad group of people whose family incomes are no greater than £25,000 per annum. Information from the Employment Tribunals Service independent evaluation shows that institutions are using a range of eligibility criteria for determining eligibility Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for an award. These include academic achievement, for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his postcode of residence, attendance at a partner school, Department is taking to prevent employers making receipt of free school meals and/or whether the student trivial justifications for any potential breach of belongs to a specific target group such as care leavers, employment rights in employment tribunals. [135793] first generation students or students with a disability. We have committed to review the NSP in light of Jo Swinson: While the Department is not able to feedback and the available evidence. To advise on the prevent parties at an employment tribunal from making review we have reconvened the expert group who helped trivial justifications there are measures it is taking as with the initial programme design. 19W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 20W

Minimum Wage: Greater London Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what consultation he Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for undertook on his plans to reduce the period of notice Business, Innovation and Skills whether the Low Pay for redundancy; and if he will make a statement. Commission has examined the case for a higher level of [135508] minimum wage in London; and if he will make a statement. [135833] Jo Swinson: I believe this question refers to the recent Government announcement to reduce from 90 to 45 Jo Swinson: The Low Pay Commission has not examined days the minimum period before which large scale the case for a higher level of minimum wage in London. redundancies of more than 100 can take place. It is important to be clear, however, that this is not the same The Government’s aim is to have a national minimum as the individual notice period for redundancy. Individual wage rate that helps as many low-paid workers as notice periods will remain unaffected by this change. possible, while making sure that we do not damage their Individual notice periods start once redundancy notices employment prospects by setting it too high. have been issued, something which can only happen In addition to the minimum wage, the Government is once the consultation on the redundancies is genuinely doing everything it can to help all working people on complete. low pay with the cost of living. That is why we are The Government conducted a Call for Evidence on taking 2.2 million people out of tax altogether and the current collective redundancy consultation regime cutting income tax for those on low incomes. The from November 2011 to January 2012. Following this, personal allowance changes we are making mean that the Government consulted on a package of reforms from April 2013, a person on the minimum wage working from June to September 2012. I announced the 29 hours a week will no longer pay income tax and Government’s Response in a written ministerial statement, someone working full time on the minimum wage will on 18 December 2012, Official Report, column 80WS. see their income tax bill cut in half. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Procurement for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the Growth and Infrastructure Bill, what criteria were Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for applied when proposing reductions in the consultation Business, Innovation and Skills what the monetary period for collective redundancies. [135790] value was of contracts awarded by his Department to (a) management consultancies and (b) IT companies Jo Swinson: The reforms to the collective redundancy in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; and if he will make a rules are not part of the Growth and Infrastructure Bill, statement. [135153] but fall within the umbrella of the Government’s ongoing Employment Law Review. As part of that, the Government concluded a Call for Evidence on the current collective Jo Swinson: This information is not held centrally redundancy regime in early 2012. Following a consideration within the Department and could be provided only at of the responses to the Call for Evidence, the Government disproportionate cost. decided to pursue reform with three stated objectives: to improve consultation quality; Redundancy to improve the ability of employers to respond to changing market conditions; and Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for to balance the interests of the employees who are made redundant Business, Innovation and Skills what consultation has with those who remain. taken place on reducing the redundancy notice period These objectives and the package of proposed reforms to 45 days; and if he will publish the consultation were set out in the consultation document published on responses and evidence considered in informing that 21 June 2012 and are the subject of the Government decision. [134997] Response of 18 December 2012.

Jo Swinson: The Government conducted a Call for Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Evidence on the current collective redundancy consultation for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will consult regime from November 2011 to January 2012. The Call further with trades unions and industry bodies on the for Evidence document set out fully the Government’s proposals to reduce the consultation period for understanding of the evidence base. collective redundancies from 90 days to 45 or 30 days. Following this, the Government published a consultation [135791] document which set out the issues identified by the responses to the Call for Evidence and proposed a Jo Swinson: I have no plans for further consultation package of reforms. This was accompanied by an impact on this as the Government carried out a Call for Evidence assessment which evaluated each of the proposed reforms. from November 2011 to January 2012 and a consultation The consultation ran from June to September 2012. from June to September 2012. The Government Response The Government Response, which set out a summary of 18 December 2012 sets out the final decision. of the responses received to each consultation question, However, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration and a revised impact assessment, were published on Service (ACAS) will be consulting trade unions and 18 December 2012. The Government Response is clear industry bodies as it prepares the new guidance on about what was said by consultees on the question of carrying out effective consultation on collective 45 days. redundancies. 21W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 22W

Redundancy Pay Strategic health authorities are responsible for commissioning speech and language therapy training Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for places. The actual number of training places commissioned Business, Innovation and Skills what the total amount in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 is shown in the following of redundancy pay paid to civil servants in his table. Department was in each month from July to December Speech and language therapy training commissions, 2009-10 to 2012. [135208] 2011-12 Commissions 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Jo Swinson: The total amount of redundancy pay Speech and 804 782 749 paid to civil servants in the Department for Business, language Innovation and Skills between July and December 2012 therapists was £238,491. Source: The following table shows the amounts paid broken Multi professional education and training quarterly monitoring down by month: returns. 2012 2012-13 commissions will not be available until May 2013. Month Total redundancy payments (£)

July 30,214 Students: Finance August 146,086 September 51,634 Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for October 0 Business, Innovation and Skills how many full-time November 10,557 students accessing student support from alternative December 0 providers received such support from each alternative Total 238,491 provider in each of the last five academic years; and how much was paid to each such provider for such Shops: Books support. [134728]

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Willetts: I have placed a list in the Libraries of the Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has House showing the number of full-time students studying made of competition in the UK book retail industry; at alternative providers and accessing tuition fee support what advice he has taken from the Competition in each of the last five academic years. The list also Commission on this issue; and if he will make a shows how much tuition fee loan was paid to providers statement. [135020] in respect of those students.

Jo Swinson: I have made no such assessment. As the Students: Loans UK’s independent competition authority, it is for the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to assess competition Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for issues. Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the Last year, the OFT closed an investigation into whether announcement by the Skills Funding Agency on 19 arrangements that certain publishers had put in place December 2012 that the 24+ Advanced Learning with some retailers for the sale of e-books breached Loans Development Fund has received an additional competition rules, as the European Commission was £6.5 million of funding, how he intends this money to working to resolve the issue as a matter of priority. The be spent; and if he will make a statement. [135545] Commission’s investigation has recently led to commitments from Apple and a number of publishers, available at: Matthew Hancock: The £6.5 million is part of the http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-1367_en.htm departmental 2012-13 financial year budget to support The OFT has also considered the market for book the set up of the 24+ Advanced Learning Loans system. retailing on a number of occasions in reviewing mergers The availability of the Development Fund was in the market. The most recent such merger reviewed by communicated to colleges and training organisations the OFT was the acquisition of the Book Depository who received final loan facilities from the Skills Funding International Inc. by Amazon.com Inc. in 2011. Agency on 19 December 2012. The fund will help those colleges and training organisations to implement their Speech Therapy organisational plans to ensure they are prepared for the introduction of loans. We expect this to include their Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for communications with learners and employers, to make Business, Innovation and Skills how many new speech sure they have the information that they need to prepare and language therapists qualified in (a) 2009-10, (b) for loan applications from April 2013. 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12. [134643] Temporary Employment Dr Poulter: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department of Health. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department does not collect figures on the number Business, Innovation and Skills what amount his of students qualifying in speech and language therapy. Department spent on interim staff as defined by the However, we do collect information on the number of National Audit Office in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; training places commissioned each year. and if he will make a statement. [135154] 23W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 24W

Jo Swinson: I refer the hon. Member to the transparency John Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet data containing this information which the Department Office how many charities were based in (a) Glasgow for Business, Innovation and Skills publishes quarterly North West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and which can be found on the Department’s website and (d) the UK in (i) December 2011 and (ii) at: December 2012; and what estimate he has made of the https://www.gov.uk/government/ likely number of such charities in December 2013. publications?keywords=&publication_filter_option=transparency- [135076] data&topics%5B%5D=all&departments%5B%5D=department-for- business-innovation-skills&direction=before&date=2012- Mr Hurd: Data from the Office of the Scottish Charity 04-01 Regulator shows there were 23,393 charities in Scotland Further information can also be found on the Office in December 2011, and 23,605 in November 2012 (latest for National Statistics website: data available). Data is not available at the constituency http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/index.html or area level. Figures from the Charity Commission show there Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for were 161,649 charities in England and Wales in December Business, Innovation and Skills how many temporary 2011, and 162,624 in September 2012 (latest data available). staff were recruited by his Department in each month from July to December 2012. [135209] Data is not available to enable the Department to forecast future numbers of charities in Scotland or the Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation UK. and Skills has employed the following number of temporary staff each month between July and December 2012. Charities Act 2006

Month in 2012 Number of temporary staff employed Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Minister for the July 42 Cabinet Office if he will review the workings of the August 32 Charities Act 2006 and bring forward specific September 25 proposals to define the issue of public benefit and October 32 religious organisations. [134181] November 41 December 29 Mr Hurd: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave Total 201 on 26 November 2012, Official Report, column 89W, to the hon. Member for South Antrim (Dr McCrea).

Childbirth CABINET OFFICE Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Charities Office how many live births there were in the UK in (a) 2002 and (b) 2011, by local authority. [134599] Graeme Morrice: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he is taking to work with charities to Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the (a) improve fundraising and (b) enhance their impact. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have [134704] asked the authority to reply. Mr Hurd: Charities are being supported though initiatives Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2012: like the £30 million Transforming Local Infrastructure As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Fund that helps local infrastructure services improve have been asked to reply to your recent question on how many live and support frontline civil society organisations more births there were in the UK in (a) 2002 and (b) 2011, by local efficiently. This includes supporting organisations with authority. 134599 fundraising and enhancing impact. Figures for live births have been compiled from birth registration data. The table links below show the number of live births by We continue to support the Funding Central website: local authority for 2002 and 2011. www.fundingcentral.org For 2002 data see table 4-1a at: offering charities a free service to source funding streams www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/kpvs/key-population-and-vital- and have funded a number of projects that support statistics/no--29--2002-edition/key-population-and-vital- giving through our ’Innovation in Giving’ fund. We are statistics-data-for-2002.zip also working hard to encourage and support social For 2011 data see table 1a at: investment as a new source of income for charities, including the creation of Big Society Capital, the first www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/births-by-area-of-usual- residence-of-mother--england-and-wales/2011/rt-area- institution of its kind anywhere in the world. To benefit 2011.xls charities, improvements are being made to the Gift Aid framework and a consultation on Payroll Giving will be The 2011 figures for Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom are provisional. Figures for England, Wales and Scotland are launched shortly. final. The Government also supports the charity sector’s Figures for 2002 and 2011 are not directly comparable for work to improve fundraising standards and practice some areas due to the changes in local authority boundaries over through self-regulation by the Fundraising Standards the period. Data are produced on boundaries in place during the Board. reference year. 25W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 26W

Cybercrime Alex Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the (a) percentage reduction and Mark Pritchard: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet (b) population decline was in (i) overall net migration Office what recent discussions he has held with the to the UK and (ii) applications for student visas to Ministry of Defence on attracting new civilian recruits study in UK further and higher education institutions to the Cyber Reserve. [134947] from overseas applicants in the last year for which figures are available. [135484] Miss Chloe Smith: The Cabinet Office has had a number of discussions with the Ministry of Defence on Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the this issue. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have As the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster asked the authority to reply. General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), announced in his written ministerial statement Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2012: on the Cyber Security Strategy on 3 December 2012, As Director General for the Office for National Statistics Official Report, column 41WS, the Ministry of Defence (ONS), I have been asked to respond to your question to ask the is taking forward the development of a Cyber Reserve. Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the (a) percentage The composition of this new element of the armed reduction and (b) population decline was in (i) overall net migration to the UK and (ii) applications for student visas to study in UK forces is currently in development and a detailed further and higher education institutions from overseas applicants announcement will follow next year. in the last year for which figures are available (135484). Dover House ONS estimates of overall net migration to the UK are for long term international migrants and adhere to the UN definition Margaret Curran: To ask the Minister for the stating that a long-term migrant is a person who changes his or Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer from the her country of usual residence for a period of at least a year. Net Secretary of State for Scotland of 19 December 2012, migration is calculated by subtracting emigration flows from Official Report, column 774W, on Dover House, what immigration flows. the (a) costs incurred have been and (b) estimated cost Latest available data show that the percentage reduction in is of building and associated work at Dover House to overall net migration to the UK between the year ending March accommodate the office of the Deputy Prime Minister. 2011 and the year ending March 2012 was 24.6 per cent. The [135835] decline in overall net migration to the UK in this period was 60,000; from +242,000 in the year ending March 2011 to +183,000 Mr Maude: 70 Whitehall is undergoing a comprehensive in the year ending March 2012. These long-term international migration (LTIM) estimates are provisional for the year ending modernisation programme, under plans agreed in 2007, March 2012 and final for the year ending March 2011. The and as a result parts of the building are not able to be published tables of provisional LTIM estimates for the year used. The schedule now requires the 1st floor, where the ending March 2012 can be found here: Deputy Prime Minister’s Office is located, to be vacated. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference- Costs of the work to refurbish Dover House will be tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-280887 published in the Cabinet Office’s accounts in the usual way. The Home Office advise that to apply for a student visa, individuals must use a confirmation of acceptance for studies ICT from a sponsoring educational institution. The data available by education sector relates to use of certificates John Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet of acceptance for study in entry clearance visa applications under Office what steps he is taking to improve access to Tier 4, referred to below as sponsored visa applications. computers and the internet for (a) pensioners and (b) In the year ending September 2012, there were 211,001 sponsored people from low-income backgrounds. [134495] visa applications (main applicants), a fall of 29% compared with Mr Hurd: The Government is working with Go-ON:UK the previous 12 months. This included an increase of 1% for the university sector (UK-based Higher Education Institutions, to to build on and take forward the work started by Race 155,821), and a fall of 67%, in the further education sector Online 2012. Both the Government Digital Service (GDS) (Tertiary, further education or other colleges to 32,900). and Go-ON:UK are linked to the work of Martha Lane Fox, the UK Digital Champion, and her vision of The data are provided in the table in the accompanying spreadsheet. making the UK a digital nation. The data on sponsored visa applications by education sector is published in the quarterly Immigration Statistics (tables cs.07 and Immigration cs.07.q), a copy of which is available from the library of the House of Commons or from the Home Office’s website at: Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will estimate the additional cost of the delivery of www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research-statistics/ those public services for which his Department is migration/migration-statistics1/ responsible arising from inward migration since 1997. Number of visa applicants for study (Tier 4) using sponsor [134297] acceptances, by education sector Year ending Mr Hurd: In the past there was no full estimate of the September: cost of delivering Government’s services, let alone of Percentage the additional cost from the net migration since 1997. Education sector 2011 2012 Change change As such we do not have the specific estimates requested Total 295,345 211,001 84,344 -29 but we have published details of each of the Government’s Of which: transactional services including the volume per annum. UK-based Higher 154,575 155,821 1,246 1 We are now working to estimate end-to-end transactional Education costs of the most widely-used services. Institutions 27W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 28W

Number of visa applicants for study (Tier 4) using sponsor Life expectancy at birth for males and females in Wirral local acceptances, by education sector authority and Merseyside metropolitan county, 2004-06 Year ending to 2008-101, 2, 3 September: Years of life Percentage Area/period Male Female Education sector 2011 2012 Change change 2006-08 75.6 80.2 Tertiary, Further 99,296 32,900 -66,396 -67 2007-09 75.9 80.4 education or 2008-10 76.2 80.6 other colleges 1 Period life expectancy at birth is an estimate of the average number English language 15,930 3,748 -12,182 -76 of years a newborn baby would survive if he or she experienced the schools area’s age-specific mortality rates for that time period throughout Independent 16,943 14,087 -2,856 -17 his or her life. The figure reflects mortality among those living in the schools area in each time period, rather than mortality among those born in Other 8,601 4,445 -4,156 -48 each area. It is not therefore the number of years a baby born in the Note: area in each time period could actually expect to live, both because For definitions see notes in published table. the death rates of the area are likely to change in the future and Source: because many of those born in the area will live elsewhere for at least Immigration Statistics July-September 2012, Home Office, table some part of their lives. cs.07.q 2 Using boundaries as of October 2010 for all the years shown. 3 Three year rolling averages, based on deaths registered in each year and mid-year population estimates. Life Expectancy: Merseyside Source: Office for National Statistics

Alison McGovern: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what life expectancy at birth was in (a) Pay Wirral South constituency, (b) Wirral and (c) Merseyside in each of the last five years. [135287] Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many civil servants are employed by his Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Department with salaries (a) lower than the living responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have wage outside London and (b) lower than the London asked the authority to reply. living wage inside London. [135198] Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2012: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Mr Maude: None. have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the average life expectancy was in (a) Wirral South constituency, (b) Dan Jarvis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Wirral and (c) Merseyside in each of the last five years (135287). Office what the average annual salary for a (a) male Life expectancy figures for parliamentary constituencies are and (b) female who works full-time is in (i) Barnsley not readily available. However, figures are available for Wirral Central constituency, (ii) South Yorkshire and (iii) local authority and Merseyside metropolitan county. England. [135395] Life expectancy figures are calculated as three year rolling averages. The table below provides the period life expectancy at birth for males and females in Wirral local authority and Merseyside Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the metropolitan county from the period 2000-2002 to 2008-2010 (the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have latest figures available). asked the authority to reply. Period life expectancies at birth for males and females for all Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2012: local authority districts, unitary authorities and counties in England As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I and Wales, for rolling three-year periods from 1991-1993 to have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question 2008-2010, are published on the National Statistics website at: asking what the average annual salary for a (a) male and (b) http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health4/life-expec- female who works full-time is in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, at-birth-age-65/2004-06-to-2008-10/index.html (ii) South Yorkshire and (iii) England. 135395 Life expectancy at birth for males and females in Wirral local The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried authority and Merseyside metropolitan county, 2004-06 out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of to 2008-101, 2, 3 earnings information in the United Kingdom. Annual levels of Years of life earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees Area/period Male Female on adult rates of pay, who have been in the same job for more than a year. Wirral local The following table shows the median gross annual earnings authority for employee jobs in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, (ii) South 2004-06 75.7 80.8 Yorkshire and (iii) England for full-time males and full-time 2005-07 75.7 80.9 females, for the tax year ending 5 April 2012. 2006-08 75.9 81.0 Median gross annual earnings for full-time males and full-time 2007-09 76.3 80.9 females1 in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, (ii) South Yorkshire 2008-10 77.0 80.8 and (iii) England, for the tax year ending 5 April 2012 £ Merseyside met. Barnsley county Central South constituency2 Yorkshire3 England 2004-06 75.1 79.8 2005-07 75.2 80.0 Full-time males *26,968 26,904 29,102 29W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 30W

Median gross annual earnings for full-time males and full-time Cabinet Office’s spend on consultants is available on females1 in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, (ii) South Yorkshire the Department’s website: and (iii) England, for the tax year ending 5 April 2012 http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/cabinet- £ office-annual-reports-and-accounts Barnsley Central South We do not hold information in the form requested constituency2 Yorkshire3 England but do publish details of contracts with a value of £10,000 or more on Contracts Finder. In addition we Full-time **21,044 20,913 23,321 publish spend of over £25,000 on: females 1 Employees on adult rates who have been in the same job for more http://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/financial-transactions-data-co than one year. Public Bodies: Thames Gateway 2 Parliamentary constituency. 3 Metropolitan county. Guide to Quality: Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, the Office how many (a) Government agencies and (b) smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for quangos have relocated out of central London to the an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5%, we would expect the population Thames Gateway regeneration area in the last 20 years. average to be within the range 180 to 220. [134179] Key: CV<=5% Mr Hurd: Information for executive agencies is available *CV>5%and<=10% ** CV >10% and <=20% in the List of Ministerial Responsibilities at: X unreliable. www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/government- Source: ministers-and-responsibilities Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National and some earlier information is available at: Statistics. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Location information for non-departmental public Office how many civil servants in his Department will bodies is available in the recently published Public Bodies receive a salary of more than £100,000 in 2012-13. 2012 at: [135802] www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/resources/ndpb Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Teenage Pregnancy gave on 6 December 2012, Official Report, column 847W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Esher and Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Walton (Mr Raab). Office how many teenage pregnancies there have been Information on staff costs and staff numbers are also in each ward in the last three years. [135338] published in the annual report and accounts at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/cabinet- Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the office-annual-reports-and-accounts responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have As part of the transparency agenda, the Department asked the authority to reply. also publishes an organogram and structure charts that Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2012: includes information on senior staff and their salaries As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I at: have been asked to reply to your recent question. http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/structure- Teenage conception data for the wards in England and Wales charts-cabinet-office cannot be provided within the current ONS policy on protecting and on: confidentiality for birth and death statistics, available at: www.data.gov.uk www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/best-practice/disclosure- The Cabinet Office recently published details of senior control-policy-for-birth-and-death-statistics/index.html staff who earned a salary of £150,000 or more at 31 Information on conceptions is routinely published for local March 2012 at: authorities and strategic health authorities, and is available at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/senior-civil- http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/conception-statistics-- servants-high-earners-salaries england-and-wales/index.html and on: Figures for teenage conceptions by wards are released under licence (authorised access to data that is not available to the www.data.gov.uk public due to confidentiality) to Local Authorities in England to enable them to target early intervention services. Alternatively Procurement researchers may apply to ONS to become an approved researcher in order to access the data. Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet ONS are currently working with the Department of Health to Office what the monetary value was of contracts identify an appropriate statistical production method to allow the awarded by his Department to (a) management publication of teenage conception statistics at a more granular consultancies and (b) IT companies in (i) 2010-11 and level than the current local authority-level statistics. We are aware (ii) 2011-12; and if he will make a statement. [135155] there is an identified user need for such statistics.

Mr Maude: In 2011-12 alone, through the work of Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Efficiency and Reform Group, Government Departments Office pursuant to the answer of 13 November 2012, reduced their spend on consultancy by 85%, saving Official Report, column 159W, on teenage pregnancy, if £1.035 billion compared to 2009-10. This is in addition he will list the 10 wards that had the highest (a) to £870 million saved on consultancy in 2010-11. number and (b) rate of teenage pregnancy in the latest 31W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 32W year for which figures are available without specifying using Section 14 of the Education Act 2002. A tendering those numbers or rates. [135433] process was not used. Plotr will draw on specialist resources from a wide range of organisations and services, Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the including the National Careers Service, from which it responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have will draw information and data about occupations, asked the authority to reply. skills and the labour market. Plotr has a broad aim—it Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2012: is about inspiring young people and connecting them to all the opportunities available to them to make the most As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent question. of their lives. The National Careers Service provides professional, independent advice on careers and learning. The latest available figures for teenage pregnancies {or conceptions) by ward are for the period 2008 to 2010. The following tables Voluntary Work: Older People provide the ten wards where teenage pregnancy was highest for both (a) numbers and (b) rates. ONS do not publish the number and rate of teenage pregnancy John Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet by wards in order to protect the privacy of individuals. Two tables Office what steps he is taking to encourage older people containing the 10 wards with the highest number, and rate, of to volunteer in (a) Glasgow North West constituency, teenage pregnancy is provided here since this does not pose a risk (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK. [134491] to confidentiality. Table 1. Number of teenage conceptions1 in England and Wales,2 Mr Hurd: The devolved Administrations have 2008-10; ten highest ranked wards responsibility for volunteering. Rank Ward In general, the Cabinet Office recognises the wide 1 Longbridge range of skills and experience that older people can 2 King standing offer as volunteers. Several of the projects funded by the 3 Orchard Park and Greenwood Department specifically aim to increase volunteering among older people. For example the Social Action 4 Shard End Fund supports Community Service Volunteers to run 5 Fox Hollies “The Professionals”, a network of newly retired 6 Aspley professionals giving time in their local communities. 7 Hodge Hill 8 Aston 9 City and Holbeck 10 Richmond Hill DEFENCE 1 The number of conceptions of females aged 15 to 17 years. 2 Figures are based on boundaries as of 2011. Afghanistan

Table 2. Teenage conception rate1 in England and Wales,2 2008-10; ten highest ranked wards Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK armed forces personnel will Rank Ward remain in Afghanistan after 2014; and what tasks and 1 Nelson roles they will perform. [134698] 2 Cliftonville West 3 Middlehaven Dr Murrison: The UK and the international community 4 Stranton are committed to Afghanistan for the long term. At 5 Folkestone Harvey Central May’s NATO Summit at Chicago, ISAF nations confirmed 6 Rhyl West that a new NATO-led mission will be established in 7 Plas Madoc Afghanistan after transition is completed at the end of 8 Grosvenor 2014. This mission will be based on the principles of 9 Mancroft train, advise and assist and will not involve international 10 Victoria troops deployed in a combat role. 1 Rates are calculated as the number of conceptions per 1,000 women NATO is currently working to develop its post-2014 of childbearing age. mission, which the UK as a NATO member, will support. 2 Figures are based on boundaries as of 2011. Until that planning has matured, it remains premature to speculate what residual military presence the UK will Vocational Guidance: Internet have in Afghanistan after 2014 beyond our firm commitment as lead coalition partner at the new Afghan Ms Buck: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office National Army Officer Academy. what funding his Department has provided for the Plotr careers website; whether a tendering process was Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for used to allocate the funding; and what the relationship Defence (1) what the preferred length is of the is between the website and the National Careers Service harmonisation period between tours of Afghanistan; website. [135053] [134711] (2) how many service personnel have had less than Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office and the Department the 18 month harmonisation period between tours of for Business, Innovation and Skills have each provided Afghanistan in each of the last three years. [134712] a grant of £350,000 to Plotr. This has been matched by industry donations. The Cabinet Office grants are made Mr Francois [holding answer 20 December 2012]: under the statutory authority provided by Section 70 of The ’Harmony Guidelines’ are used by the Army in The Charities Act 2006. The grant from BIS was provided particular to strike a balance between deployment, training 33W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 34W and time with families. Current policy directs that where Armed Forces: Freedom of Expression possible, an individual service person should not be away from home for more than 415 days in a rolling Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for 30-month period. The 415-day period includes both Defence what assessment he has made of the training for a deployment and undertaking the deployment implications for his policy on freedom of speech for itself. Furthermore, it is policy for personnel to undertake armed forces personnel who are opposed to same sex only one six-month tour in each 24-month period. This marriage of the case between Mr Adrian Smith and principle is also used by the Naval Service and the RAF, Trafford Housing Trust. [135048] but at slight variance to the Army. The Naval Service uses the metric of 660 days away in a rolling 36-month Mr Francois: All members of the armed forces are cycle and the RAF uses 280 days in a rolling 24-month entitled to express their views on current issues privately, period. in the same way as any other citizen. This includes the Although not common practice there are occasions use of social media sites to communicate opinions when personnel can deploy shortly after returning from privately with colleagues, family and friends. However, one six-month deployment so long as they are not in to maintain that privacy the profile of the individual on breach of these guidelines. This practice generally only the social media site should not reveal their status as a happens when an individual moves to a new unit which member of the armed forces, in order to avoid any is due to deploy or has volunteered to undertake another perception that the view expressed was official policy. tour. While this may occur in the Naval Service and Army, the RAF do not permit it. The information on Armed Forces: Housing such redeployments in each of the last three years is not held centrally and could be provided only at Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for disproportionate cost. Defence (1) which service accommodation buildings have been upgraded since May 2010; how much was spent on each such upgrade; and what work was Armed Forces Covenant undertaken in the upgrade; [132438] (2) how many new (a) service accommodation Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for buildings and (b) service accommodation homes have Defence when he plans to publish the annual Armed been (i) built and (ii) opened since May 2010. [132439] Forces Covenant report. [132580] Mr Francois [holding answer 10 December 2012]: Mr Francois: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I The Service Family Accommodation (SFA) upgrade gave on 17 December 2012, Official Report, column programme targets those properties in the greatest need 602W, to the hon. Member for West Dunbartonshire and upgrades them to the highest standard for condition. (Gemma Doyle). Under this programme, in financial years 2010-11 and 2011-12, some 1,600 SFA properties were upgraded at a total cost of some £80 million. It is anticipated that 800 Armed Forces: Cadets further properties will be upgraded in this financial year. In addition, some 600 new capital purchase and bulk-lease hired SFA properties have come into use Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for since May 2010. Defence what the Cadet Force establishment is in (a) Sunderland and (b) County Durham in (i) schools and The majority of new or upgraded Single Living (ii) detachments. [134609] Accommodation (SLA) is being delivered under Project SLAM and private finance initiatives (PFIs). Under Mr Francois [holding answer 20 December 2012]: Project SLAM some 4,715 bed-spaces have been delivered The Sea Cadet, Army Cadet and Air Cadet units in since May 2010 at a total cost of some £285 million. In Sunderland and County Durham do not have an the same period, some 4,790 bed-spaces have been establishment. However, the figures for the number of delivered through PFIs. As SLA improvements are only cadets in each area is shown in the following table. one element of the work delivered under the PFIs, exact expenditure cannot be separately identified and could Cadet Force Number of cadets as at 18 December 2012 be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Sunderland Armed Forces: Redundancy Army Cadet Force 151 Air Training Corps 97 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions his Department has had with internal or external groups on its redundancy Co. Durham policies and criteria for armed forces personnel since Army Cadet Force 481 May 2010; and if he will provide the details of such Air Training Corps 264 discussions. [134659]

As at 18 December 2012, the Sea Cadets have 49 Mr Francois [holding answer 20 December 2012]: cadets within Sunderland and Co. Durham. The conclusions of the Strategic Defence and Security Combined Cadet Forces (CCFs) do have establishments. Review, incorporating plans to reduce the size of the There are no CCFs in Sunderland and two in County armed forces including through redundancy measures, Durham schools. Barnard Castle school and Durham have been extensively debated since 2010. The terms of school have establishments of 200 and 130 respectively. the redundancy schemes are laid down in statute. Detailed 35W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 36W internal work on redundancy policies and criteria has Mr Francois: There are no specific guidelines issued been conducted, and has included consultations with to the Service Police (the Royal Military Police, the internal legal advisers. Police and the Royal Air Force Police) on whether allegations of rape or sexual assault made by Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for armed forces personnel should be referred to the civilian Defence if he will estimate the change in the level of police for investigation. There is, however, a policing lifetime income for each rank of service personnel who protocol between the Ministry of Defence Police, the are made redundant within one year of their Service Police and the Home Office Police Forces which independent pension point. [134660] outlines, among other things, arrangements for working relationships and provision for consultation and Mr Francois [holding answer 20 December 2012]: co-operation between them. One of the key principles The information is not held in the format requested. underpinning these arrangements is that while there Every redundant service person will achieve a different may be concurrent jurisdiction, local civilian forces level of lifetime income subject to future employment, have primacy. health and lifespan. This will not be dependent upon As a result, in the UK the civilian police deal with the their final rank in service. The Ministry of Defence is vast majority of cases of rape or sexual assault allegedly committed to helping those leaving the service to pursue involving a member of the armed forces. The Service a second, rewarding career if they wish to do so. Police investigate a relatively small number of cases. Armed Forces: Scotland Decisions about which force should carry out an investigation are taken after consideration of factors such as the type of incident, jurisdiction, location, the Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State availability of resources and the public interest. Where for Defence with reference to the statement of 18 July necessary, the prosecuting authorities are consulted. 2011, Official Report, column 643, on defence transformation, what the projected increase in the Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence number of uniformed personnel to be based in whether an individual serving in the armed forces who Scotland were in each of the three armed services at the makes an allegation of (a) rape and (b) sexual assault time of the statement. [134183] is able to raise this allegation beyond the normal chain of command and direct to the (i) Royal Military Police Dr Murrison: The figure given in the statement of 18 and (ii) civilian police; and if he will make a statement. July 2011 was a broad estimate based on the potential [134828] effect of the basing measures outlined. However, the composition of the projected change is dependent upon Mr Francois: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I the outcome of a number of detailed pieces of work, gave on 6 December 2012, Official Report, column including Army 2020 and the footprint strategy. 896W. Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many uniformed personnel are based Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in Scotland in each of the three armed services; what guidelines his Department provides to the Royal whether the reduction to his Department’s spending Military Police and the Service Prosecuting Authority announced in the autumn statement will effect the on the definition of (a) sexual assault and (b) sexual number of uniformed personnel to be based in harassment. [134829] Scotland in each of the three armed services; and if he will make a statement. [134260] Mr Francois: The Royal Military Police, and their counterparts the Royal Navy Police and the Royal Air Dr Murrison: The numbers of regular service personnel Force Police, are independent for the purpose of their based in Scotland as at 31 October 2012 are shown in investigations. The Service Prosecuting Authority is also the following table: independent and falls under the general superintendence of the Attorney-General. The Ministry of Defence Number (MOD) does not therefore advise the Royal Military Police or the Service Prosecuting Authority on the Royal Navy 4,670 meaning of the offences they are investigating. Army 3,190 Sexual assault is a criminal offence under section 3 of Royal Air Force 3,790 the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Sexual harassment is not The autumn statement has introduced some additional a criminal offence in its own right. It is an employment factors that we need to take into account. It is right that law concept related to anti-discrimination. Criminal we take time to explore these options with HM Treasury offences of harassment do exist but these do not need to to ensure the best possible basing solution is achieved. involve sexual conduct, for example putting a person in fear of violence under section 4 of the Protection from Armed Forces: Sexual Offences Harassment Act 1997. The Service police and Service Prosecuting Authority would only be involved if conduct Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence amounting to sexual harassment also amounted to a what guidelines his Department gives to the Royal possible criminal or disciplinary offence. Military Police on whether allegations of (a) rape and General guidance for all MOD Service and civilian (b) sexual assault made by armed forces personnel personnel about how to report and respond to harassment should be referred to civilian police for investigation; allegations are contained in Joint Service Publication and if he will make a statement. [134827] 763, The MOD Harassment Complaints Procedure. 37W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 38W

AWE enhance the competitiveness of industry in meeting UK and export requirements for defence equipment and Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for support. Defence what the cost was of operating the Threat Disclosure of Information Reduction Division at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in each of the last five years. [133924] Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Dunne: The cost of the Threat Reduction Division Defence pursuant to the answer of 23 May 2012, at the Atomic Weapons Establishment undertaking its Official Report, column 722W, on disclosure of programme of work in each of the last five years is as information, if he will publish the costs to the public follows: purse of the inquiry into the unauthorised disclosure of the letter between the former Secretary of State and the Financial year £ million1 Prime Minister which appeared in The Daily Telegraph on 28 September 2010. [135408] 2008-09 14.8 2009-10 19.0 Mr Philip Hammond: There has been no net additional 2010-11 19.3 cost to the Ministry of Defence, as the work has been 2011-12 28.8 undertaken by staff as part of their official duties that 2012-13 (provisional)2 26.0 are already resourced. 1 At outturn prices. 2 Comprises actual expenditure to date plus projected expenditure to Equality 31 March 2013. Dalgety Bay Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of staff in his Department Mr Gordon Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for have received training in equality and diversity, and the Defence (1) when he expects the investigatory work on requirements of the Equality Act 2010 in each of the last three years. [134812] Dalgety Bay foreshore to be completed; [133287] (2) on what date he expects remedial action work to Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence regards start on Dalgety Bay foreshore. [133291] compliance with all Equality and Diversity (E&D) legislation as important and to that end mandates that Mr Robathan: The site investigation element of the all new civilian entrants must undertake E&D training foreshore at Dalgety Bay was completed on 23 November within six months of joining, refreshed when appropriate. 2012. Military personnel are also required to undertake regular It is for the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, mandatory E&D training. All E&D courses have a not the Ministry of Defence, to determine whether any module that covers the requirements set out in the remedial work is required at Dalgety Bay. Equality Act 2010. It is the responsibility of individual line managers to Defence Equipment and Support ensure that their staff have completed all mandatory training. We do not currently collate information on the Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence total numbers of staff who have completed equality and when he expects to be able to bring forward detailed diversity training in the Department. proposals on the future of Defence Equipment and Support and the Materiel Strategy. [134983] France

Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence is on track to Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence make decisions on how it intends to proceed with the what recent discussions he or his officials have had with Materiel Strategy programme shortly. I will provide representatives of the French Government on the more information about the proposals when those decisions FASGW(H) missile programme; and if he will make a have been taken. statement. [134943]

Defence: Exports Mr Dunne: Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (Heavy) (FASGW(H)) remains an important future capability Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for the UK and France. Ministry of Defence Ministers pursuant to the answer of 17 December 2012, Official and officials have continued to hold regular meetings Report, column 610W, on defence, if he will make it his with the French Government to discuss the FASGW(H) policy to seek the inclusion within the work of the programme. These include my own discussions with the Defence Growth Partnership of issues around French Defence Minister at Exercise CORSICAN LION exportability of defence equipment and services; and in October 2012 and subsequent High Level Working how his Department will be represented in the work of Group meeting in Paris in November 2012. the partnership. [134927] Guided Weapons Mr Dunne: I welcome the appointment of Steve Wadey as the industry co-chair of the Defence Growth Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Partnership. The Ministry of Defence will work with Defence what assessment he has made of the potential BIS and industry colleagues in identifying how the benefits and costs of retro-fitting T4s with US MK41 partnership might best remove barriers to growth and vertical launch systems. [134656] 39W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 40W

Mr Dunne: There is currently no requirement to fit allocated for each such category of expenditure in Type 45 destroyers with the US Mk 41 vertical launch 2012-13. [132119] system. Mr Francois: From 2009-10, the costs of departmental websites have been published centrally in an annual Internet report on central Government websites. The annual reports for 2010-11 and 2011-12, broken down by category Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for as listed above, are available on the Cabinet Office Defence how much has been spent on (a) strategy and website at: planning, (b) design and build, (c) hosting and http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/ infrastructure, (d) content provision and (e) testing websitemetrics2010-11 and evaluation for his Department’s websites in each For financial year 2012-13, the information available of the last two years; and how much has been to date is as follows:

Strategy and Hosting and Content Testing and planning Design and build infrastructure provision evaluation

MOD corporate £0 £183,192 £70,000 £0 1— Royal Navy (RN) £61,000 £118,000 £232,000 £6,500 £23,000 British Army2 £0 £580,744 £80,360 £20,000 £41,492 Royal Air Force (RAF) £0 £30,000 £59,500 £30,000 £13,180 Defence Contracts Online (DCO) £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 Defence Support Group (DSG) £0 £0 £621.55 £0 £0 Service Children’s Education (SCE) £0 £5,000 £0 £0 £0 British Forces Germany (BFG) ¤3,500 £0 ¤75 £0 ¤3,000 MOD Police Recruitment £0 £0 £96 £0 £0 Military Aviation Authority (MAA)3 n/a 4—n/a5—n/a Queen’s Harbour Master (QHM) £0 £4,500 £7,740 £0 £0 Defence Science and Technology (www.science.mod.uk) £0 £0 £72,000 £0 £0 Defence Analytical Services and Advice (DASA) £6,670 £37,020 £8,902 £10,960 £23,580 Veterans-UK £0 £0 £1,600 £0 £4,033 Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers (SaBRE) 6— £57,600 £57,000 7— 7— Permanent Committee on Geographical Names (PCGN) £0 £0 £0 £0 £0 UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO)8 £24,426 £7,120 £446,353 £17,100 £7,120 Defence imagery 9 £0 £0 £27,444.96 £0 £0 RAF Air Cadets 10£41,450 10— 10— 10— 10—

Baha Mousa Inquiry 10£6,000 10— 10— 10— 10— Al-Sweady Public Inquiry 10— 10— 10— 10— 10— Armed Forces Day 10— 10— 10— 10— 10— DNotice 10— 10— 10— 10— 10— Service Complaints Commissioner 10— 10— 10— 10— 10— Service Prosecuting Authority 10— 10— 10— 10— 10— Military Aviation Authority 10— 10— 10— 10— 10— 1 Included in design and build. 2 The Army website includes additional functionality not found in the RAF and Royal Navy websites. This includes an online job application tool and integrated online recruitment campaigning. 3 MAA is hosted on the Joint Server Farm. Only Design and build and Content provision costs are individually captured. Other costs are included in the £6,000 in the table above. 4 £200 imagery,1xC2full-time equivalent (FTE). 5 0.5 x C2 FTE. 6 These costs fall within relevant campaign/communication plans. 7 Included in hosting and infrastructure. 8 UKHO currently has two external websites: www.ukho.gov.uk - meeting requirements as a Government Department www.admiralty.co.uk - commercial site enabling UKHO business (ie communication with customers) and promulgation of Safety of Life at Sea (ie users can download Notices to Mariners). 9 Defence Imagery was formed from the merger of the Defence Image database and Defence News Imagery. 10 It is not possible to allocate costs to individual websites across the categories above.

