Thursday Volume 579 10 April 2014 No. 152

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 10 April 2014

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2014 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 395 10 APRIL 2014 396

Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman’s constituency is a House of Commons good example of what is happening in the labour market. The claimant count is down to about 2.5%, which is much lower than it was when we took office. Many Thursday 10 April 2014 engineering companies are short of labour and wages are going up. We have been through a difficult period, but one of the success stories is that employment has The House met at half-past Nine o’clock massively increased—465,000 during the last year. His constituency is a very good example of the policies working. PRAYERS Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Does the Secretary of State agree that retailers would find it [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] easier to pay higher wages if they were allowed to open all day on Sunday? Oral Answers to Questions Vince Cable: I suspect that it would make relatively little difference. We had a modest experiment at the time of the Olympics. The results did not show a great deal of real economic consequences, but we are always open to new evidence. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): Provided that it does The Secretary of State was asked— not undermine fair trade or UK competitiveness, a significant increase in the minimum wage would clearly Living Wage be both desirable and the right thing to do. But will my right hon. Friend look particularly at the care sector, 1. Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): What where I fear there is a race to the bottom as a result of steps the Government are taking to encourage firms to there simply being a floor where the minimum wage has pay a living wage. [903648] been set?

5. Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): What steps Vince Cable: I remind my hon. Friend that, based on the Government are taking to encourage firms to pay a the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission, the living wage. [903653] Government announced recently the biggest increase in cash terms since the financial crisis—a 3% increase, The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and which is an increase in real terms. I suspect that with the Skills (Vince Cable): The Government support a living central problem in the care sector, which is with domiciliary wage and encourage businesses to pay it when it is care workers whose travel times are not properly counted, affordable and not at the expense of jobs. We recognise we are dealing with an abuse of the minimum wage that these have been challenging times and we applaud system, and it needs to be pursued in that context. companies that have chosen to pay higher wages. Mike Kane (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): A Heidi Alexander: The UK’s largest supermarkets, Tesco, KPMG study found that the introduction of a living Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons, together make billions wage increased productivity and reduced sickness of pounds in profits every year, but they still do not pay absenteeism and staff turnover. In fact, its introduction all their staff a living wage. Will the Secretary of State was cost-neutral for all these firms. As it makes such a look at amending the corporate governance code to good business case, why are the vast bulk of local require all publicly listed companies to report annually authorities that have introduced a living wage Labour the number of individuals they employ who earn less ones? than a living wage? Vince Cable: The process that the hon. Gentleman Vince Cable: That is an interesting suggestion for described is the right one: if it is good business practice, nudging companies in the right direction, and I will good businesses will follow it and out-compete their certainly have a look at it. I am certainly very opposed competitors, and I hope that that is what will happen. to coercive measures because those would simply add to unemployment, but I will reflect on that suggestion, Student Loans which is a new one.

Chris Williamson: I am pleased that the Secretary of 2. Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): What State says that he supports the living wage, but as he will recent estimate he has made of the resource accounting know, and as my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham and budgeting charge on student loans. [903649] East (Heidi Alexander) has already pointed out, of the 4.8 million people who are paid less than the living The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David wage, many work for multinational, highly profitable Willetts): We currently estimate the RAB charge to be companies. What specific steps is he taking to encourage around 45%. The estimate changes frequently in the those highly profitable companies to pay the living light of new economic forecasts and will continue to wage? The people deserve to know that. change. 397 Oral Answers10 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 398

Paul Blomfield: Back in the days when the Minister and 2011, when an excellent Liberal Democrat council was confidently predicting that the RAB charge would was laying the foundations for the bid for Siemens that not rise above 32%, writing in The Independent in October is now happily realised. 2012, he described a RAB charge of 38% as the worst outcome for the taxpayer. How does he describe a RAB Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): charge of 45%? May I praise the Government for the role of agri-tech funds in rebalancing the economy in the north? One of Mr Willetts: What we have achieved with our higher the issues holding back growth in the north is badly education reforms is significant savings to the taxpayer congested and unsafe roads such as the A64. Will my and extra income going to our universities. That is the right hon. Friend use funds from his Department, working right combination. with the LEP, to improve the A64?

Mr Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) (Lab): Vince Cable: One of the joys of the new pots of The whole House will want to join me in congratulating funding that are available for local enterprise partnerships Toni Pearce on her re-election as president of the National is that LEPs can decide for themselves what their priorities Union of Students. Figures this morning from the are. I am aware, because I grew up in the region, that Sutton Trust and the Institute for Fiscal Studies show there are serious infrastructure bottlenecks, and I am that Toni’s generation will now be paying off their sure that that will be high in its priorities. student loans into their 50s. Will the Minister get to the Dispatch Box and confess that this student debt system Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): The Secretary is now not only unsustainable, but unfair? Does the of State and the whole House will no doubt welcome Conservative party have any plans to raise the £9,000 this morning’s excellent news that 1,000 new jobs have fee in the next Parliament? been created in Belfast by US software company Concentrix. That is very good news in terms of rebalancing the Mr Willetts: Let us be absolutely clear what today’s economy. Will he continue to work with the Northern IFS report shows. It shows that people on lower earnings Ireland Executive on matters such as corporation tax to throughout their working lives are going to pay back ensure that the number of private sector jobs continues less. That is a deliberate feature of our reforms which to grow in the Province? means that they are fairer and more progressive than the system we inherited from the Labour Government. Vince Cable: The Northern Ireland Executive is doing Meanwhile, people who earn a lot during their working an excellent job in attracting inward investment. I have lives as a result of going to university will pay back been to see some of these high-tech companies. The more. That is what we intended with these reforms, and Titanic quarter is a good example of the growth that is that is what the IFS shows we are delivering. taking place. I am delighted to hear the news that the right hon. Gentleman has announced. We are certainly Economy (Rebalancing) happy to continue to work with the Executive.

3. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): My constituents What progress he has made on rebalancing the economy in Kettering were very worried when told by the Opposition across the UK. [903650] that 1 million jobs would be lost in this country as a The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and result of the Government’s attempt to rebalance the Skills (Vince Cable): The regional growth fund plays a economy. Does the Secretary of State therefore share key rote in stimulating private investment and employment my delight in the latest figures from HM Treasury in areas dependent on the public sector. Today, my right showing that since 2010 an extra 4,800 jobs have been hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has announced created in Kettering—a massive 11% increase? 50 further projects and programmes that have been awarded regional growth fund support in round 5. Vince Cable: My hon. Friend describes a trend that is Together they will share £300 million of RGF support apparent across the country. As I said a few moments and have pledged to deliver £1.9 billion of private sector ago, almost half a million new jobs were created last investment and to safeguard or create 37,000 jobs. We year, and I am delighted that Kettering is sharing in that have also increased resources under the strategic direction positive story. of local enterprise partnerships to at least £20 billion until 2020-21. Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (PC): Every week when Parliament is sitting, I get on Diana Johnson: In 2011, Hull voters kicked out the the train in one of the poorest parts of the European Lib Dem councillors who had delayed setting up the Union and get off in the richest, with a twelvefold Humber LEP. From then on, the Labour council, MPs, difference in wealth per head between west Wales and local businesses and the LEP took the lead in working inner London. Does the Secretary of State acknowledge together to bring to the city Siemens, City of Culture, that the only way to address this record of shame is to and rail electrification. Does not that show the potential fiscally empower the nations and regions of the UK and of real devolution to the regions? Why does the Secretary have a deliberate strategy, as in Germany, to redistribute of State block the plans that are set out in the Heseltine wealth between the wealthiest and the poorest parts? review? Vince Cable: In many respects, the Welsh economy is Vince Cable: I certainly welcome devolution and the sharing in the wider picture. Its unemployment rate is cross-party approach that we have adopted towards slightly lower than the national average. My hon. Friend attracting Siemens. I remember going to Hull in 2010 the Member for Ceredigion (Mr Williams), who represents 399 Oral Answers10 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 400 that area of Welsh Wales, is very active in promoting market those schemes. I do not think it is fair to take that part of the country, which benefits substantially one month’s particular trade figures. We are increasing from European assistance. our trade, particularly to the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The trend across the UK that the Business Secretary has just described is Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): The fact is, though, that undermined by a report that shows it is 100 times easier exports are at their worst and lowest level since 2010. It to get a job in Cambridge than in Salford and that is interesting that the chief economist of the British describes the gap as widening “dramatically”. The Public Chambers of Commerce has said: Accounts Committee exposed the incompetence and “We need to match resources committed by our major competitors delays on the regional growth fund. Does not the Secretary if we are to compete on a level-playing field when exporting of State know that every Tory Government leads to the overseas.” imbalance in our economy not shrinking, but growing? What is the Minister doing specifically to ensure a level playing field for the chemical industry? Vince Cable: Actually, the Greater Manchester local enterprise partnership is one of the best and most active Michael Fallon: The trade deficit actually narrowed and it is resulting in considerable improvements in that in 2013, so I repeat that I do not think it is right to take region. On the regional growth fund as a whole, we now just the figures from February. We have specifically have a formidable accumulation of results. We are talking been helping the chemical sector recently. The energy about approaching £3 billion of commitments, 427 projects, package announced in the Budget will make a significant more than 500,000 jobs safeguarded and created and, difference in freezing the carbon price floor. We are most important, £16 billion of private sector investment giving the chemical industry more help by exempting it that has been brought in alongside Government money. from the renewables obligation and the feed-in tariffs. The energy taxes are being cut, which will significantly UK Trade & Investment help both the chemical and the steel industry.

4. Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con): Universities What recent assessment he has made of the performance of UK Trade & Investment in supporting exports. 6. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): [903651] What steps he is taking to ensure that universities remain financially sustainable in the long term. The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation [903656] and Skills (Michael Fallon): The most up-to-date independently audited figures show that in the 12 months The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David to September 2013, UKTI supported nearly 35,000 Willetts): Our higher education reforms have increased businesses. The value of additional sales attributed to university income and reduced costs to taxpayers. In UKTI support over that period was more than £50 billion. 2011, universities received £7.9 billion of income for UKTI is on track to meet its target to assist 40,000 teaching. Next year, they will receive £9.9 billion. Universities businesses in 2013-14. are now well funded, on a sustainable basis for the long term. Daniel Kawczynski: In export week, I welcome that news, but what concrete steps are being taken by UKTI Mr Sheerman: The Minister will be surprised to hear to reform its structure, personnel and strategy in order that I do not agree with relative complacency. I am a to ensure that we meet the Government’s £1 trillion member of the Higher Education Commission and we target for exports? are taking evidence on the long-term financial viability of our higher education sector. Time and time again, Michael Fallon: My hon. Friend will be aware, because the Higher Education Policy Institute, the vice-chancellors, I know he takes a strong interest in this area, of the Lord Baker, Charles Clarke and everyone else who gives reforms to UKTI, which is now working closely with evidence to the commission say there is a serious, deep British businesses. This week, I attended the world’s problem. We are not getting any British post-graduates leading trade and industrial technology fair in Hanover as a result of the £9,000 a year. Something is deeply and saw UKTI working with the Birmingham chamber wrong. Will the Minister act before it is too late? of commerce to provide support for 40 UK companies. It is estimated that from that fair alone some £5 million- Mr Willetts: We now have record numbers of people worth of orders are in the pipeline. applying to university. The funding is going to the courses that students choose. We are getting rid of Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): controls on numbers of students. This system is financed In February, UK exports actually fell. Given the fact by graduates—not students, but graduates—paying money that last year only a fifth of the total amount of money back. That is the right way to finance our higher education. available for financing exports was actually used, what It is the system that all three parties have ended up more can the Minister do to increase the uptake of UK proposing when they had to confront the realities of export finance in order to boost our exports? financing higher education. It is the right way forward for our young people. Michael Fallon: The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. There are schemes to assist companies with their Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ export finance, but only large companies have taken Co-op): Universities in Scotland—in Edinburgh, in advantage of them in the past. We need to do more to particular—contribute substantially to the UK’s research 401 Oral Answers10 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 402 community, as most spectacularly exemplified recently Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): Is it not interesting that by Professor Higgs. At the same time, universities in no Conservatives or Liberal Democrats are standing up Scotland receive 15% of UK research funding, as is to ask a question about small business? I saw a small right and proper given their achievements. Would it not business in Wrexham and spoke to Mr Phil Jackson of be a tragedy if that support and co-operation were put Fotofire, who told me that the Jobs Growth Wales at risk by Scotland becoming independent from the rest scheme has enabled him to employ young people in a of the UK? rapidly expanding media business. Will the Minister do something positive by looking at a scheme that is providing Mr Willetts: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. jobs for more than 9,000 young people in Wales, with Although Scotland has about 8% of the nation’s GDP, 75% employment for those who go on the scheme in the it gets about 15% of the public research income that is first place? allocated across institutions, because of the excellence of the research in institutions in Scotland. That works Matthew Hancock: I am very glad to say that to the advantage of Scotland and to the advantage of unemployment is falling throughout Wales as part of the entire United Kingdom, and that is why we are our long-term economic plan across the country. I am better off together. sure that in Wrexham, as elsewhere in the country, small businesses will be celebrating the fact that they are Small Businesses getting £2,000 off their jobs tax, which the Labour party has proposed to put up.

7. Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): What recent High-growth Markets support he has provided to small businesses. [903657] 8. Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): What steps he The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): is taking to promote trade opportunities for UK We passionately support small businesses. Just this week, business in high-growth markets. [903658] the new employer allowance has cut £2,000 from the national insurance bill of small companies to help them The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation to grow and create jobs. That builds on the more than and Skills (Michael Fallon): UK Trade & Investment’s 15,000 start-up loans, the £1 billion saved by cutting red strategy confirms its continued focus on China, India tape and the 32,000 businesses helped to export this and other high-growth markets, including some in Africa year alone. and central America. UKTI has identified more than 60 high-value opportunities in those markets, and with Mel Stride: Last Friday, I spent valuable time with the help of our trade envoys, it promotes those opportunities some very hard-working high street traders in Chagford, to business. The £4 million announced by the Chancellor an important town in my constituency. Many of the to support mid-sized businesses will enable UKTI to people there were very worried about the level of business introduce such companies to those opportunities in taxation, yet they were unaware of the £2,000 reduction high-growth markets. in charges for national insurance contributions and the reduction in rates to which the Minister has just referred. Mr Walker: In export week, will the Minister congratulate What steps is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that Worcester firm Waste Spectrum, which is exactly one of companies up and down the country are aware of these those mid-sized companies that has recently achieved important incentives? its first sale to China and will be dispatching one of its specially designed incinerators, built in Worcester, to Matthew Hancock: My hon. Friend is a constant that high-growth market at the end of this month? advocate for small businesses locally in Devon. He has raised the issue of business rates and business taxation Michael Fallon: I congratulate Waste Spectrum and with me. He will know that the £1,000 off business rates the Worcester ambassadors, and I thank my hon. Friend for retailers has been welcomed across the board; it is a for his work to promote trade with China. I know he small step towards addressing the challenges that business visited China with the trade mission and was involved rates pose. This is all part of our long-term plan. with an inward delegation from China, and understand that he is planning to visit China again. We need to Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Is the Minister thank him for his work in promoting links with that aware that one of the smallest businesses in Britain now particular country. is the mining industry? There are three pits left, and 1,300 miners are due to be sacked at two of those pits. Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): That will make it a minuscule small business. Instead of Yesterday I held a meeting with a range of British helping those pits to stay open and give them tax businesses on their experience of support for trade in breaks, as they do to the oil companies, what have this India. They did not have a good story to tell about the Government done to that small business? They have signposting and advice of UK Trade & Investment and just stolen £700 million out of the mineworkers pension other agencies. Is the Minister concerned about UKTI’s fund this February. What a story to tell those miners. budget plans and the support that it provides if the Come on—help ’em out! experience of British businesses is not positive?

Matthew Hancock: This morning, we announced a Michael Fallon: I am sorry to hear that. If the hon. package of support for the mining industry, and I am Lady lets me have the details, I will certainly ensure that sure that the hon. Gentleman will want to go and look that is followed up with UKTI. We have allocated a at it before raising any further questions. bigger budget to UKTI and it has sharpened its focus. 403 Oral Answers10 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 404

If there are improvements that we can make to the times the rate of male self-employment. More than service that UKTI offers, I would be happy to consider 6,000 female mentors are available to support entrepreneurs, them. such as his constituents, who want to set up and grow their own business. The Government have a wealth of Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Does the Minister information and advice available on gov.uk and the agree that our future prosperity as a country depends great business website to support people in the situation on trading with China, India, south America and emerging that he highlights. economies in Africa—that is where all the future growth in the world economy will be—rather than being part of Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): The Minister a backward-looking, inward-facing protection racket mentioned in passing the latest figures on women in called the European Union? boardrooms. In responding to those figures, the former Minister for Women,the right hon. Member for Basingstoke Michael Fallon: I do not wholly agree with my hon. (Maria Miller), said that we need to be honest that the Friend. There are high-growth opportunities the world culture in Britain is not neutral to women and is still over, but the single market to which our businesses have “white, male and heterosexual.” Does the Minister agree? access through our membership of the European Union If so, what message does she believe the reshuffle sends is still an important part of our trading relationships. about changing the situation?

Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): It may not be a Jenny Willott: We would probably all agree that the high-growth market, but we had a reception here last gender and ethnic balance in boardrooms are not as we week that introduced the fishing, oil and construction would like to see them. However, significant progress is opportunities in the Falkland Islands. Has the Minister being made. At the start of this Parliament, about 12% had an opportunity to discuss those matters with the of FTSE 100 board members were women. The figure is Falkland Islands to develop those areas and give job now more than 20% and we are on target to reach a opportunities to people from the United Kingdom of quarter of board members being women by the election. Great Britain and Northern Ireland? The Government are taking the matter seriously and working hard to change the culture throughout companies Michael Fallon: In my capacity as Minister responsible by introducing measures such as flexible working and for oil and gas, I am aware of the opportunities for shared parental leave, which send out the message that developing the oil and gas fields off the Falklands. The the Government think this issue is extremely important. hon. Gentleman will know that a considerable amount We are working with employers to change the culture in of initial exploration is taking place in the waters just to businesses from top to bottom. the north of the Falkland Islands, and of course we stand ready to help the Falkland Islands if that exploration Life Sciences can be turned into significant production. 10. Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): What Women in Business estimate his Department has made of the contribution of life sciences to the UK economy. [903661] 9. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): What recent steps he is taking to support women in The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David business and encourage more women to enter business. Willetts): The life sciences industry contributes more [903660] than £13 billion a year to the UK economy. Since the launch of our life sciences strategy, industry has been The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, investing £1 billion a year in Britain. Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): The Government offer a wide range of support to new businesses, for Paul Burstow: Sutton is home to the Institute of example through the growth accelerator, the new enterprise Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden. Together, allowance and mentoring. The latest figures show that they have a formidable global reputation in the fight over 37% of start-up loans have gone to female against cancer. As part of its Opportunity Sutton entrepreneurs and one in five FTSE 100 board members programme, my council has a shared plan with those are now women. We will continue to work closely with two organisations to develop a life science cluster. Will the Women’s Business Council and others to help ensure the Minister meet me and representatives of those that more women see starting and growing their own organisations to discuss how the Department can facilitate business as a real option. the co-ordination of policy across Government to secure that vision and the 4,000 extra jobs that will come Rehman Chishti: I thank the Minister for that answer. with it? Over the past couple of years, we have seen one of the fastest rates of new business creation. Does she agree Mr Willetts: I would be happy to meet my right hon. that we need to encourage more female entrepreneurs Friend. That is exactly the kind of initiative that the such as Tracy Wilson and Emma Brown in my constituency Mayor of London envisaged when he launched his who have launched their new child product business, MedCity initiative earlier this week. We look forward to Dribble Stop Tops? What support are the Government a golden triangle that links Oxford, Cambridge and Sutton. giving to help to sustain such businesses in the short and long term? Exports (SMEs)

Jenny Willott: As the hon. Gentleman highlights, 11. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): What record numbers of women are setting up their own steps he is taking to help small and medium-sized businesses. Female self-employment is growing at four businesses to export. [903662] 405 Oral Answers10 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 406

17. Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): What steps he Matthew Hancock: Of course, the economy is growing, is taking to help small and medium-sized businesses to jobs are being created and the amount of gross lending export. [903671] is rising, but we are recovering from an extremely difficult situation. We all know what the causes of that were, and The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew many of them came from those on the Labour Front Hancock): Last year, we supported more than £4 billion Bench. Turning around our economy to support small of export finance, which is more than in any other year businesses, whether through access to finance, support for a decade. This week, we announced additional funding for exports, which are going up, or otherwise, is the to enable UKTI to support 3,000 more medium-sized Government’s central task. It is a huge job, because we businesses. were left in a huge hole.

Julian Smith: Following the question from my hon. Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): It is Friend the Member for Shipley (Philip Davies), will the absolutely essential that we encourage more small and Minister agree that the best way to exploit emerging medium-sized businesses to export, but does the Minister markets is often through EU free trade agreements? In agree that the term “SMEs” is often unhelpful? There is the light of that, will he support the all-party parliamentary a huge difference between the needs of medium-sized group on European Union-United States trade and and small businesses, and between the range of small investment to ensure that small and micro businesses businesses, from the largest to single proprietor? Will he are front and centre in the proposed free trade agreement recognise those differences and tailor accordingly? with America? Matthew Hancock: I strongly support my hon. Friend. Matthew Hancock: I am a strong supporter of the In fact, as part of our long-term economic plan I am transatlantic trade and investment partnership. The trade trying to banish the term “SMEs” and instead use deal between the EU and Canada is a big step forward “small businesses”. A business with, say, 10 employees and provides a basis on which we can build TTIP. The is very different from a business with 249 employees, so involvement of small businesses in TTIP will provide an end to the acronym “SME” would be a valuable step them with extremely valuable support in creating jobs. forward. Royal Mail Sir Tony Baldry: We have some excellent exporters in north Oxfordshire, such as Norbar Torque, E. P.Barrus, Crompton Technology and Prodrive to name but a few. 12. Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): Those companies generate jobs themselves and through What assessment he has made of the value for money the contracts that they give to local SMEs. What is my for the public purse of the recent sale of shares in hon. Friend doing to support SMEs in the export Royal Mail. [903664] supply chain? 13. Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): What assessment he has made of the value for money for the Matthew Hancock: Across the Department, we work public purse of the recent sale of shares in Royal Mail. to support supply chains. Specifically, UKTI’s high value opportunities programme targets 100 projects [903666] that are based globally. That programme supports not just the primes, but their supply chains in Oxfordshire The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and across the country. and Skills (Michael Fallon): The National Audit Office’s report on the Royal Mail share sale published last week confirms that we achieved our key objective of achieving Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): One area of the sale and allowing Royal Mail access to the private export growth has been in recyclate of glass and plastics. capital it needs to invest and thrive. It was a successful Unfortunately, that has had a perverse effect because transaction, raising £2 billion for the Exchequer, and the packaging recovery note system, which is supposed has reduced the risks to the taxpayer of having to to direct money into the creation of infrastructure for provide future financial support to the universal six-day- our own recycling industry, has been denied the feedstock a-week service. that the industry needs if it is to grow. Will the Minister look at what more he can do to expand our recycling Karl Turner: The Secretary of State recently described industry, rather than export it? me as “tribal” for my opposition to the fire sale of the Royal Mail. What does the Minister say about Peter Matthew Hancock: I would be delighted to speak to Davies of Lansdowne Partners, the Chancellor’s best the hon. Gentleman to understand more about the man and best pal, who is set to rake in millions from packaging recycling industry and to see whether we can this dodgy deal? Will he say how many of the 12 lucky tackle that problem. immediate winners are Tory party donors?

Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): If Michael Fallon: More than half the shares allocated we are to grow the economy and increase exports, we to priority investors are still held by those investors, and need to ensure that there is support for SMEs. In the six of them remain among Royal Mail’s largest shareholders. last quarter, net lending to small and medium-sized enterprises fell by more then £1 billion. When will Jessica Morden: Most people listening to the Minister’s Ministers get a grip and start backing our wealth creators response will think that it was particularly lame, to put to take on employees and develop greater opportunities it mildly. Can he justify the fact that consumers and for exports? businesses have faced hikes of up to 30% in stamp 407 Oral Answers10 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 408 prices, while hundreds of millions of pounds have been what it takes to succeed in work. The strengthened squandered because of the Secretary of State’s disastrous statutory guidance that we are publishing today will decision at a time when families are really struggling? help to drive that, alongside league tables that include not just exam results, as before, but pupils’ destinations. Michael Fallon: Nobody has lost anything. Britain has gained a top-100 company in which 10% of the Productivity shares are owned by the staff themselves. Nearly three quarters of a million individual investors also have 15. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): What steps he is shares in Royal Mail. We achieved our objective of taking to improve productivity. [903668] realising nearly £2 billion of receipts for the Exchequer, ensuring that Royal Mail has been put on a sound The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and commercial footing. Skills (Vince Cable): The Government’s approach to raising productivity is to deliver macro-economic stability Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): The Minister through a combination of monetary activism and fiscal can spin this as much as he likes, but he shamefully lost restraint, while implementing a programme of long-term the taxpayer £750 million from the sale of Royal Mail. structural change through the industrial strategy. This At that time, the Business Secretary dismissed the loss, is giving firms and individuals the confidence they need saying: to invest. “We wanted to make sure that the company started its new life with a core of high-quality investors who would be there in good Neil Carmichael: In my constituency, we have several times and bad”. modern and forward-thinking firms, such as Renishaw, Given that the core long-term investors that the Business Delphi and ABB, which are all keen to make sure that Secretary championed have used the good times to sell they can recruit skilled engineers and a skilled work the majority of their shares at huge profit, is it not right force—[Interruption.] The Secretary of State has sat that the Government tell us who those priority investors down now. Does he agree that the long-term economic are, so that the taxpayers know where their lost millions plan is pivotal because it deals with the need to make went? sure there is a pipeline of well educated young people entering the labour market? Michael Fallon: Nobody has lost anything from the sale of Royal Mail. More than half the shares allocated Vince Cable: I apologise for remaining standing; I to priority investors remain with those investors, and was so gripped by the question, I could not tear myself the share price has fluctuated wildly. I do not think the away. hon. Gentleman has been in touch with his broker recently, otherwise he would know that the share price I commend my hon. Friend on establishing what closed last night at 17% down on its post-float peak. I think he calls the Carmichael commission in his constituency to look at ways to improve growth. He is Business (Young People) right that having a pipeline of skilled staff is essential. I am familiar with Renishaw and I shall see the company 14. Adam Afriyie (Windsor) (Con): What recent steps tomorrow at the MACH exhibition in Birmingham. he has taken to encourage young people to get involved The crucial requirement is a long-term train of apprenticeship, at graduate and sub-graduate levels. in business. [903667]

The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Is the Secretary Hancock): Building links between the worlds of education of State at all worried that the current economic picture and employment is a vital part of our reforms. I can is being driven so much by consumer spending, and why announce to the House today that we are publishing the does our productivity remain so poor? revised statutory guidance for schools on careers guidance and inspiration. This will drive links between schools Vince Cable: The Office for Budget Responsibility and colleges and employers to inspire and mentor pupils, forecast for 2014 is that business investment will rise by and there will be no excuse for schools and colleges not 8%. Given the depth of the crisis to which we have had to open their doors to employers and no excuse for to respond, this is a slow process, but business investment employers not to engage with schools and colleges. is now overtaking consumer spending as the driver of I will place a copy of the guidance in the Library. the recovery.

Adam Afriyie: I thank the Minister for that response Energy-intensive Industries and very much welcome the Government’s commitment to increasing access and exposure to, and experience of, 16. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): What business in schools, because it is through business and steps he is taking to support energy-intensive industries. enterprise that people access social mobility, jobs and [903670] opportunity. Does he agree that we need constantly to seek better ways of connecting businesses with schools The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and and ensuring that proper careers advice is provided by Skills (Vince Cable): The Government have in place people with experience of business, rather than merely several measures to address energy costs for these industries. from teachers? The Budget announced a further £7 billion package of support including: extending the existing compensation Matthew Hancock: Exactly. I pay tribute to the work scheme to 2020, under which we have distributed £30 million that my hon. Friend does in bringing together employers to 53 companies; new compensation for costs of the and schools and colleges so that young people know renewable obligation and feed-in tariff; qualified exemptions 409 Oral Answers10 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 410 to the carbon price support mechanism for combined seventh-largest export industry, a sector that generates heat and power; and capping the CPS at £18 per tonne more than £10 billion of income for our country? of carbon. Vince Cable: My colleague, the Minister of State, David Mowat: The Secretary of State will be aware Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the that even after the welcome changes in the Budget, the right hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon) has carbon price floor in the UK is four to five times higher given a comprehensive answer on how we are promoting than in the rest of the EU, where the emission trading exports across the board. The industrial strategy is, of scheme is more or less defunct. In addition, the EU has course, maximising our export potential. a system of more direct subsidy in countries such as Germany for these industries. Can he assure the House Mr Umunna: I am talking about higher education. that he will be active in ensuring that our industries are The fact is that the right hon. Gentleman’s Government’s supported in the same way as those in the EU are, and net migration target has done immense damage to that the 900,000 jobs in energy-intensive industries are higher education, contributing to a 51% fall in postgraduates protected? coming from India and a 49% fall in those coming from Pakistan. Jim O’Neil, on the Department for Education’s Vince Cable: Indeed, it is a major industry. My figures board, agrees, saying that the Government are sending suggest that we have some 600,000 jobs directly or out a message that they are “not serious” about exporting indirectly affected. It is a massive industry. We believe in education. The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, it, and it is important that it is able to compete on a level the hon. Member for Orpington (Joseph Johnson) at playing field. That was the purpose of the changes No. 10 has argued, as we do, that legitimate students announced in the Budget and we are now actively should be taken out of Government net migration pursuing state aid clearance to make sure that these targets, but is it not the truth that for all the talk from compensation mechanisms go through. that Minister and the Business Secretary, both have let the sector down by failing to get their intransigent Home Secretary to see sense? Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Does the Secretary of State now recognise that the Government’s ill-thought- Vince Cable: The simple truth of the matter is that, as through carbon floor tax was a mistake? a result of discussions across the Cabinet and with the Minister for Universities and Science and myself, there Vince Cable: Absolutely not. The only concern from is no cap on the number of overseas students. [HON. the industrial point of view is that energy-intensive MEMBERS: “There is.”] There is not. We want to maximise industries should have those costs offset. Under the the number. We actively encourage them, and only this mechanism the Chancellor has proposed, which we are week there was a £1 billion contract signed with Saudi now pursuing through the European Commission, they Arabia for higher education training in which we are a will be offset. participant.

Topical Questions T2. [903640] Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): With the excellent news that manufacturing output year-on-year has increased by 3.8%, and with export week in mind, T1. [903639] Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con): If he will make a statement on his what steps is the Secretary of State taking to improve departmental responsibilities. productivity so that we can further enhance the innovation of cutting-edge products and penetrate new export markets? The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable): My Department’s objectives are to Vince Cable: That is a suitable rejoinder to the hon. pursue economic growth and recovery by investing in Gentleman’s earlier question. The key point he made in skills and innovation. his earlier question is that to drive productivity we need an adequate supply of trained people. I would add to Paul Maynard: As we have just heard, the carbon that the emphasis we are placing on innovation and the floor price in the UK remains significantly higher in the establishment of the Catapult centres across the country. EU, despite the welcome changes in the Budget. What This is a new approach based largely on the German specific assessment has the Secretary of State made of model and it is succeeding admirably. the investment decisions taken by international energy- intensive companies, such as those that operate in my T3. [903641] Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) constituency? (Lab): I am concerned that the Secretary of State has been told that the current redevelopment of Swan Vince Cable: I think I largely answered that question Hunter’s yard in Wallsend is not appropriate. Will he a few moments ago, but the point I would emphasise is meet me, the elected mayor of North Tyneside and that despite the disadvantage of costs, albeit with the others from North Tyneside to learn exactly how compensation we are now proposing, we have had very external funding is being used to develop the site and substantial investment in our energy-intensive industries. how his Department could support the creation of The steel industry, in particular, has been an exemplary thousands of jobs in advanced manufacturing at example of long-term investment by Tata. Swan’s?

Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): In export Vince Cable: I am certainly very happy to give the week, will the Secretary of State tell us what he is doing hon. Lady an assurance to meet her in the House and to to garner support among Cabinet colleagues for our visit her constituency. I have been to Tyneside on several 411 Oral Answers10 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 412 occasions and I am aware that it is a centre for advanced The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew manufacturing. In many respects it is doing very well on Hancock): We now live in a world in which an increasing the back of the growth of the oil and gas industry in the amount of trade is carried out online at times that are North sea. We clearly need more jobs on Tyneside and convenient to consumers and others. We relaxed the I am happy to work with her to deliver them. rules during the Olympics, and said at the time that we would assess the impact of that relaxation. A debate T5. [903643] Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) about the issue is undoubtedly taking place. (LD): Twenty-five years ago the then Government intervened in the pubs market, recognising that it was T6. [903644] Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) failing consumers and small brewers. However, as a (Lab): The latest report from the Higher Education result of industry lobbying, they failed to place a limit Funding Council for England shows for the first time on the number of pubs, which led to the development in 29 years a decline in the number of overseas students of the large pubcos. Twenty-five years on, will the studying in the United Kingdom. Let me now give the Secretary of State assure me that he will listen to the Secretary of State another opportunity to admit that majority of MPs in the House of Commons rather the inclusion of students in the net migration target is than giving in to industry lobbying, and that he will hindering the growth and international competitiveness introduce the market-rent-only option which is the of our British universities. solution offered by the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee? The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts): There is no cap on the number of legitimate The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, overseas students coming to Britain, and we will not Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): As my hon. Friend introduce any such cap. The Secretary of State and I knows, we have had a number of debates about this work with the Prime Minister and others on trade issue in the House, and the House has expressed its missions around the world to encourage young people view. The Government recently held a consultation, to with the necessary aptitude and qualifications to benefit which thousands of responses were received. We are from study in Britain to apply to come here. We can be now considering those responses, and will issue our own proud of our universities. response as soon as we can. Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Will my right hon. Friend congratulate Elekta Oncology Systems, a leading [903642] Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton T4. manufacturer and exporter of oncology systems which West) (Lab/Co-op): Last week, the Prime Minister said is based in my constituency, on its plan to expand by on the BBC that he would do everything he could to about a fifth in Crawley, and also on its involvement in keep the pits at Kellingley and Thoresby open. This the Government’s regional growth fund? morning, the Minister of State issued a written statement confirming that the Government were facilitating a Mr Willetts: I do congratulate that company. As part “managed closure”. Given that people will begin to lose of our life sciences strategy, we are supporting high-tech their jobs on 23 May, there is now a very short period in medical companies large and small, and it is great to which it is realistically possible to secure alternative hear that they are prospering. investment to keep the pits open. Towards the end of last week, a private operator suggested that it might be T7. [903646] John Robertson (Glasgow North West) interested. Has the Minister of State, or his officials, (Lab): The Secretary of State said earlier that investment had any discussions with it about whether it is possible in businesses would go ahead next year, but today we to find a way of securing a commercial future for those have heard about the closure of coal mines. Will the pits and those communities? Minister explain why, according to figures from Bloomberg New Energy, investment in clean energy in the United The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Kingdom is due to hit a five-year low this year? What is and Skills (Michael Fallon): In my ministerial statement, happening to that investment? copies of which are available in the Vote Office and the Library, I confirmed that we were prepared in principle Michael Fallon: There has been a wave of investment to contribute a £10 million loan—alongside contributions in energy, not least the commitment last week by Siemens from other private sector investors—to support a managed to invest £300 million in two plants on the Humber that closure of the two collieries, which would avoid the will create 1,000 new jobs. We have seen a series of significant losses and liabilities that would have materialised projects come forward for assistance under our renewables in the event of the immediate and uncontrolled insolvency regime, and we will be running a capacity market later of UK Coal. That does not exclude any further private this year to secure more energy investment in four years’ sector interest, and I have been meeting others who have time. expressed an interest, as has UK Coal. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): The Budget invited T8. [903647] Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Given that universities and others to bid to develop the new Alan sales increased by 2.8% in London and by 6.2% outside Turing institute for big data, an invitation enthusiastically London during the Olympic games as a result of the embraced in Wiltshire and Swindon’s economic plan. relaxation of the Sunday trading laws, will the Minister How can we now work with the Minister to make this consider a further relaxation—perhaps during the bright idea a reality? World cup, the Commonwealth games and the run-up to Christmas—or, better still, abolish the restrictions Mr Willetts: My hon. Friend indeed represents an altogether, in order to help bricks-and-mortar retailers area with, shall we say, some very distinctive skills in to compete with those that trade online? cyber and big data, and yes, absolutely, it is very important 413 Oral Answers10 APRIL 2014 Oral Answers 414 that places like his have the opportunity to apply to and food sector. How are the Government helping them have the Turing centre. We will be running a consultation take advantage of the latest science and innovation on its best location. supporting our world-class agricultural technology sector?

Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): In answer to a Mr Willetts: My hon. Friend is absolutely right about written question I was told that the Government know the significance of this sector, and that is why we have a next to nothing about the number of jobs they claim to £160-million agri-tech strategy, which is aimed at promoting have created, not even how many of them are new jobs exports and investment in high-tech agriculture for the rather than simply a transfer from the public sector, so future. why will the Secretary of State not tell us how many of these jobs are minimum wage, unpaid or zero-hours? Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): The Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Sevenoaks Vince Cable: We are perfectly happy to provide (Michael Fallon), refused to answer me, but I wonder information where it is available. It is obviously easy to whether the Secretary of State could estimate how quantify jobs created in projects. Collecting a vast inventory many of the 12 immediate beneficiaries of the fire sale of information on fluctuating wages is a much more of the Royal Mail are Tory party donors? difficult proposition. Vince Cable: It is not my job to collect information Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): May I commend on the Conservative party’s funding. All I can tell the to the Secretary of State “A Blueprint for Britain: hon. Gentleman is what the Minister of State has openness not isolation” by Iain Mansfield who is a already told him: that a majority of the shares allocated former employee of his Department? It was the winner to priority investors are still held by them and a substantial of the prestigious Brexit prize by the Institute of Economic majority of the shares in Royal Mail that were issued Affairs, and it concludes that through the initial public offering are being held by “if the right measures are taken the UK can be confident of a long-term institutional investors. healthy long-term economic outlook outside the EU.” Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): The start-up Vince Cable: To correct the hon. Gentleman slightly, loan scheme is one of the most inspirational business I think the gentleman concerned is employed by UK policies that this Government are pursuing. Can the Trade & Investment, and he wrote this in his personal small business Minister confirm that we are right behind capacity, and it is perfectly reasonable to do so. I look it, we are putting more money into it and we will do forward to responding to his essay, which seems to me everything we can to grow the scheme as much as fundamentally mistaken, but no doubt we will argue possible? about that. Matthew Hancock: Yes, I will. Only this week, we Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): When I visit took through the statutory instrument to expand the schools in my constituency I ask them about the careers start-up loans scheme and ensure that the funding is information, advice and guidance they receive and, available. Fifteen thousand people have now had the without exception, they say that it is totally dreadful. To benefit of using the scheme, but it is not just about the be fair to the Government, it was not much better under money; it is about the mentoring and the wider support the previous Government. This is very important for that come with a start-up loan, and I commend everyone social mobility, so what is the Minister intending to do to have a look at the scheme and commend it to their to make face-to-face guidance available to everybody? constituents.

Matthew Hancock: That is a very fair question. It is Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): true that careers guidance has not been good enough in Does the Secretary of State share my concern that, Britain for an awfully long time under Governments of following the closure of the Insolvency Service office in all stripes and the new publication today, which I am Hull, there will be a gap between Newcastle and Ipswich sure the hon. Lady will want to get a copy of and I am with no Insolvency Service offices between those two happy to send to her, will strengthen the statutory duty areas? Will he agree to meet me to discuss this matter? on schools and also, crucially, open schools and colleges up to employers and encourage, and make it easier for, Jenny Willott: I am happy to meet the hon. Lady to employers to get involved in schools, to inspire and discuss this issue. The Insolvency Service is having to mentor and give guidance to young people. look at the way in which it manages its estate. The number of insolvencies has been dropping significantly Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): year on year, and it has to make the best use of its Farmers are the backbone of the £97-billion agriculture resources. 415 10 APRIL 2014 Asylum Seekers (Support) 416

Asylum Seekers (Support) Secretary to come to Parliament to announce them? Finally, does the Minister accept that half this agony would be avoided if the Government allowed asylum 10.30 am seekers to work and pay their own way, as many of the Sarah Teather (Brent Central) (LD) (Urgent Question): highly skilled individuals who come here seeking sanctuary To ask the Secretary of State if she will make a statement are desperate to do? on support provided to meet the essential living needs of asylum seekers under sections 95 and 98 of the James Brokenshire: The UK has a proud history of Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. granting asylum to those who need it, and the Government are committed to providing support to those who would The Minister for Security and Immigration (James otherwise be destitute while their claims are being Brokenshire): Asylum seekers are supported by the Home considered. The payment levels to asylum seekers need Office if they are destitute. The support package usually to be considered as part of the overall support package. consists of accommodation, with gas, electricity, water Accommodation—plus utilities such as gas and electricity and other utilities provided free, plus a weekly cash —is provided free. allowance to cover essential living needs. The cash I do not accept my hon. Friend’s characterisation of allowance is currently £36.62 a week for a single adult, the assessment process. A detailed assessment was concluded but it is higher in cases where there are children in the last June and, indeed, we will carry out a further assessment household. A family of two adults and two children of levels this year to take into account relevant factors would receive approximately £180 a week. and to assess whether there should be any change. I can The Government completed a full review of payment certainly assure her that we will consider these matters levels in June 2013. The review concluded that the levels very carefully. were sufficient to meet essential living needs. That decision My hon. Friend makes various comments on the was challenged in the courts by Refugee Action, a judgment itself. It is a very detailed judgment—it runs group that campaigns for asylum seekers, and the court to about 90 pages and the Home Office is analysing issued its judgment yesterday. It decided that there were the detail carefully and, indeed, whether we will be some errors in the way in which the 2013 review had appealing it. been conducted. It found, for example, that items such The Home Office takes its responsibilities in respect as household cleaning products and non-prescription of asylum support extremely seriously in setting the medicines should have been considered as essential and rates and considering what is appropriate. We believe therefore factored into the overall assessment of the that it does provide support to enable those who seek adequacy of the payment levels. The court did not asylum and who are destitute to see that their claims are decide that the current payment levels were too low. decided, and that support is given to them during that That question will be considered by the Government in process. a fresh review of the payment levels. We are of course considering the full implications of the judgment, and Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): I am grateful to the whether or not to appeal. hon. Member for Brent Central (Sarah Teather) for raising the issue, which, as she mentioned, is about the Sarah Teather: The Minister is correct to say that basic level of support given to those fleeing torture, yesterday’s judgment did not comment on the generosity rape or oppression and who seek asylum in the United of the levels, but it was absolutely damning about the Kingdom. process that the Home Secretary had used in order to come to her decision. It found that she had misunderstood Given that the rate was frozen in 2011 and has now or misapplied information, that she did not know, or been frozen through to 2013-14, yesterday’s judgment ignored, basic aspects of her Government’s education was damning. The Home Secretary was ordered to policy, and that she had failed to gather sufficient review the amount of money given to support asylum information. She has been told to go away and do the seekers after the High Court ruled that she had used whole thing again. insufficient evidence in deciding to freeze those payments. In his judgment the judge said the decision was “flawed” Is not the problem that this decision is a personal and that the Home Secretary fiefdom of the Home Secretary, driven entirely by base “misunderstood or misapplied information which she treated as political motives? She can and does ignore detailed important in reaching her decision.” representations by other Ministers across the Government. She can and does ignore parliamentarians, including He added: the findings of a cross-party inquiry that I chaired last “In my judgment the information used by the Secretary of year. She can and does ignore the pleas of those who State to set the rate of asylum support was simply insufficient to work with victims of torture, who say that she is reach a rational decision to freeze rates.” exacerbating their trauma and forcing them into severe In the judge’s view, the rates involved poverty. It is an indictment of the current process that “a reduction in real terms from what was regarded in 2007 as the Refugee Action and the Migrants Law Project had to base minimum level necessary to avoid destitution.” take the Home Secretary to court to get any kind of Remember, Mr Speaker, that these are individuals who oversight of the process. cannot work. In the light of that, will the Minister—he Is it not simply time for Ministers to accept that the has hinted at this—indicate whether he intends to appeal Home Office cannot be trusted to make a rational or that decision? If he does intend to, will he tell the House humane decision alone on this matter, and to submit to how much has been spent to date on legal costs in a transparent process with cross-government oversight, defending the decision to freeze the rates and how much which might improve its data and force the Home he expects to spend on any appeal? Will he estimate the 417 Asylum Seekers (Support)10 APRIL 2014 Asylum Seekers (Support) 418

[Mr David Hanson] The right hon. Gentleman asked me a number of detailed questions. On the support provided under section number of individuals who are involved? The judge 95, accommodation is provided to 22,372 people and yesterday mentioned some 23,000, but I should welcome the cash-only payments are provided to about 2,688 people. confirmation. I should welcome confirmation also on He sought to press me on whether we would seek to how many of those 23,000—if that is the figure—have appeal this judgment. The judgment was handed down children who now face destitution because of the freeze. yesterday, it is lengthy and detailed, and it is right that If the appeal is made and is not successful, will any the Home Office should reflect carefully on it to determine new rates be applied from today, or from 2011? What whether or not an appeal is appropriate. estimate has the Minister made of the impact of any The judgment does not seek to challenge the current unsuccessful appeal on the level of rates? levels of support provided; it simply seeks to comment Does the Minister agree with what the hon. Member on the detail of the review undertaken last year. I for Brent Central asked for, which is what Refugee maintain that that review was properly assessed and Action and, indeed, the Refugee Council, which I spoke took into consideration relevant details and matters for to this morning, have asked for, namely a wider examination an assessment of the level of support. It concluded that of the review of and support for asylum seekers—not the support should be frozen at its current level. The failed asylum seekers, but asylum seekers fleeing torture, right hon. Gentleman gave a churlish characterisation oppression, fear or intimidation, and who cannot, I remind of the steps that the Government take in their support the House, work? on asylum. We work to uphold this country’s proud What assessment has the Minister made of those tradition in ensuring that those fleeing persecution can currently in receipt of assistance who now face this receive support and humanitarian assistance in this freeze? Has he made any assessment, in particular, of country. That is long standing, and we should welcome the impact on children? Will he ensure that he urgently and cherish it. His comments were entirely ill-judged. reviews recommendation 82 of the Home Affairs Committee’s unanimous report of 11 October last year, Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): The level is which asked for a review of section 4 support? How clearly too low—it is about half that of income support— many asylum seekers does the Home Secretary’s and of course we are talking about people the Minister Department believe cannot now buy enough food to will not allow to work for themselves. Is not the big feed themselves, as referred to in that report? How problem simply that the Government are too slow to many asylum seekers does her Department believe missed make decisions? Some 36% of asylum seekers wait more a meal because they could not afford to eat? How many than six months for an initial decision—surely that asylum seekers does her Department believe do not should be speeded up, which would save the Government have money to buy clothes? a lot of money in supporting them.

Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): Is this a James Brokenshire: I am grateful to my hon. Friend speech? for his comments on the process on asylum claims. It is important to recognise that there has been a growth in Mr Hanson: Before the hon. Lady says any more, the number of people seeking asylum in this country—the I have a right to ask those questions of the Minister. increase has been about 8%, although that is not as big The Home Secretary’s decision making has proved to as has been seen in some other European countries be flawed. Will the Minister now address that issue, or because of continuing crises in various parts of the will there be a return to what a Minister—a Minister in world. Some decisions do take too long, but the her Government—described as the Conservative party Government are addressing the problem: most decisions being the nasty party on these issues? are dealt with quickly. In 2012-13, 78% of decisions were made within six months. I agree that decisions should Several hon. Members rose— be taken more quickly.Our visa and immigration command is looking at this work carefully and is putting more Mr Speaker: Order. I just say for the record that the caseworkers in place to support that activity, which is right hon. Gentleman certainly has the right to ask important. those questions, and I would not for one moment seek to stop him, but we all have to operate to time limits. I My hon. Friend makes a connection in respect of the say in the most charitable possible way to him that his rate of support and Department for Work and Pensions intervention was longer both than that of the hon. Lady levels, but asylum support is provided for different who put the urgent question and of the Minister, so purposes. It is provided to meet essential living needs there does need to be some trimming on these occasions. only and is temporary in nature. I highlight the fact that Two minutes is allowed, not four. there are other services—accommodation and utilities—that are provided free which other benefits would seek to James Brokenshire: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I say to take into account. the right hon. Gentleman that we do not think the value of cash and non-cash support is ungenerous when Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): This ought taken as a whole. He talks about the position of children to trigger a review by the Home Office of its asylum and families. A family of four on section 95 support policy, given the points raised by the hon. Member for would receive £178.44 per week to spend on essential Cambridge (Dr Huppert) and others about the very needs, with their accommodation, utility bills, council slow response to initial applications and in dealing with tax, household equipment, health care and schooling those who wish to appeal against an initial refusal—many provided. In that context, we believe the support given of these appeals are granted. Will the Minister look at is appropriate. the misery, destitution and waste of human resources 419 Asylum Seekers (Support)10 APRIL 2014 Asylum Seekers (Support) 420 that comes from keeping asylum seekers in desperate but the most important thing is to ensure that cases are poverty, and not allowing them to work and contribute resolved quickly so that people know whether to stay to our society and economy? or go?

James Brokenshire: I agree that it is important to take James Brokenshire: I agree with my hon. Friend decisions as speedily as possible to ensure that those about the importance of ensuring that proper decisions who are entitled to the full humanitarian protection of are taken at the earliest practical opportunity. It is the this country receive that support and can continue with uncertainty he highlighted that causes some of the their lives, and that those who are not entitled can then challenges that we have to face if people reside in this be removed from this country so that the system is seen country for long periods. That is why UK Visas and to be upheld. Immigration is putting additional caseworkers into the We judge that the levels of support are appropriate, asylum area to see whether decisions can be taken more but we keep them under review. We will be reviewing the swiftly, and to bring matters up to service standard by level of current support in the coming months, as I have March next year to deal with these cases. That is to committed to do in this House. ensure that there is roughly only two months’ intake outstanding. It is right that we continue to focus on this Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Given that matter. one of the most basic needs of any asylum seeker is to have a roof over his or her head, will the Minister Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ explain a little bit more about emergency accommodation, Co-op): If the level of support was right in 2011, it is or is it the case that asylum seekers are among those to hard to believe that, given the increase in basic living be found sleeping rough? standard costs over the past three years, it is still right in 2014. Would it not be sensible to agree an interim James Brokenshire: The support that is provided to increase at this stage, pending the review that, as the those seeking asylum includes accommodation. There Minister said, will take at least some months? are provisions relating to temporary support as well as to the section 95 support that has been referenced in James Brokenshire: As I have indicated, the court this urgent question. The Government have put in place judgment does not state that the current levels are a new contract arrangement, the COMPASS contract, incorrect. It is important that we reflect carefully on all to provide those services. Obviously, we believe that that current matters in conducting the review that we will is now delivering more effective service and more effective undertake in the next few months. I certainly would not value for money. Clearly, we keep such matters under want to prejudge the outcome of that or our decision review. about whether we appeal the court judgment.

Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): The Minister Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Despite what has identified that a family of four would be in receipt of been said by Opposition Members, does my hon. Friend £178 a week, which equates to about £44.50 per person. not agree that the recently launched scheme to help Does he understand that many children who attend refugees fleeing Syria and the atrocities there underlines schools—certainly in my constituency in Brent North—will our country’s proud record of helping asylum seekers undertake one and often two bus journeys each day to and those in need? get to their school? Many of them will have medical problems from the country from which they have fled, James Brokenshire: We have accepted a significant which means that they have to attend hospitals, and number of people who have fled persecution in Syria. have travel costs associated with that. Has he taken that As at September last year, the number of asylum claims into account when considering that each day, for five that had been received in the year was about 1,100. We days a week, they may be paying £10 of the £44.50 that also have the vulnerable person relocation scheme, which they have for food simply on transport? underlines our humanitarian support for those fleeing an appalling conflict in which people have been displaced James Brokenshire: Obviously, we understand the across the region. The UK can be proud of the contribution differing needs of families as opposed to individuals, that we are making. which is why the rates are set at different levels depending on individual family circumstances. The need for additional Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): If the Home Office is support is recognised and provided for in respect of truly committed to the welfare of asylum seekers, why children, and the rates are adjusted to take their needs have the Government this very month withdrawn face- into account. None the less, we keep such matters under to-face advice for asylum seekers in Wrexham, a dispersal review. I can confirm again that we will be reviewing the centre, through the awarding of the contract to Migrant levels of support provided in the months ahead, and we Help? What kind of message does that send to these will be reflecting on a range of factors in conducting vulnerable people? that review. James Brokenshire: Yes, we have changed the Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): When I was arrangements for support and guidance, but we continue elected four years ago, I inherited a huge case load of to maintain that that provides appropriate support and immigration cases. To my horror, we had asylum cases help. I appreciate that the hon. Gentleman might take a that went back more than 10 years. These people who different view of the services given, but, on Migrant are not allowed to work in this country were on the Help, I believe that our relationship with the voluntary point of destitution. Does my hon. Friend agree that sector continues to be important. We want to continue good progress has been made in resolving those cases, to work with the voluntary sector, and the new service 421 Asylum Seekers (Support)10 APRIL 2014 Asylum Seekers (Support) 422

[James Brokenshire] James Brokenshire: Again, I hear the point that the hon. Gentleman makes, but we believe that the new model, which is being introduced from 1 April, is aimed support arrangements are appropriate and provide at testing the marketplace and gaining value for money. assistance to those who require that direct help. We UK Visas and Immigration will closely monitor keep this matter under review, and UK Visas and development to ensure a smooth transition to the new Immigration will continue to monitor developments. arrangements and we are committed to ensuring that asylum seekers have access to quality advice and support. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): We should, of course, provide support to genuine asylum seekers in Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) genuine need, but most of my constituents take the view (Con): My hon. Friend has just referred to refugees and that there are too many asylum seekers in this country. asylum seekers from Syria and he will know that It takes too long to process their claims and deport neighbouring countries have reached absorption point them when they are not genuine, and no one should be when it comes to the numbers they can help, so this is granted asylum if they have travelled through another now a problem for the whole of Europe and this country. safe country to get to this country. What happened to What impact is that increased demand having on the the Dublin convention whereby we returned asylum level of funding for asylum support? seekers to the last safe country that they left? James Brokenshire: My hon. Friend is right to highlight James Brokenshire: We have seen an increase in the the Dublin convention, and the fact that those in need number of people seeking asylum from different parts of humanitarian protection should seek assistance in of the globe. Syria is one of those and my hon. Friend is the first country that they arrive at. That is something right to highlight the dire humanitarian situation there. that we make clear in our discussions at EU level. He is The UK can be proud of the £600 million that has been also right about ensuring that decisions are made quickly, invested to provide direct support for those in need in which is why we have made changes to the old architecture the region. We are continuing to see increased intake of the UK Border Agency that existed under the last levels, which will, I am sure, feed through in terms of Government and introduced visas and immigration to additional support that might be required. make decisions more quickly and the immigration enforcement command to see that people are returned. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): The Minister is right: we have a proud tradition in our Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): My hon. country, a tradition that is often kept alive by the third Friend will be proud of the UK’s record in providing a sector—by the charities and by the Churches, the Quakers safe haven for those genuinely fleeing persecution. I am in particular. It is not just a question of value for sure that we do not want to see people destitute, but money. Can we have a change of attitude today so that what representations has he received from the Opposition we see those groups as partners and incentivise them, or the right hon. Member for Delyn (Mr Hanson) on work with them and value them? what increases to the rate they would wish to introduce?

James Brokenshire: As I have said, we see an important James Brokenshire: I have received no representations and valuable role for the voluntary and non-governmental to date that I am aware of, but I will check when I get sector. Indeed, many fantastic organisations provide back to the Home Office to see whether there is anything support services to migrants and asylum seekers, which to which I can alert the House. Clearly, we are reflecting I want to encourage and to see supported. It is important carefully on the court judgment and will determine that the system delivers effective services and, ultimately, what next steps may be appropriate. value for money. Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): Very few Providing support to refugees in the region is nothing direct links exist between asylum sources and this country, new. It was put forward by the previous Government, yet we seem to be a temporary home for many asylum by the then Minister, Clare Short, in relation to the seekers from all over the world. Why is that? Kosovo crisis. Does my hon. Friend agree that, on that basis, what we are doing is in line with what has been done before? James Brokenshire: In 2013, the number of asylum applications in the EU was the highest since 2002. The James Brokenshire: This country has a proud tradition UK has experienced a rise, but countries such as Germany of providing humanitarian assistance in regions that and France saw increases of 164% and 37% respectively are in need, and I have highlighted the support that has between 2010 and 2013. We are committed to resolving been given as part of the Syrian crisis. All Governments cases more quickly, and we provide direct assistance to have a proud record on consistently upholding our regions in crisis, such as Syria, so that people do not asylum system and ensuring that protection is provided need to travel to the UK or elsewhere to seek that to those fleeing persecution who come to this country, assistance. and that those who are destitute are given appropriate assistance, which is what this Government are doing Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): Will the and will maintain. Minister not acknowledge that to replace services provided in my area by the North East Refugee Service with a Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): simple telephone call is detrimental to the cohesion of My hon. Friend is right not to be bounced into an early services that work together in that locality? decision on yesterday’s complicated judgment, because 423 Asylum Seekers (Support) 10 APRIL 2014 424 we need to get the right balance between fulfilling our Business of the House humanitarian responsibilities and ensuring that the system is not open to abuse. What representations has he had from respected children’s charities about their assessment 10.59 am of the impact these measures may be having on the Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Will the Leader of welfare of children involved? the House give us the business for the post-Easter week?

James Brokenshire: Representations are made on a The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew range of different issues, and clearly we pay particular Lansley): The business for the week commencing 28 April attention to the welfare of children. I understand and is as follows: recognise my hon. Friend’s continuing interest in and MONDAY 28 APRIL—Second Reading of the High focus on these matters. We keep these matters under Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill. consideration, but as I have already said, the level of TUESDAY 29 APRIL—Motions relating to the High asylum support provided to children properly recognises Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Bill, followed by their additional needs and requirements, and we will consideration of Lords amendments to the Defence keep our focus on that. Reform Bill. WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL—Motion relating to section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993, followed by consideration in Committee of the Wales Bill. THURSDAY 1MAY—A debate on a motion relating to cervical cancer screening tests and the case of Sophie Jones, followed by a general debate on freedom of thought, conscience and religion around the world. The subjects for both debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. FRIDAY 2MAY—The House will not be sitting. The provisional business for the week commencing 5 May will include: MONDAY 5MAY—The House will not be sitting. TUESDAY 6MAY—Continuation of consideration in Committee of the Wales Bill. WEDNESDAY 7MAY—Consideration of Lords amendments. THURSDAY 8MAY—Consideration of Lords amendments, followed by business to be nominated by the Backbench Business Committee. FRIDAY 9MAY—The House will not be sitting. I should also like to inform the House that the business in Westminster Hall for 1 May will be: THURSDAY 1MAY—Debate on the Second Report of the Welsh Affairs Committee, on the impact of changes to housing benefit in Wales, followed by a debate on the Third Report of the Welsh Affairs Committee, on the Work programme in Wales. Ms Eagle: I thank the Leader of the House for announcing the business for after the Easter recess. I also thank him for finally providing, in a written ministerial answer earlier this week, what I hope will be the actual date for the Queen’s Speech. Perhaps he can now confirm that Prorogation will be at least a week, or even two weeks, early due to the Government’s chronic lack of business. Could I make the Leader of the House an offer? If he cannot think of anything to do with the acres of spare time the Government have left free, he can always give us more Opposition days. On the first two days back after the recess, we will have the chance to debate the Second Reading of the High Speed Rail Bill. Will the Leader of the House explain how he plans to schedule the day and a half allocated to the Second Reading and the subsequent motions? Given the fate last night of the hon. Member for Lichfield (Michael Fabricant), who was unceremoniously sacked as a Tory vice-chair for opposing HS2 and for his overly honest tweets, is the Leader of the House expecting any more trouble on his own side? 425 Business of the House10 APRIL 2014 Business of the House 426

[Ms Angela Eagle] on its way to caving in. I am sure he would not want anyone to think he did not fix the roof while the sun was This week, the other place voted to introduce in the shining. Immigration Bill legal guardians for victims of child trafficking. Will the Leader of the House tell us whether Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the shadow Leader of the Government accept this amendment, and when he the House for her response to the statement of business, expects the long awaited modern slavery Bill, which and I am pleased to join her in wishing all the staff of ought to have a bearing on this matter, to have its the House a happy and restful short recess over Easter. Second Reading? I was able to confirm this week the date of the state opening of Parliament. It will be Wednesday 4 June. As I have here a copy of a blatantly party political letter I think the House will understand, this was consequent sent out by the Prime Minister to millions of businesses on the change arising from the cancellation of the G8 across the UK days before election purdah. It is perfectly summit. The adjusted timing of the meeting of G7 possible to keep businesses informed of tax changes Ministers allowed us to have the state opening on cheaply and cost-effectively via a Government website. Wednesday 4 June. It is certainly not appropriate for Lynton Crosby’s Tory election soundbite to be posted directly to millions of I cannot announce the date of Prorogation. It will be voters on a No. 10 letterhead signed by the Prime subject to the progress of business. I am surprised at the Minister, at the taxpayer’s expense, just ahead of elections. hon. Lady’s argument that we are not busy. We are busy. Will Leader of the House tell us how much producing, This week we considered the Finance Bill in Committee printing and posting this blatant Tory propaganda has on the Floor of the House. On Monday, at the request cost the public purse? Why did the permanent secretary of Members, including three Select Committees of the at the Treasury, Sir Nicholas Macpherson, tell the Public House, we provided time for a debate on the justice and Accounts Committee on Monday that he had absolutely home affairs opt-out. We concluded two hours early no knowledge of it? Can we expect the Communities because there were not sufficient Members who wanted and Local Government Secretary to admonish the Prime to debate it. The Government are happy to make available Minister for this blatant example of propaganda on the the time that the House is looking for, but it has been public purse? notable on a number of occasions, as I have told the shadow Leader of the House before, that her colleagues The past week has done serious damage to the reputation will not take the time available to scrutinise the Government. of this place and demonstrated the Prime Minister’s Perhaps they find it embarrassing to come to the House total lack of judgment. It was clear to everybody but and attempt to criticise the Government, when they him that the right hon. Member for Basingstoke (Maria know perfectly well that they have no credible alternative. Miller), had to go from her post as Culture Secretary. That may just be the way it is. On Friday, he wanted the matter to be left at that 31-second apology; on Monday, he was dismissing rising As it happens, when we return from recess, we have a public anger, saying it was his job to pick the Cabinet; busy two days, as the shadow Leader of the House and by yesterday he was claiming it was all the Leader correctly—[Interruption.] The hon. Lady is disparaging of the Opposition’s fault for not demanding the Culture the Wednesday.As I recall, we are considering in Committee Secretary’s resignation soon enough. After this fiasco, it the Wales Bill. I am sure that Members from Wales will is little wonder that the Prime Minister’s judgment is note that the shadow Leader of the House thinks that being openly called into question. consideration of the Wales Bill is not important, but there we are. There will be an opportunity on the Wales The number of women in the Cabinet is now at its Bill to see whether Labour Members will turn up and lowest since the Tories were last in government. We have criticise our proposal for further tax devolution in a Minister for Women who did not vote for same-sex circumstances where they do not appear to have any marriage, and we have a Department for Women and policy. They are at sixes and sevens about whether they Equalities that does not appear to exist any more. are in favour or against our plans for further tax devolution Perhaps they should just come clean and rename it the in Wales. We shall see. Department for very low Tory priorities. Will the Leader The shadow Leader of the House rightly asked about of the House tell us who now has overall responsibility the Second Reading of the High Speed Rail (London - for the Government Equalities Office? Can he tell us West Midlands) Bill. I can confirm that on Monday which Department the new Minister for Women will sit 28 April I will table a motion, the effect of which will be in and who she will report to? Will he now tell us which to allow that Second Reading to take place until 11 pm Minister is ultimately accountable to Parliament on on that day, so a maximum amount of time will be these extremely important issues, as the Prime Minister’s made available. The maximum of seven and a half official spokesman could not do so yesterday. May we hours will, of course, depend on whether there are have a debate in the acres of Government time on what requirements for a statement or an urgent question, but has happened to the Prime Minister’s pre-election promise that means it will be a very full debate on the Monday. to ensure that one third of all his Ministers would be On the Tuesday, I can confirm that we will allocate up women? It is no wonder that women just do not trust to four hours for consideration of the motions which I this Government. think Members can see on the Order Paper today As this will be the last business questions before the relating to the hybrid Bill procedures, including petitioning recess, may I thank all the staff of the House and and instructions to the Select Committee and the Hansard for the work they do and wish them a happy establishment of the Select Committee. I hope that that Easter? I wonder if the Leader of the House will will allow Members to have the maximum time for the ensure that while we are in recess, the House authorities discussion of the principles of the Bill on the Monday conduct the necessary repairs to the roof in Portcullis and additional time to debate the processes of the House which, like this Government, appears to be well hybrid Bill on the Tuesday. 427 Business of the House10 APRIL 2014 Business of the House 428