A number of Defence websites are located on a £ central hosting platform, Joint Server Farm. Costs for this platform are as follows: Testing and evaluation 1— 1 Included in design and build. £ ISTAR Strategy and Planning 0 Design and Build 136,699 Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on Hosting and infrastructure 232,657 ISTAR since the initial deadline for the Watchkeeper Content provision 0 programme. [134600] 41W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 42W

Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence has a very large Brigadier Bill Warren also undertook to provide a further portfolio of capabilities, both in service and under update to the family in late Spring next year, probably around development, that are classed as Intelligence, Surveillance, May. Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) assets. It is not possible to identify all expenditure on these capabilities since Watchkeeper’s originally planned in-service Military Bases date of September 2010. Delays to the Watchkeeper programme have not affected Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the spending on ISTAR assets, other than on Hermes Defence what the cost in each category of expenditure 450, the unmanned air system procured under the urgent was of (a) RAF Leuchars, (b) HMNB Clyde, (c) RM operational requirement process that Watchkeeper is Condor, (d) Headquarters 2nd Division, (e) due to replace. The cost to the Government of supporting Headquarters 51 Brigade, (f) Redford Barracks, (g) Hermes 450 in Afghanistan since September 2010 has Dreghorn Barracks, (h) RAF Kinloss and (i) Fort been £61.3 million. This has been funded from the net George Barracks in each of the last 10 years. [127075] additional cost of Military Operations element of the Treasury Reserve, which would in any case have been Mr Francois: Information available on the cost of the drawn upon to support Watchkeeper had it deployed on MOD establishments listed is as follows: time. £ million Katrice Lee Establishment Personnel Infrastructure1 Other Total 2005-06 Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for RAF Leuchars 63.8 10.3 19.7 93.7 Defence what the outcome was of the meeting on RAF Kinloss 69.2 5.6 21.9 96.7 13 November 2012 on Royal Military Police premises between the Minister for the Armed Forces, 2006-07 representatives of the Royal Military Police, the hon. RAF Leuchars 64.7 9.8 19.4 93.9 Member for Gosport and the mother and sister of RAF Kinloss 66.6 4.5 20.6 91.7 Katrice Lee regarding the disappearance of Katrice Lee in November 1981; what action points arose from the meeting; what admissions were made by the Royal 2007-08 Military Police in respect of the initial investigation RAF Leuchars2 60.2 8.9 20.7 89.8 into Katrice Lee’s disappearance; and if he will make a HMNB Clyde2 41.4 14.0 97.3 152.7 statement. [134746] RM Condor 21.8 2.3 0.5 24.6 RAF Kinloss 61.5 5.0 20.6 87.1 Mr Francois: I wrote to my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport (Caroline Dinenage) on 20 December 2012 2008-09 about this meeting and I will write to the hon. Member RAF Leuchars 56.3 10.9 20.5 87.7 shortly as well. HMNB Clyde2 40.6 17.3 93.8 151.7 However, The Royal Military Police have now RM Condor 25.9 2.3 0.6 28.8 acknowledged that the previous investigations were flawed, Headquarters 2nd 64.8 1.1 4.7 70.6 Division3 and have sincerely apologised to Katrice’s family for Headquarters 51 18.4 0.1 3.9 22.4 these failings. The Royal Military Police have also Brigade3 undertaken, at an appropriate point, to ask an independent Redford Barracks34— 0.2 0 0.2 civilian police force to review their findings. Dreghorn Barracks34— 0.2 0 0.2 Substantive answer from Mark Francois to Iain Wright: RAF Kinloss 61.3 5.0 26.94 93.2 4 As you know, I met with Mrs Sharon Lee on 13 December at Fort George — 0.2 0 0.2 Barracks3 Bulford to discuss the Royal Military Police’s handling of their investigations into Katrice Lee’s tragic disappearance from a NAAFI shopping complex in Paderborn, Germany in 1981. I am 2009-10 sorry that your Parliamentary commitments prevented you from RAF Leuchars5 4.7 11.2 8.3 24.2 joining us. HMNB Clyde2 39.2 17.96 97.5 154.6 At that meeting, Brigadier Bill Warren, the Provost Marshal RM Condor 24.8 2.2 2.0 29.0 (Army) acknowledged that the previous investigations were flawed. Headquarters 2nd 66.3 1.3 4.5 72.1 He has since written to your constituent, Mr Richard Lee, to Division3, 4 sincerely apologise for these failings. In light of your considerable Headquarters 51 18.1 0.4 2.6 21.1 efforts on Mr Lee’s behalf, I thought you would appreciate sight Brigade3 of this letter, a copy of which is attached. Redford Barracks34— 0.1 0 0.1 During the meeting, the Royal Military Police also discussed Dreghorn Barracks34— 0.2 0 0.2 the current state of play on the work underway to better understand RAF Kinloss5 6.7 4.3 17.4 28.4 the actions taken by the police in 1981, and provided the family Fort George 4— 0.2 0 0.2 an opportunity to feed in their own thoughts and recollections Barracks3 from this period to the Senior Investigating Officer.

Rightly, the current focus remains on the ongoing investigation, 2010-11 but as you are already aware, the Royal Military Police continue to consider in detail the conduct of the earlier investigations, and RAF Leuchars5 4.6 5.8 13.2 23.6 have also undertaken to ask an independent civilian police force HMNB Clyde2 39.1 18.4 149.1 206.6 to review their findings. RM Condor 23.6 3.1 0.7 27.4 43W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 44W

2007-08 £ million £ million Establishment Personnel Infrastructure1 Other Total Establishment Personnel Infrastructure1 Other Total Headquarters 2nd 62.9 0 3.6 66.5 Crombie Defence 2.0 0.3 0.4 2.7 Division3, 4 Munitions Centre Headquarters 51 21.4 0.6 0.5 22.5 Beith Defence Munitions 11.2 1.6 1.9 14.7 Brigade3 Centre Redford Barracks34— 0.1 0 0.1 Glen Douglas Defence 2.4 0.5 0.6 3.5 Dreghorn Barracks34— 0.3 0 0.3 Munitions Centre RAF Kinloss5 6.5 4.1 3.8 14.4 HMS Gannet 1.3 1.3 0.9 3.5 Fort George 4— 0.2 0 0.2 Royal Naval Armament 8.9 3.3 1.9 14.1 Barracks3 Depot Coulport2 MOD Hebrides Ranges 2.8 11.8 2.8 17.4 2011-12 British Underwater 1.0 4.4 0.8 6.2 Training and Evaluation RAF Leuchars 41.9 9.2 11.0 62.1 Centre (BUTEC) 2 HMNB Clyde 39.1 18.4 149.1 206.6 Loch Ewe Fuel Depot 0.2 0 0 0.2 RM Condor 26.3 5.6 0.7 32.6 Garelochead Defence Fuel 0.5 0 0 0.5 Headquarters 2nd 63.6 0 5.7 69.3 Depot 3, 4 Division HMS Caledonia 1.3 1.5 0.2 3.0 Headquarters 51 18.5 0.2 4.2 22.9 Rosyth Defence Estate 2.0 11.4 5.2 18.6 Brigade3 34 West Freugh Training 0.7 0.6 0.6 1.9 Redford Barracks — 2.1 0.2 2.3 Ranges Dreghorn Barracks34— 1.3 0.2 1.5 RAF Kinloss 37.4 7.6 1.1 62.1 2008-09 Fort George 4— 0.7 0.2 0.9 Barracks3 £ million 1 1 Excludes the cost of service family accommodation which is provided on a Establishment Personnel Infrastructure Other Total regional basis and is not therefore attributed to individual establishments. 2 The costs shown for HMNB Clyde include both of the base’s constituent Glencorse Barracks 0 0.1 0 0.1 elements: the Naval Base at Faslane and the Royal Naval Armament Depot at Crombie Defence 2.8 n/a 0.4 3.2 Munitions Centre 3 These establishments are covered by a single contract for utilities and other Beith Defence Munitions 8.4 n/a 2.2 10.6 services. The cost of this contract cannot be broken down by establishment, Centre but the total value is around £9 million a year. This figure is not included in the table. Glen Douglas Defence 2.7 n/a 0.6 3.3 4 The personnel costs of Redford Barracks, Dreghorn Barracks and Fort Munitions Centre George Barracks are included in the costs of Headquarters 2nd Division. HMS Gannet 1.4 1.3 0.4 3.1 5 Service personnel pay costs are not attributable to establishment for RAF Royal Naval Armament 9.4 3.8 2.0 15.2 Leuchars and RAF Kinloss for 2009-10 and 2010-11. Depot Coulport2 MOD Hebrides Ranges 4.9 7.0 1.3 13.2 Information on years before 2005-06 could be provided British Underwater 2.9 3.9 0.9 7.7 only at disproportionate cost since we are not required Training and Evaluation to retain this data for more than seven financial years, Centre (BUTEC) including the financial year in progress. Loch Ewe Fuel Depot 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.5 Garelochead Defence Fuel 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.8 The figures provided for 2011-12 represent the final Depot outturn for that year and therefore update those I gave HMS Caledonia 1.4 1.6 0.3 3.3 to the hon. Member in the answer I gave him on 17 Rosyth Defence Estate 2.1 8.4 7.7 18.2 September 2012, Official Report, columns 460-62W. West Freugh Training 0.7 0.9 0.1 1.7 Ranges

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009-10 Defence what the cost in each category of expenditure £ million was of (a) Glencorse Barracks, (b) Defence Establishment Personnel Infrastructure1 Other Total Munitions Centre Crombie, (c) Defence Munitions Centre Beith, (d) Defence Munitions Centre Glen Glencorse Barracks 0 0.1 0 0.1 Douglas, (e) HMS Gannet, (f) RNAD Coulport, (g) Crombie Defence 2.4 0.5 0.2 3.1 MOD Hebrides Ranges, (h) Cape Wrath Range, (i) Munitions Centre Beith Defence Munitions 7.9 1.6 1.1 10.6 Cameron Barracks Inverness, (j) Black Dog training Centre area, (k) Ben Wyvis training area, (l) British Glen Douglas Defence 2.5 0.3 0.2 3.0 Underwater Testing and Evaluation Centre, (m) Munitions Centre BUTEC, (n) Loch Ewe fuel depot, (o) Remote Radar HMS Gannet 1.5 1.0 0.6 3.1 Head Benbecula, (p) RAF Saxa Vord, (q) Remote Royal Naval Armament 8.8 1.9 1.1 11.8 Radar Head Buchan, (r) Scottish Air Traffic Control Depot Coulport2 Centre (military), (s) Garelochead Defence training MOD Hebrides Ranges 5.1 7.2 1.3 13.6 centre and oil fuel depot, (t) HMS Caledonia, (u) British Underwater 3.0 3.4 1.0 7.4 Training and Evaluation Rosyth Defence Estate, (v) West Freugh training Centre (BUTEC) ranges and (w) Castlelaw training area in each of the Loch Ewe Fuel Depot 0.2 0.1 0 0.3 last 10 years. [127076] Garelochead Defence Fuel 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.8 Depot HMS Caledonia 1.5 1.8 0.3 3.6 Mr Francois: Information available on the cost of the Rosyth Defence Estate 2.1 8.8 6.5 17.4 MOD establishments listed is as follows: 45W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 46W

2009-10 Technology White Paper CM 8278, published in £ million February 2012, on the anniversary of that paper’s Establishment Personnel Infrastructure1 Other Total publication. [134942] West Freugh Training 0.8 1.0 0.1 1.9 Ranges Mr Dunne: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne 2010-11 Central (Chi Onwurah) on 22 October 2012, Official £ million Report, column 616W. Good progress is being made in Establishment Personnel Infrastructure1 Other Total implementing the recommendations of the National Security Through Technology White Paper (CM 8278). Glencorse Barracks 0 0.1 0 0.1 We do not intend to produce a formal report one year Crombie Defence 2.2 0.5 0.4 3.1 Munitions Centre from publication of the White Paper, although we will Beith Defence Munitions 8.1 1.6 1.4 11.1 use opportunities around the time of the anniversary to Centre highlight key White Paper themes and progress in its Glen Douglas Defence 2.5 0.4 0.5 3.4 implementation. Munitions Centre HMS Gannet 1.6 1.4 0.7 3.7 Porton Down Royal Naval Armament 8.9 1.9 1.3 12.1 Depot Coulport2 MOD Hebrides Ranges 5.3 7.3 1.4 14.0 Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for British Underwater 3.1 2.4 1.0 6.5 Defence pursuant to the answer of 13 December 2012, Training and Evaluation Official Report, column 423W, on Porton Down: Centre (BUTEC) animal experiments, how many times the Animal Loch Ewe Fuel Depot 0.2 0.1 0 0.3 Procedures Committee made visits to DSTL Porton Garelochead Defence Fuel 0.5 0.1 0.2 0.8 Depot Down in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012 to date; and HMS Caledonia 1.5 1.3 0.3 3.1 if he will make a statement. [134513] Rosyth Defence Estate 1.7 8.0 1.5 11.2 West Freugh Training 0.8 1.0 0.1 1.9 Mr Dunne: The Animal Procedures Committee (APC) Ranges routinely meets at the Home Office in London to consider relevant Home Office project licence applications. DSTL 2011-12 staff who are the project licence holders attend these £ million meetings with the APC to answer any questions the Establishment Personnel Infrastructure1 Other Total Committee has on the conduct of the work before the licence application is approved. Glencorse Barracks 0 0.1 0 0.1 The Home Office inspector with responsibility for Crombie Defence 1.8 0.5 1.9 4.2 Munitions Centre overseeing all animal work conducted at DSTL Porton Beith Defence Munitions 6.9 1.1 0.4 8.4 Down routinely visits the site. These visits have taken Centre place approximately once per month in each of the last Glen Douglas Defence 2.4 0.9 0.5 3.8 three years. The Home Office inspector holds a site pass Munitions Centre for DSTL Porton Down to allow access at any time, HMS Gannet 1.5 0.6 0.8 2.9 which DSTL fully supports. Royal Naval Armament 9.1 2.2 2.3 13.6 Depot Coulport2 MOD Hebrides Ranges 5.4 7.5 1.4 14.3 Public Expenditure British Underwater 3.2 2.4 1.0 6.6 Training and Evaluation Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Centre (BUTEC) Defence how much unallocated provision is projected Loch Ewe Fuel Depot 0.2 0 0.1 0.3 within his Department’s budget in (a) 2012-13 and (b) Garelochead Defence Fuel 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.7 Depot 2013-14. [133431] HMS Caledonia n/a 4.9 n/a 4.9 Rosyth Defence Estate 1.2 7.6 -0.1 8.7 Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 13 December West Freugh Training 0.8 1.0 0.1 1.9 2012]: The PR12 budget showed an unallocated provision Ranges of £481 million in 2012-13, £240 million in 2013-14, and n/a = Not available. £245 million in 2014-15. We propose to carry over £481 1 Excludes the cost of Service Family Accommodation which is provided on a regional basis and is not therefore attributed to individual establishments. million from 2012-13, which, together with a contribution 2 The figures given represent that element of the cost for HM Naval Base from the departmental unallocated provision in the Clyde attributable to its Royal Naval Armament Depot component. subsequent two years, is sufficient to cover the reductions Information for the remaining establishments, and in the Defence resource budget announced in the autumn for years before 2007-08, could be provided only at statement of 5 December 2012, Official Report, columns disproportionate cost. Financial information of this 871-82. type is not required to be retained for more than seven financial years, including the financial year in progress. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on National Security the welfare and housing of armed forces personnel of the reductions in his Department’s spending of (a) Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence £245 million in 2013-14 and (b) £490 million in if he will make it his policy to produce a report on the 2014-15 announced in the autumn statement 2012. implementation of the National Security Through [133432] 47W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 48W

Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 13 December Voluntary release or redundancy—MOD Main 2012]: There will be no direct effect on the welfare and 2012-13 to 1 October housing of armed forces personnel as a result of the Financial year: 2009-10 2011-11 2011-12 2012 reductions in the Department’s budget announced at the autumn statement. However, those reductions and Voluntary release or 400 180 40 30 also the new mechanisms for accessing private capital redundancy finance announced at the same time by the Chancellor VERS — — 5,950 2,270 will need to be taken into account in finalising the Army Basing Strategy, which I hope to be in a position Voluntary release or redundancy—Trading Funds to announce early this year. 2012-13 to 1 October Financial year 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Voluntary release or 80 150 470 1— Defence pursuant to his answer of 174 December 2012, redundancy Official Report, column 623W, on public expenditure, 1 Less than 10 how much unallocated provision there will be in his Information pertaining to the exact units from which Department’s budget for 2012-13. [135405] these personnel have left is available. However, in some cases, the number of individuals is low enough to Mr Philip Hammond: The departmental unallocated constitute a risk of identification, particularly if considered provision in 2012-13 is around £500 million. in parallel with other data; this information is therefore being withheld. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 17 December 2012, Reserve Forces Official Report, column 623W, on public expenditure, from where his Department’s unallocated provision for 2012-13 has been found. [135407] Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if provision will be made for members of the Army Reserve, following the introduction of the Army Mr Philip Hammond: We decided in the 2012 planning 2020 reforms, to claim back the expense incurred in round that it would be prudent to leave a portion of the travelling to training facilities; and if he will make a Defence budget as unallocated to deal with unforeseen statement. [135413] events. This provision is not therefore the result of specific savings measures. Mr Francois: Eligibility for reserve personnel to reclaim the cost of travel to training facilities or other duty RAF Lossiemouth stations is determined by the terms of their engagement. Volunteer reserves are already eligible to reclaim the cost of home to duty travel up to a distance of fifty Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State miles per single journey, although provision exists for for Defence what estimate was made during the Basing commanding officers to authorise home to duty travel Review of the cost to the public purse of triggering for greater distances as appropriate. break clauses in private finance initiative contracts at Under Future Reserves 2020, with respect to allowances, RAF Lossiemouth; and if he will make a statement. we are considering a number of specific options and [134252] these will be subject to review and recommendation by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. A balanced Dr Murrison: The autumn statement has introduced remuneration package will be developed and provided some additional factors that we need to take into account as part of Defence’s new employment model. This will such as new arrangements for accessing private finance. include an integrated approach to pay and allowances It is right that we take time to explore these options to achieve closer alignment between regular and reserve with HM Treasury to ensure the best possible basing conditions of service. solution is achieved. Until this is complete, it is premature to comment on Service Prosecuting Authority detailed aspects of this work. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Redundancy if he will extend the length of time that officers are deployed for duty in the Service Prosecuting Authority; and if he will make a statement. [134830] Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from which units civil servants of his Mr Francois: There are no current plans to extend the Department have been made redundant since May length of time that officers are assigned for duty in the 2010. [132578] Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA). The length of time officers are assigned to the SPA is variable, and Mr Francois: The following tables show the outflow reflects the requirement both for individual career of civil servants from the MOD since 2010 through development and for a worthwhile period of service. All redundancy or voluntary release, including the voluntary officers who are assigned to the SPA receive appropriate early release scheme (VERS) which has operated since training to provide them with the right level of prosecuting 30 September 2011. and advocacy skills. 49W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 50W

Sodexo Unmanned Air Vehicles

Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) following the reporting of faulty kitchen Defence (1) how many Watchkeepers are on order from equipment by Army garrison personnel, in what period his Department to replace the Hermes 450; [134569] of time Sodexo were contractually obliged to (a) (2) what the estimated cost to the public purse is of inspect the equipment, (b) carry out required the Watchkeeper programme in each of the next three maintenance and (c) replace the units in Army years; [134601] garrisons; and if he will make a statement; [135412] (3) what steps his Department is taking to speed up (2) how many items of kitchen equipment in Army the certification process of the Watchkeeper garrisons have (a) been referred for maintenance and programme. [134602] (b) been replaced in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [135428] Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is procuring 15 Watchkeeper ground control stations and 54 air Mr Dunne: Facilities management services to Army vehicles. The estimated cost of the Watchkeeper equipment sites in the UK are carried out under a series of contracts and support programmes combined in each of the next by a number of companies, including Sodexo. three financial years is £73 million, £59 million and £28 Information on how many items of kitchen equipment million respectively. have been maintained or replaced in each of the last The release-to-service process, including airworthiness three years, or the contractual arrangements for Sodexo certification, is taking longer than originally expected. to inspect, maintain and replace kitchen units is not The MOD and Thales UK are working closely together held centrally, and could be provided only at to expedite the process. As the first large unmanned air disproportionate cost. system to fly in UK airspace, Watchkeeper is breaking Tankers new ground and it is essential that the process is thorough.

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Veterans Defence what recent estimate he has made of the final cost of the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Project’s order for four specialist tankers from Daewoo Defence what the average time taken by the (a) Royal Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering; and whether the Navy, (b) Army and (c) Royal Air Force was to verify current estimated cost of the project differs from the past service of individuals to charities assisting previous estimates. [134842] veterans in the latest period for which figures are available. [134807] Mr Dunne: The approved budget for the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) Tanker project, Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence does not which includes both the contract cost for the design and maintain statistics specifically in relation to requests for build of the four ships by Daewoo Shipbuilding and information received from charities assisting veterans. Marine Engineering (DSME) and the further customisation package is £596 million. Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for The value of the contract for the design and build of Defence what assessment his Department has made of the four ships is currently £458 million which represents likely changes in demand in the next 12 months for an increase of £6 million since the award of the contract services provided by armed forces charities which give on 9 March 2012 was announced. This increase in advice to Afghanistan veterans. [135066] contract value, which does not affect the overall project cost, is as a result of the addition of essential health and Mr Francois: We continue to greatly appreciate the safety as well as environmental features and operability work done by the service charities in support of both changes that will provide long-term efficiencies. our current and former armed forces personnel and The remaining approved budget for the project covers their families. We have made no formal assessment of additional activities required to bring the ships into the type described by the hon. Member, but we maintain service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. These activities a close dialogue with the voluntary and charitable sector include a customisation package of work, to take place on these matters. in the UK after the MARS tankers have been built, that will provide essential classified features required for Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for deployment and capability assessment trials. Defence (1) what support his Department provides to armed forces charities which give advice and Translation Services emergency financial support to Afghanistan veterans; [135067] Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) whether his Department plans to provide Defence what the average salary paid to UK translators additional support to armed forces charities which give and interpreters is. [134664] emergency financial aid to Afghanistan veterans. [135068] Mr Francois [holding answer 20 December 2012]: Translators and interpreters in the Ministry of Defence Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence works in are engaged as fee earners and paid on a fee paying partnership with a range of charities providing support to basis. The average daily rate is £352.78. serving and former members of the armed forces, including 51W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 52W

Afghanistan veterans. The extent of partnership working Grant funding allocation depends upon the individual charities involved. Financial year £ million 2010-11 13 Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011-12 7.5 Defence pursuant to the answer of 13 November 2012, 2012-13 6 Official Report, columns 172-3W, on veterans, when he expects Lord Ashcroft to report on how the Government can further support those leaving the The Department is currently in discussion with Booktrust armed forces. [135368] about the shape of the book gifting scheme they will deliver for the £6/6 million grant funding that they have Mr Francois: It is expected that Lord Ashcroft will been offered for 2013-15. produce an interim report to the Secretary of State for In addition in 2010-11 they received a grant of £150,000 Defence by the end of 2013, with more comprehensive for the Everybody Writes Project, which was paid from recommendations being made during 2014. the Standards in English budget. World War II: Military Decorations Care Proceedings: East of England Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer given to the hon. Member for York Central of 22 October 2012, Official Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Report, column 609W, on Arctic Convoy veterans, Education how many children have been the subject of when his Department plans to announce the outcome new care proceedings in (a) Suffolk, (b) Bedfordshire, of Sir John Holmes’ review on military medals, with (c) Cambridgeshire, (d) Essex, (e) Hertfordshire and [134527] regard to the Arctic Convoy veterans. (f) Norfolk in each of the last three years. [134838] Mr Francois [holding answer 20 December 2012]: The Prime Minister announced on 19 December 2012, Mr Timpson: Information on the number of children Official Report, column 841, that the Government has who have been the subject of new care proceedings is accepted the recommendation of Sir John Holmes’ not available. review that a medal should be awarded to veterans who saw active service on the Arctic Convoys. The Department does collect information on the number of looked after children who became subject to Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for a care order or placement order. The number of these Defence if he will ensure that the Arctic Convoy Star children for the local authorities, (a) Suffolk, (b) (i) medal and Bomber Command clasp can be claimed Bedford Borough, (b) (ii) Central Bedfordshire, (c) posthumously by next of kin. [135778] Cambridgeshire, (d) Essex, (e) Hertfordshire, and (f) Norfolk is shown in the following table. Information is Mr Francois: The eligibility criteria for the Arctic shown for the last three years. Convoy medal and Bomber Command clasp are currently Information on the number of children for whom an being drawn up. An announcement will be made as application has been made to the courts for either a care soon as this work is completed. order or placement order, but where the application has not been granted, is not available. Children who became subject to a placement order or a care order EDUCATION during the year ending 31 March, by local authority1. Years ending 31 March 2010 to 2012. Coverage: local authorities listed Bookstart Scheme Number Placement order2 Care order Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 Education what funding he plans to provide to the Bookstart programme in 2013-14. [122708] England 3,160 3,870 4,240 14,480 15,690 16,760

Elizabeth Truss: Grant funding for Booktrust has Bedford 10 10 10 30 40 65 been approved for the next two years (2013-14 and borough3 2014-15) with a grant of £6 million per annum to Central 0 4— 4—304060 provide a new book gifting programme including Bookstart. Bedfordshire3 Cambridgeshire 15 35 30 80 75 115 Booktrust Essex 75 85 75 275 300 315 Hertfordshire 35 50 55 210 235 245 Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Norfolk 45 65 65 . 120 155 205 Education how much in grants has been awarded to Suffolk 55 80 65 200 210 205 Book Trust by his Department since May 2010; over 1 England totals have been rounded to the nearest 10. Other numbers what period such funding has been allocated; and from have been rounded to the nearest five. what budgets. [133953] 2 Some looked after children who have become subject to a placement order will previously have been the subject of a care order. Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 17 December 2012]: 3 In 2009 Bedfordshire LA split into Bedford borough and Central Bedfordshire. The following table sets out the grant funding allocated 4 Figures not shown in order to protect confidentiality. to Booktrust by the Department for book gifting from Source: the families group programme funding budget. SSDA903 53W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 54W

Children in Care Number of maintained primary and secondary schools1, 2 where more than 3% of pupils are looked-after children3, 4, by local authority Year: 2012 John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Local authority Number of schools Education what steps his Department has taken to address barriers to Ofsted sharing information on the North Yorkshire 1 Primary names and locations of children’s homes with local Nottinghamshire 2 Primary police forces. [134323] Oldham 2 Primary Rochdale 1 Primary Mr Laws: We are currently consulting on proposals Salford 1 Primary to enable Ofsted to share its register of the names of Sefton 2 Primary addresses of children’s homes, on a monthly basis, with South Tyneside 1 Primary the police and the Office and the Children’s Commissioner. Staffordshire 2 Primary Ofsted is already able to share the information with Stockport 1 Primary local authorities. Surrey 1 Primary Tameside 1 Primary Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Warrington 1 Primary Education how many (a) primary, other than small West Sussex 1 Primary primary, and (b) secondary schools in each local Wirral 1 Primary authority had more than three per cent of pupils in 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. care in the latest period for which figures are available. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies. [135334] 3 Based on children looked-after continuously for at least six months at 31 March 2012, matched to their school census return for January Mr Timpson: For the year ending 31 March 2012, 2012. 4 Based on the child’s latest episode of care during the year ending there were 53 state-funded mainstream primary schools 31 March 2012. and two state-funded mainstream secondary schools with more than 3% of pupils looked-after. The table shows the local authorities where these Children: Abuse schools are located. Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for To answer the question fully, small primary schools Education pursuant to the answer of 7 November with fewer than 100 pupils on roll have been excluded 2012, Official Report, column 619W, on children: from the figures. abuse, if the survey to be conducted by Ofsted on Number of maintained primary and secondary schools1, 2 where more safeguarding in outstanding schools will include face to than 3% of pupils are looked-after children3, 4, by local authority face interviews with pupils in these schools. [135438] Year: 2012 Local authority Number of schools Mr Timpson: Ofsted has not yet determined the precise Birmingham 1 Primary methodology for this survey. We will be discussing with Blackburn with Darwin 1 Primary Ofsted how best to gather the views of pupils as part of Bolton 1 Primary this study. Buckinghamshire 1 Primary Calderdale 1 Primary Children: Disability Cheshire East 1 Primary Cheshire West & Chester 1 Primary Cornwall 1 Primary Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Coventry 1 Primary Education what arrangements he has made to ensure that each service listed in a local offer is sufficient to Darlington 1 Primary meet the needs of local disabled children and their Derbyshire 1 Primary families. [134338] Durham 1 Primary East Riding of Yorkshire 1 Primary Mr Timpson: The Government published draft legislative East Sussex 1 Primary provisions for special educational needs in September Essex 1 Primary 2012, including proposals for local authorities in England Gloucestershire 1 Primary to publish a local offer of services for children and Hertfordshire 1 Primary young people with special educational needs (SEN), Kent 5 Primary, 1 Secondary including those who are disabled. We anticipate that in Kingston Upon Hull 1 Primary many cases this would cover services that are accessed Kirklees 1 Primary by both disabled children and young people with and Knowsley 1 Primary without SEN. The local offer would enable families to Lancashire 2 Primary see readily what they can expect from mainstream services Leeds 1 Primary across education, health and social care; how to access Leicestershire 1 Primary more specialist support; how decisions are made including Liverpool 1 Primary eligibility criteria for accessing services, where appropriate; Luton 1 Secondary and how to complain or appeal. Medway Towns 3 Primary Local authorities would be required to involve local Milton Keynes 1 Primary children, young people and families in developing their Newcastle Upon Tyne 1 Primary local offer to take account of their needs and aspirations. 55W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 56W

Each service would be accountable for delivering what Children’s Centres is set out in the local offer and if families are unhappy with what they receive or what is available they would Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for be able to take this up with those services. Education what change there has been in the number of The draft special educational needs provisions are Sure Start children’s centres in each local authority being scrutinised by the Education Select Committee. area since May 2010. [128769] The Government will give careful consideration to the Committee’s report when framing the legislation for Elizabeth Truss: The following table shows the breakdown introduction to Parliament. of children’s centre numbers by local authority at April 2010 and at 13 November 2012. The table is based on information supplied by local authorities. Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent estimate he has made of the In April 2010 there were 3,631 children’s centres. On proportion of families with disabled children who 13 November 2012 the reduction of 401 since April cannot access local services; and if he will bring 2010, includes only 25 which were outright closures forward proposals to assist such families to access such (data as at 13 November 2012). The further 376 of the reduction in number has been as a result of reorganisations services. [134859] including the merging of two or more centres.