In total, we are giving more than a day and a half for Baroness Butler-Sloss’s amendment to the Immigration Second Reading, and not trying to push through all Bill was passed in the House of Lords and it raises those issues of process and principles in the course of important points. I listened to her speech, and at the one day. I heard, as did my colleagues in the usual end of it she said she wanted the issues to be addressed channels, that Members wanted additional time to debate by the modern slavery Bill. The draft Bill has undergone the Second Reading of the HS2 Bill, and I think that pre-legislative scrutiny and the Joint Committee has makes a very good outcome. produced a report on it, and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will respond to that. I am not sure what point the shadow Leader of the House was trying to make about yesterday’s Government The shadow Leader of the House asked about the appointments, because we are very clear about them. vice-chair of the Conservative party and a letter. Those The Equalities Minister and the Minister for Women are matters for the Conservative party, and I answer for are supremely qualified to speak on those subjects. the coalition Government at this Dispatch Box. I will They are senior Ministers who will have an opportunity ask the Minister without Portfolio, my right hon. Friend to represent those interests at the Cabinet table. If the Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps), to anything, having two Ministers will strengthen the voice write to the shadow Leader of the House about the issues. of women and equality issues for the future. The Minister for Women will report to the Prime Minister and the Mr Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): The Leader Equalities Minister is also the Secretary of State for of the House will know that a number of the Procedure Culture, Media and Sport. I think that is all very clear. Committee’s fabulous reports are gathering dust at the moment, particularly those relating to programming The shadow Leader of the House mentioned the and private Members’ Bills, while a couple of others are Standards Committee report, which was published this equally as deserving of time in this place. Will he find time last week. Everyone in this House has a collective an occasion in the next few weeks to allow me to and individual responsibility. The process is transparent. introduce those reports for debate on the Floor of the We have not got across to the public the way in which House in this Session? this House’s expenses system works in this Parliament. There are more than 200 Members who were not in Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend, the Chair of the Procedure previous Parliaments, but none the less they are having Committee, makes a very good point. I assure him that to argue with their constituents about an expenses the reports are not gathering dust; as he knows from system to which they were never party. We have to fight our conversations, we are actively seeking to take forward a battle in order for the public to understand that we his Committee’s recommendations—not least in relation have reformed the expenses system. It is overseen and to private Members’ Bills and programming—on the enforced independently by the Independent Parliamentary basis of consensus, as we always seek to do in this Standards Authority. If there is an appeal, it goes not to House. My hon. Friend has highlighted that there is Members of Parliament, but to a lower-tier tribunal, pressure for business that we need to transact before the which is a judicial process. I think that that is what the conclusion of this Session. I hope that I can satisfy him public have wanted from the expenses system since May on that matter before the end of this Session. 2010 and that it is what they want for the future. Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ We know that there are legacy cases. Fundamentally, Co-op): I, too, have received a letter from No. 10 any sanctions under the standards process must come Downing street this week. What is most alarming is that back to this House and we must be accountable for the the information can have come only from Her Majesty’s quality of the enforcement of the Members’ code of Revenue and Customs. At the Public Accounts Committee conduct. When I responded to an urgent question on on Monday, the permanent secretary of HMRC Tuesday, the Chair of the Standards Committee made acknowledged that it sometimes shares information clear that it will announce shortly the terms of reference with other Departments. Will the Leader of the House for an inquiry into the current system that will draw on take more seriously the issue of how No. 10 and the the report that its lay members published on Tuesday. Conservative party can send out letters to people using As the Prime Minister said yesterday, we should work information from the HMRC database? with the Committee on a cross-party basis, in whatever way we can, to strengthen the independence of the system of scrutiny of legacy expenses cases, the independent Mr Lansley: I will simply repeat what I have said. I input into any investigation, and the enforcement of the will ask the Minister without Portfolio to respond to the Members’ code of conduct. hon. Lady and the shadow Leader of the House. I am not aware of any such transfer of data in relation to the We have also committed to introducing a recall Bill, letter. I was not even party to the process of preparing which will provide for constituents to sign a petition in the letter. order to force a by-election in cases where a Member has been found to have engaged in serious wrongdoing. Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): I hope we can work together on the issues, to give the Why are the Government so frightened of giving Members public reassurance. I was disappointed that earlier this of Parliament a decent time to debate the HS2 Bill on week the shadow Leader of the House sought to turn Second Reading? Quite frankly, giving us an extra hour, the decision of the Standards Committee into a partisan with an extra half day for the other motions on the matter. I think that got the tone wrong. We need to Order Paper, is all well and good, but may I draw the work together to restore trust in the political system. Leader of the House’s attention to item 35 on the list of That is a responsibility for the whole of this House, and remaining orders and notices, which is a motion in my individual political parties should not try to score political name asking for two full days of debate on HS2? After points. all, for the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken 429 Business of the House10 APRIL 2014 Business of the House 430

[Mrs Cheryl Gillan] who have died in the past 68 years are covered not by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission but by by a Government and after our constituents have been the Ministry of Defence, through which funding is at a blighted by it for four years, that is not too much to ask, much lower level. and not granting it will bring our procedures in this House into disrepute. Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend raises an issue that I and colleagues on both sides of the House are keen to Mr Lansley: I am sorry that my right hon. Friend discuss. A large amount of impressive work, not least feels that I have not responded positively to the by Members, is going into securing a commemoration representations that she and our other hon. Friends of the events 100 years ago, including the work of the made at business questions last week. We have, indeed, Commonwealth War Graves Commission since then, responded positively. Up to seven and a half hours are which was celebrated wonderfully in a recent book. I available on Monday 28 April for a debate on the hope we will have an opportunity before the summer principles of the Bill, and four hours are available on recess for a further debate that enables Members on Tuesday 29 April for the further hybrid Bill procedures, both sides of the House to raise issues relating to that which are themselves important and form a substantial commemoration. part of the overall debate on Second Reading. I acknowledge that had it all been done in one day, that Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): There are serious would have meant a very congested debate, but I think concerns about air pollution in our cities, notably London, that that is pretty positive. and there is particular concern about the effect of diesel A Second Reading debate on a normal sitting day particulates on human health. It is now a matter of very often takes not the full amount of time, but urgency to reduce diesel emissions, which could be sometimes—with statements and urgent questions— achieved through a substantial modal shift of freight perhaps five hours or even down to four and a half traffic from road to rail. Such a modal shift cannot hours. On this occasion, if we can minimise statements happen unless there is major investment in large-gauge and urgent questions on Monday 28 April, we can have rail freight capacity capable of carrying lorries on trains. seven and a half hours of debate that day, with four Will the Leader of the House seek to find Government hours the following day, which I calculate is broadly time for a debate on this important matter? equivalent to two days of debate. Mr Lansley: I cannot immediately promise a debate. The subject might lend itself to an Adjournment debate Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): or a debate through the Backbench Business Committee, Yesterday, the Prime Minister said: as Members on both sides of the House, on a non-party “What we are trying to do with the personal independence basis, are rightly interested in these issues. HS2 affords a payment is to introduce it gradually”.—[Official Report, 9 April 2014; substantial opportunity to increase freight capacity on Vol. 579, c. 264.] the railways, which should be part of the debate when My constituent Thomas O’Donnell originally made his we come back. It is not simply about a transfer from claim eight months ago. He has only just had an assessment, road to rail; it is about trying to introduce some of the and he is still not receiving any payment. He has serious new technologies that may dramatically reduce the impact epilepsy, and he cannot afford to eat. I have many other of road traffic on air quality. constituents who have waited months for an assessment. Please may we have an urgent statement from the Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): This is two Department for Work and Pensions about what it will for the price of one, because I am asking this question do to ensure that my constituents and people everywhere with the strong support of my hon. and gallant Friend get the support that they desperately need? the Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart), who cannot be here this morning. Given that women’s rights are Mr Lansley: The hon. Lady is no doubt aware that a currently so much in the minds of the Government and written ministerial statement on the independent review the Opposition, may we have an urgent statement on of personal independence payment assessment is on the continuing scandal of the cancellation of service the Order Paper to be made today, so she will have the widows’ pensions when they remarry or cohabit? The chance to look at that. As the Prime Minister said cost to the Ministry of Defence of removing this archaic yesterday, the old system was broken: most claimants rule would be £250,000—less than that when we take were getting indefinite awards without systematic away the cost of policing the rule. This is an anachronism reassessments. It was important to bring in a system that ought to be removed as soon as possible. that better reflects today’s understanding of disability and targets support to those who need it most. Last Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for month’s National Audit Office report acknowledged raising this issue. I will, of course, ask my hon. Friends that the reform started on time and on budget, and we in the Ministry of Defence to reply in detail. He will have reduced risk during its introduction by rolling it understand that if service personnel die as a direct out in phases. result of service, their widow still receives their pension, even if the widow were to remarry or cohabit. The Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): As we approach treatment of widows where the spouse’s death is not the centenary of the great war, will the Government as a result of service is broadly the same as for other find time for a debate on the Commonwealth War public service pension schemes. The armed forces Graves Commission, which does a wonderful job across pension scheme 2005, and the new pension scheme to the world of looking after the fallen of the first and be introduced in 2015, will continue to pay widows a second world wars? Unfortunately, military personnel pension irrespective of how their spouse died. There are 431 Business of the House10 APRIL 2014 Business of the House 432 further detailed points that I know my hon. Friends in Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): I the Ministry of Defence will want to convey to him and am sure that the Leader of the House will have heard other Members. that there was a slogan after the first world war, which I think came from Lloyd George, that promised “homes Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): Issues to do fit for heroes”. When we get back to our constituencies, with the past in Northern Ireland are matters for this all of us in this House will hear people say time and place as they are not devolved. May we have a debate in again over the recess, “When will so many people get Government time on issues to do with victims of the the opportunity of a home of their own, whether it is a troubles in Northern Ireland so that legislation accurately privately rented home, social housing or a home that is reflects what most people would reasonably regard as bought with a mortgage?” This is a national crisis. May what constitutes a victim? This is particularly pertinent we have a debate on it as soon as we get back? given that today the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland announced that Social Democratic and Labour party and Sinn Fein councillors in Newry breached Mr Lansley: That matter came up a number of times equality rules by naming a children’s play park after an in the Budget debate. An important point in that debate IRA terrorist. was that this Government are putting more and more effective resources into measures such as the Help to Mr Lansley: I am not familiar with the issue in Buy scheme and the efforts of housing associations Newry, so I will refer it to my right hon. Friend the to lend to support additional house building. House Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I will ask her to building in this country hit a low under the last Government respond to the right hon. Gentleman in more detail. I in the wake of the collapse in 2008 and in the midst of entirely understand the responsibility that we have in the Labour recession. We have built up the number relation to victims. I hope that she will be able to give of starts. If the hon. Gentleman would like to take a him some reassurance on that matter. detour on his way to Huddersfield, he could see houses being built all over South Cambridgeshire. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): My right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan) made a very good point. The problem in Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): Will this House is that we have a dictator who decides the the new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport timings, even if it is a benevolent dictator in the form of make a statement to the House on the provision of the Leader of the House. Surely meeting the commitment high-speed broadband in very rural areas? I fear that in the coalition agreement to a House business committee the success of the roll-out in Somerset and Devon will would remove all these concerns. Will the Leader of the be undone by the failure to reach the last 10% of House make a statement next week to say that we will properties. That is partly because of the requirement for have a House business committee very soon? match funding, which is difficult to meet for sparsely populated areas, and partly because of the effect of the Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend will be aware of the over-reliance on BT on areas to which it clearly does evidence that I gave to the Political and Constitutional not want to or cannot provide a service. Reform Committee on the difficulties associated with the proposals for a House business committee. In a Mr Lansley: I will raise the matter with the Secretary sense, we are a Committee of the whole House on of State and I think that he will want to take it forward. business. Last week, I received representations about The former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and how much time should be available on Second Reading Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke of the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill. (Maria Miller), is to be congratulated on the steps that As I have explained to the House, the time available is she has taken to bring our broadband programme to not just a day and a half, but more than a day and a where it is, with 10,000 homes a week getting access to half. It could amount to close to the equivalent of two broadband and an investment of more than £1 billion days’ debate on Second Reading and the other motions. in our broadband and mobile infrastructure. It will Mrs Gillan: One hour! deliver a lot of additional connectivity. My hon. Friend is right, as I know from the rural Mr Lansley: My right hon. Friend is saying that there areas in Cambridgeshire. The Connecting Cambridgeshire is one hour. There will be an additional hour on the programme will get us to 98% of homes, but it has Monday for Second Reading and there will be four required significant local authority funding to establish hours on motions relating to the hybrid Bill on the the contract with BT and attract the additional Government Tuesday. That is a substantial addition. This has been funding. I know that the Secretary of State will want to discussed through the usual channels and we have listened respond to him about these matters. to the voices in this House.

Mr Speaker: I say gently to the Leader of the House Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): May we have a that, in extending the Monday sitting by an hour, I feel debate in Government time on the Government’s plans sure that he was taking pity on the Chair and did not to fully privatise search and rescue? That would provide want the Chair to be occupied beyond 11 o’clock. For us with the opportunity to discuss moving search and my part, I would be quite happy to sit in the Chair until rescue headquarters from the base in my constituency at least 3 or 4 in the morning if it facilitated the to Caernarfon airport, where according to the Environment contribution of Back-Bench colleagues to the debate. Agency it will be built on a floodplain. We need to have [HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear!”] I mention that point such discussions before the Government rush ahead purely in passing, but these are matters for him. with their plans. 433 Business of the House10 APRIL 2014 Business of the House 434

Mr Lansley: I cannot promise a debate immediately that I am organising in Tamworth with UK Trade & when we return, but I will discuss the matter with the Investment, and the help that local retail banks can relevant Ministers, particularly the circumstances that provide in sponsoring and promoting those events? We the hon. Gentleman raises, so that they might respond often hear about the less attractive side of banking, but to him. retail banks can help small businesses to export, and a debate would help to even up the balance. Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): At the end of last month the Education Secretary announced a list of more than 20 children’s institutions Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is quite right, and I pay to be investigated for links with Savile. That is on top of tribute to UKTI, which, with the Government’s active the growing list of more than 30 NHS institutions being support—not least that of our excellent trade Ministers— investigated, with no date for the publication of the has dramatically improved the level of support available review, and the reviews of the BBC, the Church and so to small and medium-sized businesses in particular. I on. Given the Government’s continued refusal to have know that the Government are pushing hard for many an overarching inquiry into historical child abuse, may medium-sized businesses to be given one-to-one tailored we at least have a debate on what exactly has been support that enables them to be active exporters. I hope happening and what is being done to restore public we can achieve more of that, and I pay tribute to what confidence in child protection in the United Kingdom? my hon. Friend is doing with his colleagues in Tamworth to help to make that happen. Mr Lansley: I know my hon. Friend will understand that we have continued to believe that establishing an Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): After four years of overarching inquiry, far from speeding up the process of a Government who promised reform, we still have an finding out what happened so that we can ensure that it election system that cheats all but the two main parties. does not happen again, would delay it. It is important We have peerages that can be bought by political donations, to make progress, because shockingly widespread evidence lobbyists who are free to buy favours and influence, and is emerging of the extent to which Savile obtained one civil servant who negotiated a £5 billion reduction access to hospitals, schools and care homes. We need to in Deloitte’s tax bill retired months later and took a job get to the bottom of it, and I know that Kate Lampard with that company. Can we have a debate on whether is doing so in the health service. There is more to be the epitaph for this sorry Government should be, “They done in the case of education, and the BBC is approaching multiplied and allowed corruption to flourish”? two and a half months late in publishing the Dame Janet Smith inquiry. There is a lot to be done, and I will of course talk to the Ministers concerned about how we Mr Lansley: I think the hon. Gentleman is wrong in can ensure that as much as possible is done as quickly as several respects. In particular, it is not possible to buy possible. peerages, and the House of Lords Appointments Commission is clear about its responsibility to make Several hon. Members rose— sure that that does not happen. Additionally, the hon. Gentleman should recognise that the coalition Government Mr Speaker: Order. May I gently point out to the had a coalition programme that included giving the House that Members are supposed to be present at the public the opportunity to make a decision on changes start if they wish to participate in business questions? to the electoral system, and the public—the people An hon. Member who happened to toddle into the whom we represent—chose not to do so. Chamber, let us say, 32 minutes after the start—I mention that figure arbitrarily and in passing—would be indulging Sir John Randall (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Con): in a triumph of optimism over reality if they expected Sometimes my motives are misconstrued, but I always to be called. strive to be helpful, and I would like to help the Leader of the House. He has been very generous in allowing an Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): As we approach extra 60 minutes for the HS2 debate, but if he were the wedding season, many British citizens who have happy to test our stamina by lifting the 10 o’clock rule extended family abroad will become increasingly concerned and having the vote the following day, those Members about visa arrangements to ensure that their relatives, who did not want to stay until the early hours for a vote particularly from India and Pakistan, can be here to could come back then, while those of us who really participate. Will the Leader of the House speak to both want to push the case for or against HS2 would have the Foreign Office and the Home Office to ensure that ample opportunity to do so. That may be a way forward. the consular arrangements are in place and that there is good staffing of entry clearance officers to cope with the influx of visa applications for that purpose? Mr Lansley: I am always grateful to my right hon. Friend, not least when he is being helpful. The additional Mr Lansley: I will of course be glad to do as the hon. hour—if we are able to avoid urgent questions or Gentleman asks, recognising how strongly people feel statements—would give us substantial time for debate about the opportunity for their family to be with them on that Monday. As a matter of principle, and especially on special occasions. I hope that the Foreign Office and on important matters, we should try to avoid separating Home Office will be able to respond positively to him. the vote on an issue from the debate on it. It is also important for the House, notwithstanding your generosity, Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): As this is Mr Speaker, to try to achieve the conclusion of a debate export week, will the Leader of the House grant time to and the vote at a time when our constituents might discuss the value of local export drives such as the one reasonably expect to be watching it. 435 Business of the House10 APRIL 2014 Business of the House 436

Mr Speaker: The point is made: as long as right hon. Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): The Service and hon. Members are standing to speak in that debate, Complaints Commissioner’s report for 2013 reveals that I shall be in my Chair. complaints about bullying, harassment and discrimination account for 43% of Army allegations, and that bullying Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): We now have a was up by a third. Complaints are made disproportionately women’s Minister who could not also have the equalities by female and ethnic minority personnel. Equality and brief because she voted against gay marriage, and an diversity training in the Army consists of an initial equalities Minister who said that there were no women two-hour training course and a half-hour refresher every members of the Monetary Policy Committee because it year. May we have a debate on the report and on how to was appointed on merit. May we have the novel innovation tackle an embedded culture of bullying, harassment of a joint statement by the women’s Minister and the and discrimination that is blighting the lives of many in equalities Minister so that we can find out whether they our armed forces? are singing from the same song sheet? Mr Lansley: The hon. Lady raises an important Mr Lansley: I know both the new equalities Minister point. I saw the Service Complaints Commissioner’s and the new women’s Minister very well, and the hon. report. It is important that we further strengthen the Gentleman is on a very sticky wicket in attempting to role of the commissioner and raise awareness of all the criticise them. issues to which she refers. I will, if I may, ask my hon. Friends at the Ministry of Defence to respond, but I Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): May we have assure her that I know, from my conversations with an urgent statement on internet security? Several experts colleagues, that these issues are taken very seriously. have called for everyone to change their internet passwords because of a virus that has infected many websites. Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): May we have a Indeed, earlier today I tried to change my password to debate on the use of public money in murder cases, so “Labour’s economic policy”, but it was judged to be too that the House can consider whether it is appropriate weak. for legal aid to be spent on paying for an appeal by one of the murderers of Drummer Lee Rigby? The public are rightly outraged by this and believe the money Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes both a good would be better spent on providing a fitting memorial comment and a good joke. I saw the press reports and for Fusilier Rigby. we still have more to do to understand and combat the risks to security on the internet. I note that police forces need constantly to think about how they can acquire Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes his own point. the expertise themselves. He makes a very important What happened in Woolwich last year was a sickening point. and barbaric attack. Our thoughts remain with the family of the victim and with the community. They are grieving for someone they love. They have lost a brave Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): Could soldier. On legal aid, my hon. Friend will know that provision be made for a debate on the performance of legal aid is available for all criminal cases in the Court category B railway stations? Luton railway station is in of Appeal. However, a judge has to grant leave to desperate need of refurbishment and investment. It has appeal and the court can also grant legal aid. actually gone backwards, not forwards, because of the Thameslink programme in terms of disability compliance. Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): Momentous changes are taking place in the housing market: the Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman will know that we private rented sector has grown enormously and has have the largest investment programme in the railways now overtaken the social sector; owner occupation is in since the Victorian era. Network Rail is investing £38 billion, decline; and supply is not matching demand. I challenge which includes a substantial upgrade to many of its the figures the Leader of the House gave to my hon. railway stations. If I may, I will ask my hon. Friends at Friend the Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman) the Department for Transport, in consultation with on this matter. Homelessness is on the increase. May we Network Rail, to reply on the specific points relating to have a debate in Government time on this important Luton. subject? It is critical to my constituents and to constituents in every area of the country. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Noting the fact that HS2 is of course an impressive flagship for infrastructure, Mr Lansley: It was under the last Government that we must not forget smaller-scale activities. May I therefore the number of social houses fell by 400,000. It is this commend to the Lord Privy Seal a bridge over the River Government who are investing and planning to build Severn and moving Stonehouse station? Those two 180,000 additional affordable homes, and housing waiting things would be a real boost to my constituency. lists are currently falling. Those are important steps. However, we need to build more houses, and, in doing Mr Lansley: Despite the considerable financial difficulty so, recognise the need for a vibrant private rented sector the Government inherited, we have none the less been and a strong social housing sector, as well as the support able to prioritise capital infrastructure projects that will for owner occupation that we are providing through the deliver our potential for growth. As my hon. Friend Help to Buy scheme. will know, towards the end of this year the Chancellor will publish the long-term capital plan. I will direct his Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): May I encourage points on those particular projects to my hon. Friends the Leader of the House to call the bluff of the shadow at the Department for Transport and the Treasury. Leader of the House and accept her application for 437 Business of the House10 APRIL 2014 Business of the House 438