Mr Timpson: No such recent estimate has been made. Number of Initiatives by Government have aimed to increase the Number of designated access of disabled children and their families to services. designated children’s centres children’s centres at 13 November For example, during a period of Government support, Region Local authority at 30 April 2010 2012 the number of disabled children receiving short breaks rose from 57,383 in 2008-09 to 162,831 in 2010-11—an LON Barking and 18 12 increase of over 105,000 children. Between 2011-12 and Dagenham 2014-15 the Government is making available £800 million LON Barnet 20 13 to local authorities in un-ringfenced grants for short YH Barnsley 19 19 breaks services. SW Bath and North 11 11 East Somerset Under the Equality Act 2010 all providers of public EE Bedford 15 15 services must not discriminate against disabled people Borough when offering their services, such as in respect of the LON Bexley 16 16 terms the services are offered, and must also have due WM Birmingham 75 65 regard to eliminating discrimination, promoting equality NW Blackburn with 13 13 of opportunity and fostering good relations among Darwen protected groups such as disabled people. NW Blackpool 13 10 NW Bolton 18 18 SW Bournemouth 9 8 Children: Protection SE Bracknell Forest 8 4 YH Bradford 41 41 LON Brent 19 17 Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for SE Brighton and 15 15 Education what recent steps he has taken to improve Hove (a) child protection procedures in school and (b) SW Bristol, City of 31 31 co-operation between schools and local authority LON Bromley 18 10 childrens’ services; and when he intends to appoint a SE Buckinghamshire 35 35 lead officer on child protection in his Department. NW Bury 14 14 [134741] YH Calderdale 16 16 EE Cambridgeshire 40 40 Mr Timpson [holding answer 20 December 2012]: We LON Camden 17 15 plan shortly to consult on updated statutory guidance EE Central 22 9 for schools on safeguarding generally, “Safeguarding Bedfordshire Children and Safer Recruitment in Education”. As well NW Cheshire East 19 13 as giving advice on child protection arrangements, the NW Cheshire West 20 16 guidance recommends that all schools should work and Chester closely with local authorities and others as part of their LON City of London 1 1 local safeguarding children board (LSCB) inter-agency SW Cornwall 40 18 safeguarding procedures. We also consulted in the summer WM Coventry 23 17 on revising “Working Together to Safeguard Children” LON Croydon 26 20 statutory guidance which sets out clearly the child protection NW Cumbria 28 28 responsibilities of all agencies including schools, and we NE Darlington 7 5 will publish this shortly. Setting a strong policy on child EM Derby, City of 18 18 protection is a priority for this Department: we have EM Derbyshire 54 54 clear lines of accountability from lead officials working SW Devon 43 43 on child protection and safeguarding to the permanent YH Doncaster 21 21 secretary. In addition, we hope to appoint two chief SW Dorset 23 22 social workers early this year. 57W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 58W

Number of Number of Number of designated Number of designated designated children’s centres designated children’s centres children’s centres at 13 November children’s centres at 13 November Region Local authority at 30 April 2010 2012 Region Local authority at 30 April 2010 2012

WM Dudley 20 20 YH North Yorkshire 37 37 NE Durham 43 43 EM Northamptonshire 50 50 LON Ealing 28 27 NE Northumberland 20 20 YH East Riding of 20 20 EM Nottingham, 18 18 Yorkshire City of SE East Sussex 36 31 EM Nottinghamshire 58 58 LON Enfield 24 24 NW Oldham 16 16 EE Essex 85 85 SE Oxfordshire 45 43 NE Gateshead 15 10 EE Peterborough, 15 15 SW Gloucestershire 39 39 City of LON Greenwich 24 16 SW Plymouth, City 17 17 *** of LON Hackney 20 13 SW Poole 8 8 NW Halton 8 8 SE Portsmouth 16 16 LON Hammersmith 15 9 SE Reading 13 13 and Fulham LON Redbridge 22 17 SE Hampshire 81 54 NE Redcar and 12 7 LON Haringey 19 16 Cleveland LON Harrow 16 6 LON Richmond upon 10 7 Thames NE Hartlepool 8 4 NW Rochdale 16 16 LON Havering 14 13 YH Rotherham 22 22 WM Herefordshire 12 11 EM Rutland 2 2 EE Hertfordshire 82 82 NW Salford 16 8 LON Hillingdon 17 18 WM Sandwell 21 21 LON Hounslow 18 18 NW Sefton 15 11 SE Isle of Wight 8 8 YH Sheffield 36 36 SW Isles of Scilly 1 1 WM Shropshire 18 18 LON Islington 16 16 SE Slough 10 10 LON Kensington and 88 Chelsea WM Solihull 14 14 SE Kent 96 96 SW Somerset 41 41 YH Kingston upon 20 11 SW South 15 15 Hull, City of Gloucestershire LON Kingston upon 11 10 NE South Tyneside 12 7 Thames SE Southampton 14 14 YH Kirklees 32 32 EE Southend on Sea 14 11 NW Knowsley 15 13 LON Southwark 21 17 LON Lambeth 29 27 NW St Helens 12 8 NW Lancashire 79 79 WM Staffordshire 54 54 YH Leeds 58 57 NW Stockport 19 12 EM Leicester, City of 23 23 NE Stockton on Tees 11 12 EM Leicestershire 41 36 WM Stoke on Trent 16 16 LON Lewisham 19 19 EE Suffolk 48 48 EM Lincolnshire 48 21 NE Sunderland 17 5 NW Liverpool 26 17 SE Surrey 69 58 EE Luton 23 7 LON Sutton 14 14 NW Manchester 40 39 SW Swindon 14 14 SE Medway 19 19 NW Tameside 17 17 LON Merton 11 5 WM Telford and 13 13 NE Middlesbrough 13 9 Wrekin SE Milton Keynes 20 20 EE Thurrock 15 9 YH NE Lincolnshire 14 10 SW Torbay 7 3 LON Tower Hamlets 23 12 NE Newcastle upon 18 18 Tyne NW Trafford 16 16 LON Newham 20 20 YH Wakefield 23 23 EE Norfolk 54 53 WM Walsall 18 18 YH North 12 12 LON Waltham Forest 17 6 Lincolnshire LON Wandsworth 23 18 SW North Somerset 14 14 NW Warrington 12 12 NE North Tyneside 12 12 WM Warwickshire 39 39 59W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 60W

has been agreement to a different working arrangement, Number of Number of designated information is only held centrally where these impact designated children’s centres on payroll. children’s centres at 13 November Part-time working Region Local authority at 30 April 2010 2012 Information is available for the number of staff working SE West Berkshire 10 10 part-time for the last three financial years. SE West Sussex 49 45 LON Westminster, 15 3 Number of Total number % part-time City of part-time staff of staff staff NW Wigan 20 20 2009-10 426 2,691 15.8 SW Wiltshire 30 30 2010-11 408 2,585 15.8 SE Windsor and 10 3 Maidenhead 2011-12 412 2,784 14.8 NW Wirral 16 16 SE Wokingham 10 8 Homeworkers WM Wolverhampton 18 18 The majority of the Department’s staff who work WM Worcestershire 34 34 from home on a regular or irregular basis are managed YH York, City of 9 9 under flexible local arrangements which are not recorded Totals centrally. However, the Department has some staff whose Total No. of CCs 3,631 3,230 home is considered their normal place of work because Difference 401 their job involves them travelling around sites at a distance from departmental offices. A manual survey Citizenship: Education undertaken last year indicated that there are around 4% of staff in the Department who fall within this category. Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Compressed Hours Education what qualifications are required to teach The Department undertook a manual survey of staff citizenship in schools. [134693] to identify those working compressed hours as at summer 2012. This established that around 8% of staff work Mr Laws: To teach in a maintained school a person compressed hours. must hold qualified teacher status or qualified teacher learning and skills status, or the person must be an Curriculum instructor with special qualifications or experience, an employment-based trainee teacher or an overseas trained Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for teacher within four years of his or her first day of Education when he expects the timetable for the teaching in England. Teachers in academies must meet National Curriculum Review to be announced and the same requirements as in maintained schools if the published. [119700] academy’s funding agreement requires this. The Government does not require particular Elizabeth Truss: The timetable for the review of the qualifications to teach citizenship. Individual head teachers national curriculum was originally published on the are best placed to decide the basis on which to appoint Department’s website when we launched the review in and deploy teachers in the interest of the pupils in their January 2011. It set out that the review would be schools. conducted in two phases. Phase 1 would introduce new Programmes of Study for English, mathematics, science Conditions of Employment and physical education for first teaching from September 2013; and phase 2 would introduce any other subjects Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for that form part of the new national curriculum from Education what proportion of (1) officials in his September 2014. In December 2011, however, we Department have requested (a) part-time, (b) job- announced a change to this timetable which means that share or (c) other flexible working arrangements in we will now implement the new national curriculum for each of the last five years; and how many such requests all subjects from September 2014. were granted; [133655] (2) staff in his Department requested (a) part-time, Domestic Violence (b) job-share or (c) other flexible working arrangements in each of the last five years; and how Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for many such requests were granted. [134993] Education what steps his Department takes to identify, assess and address risks to women and children of Elizabeth Truss: The Department has a range of domestic violence as a result of private law Children flexible working arrangements which can be put in Act proceedings. [135310] place. Discussions and agreements to these arrangements are managed locally with line managers and are reviewed Mr Timpson: The Private Law Programme requires regularly to ensure that any agreement meets business courts to identify risks or allegations of abuse at an needs. Possible arrangements include working from home, early stage in residence and contact proceedings brought job share, part-time working and compressed hours. under the Children Act 1989 (‘the Act’), and if necessary No information is available on the number of requests hold a fact-finding hearing to determine the risk to made for different working arrangements. Where there parties before deciding how contact is to proceed. 61W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 62W

The Act requires courts to have the welfare of the same qualification in a number of subject areas, in all child as its paramount consideration when making decisions. cases within each cell below a pupil is counted only The Welfare Checklist in the Act specifies that courts once. must have regard to particular issues, including the Number of pupils at the end of key stage 4 with results discounted physical and emotional needs of the child, and any Year: 2010/11 (final), 2011/12 (provisional) harm which the child has suffered or is at risk of Coverage: England (all schools) suffering. Risk of harm to the child may relate directly Number of pupils with results to harm the child has experienced themselves or which discounted due to: he or she has witnessed; for example, domestic violence. Retaking at Taking at least Number of least one similar one different pupils at the end Additionally, CAFCASS officers have a duty to conduct qualification in qualification in of key stage 4 a risk assessment during private family law proceedings the same subject the same subject when they suspect that a child is at risk of harm. The area1 area2 results of that risk assessment are provided to the court 2010/11 286,836 133,082 627,093 so that it may make well-informed decisions. 2011/12 293,560 143,467 623,440 1 The similar qualification is defined here as being of the same level in the same Education: Assessments subject area (e.g. all GCSE geography). 2 Examples of ’different qualifications’ in the same subject may include GCSE mathematics and AS level mathematics. In this situation, this in all likelihood demonstrates good progression. It may also include pupils taking both GCSEs Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State and iGCSEs in the same subject. for Education what steps he plans to take to ensure that Note: pupils from Northern Ireland who sit GCSE The Performance Tables also now include ’exception discounting rules’ for linked qualifications in English, mathematics and the sciences e.g. to determine examinations through English and Welsh examination what counts when pupils have sat GCSEs in individual sciences but also boards will be catered for in any new examination obtained core and additional science GCSEs. We are not able to easily account arrangements introduced. [124292] for this within this analysis.

Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 22 October 2012]: Education: East of England Qualifications policy is a devolved matter and it is for each government to decide on the reforms it believes are Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for necessary to ensure that examinations at 16 are rigorous Education how many compensation claims have been and prepare young people to succeed in further and made against local education authorities in the East of higher education and the world of work. England in each of the last three years; and how much was paid to compensation claimants by local education In England, we seek to reverse the long-term decline authorities in the East of England in each of the last in standards by providing schools with new, high quality three years. [135029] qualifications—to be known as English Baccalaureate Certificates—that match the world’s best. Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does not hold this information. Local authorities in the East Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for of England will no doubt hold this information but the Education how many pupil results at key stage four Department for Education does not collate the information were discounted from schools results in (a) 2010-11 centrally. and (b) 2011-12. [132097] Education: Halton Elizabeth Truss: “Discounting” in the School Performance Tables is intended to ensure that, where a student has taken more than one qualification in the Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for same subject area, the Tables only give credit once for Education what the level of central Government teaching a single course of study by counting the best expenditure on education in Halton borough council result achieved. area has been in each financial year since 2009-10. [133926] At present, discounting may occur if: i. A student re-sits a qualification before the end of the key Mr Laws: Funding allocated by the Department for stage (perhaps with a different awarding organisation); Education for schools and academies in Halton borough ii. A student has obtained qualifications in the same subject council, for each year from 2009-10 to 2012-13, is but at different levels before the end of key stage 4 e.g. a GCSE shown in the following table: and an AS level; iii. The student has completed a single course of study, but is £ million then entered for two or more very similar qualifications e.g. a Financial year Revenue funding Capital funding GCSE and an iGCSE. Discounting ensures that only the best grade obtained is counted. 2009-10 96.36 11.45 Information in the following table shows the number 2010-11 101.03 5.38 of pupils re-taking the same qualification (i.e. a GCSE) 2011-12 103.15 32.68 and those taking a different qualification (e.g. an AS-level 2012-13 104.43 15.69 or GCSE in addition to an iGCSE) in the same subject area. Revenue funding includes funding through the Dedicated These figures should not be combined as a single Schools Grant and: pupil may retake the same qualification within one other specific grants up to 2010-11; subject area, but take multiple different qualifications Pupil Premium since 2011-12; and in another subject area. A pupil may also retake the School Sixth Form funding for maintained schools. 63W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 64W

The figures do not include sixth form funding paid GCSE direct to academies by the Education Funding Agency (previously the YoungPeople’s Learning Agency). Capital funding for 2012-13 is provisional at this point in the Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for financial year. Education what matters were taken into consideration when setting the floor target for the proportion of EU Law pupils achieving five or more A* to C GCSEs. [135003]

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: The floor standard represents the minimum Education which EU directives his Department acceptable level of achievement of which secondary transposed in (a) 2011 and (b) 2012 to date; which EU schools should be capable, and helps to identify those directives his Department expects to transpose in (i) schools where urgent action is required to bring about 2013 and (ii) the next two years; and what estimate he improvement. We have set a higher floor standard, has made of the cost of each such directive to the (A) which we will raise over time, but one that is fairer public purse and (B) private sector. [133691] because it includes expected standards of both attainment and progression. Elizabeth Truss: The Department has not transposed any EU directives in 2011 and 2012. I do not expect the Under the current standard, a secondary school will Department to transpose any EU directives in 2013 or fall below the floor if fewer than 40% of pupils achieve in the following two years. five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics, and fewer pupils make good progress Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for than the national average. The Secretary of State for Education which regulations his Department Education, the right hon. Member for Surrey Heath introduced as a result of EU legislation in (a) 2011 and (Michael Gove), has made clear that we aspire to raise (b) 2012 to date; which regulations his Department the standard to 50% by the end of this Parliament. It is expects to implement as a result of EU legislation in (i) unacceptable to have secondary schools where half of 2013 and (ii) the next two years; and what estimate he children are not secure in the basics by 16. has made of the cost of each such regulation to the (A) public purse and (B) private sector. [133692] Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many young people now aged 19 who Elizabeth Truss: The Department has not introduced were looked after at the age of 16 and who were not in any regulations as a result of EU legislation in 2011 and employment, education or training on 31 March 2011 2012. I do not expect the Department to implement any had achieved (a) five A* to C grades at GCSE, regulations as a result of EU legislation in 2013 or in including English and mathematics but excluding the following two years. equivalents, (b) A* to C in both GCSE English and Free Schools: Newham mathematics, (c) A* to C in English GCSE and (d) A* to C in GCSE mathematics. [135329] Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how much funding his Department has Mr Timpson: The information requested on the provided to Newham Free Academy; [119003] educational outcomes of young people now aged 19 (2) what information his Department holds on the years who were looked-after at the age of 16 and who number of applications Newham Free Academy has were not in employment, education or training on 31 received from prospective pupils; [119012] March 2011 can be provided only at disproportionate cost. (3) how many meetings have taken place between representatives of Newham Free Academy and his Information on outcomes for children looked-after Department; [119013] by local authorities in England, as at 31 March 2012, were published in a Statistical First Release on 12 December (4) how many of the prospective parents of the 2012: Newham Free Academy reside in the London borough of Newham; [119581] http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/ recentreleases/a00217266/outcomes-children-looked-after-las- (5) from which postcodes prospective parents england-march-2012 applied for their child or children to attend the The attainment of looked-after children1 at key stage Newham Free Academy. [119582] 4, on all the key indicators, has increased between 2011 Elizabeth Truss: Officials from the Department have and 2012, and there are encouraging signs that the gap had regular contact with representatives from Newham in attainment between looked-after children and non-looked Free Academy, as they do with all free school groups after children is beginning to narrow. whose application is approved. Details of the funding The Government is committed to improving educational provided to all free school proposals approved to open outcomes for looked-after children. In my letter of in 2012 will be published in 2013. 12 December to Directors of Children’s Services and London borough of Newham’s Pupil Services received Lead Members I announced our intention to work with a total of nine applications for a Year 7 place at Newham the National College and require all local authorities in Free Academy for September 2012. No information is England to appoint a Virtual School Head to champion held by the Department on the postcodes or residency the education of their looked-after children. of prospective parents for the school. The proposal has 1 Children looked-after continuously for 12 months in the year been withdrawn from the free school programme. ending 31 March. 65W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 66W

GCSE: Leeds pupils receive age-appropriate support through their physical, emotional and moral development. Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for The Guidance is being considered as part of an Education what proportion of pupils in state schools in internal review of personal, social, health and economic Leeds North West constituency achieved five GCSE education (PSHE). We have conducted a consultation passes, including mathematics and English, in each and are considering its conclusions. year since 2007. [133506] Herringham School Elizabeth Truss: The information requested is given in the following table: Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Numbers and percentages of pupils1,2,3 achieving five or more A*-C grades at GCSE and equivalent including mathematics and English GCSEs4,5 and five or Education when he expects Herringham School to more A*-G grades at GCSE and equivalent including mathematics and English convert to Academy status; and if he will make a 4,5 6 GCSEs in Leeds North West constituency . Years: 2006/07 to 2010/11 statement. [121238] Number Five or more A*-C Five or more A*- G of pupils grades at GCSE and grades at GCSE and at the end equivalent including equivalent including Elizabeth Truss: Herringham Primary School, Thurrock of key English and English and stage 4 mathematics GCSEs mathematics GCSEs received an Academy Order on 16 November 2011. No. % No. % Officials are working with the school and Thurrock achieving achieving achieving achieving borough council to achieve a conversion date set by the school. The school will be joining the Gateway Academy 2006/07 698 315 45.1 603 86.4 Trust, part of the Ormiston Academies Network. 2007/08 674 353 52.4 617 91.5 2008/09 661 313 47.4 590 89.3 2009/10 682 352 51.6 621 91.1 Immigration 2010/11 623 359 57.6 593 95.2 1Percentages are based on all pupils at end of key stage 4 in Leeds North West Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for parliamentary constituency. 2 Figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. Education if he will estimate the additional cost of the 3 Figures include all state-funded schools (including CTCs and academies). delivery of those public services for which his 4 From 2009/10 iGCSEs, accredited at time of publication, have been counted as Department is responsible arising from inward GCSE equivalents and also as English and mathematics GCSEs. 5 Including attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous academic migration since 1997. [134305] years. 6 Parliamentary constituency figures are based on the postcode of the school. Source: Mr Laws: Schools and providers of children’s services National Pupil Database (final data) do not monitor the migration status of children and young people and have never been required to do so. We GCSE: Wales cannot, therefore, estimate the additional cost to the Department for Education arising from inward migration. Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions he has had with Ministers Internet in the Welsh Government in respect of GCSEs in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [119569] Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 6 September 2012]: Education how much has been spent on (a) strategy Qualifications policy is a devolved matter. It is for each and planning, (b) design and build, (c) hosting and government to decide on the reforms it believes are infrastructure, (d) content provision and (e) testing necessary to ensure that examinations at 16 are rigorous and evaluation for his Department’s websites in each of and prepare young people to succeed in further and the last two years; and how much has been allocated higher education and the world of work. Education for each such category of expenditure in 2012-13. Ministers have not had discussions with Ministers in [132123] the Welsh Government about GCSEs in Wales. Officials of the Department for Education share information Mr Laws: The Department has spent a total of about qualifications policy developments with their £9,073,100 (including VAT) on the Department’s websites counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland. The in the past two years. A detailed breakdown is contained qualifications regulators for England, Wales and Northern in the following table: Ireland continue to discuss with their fellow regulators issues across the three countries. £ 2012-13 (Budget Health Education: Sex 2010-11 2011-12 allocation)

Strategy, planning, 935,774 1,080,543 1,400,000 Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for design and build Education when he plans to update the sexual Hosting and 1,926,276 2,214,820 1,925,625 relationship education guidance for personal, social infrastructure and health education lessons. [134813] Content provision 850,505 1,246,112 928,000 Testing and evaluation 152,320 666,750.00 110,520 Elizabeth Truss: The Secretary of State’s Guidance on Sex and Relationships Education already provides Total 3,864,875 5,208,225 4,364,145 schools with a sound set of principles to ensure that 67W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 68W

A total of £4,364,145 has been allocated to the website GCSE achievements1 in selected subjects of pupils at the end of key stage 4 in 2 in 2012-13. The content provision costs for 2012-13 schools, 2007/08 to 2011/12 , England include the sum of £350,000 which has been allocated Final 2011/123 to cover the cost of migrating content to the GOV.UK 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/113 (Provisional) platform. Percentage 76 78 77 79 79 of pupils Languages: GCSE achieving grades A* to C Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many and what proportion of students Chinese sitting GCSE examinations in (a) Hindi, (b) Arabic, Number of 2,044 2,312 2,435 2,377 2,262 (c) Portuguese, (d) Russian, (e) Punjabi, (f) pupils Mandarin and (g) Cantonese passed at A* to C level achieving in each of the last 10 years. [126218] grades A* to C Percentage 97 95 96 96 95 Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 1 November 2012]: of pupils The information requested for each of the last five years achieving grades A* is included in the following table. To provide this information to C for earlier years would incur a disproportionate cost. 1 For each subject only one attempt is counted—that which achieved the There are no entries for GCSE Hindi over this time highest grade. period; however, a Cambridge International Certificate 2 Includes attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous academic years. in Hindi was entered by 23 pupils who were at the end 3 Figures for 2010/11 and 2011/12 include pupils in alternative provision, of key stage 4 in 2011/12. We are not able to identify earlier years do not. GCSE Mandarin and Cantonese, therefore, GCSE Chinese has been given. Meetings GCSE achievements1 in selected subjects of pupils at the end of key stage 4 in schools, 2007/08 to 2011/122, England Final Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011/123 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/113 (Provisional) Education how many meetings have been conducted by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Arabic Education and Childcare since September 2012; how Number of 1,308 1,565 1,568 1,629 1,815 many such meetings have included hon. Members from pupils achieving (a) the Conservative and Liberal Democrat and (b) grades A* other parties; how many such meetings have included to C charities; and how many have included other types of Percentage 72 73 74 76 77 organisation. [133962] of pupils achieving grades A* to C Mr Timpson [holding answer 17 December 2012]: Since September 2012, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary Portuguese of State for Education and Childcare, my hon. Friend the Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), Number of 926 1,025 1,030 1,067 1,121 pupils has conducted 109 external meetings. There have been achieving 19 meetings which included hon. Members from the grades A* Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties and one to C meeting which included hon. Members from other parties. Percentage 85 85 86 85 89 of pupils Charities have been present at nine meetings and 78 achieving meetings have included other types of organisations. grades A* to C Official Cars Russian Number of 1,487 1,463 1,483 1,479 1,504 pupils achieving Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for grades A* Education how many (a) Ministerial Car Pool to C journeys and (b) Red Box movements he has Percentage 93 95 95 94 95 undertaken in the last 12 months. [114006] of pupils achieving grades A* to C Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 28 June 2012]: The Department for Education has one allocated ministerial Punjabi car. For other official journeys, Ministers use public transport or the Ministerial Car Pool Service. Number of 631 617 555 513 545 pupils The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. achieving grades A* Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), to C uses official cars for official business and to transport 69W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 70W classified papers in the Red Box in line with the Ministerial Physical Education Code. In the last 12 months (from June 2011 to the end of May 2012), he has used the Ministerial Car Pool for Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State 176 journeys and 78 Red Box deliveries. for Education what assessment he has made of the effect of the introduction of the English Baccalaureate Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for on the teaching of physical education in secondary Education which Ministers in his Department have schools. [134190] been allocated Government cars; and what the last dates were on which such cars were used by each Elizabeth Truss: A survey conducted recently by Ipsos Minister for (a) individual and (b) pool car use. Mori on behalf of the Department for Education found [133797] no evidence that the introduction of the English Baccalaureate has had an impact on the teaching of Elizabeth Truss: No Ministers have Government cars physical education (PE) in secondary schools. PE is a allocated to them individually; however one departmental compulsory part of the National Curriculum at all four pool car is contracted to the Department. Not all key stages and will remain compulsory following the journeys are logged therefore the latest dates the car was current review of the National Curriculum. Although used by each Minister is not known. pupils studying PE at key stage 4 do not have to take an examination in the subject, they do have to follow the full programme of study for PE for that key stage. Ofsted Primary Education: Admissions Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he received concerning Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Ofsted’s use of lay inspectors prior to the introduction Education what assessment his Department has made of the revised section 5 Inspection Framework in of the point at which any peak in numbers of September 2012; and what representations he has additional primary school forms of entry will occur in received since the introduction of the revised (a) Huddersfield, (b) Yorkshire and (c) England. framework. [135001] [133938]

Mr Laws: Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) Mr Laws: As part of the strategic management of has the specific responsibility to determine the qualifications their schools, we require local authorities to produce a and experience required of all inspectors who undertake forecast of the number of pupils, by year group, in their inspections on his behalf. Additionally, under the Education primary schools five years ahead and seven years ahead and Inspections Act 2006, HMCI is required to publish for secondary schools. The Department collects the a report on the qualifications, experience and standards pupil forecast information from each local authority required of additional inspectors undertaking inspections through an annual survey. The most recent data available on his behalf. The Department has not received any relate to forecasts produced in 2011 which are available formal representations on this matter. However, we at: have received a small amount of correspondence concerning http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/STR/d001050/ this matter prior to, and since, the introduction of the index.shtml revised ‘framework for school inspection’. HMCI has The published data show the forecasted number of ceased using former lay inspectors in the delivery of reception pupils over the next five years by local authority inspections under the revised framework. All inspectors and inform the point at which any peak in numbers of of schools are required to have appropriate teaching primary aged pupils will occur. qualifications. Primary Education: Yorkshire and the Humber Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the average number of pupils is at each Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for primary school in (a) Hull, (b) the East Riding of Education which groups he has met with to discuss Yorkshire, (c) North East Lincolnshire and (d) North relationship education in the latest period for which Lincolnshire. [134742] figures are available; and which groups he intends to meet for discussions on relationship education in the Mr Laws: The average number of pupils at each next 12 months. [134973] state-funded primary school by local authority can be derived from the tables published as part of the Statistical Elizabeth Truss: The Secretary of State for Education, First Release “Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath January 2012”. Specifically tables 7a which details the (Michael Gove), met my hon. Friends the Members for total number of state-funded primary schools by local Peterborough (Mr Jackson), Chelsea and Fulham (Greg authority and 7b which details the total number of Hands), Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) and Enfield, Southgate pupils at state-funded primary schools by local authority. (Mr Burrowes), to discuss sex and relationship education These data are available on the Department’s website: on 8 February 2011. The Secretary of State has no such http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001071/ meetings planned in the next 12 months. index.shtml 71W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 72W

The number of state-funded primary schools and the (2) what support his Department makes available for total number of pupils in each of the four local authorities severely-bullied children who are not attending school. specified are given in the following table with an average [134931] number per primary school derived from this data. Number of state-funded primary schools, pupils in state-funded Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does primary schools and average number of pupils per state-funded primary school, January 2012 not collect information on the number of children being home educated. This Government wants schools to Average number of take firm action against bullying and prevent it from Number of pupils per occurring in the first place. To help schools, this Government primary Headcount primary has strengthened teachers’ powers to tackle poor behaviour schools of pupils school and bullying through the Education Act 2011, and City of Kingston 71 21,844 308 updated our advice to schools on preventing and tackling Upon Hull bullying. East Riding of 125 24,980 200 Yorkshire The Department for Education does not provide North East 47 13,470 287 specific support to severely-bullied children who are not Lincolnshire attending school. Schools, and where appropriate local North 65 13,768 212 authorities and other agencies, are best placed to support Lincolnshire victims of bullying who cannot, or do not wish to, Note: attend school. In such circumstances the emphasis should Includes middle schools as deemed and all primary academies be on working with the pupil and parents to support a including free schools. Includes pupils who are sole or dual main successful reintegration to school. registrations. Source: School Census, January 2012

Psychometric Testing Pupils: East of England

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he has made an assessment of the Education how much his Department spent on each Values in Action profiling of character strength in school pupil in each local education authority area in developing positive character strength. [120085] the east of England in each of the last five years. [134839] Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 7 September 2012]: The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), Mr Laws: The available information on how much has made no assessment of the Values in Action profiling has been spent on each school pupil in each local of character strength. education authority in the east of England for the last five years has been placed in the House Libraries. The information for 2011-12 will be available in January Publications 2013 when it will be published as Official Statistics.

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answers of 5 July 2012, Official Report, columns 808-11W, on publications, Pupils: English Language how much his Department has spent on (a) circulars, (b) consultation documents and (c) publications since May 2010. [117914] Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many pupils there are for whom Elizabeth Truss: Consultations produced by the English is a second language in schools in (a) England Department incur no cost as they come from the and Wales, (b) Greater London and (c) Crawley e-consultation system. Production of consultation constituency. [134059] publications in hard copy has not been done for a few years as part of the Government’s cost saving exercise. Mr Laws: Information on pupils whose first language The Department’s total spend on publications since is known or believed to be other than English is shown May 2010 was £164,520.15. in the table. The Department’s finance system is unable to differentiate specific costs on how much was spent on circulars. The latest published information on first language is available in the ’Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics, January 2012’ Statistical First Release at: Pupils: Bullying http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001071/ index.shtml Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how many children in each local The Department does not collect information on authority area are receiving elective home education as pupils in Wales. This is a devolved matter for the Welsh a result of severe bullying; [134930] Assembly. 73W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 74W

State-funded primary1,2, state-funded secondary1,3, special schools4 and pupil referral units: number and percentage of pupils by first language5 January 2012, England, London and Crawley parliamentary constituency Pupils of compulsory school age and above5 % of pupils No of pupils whose first whose first language is No of pupils % of pupils language is known or whose first whose first known or believed to language is language is believed to be be other known or known or other than than believed to be believed to English English6 English be English6 Unclassified7 % unclassified6 Total

England 1,007,095 15.2 5,616,845 84.6 16,235 0.2 6,640,175 London 419,955 42.5 562,990 56.9 5,780 0.6 988,725 Crawley parliamentary 3,605 23.3 11,869 76.6 25 0.2 15,500 constituency 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 1 Includes all primary academies, including free schools. 3 Includes city technology colleges and all secondary academies, including free schools. 4 Includes maintained special schools, special academies and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. 5 Pupils of compulsory school age and above were classified by first language. Includes pupils who are sole or dual main registrations. In pupil referral units includes pupils registered with other providers and further education colleges. 6 The number of pupils by their first language expressed as a percentage of the number of pupils of compulsory school age and above. 7 Information was not sought or refused or pending classification. Note: National, regional and total figures have been rounded to the nearest 5. Source: School Census

Pupils: Per Capita Costs being revised and we intend to consult on it early in the new year. However, at the moment, there are no plans to Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for make return interviews statutory as this should be a Education how much funding each school received per matter for local authority discretion. pupil in the latest year for which figures are available. [135330] School Meals

Mr Laws: The Department published, on 13 December, Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for details of each maintained primary school’s income Education if he will introduce mandatory nutritional and spending data for 2011-12. The information forms food standards in all state schools. [134173] part of the 2012 Performance Tables data and it can be found at the following link: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/ Elizabeth Truss: Compulsory standards for all food download_data.html and drink provided by maintained schools during the school day have been fully in place since September Spend by pupil data can be accessed at the following 2009. link: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/download/ Free Schools and Academies set up from September School_spend_per_pupil_2011-2012-Grouped_data.zip 2010 are not required to comply with the standards. 2011-12 data for secondary schools will be published The Government wants all pupils to have the opportunity in January 2013. to select a healthy, balanced school lunch. The Secretary 2010-11 school spend data for primary, secondary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member schools and academies can be found at the following for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), has appointed Henry link: Dimbleby and John Vincent as independent reviewers to examine school food across the country, in order to http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/2011/ produce an action plan for schools. The reviewers will download_data.html present their findings in 2013. Runaway Children Schools: Equality Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take steps to make independent Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for return home interviews a statutory duty for every child Education what recent discussions he has had with who runs away from home and care. [134381] Ofsted on that body’s inspection of the implementation of the public sector equality duty in schools. [135449] Mr Timpson [holding answer 18 December 2012]: The need for return interviews is addressed in statutory Mr Laws: Discussions between Ofsted and the guidance on young people who run away and go missing Department on school inspection regularly focus on from home or care. The current guidance stresses the aspects of equality, such as narrowing gaps in achievement importance of them in providing a link to other services between different groups of pupils. Equalities principles and care planning but carrying them out is not a are embedded throughout the school inspection framework statutory requirement. The statutory guidance is currently and inspection handbook. Importantly, when inspecting 75W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 76W against the four core areas of achievement; teaching, Schools: Playing Fields behaviour and safety, and leadership, inspectors need to have due regard to the needs of the range of pupils, with Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State specific reference to disabled pupils and those with for Education pursuant to the answer of 5 December special education needs (SEN). 2012, Official Report, column 778W, on schools: playing fields, on how many occasions Government Schools: Inspections decisions to (a) approve or (b) reject applications to dispose of school playing fields have matched the Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for relevant recommendation made by the Schools Playing Education to which primary and secondary schools he Fields Advisory Panel in each year since 2001. [134568] has written to congratulate them on achieving a grade of outstanding in Ofsted inspections since May 2010. Mr Laws: The Secretary of State for Education, the [113628] right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), weighs up all factors when deciding whether or not to Mr Laws: A revised Ofsted framework for school grant consent to any disposal of school playing field inspection was introduced from September this year land by a local authority or school, including the and the Secretary of State for Education, the right hon. recommendations of the School Playing Field Advisory Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), will be Panel. Disposal is only approved where the sports and writing to all schools that are judged outstanding under curriculum facilities remain sufficient or will be improved, these new arrangements. and where proceeds of sale are earmarked to improve sports or education facilities. Schools: Measurement Government decisions to reject or approve applications to dispose of school playing fields have matched the relevant recommendation made by the School Playing Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Fields Advisory Panel on all except eight occasions Education what plans he has to improve and extend since 2001: teaching of imperial measurements in schools to ensure an understanding of their use on roads and amongst In 2003 one case was approved where the panel recommended rejection. the public. [120084] In 2007 one case was approved where the panel recommended rejection. Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 7 September 2012]: As part of the review of the National Curriculum, we In 2008 one case was approved where the panel recommended rejection. propose to include imperial units within the new Programmes of Study for mathematics. We have undertaken In 2011 two cases were approved where the panel recommended an informal consultation on the draft primary mathematics rejection. curriculum which was published in June, alongside English In 2012 three cases were approved where the panel recommended and science. The draft goes further than the current rejection. National Curriculum in terms of what pupils are expected to learn in relation to imperial units, including explicit Schools: Standards reference to miles. We are currently considering feedback on these proposals and the Government will publish a Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for revised draft for full public consultation in early 2013. Education if he will reform school league tables to The consultation will also include proposed changes to reflect the prior level of attainment of pupils when they the secondary curriculum. first entered secondary school. [135005]

Schools: Mental Health Mr Laws: The 2011 School Performance Tables, published in January 2012, provided information on the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for attainment of pupils on entry to secondary school, Education whether he has assessed the teaching of compared with local authority area and national averages. mindfulness in (a) infant, (b) junior and (c) Performance measures showing the attainment and progress secondary schools. [120090] of pupils were also broken down to show the respective performance of pupils in each of the ″low″, ″middle″ ″ ″ Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 7 September 2012]: and high prior attainment groups. These included The Department for Education has not conducted a new value added measures. systematic review or assessment of the teaching of mindfulness in infant, primary or secondary schools. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department has conducted a review of Personal, Education what recent assessment he has made of the Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education, which valued added measure in school league tables. [135131] includes the teaching of issues such as emotional well-being and social skills. The review identified a core body of Mr Laws: New school-level value added (VA)measures knowledge that pupils need and identified ways to improve were introduced to the 2011 Performance Tables, showing the quality of teaching. The PSHE review considered the progress made by pupils between the ends of Key information from a variety of sources: submissions of Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 for primary schools, and evidence and good practice, and an in-depth evaluation between the ends of Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 for of existing research evidence on PSHE education and secondary schools. No assessment has been made of its teaching. these measures since their introduction. 77W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 78W

We will shortly launch a consultation on further Mr Timpson: We are funding 20 pathfinders, made up reforms to secondary school accountability. The of 31 local authorities and their health partners, to test consultation will ask how we can ensure that the the Green Paper reforms for disabled children and performance tables recognise schools that support all young people and those with special educational needs. their students to achieve their best, and how we can Each pathfinder is involving a broad range of partners. minimise the perverse incentives in the accountability In the majority of cases this includes one or more local system. further education college, sixth-form college or independent specialist provider in the pathfinder area. 12 of the 20 Science: Finance pathfinders are focusing specifically on preparation for adulthood, and are focusing closely on working with Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for post-16 providers. Education how much funding was provided by his The evidence from the pathfinders themselves, our Department to the (a) British Science Association, (b) support partner Mott Macdonald, the Preparing for Life Science Centre, (c) Science Technology, Adulthood delivery partner and from the independent Engineering and Mathematics Network and (d) UK evaluation is that the pathfinders are engaging well with Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering FE colleges and other post-16 providers, particularly and Technology in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) where the pathfinder has a strong preparing for adulthood 2012-13 to date; and if he will make a statement. focus. [133157] We are committed to building on this engagement. Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education funded We have recently written to pathfinders to say that the Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics specific grant conditions for next year’s pathfinder funding Network (STEMNET) £1,974,150 in 2010-11, £1,500,000 are likely to include a requirement to demonstrate how in 2011-12 and £250,000 in 2012-13. The Department they are working with post-16 providers and ensuring funded the British Science Association £250,000 in each sufficient coverage in the programme of post-16 learners. of these years, and funded the Life Science Centre £48,756 in 2010-11 only.The Department has not provided Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for any funding to the UK Resource Centre for Women in Education how much funding will be transferred from Science, Engineering and Technology in any of these the Education Funding Agency to each local authority years. to enable them to take responsibility for the education The funding for STEMNET supports the STEM of 16 to 25 year olds with a special educational need or Clubs Programme which provides pupils with opportunities disability in each of the next three years. [134039] to be inspired by exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects beyond the formal curriculum. The funding also supported STEMNET’s Mr Laws: In August 2012 the Education Funding work with LOCOG to deliver nine themed STEM Agency wrote to local authorities advising them of their challenges linked to the 2012 Olympics. The funding for indicative budgets for the 2013-14 financial year, as a the British Science Association is to expand their CREST basis on which to plan. The total indicative budget to Awards Scheme which gives pupils nationally recognised transfer was £175 million. accredited awards for challenging science projects. The The financial year 2013-14 is transitional because Life Science Centre funding was used to provide practical some relevant costs falling in the 2012/13 academic year courses for secondary school pupils. will be met from other budgets and are not therefore included in this transfer. The final budgets have yet to Special Educational Needs be calculated and will be issued to local authorities by the end of December 2012. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department spent on special Local authorities already commission placements for educational needs in the financial years (a) 2011-12 these students. There is no additional transfer specifically and (b) 2012-13; and how much he expects it to spend to fund local authority administration, but the rules in each financial year to 2015-16. [125512] governing the use of the Dedicated Schools Grant allow it to be spent on associated administrative costs and Mr Timpson: It is for local authorities to determine, overheads. how they spend their funds locally. During the 2011-12 Budgets beyond 2013-14 have not yet been agreed. financial year local authorities in England reported in their section 251 budget statements net planned expenditure of £5,645,585,000. In 2012-13 financial years, the net Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for planned expenditure was £5,623,111,000. Education what proportion of additional learning support funds are being spent on supporting individual The information for the next three financial years is disabled students to participate on accredited not due to be collected until the start of each financial mainstream courses. [134394] year.

Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws [holding answer 18 December 2012]: During Education how many (a) further education colleges the academic year 2011/12 the Education Funding Agency and (b) sixth form colleges have been involved in each provided £253 million to fund additional learning support. of the Pathfinders established to test proposals to Of this £202 million supported courses for people with reform provision for children and young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This is 80% of special educational needs or disabilities. [134038] the funding provided. 79W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 80W

All EFA funded students in further education are university or college. DSAs are non means-tested, non- required to take accredited qualifications, unless they repayable grants awarded in addition to the standard are unable to benefit from such a qualification. Therefore, package of student support. almost all students are taking at least one accredited The forthcoming SEN reforms will improve the support qualification as part of their overall programme. A available to young people in further education by more precise figure for learners with learning difficulties introducing a single, birth to 25 integrated assessment and disabilities on accredited qualifications is not currently process and Education, Health and Care Plan. The plan available but will be provided in a follow up letter once will replace statements and LDAs and will be tailored the necessary analysis to ascertain this has been completed. to the individual’s needs and aspirations, delivering, for the first time, a continuous package of individual support, Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for rights and protections throughout school and further Education what proportion of additional learning education for children and young people with SEN. support funds are spent on providing or subsidising courses for people with learning difficulties and Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for disabilities. [134395] Education what (a) funding and (b) personnel his Department has allocated to developing the local offer Mr Laws: During the academic year 2011/12 the element of the Government’s planned Children and Education Funding Agency provided £253 million to Families Bill; and if he will make a statement. [135010] fund additional learning support. Of this £202 million supported courses for people with learning difficulties Mr Timpson: The Department is funding 31 local and/or disabilities. This is 80% of the funding provided. authorities and their local health partners to test the Government’s special educational needs reforms. The development of the draft provisions on the local offer Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for were directly informed by the local pathfinders. Support Education if he will bring forward legislative proposals for the pathfinders has been extended until September to ensure disabled learners who are at college receive a 2014 to make sure that the effective practice they develop direct payment in lieu of education support from will continue to influence the forthcoming legislation college. [134396] on special educational needs at every stage, including the regulations and the statutory guidance in the Special Matthew Hancock [holding answer 18 December 2012]: Educational Needs Code of Practice. The forthcoming SEN reforms propose that parents of The local offer is designed to set out clearly what children or young people with special educational needs, services are available to support children and young will have an entitlement to a personal budget where people with special educational needs and their families. they have an Education, Health and Care plan. This It will reflect the services that are available from within will apply to special educational support provision in existing local resources. Clearer local information on schools or colleges and may, where appropriate, include the support that is available for families from mainstream direct payments. This will offer families and young services could help reduce the need for parents to invest people increased choice and control. time and energy in searching for basic information, and in seeking assessments and making appeals to tribunal Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for in order to get the right support, as well as saving local Education for what reasons children with special authorities and local services the expense of this process. educational needs statements at university have an Staff entitlement to an individual support package whilst those who attend college do not. [134397] Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many members of staff in his Mr Timpson [holding answer 18 December 2012]: Department are currently employed in the office of the Young people aged 16 to 24 who had a statement of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education special educational needs (SEN) at school continue to and Childcare; and what the annual cost is of such receive individual support when they access further staff. [133963] education at a college. Local authorities have a duty to arrange a learning difficulty assessment (LDA) which Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 17 December 2012]: sets out the provision and support young people need. There are currently five members of staff employed in This support is delivered through colleges’ Additional the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State’s office for Learning Support (ALS) funding or, for those with Education and Childcare at a total annual salary cost of complex needs in specialist placements, from the Education £162,708. Funding Agency’s specialist placement budget. From 2013, we are introducing new funding arrangements for Standards 16 to 24-year-olds with high needs, giving local authorities greater responsibility and flexibility to commission packages Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for of education and support for those with SEN in further Education what arrangements he has made to ensure education. that each service listed in a local offer is of good Students studying on a higher education course who quality. [134337] have a disability (including a long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty Mr Timpson: The Government published draft legislative such as dyslexia) can apply for a disabled students provisions for special educational needs in September allowance (DSA) regardless of whether they are at 2012, including proposals for local authorities in England 81W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 82W to publish a local offer of services for children and Performance against standard young people with special educational needs (SEN), Met parliamentary Percentage including those who are disabled. The local offer would deadline Received receiving set out what families can expect from local services Due for (set by a holding a holding across education, health and social care. Local authorities answer Answered MP) reply reply would be required to involve local children, young 2011 people and families in developing their local offer to take account of their needs and aspirations. Each service November 97 76 13 84 86.60 would be accountable for delivering what is set out in December 69 46 10 59 85.51 the local offer and if families are unhappy with what they receive or what is available they would be able to 2012 take this up with those services. The local offer would January 66 59 23 43 65.15 give details of how to complain about provision and February 51 39 19 32 62.75 about rights of appeal. March 73 54 16 57 78.08 The draft special educational needs provisions are April 53 53 20 33 62.26 being scrutinised by the Education Select Committee. May 57 45 15 42 73.68 The Government will give careful consideration to the June 75 43 4 71 94.67 Committee’s report when framing the legislation for July 51 38 10 41 80.39 introduction to Parliament. August 0 0 0 0 Recess September 48 16 3 45 93.75 October 76 54 17 59 77.63 Teachers: Training November 81 56 6 75 92.59

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government has committed to providing the Education which (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) Procedure Committee with information relating to written special schools have been designated as teaching parliamentary question performance on a sessional basis schools. [135339] and will provide full information to the Committee at the end of the current Session. Statistics relating to Mr Laws: To date 217 teaching schools have been performance for the 2010-12 parliamentary Session are designated and an up to date list of the designated available on the Parliament website as follows: primary, secondary and special teaching schools is published http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/ on the National college website at the following address: procedure/ P35_Memorandum_Leader_of_the_House_Monitoring_PQs.pdf http://www.education.gov.uk/nationalcollege/ docinfo?id=154985&filename=teaching-schools- designations.pdf Written Questions: Government Responses

Teaching Methods Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) when he plans to answer question 128313, on early intervention funding, tabled on 8 Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for November 2012 for answer on 12 November 2012; Education with reference to the answer of 12 March 2012 in the last session of Parliament, Official Report, [135063] column 43W, on teaching methods, what (2) when he plans to answer question 128314, on the representations his Department has received on the teenage pregnancy strategy, tabled on 8 November effectiveness of the Good Behaviour Game as a 2012 for answer on 12 November 2012. [135064] lifeskills programme; and if he will commission a review of the effectiveness of the programme within the Elizabeth Truss: Responses were issued to my hon. English curriculum. [134972] Friend’s questions as follows: PQ 135063: will be answered shortly. Elizabeth Truss: The Department has not received PQ 135064: 20 December 2012, Official Report, column 897W. any representations in respect of the effectiveness of the Good Behaviour Game as a lifeskills programme. The Young People: Databases Government has no plans to commission a review of the effectiveness of this programme. John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Written Questions Education when he plans to publish further guidance for local authorities on raising the participation age. [135772] Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education to how many and what proportion of Mr Laws: We intend to publish brief statutory guidance questions for written answer on a named day his for local authorities with regard to their duties under Department had not provided a substantive written the Raising the Participation Age (RPA) legislation answer by the day named in each of the last 12 months. (Part 1 of the Education Act 2008) early in 2013. Our [133552] intention is that this will reaffirm the policy and legislative position set out in our response to the consultation on Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 13 December 2012]: RPA regulations published in July 20121. We expect all The data requested are set out in the following table: local authorities to already be engaged in planning for 83W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 84W how they will deliver RPA locally, building on their Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for existing duties in relation to post-16 participation in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will education or training. consider banning live animal exports from the UK due 1 Available at to the potential for harm to animals for export. http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/ [134966] youngpeople/participation/rpa/a00210946/consultation-response Mr Heath: This Government has made clear that it would prefer to see animals slaughtered as close as possible to their point of production and a trade in ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS meat or germplasm rather than a trade in live animals. However, export of farm animals for slaughter is a Animals: Exports lawful trade. If the legal requirements laid down in the EU welfare in transport legislation are observed there is a satisfactory level of protection of the animals being Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State transported. The Animal Health and Veterinary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to Laboratories Agency make sure that their enforcement the answer of 12 December 2012, Official Report, of that legislation is as rigorous and robust as possible. column 336W, on animals: exports, if he will publish a list of all control posts in the UK. [134705] Chemicals: EU Law Mr Heath: The list of control posts in the UK is available on the European Union website. These details change frequently and there may be a slight time delay Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for in updating the website. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/welfare/transport/docs/ safeguards he plans to put in place to ensure that the council_regulation_1255_97.pdf European REACH Regulations do not prevent companies from continuing to use chromium trioxide Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for in manufacturing operations where exposures are well Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many live controlled and near to background levels; [131770] animals and carcasses were transported in each of the (2) what representations he has made to the REACH last three years and through which ports; and if he will Committee of the European Commission on make a statement. [134826] exemptions to allow continued use by UK companies of chromium trioxide and its derivatives where there is Mr Heath: The figures set out in the following table no viable alternative. [131771] have been taken from the EU Commission TRACES Data Warehouse for the number of animals exported to EU member states, which is where the vast majority of Mr Heath: Chromium trioxide is a substance with live animals are exported to. The figures include export carcinogenic and mutagenic hazard properties. On of live animals through both ports and airports. 21 November, the REACH Committee voted to add chromium trioxide and its derivatives, including chromic Figures for live animal exports outside the EU are acid, to Annex XIV of the EU Regulation on the not available. The Animal Health and Veterinary Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) only records the quantity of Chemicals (REACH). This means that after a sunset of export health certificates, which cover consignments date industry will need an authorisation to continue with various numbers of animals, per consignment. using them. In the case of chromium trioxide and its Therefore, the quantity of export health certificates derivatives the sunset date will be 53 months after the issued does not correspond to the total number of Commission Regulation comes into force. animals exported. When a chemical is added to Annex XIV particular Carcases are not exported whole, but only as meat uses can be exempted from the general listing and this cuts. Due to the free trade between member states, such exempts those uses from needing to seek an authorisation. exports are based on commercial documents which are However, the grounds for an exemption from the not issued by the AHVLA and therefore, no figures are authorisation procedure are tightly drawn and do not available. include the absence of viable alternatives as a reason for

1 exemption. Instead the evidence on alternatives is intended 2010 2011 2012 to be tested at a later stage as part of the process of Cattle 22,112 49,308 41,251 granting authorisations. The authorisation process does Pigs 22,240 15,911 8,100 not assume that substances are to be banned; authorisations Sheep and 396,280 527,752 421,969 are granted for specific uses where industry can demonstrate Goats that there are no suitable alternatives and that the Horses2 7,511 7,436 7,422 socio-economic benefits of continued use outweigh the risk to human health or the environment. In an application for authorisation industry should provide clear evidence Total 448,143 600,407 478,742 that exposures are well controlled as part of the case to 1 Figures for 2012 are up to 13 December 2012. 2 Figures for horses do not include horses being transported to demonstrate a low level of risk. At the same time the France or the Republic of Ireland, as under the tripartite agreement focus on alternatives also encourages industry to develop there is no requirement for an export health certificate to be issued. and adopt innovative and safer technologies. 85W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 86W

Dogs That is why we are working nationally and internationally to promote open global markets and boost trade, which Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State help keep food prices at levels that all households in the for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what UK find affordable. assessment he has made of the consequences for his Department’s policies of the case of R (Sandhu) vs. Gangmasters Licensing Authority Isleworth Crown Court. [134763] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Heath: We are looking at the implications of the for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the case of R (Sandhu) v. Isleworth Crown court as part of annual operating budget of the Gangmasters Licensing our considerations of an announcement of a way forward Authority was in each of the last five years; and what on proposals to tackle irresponsible ownership of dogs. the annual change in that budget was in (a) real and (b) percentage terms. [134774] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what Mr Heath: The information requested is provided in plans he has to consolidate legislation in respect of dog the following table. control; [134781] (2) if he will bring forward legislative proposals in Change in value respect of attacks by dogs on animals protected by Total budget of budget Percentage Section 2 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006; [134783] (£000) (£000) change (3) for what reason he will not introduce dog control 2008-09 3,409 183 5.7 notices to prevent dog attacks and promote responsible 2009-10 4,698 1,289 37.8 dog ownership; [134785] 2010-11 4,638 -60 -1.3 (4) if he will bring forward legislative proposals to 2011-12 4,279 -359 -7.7 make a dog attack on private property a criminal 2012-13 4,015 -264 -6.2 offence. [134787]

Mr Heath: We are finalising the analysis of the responses Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State to the consultation on our package of proposals for for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what tackling irresponsible dog ownership and will make an proportion of the annual operating budget of the announcement on a way forward in the new year. Gangmasters Licensing Authority it received from the Department for Communities and Local Government Farms: Floods in each of the last five years. [134775]

Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Heath: The information requested is shown in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will amend following table: the criteria for flood defence spending to ensure that flooding of farmland qualifies for flood defence Percentage of total funding received from DCLG spending; and if he will make a statement. [134867] 2007-08 0 Richard Benyon: Protecting farmland against flooding 2008-09 0 already qualifies for funding support through DEFRA 2009-10 0.3 flood defence grant in aid as does the protection of 2010-11 11.8 other businesses and economic assets. DEFRA’s policy 2011-12 0 statement on the appraisal of flood and erosion risk management underlines the need to value the damages that can occur to agricultural land as a result of flooding Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State and this forms part of the case for flood defence schemes. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what The 59 DEFRA-funded capital projects which completed proportion of the annual operating budget of the during 2011-12 provided an improved standard of flood Gangmasters Licensing Authority was provided by his protection to more than 74,000 hectares of farm land. Department in each of the last five years; and from which other sources any other funding was received. Food: Poverty [134776]

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Heath: The information is as follows: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the contribution of (a) food banks and £000 (b) other charities in tackling food poverty. [133943] DARD Percentage Total DEFRA DCLG NI DEFRA Mr Heath: There are no official figures for the number funding funding funding funding funding of charities providing food aid, including food banks, 2007-08 3,226 3,159 — 67 98 or the number of people using them. Therefore the 2008-09 3,409 3,309 — 100 97 Government has made no assessment of its contribution 2009-10 4,698 4,583 15 100 98 to assisting people in need. But the Government recognises 2010-11 4,638 3,991 547 100 86 that rising food prices mean, for many, a greater proportion 2011-12 4,279 4,179 — 100 98 of household income is being spent on food. 87W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 88W

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna the rise for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what in the number of Catholic religious icons made from proportion of its annual budget the Gangmasters ivory in the South East Asia region. [134577] Licensing Authority spent on enforcement officers in each of the last five years; and what proportion of its Richard Benyon: This Government made a coalition budget it plans to spend on such officers in each of the commitment to press for a ban on ivory sales and we next three years; [134777] remain focused on ensuring that the existing global (2) what proportion of the funds received from his ivory ban stays firmly in place. In addition to the Department the Gangmasters Licensing Authority general trade prohibition, strict trade controls exist in spent on enforcement officers in each of the last five relation to international trade in ivory products, including years; and what proportion of such funds it plans to religious icons, which allow limited trade, for example spend on such officers in each of the next three years. in worked antique ivory. The UK supports full compliance [134778] with these controls. Domestic production of, and trade in, ivory products is however a matter for the countries Mr Heath: The information is as follows: concerned and is governed by their own national legislation. If there is evidence of illegal trade in ivory religious £000 icons made in South East Asia, we would encourage the Enforcement Percentage relevant parties to the Convention on International officer Total DEFRA Percentage of Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to take the necessary costs funding funding of total DEFRA action to tackle this. 2007-08 642 3,226 3,159 20 20 Although not specifically focused on religious icons 2008-09 1,335 3,409 3,309 39 40 made from ivory, international trade in ivory will be 2009-10 1,953 4,698 4,583 42 43 discussed at the 16th Conference of Parties to CITES in 2010-11 2,729 4,638 3,991 59 68 March 2013. While we have not yet adopted a final 2011-12 2,418 4,279 4,179 57 58 position, we will support trade and enforcement controls 2012-13 1,852 4,115 4,015 45 46 which will reduce elephant poaching and illegal trafficking (forecast) of ivory. 2013-14 1,982 4,180 4,080 47 49 (budget) 2014- 2,012 4,035 3,935 50 51 Members: Correspondence 15(budget) Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he intends for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what to answer the letter to him dated 9 November 2012 proportion of the funds received from the Department from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton of Communities and Local Government the with regard to Ms Evelyn Wooley. [135765] Gangmasters Licensing Authority spent on enforcement officers in each of the last five years; and Mr Heath: I replied to the right hon. Member’s letter what proportion of such funds it plans to spend on on 19 December 2012. such officers in each of the next three years. [134779] Office for Unconventional Gas and Oil Mr Heath: Funding was received from the Department of Communities and Local Government 2009-10 (£15,000) and 2010-11 (£547,000 ) and was discontinued thereafter. Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for 100% of all funds received were spent on enforcement Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what powers officers and their associated costs. the Office for Unconventional Gas and Oil will have; [134690] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State (2) what estimate he has made of the cost to the for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what public purse of establishing the Office for enforcement action the Gangmasters Licensing Unconventional Gas and Oil. [134691] Authority can take in respect of unlicensed gangmasters. [134780] Mr Hayes: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Mr Heath: Under section 12 of the Gangmasters The new Office of Unconventional Gas and Oil is (Licensing) Act 2004 it is a criminal offence to operate being set up in DECC and will join up responsibilities as a gangmaster without a license. The Gangmasters across Government and provide a single point of contact Licensing Authority may prosecute an unlicensed for investors and ensure a streamlined regulatory process. gangmaster and a person found guilty is liable to The remit of the office has not yet been fully determined imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or to a and no estimate has yet been made regarding the cost of fine, or to both. establishing the office.

Ivory: South East Asia Poultry: Animal Welfare

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will discuss Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what with the Convention on International Trade in consideration he has given to the implementation of a 89W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 90W production method labelling scheme for foods with egg six weeks and closed on 24 October 2012. A copy of the as an ingredient to allow consumers to support efforts consultation can be found on the DEFRA website: to improve hen welfare in countries outside the EU. www.defra.gov.uk/consult [134841] We are currently reviewing the responses received. The Government aims to publish its response to Mr Heath: The ability for consumers to make informed consultations within 12 weeks of the consultation closing. choices about the food products they buy is important When finalised, the response will be published on the to the Government. This has to be balanced against the DEFRA website and will confirm whether the Government realities of production cost and consumer support. intends to change its current approach, which is not to The Government supports accurate voluntary labelling. require installation of CCTV in slaughterhouses. The significant swing in recent years to free range egg and chicken production is a good example of how the Smoke and Chimney Gases voluntary approach can be successful. There is no legal requirement for broiler or laying hens to be reared as Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of ’free range’, yet producers recognise the added value to State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what be gained from doing so and being able to label their steps he is taking to ensure that coal and wood burning products accordingly. appliances do not emit any more smoke or grit The Government will continue to work with animal including condensable species than permitted within a welfare organisations, the food industry and consumer smoke exemption zone by reference to PD6434; and if groups to ensure the right balance between demand for he will make a statement. [135375] additional labelling, and additional costs to producers. Richard Benyon: Local authorities are responsible for Schmallenberg Virus the designation and supervision of smoke control areas. Only coal and wood-burning appliances exempted under Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Section 21 of the Clean Air Act 1993 can be used in a for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he smoke control area. Local authorities provide the regulatory plans to make the Schmallenberg virus a notifiable function, which includes monitoring of smoke emissions and ensuring that coal and wood-burning appliances disease; and if he will make a statement. [134941] installed in smoke control areas are exempted appliances. Mr Heath: In considering if a disease should be made DEFRA currently manages the exemption process for notifiable, there needs to be a clear benefit to disease appliances and fuels. The requirements for exemption, control in the placing of additional burden on farmers including reference to the BS PD 6434 test procedure, and government. In terms of control measures, there is are provided on DEFRA’s smoke control website. currently no vaccine available and preventing vector Turtles: Cayman Islands spread is very difficult and therefore not a realistic control measure. The onus would lie with the farmer to report suspicion of disease and then for government to Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for intervene. The impact of Schmallenberg virus has to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions date been shown to be low, with farms infected showing he intends to have with representatives of the 2-5% of malformed lambs or calves affected and, as Government of the Cayman Islands on the welfare of such, there is no rationale for intervening, although we sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Farm; and if he will are maintaining surveillance. This is a disease with few make a statement. [135093] defined clinical signs in adult animals, making detection difficult. By the time clinical signs are seen in offspring, Richard Benyon: This Department currently has no it is too late to control. It is also possible that notifying plans to discuss the welfare of turtles at the Cayman presence of disease on a farm may complicate trade, Turtle Farm with the Cayman Islands Government. both with the UK, the EU and for third country partners. This is a matter for the Cayman Islands Government. I understand that an independent assessment of animal We therefore consider that making Schmallenberg husbandry practices at the farm is under way and that a virus notifiable would be over burdensome and not report will be issued shortly, which I welcome. proportionate to the disease impact. The decision was taken in full consultation with industry and the European Waste and Resources Action Programme Commission. Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Slaughterhouses: Closed Circuit Television Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) declarations of interest and (b) declarations of Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for hospitality have been for each of the board members Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will take and directors of the Waste and Resources Action steps to require all licensed slaughterhouses to install Programme for the last three years; and if he will place CCTV; and if he will make a statement. [134824] a copy of such documents in the Library. [134506]

Mr Heath: We have recently consulted on the role Richard Benyon: The Waste and Resources Action CCTV can play in relation to monitoring welfare of Programme (WRAP) is a private sector company grant- animals at slaughter, as part of work to implement EU funded by DEFRA and the devolved Administrations regulation 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Although it is killing. This included consideration of whether CCTV not a listed company and is not required to comply with should be made mandatory. The consultation ran for the requirements of the Combined Code on Corporate 91W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 92W

Governance, WRAP adopts best practice and reports Buildings on corporate governance issues in its Annual Report and Accounts, which is available on its website. Throughout Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for the last three financial years WRAP has complied, to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his the extent that is relevant, with the provisions of the Department has any plans to share offices overseas Code of Best Practice set out in Section 1 of the with other Commonwealth countries. [135809] Combined Code. Board members and directors make declarations of interest and hospitality in line with this. Mr Swire: We are committed to strengthening our relationship with our Commonwealth partners and believe Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for co-location of our embassies, where it is of mutual Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to his benefit, supports closer co-operation, as well as leading answer of 12 November 2012, Official Report, column to efficiency savings. 10W, on the Waste and Resources Action Programme, There are already a number of locations overseas what the (a) date, (b) supplier, (c) merchant type and where we are co-located with Commonwealth partners. (d) amount is on each transaction on any corporate For example: in Kabul with New Zealand; in Vientiane credit cards in the last four years. [134507] with Australia; and in Rangoon and Bamako with Canada. We are actively pursuing further co-location Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not hold details of the opportunities with Australia, Canada and New Zealand operational activities of the Waste and Resources Action where it is of mutual benefit. Programme (WRAP). I understand that the chief executive of WRAP would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to China discuss any issues of concern to him and I would encourage him to take up that offer. Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for answer of 13 November 2012, House of Lords, Official Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to his Report, WA271, on China, whether the agenda for the answer of 12 November 2012, Official Report, column next UK-China Human Rights Dialogue will include 10W, on the Waste and Resources Action Programme, restrictions on Muslims in Xinjiang province during who attended the dinners held for directors of the Ramadan 2012 and reports that civil servants were Waste and Resources Action Programme; and if he will forced to eat during fasting periods and were prevented place a copy of the invoice for each dinner in the from attending mosques. [135719] Library. [134510] Mr Swire: I refer my hon. Friend to the responses, my Richard Benyon: The dinners in Edinburgh and Cardiff noble Friend, the right hon. Baroness Warsi, gave in the were held for members of the Waste and Resources other place on 13 November and 4 December, Official Action Programme (WRAP) board to meet colleagues Report, House of Lords, columns WA 271 and WA 128 from the Scottish Government and Welsh Government respectively. respectively, to discuss the programmes that WRAP The UK-China Human Rights Dialogue usually takes delivers in Scotland and Wales with the funding provided place annually, and did so most recently in January by each of those Governments. As waste is a devolved 2012. The next Human Rights Dialogue is planned for matter, the issue would be best raised with the relevant spring 2013. We are not aware of reports of forced Ministers in the Scottish and Welsh Governments. breaking of fast, but will raise this with the Chinese authorities. We plan on raising the situation in Xinjiang, ethnic minority rights, freedom of religion, as well as the FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE rights of detainees and a number of individual cases at the next Human Rights Dialogue. We will continue to Afghanistan raise these issues in future discussions with the Chinese Government, and to make clear our concerns with reference to their stated international commitments. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Our diplomats visit Xinjiang regularly to monitor for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent our concern about the situation there. The most recent assessment his Department has made of the threat visit was in October 2012. from terrorism from Afghanistan after 2014; and if he will make a statement. [134517] Colombia

Mr Hague: The threat to global security from the al Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State Qaeda presence in Afghanistan has been significantly for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reduced, in large part the result of the brave work of representations he has received from groups UK, international security assistance force and Afghan representing indigenous people in Colombia on the armed forces. When the International Security Assistance activity of mining companies with connections to the Force (ISAF) mission draws to a close in 2014, we are UK. [135013] confident that the Afghan National Security Forces will be strong enough to stop Afghan territory from again Mr Swire: In July, our Deputy Head of Mission met being used as a safe haven for international terrorist with indigenous communities potentially affected by an groups. expansion of the majority British-owned Cerrejón mine 93W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 94W and subsequently raised their concerns with the company. counterparts at the end of last year. We raised our We had a productive dialogue with the company on this concerns over the legality of building in East Jerusalem issue and they have since decided to postpone their as well as the implications this could have on UK expansion plans. co-operation with the military academy. Our ambassador designate to Colombia spoke at a We have also raised our concerns with the Israeli conference on mining in Colombia on 12 November National Security Council and Ministry of Defence organised by AB Colombia. Other participants included and the Jerusalem Municipality during the last three representatives of the Awá community, academics and months. business leaders. Officials from our geographical and human rights departments met with the indigenous John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for speakers at a follow-up meeting to discuss these issues Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent further. Officials at our embassy in Bogotá meet regularly representations he has made to Israel on the building of with indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. We Israeli settlements near Bethlehem. [135007] have raised their demands for protection of their rights with the Colombian Government, both bilaterally and in the EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue. Alistair Burt: The UK position on settlements is clear: they are illegal under international law and undermine Falkland Islands the foundations of a two state solution and trust between the parties. Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond on right to self-determination of the Falkland Islands (Yorks) (Mr Hague) outlined concern about recent Israeli and indicate his support for the decision of the settlement announcements, including those in the area Falkland Islands government to hold a referendum on between East Jerusalem and Bethlehem, during his its future constitutional arrangements and sovereignty. meeting with Israeli Chief Negotiator, Yitzhak Molcho, [135193] on 20 December 2012. On 18 December, the Foreign Secretary issued a Mr Swire: The UK Government has no doubt over statement condemning the decision by the Jerusalem either its sovereignty of the Falkland Islands or the District Planning Board to give approval for a plan to right of the Falkland Islanders to determine their own build 1,500 housing units in the East Jerusalem future. In accordance with the principles of the UN neighbourhood of Ramat Shlomo. He urged Israel to Charter, the British Government fully supports their reverse this decision and take no further steps aimed at right to self-determination and unreservedly supports expanding or entrenching settlement activity. the decision by the Falkland Islands government to On 26 December, I also condemned the Jerusalem hold a referendum on whether or not they wish the District Planning Board’s recent approvals for over Islands to retain their current political status as a UK 3,150 units in Givaat Hamatos and 1,242 units in Mordot Overseas Territory.We expect the international community Gilo South. I made clear that these were profoundly to recognise the result of the referendum. provocative actions that run contrary to the Fourth Geneva Convention. Immigration Our embassy in Tel Aviv continues to make our concerns on this issue clear to the Israeli authorities. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will estimate the additional cost of the delivery of those public services Mali for which his Department is responsible arising from inward migration since 1997. [134301] Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Mr Swire: The Department does not routinely produce Department is taking to support the Malian armed estimates of this nature. To do so would require the forces in restoring Malian territorial integrity. [135538] Department to incur disproportionate cost.

Israel Mark Simmonds: The UK supported the UN Security Council Resolution 2085, passed on 20 December 2012, which authorised the deployment of an African-led John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) for and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an initial period of one year. AFISMA aims to contribute representations to his counterpart in Israel on the to the rebuilding of the capacity of the Malian military, building of a military academy on the Mount of Olives. and to support the Malian authorities in recovering the [135006] north of the country and in restoring political stability. We are also working with the EU to consider how we Alistair Burt: We are concerned about plans to build might be able to offer support towards building the an Israeli military academy on the Mount of Olives. capacity of the Malian armed forces, which could, Officials in the British embassy in Tel Aviv raised this subject to parliamentary scrutiny, involve a contribution issue with senior officials in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign of a small number of UK military trainers (with no Affairs in coordination with our French and German combat role). 95W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 96W

Pakistan Mr Hague: The UK remains seriously concerned about the transfer of weapons to a regime that uses Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State them to attack its own civilians. The EU Sanctions for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent package, including the EU arms embargo, will come up assessment his Department has made of the threat for renewal again on 1 March 2013. We are working from terrorism from Pakistan; and if he will make a closely with other EU member states to ensure maximum statement. [134516] flexibility in the provision of assistance to the opposition National Coalition aimed at greater support for the Mr Hague: Groups operating from Pakistan continue protection of civilians, while also ensuring a strict regime to represent the greatest long-term strategic terrorism aimed at preventing transfer of weapons to the Syrian threat to the UK. Although al-Qaeda’s core leadership Government. have suffered significant loses in the Pakistan/Afghanistan border region, they continue to pose a credible threat to Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State the UK and our interests overseas. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likelihood of the EU Somalia changing its policy with respect to enforcing an arms embargo in Syria in the next six months. [134520]

Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hague: The formation of the Syrian National Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Coalition offers an opportunity to rally political and Department is taking to support the training of the practical international support behind the opposition, Somali security forces. [135537] with the aim of creating a credible, viable alternative to the Assad regime. The UK is working closely with other Mark Simmonds: The Federal Government of Somalia EU member states to ensure maximum flexibility in the has identified security as a key priority. We are keen to provision of assistance to the opposition National Coalition support this and, in September 2012, the Secretary of aimed at greater support for the protection of civilians, State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right while also ensuring a strict regime aimed at preventing hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) transfer of weapons to the Syrian Government. announced an additional £10 million to help the new government of Somalia with its immediate needs, including Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for security and justice. We are working with the Somali Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent authorities and international partners to identify specific discussions he has had with representatives of the requirements where assistance is needed, including Kurdish people in Syria on any potential peace considering proposals for support to the Somali security settlement in that country. [135827] forces. Some of this work is already underway—the European Union Training Mission, to which the UK has provided support, has to date trained approximately Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and 3,000 Somali troops in Uganda. These troops are seen Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member to have played a significant role in improving the security for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) met members of the situation in Somalia. Syrian opposition in London on 21 November and urged opposition representatives to unite around a common political platform that will enable the people of Syria to Syria see a pathway to a clear alternative to dictatorship and repression. He also stressed the importance of respecting Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State the rights of minorities, including Kurdish rights, so for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what that all citizens are protected and have a stake in the assessment he has made of the potential effects of the future of the country. forming of the Syrian National Coalition on the policy The UK continues to urge both the National Coalition of the Russian and Chinese governments in respect of and Syrian Kurdish leaders to ensure substantive Kurdish the Syrian regime. [134518] participation in the National Coalition, consistent with the coalition’s avowed inclusive and democratic aims. Mr Hague: We are encouraged to note that the coalition Jon Wilks, the UK Special Representative to the opposition, is receiving growing international recognition and gaining remains in close touch with those Syrian Kurdish opposition increased political credibility, particularly following the representatives committed to those aims. It is important recent Friends of Syria meeting in Marrakesh. Russia that all Syrians work together with the common goal of and China claim to support the goal of a political transition to a Syria where the interests of all communities transition. Achieving that goal requires a viable interlocutor are protected. on the opposition side. We therefore urge Russia and China, who currently do not recognise the coalition, to engage as fully with the coalition as they currently do Western Sahara with the regime in pursuit of the goal of transition to a democratic, inclusive, representative and peaceful Syria. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State 17 December 2012, Official Report, column 578W, on for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will Western Sahara, if he will make representations to the assess the circumstances under which the Government Polisario Front so that any money received in respect of would recommend that the EU lift its arms embargo on fishing opportunities is used for the benefit of the local Syria while President Assad remains in power. [134519] population. [134825] 97W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 98W

Alistair Burt: As the de facto administering power of Anna Soubry: The Department does not collect data Western Sahara. Morocco is obliged under international on such calls received by the East of England Ambulance law to ensure that economic activities in Western Sahara Service. are conducted to the benefit of, and in the interests of, My hon. Friend may wish to approach the East of the people of Western Sahara. The UK fully supports England Ambulance Service, which might hold this the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy information. for Western Sahara, Ambassador Ross, to encourage Morocco and the Polisario Front to address issues regarding the use of the territory’s natural resources. Ambulance Services: Preston Negotiations on a new Protocol to the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Commission and Morocco are ongoing. Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many days ambulances were drafted Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for into Preston because there were no ambulances Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he available in that city during 2011; and how many considers the non self-governing territory of Western ambulances were tasked from Preston to assist other Sahara to be a full constituent part of Morocco; and areas in the UK in the same period. [134687] for what reasons his Department’s website deems it as such. [135385] Anna Soubry: The information requested is not held Alistair Burt: The United Kingdom considers the by the Department. The configuration of ambulance status of Western Sahara to be undetermined. We consider services in the north of England is a matter for the local Morocco to be the de facto administering power of national health service. Western Sahara, which remains on the UN’s list of non-self-governing territories. The UK fully supports the UN-led efforts to achieve Colorectal Cancer a lasting and mutually-acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Sir Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Western Sahara. Health what progress he has made on the introduction of flexible sigmoidoscopy into the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. [134888] HEALTH Air Ambulance Services Anna Soubry: “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer”, published on 12 January 2011, set out a John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for commitment to invest £60 million over four years to Health whether his Department holds data on the incorporate flexible sigmoidoscopy (bowel scope number of occasions on which air ambulances in screening—BSS) into the NHS bowel cancer-screening England have been unable to fulfil requests to programme. Experts have estimated that the introduction transport patients as a result of poor weather of BSS will prevent around 3,000 cancers every year conditions or visibility in each of the last five years. and save thousands of lives when fully rolled out. [135017] The information technology system to support BSS is Anna Soubry: No. This information is not collected due to be delivered in March 2013, when we expect pilot centrally. sites to begin inviting men and women aged 55 for this Air Ambulance Services: Cumbria test. The pilot sites are: Norwich; South of Tyne; St Mark’s, London; Surrey; West Kent; and Wolverhampton. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Up to 20 other sites are preparing to implement BSS as Health what assessment he has made of the suitability part of the first wave of roll-out from October 2013. of air ambulance capacity in Cumbria and The plan remains to meet the strategy commitment neighbouring areas; and whether his Department has of achieving 30% roll-out across England by March made an assessment of future capacity requirements 2014 and 60% roll-out by March 2015. It is envisaged for air ambulance services in Cumbria and that full roll-out will be achieved in 2016. neighbouring areas. [135018]

Anna Soubry: No assessment of the current or future Community Nurses: Harrow suitability of air ambulance capacity in Cumbria has been made. Current and future capacity assessments are made Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health locally. pursuant to the answer of 11 December 2012, on Ambulance Services: East of England nursing levels: London, for what reason Harrow primary care trust employed no district nurses in Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for September 2011 and September 2012; and if he will Health how many calls received by the East of England make a statement. [134879] Ambulance Service in each of the last three complete months were initially graded as being category A and Dr Poulter: The arrangements for employment of were subsequently downgraded to a category of lesser district nurses are a matter for local national health priority. [134701] service organisations, as they are best placed to assess 99W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 100W the health needs of their local community and must services in (a) Barnsley Central constituency, (b) have the freedom to deploy staff in ways appropriate to South Yorkshire and (c) England in (i) 2010-11 and local conditions. (ii) 2011-12. [135376] We are advised that Harrow primary care trust no longer provides local NHS services and that the district Anna Soubry: It is not possible to provide a break nurses service in Harrow is now provided by the Integrated down of national health service expenditure on diabetes Care Organisation, run by Ealing Hospital NHS Trust. at constituency or county level as the information is not The hon. Member may wish to contact the trust responsible collected centrally. for this information. The Department’s programme budgeting data provide Defibrillators an estimate for expenditure on diabetes of £1.55 billion in 2010-11. This figure does not capture all the expenditure Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for on diabetes. Health what recent assessment he has made of the availability of defibrillators in the UK. [134593] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many adults were diagnosed with diabetes in (a) Anna Soubry: The Department has made no such Barnsley Central constituency, (b) South Yorkshire assessment. and (c) England in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12. From February 2007, responsibility for sustaining [135377] the legacy of the National Defibrillator Programme was devolved to national health service ambulance trusts. Anna Soubry: The following tables show data taken Diabetes from the Quality and Outcomes Framework, which details the number of patients registered per general Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health practitioner (GP) practice with a diagnosis of type 1 or what estimate he has made of spending on diabetes type 2 diabetes on 31 March 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Barnsley Primary Care Trust (PCT) Number of GP Estimated list size Number of patients ages 17+ Prevalence practices List size aged 17+ on diabetes register (percentage)

31 March 2010 46 244,024 196,437 11,989 6.10 (2009-10) 31 March 2011 46 245,420 197,731 12,620 6.38 (2010-11) 31 March 2012 40 245,317 197,569 13,029 6.59 (2011-12)

South Yorkshire PCTs Number of GP Estimated list size Number of patients ages 17+ Prevalence practices List size aged 17+ on diabetes register (percentage)

31 March 2010 224 1,372,090 1,100,614 64,000 5.81 (2009-10) 31 March 2011 222 1,377,660 1,105,711 67,068 6.07 (2010-11) 31 March 2012 209 1,373,847 1,102,674 69,159 6.27 (2011-12) Note: The South Yorkshire data are aggregated figures from the following four PCTs: Barnsley PCT, Doncaster PCT, Rotherham PCT, Sheffield PCT.

England Number of GP Estimated list size Number of patients ages 17+ Prevalence practices List size aged 17+ on diabetes register (percentage)

31 March 2010 8,305 54,836,561 44,042,402 2,338,813 5.31 (2009-10) 31 March 2011 8,245 55,169,643 44,291,915 2,455,937 5.54 (2010-11) 31 March 2012 8,123 55,525,732 44,569,825 2,566,436 5.76 (2011-12)

Drugs: Death Anna Soubry: In respect of substances which have in recent years become subject to control under the Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Office for National Health what estimate he has made of the number of Statistics (ONS) has collected information about people who have died as a result of taking legal highs in deaths relating to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and (a) England and (b) Lancashire in each of the last its precursor gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), piperazines three years. [134939] 101W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 102W

(benzylpiperazine— Food: Hygiene BZP and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine—TFMPP), cathinones such as mephedrone and desoxypipradrol. Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for The following table provides the number of deaths Health (1) what recent assessment he has made of the relating to these substances for England and Wales, and effectiveness of existing regulations on food the North West region in each year from 2009 to 2011 preparation in preventing cross-contamination by staff (the latest year available). Figures have not been provided who also handle money; [134840] for Lancashire in line with the ONS guidance for protecting (2) if he will amend regulations on food preparation confidentiality within birth and death statistics. to ensure that food-handling and handling of cash are Table 1: Number of deaths related to drug poisoning where GHB/ separated. [134893] GBL, BZP/TFMPP, a cathinone or desoxypipradrol was mentioned on the death certificate, England and Wales, North West 2009-111, 2, 3, 4, 5 Anna Soubry: The European Union food hygiene Deaths (persons) regulations, which have applied directly in all EU member 2009 2010 2011 states since January 2006, require food business operators England and Wales 25 22 29 to have in place hygiene procedures appropriate to the North West 2 3 4 nature and risks of the business to ensure food is 1 Based on boundaries as of August 2012. handled safely. The regulations also require persons 2 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. working in food handling areas to have a high degree of 3 Figures exclude deaths of non-residents. personal cleanliness. 4 Cause of death related to drug poisoning was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD 10). The Food Standards Agency (FSA) considers that The ICD-10 codes for drug poisoning are: F11-F16, F18-F19—Mental further legislation regarding the handling of money by and behavioural disorders due to drug use (excluding alcohol and food handlers would not have a significant public health tobacco) X40-X44—Accidental poisoning by drugs, medicaments benefit and could place disproportionate burdens on and biological substances X60-X64—Intentional self-poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances X85—Assault by drugs, small businesses. While in many retail establishments medicaments and biological substances Y10-Y14—Poisoning by drugs, the handling of money is kept separate from the food medicaments and biological substances, undetermined intent. handling area, it is widely understood that this is not 5 Figures presented here may not agree with figures presented for each always practical, especially for small businesses. The substance separately as where more than one drug is mentioned on a FSA’s advice emphasises the need for good hygiene death certificate the death will be counted in more than one category if the substances are presented separately. practices and the avoidance of cross-contamination. Source: The FSA keeps under review all issues regarding the Office for National Statistics potential contamination of food and is not aware of evidence of food borne illness in the United Kingdom Drugs: Rehabilitation caused by the handling of money and subsequent cross- contamination to food. The FSA does not therefore Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for currently consider that this is a priority issue for research. Health (1) pursuant to paragraph 100 of the Home Affairs Committee’s Ninth Report of Session 2012-13, General Practitioners on Drugs: Breaking the cycle, HC 184, what plans he has to update relevant clinical guidance for prescribers to increase the emphasis on buprenorphine relative to Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for methadone prescription; [134576] Health whether he plans to renew the framework governing the accreditation and re-accreditation of (2) if he will take steps to ensure that prescribers, GPs with a special interest. [R] [134814] members of health and wellbeing boards and other local decision-makers have information on all opiate substitution therapies and are able to make informed Dr Poulter: General practitioners with a special interest decisions on their availability locally; [134592] continue to play an important part in delivering specialised services in community settings. The current framework (3) if he will take steps to ensure that all forms of for accreditation and re-accreditation is under review opiate substitution therapies are available to and decisions on arrangements from April 2013 will be prescribers and can be selected on the basis of their announced in due course. clinical effectiveness, taking into consideration their safety profile for the (a) individual patient and (b) Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for potential risk of their misuse and diversion. [134655] Health what guidance his Department gives to primary care trusts on managing appointments systems at GP Anna Soubry: The Government will respond in full to surgeries. [135014] the Home Affairs Committee’s report, ‘Drugs: Breaking the cycle’, in due course. Dr Poulter: It is for each general practitioner (GP) Key existing advice on opiate substitution therapy is practice to decide how it manages their appointment contained in the Department’s guidance, “Drug Misuse systems. and Dependence: UK Guidelines on Clinical Management”, which has already been placed in the In 2009, the Department supported the NHS Practice Library, and in the National Institute for Health and Management Network in publishing a guide for GP Clinical Excellence appraisal of methadone and practices (‘Improving access, responding to patients’), buprenorphine, “Methadone and buprenorphine for which included practical advice on managing appointment the management of opioid dependence”. A copy of the systems. appraisal has been placed in the Library. A copy has already been placed in the Library. 103W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 104W

General Practitioners: Harrow commitment to innovation, both in its support for research and the rapid adoption and diffusion of the Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health best, transformative, most innovative ideas, products, how many complaints he received on waiting times to services and clinical practices. It recognised that specialised see a GP in the Harrow primary care trust area in (a) services commissioning was in a position to identify 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will make a those technologies (with appropriate safety accreditation) statement. [134877] with the potential to deliver high impact change, and to rapidly test, trial and evaluate their value to the NHS. Dr Poulter: A search of the Department’s ministerial This would enable suitable patients to have early access correspondence database has identified one item of to innovative technologies, which would also support correspondence received in 2010-11 complaining about the creation of a more robust evidence base. waiting times to see a GP in the Harrow primary care In order to accelerate the introduction of new trust area. No correspondence on this subject was received technologies to the NHS, a dedicated Specialised Services in 2011-12. Commissioning Innovation Fund (SSCIF) is being established. This fund is in its final stages of development Health Foods and evaluations supported by the SSCIF in 2013 will generate additional cost, quality and activity data needed Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to inform commissioning decisions. An advisory board what recent discussions he has had with supermarkets has been established to oversee this process through on introducing discount pricing on healthier foods. horizon scanning for the best innovations and funding [134874] NHS trusts to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the new technologies. If it can be demonstrated that Anna Soubry: We have not had any recent discussions the technologies can deliver significant improvements with supermarkets on introducing discount pricing on in quality or value they can then be adopted and healthier foods. The Responsibility Deal Food Network diffused at pace and scale across the NHS. programme for later this year includes work on a possible The Clinical Reference Groups will have a key role to voluntary pledge on promoting healthier food. play in innovation through horizon scanning, identifying The Responsibility Deal pledges to help reduce calorie and short listing potential innovations within each service consumption and to increase the intake of fruit and area, utilising a predefined prioritisation matrix. These vegetables include scope for companies to promote will then be evaluated through a formal process and healthier foods. agreed by the advisory board. The commissioning process will be used to actively improve the uptake of innovations Health Services and best practices, and to foster cooperation between providers in regional health economies. Sir Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on the establishment of clinical senates; and if he will make a Maternity Services statement. [134887]

Anna Soubry: Good progress is being made with John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for establishing the 12 geographical teams that will support Health (1) what proportion of births in England took both strategic clinical networks and clinical senates in place in freestanding midwife-led maternity units in the the new health system. The teams include the role of last year for which figures are available; and whether he Senate Manager, and appointment to these posts is has set any targets in respect of this proportion for currently under way. future years; [135016] The NHS Commissioning Board will be publishing a (2) what assessment he has made of the safety of document describing the role, membership, working mothers and new-born children in freestanding and accountability arrangements for clinical senates midwife-led maternity units compared to births that early in the new year. take place in obstetrics units. [135123] Clinical senates covering the whole of England will be in place from 1 April 2013. Dr Poulter: The ‘Birthplace’ research study, funded by the Department was published in November 2011 Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for providing, for the first time, evidence about the expected Health (1) what process Clinical Reference Groups for outcomes for women and their babies at ‘low-risk’ of specialised services have used for developing complications at the start of care in labour for births recommendations on commissioning new medical planned at home, in a midwifery-led unit or in a hospital technologies from April 2013; [134988] unit with obstetric services. The evidence provided by this national cohort study supports the policy of offering (2) whether the recommendations of the Clinical healthy ‘low-risk’ women, who meet the National Institute Reference Groups providing clinical advice on for Health and Clinical Excellence Intrapartum care specialised services will be assessed against the guideline criteria for a ‘low-risk’ birth, a choice of birth principles and recommendations of Innovation, Health setting. The study can be found at: and Wealth. [135015] www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/birthplace Dr Poulter: Innovation is a central component of the There are no targets in respect of the proportion of national health service. Innovation Health and Wealth births in England taking place in freestanding midwifery-led (Department of Health 2011) outlined the NHS maternity units. 105W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 106W

The information on the proportion of births in England Norman Lamb: The National Institute for Health taking place in freestanding midwifery-led maternity and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is not currently appraising units is not collected centrally by the Department. the use of any drugs for the treatment of mesothelioma. However, data on the organisation of maternity care in However, NICE issued guidance to the national health 2007 was collected as part of the maternity care review service in January 2008 on the use of pemetrexed for the conducted by the Healthcare Commission in 2007. This treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, which was a mandatory survey of all trusts providing maternity recommended the drug as a treatment option subject to care in England. The results from this survey were certain criteria. published as part of the ‘Birthplace’ research study and There are no current plans to ask NICE to develop data on the number of births in maternity units is guidance on the application of chemotherapy through presented in the following table. the groin to treat mesothelioma. Number of births in maternity units (excluding births at home), year ending 31 March 2007 NHS: Finance Total Freestanding Alongside births in Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health midwifery midwifery Obstetric maternity unit unit unit units what steps he will take to ensure that patient care is not affected by clinical commissioning groups reaching Total 11,261 19,192 590,859 621,312 their budget limit. [134984] births (Number) Anna Soubry: By establishing clinical commissioning Proportion 1.1 3.1 95.1 100 groups (CCGs), we are putting clinicians at the heart of of births (Percentage) decision making for their local community. CCGs will Source: be empowered to design and deliver care based upon Mapping maternity care: the configuration of maternity care in the needs and choices of their patients and to secure England—Birthplace in England research programme. Final report high quality and outcomes within the resources available. part 3. The NHS Commissioning Board will oversee and support CCGs to ensure that clinical and financial risks are John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for managed appropriately. Health what estimate he has made of cost to the NHS of planned births that take place in (a) freestanding NHS: Pensions midwife-led maternity units compared with (b) obstetrics units. [135019] Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether employees being transferred from the Dr Poulter: The information requested is not available NHS to outside organisations under the TUPE because the cost to national health service commissioners regulations will retain their NHS pension. [135031] of maternity units and obstetrics units is not reported separately to the Department. Dr Poulter: Following consultation launched in 2011, in July this year the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Mental Health Services confirmed proposals to implement a revised Fair Deal that would allow all public service staff who are transferred Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Health if he will place in the Library the data used to Employment) Regulations (TUPE) to retain access to generate the map of primary care trust adult their current pension arrangements. This means that investment per weighted head for 2010-11 and 2011-12 national health service staff transferring will be able to in figure 22 of the National Survey of Investment in retain access to the NHS Pension scheme. Mental Health; and what the reasons are for the NHS: Working Hours difference between the figures in the two years. [135371] Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Lamb: The direct investment data (excluding Health what estimate he has made of the costs and capital charges, indirect costs and overheads) for 2010-11 additional staffing required to enable hospitals to take and 2011-12 used to generate the map of primary care on non-emergency tests and treatments at weekends. trust (PCT) investment, has been placed in the Library. These figures are reported by PCTs. No information is [134962] held centrally about the reasons for different spending Anna Soubry: A national costing/staffing model has decisions between the years at PCT level. not been developed. This reflects the fact that where specific services are being redesigned in the national Mesothelioma health service to provide care to patients on a Saturday or Sunday, this is being done in different ways, reflecting Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of specific local circumstances and needs. State for Health (1) which drugs NICE is assessing to In ‘Everyone Counts : Planning for Patients 2013-14’, determine their effectiveness in treating mesothelioma; the NHS Commissioning Board (NHS CB) has made when he expects NICE to report on such drugs; and if an offer to move the NHS towards routine services he will make a statement; [134974] being available seven days a week. The NHS CB will (2) if he will ask NICE to assess the effectiveness of shortly be establishing a forum, to be chaired by the applying chemotherapy through the groin to treat National Medical Director, to identify how the NHS Mesothelioma; and if he will make a statement. [134975] might offer better access to routine services seven days a 107W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 108W week. The forum will begin by focusing on improving (2) what recent research his Department has diagnostics and urgent and emergency care. The planning commissioned or undertaken on the health effects of guidance commits the forum to publishing a report high energy drinks on young people. [134938] setting out its findings, including the consequences of Anna Soubry: The safety of high caffeine drinks, the non-availability of clinical services seven days a often termed “energy drinks”, was assessed by the week, in the autumn of 2013. European Scientific Committee on Food in 2003. Their The Healthcare Financial Management Association opinion was that high caffeine drinks caused increased has committed to working with the NHS CB, commencing excitability, irritability, nervousness or anxiety in some in January 2013, to undertake financial analysis so that people who drank them, particularly if those people the costs and benefits of different changes associated were normally low consumers of caffeine. with the introduction of seven day working in the NHS The Food Standards Agency (FSA) considers the can be properly evaluated. effects of caffeine are transitory and without permanent health effects and their advice is that children, or other North of England Cardiovascular Network people sensitive to caffeine, should only consume caffeine in moderation. Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State The independent expert Committee on Toxicity is for Health if he will assess the adequacy of the currently considering the potential interaction between spending plans of the North of England caffeine and alcohol and is expected to report early in Cardiovascular Network in 2013-14; what meetings he 2013. has had with the North of England Cardiovascular Given the evaluations already undertaken, FSA has Network to discuss its future plans; and what steps he not undertaken any recent research specifically on the plans to take to ensure that changes in the budget of health effects of high caffeine energy drinks. It is continuing the North of England Cardiovascular Network for to monitor the situation and look closely at any new 2013-14 do not adversely affect training and education, evidence that becomes available. private and public involvement, and information and Speech Therapy: Training service improvement. [134511] Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Anna Soubry: The NHS Commissioning Board (NHS Health what recent assessment he has made of the CB) has set out its plans to establish and support number of individuals training to become speech and strategic clinical networks to improve health services for language therapists in England. [134642] specific conditions or patient groups, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Strategic clinical networks Dr Poulter: The Department does not collect figures will be established from 1 April 2013 and will build on on the number of students qualifying in speech and the success of network activity, which, over the last 10 language therapy. However, we do collect information years, has led to significant improvements in the delivery on the number of training places commissioned each of patient care. The NHS CB has allocated funding of year. £42 million for strategic clinical networks and clinical Strategic health authorities are responsible for senates in 2013-14. commissioning speech and language therapy training It is for local health communities and the NHS CB to places. The actual number of training places commissioned determine the number and size of networks, based on in 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 is shown in the following patient flows and clinical relationships, and to deploy table. their resources appropriately. Speech and language therapy training commissions, 2009-10 to 2011-12 Commissions 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Obesity: Surgery Speech and 804 782 749 language Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for therapists Health what criteria each primary care trust uses to Source: decide whether to provide bariatric surgery for obese Multi professional education and training quarterly monitoring patients. [134831] returns. 2012-13 commissions will not be available until May Anna Soubry: Primary care trusts are responsible for 2013. commissioning health care services to meet the needs of their population including bariatric surgery. To support and guide them, the National Institute for Health and HOME DEPARTMENT Clinical Excellence has produced clinical guidance on UK Visitors: Economic Growth the prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children which Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the includes guidance on bariatric surgery. Home Department what steps her Department is taking to enable business and tourist visitors to Soft Drinks contribute to UK economic growth. [135600] Mrs May: The Government supports economic growth Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for by delivering an effective visa service which processed Health (1) what recent research his Department has almost 2 million applications for visitor visas in 2011. commissioned or undertaken on the health effects of We exceeded our commitment to process 90% within 15 high energy drinks; [134937] working days. 109W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 110W

We have launched priority services—providing a five-day from entry to the process in the appropriate Immigration visa service, premium lounges for high value customers Removal Centre (IRC) to decision service will be around and out of hours appointments at visa application 10-14 days. For detained fast track cases, the respective centres. indicative timescale will usually be quicker. The timescales are not rigid and must be varied when fairness or case Arrest Warrants: Hungary developments require it. We are unable to provide figures for processing times Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the within the detained fast track process as such statistics Home Department how many European arrest are not held in a format that is compatible with National warrants were issued between the UK and Hungary Statistics protocols and data is not recorded in a format (a) in each year since 2005 and (b) in 2012 to date. which would allow us to search easily for this information. [134522] However, local information shows that we are compliant with these timescales. Mr Harper [holding answer 19 December 2012]: The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the Crown Crime Prevention Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for Scotland are the designated UK authorities responsible for processing European arrest warrants (EAWs). Information is held Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the on Part 1 cases (persons wanted from the UK by Home Department what the Community safety fund another member state) and Part 3 cases (persons wanted budget was in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) by the UK from another member state). The table gives 2012-13; and what the planned budget is for 2013-14. figures for the 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 financial [135696] years. Due to the way data were recorded prior to 1 April Mr Jeremy Browne: The Community Safety Fund 2009, it is not possible to provide data on the number of budget was: warrants issued to each European Union member state prior to this date. £

It should be emphasised that not every Part 1 request (a) 2010-11 74,337,541 issued to the UK turns out to have any connection to (b) 2011-12 59,299,999 the UK. Some EU member states circulate EAWs to every other member state. (c) 2012-13 30,000,010 EAW requests issued to and by the UK for the 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 There is no planned budget for 2013-14 because this financial years fund will cease at the end of this financial year. Instead, Number of Part 1 requests issued to Number of Part 3 in 2013-14 Police and Crime Commissioners will receive Country/year the UK requests issued by UK funding worth £90 million from a transitional and un-ring fenced fund (also to be called ’Community 2011-12 (up until 31 March 2012) Safety Fund’). Hungary 195 0 Entry Clearances 2010-11 Hungary 276 1 Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the report by the 2009-10 Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Hungary 72 2 Agency, Entry Clearance Decision-Making: A Global Review, December 2010-June 2011, what steps are Asylum being taken to address findings in the report that applicants are being refused entry clearance for failing to provide information, which they could not have been Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for aware they needed when submitting their application. the Home Department what the average processing [133592] time for detained fast track applications is; and how many applications have exceeded the UK Border Agency target of three days in the latest period for Mr Harper: The agency has taken action in response which figures are available. [131056] to the cases highlighted by the Independent Chief Inspector in the report “Entry Clearance Decision Making: A Mr Harper [holding answer 5 December 2012]: In Global Review”. It is not UK Border Agency policy to February 2012 the chief inspector published his report refuse applications solely for failure to provide specific into the detained fast track process. At the time of his documents, unless they are specified in the Immigration report there was an indicative timescale of three days to Rules. decision. However, his recommendation was that the To assist applicants, the agency has produced guidance agency “Increases the accuracy of its published guidance detailing the types of documents/evidence that applicants by changing its timescales for interviews and decisions may wish to submit in support of their visa applications. in line with the average time taken″. We accepted this Specific guidance is available for the vast majority of recommendation and published policy now lays out visa application types, and has been translated into six indicative timescales for making decisions. For detained languages: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Russian, Thai and non-suspensive appeal cases, the indicative timescale Turkish. 111W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 112W

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for the (3) what guidance has been given to VFS offices in Home Department what process was followed in taking the Indian sub-continent on dealing with visa the decision to remove the right of appeal for refused applications in out-of-hours emergency situations. family visa applications; and what steps she has taken [134095] to improve decision-making on such applications. [134167] Mr Harper [holding answer 17 December 2012]: Emergency situations can be dealt with through the Mr Harper: We consulted on the removal of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Global Response family visit visa appeal right between July and October Centre. The Global Response Centre is reached through 2011 as part of the Family Migration Consultation. Of the Foreign and Commonwealth 24 hour switchboard the 3,400 responses to the question concerning these in the UK, tel. 020 7008 1500. appeal rights, 39% agreed that beyond race discrimination and human rights grounds, the family visit visa appeal Entry Clearances: Overseas Students right should not be retained. 28% disagreed and 33% gave no opinion. The formulation of the policy was Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the accompanied by an impact assessment and a policy Home Department what proportion of the applicants equality statement (which addresses any equality issues) who applied for sponsor status between 1 July and 30 published in April 2012. September 2012 have now had a decision made on their The UK Border Agency takes decision quality seriously application by points-based system tier. [134117] and continuously seeks to improve it. A programme of work has been set up to improve decision quality across Mr Harper [holding answer 17 December 2012]: The the visa operation, covering all application types, including proportion of the applicants who applied for tier 2 family visitors. This includes training, performance sponsor status between 1 July 2012 and 30 September monitoring and continuous feedback loops. 2012 that have now had a decision made on their application by points-based system tier is 89%. Visa decision-making is subject to rigorous internal and external oversight, including by the independent The proportion of the applicants who applied for tier chief inspector of borders and immigration, which, 4 sponsor status between 1 July 2012 and 30 September feed into the decision quality programme. 2012 that have now had a decision made on their application by points-based system tier is 80%. Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for the The proportion of the applicants who applied for tier Home Department for what reasons the right of appeal 5 sponsor status between 1 July 2012 and 30 September has been removed for refused family visa applications; 2012 that have now had a decision made on their and what weight was given in this decision to the application by points-based system tier is 92%. proportion of such appeals which are upheld in the The total proportion of the applicants who applied appellant’s favour. [134168] for sponsor status between 1 July 2012 and 30 September 2012 that have now had a decision made on their Mr Harper: The current family visit visa appeal right application by points-based system tier is 89%. no longer serves its intended purpose. Family visitor appeals make up over a third of all immigration appeals Entry Clearances: Pakistan and are a disproportionate burden. A right of appeal will remain on human rights and race discrimination Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for the grounds. Home Department how her Department balances the Analysis by the UK Border Agency has shown that requirements of national security, legal process and the main reason why family visit appeals are successful fairness to the applicant when assessing visa requests at appeal is that new evidence is provided, at the appeal. by Pakistani nationals; and if she will make a Rather than continue to have the appeals system make statement. [133589] decisions on new information, applicants will be able to reapply and provide any further information to entry Mr Harper: All applications are considered on their clearance officers. individual merits in line with the Immigration Rules, this includes applications from Pakistani nationals. The Immigration Rules are designed to ensure we have a fair Entry Clearances: Indian Subcontinent and robust system that both welcomes genuine applicants and keeps out those who may seek to abuse the immigration Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for the system. Home Department (1) if she will place in the Library The UK Border Agency uses risk analysis when the advice given to the UK Border Agency on how to considering visa applications. That approach provides contact British posts in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, for additional scrutiny and checking of high risk Kolkata, Islamabad, Abu Dhabi, Dhaka and Colombo applications to ensure suitability against the Immigration in out-of-hours emergency situations such as death or Rules. serious illness; [134093] (2) what arrangements have been put in place at Human Trafficking British posts in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Islamabad, Abu Dhabi, Dhaka and Colombo Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for for out of hours contact relating to visa applications in the Home Department how many legal actions against emergency situations such as death or serious illness; her Department have been initiated to dispute negative and if she will make a statement; [134094] conclusive grounds decisions reached through the 113W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 114W

National Referral Mechanism in each year since its aid in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of inception; and what the cost to the public purse of such Offenders Act 2012 are implemented from April next actions has been in each such year. [130792] year. In the period January 2011 to September 2012, a Mr Harper: Judicial reviews of negative conclusive total of 192 families were removed under the family grounds decisions referred under the National Referral returns process of which only 43 were non asylum Mechanism can be broken down as follows: seeking families. Legal aid will remain available for all immigration detention cases including those entering Negative Cedars. At Cedars, families are advised of their right to conclusive Cost of grounds defending obtain legal representation, and how to access it if they decisions decisions at are not represented. It is therefore considered unlikely Cases referred challenged at judicial review that families, having reached the ensured stage of the to the NRM judicial review + (£) family returns process, will be accessing legal representation 2009+ 706 0 0 for the first time on entering Cedars. 2010 710 0 0 All figures quoted are management information which 2011 946 0 0 has been subject to internal quality checks. This information 201222530 2 4,905 has not been quality assured under National Statistics Total to date 2,892 2 4,905 protocols. 1 1 April 2009 to 31 December 2009 only. Figures relate to main applicants and dependants. 2 Published data (1 January 2012 to 30 June 2012 only). 3 This figure represents costs billed and therefore does not necessarily Figures may include applicants that made voluntary represent the total cost of the cases. It is provisional and subject to departures while in the family return process. change. Immigration: Applications Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 31 October 2012, Official Report, columns 243-4W, on Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the human trafficking, what the legal costs to the Home Department how many applications there were Government of the 17 decisions challenged at judicial that were work in progress for temporary and review were. [130823] permanent in-country immigration applications by case type (a) as at 30 June 2012 and (b) in each of the Mr Harper: The Government’s legal costs to date for previous two months. [134377] the 17 human trafficking National Referral Mechanism decisions challenged at judicial review between 1 April Mr Harper [holding answer 18 December 2012]: The 2009 and 29 October 2012, has been £91,376. data have already been provided to and published by This figure represents costs billed and therefore does the Home Affairs Select Committee. The following not necessarily represent the total cost of the cases. It is table extract shows the number of in-country cases in provisional and subject to change. progress on the last working day of each month in quarter 2 of 2012: Human Trafficking Ministerial Group April May June Workstream 2012 2012 2012 Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Chairs the Inter- Temporary Family route 19,002 20,049 20,768 migration departmental Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking has had since it was first established; and Employment 20,151 20,237 19,789 who those chairs were. [135291] Study 16,688 15,553 15,734 Visiting the UK 417 393 371 Mr Harper: Two chairs, the Minister for Policing and Protection 911 927 968 Criminal Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sponsor license 648 622 757 Ashford (Damian Green), and myself. ECAA 1,147 1,427 1,470 A2—Worker cards 9,602 9,530 9,217 Immigrants: Detainees and registration certificates Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Travel documents 3,716 4,882 5,475 Home Department what assessment she has made of Temporary 72,282 73,620 74,549 the potential effect on the operation of the family migration total returns process of planned reductions to legal aid from Permanent British citizen 32,382 37,224 35,562 April 2013; and how many families she estimates will migration access legal representation for the first time upon being Permanent 17,516 16,625 16,458 detained at Cedars prior to their planned enforced resident removal. [131143] European 20,802 22,345 24,939 casework (Euro) Mr Harper: We do not expect the changes to legal aid Permanent 70,700 76,194 76,959 to affect the family returns process. Asylum cases including migration total Total work 142,982 149,814 151,508 those in the family returns process, will continue to in progress qualify for legal aid funding when the reforms to legal 115W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 116W

Members: Correspondence Mr Harper [holding answer 10 December 2012]: Border Force retains internal management information about Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the number of stun guns and tasers seized but this is not the Home Department (1) when she plans to answer published data. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) the letter sent to her by the right hon. Member for previously published seizure data as part of their regular Manchester, Gorton on 5 November 2012 with regard Autumn Performance and Departmental Reports. However, to Nyla Qadir; [134195] with the transfer of customs functions from HMRC to the UK Border Agency (UKBA), this publication cycle (2) when she plans to answer the letter sent to her by was stopped by them and not picked up by UKBA. the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton on 6 Border Force is looking more broadly at ensuring its November 2012 with regard to Mr M Javsif; [134196] performance framework and published data continue (3) when she plans to answer the letter sent to her by to have the right focus, including in relation to seizures. the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton on 31 Data was published by HMRC for the 2007-08 and October 2012 with regard to Ms M Kujur. [134199] 2008-09 financial years as follows: Mr Harper: I wrote to the right hon. Member on Between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008, there were 539 stun guns seized. Between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009, there were 17 December 2012. 160 stun guns seized. Organised Crime: Young People Data published by HMRC in the HMRC Departmental Reports 2008 and 2009 are as follows. I shall place copies of both these reports in the Library of the Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for House. the Home Department with reference to the Government’s report, Ending Gang and Youth http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/dept-report-2008.pdf Violence, published in November 2011, page 58, how http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/dept-ann-rep09.pdf much of the £10 million of funding was distributed to each area identified as having significant gang and Telephones: Disclosure of Information youth violence; and on what date each such payment was made. [135365] Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what period mobile and Mr Jeremy Browne: The ‘Ending Gang and Youth landline telephone billing records of contact are (a) Violence’ report set out the Government’s plans to legally required to be available and (b) generally reprioritise up to £10 million to support up to 30 areas available as a result of an inquiry under the provisions “most affected by gangs and youth violence”. 29 areas of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. [134172] were identified to receive funding. The amount allocated to each area is based on the size of each local authority’s Damian Green [holding answer 18 December 2012]: population of 10 to 24-year-olds. The breakdown of the Itemised telephone billing records are required to be amounts allocated to each area is available at: retained for 12 months under the Data Retention (EC http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/crime/provisional- Directive) Regulations 2009 (SI 2009 No. 859). Information funding-allocations as to whether such records are available to law enforcement The grant allocation is paid in two instalments. The for periods beyond 12 months is not held centrally. The first instalment was paid to areas in the summer and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) does second is currently being processed for payment in late not make any requirement as to the period for which December or early January. This is subject to receipt of telephone billing records should be made available. completed payment requests from each area. UK Border Agency Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the Government’s report, Ending Gang and Youth Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Violence, published in November 2011, page 8, how Home Department how many warrants were issued to much of the £10 million of funding from her UK Border Agency arrest teams for lawful entry into Department was given to the non-statutory sector in non-commercial premises in each year since 2008. each local area. [135366] [132944]

Mr Jeremy Browne: The ‘Ending Gang and Youth Mr Harper [holding answer 10 December 2012]: This Violence’ report, published in November 2011, specified information is not readily available or held centrally that at least half of the funding allocation to areas and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. should go to the non-statutory sector. There will be a breakdown of how funding was allocated by each area Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for the after the end of the financial year. Home Department what guidance she has given to UK Border Agency staff on dealing with representations by Stun Guns hon. Members on behalf of their constituents who are sponsors of, and are making enquiries about, relatives’ Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the visit visa or entry clearance applications. [134031] Home Department whether the UK Border Force records the number of stun guns and tasers it seizes; Mr Harper: Guidance to staff in the UK Border and how many such guns and tasers have been seized in Agency on drafting replies to MPs’ correspondence was each year since 2008. [132719] updated in September 2012. This incorporates a section 117W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 118W on dealing with inquiries on behalf of constituents who HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION are sponsors or making inquiries about relatives’ visas. This includes defining when a third party reply may be Wi-fi appropriate in line with the agency’s obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998. Ann Clwyd: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Mike Gapes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Commons Commission, when all hon. Members’ Home Department if she will place in the Library offices in the House will be able to obtain wi-fi signal. contact details for the Visa Services Directorate of the [134981] UK Border Agency; and if she will make a statement. [134096] John Thurso: The parliamentary network team have started work to provide wi-fi in all Members’ offices on the estate and aim to complete this by the end of March Mr Harper [holding answer 17 December 2012]: There 2013. is no longer a Visa Services Directorate within the UK Border Agency. The International Operations and Visa group may be contacted via http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/contact/ INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE

Written Questions Members: Correspondence

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Helen Jones: To ask the hon. Member for Home Department what the (a) shortest and (b) Broxbourne, representing the Speaker’s Committee for longest time taken by her Department to answer a the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, written parliamentary question was in (i) 2012 to date, when the Chief Executive of IPSA intends to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Warrington North (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2010. [130978] dated 27 September 2012; and for what reason no reply has been received to date. [134613] Mr Harper: The longest and shortest time the Home Department took to answer a parliamentary question Mr Charles Walker [holding answer 20 December in (i) 2012 to date, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2010 is set out in the 2012]: The information requested falls within the following table. responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards The data set out in the following table has been Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. drawn from the internal PQ data management system, Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 20 December which is subject to possible errors with data entry and 2012: processing. I will look into the issue the hon. Member for Warrington The Government has committed to providing the North raises and write to her. Procedure Committee with information relating to written parliamentary question performance on a sessional basis Mr Chope: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, and will provide full information to the Committee at representing the Speaker’s Committee for the the end of the current session. Statistics relating to Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, when performance for the 2010 to 2012 parliamentary session the Chairman of the Independent Parliamentary are available on the Parliament website as follows: Standards Authority intends to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Christchurch of 23 http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/ November 2012. [134964] procedure/ P35_Memorandum_Leader_of_the_House_Monitoring_PQs.pdf Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls PQ answering timescales within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary 2012 to Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. Days 2010 2011 present Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 20 December Longest 50 56 36 2012: Shortest 1 2 2 Sir Ian Kennedy, the chair of IPSA, replied to the letter in question on 18 December 2012.

Written Questions: Government Responses PRIME MINISTER Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she intends to answer Conflict Resolution Question 128915 tabled on 13 November 2012 on Mosquitoes. [134806] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Prime Minister what consideration he has given to the inclusion of Mr Jeremy Browne [holding answer 20 December commitments to address conflict and state fragility in 2012]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on his international committee’s work on the post-2015 20 December 2012, Official Report, column 875W. development framework. [127846] 119W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 120W

The Prime Minister: The High Level Panel’s work on WOMEN AND EQUALITIES the post-2015 development agenda is looking at all the root causes of poverty, including conflict and insecurity Homosexuality: Marriage which are often overriding concerns for poor people. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Minister for Women and Ministers: Codes of Practice Equalities what plans she has for legislation of gay marriage in relation to the Church in Wales; and if she Mr Chope: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his will make a statement. [133971] answer of 18 December 2012, whether he is satisfied that the current version of the Ministerial Code reflects Mrs Grant [holding answer 17 December 2012]: I current practice in respect of collective ministerial refer the hon. Member to my Statement to the House responsibility. [134857] on 11 December 2012, Official Report, column 155, in which I set out the “quadruple lock” of protections that will be included in the legislation to ensure religious The Prime Minister: I have nothing further to add. organisations and individual ministers are not forced to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies against their Written Questions: Government Responses beliefs. The legislation will also provide explicit protection Hugh Bayley: To ask the Prime Minister when he for the Church in Wales which recognises the unique plans to answer question 127846 tabled by the hon. position of the Church and its duty to marry, so that it Member for York Central on 6 November 2012 for remains only applicable to opposite sex couples. The answer on 8 November 2012. [135054] Government will continue to work closely with religious organisations, including the Church in Wales, as we prepare the legislation. The Prime Minister: I have today replied to the hon. Member’s question. Helen Jones: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what consideration she has given to giving the Roman Catholic Church the same legal protection as that afforded to the Church of England and the SCOTLAND Church of Wales in her forthcoming bill on Equal Marriage; and if she will make a statement. [134139] Sovereignty Mrs Grant [holding answer 17 December 2012]: I refer the hon. Member to my Statement to the House Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for on 11 December 2012, Official Report, column 155, in Scotland what discussions he has had on the process by which I set out the “quadruple lock” of protections that which an independent Scotland would reapply to the will be included in the legislation to ensure that religious EU. [135822] organisations, including the Roman Catholic Church, and individual ministers are not forced to conduct David Mundell: Scotland Office Ministers have had same-sex marriage ceremonies against their beliefs. discussions with ministerial colleagues and officials on As the established church, the Church of England is the issue. The Advocate-General for Scotland has discussed governed by its own canon law which prohibits same-sex this with legal experts within his Legal Forum, and the marriage. The Government Bill will reflect canon law in question has been raised in discussions with businesses order to ensure protection for the established church. and other interested parties. This will be set out in the legislation in this way because The UK Government’s view is that if Scotland were the Church of England (and Church in Wales) has a to leave the UK the most likely scenario is that it would duty to marry parishioners in their parish church, a need to seek EU membership on newly negotiated duty which the Roman Catholic Church is not subject terms while the rest of the UK would continue as a to. The Government will continue to work closely with member state. This view is grounded in legal and academic religious organisations as we prepare the legislation. opinion, and it is consistent with the statements made by the President of the European Commission. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Affordable Housing: Barnsley Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Scotland on the referendum for Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for independence; and if he will make a statement. [135830] Communities and Local Government how many affordable houses there are in Barnsley Central David Mundell: The Secretary of State for Scotland, constituency. [134971] the right hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (Michael Moore), has discussed the referendum Mr Prisk: Figures for local authority and private with the First Minister of Scotland and the Scottish registered provider (housing association) stock at local Government on a number of occasions, most recently authority district level can be found in Live Table 100 when Scotland’s two Governments reached agreement on this page: on the process to ensure that there is a legal, fair and https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- decisive referendum. tables-on-dwelling-stock-including-vacants 121W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 122W

The figures include dwellings for social rent, affordable Through the Localism Act, we have given back to rent, intermediate rent, but may exclude those in “shared councils the freedom to manage their own waiting lists. ownership”. They are now able to decide who should qualify for Information is collected at local authority level and social housing in their area, and to develop solutions therefore figures at constituency level are not available. which make best use of finite social housing stock.