[Mr Philip Hollobone] debate, because I think that this country has a great deal to offer the world through its food and drink more Opposition day debates? Indeed, may I encourage exports. him to allow the Opposition a whole week of parliamentary time? Opposition day debates are badly argued and Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): I poorly attended, and demonstrate very bad preparation. am sure the Leader of the House will be concerned to If we had a whole week of them, the incoherence and learn that the insurance premium of a small business inadequacy of the Opposition’s alternative programme that was flooded during the December tidal surge in for government would be plain for the world to see. Hull has been increased from £1,100 to £6,500, as a result of which it is unlikely to remain viable. May we Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend tempts me, but there is a have a debate about why the Government chose not to lot of business for us to accommodate before the end of include small businesses in the coalition’s Flood Re the Session. In any case, I think that what he has said is scheme, and about what other support can be given to not only true, but was amply demonstrated during the small businesses that may flood in the future? Budget debate. Mr Lansley: The hon. Lady will know that in the Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Following debates on the Water Bill we were very clear that if we the question from my hon. Friend the Member for were to include businesses in the Flood Re scheme, the Edmonton (Mr Love), may I ask the Leader of the nature of the scheme would mean that the cost of that House to answer another question? According to subsidy would have to be met out of other insurance Generation Rent, which represents the interests of private premiums, and that would have taken the insurance tenants throughout the country, half those tenants believe premiums for everyone else on domestic premiums above that they are paying too high a rent, and two thirds of the £10. We have set out the reason why we are not them believe that they are insecure in their assured doing that, therefore, but, as it happens, we will, I hope, shorthold six-month tenancies. Does the Leader of the have an opportunity soon to consider the Lords House not think that it is time for the Government once amendments to the Water Bill. That might give the hon. again to review their whole policy on the private rented Lady an opportunity to debate this issue. sector, given the excessive charges and rents and the deep insecurity that many private tenants feel? Can he Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): not ensure that we bring some justice to the people—nearly The Football Association has launched its inclusion 4 million in England alone—who are living in the advisory board which is working to encourage more private rented sector? involvement in football by women and the minorities community. May we have a debate on that, and on what Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman made the same other sports are doing to address this? By way of a point, rather more briefly, to the Prime Minister, and I declaration, I should mention that I am a parliamentary agree with what the Prime Minister said. We cannot fellow with the Football Association and prior to that start trying to distort the market or control rents, because with Sport England. that would destroy the private rented sector. The availability of private rented accommodation creates diversity in Mr Lansley: I have noticed that Members often ask the housing market, and enables people to be more for debates on matters relating to football and I agree flexible in relation to housing supply. That is very with my hon. Friend that that is another important and important, not least because—as our country’s economy, interesting issue that would merit debate. We had a unlike many other European economies, has demonstrated debate recently about participation in non-league football, —housing markets can help to provide flexible labour but I think there is an as yet unmet need for debate markets. about the governance of football and many other issues relating to football. Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): When I opened the Harrogate beer festival last week—[HON. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): The Prime Minister MEMBERS: “Hear, hear!”] Yes, it was an arduous task. told the House last week that Labour’s manifesto proposed When I opened the festival, I was told by local brewers the selling off of Royal Mail. As this is not correct, Eric Lucas of Daleside and Simon Theakston of Theakston please can we have a statement from the Prime Minister that the recent beer duty cuts had galvanised the industry setting the record straight? into increased confidence. One of the effects of that has been the stimulation of export activity, and both companies Mr Lansley: What the Prime Minister set out is that are reporting very encouraging trends. However, the the Labour party before the last election was very clear overall picture in this country is of a big food and drink about its commitment to bringing private capital into deficit. Please may we have a debate about food and the Royal Mail. If we were going to deliver a successful drink exports, and about how we can help this important Royal Mail, it was absolutely essential that its investment sector to grow? programme should be funded by private capital, and what we have achieved has done that—and the Labour Mr Lansley: I am delighted to hear about the optimism party, after years of failing to do that while recognising among brewers in Yorkshire. My hon. Friend has also it was essential, should just recognise that fact. made a good point about the food and drink sector, which has reported export sales of £19.4 billion in 2013. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I welcome the That is a very big contribution to our economy and our £200 million announced by the Chancellor in the Budget exports. I cannot promise a debate about the sector for pothole repairs, but is my right hon. Friend aware immediately, but it would be good to have such a that on the 125 miles of road in Harlow the number of 439 Business of the House10 APRIL 2014 Business of the House 440 defects has increased? There were 632 individual potholes now been scheduled. A substantial amount of business in the first quarter of 2014 in Harlow alone. May we is still being dealt with in this Session. In response to my have a statement regarding any extra support being hon. Friend’s question, we have had a consultation and provided to local authorities to tackle potholes on our we are considering the results. It will not surprise him to roads and to make the lives of Harlow motorists easier? learn that I am not in any position to pre-empt the contents of the Queen’s Speech, in which the issues Mr Lansley: I did not know the precise number, but I relating to future legislation will be clarified. am not surprised. I think many Members will know, as my hon. Friend does, how difficult the consequences Mike Kane (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): The have been of the very unusual—exceptional—weather first industrial city, Manchester, is proud of its trade we experienced this winter, and, indeed, the previous links right across the world. They were established in winter, both of which have had a substantial impact on the 19th century by the ship canal and are being continued the quality of our roads. That is one of the reasons why by Manchester airport. Today, Manchester Airport Group my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the first direct flights for 16 years to south-east provided the additional £200 million to address the Asia, with Cathay Pacific flights to Hong Kong. Will problem of potholes, £168 million of that being made the Leader of the House join me in welcoming the available to councils in England. I would just remind all-party support for this development, which has come my hon. Friend and the House that that is additional from the chamber of commerce, the combined authority, to the over £1 billion provided to local authorities this the local enterprise partnership, the Manchester-China year for tackling highways maintenance. Of course forum and my predecessor, Paul Goggins, who fought local authorities must decide their priorities, but much hard for it. Will the Leader of the House also talk to the of that money will go towards repairing the quality of Secretary of State for Transport about arranging for these roads. some time in the House to make this announcement?

Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): The Department of Mr Lansley: I am delighted to have this opportunity Health confirmed this week that in Halton the ratio of to join the hon. Gentleman in celebrating that new patients to GPs is much higher than the English national route and acknowledging all those who contributed to average. May I ask the Leader of the House to arrange making it happen. I remember my own experience of for a debate so the Department of Health can tell us working with the Manchester chamber of commerce, what it is doing to increase the number of GPs in when I was with the British Chambers of Commerce, disadvantaged areas such as Halton? and I know what a remarkable institution it has been for bringing people together, from the 19th century Mr Lansley: I cannot promise a debate immediately, right up to the 21st century, and for looking outwards. but I will ask my hon. Friends at the Department of That is what we need to do: we need more exports, and Health to contact NHS England about that. One of its we need to win in the global race. We have the businesses, responsibilities is to commission those primary care the capabilities, the innovation and the skills, not least services, and it has a statutory requirement to try to in a great city such as Manchester, and this is an secure equal access to services, so equal access to general opportunity for Manchester to go out there and sell. practice is one of the central objectives it has to meet. Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Will the Leader of Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): Last the House agree to a statement on the decline of overseas January the Government committed to legislate to introduce student numbers, on how that is affecting the local a statutory code of practice for the large pub companies. economy, and on how Parliament and the Government The following consultation showed that 67% of those can increase our educational exports? responding want the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee’s market rent-only option, which is also Mr Lansley: That is an interesting issue, but I cannot backed by the majority of MPs in this House. Considering promise an immediate debate. It is important to look at that there has been something of a lack of Government the statistics, which have shown variable results. Many business, it seems very strange that we have had no universities in this country have successfully expanded announcement. Will the Leader of the House tell the their overseas student numbers in recent years, for House what is stopping the announcement of this legislation example. My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and coming forward and who is stopping that happening? the Minister for Universities and Science have made it clear that there is no bar on universities taking students Mr Lansley: I must take issue with my hon. Friend on from overseas for legitimate courses. We have clamped one point: there is no lack of Government business. We down on abuse, but there is no limit on the number of have three carry-over Bills that have just completed students they can take. Indeed, the numbers coming their Committee stage, for example. We have not yet from many countries have grown. There is clearly a been able to schedule an opportunity for them to come problem in relation to India and Pakistan, however, back to the Floor of the House. We have also had which is why my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary consideration on the Floor of the House of the Wales went there recently to make it clear that there is no limit Bill and the Finance Bill, and the Second Reading of on those countries’ students coming to our universities the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill has for their higher education. 441 10 APRIL 2014 Police Recorded Crime Statistics 442

Police Recorded Crime Statistics That comes on top of all the other controversies that have raised questions about the values and ethics of the police and their leadership: Hillsborough; Stephen PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SELECT Lawrence; the attempt to hide the cause of Ian Tomlinson’s COMMITTEE death in the G20 protests; Plebgate; Operation Elveden, about the police accepting payments from journalists to Mr Speaker: We now come to the Select Committee leak unauthorised information; just last month, four statement. The Chairman of the Public Administration police officers under investigation for allegedly getting a Select Committee will speak on his subject for up to burglar to confess to 500 crimes he apparently did not 10 minutes, during which no interventions may be taken. commit; and many other instances. At the conclusion of his statement, I—or the occupant of the Chair, whoever it is—will call Members to put I yield to no one in my admiration and respect for so questions on the subject of the statement and call many police officers. They put their lives at risk in the Mr Jenkin to respond to these in turn. Members can line of duty while they serve our communities. We see expect to be called only once. Interventions should be them around this Palace, ready to throw themselves questions, and they should be brief. Members on the between us and the terrorists if the need arises. Yet these Front Bench may of course take part in the questioning. same officers are deeply cynical about the quality of I call the Chair of the Public Administration Select their leadership and its honesty and integrity. Committee, Mr Bernard Jenkin. That is why we recommend that the Committee on Standards in Public Life conduct a wide-ranging inquiry 11.58 am into the police’s compliance with the new code of ethics and, in particular, into the role of leadership in promoting Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): and sustaining those values. I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for this opportunity to launch the Public Administration The most depressing part of our inquiry is the way in Select Committee’s report entitled “Caught red-handed: which the Metropolitan police have treated my constituent, Why we can’t count on Police Recorded Crime statistics”. PC James Patrick, who was our key witness. He says he The Daily Telegraph has already described our report as has been forced to resign from the Metropolitan police. “devastating”. That is because this is not just about Acting as a whistleblower, he tried to highlight serious inaccurate numbers; it is about the long crisis of values concerns about police recorded crime and the target and ethics at the heart of our police force. culture. We record the fact that we are indebted to PC Patrick for his courage in speaking out, in fulfilment Crime statistics are central to our understanding of of his duty to the highest standards of public service the nature and prevalence of crime in England and despite intense pressure to the contrary. Wales. They provide crucial information for the police, without which they would have no way of knowing how I am pleased that the Minister for Crime Prevention to deploy their manpower and resources. We found has now written to me—he is on the Front Bench at the strong evidence that the police under-record crime, moment—to say that the Home Office is looking at a particularly sexual crimes such as rape, in many police range of what he calls radical proposals to strengthen areas. Lax supervision of recorded crime data means the protection of whistleblowers within the police. But that the police are failing in their core role of protecting this has all come too late for PC Patrick. By a quirk of the public and preventing crime. The main reason for the rules, police offices are denied what is called “interim this mis-recording is the continued prevalence of numerical relief” in constructive dismissal cases, so he will cease to targets. They create perverse incentives to mis-record be paid from 6 June while he awaits his tribunal, which crime, so a police officer is presented with a conflict: will not be until August or September. does he or she record “attempted burglary”, as was We are calling for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of originally reported, or subsequently downgrade it to Constabulary to investigate the Metropolitan police “criminal damage” in order to achieve the burglary service in respect of the treatment of PC Patrick. We do target? That creates conflict between the achievement of not believe that the Metropolitan police service has targets and core policing values. We deprecate the use of treated him fairly or with respect and care. targets in the strongest possible terms. But most police forces are still in denial about the damage that targets Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): I have cause both to data integrity and to standards of behaviour. a brief question, but first may I pay tribute to the hon. The Home Office must accept responsibility for the Member for Harwich and North Essex (Mr Jenkin) and quality of police recorded crime statistics and do more PASC for a forensic report which charts a long-standing to discourage the use of targets. As a result of PASC’s and deep-seated problem? Sir Andrew Dilnot said in inquiry, the UK Statistics Authority has already stripped evidence to the Committee that the more accurate crime police recorded crime data of the quality kitemark, statistics become, the more likely they are to show that “National Statistics”. The Home Office, the Office for crime is rising. Now that we have the Committee’s National Statistics and the UK Statistics Authority verdict that we can no longer rely on crime statistics, have all been far too passive in addressing this problem, does the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be most even though they have all known about it for years. unwise, until such time as the system has been changed Leadership by targets is a flawed leadership model, and in the way the Committee recommended, for Ministers that is what really must be addressed, because poor data to rely on the crime statistics to assert that crime is integrity reflects the poor quality of leadership within falling? the police. What does the institutional dishonesty about police recorded crime say about their compliance with Mr Jenkin: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the core values of policing, which are meant to include his compliments, but I am not sure that that is quite accountability, honesty and integrity? what Sir Andrew said. What the Office for National 443 Police Recorded Crime Statistics10 APRIL 2014 Police Recorded Crime Statistics 444

Statistics has said is that crime may not be falling quite is absolutely right. However, we do need accurate statistics, as fast as police recorded crime suggests, but the crime as well as to address the ethics points he talked about, survey for England and Wales, which is a survey not a so what can be done to ensure that we have accurate recording system, does corroborate the fact that crime statistics in the future? is falling. That is the figure the Labour party relied on when in government and it is the figure the Government Mr Jenkin: There are three steps to take to ensure of any party are entitled to rely upon. more accurate crime statistics. One is regular audit. The On the substantive point that we need to improve the second is to abandon targets. Many police and crime auditing of police recorded crime statistics in order to commissioners have abandoned targets altogether, because make them a more reliable source of data, the hon. they recognise that they have a distorting effect on Gentleman is absolutely right. behaviour and attitudes. The third is that the police themselves need to emphasise the core policing values of accountability, honesty and integrity so that police The Minister for Crime Prevention (Norman Baker): officers at desks recording crimes recognise that, above May I, on behalf of the Home Office, thank my hon. everything else, recording the crimes effectively is a Friend and his Committee for the serious work they microcosm of the honesty, integrity and accountability have done? We will, of course, give a proper response that they must carry throughout their entire policing in due course to his recommendations. Would he accept profession. It is these values that have been subverted by that some, but not all, of the issues he has raised the target culture. That is the responsibility of both are, fortunately, slightly historical in nature? We have parties over a long period—it is not a partisan point. taken action to discourage central targets. We have also Our key witness told me that the Metropolitan police is taken action to ensure that the independent Office for still full of target junkies. It will take a long time to National Statistics is responsible for crime statistics, change the culture of leadership throughout our police and we asked Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary forces in England and Wales—this also applies to Scotland, last June to carry out an audit of the quality of crime although we have not inquired into Scotland—but it recording. So we are taking action at the Home Office. has to be done.

Mr Jenkin: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that. Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): It is never Yes, this is historical, but I am afraid that makes all the easy to be a whistleblower, but I cannot imagine a much more damning the fact that police recorded crime is still tougher environment to be a whistleblower in than the being misrecorded in this country. Yes, the Home Office police service. What practical measures of protection has handed this over to the ONS and the UK Statistics does the Committee recommend to safeguard the interests Authority, and the Home Office has ceased to set its of people such as my hon. Friend’s brave constituent own targets, but the Committee does recommend that PC Patrick in the future? the Home Office, which collects the data and gives them to the ONS, has an obligation to ensure that those data Mr Jenkin: We recommend immunity from disciplinary are recorded correctly. We lament the fact that HMIC proceedings while a whistleblowing process is under has not been doing regular audits. Where a regular way. That is standard practice in the financial services audit was done in the Kent police there was an immediate industry, nuclear industry, aviation sector, transport increase in police recorded crime. We probably need to sector and many other industries, and it should be so in look forward to increases in certain categories of crime, the police as well. I am pleased to say that, in a letter as that would confirm that such crimes are now being sent to me by my hon. Friend the Minister, a number of recorded correctly. That should be regarded as a good possible options have been included. They are: thing, so long as we can corroborate that with the crime “Anonymity for the whistleblower from the point at which the survey in England and Wales still showing a fall in allegation is made…”sealed” investigations so that, for a set crime. The Home Office has overall accountability to period, no-one under investigation knows that it is happening this House for the quality of police recorded crime …immunity from disciplinary/misconduct proceedings… financial incentives for whistleblowers, for example a share of recovered statistics. So the Home Office, along with the Crime criminal assets from the case…protection against vexatious or Statistics Advisory Committee, the UK Statistics Authority malicious allegations.” and the ONS, has a responsibility to ensure that the All those options would have made life very different police recording of crime is improved, and overall the for my constituent. Home Office is accountable to this House for ensuring that the police recording of crime is of better quality Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): As a member of than it is now. the Select Committee, I was pleased to have taken part in the work on this first-class report. I congratulate the Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): I commend Chairman on his strong leadership in bringing forward the hon. Gentleman and the Committee on their work. the report and on his statement today. The issue of I have long since stopped trusting police statistics; no-crime rates for rapes and sexual offences is a most propaganda banners in the centre of Hammersmith tell serious matter. Although I fully support the recommendation me that my constituents are safer because there are for research, is the matter not so serious that the Government 42 extra police, but when I go to the Mayor of London’s should act now to seek to ensure that all rapists are website I am told that there are 158 fewer police and brought to justice and that women and indeed some police community support officers than there were at men can feel safe from such attacks in future? the time of the last general election. What his Committee said about how this situation Mr Jenkin: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for “erodes public trust in the police and…the…confidence of frontline his work on the PASC and for his question. I refer to police officers” chart 3 on page 17 of the report, which shows a remarkable 445 Police Recorded Crime Statistics10 APRIL 2014 Police Recorded Crime Statistics 446

[Mr Jenkin] to have targets of 20%, 20% and 20% in what was an obvious way of headline chasing. Is the Chairman divergence in the average no-crime rate reported for shocked by what we heard in evidence to his Committee rape incidents. It is important to understand that no and to the Home Affairs Committee? Although the Met constabulary sets a target for rape. That lesson has been has men and women of integrity in it who are entirely learnt, but the culture of downgrading rapes to lesser free of any corruption and are entirely honourable, the offences is embedded in the culture of the police. surprise is that, going back to the murder of Daniel Generations of police officers have learnt that it is a Morgan 27 years ago, there are elements in the Met that good thing to downgrade the importance of crimes to are institutionally corrupt. make the figures look better. The result is a 20% variation across forces in how often they downgrade a rape to a Mr Jenkin: Our recommendation is that MOPAC lesser offence. That shows that there must be a very should abandon targets. If it has slogans, they should wide divergence of practice across police forces, and it be aspirations, not targets. The hon. Gentleman, who is demonstrates why an investigation into this question is on the Committee and for whose work I am grateful, is necessary, particularly for such a serious offence. I expect right that there are aspects of this that raise very serious the same applies to many other offences, such as domestic questions about the ethics and values of the leadership violence and violence against women and some of the of the police, particularly the Metropolitan police. less fashionable offences that we have difficulty talking about. Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the work that he has done on this Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): I declare an matter. May I draw Members’ attention to paragraph 39 interest as a special constable with the British Transport which says that police. In my brief career with the police, I have never “misrecording of sexual offences is deplorable, but especially so if come across any instance where a police officer has this has been brought about by means of improperly persuading knowingly downgraded a crime. Nevertheless, I strongly or pressurising victims into withdrawing or downgrading their commend the Chairman for his hard-hitting report, report.” which pulls no punches and which is clearly an example That particularly affects children. of how Select Committees in this place should report and not be frightened of dealing with these difficult Mr Jenkin: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his issues in a forthright way. So serious are the conclusions comments. in the report that, if I were the Home Secretary, the matter would be right at the top of my in-tray. What Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes) (Lab): As a member of the indications has the Chairman been given by the Home PASC, may I, too, congratulate the Chair of the Select Office about when the Home Secretary will come to the Committee on his effective leadership and tenacity in House to respond to the conclusions in his report? The this inquiry? Will he explain to the House why the flaws conclusions are so serious that I believe they should in the recording system were not picked up through be discussed at Cabinet level, and this House should be external inspection? informed promptly of what the Government will do to ensure the integrity of the recording of crimes by our Mr Jenkin: In our evidence, we heard that there was police forces, which is a hugely important issue for all not enough internal or external inspection. When Kent our constituents. police were specially audited a year or two ago, it turned out that there was substantial manipulation of crime Mr Jenkin: I am most grateful to my hon. Friend for statistics. Whether it was advertent or inadvertent, it his question. Sadly, I must tell him that there is not a was happening. The result has been a much cleaner bill single police officer on the streets or around the Palace of health for Kent. Regular audit and inspection is one who has expressed the least surprise about what we were of the things that must happen, and HMIC must make told in evidence by PC Patrick and many other witnesses. that a priority every year. They all knew that this was going on, and everybody has known that this has been going on in many police Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): In Lincolnshire forces, possibly most police forces, for very many years. during this Parliament, we have had an absurd spat The fact that my hon. Friend has not been exposed to it between the chief constable and the police and crime is intriguing; I will say no more than that. Let me commissioner, which resulted in the chief constable reassure him that I am immensely reassured that my being suspended for a time—not for anything operational, hon. Friend the Minister is in the House today and has just some rubbish about political correctness. Meanwhile, indeed participated in these proceedings. I have already while all this money and time wasting is going on I, had a meeting with the Home Secretary at which we speaking personally as an ordinary member of the have had a preliminary discussion about the report. My public, have been a victim of crime twice in Lincolnshire hon. Friend is tempting me to apply for a fuller debate and I have to say that the response of the police was on the report so that Ministers can give a fuller response. completely underwhelming, with no follow-up and nobody Perhaps that can happen after the Government have caught. People are increasingly fed up with members of responded in full to our report. police forces, particularly at the top, who pay themselves quite well and seem to be enmeshed in empire building, Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Is not the most political correctness and form filling. What we and the egregious example of the waste and futility of target public want to get back to—this is why this report is so setting what happened in the Mayor’s Office for Policing good—and what I want my hon. Friend to comment and Crime? In seeking to set three targets for reducing on, is old-fashioned community policing, with the police crime, reducing costs and improving morale, it decided in our communities, the old bobby on the beat, walking 447 Police Recorded Crime Statistics 10 APRIL 2014 448 around, knowing everyone, talking to people and not just sitting in their headquarters having these absurd Backbench Business spats— Easter Adjournment Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I am sure that there must have been a question somewhere in that great rant, and I am sure that Mr Jenkin will be Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I remind able to pick out an answer. Members that we will follow the usual procedure of speaking for about 10 to 15 minutes. Mr Jenkin: I am interested to note that Lincolnshire is one of the outliers in the table of the average no-crime 12.23 pm rate for reported rape incidents that shows the downgrading of rape. As I look at the table, I cannot remember Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): I beg to instantly whether that means it is very good or very move, bad—[Interruption.] My hon. Friend the Member for That this House has considered matters to be raised before the East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) says forthcoming Adjournment. that I should turn it upside down. The hankering after I wish to raise a number of issues before the Easter practical policing based on common sense outlined by Adjournment and I will try to get through them as my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Sir quickly as possible so that the 16 Members who wish to Edward Leigh) suggests that the police would be well speak all have equal time. advised to lead according to common-sense values and the values in the ethics code. If they do the right thing I was on the Select Committee on Health for 10 years on the day according to those values, their leadership and am still very interested in a number of health issues. should back them. One is a genetic condition that causes high concentrations of cholesterol in the blood and therefore significantly Mr Deputy Speaker: Last but certainly not least, increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease I call Tim Loughton. from a young age. It is known as FH, or familial hypercholesterolaemia, and affects one in 500 people Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): but only 15% have been formally identified or treated. I, too, commend my hon. Friend and the PASC for this However, it is possible to make improvements to this forthright and uncomfortable report. Is he aware that rate and I am asking the Deputy Leader of the House the figures are being distorted further by the police’s to suggest that, as the cardiovascular disease outcomes increasingly arbitrary use of police information notices? strategy for England includes an aspiration to diagnose When an individual perceives that harassment has taken and treat 50% of causes of FH, the Health Department place, often devoid of a common-sense test of whether considers establishing a national programme for FH a complaint has substance or is vexatious, according to that features a dedicated network of health care Sussex police, at least, there is no need for them to professionals, nurses to roll out the cascade screening follow their own guidance as it is only guidance. Even process and a UK-wide patient register and database. more worryingly, complaints about comments made in Melanoma cancer is something of which all Members this House by hon. Members can be registered as a hate of Parliament are only too aware. I recently had the incident by police despite our parliamentary privilege. privilege of meeting Gill Nuttall, who founded the charity Melanoma UK. It is the most serious form of Mr Jenkin: The case that ended up in court as a result skin cancer and each year more than 2,000 people in the of the incident concerning my hon. Friend— UK die from the disease. It disproportionately affects young people and patients are often of working age Tim Loughton: Not in court. with young families. It is absolutely devastating. The present treatment is dacarbazine, but that does not have Mr Jenkin: It did not finish up in court—that was the a high survival benefit so I am asking the Deputy point, wasn’t it? It was privileged. I thought the incident Leader of the House to pass on to the relevant Department was bizarre and showed an extraordinary lack of the fact that the drug ipilimumab can be a life-saving understanding of where the police sit in the constitutional treatment for some patients, whose survival is inhibited framework of this country. It seemed to me to lack by late access to the treatment. I am advised that on common sense and I agree with my hon. Friend. 23 April the National Institute for Health and Clinical I should say for the record that Cleveland, Surrey and Excellence’s appraisal committee will hold its second Lincolnshire had a far higher no-crime rate than the meeting to give a recommendation about that drug and national average when it comes to reported rapes. My I hope that it is approved. hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough should be I am the chairman of the all-party group on hepatology asking his police why they record rape and then downgrade and we recently produced what I shall brazenly call an it so much more often than the vast majority of excellent report into liver disease, called “Liver Disease: constabularies. Today’s Complacency, Tomorrow’s Catastrophe”. It is about improving outcomes in liver disease and is a wake-up call to the nation. I do not know how many people realise that liver disease is the fifth greatest cause of death in the UK and that about 11,000 people die each year as a result of it. The report made many recommendations and I hope that the Government, the NHS and Public Health England will work together to 449 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 450