Affordable Housing: Greater London Fire Services

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Communities and Local Government for what reason answer of 13 December 2012, Official Report, columns the Chief Fire Adviser to the Government was selected 442-3W, on affordable housing: Greater London, how to undertake an efficiency review of fire and rescue much funding was provided by the Homes and services. [134965] Communities Agency for new, affordable homes in London in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; how much Brandon Lewis: I refer the hon. Member to my Written funding has been provided to the Mayor of London for Ministerial Statement of 17 December 2012, Official 2012-13 for new, affordable homes; and if he will make Report, column 69WS. a statement. [134876] First Time Buyers Mr Prisk: Funding provided by the Homes and Communities Agency for new affordable housing in Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for London in (a) 2010-11 was £1,136 million and in (b) Communities and Local Government what average 2011-12 £729 million. deposit is needed by a first time buyer in (a) Barnsley I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on Central constituency, (b) South Yorkshire and (c) 13 December 2012, Official Report, column 442-43W, England. [135125] on funding provided to the Mayor of London for 2012-13. Mr Prisk: The Department does not produce estimates I would note that the new Affordable Rent model of the average deposit needed for first time buyers in the now allows for more affordable housing to be delivered Barnsley Central constituency, South Yorkshire or England. with lower levels of taxpayer capital subsidy and lever However, I can refer the hon. Member to the Council in more private investment. As the National Audit of Mortgage Lenders who estimated in October 2012 Office has observed: that the average deposit for a first-time buyer in the UK “The Department selected the best delivery model open to it is 20% of the sale price of the property. for the funds it had available” By tackling the budget deficit inherited by the previous and administration, this Government is helping first time “The Department has so far achieved its policy objective to buyers by enabling them to access low interest rates. maximise the number of homes delivered within the available The Halifax’s First Time Buyer Review 2012 shows grant funding” that the number of first time buyers totalled 216,000 (National Audit Office, “Financial viability of the social over the past year, the most since 2007. housing sector; introducing the Affordable Homes Programme”, 4 July 2012, HC465, pp.6-7). Health I also note that the Mayor’s proposed Housing Strategy states: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for “£1.8 billion of public funding has been secured by the Mayor Communities and Local Government what assessment which .will unlock an estimated additional £3.7 billion of other he has made of current practices used by local investment for London to enable 55,000 affordable homes to be delivered between 2011-15” authorities to measure well-being. [134363] (Mayor of London, “The Revised London Housing Brandon Lewis: There has been no formal assessment Strategy”, December2011, p.35). by this Department of current practices used by local authorities to measure well-being. Council Housing: Suffolk In July, the Office for National Statistics produced experimental estimates of subjective well-being for county Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for and unitary authorities in the UK from the Annual Communities and Local Government how many Population Survey 2012-13: (a) people were waiting for housing in St http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171766_272294.pdf Edmundsbury borough council area and (b) Mid Suffolk district council area in each of the last five The Department for Communities and Local Government years. [134575] has made available estimates of well-being at the neighbourhood level, based on its statistical modelling Mr Prisk: The number of households on local authority of the Office for National Statistics survey data: waiting lists for each local authority is published in the http://opendatacommunities.org/wellbeing/map Department’s live tables 600, which is available at the The purpose of these is to stimulate local debate on following link: well-being. It is a matter for local authorities and their https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority- citizens to decide whether and how they wish to measure housing-statistics-for-england-2011-to-2012 well-being locally. 123W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 124W

Homelessness Mr Prisk: I refer the right hon. Member to my answer of 17 September 2012, Official Report, columns 484-85W. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment Local Government Finance his Department has made of the financial wellbeing of third sector organisations specialising in working with Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for the homeless who have signed contracts with Work Communities and Local Government pursuant to the programme prime providers. [135124] answer of 13 December 2012, Official Report, column 443W, on local government finance, when he expects to Mr Prisk: The Department for Work and Pension make a statement on local government expenditure in leads on the Work programme. 2013 onwards. [134585] Five-year contracts give prime providers a firm basis upon which to build long-term partnerships with their Brandon Lewis: The provisional Local Government specialist supply chains of local providers. Finance settlement for 2013-14 was announced by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Homelessness: Greater London my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), for statutory consultation on 19 December 2012. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to his Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for answer of 19 December 2012, Official Report, column Communities and Local Government whether (a) the 580W, on homelessness, how much funding his household benefit cap, (b) the social housing under- Department plans to spend on reducing homelessness occupancy penalty and (c) direct payment of housing in London in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) costs fall within the scope of his Department’s new 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. [135381] burdens doctrine in respect of their effect on local authorities; and if he will make a statement. [134745] Mr Prisk: The following table sets out the total amount of Homelessness Prevention Grant funding Brandon Lewis [holding answer 20 December 2012]: allocated to local authorities in 2010-11, 2011-12 and In line with the Government’s new burdens doctrine the 2012-13. It also sets out the total amount of funding Department for Work and Pensions are responsible for provided to the Greater London Authority for the carrying out new burdens assessments on policies they provision of rough sleeping services in London in 2011-12 are implementing. and 2012-13. Preventing Homelessness Funding—London Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for £ Communities and Local Government how many Greater London officials of his Department were involved in the Local authorities Authority production and publication of the document, 50 Ways to Save: Examples of Sensible Savings in Local 2010-11 24,069,720 0 Government; and how many hours such staff spent 2011-12 35,914,500 8,450,000 producing the document. [135283] 2012-13 35,914,500 8,450,000 Brandon Lewis: A number of staff assisted with the The Homelessness Prevention Grant totals provided document, but I do not consider it a good use of public above are the baseline figures and exclude funding that resources to ask staff to fill out time sheets to answer has previously been rolled into the grant to cover local the hon. Member’s question. court desk provision and under occupancy and tenancy fraud and additional funding provided in year. I would note that otherwise there was no substantive cost to the Department in producing the in-house, In 2010-11 on top of the baseline grant we provided online publication. an additional £14,573,967 to meet homelessness pressures in London. In 2011-12, we provided London authorities The document aims to give advice to councils on with an additional £2,666,000 to tackle single homelessness practical ways of cutting costs and saving taxpayers’ and £3,013,248 to prevent repossessions. money. We also provided £6,018,070 of capital funding for London in 2010-11 under the Places of Change programme. Local Government: Assets From the 1 April 2012, affordable housing funding for London has been devolved to the Mayor of London. Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for This includes £12,760,000 capital funding for the Communities and Local Government what steps his Homelessness Change programme. Department will take to assist local authorities to enforce proper maintenance of land and properties. [133902] Housing: Overcrowding Nick Boles: Local authorities have a range of powers Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for available under planning, environmental and local Communities and Local Government how many government legislation to enable them to enforce the households in each London borough were overcrowded maintenance of land and buildings, including for example: on the most recent date for which figures are available. Section 215 Town and Country Planning Act 1990: Power to [135379] deal with derelict land and buildings 125W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 126W

Section 197 Town and Country Planning Act 1990: Power to Tax Base) Regulations 2012 is ringfenced; and if he will make tree preservation orders amend the regulations in favour of parish councils to Section 225 Town and Country Planning Act 1990: Power to address that matter . [135727] remove or obliterate any placard or poster displayed illegally in its area Brandon Lewis: We consulted on this broad issue last Sections 76-79 of the Building Act for defective premises, year. dangerous buildings, ruinous and dilapidated buildings and neglected sites The Government has written to all billing authorities Section 29 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) and provided the guidance at annex B of “Localising Act 1982 for works on unoccupied buildings support for Council Tax—Council Tax base and funding Sections 79-82 of the Environmental Protection Act for abatement for local precepting authorities: Government response or prohibition of a nuisance to the outcome of consultation”. Listed building legislation such as Repairs and Urgent Works The guidance sets out that in allocating the local Notices; Completion Notices; and Compulsory Purchase Orders. precepting authority funding to billing authorities it is Central Government does not have a day-to-day role Government’s clear expectation that they will work in the use of these powers. with parish and town councils to pass down funding so that precepts can be reduced, reflecting reductions in Members: Correspondence their council tax base.

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Planning Permission Communities and Local Government when he plans to reply to the letters of 23 October and 5 November 2012 Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for from the hon. Member for Mid Worcestershire on the Communities and Local Government how much consequences for Wychavon District Council of the revenue each local authority obtained from (a) application of national planning policies, including planning applications and (b) section 106 agreements the means of measuring the existence of a five year in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12. [134695] land supply for housing. [134982] Nick Boles: The revenue obtained by each local authority Nick Boles: A reply was sent on 20 November 2012. from planning applications for 2010-11 and 2011-12 is set out in the table which has been placed in the Library Mobile Homes of the House. Planning services are also funded thorough formula grant. Section 106 agreements are sought, Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for negotiated and applied at local authority level. There is Communities and Local Government what no national record of revenue obtained through section representations he has received on including a fit and 106 agreements by individual local authorities. proper person test as part of any new legislative proposals on mobile homes. [134596] Private Rented Housing

Mr Prisk: The Department received representation Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for on including a fit and proper test in legislative proposals Communities and Local Government what proportion for mobile homes from the Communities and Local of the housing stock in each parliamentary Government Select Committee, following its inquiry constituency is in the private rented sector. [135444] into the sector. The committee specifically sought views as to whether “fit and proper” licensing should be introduced and it received 250 pieces of evidence, many Mr Foster: Data released from the 2011 census shows of which called for its introduction. At oral evidence the proportion of households in private rented sessions there was widespread support for its introduction, accommodation at local authority level. Tenure information including from the trade bodies representing the industry. is presented in table KS402EW. The private rented Its possible introduction, through secondary legislation, tenure is split into the two categories; rented from a was recommended by the committee in its report published landlord or letting agency and rented other, available at: in June 2012 and the Government accepted this http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/2011/ recommendation. This requirement is now included in index.html the Mobile Homes Bill, which is currently awaiting second reading in the other place. Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Prior to the Select Committee’s inquiry the Department Communities and Local Government what proportion received representation for the test’s introduction from of those on housing waiting lists were renting privately a number of sources, including individuals, members of owned properties in each year since 1982. [135539] parliament and the all-party parliamentary group on mobile homes. Mr Foster: This information is not collected centrally.

Parish Councils: Council Tax Private Rented Housing: Barnsley

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps he Communities and Local Government what proportion plans to take to ensure any rebate to parish councils of households are privately rented in Barnsley Central under the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council constituency. [134977] 127W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 128W

Mr Prisk: Data released from the 2011 Census shows Property: British Nationals Abroad the proportion of households in private rented accommodation at local authority level. Tenure information Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for is presented in table KS402EW. The private rented Communities and Local Government what plans his tenure is split into the two categories; rented from a Department has to ensure that land and property landlord or letting agency and rented other. owners who live overseas are required to maintain their http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/2011/ properties in the UK to an acceptable standard. index.html [133721]

Mr Prisk: Responsibility for maintaining a property Private Rented Housing: Greater London rests with the owner of that property, whether they live in this country or overseas. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Where a property owner is not maintaining the property, Communities and Local Government what estimate he local authorities have a number of powers to serve has made of the number of private sector tenants in notice on the owner and/or take direct action if the each London borough that have been re-located (a) owner does not take the action(s) required by the notice. within the borough, (b) within Greater London and I am arranging for a list of the most relevant powers to (c) outside Greater London in each month since April be placed in the Library of the House. 2012. [135825] The Government considers that these powers are sufficient to enable local authorities to deal with the Mr Foster: The Department for Communities and problems that are caused by properties that are not Local Government does not hold the information requested. maintained and there are no plans to introduce further While local authorities have powers enabling them to requirements on overseas property owners. take action against private sector landlords, to protect both tenants and neighbourhoods from poor property Public Houses condition and management, they do not have any powers to force private sector tenants to re-locate. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what estimate he has made of the number of pubs that were turned Property Development into supermarkets in (a) each year between 2000 and 2011 and (b) 2012 to date; [134753] Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what recent assessment he has made of the Communities and Local Government what steps his planning regime; and whether changes could be made Department is taking to encourage better design in new so that premises changing from a pub to a supermarket property developments. [133910] would require planning permission; [134754] (3) what support his Department is providing to Nick Boles: The National Planning Policy Framework local authorities to help them use Article 4 of the sets out the Government’s planning policies on design. Town and Country Planning (General Permitted It makes clear that good design is a key aspect of Development) Order 1995 to protect community sustainable development, is indivisible from good planning amenities. [134755] and should contribute positively to making places better (4) what recent estimate he has made of the potential for people. Specifically it also sets out that: permission compensation liability associated with a local authority should be refused for development of poor design; great using Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning weight should be given to outstanding or innovative (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 to designs; proposals that have evolved to take account of prevent a pub being converted into a supermarket; the views of the community should be looked on more [134756] favourably; and local planning authorities should have local design review arrangements in place. (5) how many councils have used Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted In addition, we are currently funding Design Council Development) Order 1995 to prevent a pub being Cabe to carry out, and further develop, design review converted into a supermarket in the last 10 years services that enable developers and local authorities to [134757] submit schemes, at the pre-application stage, to an independent panel of design experts who provide Nick Boles [holding answer 20 December 2012]: Buildings constructive feedback on how the scheme could be used as pubs and shops are in different classes within improved. the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order We have also supported the development of a design 1987 (as amended). However, there are permitted checklist, known as Building for Life, that is promoted development rights which allow a pub to convert to a by the Home Builders Federation and the Design Council shop without the need to submit a planning application as a helpful reference tool that can be used at the and so any such conversion would not necessarily be pre-application stage to help frame discussions about recorded. As this is a local matter, no central estimate the design of a new housing scheme. has been made of the number of conversions. I also refer my hon. Friend to my recent speech on As part of a review of change of use, we published a planning, localism and design, which can be found at: consultation in July 2012 on making better use of https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/town-and-country- existing buildings, and are now considering responses planning-association-conference-speech received. 129W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 130W

Where there is a need to control specific development, https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- the local authority can put in place an article 4 direction tables-on-social-housing-sales in consultation with the local community. Detailed Information is collected at local authority level and guidance on the application of article 4 directions can therefore figures at constituency level are not available. be found at: There have been over 14,000 right to buy and other https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ council house sales in Barnsley District since 1979. attachment_data/file/5679/2160020.pdf The potential for compensation liability will vary Shops depending on the content of the article 4 direction and the area. In reaching decisions about bringing in article Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 4 directions, local authorities will have to make a judgment Communities and Local Government which on whether the benefits of taking action outweigh the organisations received a financial benefit from the potential costs. We have been notified of one proposed recent pop-up shop at Eland house. [135397] article 4 direction to restrict the permitted development rights for a pub to change to retail, financial and Mr Prisk: The pop-up shop at Eland house is operated professional services and restaurant uses. We are not by StartUp Britain, a not for profit company launched aware of any local authority that currently has an by the Prime Minister on 28 March 2011. Over the article 4 direction in place restricting the conversion of coming year, the shop will offer up to 150 entrepreneurs pubs to supermarkets. the chance to sell their British-made products over a More broadly, pubs do not turn into supermarkets two-week period. The tenant retailers will keep all of because of the planning system. Rather, the key issue is the profit from their sales, with any surplus rental that pubs may close and the premises are sold because income being recycled to fund pop-up shops elsewhere they are not economically viable. In that context, I refer in the UK. the hon. Member to the answer of 18 September 2012, I would be delighted to invite the hon. Member to Official Report, column 610W,on the steps the Government join me for a tour of the pop-up shop early this year. is taking to support community pubs—including tackling unfair competition by some supermarkets by selling alcohol below cost price. Moreover, one of the public policy objectives that we CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT also need to consider is avoiding premises standing empty. Disproportionate restrictions on change of use would result in more empty buildings, harming local Basketball amenity and the broader local economy. Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Right to Buy Scheme Culture, Media and Sport if she will ask UK Sport to reconsider its decision to withdraw elite funding for basketball. [135513] Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment Hugh Robertson: UK Sport’s decisions to fund Sports his Department has made of whether councils are for the Rio 2016 cycle were based on their Investment informing social tenants of their right to buy. [135150] Principles, which can be read at the following link: http://www.uksport.gov.uk/pages/investment-principles/ Mr Prisk: Councils have a statutory duty to inform their tenants of the Right to Buy and to provide information Any sport which is dissatisfied with the outcome of this to help their tenants decide whether to exercise this process can make a formal appeal. The full details of right. I would expect all local authorities with social the appeals process are on UK Sport’s website: housing stock to take this responsibility seriously. www.uksport.gov.uk/pages/complaints-appeals/ A Right to Buy road show is an excellent way to Separate to any formal process, the UK Sport Board ensure that tenants are both informed about the scheme has exercised its discretionary right to invite Sports to and are given the information they need to achieve their attend the next board meeting (on 30 January 2013) to aspiration of home ownership. My Department is offering make any further informal representations. support to all councils who wish to hold a road show and I invite my hon. Friend’s council, Crawley borough Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for council, to take up this offer. I shall be attending one of Culture, Media and Sport what support her these road shows myself. Department is providing to basketball and wheelchair basketball in (a) London and (b) the rest of the UK following the London 2012 Olympics. [135773] Right to Buy Scheme: Barnsley Hugh Robertson: Sport England have recently announced Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for that they will commit £6.75 million to getting more Communities and Local Government how many social people playing basketball during 2013-17. They will tenants have bought their homes under right to buy in also invest £2 million in wheelchair basketball during Barnsley Central constituency. [134976] this time to help more disabled people take up the sport and build the foundations of future Paralympic success. Mr Prisk: Figures for local authority housing sales at The four-year funding is more than twice Sport England’s local authority district level can be found in Live Table previous investment in British wheelchair basketball. In 648b on this page: addition to this, Sport England has open pots of funding, 131W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 132W which basketball clubs are able to apply to. Sport England Football funding will benefit individuals and clubs across the country. UK Sport are investing £5,379,264 into elite Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for wheelchair basketball for the Rio cycle. Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the Football Association on the involvement of clubs in the Football Conference and the Isthmian, Betting Southern and Northern Premier leagues in the governance of English football. [135286] Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she Hugh Robertson: The Secretary of State for Culture, had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Local Government on a review of fixed odds betting Basingstoke (Maria Miller), met the chair of the Football terminals; and if she will make a statement. [134871] Association (FA) on 3 October to discuss a wide range of football issues, including governance, and as Minister Hugh Robertson: The Government has committed to for Sport and Tourism, I meet with the chair and chief review the evidence around category B2 gaming machines of the Football Association regularly. However, no specific (fixed odds betting terminals) and problem gambling. discussions have taken place with the FA about lower Details on how the review will be progressed are being league clubs. The football authorities continue to work agreed with colleagues across Government, including towards reforming the governance of the game. They the Secretary of State for Communities and Local have already begun to implement this through the reform Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for of the FA Board. We expect further reforms, including Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), and will be announced the introduction of a new licensing system for clubs and shortly. rationalisation of the relationship between the FA Board and its Council, by summer 2013. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether her Department has Gambling: Internet assessed which overseas jurisdictions do not compel operators to report certain information such as Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for instances of suspicious betting activity to the Culture, Media and Sport what evidence she has Gambling Commission or relevant body where such considered on the potential effect on consumer activity may involve UK sports or UK consumers. protection of place of consumption regulation of [134899] online gambling. [134819]

Hugh Robertson: The Gambling Commission has Hugh Robertson: The Government has set out in advised that it is not common practice for overseas detail the evidence it has considered in a Regulatory jurisdictions to require betting operators to report suspicious Impact Assessment accompanying the draft Gambling betting activity involving UK sport or consumers direct (Licensing and Advertising) Bill. This assessment identifies to the Gambling Commission, or to the UK sports how place of consumption regulation of online gambling governing body. will ensure that the protections of the gambling regulatory framework are applied more consistently, with less confusion for consumers, and in a way that gives the Gambling Broadband: Rural Areas Commission the ability to offer greater protection to British consumers. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the reason was for Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the time taken to provide the EU Competition Culture, Media and Sport (1) what evidence she has Commissioner with information on the rural considered on the potential effect of place of broadband rollout programme. [134764] consumption regulation of online gambling on the number of unregulated operators offering online Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and gambling in the UK; [134820] Sport (DCMS) was involved in extensive dialogue with (2) if she will estimate the potential reduction in the Commission on the detail of its superfast broadband unregulated online gambling in the UK as a result of programme. DCMS submitted its formal notification place of consumption regulation; [134821] for state aid approval on 5 January 2012 and having (3) if she will estimate the number of unregulated reviewed the notification, the Commission raised 31 online gaming companies currently operating in the questions relating to the detailed operation of the scheme UK; [134900] on 29 February. DCMS worked closely with Commission officials over the course of the following months to (4) what proportion of online gambling operators address the concerns that were raised in these questions, are able to offer unregulated services in the UK; to amend the scheme where appropriate and to negotiate [134822] on specific details. It was necessary to address all these (5) if she will estimate the proportion of the UK matters to ensure that we ended up with a high quality online gaming market that is unregulated; and what scheme that presents the prospect of delivering superfast assessment she has made of the potential effects of broadband to the vast majority of the UK, and doing place of consumption regulation on that proportion; so with the minimum contribution from public funds. [134895] 133W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 134W

(6) whether she has estimated the number of 2012 Olympics and Paralympics were attended by each unregulated operators that will become regulated as a Minister in her Department using tickets or passes for result of the introduction of place of consumption which they did not pay personally; and what the cost regulation. [134896] was of attending each such event for members of the public who used comparable seats or had comparable Hugh Robertson: Remote gambling offered to UK access. [135655] consumers may fall into one of several categories. It could be unregulated anywhere (which we estimate to Hugh Robertson: The Government pledged to publish be a very small proportion of the total); regulated in these details following the Olympic and Paralympic another jurisdiction but not authorised to advertise in Games and will do so shortly. the UK; regulated in “whitelist” or EEA countries and therefore authorised to advertise in the UK; and those Redundancy regulated by the Gambling Commission. The Gambling Commission estimates that at least 80% of remote Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, gambling activity by UK citizens takes place with operators Media and Sport how many posts have been declared that it does not regulate. Our proposals for place of redundant by each of her Department’s Executive consumption regulation aim to ensure that all remote agencies and non-departmental public bodies in each gambling advertised and offered to British based consumers year since 1999; and what has been the cost of those will be regulated by the Gambling Commission. redundancies in each such year. [135467]

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Hugh Robertson: The Department does not collate Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has this information. Accordingly, I have asked the chief made of how place of consumption regulation of executives of our agency and arm’s length bodies to online gambling will improve consumer protection. write to the hon. Member. Copies of their replies will be [134823] placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Hugh Robertson: The Government’s proposed remote Sports gambling reforms will strengthen consumer protection for British based consumers of remote gambling services Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for by ensuring remote gambling operators are subject to Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has the provisions of the Gambling Act 2005, its regulations held on creating a national framework that will secure a and the Gambling Commission’s social responsibility sporting legacy for the UK; and if she will make a and technical standards requirements. As a result, statement. [134872] consumers will enjoy consistent standards of protection whichever online gambling site they choose to visit. Hugh Robertson: A new Cabinet Committee on Olympic and Paralympic Legacy has been created, chaired by the Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Prime Minister, to co-ordinate legacy delivery across Culture, Media and Sport (1) which gambling Government. Sports legacy forms a major part of this jurisdictions contained within EEA member states, work. Gibraltar and the white list her Department has assessed as providing inadequate protection to Sports: Schools consumers; [134898] (2) which European online gaming operators her Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Department has assessed as having insufficient Culture, Media and Sport with reference to her regulatory oversight; and which are permitted to Department’s strategy, Creating a sporting habit for advertise in the UK. [134897] life, published in January 2012, what assessment she has made of the effect of the loss of teacher release Hugh Robertson: Part of the problem with the current funding in schools from 2013-14; and if she will make a regulatory arrangements is that it is difficult to assess statement. [134873] whether apparent problems are due to lack of regulatory oversight, because such issues are investigated by other Hugh Robertson: The Department has made no such regulators. The proposed remote gambling regulatory assessment. “Teacher release” funding is a matter for reforms remove the need to assess regulatory standards the Department for Education. In November 2010, the in jurisdictions whose operators can target the UK, and Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend is a more practical and cost-effective approach given the the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), announced growing number of online jurisdictions and the potential that he was making available funding to release a PE for expansion of the online offer. There is currently teacher from every secondary school to work with local potential for a growing problem of varying standards primary schools to increase opportunities in competitive and different levels of expertise and the proposed reforms sport and encourage them to participate in the School will reduce the potential for operators to locate themselves Games. At that time, he made it very clear that this in inexperienced or less rigorous jurisdictions to target funding would be in place for only two years and that, the UK. beyond then, he expects that schools should have embedded this work into their core provision. Olympic Games 2012 We are working with the Secretary of State for Education in considering a range of measures to improve school Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for sport further and will make an announcement in due Culture, Media and Sport which events at the London course. 135W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 136W

Telephone Services: Unsolicited Goods and Services Electricity Interconnectors: Hebrides

Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many complaints the Energy and Climate Change if he will make an estimate Information Commissioner received from the of the cost of installing, maintaining and running an Telephone Preference Service about live unsolicited electrical interconnector in the Outer Hebrides. [135447] direct marketing calls in the year to 31 October (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012. [133362] Mr Hayes: The cost of grid connections is a matter for the network companies and the independent regulator, Mr Vaizey: The Information Commissioner’s Office Ofgem. The Department makes no estimate of the costs (ICO) has advised me that they are unable to provide of such projects. information relating to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), as their systems are unable to specifically identify referrals from the TPS. Employment Agencies

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the total spending on recruitment agencies by his Department was in each ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE month from July to December 2012. [135234]

Gregory Barker: The total spending on recruitment Carbon Emissions agencies by the Department of Energy and Climate Change for the period July 2012 to December 2012 is as Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for follows: Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the contribution from the hon. Member for Brighton, £ Pavilion of 19 December 2012, Official Report, column July 32,439 896, if he will correct the record following his August 27,310 contribution at Official Report, 18 December 2012, September 26,670 column 828. [135757] October 27,823 November 16,143 Mr Hayes: I confirm that no correction will be made Official Report, to the 18 December 2012, Column 828. The data for December 2012 are not currently available. The Government expects to reduce emissions to below the first three carbon budgets by 90, 132, and 71 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent respectively, as set Energy: Conservation out in the Government’s Updated Energy and Emissions Projections and its response to the Committee on Climate Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Change’s (CCC) fourth annual progress report—both Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has published 15 October, 2012. Since 1990, we have already made of the case for supporting industrial energy seen UK emissions fall by 26%, on the way to reducing efficiency schemes in the energy intensive industries emissions by around 35%, against 1990 levels, by 2020 through the measures proposed in his Department’s (the third carbon budget period). consultation paper on options to encourage permanent Consistent with the Government’s analysis, the CCC reductions in electricity use. [135090] recognised in their fourth annual progress report that current emissions projections suggest outperformance Mr Hayes: The Electricity Demand Reduction against the first three carbon budgets, whilst noting the consultation sets out a number of policies the Government impact of the current economic climate on emissions is considering introducing to reduce demand for electricity. projections. The CCC did also use their report to call Analysis carried out in support of the consultation ″ ″ for a step change in the pace of implementation of considered the technical potential for electricity savings policy measures, but did not disagree that the first three across the economy, including energy intensive industries. carbon budgets are likely to be met on current projections. The measures assessed as having the highest technical The Government is acting now to deliver the step potential for electricity savings in the industrial sector change necessary, with major policies now moving into are. the usage optimisation of motors, pump optimisation their delivery stage. The recently introduced Energy Bill and improved boilers. Together these are estimated to set out proposals for reforming the electricity market to have the potential to save around 24 TWh, 4% of which support low carbon generation, changes which should is expected to be captured through current and planned lead to a doubling in the normal rate of investment. policies. Among other things, the Government is supporting We are continuing to gather evidence through the continued take-up of energy efficiency measures through consultation process before finalising our policies to the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation; building deliver a step change in electricity demand reduction. a market for renewable heat through the renewable heat Our consideration of the evidence will include looking incentive; and has put in place a green investment bank at the scope for, and the costs and benefits of, to help catalyse the private investment that is crucial to supporting electricity demand reduction in energy driving the change that is needed. intensive industries. 137W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 138W

Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Also in 2010, EDF Energy made payments of £200,000 Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to to two consumer funds following an investigation into support decentralised energy generators to reduce their compliance with Regulation 4 (1) of the Gas and carbon emissions through greater energy efficiency. Electricity (Consumer Complaints Handling Standards) [135411] Regulations 2008. 2011 Gregory Barker: All generators are incentivised to run as efficiently as possible through the operation of Company Case details Outcome the energy market. The electricity market reforms being introduced in the Energy Bill will diversify our electricity National Grid Gas Non-compliance £8 million penalty supply by supporting all forms of low carbon generation, plc with Special Conditions E2B, E6 helping to improve our energy security and reduce and E20, and reliance on energy imports. These reforms do not support Standard Special one specific technology.Rather, they will provide assistance Conditions D9 and to all low carbon technologies, in order to encourage A40 of its gas innovation and competition, and reward those generators transporter licence in respect of that can provide clean, affordable, and secure electricity Distribution for consumers at the lowest price. Networks (Regulatory reporting of mains Energy: Fines decommissioning work)

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scottish Hydro Non-compliance £500,000 penalty Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made Electric Power with Standard of the amount paid in fines to HM Treasury from each Distribution plc Licence Condition energy company in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (SLC) 4D, SLC 30 (d) 2012. [133788] and SLC 12 of the electricity distribution licence Mr Hayes: DECC does not hold the information (Offers of requested. connection) As independent regulator, Ofgem is responsible for Central Networks Non-compliance £400,000 penalty the regulation of gas and electricity supply, including East plc and Central with Standard investigating energy companies which may be breaching Networks plc Licence Condition (SLC) 4D, SLC 30 the terms of their licence, acting anti-competitively or and SLC 12 of the breaching consumer law. Ofgem has the power to fine electricity up to 10% of a company’s turnover should they be distribution licence found to be in breach. The following tables show the (Offers of amount of fines issued by Ofgem from 2009-12. connection) 2009 Electricity North Non-compliance £100,000 penalty Company Case details Outcome West Ltd with Standard Licence Condition EDF Energy plc Non-compliance £2 million penalty (SLC) 4D, SLC 30 with Standard and SLC 12 of the Licence Condition electricity (SLC) 4D and SLC distribution licence 12 of the Electricity (Offers of Distribution connection) Licence (Requirement to British Gas Trading Non-compliance £1,000,000 penalty offer terms for Use Ltd with the reporting plus action taken by of System and requirements under BG to redress the connection) the Renewables impact on the Obligation for market, by retiring Companies in the Non-compliance £1.8 million penalty England and Wales, Renewables Npower Group with Standard and Scotland, as set Obligation Licence Condition out in various Certificates 25 of the gas and statutory electricity supply instruments licences (Marketing to domestic customers) 2012 Company Case details Outcome

British Gas Trading Non-compliance £2,500,000 2010 Ltd with Gas and Company Case details Outcome Electricity (Consumer National Grid Gas Investigation under £15 million penalty Complaints plc the Competition Handling Act 1998 into Standards) suspected abuse of Regulations 2008 dominant position (CSHR) 139W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 140W

2012 Energy: Meters Company Case details Outcome RWE Npower Ltd Non-compliance £2,000,000 Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy with Gas and and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Electricity 17 December 2012, Official Report, column 536W, on (Consumer Complaints energy: meters, whether he has undertaken a cost- Handling benefit analysis of the different types of smart meter; Standards) and if he will publish the results of any such analysis. Regulations 2008 [134865] (CSHR) National Grid Gas plc Non-compliance £4,300,000 with Standard Mr Hayes: The Government published the first smart Special Condition meter equipment technical specifications and a cost-benefit. (SSC) D10 Impact assessment in April 2012. The specifications set paragraph 2 (g) of out the minimum functional and technical requirements its gas transporters licence (Standards for smart meters installed in Great Britain. In August for attending 2012 the Government launched a further consultation controlled and seeking views on requirements for a range of additional uncontrolled gas capabilities in the specifications, including standards for escapes) communication between devices. A cost-benefit impact Northern Gas Non-compliance £900,000 assessment will be published alongside the Government Networks Ltd with Standard response to the consultation shortly. Special Condition (SSC) D10 paragraph 2 (g) of its gas transporters Equality licence (Standards for attending controlled and Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy uncontrolled gas and Climate Change what proportion of staff in his escapes) Department have received training in equality and EDF Energy Non-compliance £1 penalty plus £4.5 Customers plc with obligations million consumer diversity and the requirements of the Equality Act under conditions 23, redress package to 2010 in each of the last three years. [134810] 25 and 27 of the customers Standard Gregory Barker: DECC has since November 2010 Conditions of the Electricity and Gas provided a mandatory equality and diversity e-learning Supply Licenses course to all of its staff. Staff were asked to complete Wales and West Non-compliance £375,000 the course once, not annually. Utilities Ltd with Standard In financial year 2010-11, 18.5% of staff passed the course Special Conditions A40(5), D9(2), In financial year 2011-12, 75.3% of staff passed the course D9(5)(c), and In financial year 2012-13, 2.8% of staff have passed the course Special Conditions E2B(8)(3)(b), E20(3)(a) and (b) and E20(7)(a) of its EU Energy Policy gas transporter licence Opus Energy Ltd Non-compliance £125,000 Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for with reporting Energy and Climate Change what steps his requirements under Department is taking to encourage an integrated the Renewables European market for energy. [135300] Obligation for England and Wales, and Scotland as set Mr Hayes: The Third Package of legislation on the out various internal market in energy includes the key building statutory blocks for an integrated European energy market. It is instruments therefore crucial that it is fully implemented in all member states and we are encouraging the Commission Also in 2012, Ofgem secured a commitment from to take enforcement action against those member states E.ON to pay back £1.4 million to customers incorrectly who have not achieved full compliance. However, in charged exit fees or overcharged following price rises. In order to facilitate the cross-border trading and further addition, E.ON has agreed to make an additional payment investment needed for energy market integration, further of around £300,000 as a goodwill gesture to a consumer rules are being developed on a range of network and fund which they run in partnership with Age UK. market issues. The Department, in close co-operation with UK regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders, Ofcom, the body responsible for regulating the is playing an active part in the formulation of these communications industries recently imposed a financial rules with the aim of adopting the most important of penalty of £60,000 on Npower for breaking rules on them in time to meet the objective, agreed by the European abandoned telephone calls, which came into force in Council, of completing the internal energy market by 2010. 2014. 141W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 142W

Fracking Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Department is taking to ensure that existing Green Energy and Climate Change what his timetable is for Deal participants are not able to influence which future his Department’s study into the possible impacts of companies are granted Green Deal accreditation. shale gas extraction on greenhouse gas emissions. [135817] [135089] Gregory Barker: All participants go through a Mr Hayes: The study will start in January 2013 and is transparent, consistent and fair process to gain accreditation. due to complete by 30 April 2013. Compliance with the Green Deal code of practice is a condition of all accreditations. Fracking: Fylde Applicant assessors and installers have to be certified by a certification body, on behalf of the Secretary of Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State State, to ensure they meet the appropriate standards. for Energy and Climate Change what monitoring will The United Kingdom Accreditation Service accredit take place of fracking off the Fylde coast. [134881] certification bodies to carry out this function. Mr Hayes: I am not aware of any proposals for Applicant providers submit applications to the Oversight fracking off the Fylde coast. Monitoring of any fracking and Registration Body that are assessed in accordance within Fylde is described in the written ministerial with published guidance for applicants prepared by statement on Exploration for Shale Gas made by the DECC. Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the The Oversight and Registration Body makes a right hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr recommendation, and the Secretary of State takes the Davey), on 13 December 2012, Official Report, columns decision on whether to approve the applicant. 44-52WS. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Fuel Poverty: Pendle Energy and Climate Change what consideration his Department gave the shareholders of Gemserv when Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for awarding the contract to run the Green Deal oversight Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he body. [135818] has made of the number of households in fuel poverty in Pendle constituency. [135114] Gregory Barker: Award of the contract was undertaken in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations Gregory Barker: The following table shows the number 2006. The contract was also awarded, and is being of households living in fuel poverty in the Pendle delivered, in accordance with the Department’s parliamentary constituency, for the latest available year requirements and detailed terms which provide appropriate 2010. Fuel poverty statistics for 2011 are due to be controls should they be needed including over any released in May 2013. issues relating to ownership.

Fuel poor households Percentage living in Area (thousand) fuel poverty (%) Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what criteria his Pendle constituency 9 23.7 Department used to determine that Gemserv should be awarded the contract to run the Green Deal oversight Green Deal Scheme body. [135819]

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: The evaluation criteria used to assess Energy and Climate Change how many companies each of the bids were contained in the Invitation to took part in the tendering process to award the Tender (ITT). The criteria covered the following areas: contract to run the Green Deal oversight body. [135815] Delivery Plan, Quality Assurance and Reporting, Registration and Authorisation, Management Functions, Gregory Barker: Nine bidders expressed an interest in Data Management and Data Security, Monitoring, Non the role of Green Deal Oversight and Registration Compliance and Redress, Reporting, and Energy Body. Of these, six were selected to move to the next Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) functions. stage and issued with a formal Invitation to Tender on 7 The marks available against each criteria were made March 2012. Four bids were received. known in advance through the ITT. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change which Minister signed off Green Deal Scheme: Computer Software the decision to award Gemserv the contract to run the Green Deal oversight body. [135816] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: I approved the recommendation to Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of appoint Gemserv, on behalf of the Secretary of State, 12 December 2012, Official Report, column 308W, on based on their score from the tender process under the Green Deal Scheme: computer scheme, on what date Public Contracts Regulations 2006 and Official Journal the updated software for assessment training produced of the European Union procedures. by BRE went live. [135409] 143W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 144W

Gregory Barker: The training software produced by Nuclear Reactors BRE first went live on 27 May 2012. Subsequent updates have been released throughout the year. The version of Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy the software released on 5 December 2012 was approved and Climate Change what the cost has been of the by DECC for the creation of live Green Deal occupancy Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process for new assessments. nuclear reactors since its inception; what proportion of Industrial Diseases: Compensation such cost has been recovered by (a) the Office for Nuclear Regulation and (b) the Environment Agency; and what estimate he has made of the likely future Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for costs that will be incurred in the completion of any Energy and Climate Change (1) if he will thank the outstanding GDA matters. [135028] individual members of the English, Welsh and Scottish groups on coal miners’ compensation for their work; Mr Hayes: The regulatory costs of the Generic Design [134868] Assessment to date have been approximately £57 million (2) when the individual members of the English, (EA costs: £5 million and ONR costs: £52 million). Welsh and Scottish monitoring groups on coal miners’ compensation will be formally advised whether or not Regulators have estimated the costs up to publication of the final technical reports for the EPR design to be their services are required any more. [134869] an additional £2.57 million (EA: £0.37million and ONR: £2.2 million). Mr Hayes: The Coal Heath Compensation Monitoring Groups were set up specifically to monitor the progress 100% of these costs are recoverable from the GDA and settlement of claims under the chronic obstruction requesting parties. pulmonary disease (COPD) and vibration white finger The AP1000 design assessment remains on hold as (VWF) schemes. Both schemes were formally concluded per Westinghouse’s request. in the courts over two years ago. At the same time the work of the monitoring groups came to a natural Olympic Games 2012 conclusion with the completion of most claims. These were among the biggest personal injury schemes Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for in British legal history. It has been noted on several Energy and Climate Change which events at the occasions that the schemes have been a remarkable London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics were attended achievement for all those involved including the monitoring by each Minister in his Department using tickets or groups. I endorse that sentiment. passes for which they did not pay personally; and what Nuclear Power Stations the cost was of attending each such event for members of the public who used comparable seats or had comparable access. [135652] Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the ability of Hinkley B and Hunterson B Gregory Barker: The Government pledged to publish nuclear reactors to operate safely for a further seven these details following the Olympic and Paralympic Games and will do so shortly. years. [134928]

Mr Hayes: Ensuring the continued safe operation Procurement and security of the UK’s nuclear power plants and facilities is of paramount importance. The operator has Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy a duty to ensure that the nuclear power stations can and Climate Change what the monetary value was of continue to operate in line with regulatory requirements. contracts awarded by his Department to (a) The Office for Nuclear Regulation has reviewed the management consultancies and (b) IT companies in (i) operators’ proposals and is satisfied that both power 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; and if he will make a stations will continue to operate safely provided results statement. [135165] from routine maintenance, inspection and testing continue to support their safety cases. Continued operation of Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and these power stations will also be subject to mandatory Climate Change does not hold the information requested Periodic Safety Reviews continuing to demonstrate that centrally and it would be available only at disproportionate they remain adequately safe. cost. The following figures shown have been taken from the Department’s financial records. On all consultancy, Mr George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State including management consultancies: for Energy and Climate Change what procedures he will put in place to monitor safety at Hinkley B and £9,163,000 was spent in 2010-11; Hunterson B nuclear reactors. [134929] £6,690,000 was spent in 2011-12. The Department procures IT through a shared services Mr Hayes: All nuclear site licensees, including EDF agreement with the Department for Business Innovation in the case of Hinkley B and B reactors, are and Skills. The Department spend through this contract legally obliged to satisfy the independent Office for in 2010-11 was £4,744,000 and £5,499,000 in 2011-12. Nuclear Regulation (ONR) that they are operating When IT services are only part of a main contract for a safely, in accordance with a detailed safety case. In turn, service, it is not possible to identify separately the IT the ONR reports to the public, the Secretary of State spend on that contract and this figure is not included in and to Parliament. the figures shown. 145W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 146W

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy which the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Climate Change how many procurement officers (DECC) is responsible are shown in the following table. are currently employed by his Department. [135672] Posts declared Cost of Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and NDPB redundant redundancies Climate Change employs a central procurement team of 2008-09 Civil Nuclear 1Nocost seven procurement officers and a part-time procurement Constabulary1 officer for 0.4 of a full-time worker. In addition there 2009-10 1 <£105,000 are a number of staff working on procurement throughout 2011-12 2 £10,000-£25,000 the Department under guidance from the central team. The number of staff working on procurement is not Sub total 4 £24,691 recorded centrally and would be available only at disproportionate cost. 2010-11 Nuclear 74 £4.5 million- Decommissioning £5 million Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Authority and Climate Change how many civil servants in his 2011-12 1 £50,000- Department regularly deal with procurement services. £100,000 Sub total 75 £4,877,424 [135673]

Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and 1999- Coal Authority 2 £10,000-£25,000 Climate Change has devolved procurement across the 2000 organisation with a central team of seven procurement 2000-01 1 <£10,000 officers and one part-time procurement officer. 2001-02 2 £50,000- £100,000 Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 2009-10 3 £50,000- and Climate Change how many procurement officers in £100,000 his Department have relevant procurement 2011-12 32 £1.5 million- qualifications. [135674] £2 million Sub total 40 £1,828,577 Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change employs a central procurement team of Grand total 119 £6,730,692 eight procurement officers and all are fully qualified 1 The Civil Nuclear Constabulary was created in 2005. Therefore members of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and there is no information available prior to that date. Supply (MCIPS). The Committee for Climate Change has not made Public Expenditure any posts redundant. DECC does not have any Executive agencies for which it is responsible. Mr Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to his Redundancy Pay Department’s Business Plan 2011-15, what payments were made by his Department to organisations as part Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy of achieving Priority (a) B: Deliver secure energy on and Climate Change what the total amount of the way to a low carbon future and (b) C: Drive redundancy pay paid to civil servants in his ambitious action on climate change at home and Department was in each month from July to December abroad in each financial year since 2008-09. [135142] 2012. [135232]

Gregory Barker: For each of the financial years since Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and 2008-09, the Department’s payment expenditure to Climate Change has not made any redundancy payments organisations as part of achieving the priorities of (a) to any of its civil servants between July and December B: Deliver a secure energy on the way to a low carbon 2012. future and (b) C: Drive ambitious action on climate change at home and abroad is published in the Department Renewable Energy: Timber of Energy & Climate Change’s 2011-12 Annual Report (HC 63) Page 222. Sir Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Redundancy Energy and Climate Change (1) if he will take steps to ensure that the use of whole trees in electricity Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy generation is not supported under the Renewables and Climate Change how many posts have been Obligation; [134885] declared redundant by each of his Department’s (2) what assessment his Department has made of the executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies effect on emissions of greenhouse gases of using whole by each such body in each year since 1999; and what trees for electricity generation. [134886] the cost of those redundancies has been. [135488] Mr Hayes: A sustainably managed forest will produce Gregory Barker: The number of posts declared redundant whole trees that vary in size and quality. It is common in each year since 1999 and the associated costs by each UK practice when establishing new stands of trees to of the non-departmental public bodies (NDPB) for plant at relatively high densities. Over time a proportion 147W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 148W of these young, small trees will die due to competition the consultation was laid in Parliament on 18 December or may be thinned out to allow the best trees to thrive. 2012 and published on DECC’s website at the following These whole trees, particularly the earliest thinnings, location: can be beneficially used for energy generation and this http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/ may be the only use available to them. ro_solarpv/ro_solarpv.aspx In developing the evidence base to inform the UK 1 Renewables Obligation Banding Review for the period 1 April Bioenergy Strategy, the Government commissioned analysis 2013 to 31 March 2013: Government Response to further consultations on the carbon impacts of using forestry for bioenergy, on solar PV support, biomass affordability and retaining the minimum calorific value requirement in the RO. DECC, December compared to alternative end uses. The focus of the work 2012. was on UK forestry practices. It concluded that UK market prices ensured that whole trees of sufficient Senior Civil Servants quality and dimensions would be used to produce timber for construction and only the residues from this process used for energy. This mixed use would deliver the best Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for GHG emissions savings. Energy and Climate Change pursuant to his answer of 5 December 2012, Official Report, column 782W, on The research is available from the DECC website. senior civil servants, whether (a) he or (b) his The Government is consulting to improve the Department submitted a candidate for the post of sustainability criteria that apply to the use of solid and permanent secretary of his Department to the Prime gaseous biomass under the Renewables Obligation. We Minister for his approval; and on what date any such are proposing that the .reporting requirements include submission was made. [135052] more information on the quality and tree species of different consignments of woodfuel used by power Gregory Barker: For Permanent Secretary appointments generators so we can better ensure that this is the case. and new entrants to Director General roles, the Head of The consultation closed on 30 November and we intend the Civil Service or the Cabinet Secretary seeks approval to publish our decisions by March 2013. from the Prime Minister.

Sir Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much wood was Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of burnt in UK power stations in 2011-12; and what 10 December 2012, Official Report, column 76W, on proportion of wood used for such purposes was senior civil servants, for what reasons the makeup of sourced from whole trees, including sawlogs and the appointment panel for the post of Permanent roundwood. [134889] Secretary has changed. [135406]

Mr Hayes: In year 2011-12 (April 2011 to March Gregory Barker: Selection panels for Permanent Secretary 2012), 2,077,493 tonnes of wood (including wood, pellets, roles are always chaired by the First Civil Service chip and sawdust) was burned by UK major power Commissioner. Either the Head of the Civil Service or producers1. DECC does not hold information on the Cabinet Secretary also sits on the panel, as will one of proportion sourced from whole trees. the departmental non-executive directors. The re-run of the DECC Permanent Secretary appointment process 1 Source: was a new competition and a different selection panel DECC’s monthly survey of UK major power producers. was convened.

Renewables Obligation Temporary Employment

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change (1) what the reasons are and Climate Change what amount his Department for the time taken in responding to the consultation on spent on interim staff as defined by the National Audit proposals for the levels of banded support for solar Office in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12; and if he will photovoltaics under the renewables obligation; and if make a statement. [135166] he will make a statement; [134653] Gregory Barker: The Department’s expenditure on (2) when he intends to publish the outcome of his interim staff is published in its Annual Reports for Department’s consultation on proposals for the levels 2010-11 (HC 1009) Page 11 and for 2011-12 (HC 63) of banded support for solar photovoltaics under the Page 44. It is in the tables showing spend for contingent renewables obligation for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 labour. For DECC, excluding its NDPBs, the relevant March 2017. [134732] figures are £4,890,000 (2010-11) and £3,420,000 (2011-12).

Mr Hayes: A significant amount of new evidence on Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy the costs and deployment potential of solar photovoltaics and Climate Change how many temporary staff have (PV) was received during the consultation. We have been recruited in his Department in each month from taken the time necessary to consider this evidence carefully July to December 2012. [135233] to ensure that we get the right balance between setting subsidies at a level which supports the continued and Gregory Barker: The number of temporary staff recruited sustainable growth of the solar PV industry in the UK by the Department of Energy and Climate Change while representing value for money for energy consumers. from July to December 2012 is shown in the following The Government Response1 setting out the results of table. 149W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 150W

Mr Duncan: Details of ministerial meetings are available Number recruited on the website of the Department for International 2012 Development (DFID): July 13 http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-us/Our-organisation/Ministers/ August 7 #travel September 14 and are published every quarter in the normal way. October 29 November 22 John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for December 7 International Development on which active projects Total 92 her Department receives advice from UK registered charities. [135801] Warm Front Scheme: South East Mr Duncan: UK registered charities are involved in a range of active DFID projects. A detailed list can be Amber Rudd: To ask the Secretary of State for obtained only at disproportionate cost. Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to promote take-up of the Warm Developing Countries: Climate Change Homes scheme in the south-east. [135060]

Gregory Barker: Around 2 million low income and Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for vulnerable households will benefit each year as a result International Development whether the UK of the Warm Home Discount scheme, which started in representative to the Green Climate Fund will press for April 2011. In winter 2011-12, this included over 700,000 civil society participation in the Green Climate Fund of the poorest pensioners who received an automatic Board at the next meeting of that body. [135106] £120 discount on their electricity bills in winter 2011-12. This winter, over 1 million of the poorest pensioners Lynne Featherstone: The UK fully supports the will receive an increased discount of £130. 90% of these participation of civil society in the Green Climate Fund will receive the discount without the need to apply but (GCF) Board as active observers. We were disappointed all eligible and potentially eligible pensioner householders that the GCF Board was not able to reach agreement on are written to each year. the working practices for active observers at its most Regional breakdowns for these data are not available. recent board meeting, in October. The UK representative is working with other board members to resolve outstanding Wind Power: Carmarthenshire issues ahead of the next board meeting, in March 2013, so that civil society can engage fully at that meeting. Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made International Development whether she will make of the cost of the grid connection infrastructure board papers available to UK civil society required to service the proposed wind farms in north representatives in advance of the next Green Climate Carmarthenshire. [134891] Fund board meeting. [135108] Mr Hayes: The cost of grid connections is a matter Lynne Featherstone: The UK fully supports the for the network companies and the independent regulator, participation of civil society in the Green Climate Fund Ofgem. The Department has made no estimate of the (GCF) Board as active observers. The UK representative costs of this proposed connection. is working with other board members to agree working Wind Power: Wales practices for the active observers, ahead of the next board meeting, in March 2013. Our position is that board papers should be sent to active observers at the Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for same time as they are sent to board members. Energy and Climate Change what financial contribution his Department has made to the costs incurred by the Welsh local authorities defending Developing Countries: Tuberculosis refusal decisions on wind farm applications over 50 megawatts in the last 12 months. [135032] Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether she has given Gregory Barker: None. consideration to developing a position paper on tuberculosis. [134843]

Lynne Featherstone: The Department for International INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Development does not plan to develop a position paper specifically on tuberculosis, but will incorporate tuberculosis Charities in wider public documents on our approach to supporting health outcomes. For example the Health Position Paper, John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for which is due to be published in 2013. International Development what (a) discussions and (b) meetings (i) ministers and (ii) officials in her Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for Department had with UK registered charities in (A) International Development whether she has carried out November 2012 and (B) December 2012. [135798] a review of the World Health Organisation’s TB 151W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 152W

REACH initiative; and what discussions she has held Percentage with her Canadian counterparts on their support for 201020112012 the project. [134933] HIV/AIDS 58 53 54 Lynne Featherstone: The Department for International Malaria 28 30 30 Development recognises the importance of the World TB 13 16 15 Health Organisation’s ‘TB REACH’ initiative and appreciates strong Canadian support for this initiative. The UK supports the World Health Organisation-hosted Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for ‘STOP TB’ Partnership and currently provides funding International Development what recent assessment her of £4.9 million over the period 2011 to 2015. Overall, Department has made of the new funding model the UK spent £44.2 million in the 2010-11 financial year adopted by the Global Fund to Fight Aids, on direct bilateral aid for tuberculosis as well as significant Tuberculosis and Malaria. [134934] additional funding through the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Lynne Featherstone: The New Funding Model is an attempt to allow the Global Fund to invest more Equality strategically and provide countries with greater predictability and flexibility, as well as allowing them quicker access Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for to funds in their fight against the three diseases. The International Development what proportion of staff in Fund’s Board unanimously agreed this new approach her Department have received training in equality and when it met in November 2012. diversity and the requirements of the Equality Act Some of the detail is still to be worked out, and all 2010 in the last three years. [135351] aspects of the new model will be tested over the next 18 months or so, before it is rolled out in full for all Mr Duncan: In the last three years 19.9% of staff in countries in 2014. DFID received training in equality and diversity and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. Overseas Aid EU Aid Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment she Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for has made of the benefits of civil society participation International Development what recent assessment she in the governance of multilateral funds. [135107] has made of the effectiveness and efficiency of the EU’s aid programmes. [135194] Lynne Featherstone: The Department for International Development (DFID) has not made any specific Lynne Featherstone: The Department for International assessments recently of the benefits of civil society Development (DFID) conducted a Multilateral Aid participation in the governance of multilateral funds. Review (MAR) in 2011 which examined the effectiveness DFID consulted civil society organisations in the multi- and efficiency of the EU’s aid programmes. The European lateral aid review (MAR) process and is now working Development Fund scored strongly against efficiency, closely with civil society organisations to gather country-level flexibility and poverty focus. The EU’s Humanitarian evidence as part of the MAR update, currently under Aid and Civil Protection department, ECHO, also way. performed strongly in our assessment and the European Commission’s budget development instruments scored Palestinians satisfactorily. The review stated that EU aid programmes would be more effective if they had a stronger focus on results, including better and more systematic monitoring Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for and evaluation of their operations. An update to the International Development which aid projects her MAR will be undertaken in 2013 to review progress Department has funded in Area C of the Occupied against the recommendations made. Palestinian Territories in each of the last three years. [135832] Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Mr Duncan: DFID has not funded any projects Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for exclusively for Area C during the last three years. International Development what proportion of We funded a number of programmes which include funding provided by her Department to the Global activities in Area C over this period. We fund the Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria has United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) been spent on the treatment or cure of (a) Aids, (b) to deliver essential services to refugees. We also fund the tuberculosis and (c) malaria in each of the last three Norwegian Refugee Council to provide free legal support years. [134932] and advice to vulnerable families and communities at risk of displacement. In addition, during the period Lynne Featherstone: Donors cannot earmark funds 2009-10 the UK gave £1 million to the UN Humanitarian by disease and so the share of DFID’s funding directed Relief Fund which offers emergency assistance to to each of the diseases is the same as the fund’s overall Palestinian communities. In addition DFID gives financial distribution. The distribution of the fund’s portfolio for assistance to the Palestinian Authority, which provides prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure in each of the needs-based welfare payments to Palestinians living last three years was: across the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 153W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 154W

Procurement agencies which were merged. In addition, DFID provides a voluntary non-core contribution of £3.25 million over Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for three years to a UN Women project on women, peace International Development (1) how many procurement and security. officers are currently employed by her Department; DFID has also seconded a senior DFID member of [135675] staff to work for UN Women for two years. We provide (2) how many civil servants in her Department further support as an executive board member and on regularly deal with procurement services. [135676] discussions regarding results and value for money. DFID was critical in creating UN Women and is supporting Mr Duncan: The Department for International the agency to be successful in improving the impact of Development’s central Procurement Group, (which the UN system’s collective efforts to achieve gender manages the award of all large contracts over the £113,000 equality and women’s empowerment. threshold in public procurement regulations), currently employs 34 procurement officers. The central Procurement Zambia Group works with a significant number of staff across DFID on procurement-related activities, however, to Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for provide precise details of this would incur disproportionate International Development what support her cost. Department has given to the Zambian HIV/AIDS programme; and what consideration she has given to Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the future funding of the National Aids Council. International Development how many procurement [134844] officers in her Department have relevant procurement qualifications. [135677] Lynne Featherstone: DFID has supported the HIV response in Zambia for more than a decade. This has Mr Duncan: Of the 34 procurement officers currently included direct funding to the National AIDS Council employed in the Department for International (NAC) to support its coordination role, as well as Development’s central Procurement Group 19 currently funding for civil society, research and cash transfers for hold a relevant procurement qualification and a further households affected by HIV. Our support to scaling up eight are currently studying towards one. anti-retroviral treatment is channelled through the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria. South Asia Under strong leadership, the NAC is becoming a more focused and less donor dependent organisation. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Our direct support to the NAC will come to an end in International Development what work her Department March 2013 but we are planning to more than double is doing to support gender equality and empowerment our funding for HIV prevention in Zambia between of women in South Asia. [134597] 2013 to 2016. We will continue to work closely with the NAC in its efforts to strengthen HIV prevention, promote Lynne Featherstone: DFID has a strong commitment a more efficient use of available resources, and by to gender equality and empowerment of women and participating in the mid-term review of the National girls in South Asia. DFID’s programmes in Afghanistan, AIDS Strategy in 2013. Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan are delivering results across all the priority areas of DFID’s Strategic Vision for Women and Girls. Some examples of this include: JUSTICE Reproductive and maternal health: in Nepal, 70,000 births will be attended by a skilled birth attendant, and 108,000 unwanted Bill of Rights Commission pregnancies will be averted by 2015. Women economic empowerment: in Bangladesh, 341,268 women Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice will receive economic support; and in India, 2.2 million poor what the cost to the public purse has been of the women will be helped to access credit, savings and insurance. Commission on a Bill of Rights to date; and what the Violence Against Women and Girls: in South Asia, all DFID nature of such costs has been. [134136] country offices in South Asia have programmes to address this. Political participation of women: in Afghanistan, DFID supports Damian Green: As stated in its final report, the cost several programmes to increase the number of women voters and of the Commission on a Bill of Rights from its MPs elected. DFID’s programme in Pakistan will aim to get 2 establishment in March 2011 to date is approximately million more women voters in the next general election. £700,000. This figure includes all of its costs such as UN Women staff costs and consultations. Final figures for the total cost of the Commission Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for will be available when the Commission has finished its International Development what support her work. Department gives to UN Women. [134598] Courts: Interpreters Mr Duncan: DFID provides a voluntary core contribution of £10 million a year to UN Women. It Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice has provided just under £1 million in transitional funding how many court cases have collapsed as a result of an to UN Women to assist with its creation from the four absence of a suitable interpreter or translator since the 155W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 156W beginning of his Department’s contract with Applied best deliver victims’ services, which recognised the Language Solutions. [134628] importance of support for victims of violent crime. In future, police and crime commissioners will Mrs Grant: The reasons for court case adjournments commission the bulk of local victims’ services based on are not recorded as a matter of course. It is not possible local need and priorities, and the Ministry of Justice to identify which adjournments are due to a lack of will commission some services nationally, including for interpreter. victims of rape and domestic and sexual violence, human Ineffective trials in magistrates and Crown courts do trafficking, and for those bereaved by homicide. record the reason for being ineffective, although this The Government have made available long-term funding does not mean that the case collapses as it will be for specialist victim services, and have made clear our re-listed. Ineffective trials are those that do not start on commitment to raise up to an additional £50 million the due date and require rescheduling. from offenders to further support victims of crime. The contract on language services has been operational since 30 January 2012. Data on ineffective trials were Criminal Proceedings: Lancashire included in the court statistics for the first and second quarters of 2012. There were 345 magistrates court and Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for 17 Crown court trials which were ineffective due to Justice how many proceedings for criminal offences interpreter availability, out of over 100,000 listed trials there were in each magistrates court in Lancashire in across England and Wales. each year since 1997. [134594] Crime: Victims Jeremy Wright: The number of defendants proceeded Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for against at magistrates courts, for local justice areas Justice what recent assessment he has made of the within Lancashire, for the years 1997 to 2011 (the latest adequacy of local services for victims of violent crime; available) are provided in the tables. and if he will make a statement. [135582] Figures are provided at local justice area level, as data collated centrally by the Ministry of Justice do not Mrs Grant: Last year, the Government carried out a allow the separate identification of defendants proceeded consultation on how the criminal justice system could against at individual magistrates courts.

Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts, for local justice areas within Lancashire, 1997 to 20111,2 Number of defendants Local justice area 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Lancashire Blackburn, Darwen 9,230 9,110 8,890 9,234 8,847 9,490 9,931 8,835 and Ribble Valley Blackpool and 12,650 12,258 13,352 13,633 9,909 9,789 10,044 2,499 Fylde Burnley, Pendle 11,839 11,283 9,121 11,351 11,178 12,178 11,761 9,314 and Rossendale Chorley 3,581 5,286 4,986 3,508 3,124 2,902 4,288 3,998 FyldeCoast1 2 ————9,078 Hyndburn 3,777 4,845 3,753 3,612 3,560 3,397 3,620 3,351 Lancaster 7,114 7,357 6,036 6,942 6,752 5,607 8,803 6,294 Ormskirk 5,432 3,103 2,642 3,456 4,337 4,460 3,147 2,504 Preston 11,211 11,136 10,066 10,553 8,573 8,890 8,983 7,450 South Ribble 2,654 3,224 3,181 3,401 5,460 5,460 7,435 7,278 Wyre 3,177 3,397 3,141 3,736 6,171 5,726 5,916 1,720 Total 70,666 71,001 65,168 69,426 67,911 67,899 73,928 62,321

Number of defendants Local justice area 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Lancashire Blackburn, Darwen and 8,562 7,327 7,040 5,877 5,796 5,392 4,411 Ribble Valley Blackpool and Fylde 3 2————— Burnley, Pendle and 10,667 10,141 11,557 9,390 8,880 9,315 9,249 Rossendale Chorley 4,355 3,458 3,986 3,380 3,465 3,885 3,048 Fylde Coast 14,221 14,938 15,426 12,615 12,414 13,013 12,569 Hyndburn 3,223 3,407 3,459 4,267 4,319 4,322 5,388 Lancaster 6,490 6,002 5,650 5,414 6,099 4,872 4,333 Ormskirk 2,869 2,723 2,680 2,557 2,792 2,163 2,029 Preston 8,271 7,387 7,363 7,672 7,467 7,027 6,827 157W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 158W

Number of defendants Local justice area 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

South Ribble 5,960 5,191 4,913 4,664 4,761 4,163 4,482 Wyre — 3————— Total 64,621 60,579 62,074 55,836 55,993 54,152 52,336 ‘—’ = Nil 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. 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. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Electronic Tagging The Department does not hold central data on the proportion of staff who completed this training. Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many parents have requested the imposition of an electronic tag on their children since Equality and Human Rights Commission May 2010; [135145] (2) how many people of each age group under the Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for age of 18 years in each region of the UK who have Justice what assessment he has made of the been placed on an electronic tag have had their curfew contribution of the Equality and Human Rights conditions altered since May 2010; and for what Commission on promoting and offering services giving reasons each such modification occurred. [135148] advice and practical help on human rights. [134255]

Jeremy Wright: The information is as follows: Damian Green: The Government Equalities Office (1) Juveniles can be electronically monitored on bail, (GEO) carried out a review of the Equality and Human as a court-ordered community sentence or on release Rights Commission’s (EHRC) provision of equality from prison. Parents do not have formal input into information, advice and support to inform the Spending sentencing decisions made by the courts or release Review 2010. The review found that EHRC’s helpline decisions made by custodial institutions. and legal grants programme neither represented value There may be occasions where a parent has suggested for money nor supported the EHRC in carrying out its informally to their child’s solicitor or youth offending functions. manager that electronic monitoring might be a good The Government announced in March 2011, that it sentencing option but this is not possible to quantify. would cease funding these activities when they came to (2) The data are not collected centrally at this level of a natural end, and to commission a new Great Britain-wide detail and it is not possible to provide this information service, providing expert information, advice and support except at disproportionate cost. The information is held on discrimination and human rights. within administrative databases by the two electronic This is the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) monitoring contractors; however, extracting the data is which began on l October 2012. complex as their databases are not designed to handle requests of this nature. Negotiations are currently under way with bidders Fines: Surcharges for the next generation of electronic monitoring contracts; these include proposals for improved provision of Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for management information. The new contracts are due to Justice (1) what amount was paid in victim surcharge in commence in April 2013. each of the last five years; and if he will estimate the amount likely to be paid in victim surcharge in (a) Equality 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14; [135140] (2) pursuant to the oral answer of 18 December Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2012, Official Report, column 699, on restorative what proportion of staff in his Department have justice, what financial support his Department has received training in equality and diversity and the made available for restorative justice from the victims’ requirements of the Equality Act 2010 in the last three surcharge in each of the last five years; what amount years. [135352] has been allocated from the victims’ surcharge to restorative justice in (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14; Mrs Grant: A range of training courses and learning what organisations received such funding; and what opportunities on equality and diversity issues, including amount each such organisation received. [135432] the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, have been provided to departmental staff over the last three years. Mrs Grant: In the last five years, Her Majesty’s Training methods have included e-learning, workshops, Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has collected a and information and guidance. total of £41,857,000 from the victim surcharge as follows: 159W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 160W

co-ordinates access to confidential client-based, tailored Financial year £ support services, including access to secure accommodation 2007-08 3,776,000 if the victim requires it. Between 1 December 2011 and 2008-09 8,055,000 30 November 2012 439 potential victims of human 2009-10 9,249,000 trafficking were referred through the National Referral 2010-11 10,504,000 Mechanism to The Salvation Army. 271 were female 2011-12 10,273,000 and 168 were male. 227 of those referred were from within the EU. 211 In our response to the consultation ‘Getting it right were from outside the EU. In addition, there was one for victims and witnesses’ in July 2012, we set out a victim whose country of origin could not be established. package of reforms to increase and extend the use of 348 victims were provided with accommodation. 191 the victim surcharge. On 1 October 2012 we implemented were female and 157 male. the first tranche of these reforms to increase the surcharge ordered on fines, and to extend the surcharge to a wider Judicial Review range of in-court disposals including community and custodial sentences. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice For 2012-13 and 2013-14 we expect that the total how many claims for judicial review were launched (a) amount collected in victim surcharge will reflect the up to 30 days, (b) over 30 days but up to six weeks, (c) impact of these recent reforms. Once the full package of over six weeks but up to three months and (d) over reforms to the surcharge is implemented it is estimated three months after the grounds to make the claim first that it will bring in up to an additional £20 million. arose in each year from 1997 to 2011. [134875] The revenue from the victim surcharge is included within the total funding granted by the Ministry of Mrs Grant: The Government is seeking views on a Justice (MOJ) to organisations which support victims package of options designed to tackle the impact of the and witnesses, including organisations that may support huge number of ill-founded judicial review applications restorative justice as part of a wide range of support which clog up our court system and slow down progress. services. The organisations listed are specifically funded The purpose of those options for reform is not to deny, to support restorative justice: or restrict, access to justice, but to provide for a more balanced and practicable approach. Funding Management information is not centrally collected Name of organisation Purpose (£) Years on time lapse from the time at which the grounds to make a judicial review claim first arose. This information Milton Keynes Provides caseworker 173,700 2011-14 Equality Council support and is only on the claim form and grounds in the paper file, counselling for and as such the only way to collate the information victims using requested would be to look through every single paper restorative justice. file. The Administrative Court Office file retention policy Restorative Solutions Piloting and 147,000 2011-14 means that there would only be about three years’ worth Community Interest expanding the use of of files to look through, but even that would be a Company restorative justice disproportionate use of resources given the annual intake; across Avon and Somerset, the last three years of cases equates to approximately Gloucestershire, 40,000 files. London and Bedfordshire. Prisoners: Marriage

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Human Trafficking: Victim Support Schemes Justice (1) what arrangements are in place for parties to a marriage to visit each other when both parties are Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice serving a prison sentence; [135144] (1) how many victims of human trafficking have been (2) what arrangements are in place for parties to a referred by the Salvation Army to shelters throughout civil partnership to visit each other where both parties the UK for a reflection period in the last 12 months; are serving a prison sentence. [135262] [134845] (2) how many of the victims of human trafficking Jeremy Wright: Visits may be allowed, on application, who were referred through the National Referral between close relatives when both parties are prisoners Mechanism to the Salvation Army for a reflection at separate establishments and these are normally referred period in the last 12 months were from (a) within and to as inter-prison visits. Within the definition of close (b) outside the EU; [134846] relative is a spouse/partner or civil partner. Where a (3) how many of the victims of human trafficking request is made for an inter-prison visit involving two who were referred through the National Referral prisoners, including those who would not normally be Mechanism to the Salvation Army for a reflection held in the same type of establishment due to gender or period in the last 12 months were (a) male and (b) age, governors should make reasonable efforts to female. [134847] accommodate the visit subject to security considerations. The National Offender Management Service policy for Mrs Grant: The Salvation Army is responsible for this can be found in Prison Service Instruction (PSI) delivering the Government-funded support service for 16/2011, entitled ’Providing Visits and Services to Visitors’, adult victims of human trafficking in England and a copy of which can be found at Wales. The specialist support programme overseas and www.justice.gov.uk/offenders/psis 161W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 162W

Remand in Custody: Death information based on the offenders’ ages at the time of death. As the adult prison estate can be defined as Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for either those aged 18 and above or those aged 21 and Justice how many deaths in custody occurred in the (a) above we have included figures for 15 to 17, 18 to 20 and secure youth estate, (b) adult male estate and (c) adult 21 and over. Table 1 shows the number of deaths in female estate since May 2005; what the cause of death custody in these age groups and by gender. was for such deaths in custody; and if he will give a Table 2 shows aggregate numbers of deaths by apparent breakdown of recorded causes of those deaths in each cause for young adults (aged 18 to 20 years) and adults of the above situations. [135008] (aged 21 years and over). The National Offender Management Service makes a provisional classification Jeremy Wright: Central deaths in custody records do of death based on apparent cause. It is the responsibility not specifically include those who die in the ’youth of coroners to determine the cause of death and figures secure estate’ or ’adult estate.’ However, we can provide may change following inquest.

Table 1: Deaths in custody by gender and category Gender 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Female Under 18 0000000 18-20 1000001 21andover6685774

Male Under 18 2010001 18-20 10 285546 21 and over 155 145 168 155 157 186 180

Table 2: Deaths in custody by apparent cause by age and gender Deaths by cause 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Female Natural causes Under 18 0000000 18to200000000 21andover2303433

Self- inflicted Under 18 0000000 18to201000001 21andover3381311

Homicide Under 18 0000000 18to200000000 21andover0000000

Other Under 18 0000000 18to200000000 21andover1001030

Male Natural causes Under 18 0000000 18to200020000 21 and over 86 80 87 95 101 122 118

Self- inflicted Under 18 2010001 18to209265546 21 and over 63 61 77 55 53 53 48

Homicide Under 18 0000000 18to200000000 21andover3023012

Other Under 18 0000000 163W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 164W

Table 2: Deaths in custody by apparent cause by age and gender Deaths by cause 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

18-20 1000000 21andover342231012

Roads: Accidents (2) what the average number of reconvictions per offender was of those held within the secure youth Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for estate in each year since 1994; [134959] Justice for what reasons and using what evidential basis (3) what the 12-month reconviction rate was for each his Department decided to reduce fixed recoverable type of sentence for those held within the secure youth costs in the road traffic accident portal to (a) £500 for estate in each year since 1994; [134958] cases up to £10,000 and (b) £800 for cases between £10,000 and £25,000. [135388] (4) how many people after serving a sentence in the secure youth estate went on to commit (a) no more Mrs Grant: These proposals were advanced in a crimes, (b) between one and five crimes, (c) between consultation exercise which closed on 4 January and, six and 10 crimes, (d) between 11 and 20 crimes and together with wider civil law reforms, are intended to (e) more than 20 crimes in each year since 1994. make lawyers’ costs proportionate, and create an [134956] environment where insurers can pass on savings to their customers through lower premiums. Evidence for the proposals was gathered through a call for evidence Jeremy Wright: These questions have been answered conducted in early 2012; ongoing stakeholder engagement using the Ministry of Justice’s published proven reoffending at ministerial and official level; and further consultations statistics for England and Wales. These statistics are on specific aspects of the planned changes. The consultation published on a quarterly basis and the latest bulletin, responses will be analysed and a decision made in due for the period January to December 2010, was published course. on 25 October 2012. 2000 is the earliest year for which proven reoffending Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for data exist on a comparable basis and data are not Justice what assessment he has made of the effect of available for 2001 due to a problem with archived data the proposed reduction in fixed recoverable costs in the on court orders. Data for 2011 will be published on 31 road traffic accident portal on (a) equality of arms in October 2013. court cases and (b) access to justice; and if he will place the findings of any such assessment in the PQ 134917 and PQ 134959 Library. [135389] Table 1 shows the number of juvenile offenders in Mrs Grant: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I England and Wales who were released from custody in gave to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve each of the years 2000, 2002 to 2010; the proportion Rotheram) on 12 December 2012, Official Report, column that committed a proven reoffence within a one-year 370W. follow-up period; and the average number of reoffences per offender. Young Offenders PQ 134958 Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Table 2 shows the number of juvenile offenders in Justice how many children under the age of 12 years England and Wales released from custody in 2010, by are currently held in secure institutions. [135149] custodial sentence length; and the proportion that committed a proven reoffence within a one-year follow-up Jeremy Wright: As at 2 November 2012, there were period. Data for years prior to 2010 are currently no children under the age of 12 years held in secure unavailable, but the Ministry intends to publish the data institutions either on remand or serving a custodial in 2013. sentence. The last occasion where a child under the age of 12 years was held in a secure institution who was PQ 134956 remanded or serving a custodial sentence was November Table 3 shows the number of juvenile offenders in 2010. England and Wales released from custody in 2000, 2002 The Ministry of Justice is unable to provide details of to 2010 divided into bands based on the number of young people who may be held in secure institutions on proven reoffences committed within a one-year follow-up other grounds, for example secure welfare placements. period. These figures have been provided by the YouthJustice A proven reoffence is defined as any offence committed Board and are provisional. 2012-13 figures will be finalised in a one-year follow-up period and receiving a court in the 2012-13 YouthJustice statistics which are planned conviction, caution, reprimand or warning in the one-year to be published in January 2014. follow-up. Following this one-year period, a further Young Offenders: Reoffenders six-month waiting period is allowed for cases to progress through the courts. Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what the 12-month reconviction rate was of Please note that proven reoffending statistics are available those held within the secure youth estate in each year from the Ministry of Justice website at: since 1994; [134917] www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/reoffending/proven-re-offending 165W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 166W

Table 1: Proven reoffending data for juvenile offenders released from custody in each of the years 2000, 2002 to 2010, England and Wales1 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Proportion of offenders who 76.8 74.8 74.9 75.5 73.8 74.7 74.1 72.1 70.6 71.0 reoffend (%) Average number of reoffences per 4.93 4.44 4.53 4.18 3.83 3.81 3.61 3.31 3.15 3.07 offender Number of offenders in cohort2 3,385 3,884 3,678 3,457 3,618 3,411 3,534 3,522 2,938 2,304 1 Data are not available for 2001 due to a problem with archived data. 2 This does not represent all offenders—offenders who were released from custody are matched to the police national computer database and a certain proportion of these offenders that cannot be matched are excluded from the offender cohort.