[Mr David Amess] that that would not happen. There is a need to clarify the law on sex selection. The Department of Health create a national approach to preventing fatalities from interprets the law as saying that sex selection abortion is liver disease. A meeting with the Minister responsible illegal. The head of the British Pregnancy Advisory for public health would also be extremely useful. Service says the opposite. The Abortion Act 1967 requires The drug treatment strategy interests us all. National two doctors to form the opinion in good faith that guidance from the Department of Health and NICE continuing with the pregnancy risks damaging the mother’s clearly recommends that all patients treated for opiate mental or physical health. In a situation where a woman addiction should receive a comprehensive assessment might suffer abuse as the result of bearing a girl, as has and that the treatment provided should be tailored to unfortunately been the case in some minority communities, their needs, yet according to the results of the largest it is quite conceivable that sex selection abortion would survey ever carried out into drug addiction across meet the Act’s criteria. The Department of Health 10 European countries, published in 2012, treatment in proposes non-binding guidance to solve this problem, the UK might often not be optimised to the individual but that is not good enough. I want the Secretary of patient’s obvious needs. In this country we have one of State for Health to consider bringing forward regulations the highest levels of heroin addiction, so I hope that the under the powers conferred on him by section 2 of the Department of Health will work to implement the Abortion Act to make gender abortion explicitly illegal, NICE technology appraisal on drug treatment options, as we were told many years ago that it was. TA114, and put a monitoring system in place to ensure Assisted dying regularly rears its head, perhaps not in that every patient is assessed and offered the safest and this Chamber but in the other place. I ask only that best treatment to enable them to recover. when the matter is raised again there will be a genuine Thalidomide used to be mentioned regularly in the free vote on it in the House. The Prime Minister touched House, but recently I was shocked to learn that justice on the issue of abortion yesterday, but I hope that there has still not been served after all these years. Most will be a genuine free vote on euthanasia. Members of Parliament might still have one or two More than a month ago in Westminster Hall, I raised thalidomide victims in their constituencies, but in cases my grave concerns about mental health services in south-east in which the pharmaceutical company Grünenthal was Essex. I told the Minister of State, Department of not the licensee, thalidomide victims did not receive a Health, the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman penny from either the German Government or the Lamb), that I was totally unhappy with past and present manufacturers. In other European countries where management, and he promised me a meeting. A month thalidomide was marketed the victims have received has gone by. I am ready, and I hope that the Deputy financial assistance from Grünenthal and the German Leader of the House will ensure that his hon. Friend Government. I am asking our Government to turn will quickly make arrangements for me to have the exploratory talks into formal negotiations to assist with meeting with him, because the complaints are endless. funding the health needs of those who suffer from the effects of thalidomide. Italian, Swedish and Spanish I am pleased that we are to reform the probation MPs are asking their Governments to do likewise. I hope service. I have been critical of the probation service in that our Government will take the matter seriously. Essex, so I am horrified to learn that its chief executive and his staff are thinking of reinventing themselves I am the chairman of the all-party group on maternity under the auspices of a mutual. There is no point and I was totally unaware of tongue-tie in breastfeeding. changing the probation service unless it is under new As we all know, if mothers can do it breastfeeding is the management. best possible way to nurture children, but tongue-tie is very upsetting for new mothers. The diagnosis is not I was privileged to be part of a delegation to Saudi fully recognised, but when it is discovered early on, Arabia, and we are to have a meeting with the Foreign treatment is usually quick and straightforward. I am Office Minister later this afternoon. The development advised that specialists can perform a simple snip of the of our relations with Saudi Arabia is interesting. It has tie with scissors, often without even an anaesthetic. The been a reliable ally of ours for more than 100 years, but National Childbirth Trust has received communications we might be missing out on some trade opportunities. I from many mothers describing their experience of tongue- hope that the Foreign Secretary will continue to nurture tie, and it seems to be an issue that needs to be addressed. good relations with Saudi Arabia. It is concerned that diagnosis of tongue-tie can sometimes I am the chairman of the all-party British-Maldives take weeks or months, which is very upsetting for a new parliamentary group, and after some controversy over mother. One mother says: the election, at long last we have a settled President. I “Both my children were tongue tied and in both cases the very much hope that we will facilitate a double taxation professionals failed to identify it. Due to unacceptable waiting treaty and a bilateral investment treaty, reduce the air times I felt I had no option but to pay for private tongue tie division. I went to hell and back on my feeding journeys because passenger duty and make student visa applications more of tongue tie.” accessible for young talented students from the Maldives to travel here to study at our excellent academic institutions. This is something that we need to improve. We could certainly do more to encourage business links I remember debates in the House many years ago on between our two countries—after all, it was a British gender selection abortion when I was reassured by the protectorate. The British high commissioner, John Rankin, Minister that that would not happen. Unfortunately, has agreed to visit the global green city project, a 4,700 girls are missing in the UK due to sex-selection fantastic project that aims to create a safe, serene and abortion, which is disgraceful. A growing body of anecdotal spacious environment with huge economic potential for evidence proves that gender abortions are taking place the citizens of the Maldives. I want British businesses to in this country despite the assurances many years ago enjoy some of the business opportunities there. 451 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 452

I recently became chairman of the all-party parliamentary 12.39 pm group for democracy in Bahrain. I did not initially Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): realise that it was a controversial all-party group, and I Last month I had an Adjournment debate about the simply say that I hope that the Government are looking ongoing threat to the future of my local general hospital, seriously at the further complaints about torture. St Helier. A huge banner covering the front of the Quilliam is an organisation that deals with online hospital that said, “Coming soon—We’re spending extremism. Last month, I was reunited with a former £219 million on a major development of St Helier constituent, Maajid Nawaz, whom I last saw when I hospital”, had just been taken down. The £219 million visited him in an Egyptian prison some 10 years ago. He had been on the table since early 2010, when my right has been on an incredible journey. Having been a former hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) member of an Islamist revolutionary group, and spending announced that the 1930s-built hospital would be five years in a prison in Cairo, which was a little like completely renovated, with new wards, single rooms to “Midnight Express”, he then had a complete change of cut down on infections, and improved patient privacy, heart, transformed his life and started the anti-extremism as well as numerous other improvements to bring it into organisation Quilliam. the 21st century. Initially, the scheme was backed by the Quilliam has just finished the most comprehensive coalition, but it was not long before St Helier’s future report to date on online extremism, and it will be was put at risk. published shortly. The issue was raised in the counter- In 2011, the local NHS said that the Government had extremism taskforce set up after the Woolwich attack, told it to so it is important to consider it carefully. Quilliam’s “deliver £370m savings each year…around 24% in their costs.” research has found that negative measures of dealing A new body called Better Services Better Value was set with online extremism, such as blocking or censoring, up to close accident and emergency and maternity units which have previously been suggested, would be both across south-west London and Surrey. Predictably, BSBV ineffective and counter-productive. It instead identifies recommended that St Helier should be one of the losers seven other ways that action should be taken to counter and that we should also lose our intensive care unit, online extremism, including the promotion of positive paediatric centre, renal unit, and 390 in-patient beds. measures, such as developing counter-extremist content But thankfully, post-Lewisham, the local Save St Helier and popularising online initiatives that fight against campaigners fought off the worst of these plans, largely extremism, as they are much more effective in challenging thanks to the backing of doctors in Surrey, where extremist ideologies; and the establishment of a central Epsom hospital was also threatened. Two weeks ago, body that offers seed funding and training for grassroots I handed in a petition to save St Helier that had been online counter-extremism initiatives. When we went to signed by more than 13,000 of my constituents. I was Saudi Arabia, we visited a facility that tries to deradicalise proud to stand alongside campaigners like Sally Kenny, people. I hope that all hon. Members will look at the who set up the lower Morden Save St Helier campaign; views of Quilliam if they have the chance. Mary Curtin, who for many years has run the local My constituent went to Westcliff high school for lunch club, Friends in St Helier; Stan Anderson, a lower boys, and I am delighted to say that Westcliff high Morden resident and local councillor who has fought school for girls has been judged to be the second best tirelessly to keep St Helier open; and Stephen Alambritis, school in the country, and it is a state school. the leader of Merton council, who has done all he can In March, I visited Seetec and met some of the staff to help. Thanks to them and all the other Save St Helier of one of the UK’s major providers of training and campaigners, BSBV has been wound down and the employment services. It does a wonderful job. It has immediate plans to close services at St Helier have been been in existence for 30 years, and I congratulate it on shelved. all that it has done. However, the threat still hangs over us. The reason I Like many people, I am not very pleased with the am here to speak about this again is that since last work of spy cars, and I support the Secretary of State month there have been further developments. First, for Communities and Local Government in his endeavours the local NHS has voted to bring in a new strategic to have them scrapped. commissioning group that will be led by one of the I am pleased with what the Chancellor of the Exchequer people at the forefront of the plans to shut services at did in the Budget for the wine and spirits industry. St Helier, Dr Howard Freeman, who is also the chair of However, wine duty has already increased by 54% since Merton’s clinical commissioning group. Many of us are the escalator was introduced in 2008, and it has now concerned that St Helier will now see the level of been increased by another 2.4% in line with RPI inflation. services that had been commissioned from it decrease, That will harm the UK, so I hope that next year the which would seriously undermine the viability of our Chancellor will have a look at that duty. hospital. That is consistent with a letter from NHS My final subject is puppy farming. I know that there England which says that not going ahead with the is bid before the Backbench Business Committee for a closure of services at St Helier and Epsom hospitals debate on the issue, and in June, there will be a mass “carries significant and unacceptable risk, both financially and gathering of people who feel very angry about puppy clinically” farming. I urge the Government to tighten up the and calls for “a coherent strategic plan”. Interestingly, it legislation on the welfare conditions required to allow the also points out the obvious—that people will interpret sale of puppies and kittens, and to consider a total ban this approach as on their sale in pet shops where the mother is not present. “planning for clinical and financial failure in some of its providers.” I wish you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and everyone who That is true. We are all worried that NHS England will supports us in this House and outside, a very happy deliberately plan for hospitals such as St Helier and Easter. Epsom to fail. Without the £219 million renovation, 453 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 454

[Siobhain McDonagh] transpires that somewhere in the transfer from PCTs to CCGs to NHS England, the project fell off the radar. In and without getting the full range of services commissioned the meantime, Crown Properties has gone into receivership, from the local CCGs, they will not be allowed to become and its receivers, Knight Frank, are backing away from foundation trusts. They will wither, and the forces lined the deal. They have applied for a change of use that up against St Helier will get the outcome they originally would turn the offices into flats rather than a GP wanted—the closure of A and E, maternity, and numerous surgery, thereby jeopardising the prospect of the surgery other services. It might not happen straight away, but moving. I would welcome the assistance of the Minister slowly and surely, perhaps within two or three years, we to find out where the scheme is and to help me secure a will find that we no longer have the hospital we now meeting with the receivers to discuss how much this enjoy. surgery is needed by people who live locally. It makes matters worse that in the past month we Secondly, for the past seven years we have had the have seen the spectacle of local Conservative and Liberal prospect of a new location for Rowans surgery on the Democrat MPs voting for clause 119 of the Care Bill. former Rowans school site. In 2007, as part of a section Everyone who supports the Save St Helier campaign is 106 agreement on a new residential development, it was furious about that. Whatever the merits or otherwise of agreed that a new surgery would be built and would clause 119, campaigners believe it is nothing more than have a reduced rent for six years. When the property an attempt to thwart campaigns like theirs as revenge market slowed in the recession, the deal was put on for the success of campaigners in Lewisham and a way hold. Now this long-standing scheme continues to await of closing hospitals that are well run and have wide approval from the new NHS England. We are desperate support. Last week, Merton council passed a motion to hear from NHS England as to the hopes for a new condemning the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Stephen surgery. This surgery has some of the worst problems in Hammond) for betraying Merton residents when he the constituency as regards patients obtaining appointments, voted for clause 119. Since then, the leader of Merton and more GPs and more space are desperately needed. Conservatives, Councillor Oonagh Moulton, has angered Finally, I would like to mention a bugbear of mine as campaigners even more by proclaiming in the local a constituency MP—the practice of GP surgeries in Wimbledon Guardian: charging MPs for letters about their constituents. I “St Helier Hospital has been saved”. would be interested to hear other Members’ comments Given the track record of people like Dr Freeman, I do about this. Like all MPs in the House, I hold a weekly hope those words do not come back to haunt her. advice surgery. I often see my job as making sure that The immediate threat may have been fought off, but people present their cases for housing or other benefits just as secret plans were drawn up to close St Helier in the best possible light, and that sometimes includes back in 1996, I am sure that its enemies are planning for obtaining medical information to support those cases. I it to fail even as we speak. I do not believe that this find it difficult to understand, morally, that a GP practice Government are committed to St Helier. The £219 million could want to charge an MP £40 for a letter on behalf was withdrawn; the strategic commissioning body has of a child who is disabled or an elderly person who is been set up; clause 119 has been passed; savings have to vulnerable. I assure Members that this is perfectly legal. be made; and the local NHS has been making plans to It is part of GPs’ contracts and they can do it, but it is fail. Slowly but surely, St Helier is being strangled. Our wrong that Members should be frustrated by these best hopes lie with campaigners like Sally, Mary, Stan, charges in their attempts to support their most vulnerable and Merton’s councillors. We need to win, because if constituents. The people concerned are often the least St Helier loses its A and E, 200,000 people will face able to meet the charges and the ones who most need longer journeys in an emergency, neighbouring A and help and support. Es will struggle with the extra workload, and millions I would be grateful for any assistance from the Minister will suffer. and his colleagues in the Government in raising this I ask the Minister to say today that he agrees with the issue. Undertaking casework is a vital part of the MP’s Save St Helier campaign, that he will instruct our local role and we should be allowed to contact GPs, whose NHS to spend the £219 million, that it must not reduce primary function, I thought, was to assist their patients the work it commissions from St Helier, and that it must in an holistic sense, rather than just in the medical sense. respect the people of lower Morden and St Helier who We all know that housing and support from social depend on our hospital. services can assist people’s health as much as individual medical care. I ask for the support of all Members in I would like to raise some other NHS concerns. In the respect of those charges. transfer from primary care trusts to CCGs to NHS England, two schemes to provide new GP surgeries in 12.50 pm my constituency have stalled. First, there is Colliers Wood and Lavender Fields surgery, a GP practice based Sir John Randall (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Con): on two sites that are more than 1 mile apart and in It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Mitcham desperate need of updating. The practice has found it and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) and particularly very difficult to find alternative accommodation in such my hon. Friend the Member for Southend West a built-up urban area. A couple of years ago, it identified (Mr Amess). I have always regarded these recess a site on the first floor above the local library—a Adjournment debates as one of the highlights of the building owned by a company called Crown Properties. parliamentary Session. They give us all an opportunity A price was negotiated, heads of terms were agreed, to raise a variety of issues, perhaps ones that would not and a lot of the preparation work began. The local merit the length of an Adjournment debate in the pharmacist had already moved into a building nearby Chamber or Westminster Hall, but which are matters in preparation for the new surgery. However, it now that we care deeply about. 455 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 456

Listening to my hon. Friend as he went from subject who I know go there, to visit the project and look to subject, as I shall probably do, I was reminded that closely at it as it is doing very good work. I was shown the spring sunshine had brought out some butterflies, around by Professor Chris Stoate, who impressed me which many colleagues may have spotted. Yesterday I with his knowledge and his love of the subject. saw the first orange tip butterfly of the year, which is In the past Session I have been rather busy as a always a highlight for me as it is one of the marks of member of the Joint Committee looking at the modern spring arriving. I saw it in a most unusual place—on the slavery Bill that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary grass verge by Hanger lane on the A40, not exactly the has, with a great deal of passion, brought into being. rural idyll that one might associate it with. I thought to We reported only a couple of days ago. It is going to be myself, “Shall I be like that butterfly as I flit from a very important piece of work. I hope the Home Office subject to subject, gently sipping from the flowers of the will study our recommendations seriously. It is an various issues?” I leave it to hon. Members to decide opportunity for the House and the country to be a whether they see me as a butterfly, gently floating. world leader in combating a modern-day abomination, On the subject of the wildlife world, I should like to yet sadly something that most people do not know raise two important matters that impinge on the European about. I urge every right hon. and hon. Member at any Union. The first concerns vultures, which I have always opportunity, when they are speaking to constituents or been very fond of. That predates my time in the Whips organisations, to raise the subject, because until the Office by a long way. Vultures have had a tough time public know that it is happening in their midst, in their both in the Indian subcontinent and in Africa, mainly streets and in their towns, we will not get as much action as a result of a drug called diclophenac, which is a as we would like. powerful anti-inflammatory used in veterinary treatment. I have been lucky enough, if one can use that expression, Unfortunately, one of the side-effects is that it is a lethal to talk to victims—the men and women who have been poison to vultures. Animals in Africa or the subcontinent slaves in the modern era. Anyone who speaks to such that have been treated with the drug die and as the victims will find that their lives change and they are not vultures feed on the carcases containing the drug, they able to rest easy until they have done something to try are killed. The vulture populations in both areas have to help. On that subject, I draw the attention of the almost been wiped out. House to early-day motion 1257. Having not been able In India, Pakistan and Nepal, diclophenac was used to sign early-day motions, I have found that I can exist regularly in the 1920s. A lot of work has been done on in life without them and I am not a great fan of them, the subcontinent and the drug has largely been banned. but I did notice this early-day motion on the 175th I was distressed to read the other day that the EU has anniversary of Anti-Slavery International on 17 April authorised its use on domestic animals in Italy and 2014. Despite us all thinking that slavery was abolished Spain, where 80% of European vultures live. This is a 200 years ago or more, there were people who recognised backward move and sends a poor message to countries that it still existed. That work, 175 years on, is still in Africa, which we are trying to persuade to ban the extremely important and the organisation should be use of the drug. Four species of vulture are commonly commended. found in Europe, none of which has brilliant populations Having raised a rather grim subject, I now want to be and some of which are very threatened, chiefly the positive: the sun is coming out, so I think my sunny bearded vulture, with which I feel a certain empathy. We disposition should start shining through. Earlier this need to be aware of the problem. I hope the Government week, I attended the reopening of Uxbridge central will raise the issue at various EU opportunities. library in the London borough of Hillingdon. I can still While the Government are on the subject, they should clearly remember getting my first book out of the old raise another matter. One of the EU states, Malta, has a Uxbridge library with a great deal of excitement about derogation to allow spring hunting and the shooting of 50 years ago. Books have given me a great deal of birds. This badly affects turtledoves, which are in decline pleasure over the years and it distresses me whenever I all over Europe and especially in Britain, and quail. All hear that libraries in many areas have suffered cuts and the migratory birds that we are beginning to see coming generally seem to be going slightly out of fashion. into the country face a battery from hunters in Malta. It I am old enough to remember—everybody present is is time the practice was looked at. I say to the Maltese much younger than me—when Boots the Chemist had a people that theirs is one country in Europe that I have lending library. When it finished, the books were sold no interest in visiting while the practice continues. Despite off and I still have some at home. Those interested in their heroics in the second world war—I have always nostalgia might like to know that they have a little green been a great admirer of the George Cross island—such shield-shaped sticker on them. behaviour is no longer acceptable in the 21st century. I want to be as unpartisan as possible, but the London We must be careful not just to point out what is borough of Hillingdon has been brilliant. It has put wrong abroad. We have problems here. I am pleased to the residents first and it is a pleasure not just to be a support wildlife trusts in their campaign to save our resident of the borough, but to be its Member of grasslands, which are rapidly disappearing, and support Parliament, because I experience relatively few problems wide biodiversity. I was lucky a couple of weeks ago to with my local authority. I know that that is not always visit a commercial farm in Leicestershire called the the case for MPs, even when their local authority is run Allerton project, which is run by the Game and Wildlife by their own party, but mine is exemplary. Hillingdon is Conservation Trust. I was impressed by the ability to a little hidden treasure on the west side of London, show how a farm can be commercial, but also aware of although it is still in Middlesex, of course. its conservation and wildlife responsibilities. I recommend The library reopened on Monday.The London borough to any Member who has an interest and to officials of of Hillingdon has spent £10 million on all 17 borough the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, libraries and they are vibrant. New libraries with new 457 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 458