Table 2: Proven reoffending data for juvenile offenders released from custody in Jeremy Wright: Table 1 shows the number of young 1 2010, by custodial sentence length, England and Wales people aged under 18 serving determinate sentences of Custodial sentence length (a) up to and including one month, (b) greater than More Less than 6 12 one month but less than six months, (c) greater than or than or months months equal to six months but less than a year, (d) greater equal to to less to less than or equal to one year but less than two years, (e) 6 than 12 than 4 4 years All months months years or more greater than or equal to two years but less than five years and (f) greater than or equal to five years as at the Proportion of 71.0 76.0 75.6 61.7 3— end of October for each of the last five years. This offenders who reoffend (%) represents a snapshot of the population in the youth Number of 2,304 1,097 467 723 417 secure estate at the end of October in each year. It does offenders in not represent the total number of young people sentenced cohort2 to custody within each year. 1 A custodial sentence length breakdown is currently available only for 2010. 2 This does not represent all offenders—offenders who were released from Table 1 custody are matched to the police national computer database and a certain proportion of these offenders that cannot be matched are excluded from the As at October each year offender cohort. 1 1 3 Data based on less than 30 offenders are removed as they make data Sentence length 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 unreliable for interpretation. 4 Less than 30 offenders—treat data with caution. (a) Up to and 00000 including one month Table 3: Proven reoffending data for juvenile offenders released from custody in each of the years 2000, 2002 to 2010, by reoffence band, (b) Greater than one 303 207 172 161 148 England and Wales month but less than six Number No Between Between Between More months of reoffence 1 and 6and 11 and than offenders 5 10 20 20 (c) Greater than or 553 460 360 354 287 in the reoffences reoffences reoffences reoffences equal to six months cohort1 but less than a year (d) Greater than or 531 540 427 484 344 2000 3,385 785 1,417 721 405 57 equal to one year but 2002 3,884 978 1,648 818 408 32 less than two years 2003 3,678 924 1,553 747 420 34 (e) Greater than or 422 420 325 326 286 2004 3,457 848 1,574 702 309 24 equal to two years but 2005 3,618 948 1,689 692 269 20 less than five years 2006 3,411 863 1,637 658 239 14 (f) Greater than or 56 62 65 48 53 2007 3,534 915 1,753 626 223 17 equal to five years 2008 3,522 981 1,760 575 193 13 2009 2,938 865 1,485 421 158 9 2010 2,304 668 1,193 335 96 12 Data for October 2011 and October 2012 are provisional. 1 This does not represent all offenders—offenders who were released Finalised data for October 2011 will be finalised when from custody are matched to the police national computer database the 2011-12 Annual YouthJustice Statistics are published and a certain proportion of these offenders that cannot be matched in January 2013. Data for October 2012 will be finalised are excluded from the offender cohort. Note: when the 2012-13 Annual Youth Justice Statistics are Data are not available for 2001 due to a problem with archived data. published in 2014. Data for October 2008 may not match published data due to different extraction times. Data from October 2008 to October 2011 were drawn from the Youth Justice Board’s Secure Accommodation Young Offenders: Sentencing Clearing House System (SACHS). Data for October 2012 were drawn from the YouthJustice Board’s e-Asset Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for system. Justice how many people within the secure youth estate received a sentence of (a) up to and including one These figures have been provided by the Youth month, (b) over one month but less than six months, Justice Board (YJB) and have been drawn from (c) over six months but less than a year, (d) between administrative IT systems, which, as with any large one and two years, (e) between two and five years and scale recording system, are subject to possible errors (f) over five years in the latest period for which figures with data entry and processing and may be subject to are available. [134957] change over time. 167W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 168W

WORK AND PENSIONS payment (PIP) was published on 13 December 2012 in the Reassessments and Impacts briefing note. This can Carers be found on the Department’s website at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-reassessments-and- impacts.pdf John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Table 6 shows the total number of DLA cases that Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the will be reassessed for PIP and the likely outcomes for number of registered carers in (a) Glasgow North these reassessed cases. West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK. [134492] Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his projected cash savings from Norman Lamb: I have been asked to reply on behalf reforming disability living allowance are in each year of the Department of Health. from 2013 to 2018. [135518] The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for carrying out the census in England and Wales on the Esther McVey: The estimated savings resulting from characteristics of the population, which includes data reforming disability living allowance for each year from on the number of people who identify themselves as 2013-14 to 2017-18 are shown in the following table: carers. Simultaneous but separate censuses occur in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are run by the £ million National Records of Scotland and the Northern Ireland 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 Statistics and Research Agency respectively. DLA working/pension age 12,630 13,200 13,760 Data from the 2011 Census for Scotland will not be expenditure without reform available until March 2013, but the 2001 census showed DLA/PIP working/pension 12,490 12,530 12,540 657,000 people identifying themselves as unpaid carers. age expenditure with reform Projected savings 140 670 1,210 On 11 December, ONS published regional data from Note: the 2011 census for England and Wales. This showed Figures have been rounded to the nearest £10 million. that overall, 5.8 million (10%) residents in England and Wales provided unpaid care for someone with an illness Benefit expenditure forecasts have been taken from or disability. here: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ budget_2012_211212.xls#’Table_1b’!A1 Disability Living Allowance Projected savings estimates for 2016-17 and 2017-18 are subject to further validation and will be updated Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for when this is complete. Work and Pensions how many people who receive disability living allowance will be assessed for eligibility Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work for the personal independence payment (PIP) by and Pensions what estimate he has made of the likely October 2015; and how many such people he estimates (a) annual and (b) quarterly caseload for (i) disability will receive (a) no payment, (b) a reduced payment, living allowance and (ii) the personal independence (c) the same payment and (d) an increased payment payment in each year from 2013 to 2018. [135520] through PIP. [135121] Esther McVey: The available information on disability Esther McVey: The available information on the number living allowance (DLA) and personal independence of people who receive disability living allowance (DLA) payment (PIP) caseloads are published in the Benefit who will be assessed for eligibility for personal independence Expenditure and Caseload Forecasts. These can be found payment (PIP) was published on 13 December 2012 in on the Department’s website at: the Reassessments and Impacts briefing note. This can http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/budget_2012_211212.xls be found on the Department’s website at: Table 1c provides information on forecast annual http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-reassessments-and- caseloads for DLA and PIP.Quarterly caseload forecasts impacts.pdf are not available. Table 2 shows the total number of DLA cases that will be reassessed for PIP by October 2015 and the Emergencies likely outcomes for these reassessed cases. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to his letter to the Work and Pensions how many people who receive hon. Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West of 30 disability living allowance and have been assessed for November 2012, what steps he has taken to the personal independence payment (PIP) will receive communicate procedures for staff with regard to (a) no payment, (b) a reduced payment, (c) the same emergencies on departmental premises. [135373] payment and (d) an increased payment through PIP. [135122] Mr Hoban: Following the original PQ, a decision was taken to cascade a message via the Health and Safety Esther McVey: The available information on the number Business Partners nationally. A written communication of people who receive disability living allowance (DLA) to Jobcentre managers will be issued within the next who will be assessed for eligibility for personal independence seven days. 169W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 170W

European Social Fund Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions his Department Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for has had with the Department for Communities and Work and Pensions if he will consider the case for Local Government on the application of the new targeting the next European Social Fund seven year burdens doctrine to the introduction of the social housing under-occupancy penalty. [135034] cycle on boosting employment among parents. [135813]

Mr Hoban: We will be developing proposals for the Steve Webb: In line with the Government’s new burdens European Social Fund in England in 2014-20 alongside doctrine, the Department for Work and Pensions and other EU “Common Strategic Framework” funds that the Department for Communities and Local Government can be used to promote growth and employment. As have agreed the process for assessing new administrative part of this process, we will ask local partners to consider burdens on local authorities arising from our welfare how the European Social Fund could provide additional reforms, including any that might arise from the introduction support to improve the employment and skills of people of the social sector size criteria. in their areas. This could include, for example, building Officials in the Department for Work and Pensions on current European Social Fund provision to tackle have been working closely with the new burdens team in barriers to work faced by individuals in troubled families, DCLG and HMT to develop the assessments. including parents. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing Benefit Work and Pensions how many recipients of housing benefit have moved from addresses in London to addresses outside London in each of the last 24 Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work months. [135380] and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2012, Official Report, column 319W, on housing Steve Webb: The information requested can be provided benefit: Wales, what meetings he has had on housing only at disproportionate cost. benefit reform; who attended such meetings; what was discussed; and what steps he took after each such For housing benefit recipients in the private rented meeting. [132350] sector affected by the changes to local housing allowance, the Department has commissioned a consortium of academics and research organisations led by Ian Cole, Mr Hoban: The Secretary of State has not met with professor of housing studies at Sheffield Hallam university Welsh Ministers to discuss housing benefit reform recently. to undertake an independent review of the impact of However, Lord Freud has met with Ministers several the changes. times to discuss universal credit and housing reform. The research will include a spatial analysis of the Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for effects of the changes that will examine movement from Work and Pensions how many households that receive one local authority to another. housing benefit have (a) one child, (b) two children, The Department published a report of early findings (c) three children, (d) four children, (e) five children, on 14 June 2012 and a copy of the report has been (f) six children, (g) seven children and (h) eight or lodged in the House Library. more children. [134603] Housing Benefit: Greater London Steve Webb: This information has previously been requested and the answer has been published in Hansard Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for at: Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/ level of the cap on housing benefit in each London cmhansrd/cm121206/text/121206w0001.htm borough in (a) April and (b) October 2013. [135828]

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Steve Webb: Rates of local housing allowance (LHA) Work and Pensions what discussions his Department by property size entitlement are set for each Broad has had with the Department for Communities and Rental Market Area (BRMA). LHA rates for 2013-14, Local Government about the application of the new and covering London, have been published at the following burdens doctrine to the requirement that housing website address: support should be paid direct to tenants instead of http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/RentOfficers/LHARates/ landlords. [135033] april2013lha.html Steve Webb: In line with the Government’s new burdens BRMAs do not fit neatly to local authority boundaries. doctrine, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Communities and Local Government Personal Independence Payment have agreed the process for assessing new administrative burdens on local authorities arising from our welfare Sir Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for reforms, including any that might arise from the extension Work and Pensions (1) what assessment he has made of of direct payment of housing support. the effect of proposals set out in the Social Security Officials in the Department for Work and Pensions (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013 on have been working closely with the new burdens team in deaf people, including those aged between 16 and 19; DCLG and HMT to develop the assessments. [135134] 171W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 172W

(2) what estimate he has made of the number of deaf Esther McVey: Personal independence payment is people who will see their disability living allowance cut being introduced from 8 April 2013. The levels which or removed when that benefit is replaced by the personal independence payment will be paid at on personal independence payment. [135135] introduction were published in the regulations laid in draft in Parliament on 13 December 2012: Esther McVey: The PIP assessment has been designed http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2013/9780111532072/ to focus on the impact that a health condition or contents impairment has on a person’s ability to live an independent The Chancellor of the Exchequer has committed to life, based on their own personal circumstances. As such raising the level of disability and carer benefits in line it is not possible to model the likely impact that PIP will with inflation over the next two years. have on any particular group of people with specific impairments. We are, however, clear that priority in the Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for benefit should go to those who face the greatest barriers Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the to participating in society and we believe that the assessment savings which will accrue to the Exchequer as a for PIP will enable support to be focused on those who consequence of having moved from disability living need it most. allowance to personal independence payments in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15. [135139]

Sir Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Esther McVey: Personal independence payment (PIP) Work and Pensions (1) what consideration his will be introduced to replace disability living allowance Department gave to deaf people who will rely on (DLA) for 16 to 64-year-olds from April 2013. This lipreading with regards to assessing communication means there will be no savings accruing to the Exchequer support to understand basic verbal information under in 2012-13. The estimated savings figures from reforming the draft Social Security (Personal Independence DLA for 2013-14 and 2014-15 are shown in the following Payment) Regulations 2013; [135136] table: (2) whether the definition of communication support includes formal communication support from family £ million members under the draft Social Security (Personal 2013-14 2014-15 [135137] Independence Payment) Regulations 2013. DLA working/pension age 12,630 13,200 expenditure without reform Esther McVey: In order to identify where individuals DLA/PIP working/pension age 12,490 12,530 are likely to face the greatest barriers to participating in expenditure with reform society, the PIP assessment looks at individuals’ ability Projected savings 140 670 to carry out a range of key everyday activities. It takes Note: into account whether they need to use aids and appliances Figures have been rounded to the nearest £10 million. and if they require help from other people to carry out Benefit expenditure forecasts have been taken from the activities. One of the activities assessed is whether here: people can communicate verbally with others. Points http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ are awarded where people need aids and appliances to budget_2012_211212.xls#’Table_1b’IA1 speak or hear; where they need communication support to express or understand verbal information; and where Private Rented Housing: Greater London they cannot express or understand verbal information at all. This represents an improvement on the previous Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for provisions; communication was not something that was Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made previously considered under DLA. of the average payment of housing benefit to private The definition of communication support used in the sector tenants in each London borough; and what the assessment is broad, encompassing individuals who are level of rent charged to the tenants paying occupation trained or experienced in helping individuals with specific rent was since April 2012. [135826] communication needs. This includes people who are experienced in supporting the individual claimant, such Steve Webb: The information on average payment of as a family member or friend who can often play an housing benefit to private rented sector tenants in each important role in helping them to communicate. London borough is provided in the following table. Information on the rent charged to the tenants paying Individuals who are able to both reliably lipread and occupation rent is not available. express information to others without the use of an aid or appliance or communication support are unlikely to Average payment of housing benefit to private rented sector tenants, score any points on the “Communicating verbally activity”. August 2012 This reflects the likely additional costs and barriers £ per week faced by individuals who need this support. They may, Camden 208.18 however, score on other areas of the assessment depending City of London 224.43 on other needs they may have. Hackney 201.83 Hammersmith and Fulham 195.67 Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Haringey 162.48 Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Islington 189.42 level of personal independence payments in (a) Kensington and Chelsea 239.16 2012-13, (b) 2013-14 and (c) 2014-15. [135138] Lambeth 155.70 173W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 174W

Average payment of housing benefit to private rented sector tenants, personal case worker, existing back-to-work support August 2012 (including Access to Work) and access to a personal £ per week budget for acquiring additional support. Lewisham 163.26 Newham 163.50 Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Southwark 153.05 and Pensions what types of jobs have been obtained by Tower Hamlets 209.34 former Remploy workers; whether those jobs are Wandsworth 205.04 full-time or otherwise; and at what level salaries are Westminster 275.63 being paid. [134426] Barking and Dagenham 157.82 Barnet 190.28 Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Secretary of State for Bexley 149.04 Work and Pensions what types of jobs have been Brent 206.48 obtained by former Remploy workers; whether these Bromley 145.22 jobs are full-time or otherwise; and at what level Croydon 155.59 salaries are being paid. [135309] Ealing 188.31 Enfield 190.21 Esther McVey: Out of around 1,100 people that our Greenwich 144.16 personal case workers are currently working with, 161 Harrow 183.09 disabled people, over the past three months have already Havering 149.30 moved into work. These new jobs are with a variety of Hillingdon 161.76 major retailers as well as small and medium sized Hounslow 166.01 enterprises operating across the retail, manufacturing Kingston upon Thames 181.46 and logistic sectors. Merton 139.90 These employees are working a range of hours to suit Redbridge 161.33 their individual needs and availability. However we do Richmond upon Thames 170.71 not collect information about salary levels. Sutton 148.25 Waltham Forest 150.71 Notes: Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a and Pensions (1) if he will publish the names of all couple. former Remploy managers who have been sold or been 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest pence. given any of Remploy’s former assets; [134501] 3. Recipients are as at second Thursday of the month. 4. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second (2) if he will place a list of any assets formerly owned Thursday in the month), of either: (a) the recipient if they are single, by Remploy that have since been sold in the Library. or (b) the elder of the recipient or partner if claiming as a couple. [134505] 5. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The data are available monthly from November 2008, Esther McVey: The information requested is not held and August 2012 is the most recent available. by the Department, and the hon. Member is advised Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE). that he should request this information from Remploy’s Remploy Company Secretary. They can be contacted at: [email protected] Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what recent discussions he has had with trade union representatives on the Remploy Remploy: Edinburgh factories which were announced for closure; [134424] (2) what assistance the Government plans to give to Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for people formerly employed at the Remploy factory in Work and Pensions how many of the former employees Sunderland to find alternative work. [134425] of the Edinburgh Remploy plant have found employment since the plant closed. [133786] Esther McVey: I have had contact with representatives from the Remploy trade unions in face-to-face meetings, stakeholder events and through correspondence. I have Esther McVey: I can confirm that two people have listened and responded to their views and opinions on found employment and a further two people are due to the progress of the stage 1 process, as I have done with start work in January. Three people have expressed an other stakeholders. interest in retiring and 10 others have taken on work related activities. The Government has made £8 million available to fund the delivery of a People Help and Support Package The Remploy People Help and Support Package (PHSP) across the UK and support is available for (PHSP) is the Government’s key process for delivering individuals to access for up to 18 months following tailored support to those disabled people becoming redundancy to help make the transition from working redundant as a result of the announcement on the at Remploy to mainstream employment. future of Remploy. All disabled Remploy staff affected by the changes, Every affected disabled member of staff will be allocated who give consent, will be guaranteed access to support a personal case worker (PCW) who will manage the from the PHSP. This includes individual help from a future delivery of support to individuals. 175W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 176W

We have allocated £4 million for personal budgets, to Percentage of staff make funding available for each disabled person affected Total issued with a warning by redundancy and to provide additional support where other sources of funding are unavailable. Written warning 2,303 1.9 We have also set up a Community Support Fund to provide grants to local organisations to support the 2011 individuals affected by the Remploy factory closures. Oral warning 6,602 6.0 Written warning 1,920 1.8 Sick Leave

2012 (from 1 January Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for to 30 November) Work and Pensions what the level of absence has been Oral warning 4,368 4.4 in his Department for stress-related sickness in each of Written warning 1,218 1.2 the last five years. [135390]

Mr Hoban: Data on stress-related sickness absence is available within DWP from 2008. Social Rented Housing: Armed Forces This shows that in each of the tax year 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12, the proportion of working Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for days lost specifically attributable to stress-related sickness Work and Pensions if he will give consideration to the absence was 0.3%. exempting of armed forces personnel and their families This consistently low figure reflects the efforts that from the Government’s proposed social housing the Department has made to support its employees at under-occupation measure. [134702] work during a period when they have been at the forefront of the Government’s response to the economic Steve Webb: We considered a number of exemptions downturn. during formulation of the under-occupation policy but concluded that specific exemptions for different groups Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for can be an inefficient and a complex way of targeting Work and Pensions how many staff in his Department resources. That is why we think discretionary housing were given a (a) verbal warning and (b) written payments offer a better solution as local decision makers warning prior to a period of absence for sickness in are best placed to make decisions on individual each of the last five years. [135391] circumstances. Mr Hoban: The Department for Work and Pensions do not issue warnings to employees prior to them Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for taking sickness absence as the hon. Member’s question Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of requests. the effect of the Government’s proposed social housing Warnings are only issued when employees have been under-occupation measure on families with one or absent due to sickness for eight days or more in any more unoccupied bedrooms retained for armed forces 12-month period—this is the earliest point at which our personnel serving overseas at their place of residence in formal absence management policy starts. The outcome the UK. [134703] of this formal action is not predetermined and there may be a number of outcomes ranging from provision Steve Webb: We do not hold information that would of various forms of help or work place adjustment or identify such cases and so no assessment has been made advice from our Occupational Health Service, through of the effect of the under-occupation measure on serving to the issuing of a formal improvement warning, as armed forces personnel. appropriate. The following tables give the number of oral or written warnings that have been issued to employees Social Rented Housing: North East from January 2008 to the end of November 2012 due to unsatisfactory attendance. Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Percentage of staff and Pensions what recent estimate he has made of the Total issued with a warning number of households in (a) the North East, (b) 2008 County Durham and (c) North West Durham constituency that will be affected by the new rules on Oral warning 6,424 5.6 under-occupancy in social housing. [134789] Written warning 2,060 1.8

2009 Steve Webb: Impacts of the new rules on under- occupancy in social housing are not available at local Oral warning 6,208 5.8 authority or parliamentary constituency level. Written warning 2,408 2.3 Impacts of the under-occupancy measure at a regional 2010 level can be found in the Impact Assessment: Oral warning 8,058 6.7 http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/social-sector-housing-under- occupation-wr2011-ia.pdf 177W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 178W

Social Security Benefits Steve Webb: Benefit expenditure and caseload tables are published and can be found at: Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ Work and Pensions what the value has been of (a) index.php?page=expenditure unemployment benefit and jobseeker’s allowance, (b) child benefit and (c) incapacity benefit and Table 1c of the medium-term forecast for all DWP employment and support allowance as a proportion of benefits includes caseload information for Over 75 TV average earnings in each year since 1982. [135035] licences. Figures for Over 75 TV licences include Northern Mr Hoban: The information requested for unemployment Ireland and are therefore United Kingdom figures. benefit, jobseeker’s allowance, child benefit, incapacity benefit and employment support allowance recipients is available from “The Annual Abstract of Statistics for Benefits, National Insurance Contributions, and Indices of Prices and Earnings” can be found at: Unemployment http://statistics.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/abstract/abstract2011.pdf

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Work and Pensions how many households that are cost to the public purse in each of the next three years economically inactive have (a) one child, (b) two of uprating benefits in line with his proposal for a one children, (c) three children, (d) four children, (e) five per cent cap. [135544] children, (f) six children, (g) seven children and (h) eight or more children. [134605] Steve Webb: The cost of uprating benefits administered by my Department and subject to 1% uprating over the Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the next three years is shown in the table. Cabinet Office.

£ million The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority 2013-14 180 to reply. 2014-15 410 2015-16 700 Letter from Glen Watson, dated December 2012: Notes: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I 1. Great Britain benefits only. Spending in Northern Ireland is not have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking included. how many households that are economically inactive have (a) one 2. All costs, including from universal credit, are consistent with the child, (b) two children, (c) three children, (d) four children, (e) five Autumn Statement 2012 forecast. children, (f) six children, (g) seven children and (h) eight or more 3. Benefits affected include: the main rates of income support, jobseeker’s children (134605). allowance, employment and support allowance and housing benefit; the corresponding elements of universal credit; the work-related Estimates are available from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) of activity group component of employment and support allowance; those households that are economically inactive and the number maternity allowance, statutory maternity pay, statutory sick pay. of dependent children living in these households. The latest 4. Effects in the second and third years are cumulative. estimates, which are for the three month period April to June 5. Figures are rounded to the nearest £10 million. 2012, can be found in the table. It has been estimated, for example, that there were 271,000 economically inactive households Social Security Benefits: Uprating with one dependent child with at least one person aged 16 to 64 living in the household. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for It is not possible to provide reliable estimates of the number of Work and Pensions (1) what estimate he has made of economically inactive households with five or more dependent the likely effect on measured levels of (a) absolute and children due to small sample sizes. Therefore estimates are provided for economically inactive households with four or more dependent (b) relative poverty of the uprating of benefits by 1 per children. cent for each of the next three years; [133536] The estimates are derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (2) what estimate he has made of the number of and are not seasonally adjusted. As with any sample survey, children who will be below the 60 per cent relative estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty. poverty threshold in each year to 2020 (a) without and Economically inactive households1 with dependent children2,by (b) with the 1 per cent benefit uprating in the next number of dependent children, April to June 2012, United Kingdom three years. [133537] Thousand Number of dependent children Steve Webb [holding answer 13 December 2012]: 4ormore Assessments of impacts will accompany the uprating 1 child 2 children 3 children children order for 2013 and the forthcoming Uprating Bill. Inactive 271 212 102 56 Television: Licensing households 1 An inactive household is a household that includes at least one person aged 16 to 64 and everyone aged 16 or over is inactive. Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 Dependent children are children under 16 and those aged 16 to 18 Work and Pensions how many recipients of the free who are never-married and in full-time education. television licence for people aged over 75 there were in Source: Labour Force Survey household datasets each year between 1997 and 2012. [135191] 179W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 180W

Universal Credit Regional variations to these allowances would introduce unnecessary complexity, undermining one of the key Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for objectives of the reforms. Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the case for a higher universal credit income disregard Vocational Guidance for (a) lone parents and (b) parents in couples who are both in work. [135542] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many jobcentres host regular Mr Hoban: The December 2012 impact assessment sessions with advisers from the National Careers http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/universal-credit-wr2011-ia.pdf Service. [135378] shows that the universal credit work allowances set out in our draft regulations will significantly improve on the Mr Hoban: The number of Jobcentres hosting regular current benefit system, providing lone parents and couple sessions with advisers from National Careers service is parents with meaningful and improved financial incentives 552. to take up work. Winter Fuel Payments Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for the case for a larger universal credit disregard in Work and Pensions how many recipients of the winter London to take into account higher living and fuel allowance there were in each income decile in the childcare costs in London. [135543] most recent period for which figures are available; and what the cost to the public purse was of the allowance Mr Hoban: Universal credit will only be effective if for each such decile. [134894] people understand the financial rewards of finding a job and increasing their hours of work. A fundamental Steve Webb: The requested information is available in part of this is the simple structure of work allowances. the following table.

Number of individuals in receipt of winter fuel payment and total amount received by income decile (whole population), Before and After Housing Costs, United Kingdom, 2010-11 Decile 12345678910

Before Housing Costs Number (million) 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.9 Total WFP expenditure 300 350 350 350 300 300 250 200 200 150 (£ million)

After Housing Costs 12345678910 Number (million) 0.7 1.0 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.2 Total WFP expenditure 150 200 350 350 300 300 300 250 250 200 (£ million) Notes: 1. These statistics are based on Households Below Average Income (HBAI) data sourced from the 2010-11 Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable household income, adjusted using modified OECD equivalisation factors for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 2. Net disposable incomes have been used to answer the question. This includes earnings from employment and self-employment, state support, income from occupational and private pensions, investment income and other sources. Income tax payments, national insurance contributions, council tax/domestic rates and some other payments are deducted from incomes. 3. Figures have been presented on a Before Housing Cost and an After Housing Cost basis. For Before Housing Costs, housing costs (such as rent, water rates, mortgage interest payments, buildings insurance payments and ground rent and service charges) are not deducted from income, while for After Housing Costs they are. 4. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to a degree of uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. 5. The reference period for HBAI figures is the financial year. 6. Numbers of individuals have been rounded to the nearest hundred thousand individuals. 7. Amounts are presented in 2010-11 prices and have been rounded to the nearest 50 million pounds. 8. Figures may not sum due to rounding. 9. Overall expenditure by decile was produced by applying the proportion in each decile from HBAI to overall WFP expenditure for 2010-11. 10. Expenditure figures do not sum to total published 2010-11 expenditure due to rounding. Source: Family Resources Survey (FRS) 2010/11, End of year Local Authority subsidy returns and DWP statistical data.

Work Capability Assessment made on developing a gold standard review of the new work capability assessment mental health descriptors. [135062] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to his Department’s response to Professor Harrington’s Second Mr Hoban: The Evidence Based Review (EBR) remains Independent Review of the work capability assessment, a priority for the Department and work is continuing at published in November 2011, what progress he has pace. The final report is due in 2013. 181W Written Answers7 JANUARY 2013 Written Answers 182W

Professor Harrington commissioned two groups of and that the descriptors are suitable for testing. The charities to provide recommendations to refine descriptors final version of the ’alternative’ assessment was signed respectively for (a) mental, cognitive and intellectual off by the charities at the end of August 2012. functioning and (b) fluctuating conditions in 2011. Each group reported recommendations for changes to the Since then, work has progressed in a number of descriptors to Professor Harrington, while recognising different areas, including the training necessary for the that more work would be needed to finalise the proposals. healthcare professionals conducting the alternative assessments; further work with the charities concerning We have undertaken extensive work with these charities the practicalities of the test, and the evaluation strategy. throughout the summer to ensure that the ’alternative’ We also have a Steering Group in place, chaired by WCA assessment combines recommendations from both Professor Harrington, to oversee the review. the mental functioning and fluctuating conditions groups,

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 7 January 2013

Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT...... 1 HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Antisocial Behaviour...... 8 Net Migration...... 16 Asylum Support...... 16 Non-EU Immigration ...... 15 Deputy Police and Crime Commissioners Police Numbers...... 11 (Salaries)...... 13 Police Officer Numbers ...... 14 Family Migration...... 8 Seasonal Agricultural Workers...... 3 Gang and Youth Violence ...... 13 Student Visas (India)...... 12 MCAT ...... 5 Topical Questions ...... 17 Metropolitan Police ...... 1 UK Border Agency ...... 7 Net Migration...... 5 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 7 January 2013

Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE...... 1WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL “Public Bodies 2012” ...... 1WS AFFAIRS...... 7WS Coalition Government (Mid-term Review)...... 1WS EU Environment Council ...... 7WS Flooding ...... 8WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 3WS TRANSPORT ...... 10WS Department’s Work (Christmas Recess)...... 3WS EU Transport Council ...... 10WS TREASURY ...... 2WS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 5WS Income Tax and Corporation Tax Entertainment Licensing Reform ...... 5WS (Anti-Avoidance) ...... 2WS PETITIONS

Monday 7 January 2013

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 1P WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 1P Rushden Lakes retail leisure park...... 1P The Right to Silence...... 1P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 7 January 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 15W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Crown Prosecution Service ...... 15W Temporary Employment ...... 22W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 16W Prosecutions...... 16W CABINET OFFICE...... 23W Charities ...... 23W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 16W Charities Act 2006...... 24W Communications Data Bill: Draft ...... 16W Childbirth ...... 24W Credit: Interest Rates ...... 16W Cybercrime ...... 25W Debts: Advisory Services...... 17W Dover House...... 25W Employment Agencies...... 17W ICT ...... 25W Employment Tribunals Service...... 17W Immigration...... 25W Export Credit Guarantees: Indonesia ...... 18W Life Expectancy: Merseyside...... 27W Higher Education: Scholarships...... 18W Pay...... 28W Minimum Wage: Greater London...... 19W Procurement...... 29W Procurement...... 19W Public Bodies: Thames Gateway ...... 30W Redundancy...... 19W Teenage Pregnancy...... 30W Redundancy Pay ...... 21W Vocational Guidance: Internet ...... 31W Shops: Books ...... 21W Voluntary Work: Older People ...... 32W Speech Therapy...... 21W Students: Finance ...... 22W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 120W Students: Loans ...... 22W Affordable Housing: Barnsley...... 120W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— DEFENCE—continued continued Veterans ...... 50W Affordable Housing: Greater London ...... 121W World War II: Military Decorations...... 51W Council Housing: Suffolk...... 121W Fire Services...... 122W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 1W First Time Buyers ...... 122W Electoral Register...... 1W Health...... 122W Ministers: Codes of Practice ...... 1W Homelessness...... 123W Homelessness: Greater London ...... 123W EDUCATION...... 51W Housing: Overcrowding ...... 123W Bookstart Scheme ...... 51W Local Government: Assets ...... 124W Booktrust...... 51W Local Government Finance ...... 124W Care Proceedings: East of England...... 52W Members: Correspondence ...... 125W Children: Abuse ...... 54W Mobile Homes ...... 125W Children: Disability...... 54W Parish Councils: Council Tax...... 125W Children in Care...... 53W Planning Permission ...... 126W Children: Protection...... 55W Private Rented Housing ...... 126W Children’s Centres...... 56W Private Rented Housing: Barnsley...... 126W Citizenship: Education...... 59W Private Rented Housing: Greater London...... 127W Conditions of Employment...... 59W Property: British Nationals Abroad ...... 128W Curriculum ...... 60W Property Development ...... 127W Domestic Violence ...... 60W Public Houses ...... 128W Education: Assessments ...... 61W Right to Buy Scheme ...... 129W Education: East of England...... 62W Right to Buy Scheme: Barnsley...... 129W Education: Halton ...... 62W Shops ...... 130W EU Law...... 63W Free Schools: Newham...... 63W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 130W GCSE ...... 64W Basketball ...... 130W GCSE: Leeds ...... 65W Betting ...... 131W GCSE: Wales ...... 65W Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 131W Health Education: Sex ...... 65W Football ...... 132W Herringham School...... 66W Gambling: Internet ...... 132W Immigration...... 66W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 133W Internet ...... 66W Redundancy...... 134W Languages: GCSE...... 67W Sports ...... 134W Meetings ...... 68W Sports: Schools ...... 134W Official Cars...... 68W Telephone Services: Unsolicited Goods and Ofsted ...... 69W Services ...... 135W Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education ...... 69W DEFENCE...... 32W Physical Education...... 70W Afghanistan ...... 32W Primary Education: Admissions...... 70W Armed Forces: Cadets...... 33W Primary Education: Yorkshire and the Humber..... 70W Armed Forces Covenant ...... 33W Psychometric Testing ...... 71W Armed Forces: Freedom of Expression...... 34W Publications ...... 71W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 34W Pupils: Bullying...... 71W Armed Forces: Redundancy...... 34W Pupils: East of England ...... 72W Armed Forces: Scotland...... 35W Pupils: English Language...... 72W Armed Forces: Sexual Offences...... 35W Pupils: Per Capita Costs...... 73W AWE ...... 37W Runaway Children...... 73W Dalgety Bay ...... 37W School Meals ...... 74W Defence Equipment and Support...... 37W Schools: Equality ...... 74W Defence: Exports...... 37W Schools: Inspections...... 75W Disclosure of Information ...... 38W Schools: Measurement ...... 75W Equality ...... 38W Schools: Mental Health ...... 75W France...... 38W Schools: Playing Fields ...... 76W Guided Weapons...... 38W Schools: Standards...... 76W Internet ...... 39W Science: Finance...... 77W ISTAR ...... 40W Special Educational Needs...... 77W Katrice Lee ...... 41W Staff ...... 80W Military Bases...... 42W Standards...... 80W National Security ...... 45W Teachers: Training...... 81W Porton Down ...... 46W Teaching Methods...... 81W Public Expenditure...... 46W Written Questions ...... 81W RAF Lossiemouth ...... 47W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 82W Redundancy...... 47W Young People: Databases ...... 82W Reserve Forces ...... 48W Service Prosecuting Authority...... 48W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 135W Sodexo ...... 49W Carbon Emissions...... 135W Tankers ...... 49W Electricity Interconnectors: Hebrides...... 136W Translation Services ...... 49W Employment Agencies...... 136W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 50W Energy: Conservation...... 136W Col. No. Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued HEALTH—continued Energy: Fines ...... 137W General Practitioners: Harrow ...... 103W Energy: Meters...... 140W Health Foods ...... 103W Equality ...... 140W Health Services ...... 103W EU Energy Policy...... 140W Maternity Services ...... 104W Fracking...... 141W Mental Health Services ...... 105W Fracking: Fylde...... 141W Mesothelioma ...... 105W Fuel Poverty: Pendle ...... 141W NHS: Finance ...... 106W Green Deal Scheme...... 141W NHS: Pensions...... 106W Green Deal Scheme: Computer Software...... 142W NHS: Working Hours ...... 106W Industrial Diseases: Compensation ...... 143W North of England Cardiovascular Network...... 107W Nuclear Power Stations...... 143W Obesity: Surgery...... 107W Nuclear Reactors ...... 144W Soft Drinks ...... 107W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 144W Speech Therapy: Training ...... 108W Procurement...... 144W Public Expenditure...... 145W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 108W Redundancy...... 145W Arrest Warrants: Hungary ...... 109W Redundancy Pay ...... 146W Asylum ...... 109W Renewable Energy: Timber ...... 146W Crime Prevention ...... 110W Renewables Obligation...... 147W Entry Clearances...... 110W Senior Civil Servants...... 148W Entry Clearances: Indian Subcontinent...... 111W Temporary Employment ...... 148W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 112W Warm Front Scheme: South East ...... 149W Entry Clearances: Pakistan ...... 112W Wind Power: Carmarthenshire...... 149W Human Trafficking ...... 112W Wind Power: Wales ...... 149W Human Trafficking Ministerial Group...... 113W Immigrants: Detainees ...... 113W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Immigration: Applications ...... 114W AFFAIRS...... 83W Members: Correspondence ...... 115W Animals: Exports ...... 83W Organised Crime: Young People ...... 115W Chemicals: EU Law ...... 84W Stun Guns...... 115W Dogs ...... 85W Telephones: Disclosure of Information...... 116W Farms: Floods...... 85W UK Border Agency ...... 116W Food: Poverty...... 85W UK Visitors: Economic Growth...... 108W Gangmasters Licensing Authority...... 86W Written Questions ...... 117W Ivory: South East Asia...... 87W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 117W Members: Correspondence ...... 88W Office for Unconventional Gas and Oil...... 88W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 118W Poultry: Animal Welfare ...... 88W Wi-fi...... 118W Schmallenberg Virus ...... 89W Slaughterhouses: Closed Circuit Television...... 89W INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Smoke and Chimney Gases...... 90W STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE ...... 118W Turtles: Cayman Islands...... 90W Members: Correspondence ...... 118W Waste and Resources Action Programme...... 90W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 149W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 91W Charities ...... 149W Afghanistan ...... 91W Developing Countries: Climate Change ...... 150W Buildings...... 92W Developing Countries: Tuberculosis...... 150W China ...... 92W Equality ...... 151W Colombia ...... 92W EU Aid ...... 151W Falkland Islands...... 93W Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Immigration...... 93W Malaria...... 151W Israel...... 93W Overseas Aid...... 152W Mali ...... 94W Palestinians ...... 152W Pakistan ...... 95W Procurement...... 153W Somalia...... 95W South Asia ...... 153W Syria...... 95W UN Women...... 153W Western Sahara ...... 96W Zambia ...... 154W

HEALTH...... 97W JUSTICE...... 154W Air Ambulance Services...... 97W Bill of Rights Commission...... 154W Air Ambulance Services: Cumbria ...... 97W Courts: Interpreters...... 154W Ambulance Services: East of England...... 97W Crime: Victims ...... 155W Ambulance Services: Preston ...... 98W Criminal Proceedings: Lancashire...... 156W Colorectal Cancer ...... 98W Electronic Tagging ...... 157W Community Nurses: Harrow...... 98W Equality ...... 157W Defibrillators ...... 99W Equality and Human Rights Commission...... 158W Diabetes ...... 99W Fines: Surcharges ...... 158W Drugs: Death ...... 99W Human Trafficking: Victim Support Schemes ...... 159W Drugs: Rehabilitation...... 101W Judicial Review ...... 160W Food: Hygiene...... 102W Prisoners: Marriage...... 160W General Practitioners ...... 102W Remand in Custody: Death...... 161W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TREASURY—continued Roads: Accidents ...... 163W Income Tax ...... 13W Young Offenders ...... 163W Income Tax: Young People ...... 13W Young Offenders: Reoffenders ...... 163W Military Bases...... 13W Young Offenders: Sentencing ...... 165W National Insurance Contributions: New Businesses ...... 14W PRIME MINISTER ...... 118W Northern Rock...... 14W Conflict Resolution...... 118W PAYE...... 14W Ministers: Codes of Practice ...... 119W Staff ...... 14W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 119W Stocks and Shares: Tax Allowances...... 15W Tax Avoidance ...... 15W SCOTLAND...... 119W Sovereignty ...... 119W WALES...... 15W Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Bill...... 15W TRANSPORT ...... 1W A338 ...... 1W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 120W Blue Badge Scheme...... 2W Homosexuality: Marriage ...... 120W Bus Services: Disability ...... 2W Bus Services: Greater London...... 3W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 167W Conditions of Employment...... 4W Carers ...... 167W Driving: Licences ...... 4W Disability Living Allowance...... 167W East Coast Railway Line ...... 4W Emergencies ...... 168W Heathrow Airport ...... 5W European Social Fund ...... 169W London Midland ...... 5W Housing Benefit ...... 169W Motorways: Repairs and Maintenance...... 5W Housing Benefit: Greater London...... 170W Railways: Bridges...... 7W Personal Independence Payment...... 170W Railways: Harrow...... 7W Private Rented Housing: Greater London...... 172W Roads: Accidents ...... 7W Remploy...... 173W Rolling Stock ...... 8W Remploy: Edinburgh...... 174W Transport for London ...... 8W Sick Leave ...... 175W Social Rented Housing: Armed Forces...... 176W TREASURY ...... 9W Social Rented Housing: North East ...... 176W Banks: Loans ...... 9W Social Security Benefits...... 177W Business: East Yorkshire ...... 9W Social Security Benefits: Uprating...... 177W Child Benefit...... 9W Television: Licensing ...... 177W Devolution: Wales...... 10W Unemployment ...... 178W Employee Ownership ...... 10W Universal Credit...... 179W Excise Duties: Beer ...... 11W Vocational Guidance...... 180W Financial Services ...... 12W Winter Fuel Payments...... 180W Health and Social Services: Finance...... 12W Work Capability Assessment...... 179W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 14 January 2013

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CONTENTS

Monday 7 January 2013

List of Government and Principal Officers and Officials of the House

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for the Home Department

Trusts (Capital and Income) Bill [Lords] [Col. 25] Not amended, considered; read the Third time and passed

Statute Law (Repeals) Bill [Lords] [Col. 26] Read a Second time Not amended, considered; read the Third time and passed

Commission Work Programme 2013 [Col. 27] Motion to take note of EC document—(Mr Lidington)—agreed to

Gender Balance on Corporate Boards [Col. 52] Motion to take note of EC document—(Matthew Hancock)—agreed to

Backbench Business [Un-allotted part day] Corporate Tax Avoidance [Col. 77] Motion—(Ian Swales)—agreed to

Newark Hospital [Col. 132] Debate on Motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 1WS]

Petitions [Col. 1P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 1W] [see index inside back page]