[Sir John Randall] praise the contribution of so many residents’ associations across London that defend the green belt and green ideas are being opened. Uxbridge library has six floors, open spaces in London with great passion and commitment. a ground floor café and an atrium for art exhibitions, I am thinking in particular of those in the London drama and dance. I was particularly pleased that it was borough of Harrow, such as the Harrow Hill trust, the opened not just by Councillor Ray Puddifoot, who is Pinner association, the Headstone residents’ association the local authority leader, but by a wonderful gentleman and the Hatch End association. I pay tribute to their called Philip Colehan, who is 92 and used to be the work. borough librarian. In 1964, he opened 10 libraries and The right hon. Gentleman and I also share an interest his passion for public libraries and the services they in what happens at RAF Northolt. I gently ask the provide meant that he could see back in those days—before Deputy Leader of the House to ensure that, in future, anyone had even come up with the idea of a one-stop whenever the Ministry of Defence consults on any shop—the opportunities a library can give. It can be a plans to change the number of flights in and out of community hub. RAF Northolt, it will consult Harrow and Ealing councils If Members pop down to the end of either the as well as Hillingdon council and Hillingdon Members Metropolitan or the Piccadilly line—Uxbridge is well of Parliament. There is substantial concern in my served by both—they should have a look at the library. constituency about the significant uplift in the number They could compare it with their own public libraries of flights the MOD is going to allow into RAF Northolt and local authorities and see that Hillingdon has got it and about the lack of discussion with Harrow MPs and absolutely spot on. Our libraries are able not just to the local council. exist but to flourish. I also want to ask the Deputy Leader of the House Given that it is coming up to the Easter break, the for his assistance on the issue of policing. The latest public and the press will all say that we are going to be figures from the Mayor of London’s office show that, in off on a long holiday, but we know that we are going to January, Harrow had 344 police officers and just 38 police be very busy with all the constituency stuff we do. I community support officers—a total of 382 officers. In hope colleagues will take a little time off. If anybody is March 2010, however, Harrow had a total of 519 police thinking of taking a break, I will give a little plug to officers, made up of 403 police constables, sergeants Northern Ireland, which I visited last weekend. I went and others, and 116 PCSOs. Harrow has therefore seen to watch my rugby team, Saracens, beat Ulster. According a 27% fall in the number of police officers since the to the Ulster fans it was a controversial victory, but that general election—part of the 3,000 or so police officers is because they lost. axed from the London streets since 2010. The hospitality and atmosphere were wonderful. I understand that London has 30,036 police officers, Londonderry/Derry is a very interesting city and it was despite the Mayor of London’s promise that he would a pleasure to visit it. The countryside is wonderful, as maintain police numbers at or about 32,000. Indeed, are the Giant’s Causeway and the Bushmills distillery. I the Deputy Mayor for policing, Stephen Greenhalgh, am now on the wagon, but the people there were said last year that it would be a “doomsday scenario” absolutely wonderful. I recommend a visit. for policing in London if the number dropped below I like a bit of continuity, so I will end by noting that 31,000, but that is what has happened. Over the same in our previous pre-Adjournment debate just before period since the general election, the Metropolitan police Christmas, I cheekily mentioned what was on my Christmas has lost almost 2,300 PCSOs, which is a 50% cut since present list. Mrs Randall read Hansard, as she does 2010. I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House is every day, and I was lucky enough to receive a bat willing to try to secure from the Home Office a timeline detector. All I can say is that I am looking forward to for when Harrow will again have the same complement getting that bat detector out in the next few days and of police officers, including PCSOs, as we had back in using its radar and locator. Perhaps I will pop down to March 2010. In particular, my constituents are concerned where HS2 is planned to go through the borough of that there are not enough police officers in our part of Hillingdon. There are some very interesting bats there Harrow. Despite the Mayor’s promises, there does not and I want to hear and see them for myself so that I will yet appear to be any sense of when we will get back to be able to mention them in a debate when we return. the numbers we once had. Finally, I wish you, Mr Deputy Speaker, the other The last issue I want to raise relates to one of the Deputy Speakers, Mr Speaker, all right hon. and hon. responsibilities of the Department for Culture, Media Members and, in particular, all those people who serve and Sport. I take this opportunity to congratulate the us so well in the House a happy and restful Easter—and new Secretary of State, who also has responsibility for don’t overdo it on the eggs! equality, the hon. Member for Bromsgrove (Sajid Javid), on his appointment. I hope that he will take a particular 1.5 pm interest in the implementation of section 27 of the Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): It is Communications Act 2003, and the extent to which a pleasure to follow my parliamentary neighbour, the Ofcom is meeting its responsibilities for promoting right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip equality of opportunity among those employed by providers (Sir John Randall). I have always thought that he wears of television and radio services. the trauma of living next door to the greatest constituency One of Ofcom’s predecessors, the Independent Television in the UK—that of Harrow West—extremely lightly, Commission, required those it licensed to carry out given that he will never have the chance to represent it. equality monitoring. The ITC published data in tables I echo the right hon. Gentleman’s praise for wildlife every year, along with a critique and any other action trusts, and in so doing I would like to take this opportunity, that companies were taking on equality. However, Ofcom as president of the London Green Belt Council, to no longer publishes any such data. Although it has a 459 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 460 duty to encourage equality of opportunity in the arts, it I know that that is true because regional television is not using the key available tool—public scrutiny—to this week featured the part of rural Essex to which the encourage improvement. Indeed, Ofcom has resisted—sadly, Tour de France is going this year. Every inch, every successfully—freedom of information requests to release foot, every yard, every furlong of rural road that the the data. cyclists will speed along—probably without noticing The House should be concerned, because surely our the wonderful scenic beauty of the Essex countryside—has TV programmes and the organisations funded by Arts been surveyed for potholes. By the day of the race, every Council England should, in relation to those they pothole will have been filled in, even those that Essex employ on screen and on stage, reflect the very diverse county council highways department would elsewhere nature of the communities that many hon. Members deem to be of insufficient depth to need filling. The represent. I have received a number of representations county council clearly considers that cyclists from around from communities and from actors from particular the world are worthy of greater attention and safety ethnic minority backgrounds, who do not feel that they consideration than the residents of Essex whose council receive appropriate coverage or access to key media, tax will go towards the cost of making the Tour de particularly TV and theatre. For example, I rarely see France route safe. It would not look good if professional Tamil actors and actresses on our TV screens, which is cyclists topple from their machines because of an Essex disappointing given the size of the Tamil community, pothole. particularly in my constituency. British east Asians are Talking of looking good, some say that the picturesque the third largest minority ethnic group in Britain today, village of Finchingfield is the most attractive village in but that is simply not reflected on our screens and Essex. It is assumed that the world’s media will regard it stages. as a good place to photograph and film cyclists speeding To provide more evidence of that point, in nearly through. It is not a question of filling in potholes 30 years, “EastEnders” has had only one regular east there—oh no—because the patchwork quilt appearance Asian character, a young female DVD seller who lasted of the road surface might spoil the photographs, so at just six months. Given that the east end of London great expense the whole road has been resurfaced to remains one of our most ethnically diverse areas, it is a ensure the kind of pristine surface that is rare in most of little odd that Albert square has not had so much as Essex. If I can get the Tour de France to come to even the proverbial cliché of a Chinese takeaway. Colchester, it would ensure that our potholes were filled “Coronation Street” also has a disappointing record. It in. I am sure that my constituents could design a route waited until 2011 before it had an east Asian character, to maximise the number of roads and potholes to be who lasted just four months. Hospital dramas such as attended to in their area. For example, on the Monkwick “Casualty”, “Doctors” and “Holby City” are similarly estate, I would nominate a route that included Queen disappointing. Given the number of east Asians working Elizabeth way, Prince Philip road, Prince Charles road in our hospitals, including in senior roles, that is somewhat and Coronation avenue. at odds with the reality of the very diverse work force in Behind my mockery, there is a serious point—namely, the NHS. Actors have told me that they worry that any the performance, or lack of performance, of highway east Asian actor who is unable or unwilling to embody a maintenance in Colchester under the auspices of Essex stereotype will simply be unable to build any kind of county council. I raised that at Communities and Local career, given the lack of opportunity to play appropriate Government questions on Monday, when I got an and non-stereotypical roles. encouraging response from the Secretary of State. Like Figures suggest that the number of black and ethnic me, he is an Essex MP, and thus fully aware of the minority staff in companies receiving Arts Council shortcomings of county hall at Chelmsford, where England funding is dropping. I therefore hope that the favouritism rules. new Secretary of State might, in addition to all his other Until a few years ago, Colchester borough council duties, encourage Ofcom and Arts Council England to was responsible for highways maintenance and street take a greater interest in equality monitoring. I want lighting, but then the county council grabbed the work. what I watch on TV, in films and on stage to reflect the The result is that our roads and pavements are the worst community I live in, and surely that is not an unreasonable that I have ever known, and the county switches off our ask. Sadly, it is now far from clear whether Ofcom is street lights at midnight. Although there is a case for fulfilling its responsibilities under the Communications tackling light pollution, most of my constituents do not Act. I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House is want a total black-out. I have tried to get a meeting with willing to take my plea for a little more action from the cabinet member responsible, but he will not reply to Ofcom to the new Secretary of State, and to deliver a my letters. Indeed, he is on record as saying that when suitable response in the usual way. he gets a letter he disapproves of, he throws it in the bin. That is democratic accountability in Conservative-run 1.15 pm Essex county council. Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I have a cunning Complaints about highways maintenance make it the plan to get potholed streets in Colchester filled in: I will biggest local issue that residents currently raise with invite the organisers of the Tour de France to hold one me. When Colchester borough council looked after of the stages of this great cycling event in Colchester, highways, pavements and street lights, complaints were which, created in 49 AD, was Britain’s first city and the few and far between. It all changed and got worse when first capital of Roman Britain. That would guarantee Essex county council took over, and it has got even that the potholes in Colchester—wilfully neglected by worse—much worse—during the past two years, following Essex county council, by contrast with other parts of the county council’s decision not to continue with nine Essex—are attended to, at least on the route taken by contracts covering different parts of Essex, but to lump some 200 of the world’s leading racing cyclists. them together in a single contract worth £3 billion over 461 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 462

[Sir Bob Russell] I note that the letter I received from the council’s chief executive made no mention of any party political affiliation 10 years from 1 April 2012. That contract has been and simply stated “Essex MPs,” of which I am one, awarded to national company Ringway Jacobs, whose albeit the only non-Conservative MP in Essex. headquarters is in Sussex. I have no problem with Essex Tory councillors having While the Government and the Secretary of State for meetings with Essex Tory MPs. That is not the issue; the Communities and Local Government promote localism, issue is that what are purported to be occasions for the which is a concept that I support, Essex county council county council to engage with the county’s MPs have has centralised highways to a devastatingly negative deliberately excluded an MP from another party, yet the degree. In the good old days, when Colchester borough council tax payers of Essex are footing the bill and council’s highways depot was opposite where I live, council officers are being sent to what are clearly party potholed roads and damaged pavements would be attended political meetings. In cobbling together a response, county to in a matter of days; it is now months—if you are hall cannot seem to give a consistent line to justify that lucky. If we are serious about localism, let us return to arrangement. Using council officers, who in accordance how it used to be, with the local council using local with the local government code of conduct should be people with local knowledge, people with pride and a politically neutral, is wrong. Even though the cost to personal commitment to the area, to undertake that the public purse represents only a fraction of the £500,000 important work. blown by the council’s former leader, Lord Hanningfield, on his political advancement within the Conservative I have personally reported five times to Essex county party, it should not happen. I trust that the district council’s highways department the dangerous condition auditor will investigate. of the pavement outside my constituency office. It is a narrow pavement to a through-traffic route used by a The FOI response states that “quarterly” meetings large number of vehicles, many of them travelling too with Essex Tory MPs commenced on 17 October 2012. fast for the conditions. My office has witnessed, via There were only three meetings in 2013, on 16 April, CCTV cameras, four occasions when youngsters on 4 June and 3 September, and there has seemingly been mini-scooters have tumbled after hitting a pothole. just one meeting so far this year, on 14 January. The Fortunately, each youngster fell forward. My concern is FOI response tells me that that on another occasion a youngster might topple into “the meetings are informal and not minuted”. the road and under the wheels of a passing vehicle. On But that does not accord with the chief executive’s letter two occasions I was in my office when a youngster of 21 February, in which she refers to toppled from their scooter with the resultant tears. On one occasion I administered first aid to a three-year-old “the recent Essex MP quarterly meeting when a number of boy’s bleeding knee. I have reported the dangerous concerns were raised”. pavement five times. Earlier this year, I managed to get I assume that was the January meeting. She goes on to two people from the highways department to visit. The detail how such concerns will be addressed in future. result? Nothing. My fifth letter, subsequent to their visit After detailing action points, she tells MPs: and following a further incident involving a little four- “I would like to invite you to provide feedback on these year-old girl, was acknowledged but, weeks later, the improvements which can be discussed at future Essex MP quarterly potholed pavement still needs attention. meetings. Having described Essex county council’s appalling Your concerns are recognised and I hope our intended actions highways record, I will now draw attention to another assure you of our commitment to improve the current service we matter: the way in which the county council engages offer MPs.” with the 16 MPs who represent constituencies in the administrative county of Essex. I am the only MP who Sir John Randall: I am distressed to hear of my hon. is not a Conservative, which clearly rankles at county Friend’s situation, but I have thought of a practical hall. On 21 February, I received a letter from the council’s solution. If he joined the Conservative party, he might chief executive that was headed: “Improving our be able to get in on the meetings. correspondence and communications with Essex MPs”. The letter referred to Sir Bob Russell: My right hon. Friend has a reputation “the recent Essex MP quarterly meeting”. for being a bit of a joker, but on this occasion, although That surprised me because I had no knowledge of some of my Labour opponents in Colchester feel that I quarterly meetings with Essex MPs. I submitted a freedom have become a closet Tory, I am light years away from of information request to the chief executive. In due being a Tory of any sort, as my speech has indicated. course, albeit later than the time specified in the Freedom Having been rumbled, it will be interesting to see of Information Act, I received a response from the whether Essex county council will continue its policy of person in charge of the incredibly named “your right to politicising its dealings with MPs in the administrative know” office. I am not making it up; that is what the county of Essex. Post-Lord Hanningfield, I hope that office is called. It appears, however, that the right to what I have disclosed today will warrant investigation know does not necessarily apply to the MP for Colchester. by the Department for Communities and Local In the reply sent to my office on Monday, in response Government, the Local Government Association and to my eight questions of 25 February, reference was the district auditor. made to I join colleagues in thanking all who work on the “quarterly meetings between Essex County Council Cabinet Members parliamentary estate. Their dedication to assisting Members and Essex Conservative MPs.” is greatly appreciated. They do so much for us. 463 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 464

1.26 pm There are other costs of this misguided approach to altering the way the Co-op runs itself. The “Have Your Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ Say” consultation with customers cost £1.5 million. Co-op): I shall talk about the future of the Co-operative Group. I am proud to be a Labour and Co-operative Sir Bob Russell: The hon. Lady is making a powerful MP. speech about the co-operative movement. Will she confirm We have seen a lot of turmoil in the Co-operative that the Labour party was established some 60 years Group recently, and the resignation of former chief after the establishment of the Co-op, and that it is executive Euan Sutherland, following the revelation of therefore in the best interests of the Co-op to embrace the scale and nature of his total remuneration package, people of all political parties? carries a stark warning to the remaining Co-operative Group leadership, who must now reflect carefully on Meg Hillier: Up and down the country, co-operatives what that means for the future. Lord Myners resigned embrace people of all parties. The Co-op party has a overnight, although I understand his review of the sister arrangement with the Labour party, but that is Co-operative Group and its management continues. not the thrust of my comments. I am talking about the The new leadership came in without experience of Co-operative Group, which is ratcheting up costs at a the co-operative or mutual sector, and must understand high rate. the importance of maintaining strong relationships with The Kelly review is costing £2,000 a day and the the rest of the co-operative movement. There is scant current total is £3.5 million. Millions of pounds have evidence that that has so far been considered important, been spent on a new office next to the stock exchange, and the swift decision dramatically to reduce funding despite the Co-op Group having a brand new head for Co-op organisations such as Co-operatives UK will office in Manchester. dismay long-standing co-operators further now that the Secondly, an eminent co-operators group should be hypocrisy of the executive pay policy has been laid bare. established to advise and support Lord Myners in the The immediate response to the fresh crisis has been to valuable work that still needs to be carried out. The accelerate the agenda for reforming the Co-operative current leadership of the Co-op Group should reconnect Group’s structure. That is continuing even following the with the wider co-operative movement. The best way to departure of Lord Myners from the board. No one, not do that would be to establish a panel that can provide least active co-operators, doubts that governance changes advice and support as the group goes through its reform are needed. Much has been said about of the weakness process. Ideally, it would be chaired by someone like the of non-executives, although few have benefited more former chief executive officer Sir Graham Melmoth or from that weakness than the current executive team. the former chairman Keith Darwin who have the credibility, Rather than rushing headlong into irreversible changes, experience and ability to provide candid advice to help however, we and the Co-operative Group’s board should steer the group to the next phase in its co-operative future. take a breath and calmly reflect on the issues. Thirdly, an interim chief executive should be appointed Eminent as Lord Myners may be, it is not credible to who has mutual sector experience. The next chief executive base the Co-operative Group’s future governance on will be perhaps the most critical person in the Co-op the views of one man. To date, all seven regional boards Group’s 170-year history. It is important that the recent have now rejected his plan, and the response has to be errors are not repeated. It is critical that the new chief one of calm reflection and compromise. There are three executive officer has a track record in the mutual sector. immediate actions that should be taken to steady the Confidence among member owners will simply not co-operative ship and set a fresh course that will begin return without the trust that that would bring. The to build trust and confidence between the Co-operative individual must understand the Co-op Group and be Group’s leadership and members. able to work across its diverse range of businesses. The first is one about which I have received a lot of We would do well to remember that the most successful correspondence from members and customers across CEO of recent years was Graham Melmoth. He was the country. There is no place in a consumer-owned not a trader, but managed a team of skilled executives co-operative business for unearned executive bonuses, who ran the individual businesses while he oversaw the and 100% retention payments should be scrapped. How corporate strategy and provided leadership in line with those payments came to be requested by management, the Co-op’s core principles. Such an approach would and then approved by the board, must be explained. ensure that there was appropriate expertise in each Equally, no member of the current executive will carry division, while militating against the excessive micro- the membership’s confidence if they do not immediately management of recent years. and publicly declare that they will not accept such The next few weeks will bring new challenges for the payments. Co-operative Group. It will succeed through this period Alistair Asher, who is now the Co-operative Group’s only if all its members and managers pull in the same general counsel, was formerly a partner at Allen & direction and co-operate. Without an active and successful Overy, where he was involved with building society Co-op Group, our economy will lose a richness of demutualisation. He may have worked on demutualisations choice and be the poorer for it. Members and customers in the past, but the Co-op does not want to demutualise. up and down the country have been in touch with me to Another member of the team is Nick Folland, the say that they are concerned about “our Co-op”. The director who deals with communications. Both those management need to understand that feeling. They men have been given a retention package of more than must listen to members. The Co-op is not just a brand; £1 million this year and next year that is not performance- it is about mutual benefit and the sharing of profits related. I repeat that such gross, over-inflated handouts among members. In my view, the Co-op is worth fighting must stop. for. 465 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 466

1.33 pm A few weeks later, floods hit the south of England. It Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): It is always a was headline news for days on end. News editors at the pleasure to speak in these end-of-term Adjournment BBC would no doubt say that that was because Christmas debates. They provide a fascinating insight not only into was approaching and news was a little thin on the the many parts of the country that are represented here, ground, but it strengthened the view among my constituents but into the characters of other hon. Members. that a north-south divide exists. They said, “Only when the Thames valley is flooded do Ministers take any I will raise two issues that are important to my notice.” That is untrue because, as I have said, the constituency. Interestingly, two of the speeches that we Secretary of State was in my constituency within 36 hours. have heard have spoken of community identity, service However, if the BBC does not report it, it passes almost and pride. The first issue that I will touch on relates to unnoticed and the entirely incorrect impression is given community identity. I want to talk about unintended that one part of the country is more important than bias in the broadcast media and, in particular, on the another. If the BBC management want proof of the BBC. Although it is unintended, such bias results in the local feeling, I suggest that they rerun the edition of build-up of an anti-Government feeling. That could “Question Time” from a few weeks ago, when it was happen to any Government. The sequence of events broadcast from Scunthorpe. The first question expressed that I will outline is but one example. the sentiments that I have set out. On the night of 5 December, my constituency was I am not just being charitable in describing it as an severely affected by the tidal surge that flooded hundreds unintended bias; I regard myself as a critical friend of of homes and businesses on the Humber estuary. At the the BBC. Regional and local reporters are, in the main, outset, the coverage on BBC Radio Humberside and well qualified to express the views of local people. Dave the regional TV news programme, “Look North”, was Burns, who presents a daily programme on Radio excellent. However, on national TV, there was nothing. Humberside, is a local institution. Viewers of the edition Nelson Mandela died on the same evening. Mr Mandela of “Look North” that is put out in east Yorkshire and was a great world statesman, so it was right and to be north Lincolnshire will know that Levy and Hudson expected that his death would lead the news bulletins figure alongside Morecambe and Wise and the two and that there would be special programmes covering Ronnies as entertainers. They are very much a part of his contribution to the fight against apartheid. However, the local community. However, generally speaking, the almost nothing else was reported. The impression that BBC has a very London-centric, metropolitan culture. was given to my constituents was that they did not matter. The flooding coverage is just one example of how news coverage can have a significant impact on political The tidal surge was the largest ever recorded—larger opinion. More thought is clearly required of organisations than the devastating events of February 1953. As I have such as the BBC that are charged with the responsibility said, hundreds of homes were flooded and businesses of being politically neutral. were forced to close, including the hotel in Barton-upon- Humber where, less than a year earlier, Government The other topic that I would like to raise is local, agencies led by the Environment Agency, local authorities, although it has a national perspective. North Lincolnshire the emergency services and others, including the then council is Conservative-controlled and North East Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury Lincolnshire council, the other authority that serves my (Richard Benyon), gathered to mark the anniversary of constituency, is Labour-controlled. I suppose that Members the 1953 tragedy and to report on all that had been may well expect that I would favour the former, but I am done to prevent a repeat of that year’s flooding. The always reluctant to criticise either authority publicly. As irony is that that very hotel was flooded on the night of Members will appreciate, we have to work with the 5 December and has been forced into liquidation. Part councils that serve our area irrespective of their political of the port of Immingham, the largest port in the colour. However, North East Lincolnshire council has country, was also put out of action. recently made a decision that I think is particularly mean-spirited. North Lincolnshire council responded very well, as did the Environment Agency, the emergency services Police specials have traditionally been granted a and voluntary and community groups. Within 36 hours discount on their council tax, but North East Lincolnshire of the surge, the Secretary of State for Environment, council has decided to abandon that benefit for a saving Food and Rural Affairs was in Immingham to receive of just £9,600. In contrast, North Lincolnshire council reports from me and all the agencies involved. He had has retained it. The change comes at a time when the previously visited Boston and he went on to Hull. Did excellent local police commissioner for the Humberside that figure in the main BBC news that evening? Not at force is embarking on a recruiting campaign for all. 100 additional police specials. I wish to send the message that given the small amount of money involved, North My constituents were given the impression that they East Lincolnshire council should rethink. had been ignored. I was asked, “Where were the Government? What have they been doing to help us?” I 1.41 pm was able to reply, “Actually, a Cabinet member was here within 36 hours.” There followed numerous occasions Eric Joyce (Falkirk) (Ind): It is a pleasure to follow on which my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and the hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers), Goole (Andrew Percy) and I questioned Ministers and who like you, Madam Deputy Speaker, me and every met the Secretary of State. I was fortunate enough to other Member is on a permanent quest for knowledge secure an Adjournment debate in which the Under- and self-improvement. I thought I would help that Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural along by saying a few words about the extractive industries Affairs, the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Dan transparency initiative, for which I sit on the multi- Rogerson) gave a full outline of the Government’s response. stakeholder group in the UK. 467 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 468

I am happy to say that the Government signed up to because some extractive industry companies are concerned the initiative last year, which will mean that in three about the emphasis being placed on the Democratic years or so the UK will be a member of it. All the Republic of the Congo, or Congo-Kinshasa to some. extractive industries companies based in the UK that The concern is that it will effectively encourage people operate here and elsewhere will have to declare to the who want to get certain products from the earth to go to Government the payments that they have made to the Australia and other countries, so the effect of legislation UK and to any country that signs up to the EITI. The designed to make things more transparent could be to Government will then make a statement of the payments discourage investment and development in the DRC. I they have received. That will not solve every problem of do not know whether that is right, but the process is money going astray in developing countries, but it will being held up in the United States. It is really important move us a little way towards ensuring that the money that we carry on with our own process in Europe, which that Governments receive from contracts and licences is the accounting directive—as I said, I am pleased that to exploit oil, gas and minerals, particularly in Africa the Government have launched the consultation but all over the world, does indeed find its way to those document—and the EITI. Governments and that they can account for it in their I do not want to bore Members for too long about public expenditure. the EITI, although it is an important matter that quite a The initiative is chaired by Clare Short, a former few Members will know little about. However, I wish to Member of this House, who also co-founded an all-party add that the tendency until recently was to encourage group called “Trade Out of Poverty”, now chaired by developing countries to sign up to the EITI. We have the right hon. Member for Hitchin and Harpenden Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, which is pretty (Mr Lilley), who is not in his place at the moment but effective—some people might argue about that who I believe will be coming back into the Chamber. sometimes—and we pretty much know who is paying The emphasis of that group, along with the all-party tax on what, so it is hard for money to go astray. We can extractive industries group, of which I am a member, is just to go HMRC and it tells us companies’ tax figures. to help developing nations encourage investment despite It is therefore hard to get involved in corrupt practices sometimes potentially risky contexts, particularly in in the UK. Developed countries have tended to say, minerals and mining, rather than having to rely on aid, “The EITI is not really for us. It is only for developing as we often imagine they do—wrongly, actually. countries where money tends to disappear.” The effect I digress slightly from the EITI, but it sometimes feels has been that big developing countries, and middle-income as if political and public dialogue in the UK about countries that are wealthy in gross terms, such as Brazil developing nations is always about aid—the spending and India, have said, “We’re not going to sign up to it, of 0.7% of gross national income and so on. I sometimes because none of the developed nations has. It is a bit think that the bar for investment in those countries is patronising expecting only developing nations to sign set too high. Some worthy non-governmental organisations up and not the US or UK”. Only recently have developed make the wrong judgment in being too critical of where nations begun to sign up. It might seem a bit strange Department for International Development expenditure that we have not signed up to it before, but it is essentially goes, such as when it makes it more feasible for companies because the context was different. We have now accepted to overcome substantial risk and invest in developing the point that it is difficult to ask developing nations to nations. sign up to a transparency project without signing up ourselves. There was a demonstration outside DFID a couple of weeks ago involving a couple of people in black tie The EITI has been going on quietly in the background, and a waiter with a bottle of champagne and glasses. It but it is important to get it on the record because it will was all about DFID paying money to various projects be important when it comes to fruition in about three in the developing world. My first instinct was that the years. Officials at the Department for Business, Innovation protest might have been by someone such as the Daily and Skills and the Minister in charge, the hon. Member Mail—I do not necessarily want to be critical of it, but for East Dunbartonshire (Jo Swinson)—she ostensibly that would be consistent with its normal editorial line. chairs the meetings, but of course she is on maternity However, it turned out to be a protest by the World leave at the moment—have put a lot of time into it, as Development Movement. It struck me that it was shooting have the businesses that have signed up to the multi- itself in the foot by helping to bring DFID expenditure stakeholder group, on which the relevant NGOs and into unjustified disrepute. Its concern was that money the Government are also represented. A lot of work is was being spent to help companies operate in risky going on to ensure that we achieve candidacy status in countries. However, there is great potential benefit to about 18 months. It is a commendable, broad cross-party those countries in future, and I thought it was a great effort, and there is no dispute about the objective. As I shame that that NGO had missed the point and wanted said, the EITI is chaired by Clare Short, who obviously to discourage companies from the UK and across the has a particular political perspective, but has a sound world from examining prospects in some countries. perspective on the extractive industries. To return to the EITI, in many ways its role is similar From time to time we have had some difficulties, with to the one that will be played by the EU accounting a degree of purism creeping in—I am trying to choose directive, about which the Government have just issued my words carefully—from NGOs with substantial control a consultation document, although it is a little different over interests in developing nations. It sometimes feels and certainly has a different purpose. The US is currently as though strings are being pulled and wires being going through legal proceedings that have held up its tugged to get certain outcomes. For example, it was very own equivalent, but importantly, it has signed up in the difficult to get Ethiopia made a candidate country. It past week as a candidate country for the EITI. The finally happened a week or two ago, but there was relevant part of the Dodd-Frank Act is being held up enormous lobbying against it. That was a great shame, 469 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 470

[Eric Joyce] define being a mother as the most important thing in their lives. I do not blame the Prime Minister, because because Ethiopia was very keen to sign up, and so were there may be all sorts of reasons—perhaps there are no the Ethiopian NGOs. Everyone agreed, but western-based suitable people—but I do not want to get into all that. NGOs were keen to stop it happening, for various However, we need to make this place more attractive reasons. I understand the human rights issues, but I and diverse. We have not yet succeeded in attracting as think that Ethiopia will eventually qualify for membership. many working mothers to this place as we should have It is a shame when western-based NGOs in very done. It is our fault because of the nature of our work, developed countries—whether they are based in London, our expenses regime, the salary and much else. Would a Washington or New York—sometimes seem to look general practitioner and mother working in, say, Newcastle past the interests of nations that we want to help to find becoming a Member of Parliament attractive? Her develop economically and reflect their own interests in salary would probably be halved, but people are prepared getting stories or increasing their membership and funding. to take enormous salary cuts to work in this place—it is I know that that is contentious, but that is how it seems a wonderful privilege and many of us would work here to me. The stewardship of the EITI has been very sound for nothing. But people have to live their lives and in dealing with that in the last few weeks. People who support their families. We now have an arcane expenses know about the EITI will know that Ethiopia has been system that makes our job very unattractive to many a contentious issue, but I am pleased to say that it is working mothers in particular. now a candidate country. I have made that point to IPSA many times as Various things are going on quietly in the background, chairman of the liaison group. I have said that we want although full agreement has not been reached. The UK a decent salary. IPSA is independent and it should set Government are actually leading on the issue of beneficial the salary properly. It is setting about the task fairly, ownership transparency. That is part of the EITI and and trying to average out the salary in real terms over we hope that the outcome in three years’ time will be the last 110 years since Members of Parliament have that the UK signs up. We do not think that there is had a salary. It has come up with a reasonably fair corruption in the UK, but if we sign up to a strong, figure, but we have told it again and again that if we are gold standard EITI—without unnecessary bells and to attract people who are juggling different family whistles—it would set a good example for all the other responsibilities, it would be better to have a flat-rate nations we would like to see sign up to it. transferable allowance, rather than the arcane and I shall conclude by wishing you, Madam Deputy complicated expenses system. It would have to be voluntary Speaker, and all Members and officials of the House a at first, because many people are locked into the expenses nice Easter. system, but it would enable people who are juggling family responsibilities to do so in the knowledge that they could come here and perform their public service. 1.52 pm If we carry on with the present system of complicated Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): It is a pleasure expenses, I fear that these scandals will go on and on, to follow a fellow member of the House of Commons year after year, drip by drip, affecting the credibility of rowing team. Every summer we try to raise some money Parliament. for charity. We can make Parliament more interesting and more It is a great privilege to be a Member of the House of effective in other ways. The power of Back Benchers to Commons. I was thinking that as I was standing in the hold the Executive to account could be more pronounced. Division Lobby and looking at the marvellous architecture I am a great fan of recent moves to bring in open and reflecting on all the good work we do here. Let us primaries in the selection of Members of Parliament. be honest, however, and recognise that some of the One of the best new Members of Parliament is my hon. publicity we have had this week has not been the best. Friend the Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston). She was I speak as the chairman of the group of MPs that elected on an open primary and she is a marvellously liaises with the Independent Parliamentary Standards independent MP. I would even be prepared to move Authority—I served on the group with the Opposition eventually to the system that operates in other countries spokesman, the hon. Member for Penistone and of open primaries not just for candidates standing for a Stocksbridge (Angela Smith), for a while—and I want parliamentary constituency for the first time, but for to talk about how we can make Parliament more relevant sitting Members. If we had that system, Members of to people’s needs. We should not be too negative about Parliament would be much more accountable to their ourselves—I also serve on the Council of Europe and I constituents and their views, and much less accountable look at how other parliamentarians around Europe to the views of the Whips Office. I have nothing against operate, and our debates are still much more relevant the Whips Office—I see a Whip on the Front Bench and and spontaneous. For instance, I only decided to speak she is a delightful lady colleague for whom I have great today in the light of events this week. That spontaneity respect—but Parliament would be a better place if in Parliament is very important, but we have to accept Members felt that their careers depended more on their that we have a problem with our image in the eyes of the constituents than the vagaries of promotion and the public, on expenses and much else, including whether opinion of the Whips Office. Having an open primary we are relevant to the lives of ordinary people. system would be a very interesting development. We have seen some publicity today to the effect that it I cannot speak for the Labour party—perhaps it is is rather sad that we have no mothers in the Cabinet. I making more progress—but we have started this process share that sadness: after all, half the population of the in the Conservative party. We undoubtedly have a problem country are women, and we all have mothers. Even with our local parties, which is an important constitutional those women who work, and work very hard, often point. Local Conservative parties—I suspect it is the 471 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 472 same for the Labour party—are getting smaller and constituency is a northern seat—feel that there is a smaller. Local parties have probably always been fairly metropolitan bias in our whole system, whether in the small in the Liberal Democrats. The problem is getting BBC, the Cabinet or at the top of political parties. I worse. Local parties are getting so small now that they have been an MP through many Prime Ministers and could be in danger of takeovers from extreme minority Leaders of the Opposition and they are all the same: interests, sects or odd bods. In that sense, they are they tend to promote their friends. My great good becoming less representative of people who do not take friend and the first leader I worked for, Margaret Thatcher, a lot of interest in politics. That is not entirely the fault was just as bad as the rest, so this is not a coded message of political parties. All such groups are having difficulties attacking the current Prime Minister or anybody else. and getting smaller, so we have to think of creative ways However, there is the view in northern England that of engaging with the public. Many MPs use social there is too much emphasis in our public life on the media creatively, but the concept of widening our liberal metropolitan elite, and that there is not enough accountability beyond our local parties to the wider hard-hitting, robust debate. That debate does not necessarily public through a primary system is interesting. have to come from the right; it can come from the left We need to keep working to increase the power of too. Select Committees and Back Benchers generally vis-à-vis This is where I will finish, Madam Deputy Speaker, the Executive. Select Committees have gone from strength because I think I have made my point. I hope the to strength. I have served on many Select Committees in reforms I have talked about result in a more varied, my time, starting with the Defence Committee and then robust and independent Parliament. moving on to the then Agriculture Committee, the Social Security Committee and chairing the Public Accounts 2.4 pm Committee. Ultimately, however important Committees are in gaining publicity and publishing interesting reports, Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): It is a great and they are only scrutiny committees. In no way do they rather unexpected pleasure to speak this afternoon, have anything like the authority and power of congressional and a great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for committees. We have constantly to develop ways of Gainsborough (Sir Edward Leigh). We may have different increasing the authority of Select Committees. views on a range of subjects, but I support the idea that We have to develop an alternative career structure for MPs should stand by their principles, speak up for their Members of Parliament. There are 650 MPs and there constituents and be independent-minded, as well as can only be 50 or 60 Ministers. There are too many being broadly in line with their own party’s philosophy. Ministers. The number of Ministers and Parliamentary I think I am very much in line with my party’s philosophy, Private Secretaries seems to increase relentlessly, sucking but I cannot speak for everybody in my party on that more and more people from the majority party into the score. The Labour party membership card states that Executive. That is a wholly unhealthy way of conducting “We are a democratic socialist party” a free Parliament. We need to build the Select Committee and I say, “Hear, hear” to that. system up to make it more powerful and attractive. We I have come here to talk about an entirely different need powers and authority over appointments and even, subject: rail freight. In business questions this morning, in certain circumstances, policy. For example, the Defence I raised with the Leader of the House the serious issue Committee could have power over procurement, as the of air pollution and diesel particulates, and their effect armed forces committee does in the United States. All on health in cities, particularly in London. London is a these ideas should be investigated continuously to make difficult place for people with asthma, chest complaints Back Benchers more relevant and free, and with more and so on at the moment, as air pollution is causing control over the Executive. serious health difficulties. We have to do something The primary system opens up the relevance of MPs about diesel. A significant measure should be to shift a to their own people. This is not an appropriate moment lot of road freight on to rail. For heavy freight, road to talk about the issues I sometimes mention, but everybody freight produces up to 12 times more CO2 and other knows that I may have my own views on gay marriage, emissions than the same tonne-mileage taken by rail. overseas development and wind farms being put in my Even for lighter freight, there are still substantial multiple constituency through a very generous subsidy system. I emissions. Shifting a substantial amount of road freight may also have my own views on planning in villages and to rail would make a real difference, particularly in HS2. I do not need to weary the House by detailing cities. If we could get the lorry through-traffic in London them all—Members probably suspect where those views on to rail, we would be doing a tremendous service to are coming from—but I hope and I suspect that, whether the people of London and the rest of the country. on planning, wind farms or overseas aid, I represent a Rail Ministers big up the amount of freight on rail, certain strain of opinion in a conservative rural constituency but it is actually puny. Half of it is internal freight for in the east midlands. I hope that my views are not Network Rail—ballast, rails and so on—so we are not completely out of kilter with many of the people who doing well, especially in contrast with the continent of live in my constituency. Indeed, I believe it is my job to Europe, where there is heavy investment in a big freight speak up for middle England. There is nothing wrong rail network. To see a modal shift in rail freight capacity, with that. Plenty of people speak up for other parts of we have to build new rail freight track with a large England, Scotland and Wales and for other viewpoints. gauge capacity to take lorries on trains. It is only when I sometimes think that the conservative voice of middle we can carry lorries on trains that we will have the shift England is not adequately spoken up for. I want to see. Following on from the remarks by my hon. Friend Regrettably, our Victorian forebears, fine people though the Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers), many they were, who built wonderful railway lines, decided to people in the east midlands and northern England—my build too small a gauge. On the continent of Europe, 473 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 474

[Kelvin Hopkins] eventually trains will be able to run trains from Glasgow to Beijing—if we can travel from Glasgow to the channel those chose a larger loading gauge. I am not talking tunnel. In order to do that, however, we must have that about the track gauge, but the loading gauge—the size crucial ability to put lorries on trains at the terminals in of the wagons that travel on the track. Across the our great economic regions, which would breathe new continent, dedicated freight lines are being built. That life into those regions as well. There would be a direct will make a massive difference to the amount of freight and easy route. Once a lorry had been lifted on to the on rail. Tunnels are being built through the Alps that train at a terminal, it could be delivered to Dortmund are 35 and 38 miles long, and will be capable of carrying or Rome the next day. We have demonstrated that that trains with lorries and double-stack containers. These would work. will be vast cavernous tunnels that we just do not have. We have a great deal of support. The supermarkets, The cost of converting all our existing rail network to for example, have said that if the line is built, they will carry lorries on trains is prohibitive—it is just not offer 10,000 lorry loads a week in the first instance, and possible. What we need is new capacity, and there is a much more after that. We have the support of hauliers scheme that would achieve that. I have spoken about the such as Eddie Stobart, the Malcolm Group and our scheme previously in the Chamber. I am personally own firm, Russell Transport. We also have the support involved: I am a member of a team supporting the GB of Eurotunnel, whose deputy chief executive has met us freight route. I have no pecuniary interest; I am committed on a number of occasions. He is a good friend. There is to the scheme because I believe in it passionately. If we a huge amount of capacity in the channel tunnel, which are to make progress, we have to have this scheme. It is a is, of course, very under-utilised. There will never be first-class scheme that would solve so many of the enough passengers to fill its capacity, so that capacity problems that new rail capacity exhibits. must be filled by freight. Hundreds of trains can go The GB freight route would overwhelmingly use old through the channel tunnel every week, and scores can track bed and under-utilised existing track. The line go through it each day. They can run quite quickly one would go from the channel tunnel all the way to Glasgow, behind the other, provided that there is nothing on the serving the west midlands, east midlands, south midlands, track to restrict them. south Yorkshire, south Lancashire, the north-east and We have met rail constructors who have boasted that Scotland. It needs only 14 miles of new track, nine miles they can build the line more cheaply than even we have of which would be in tunnels under the Thames and suggested, although our figure is very low. Our figure elsewhere, so it would not cause any serious planning for the whole scheme, which is based on the out-turn difficulties. No houses would need to be knocked down figures for the cost of HS1, is £6 billion. Just £6 billion and there would be no environmental degradation. It for a massive addition to the rail network! That is about would not cause any problems. I think there is one pig a third of what we are spending on Crossrail. The farm on the whole route, but I would hope that we reason it is so cheap is that we have no planning could deal with one pig farm. Generous compensation problems. We are using under-utilised old track routes to pig farmers is the way forward. and unused track bed. The route is very precise, having been worked out by Moreover, there will be no conflict with HS2, if it dedicated British Rail-trained engineers with long goes ahead. Whatever we think of HS2—and I happen experience. Also on our team is Ken Russell, a major to think that the money would be better spent on a road haulier from Scotland. He now runs the Barking number of other railway schemes—the fact remains freight terminal, which takes lorries on trains from the that there will be no conflict. There is a six-mile stretch continent of Europe through the channel tunnel and in the midlands where the two lines would have to run along HS1 as far as Barking, where the lorries are lifted side by side, but providing four tracks rather than two off. They cannot go any further, because the track for those six miles would not be a problem. I shall say cannot take lorries on trains. Continental hauliers and no more about HS2, because I do not want to open up logistics companies who have said “We want you to go that great can of worms at this particular moment. past Barking” have been told “We cannot go past We have political support from all sorts of interesting Barking, because the track cannot accommodate lorries people. One of those who are actively supporting us is on trains.” We need to do something about that. my noble Friend Lord Prescott. We are currently looking As I have said, the scheme is very detailed, and has into the possibility of a link between Merseyside and been designed very precisely. Every mile of the track has Humberside, so that there can be roll-on/roll-off traffic been examined carefully by engineers, and we know from Ireland to Merseyside and across the Pennines to exactly what we are doing. I have travelled along most Humberside—and from there to the continent of Europe of the track and seen it for myself. There are no planning if necessary. Of course, certain conditions would have problems, there will be no environmental degradation, to be met. We must think about how we can engineer and there are no houses on the route. We have already the track from Sheffield. Our terminal there would be at demonstrated that it works. Trains have come from Tinsley, which is a big rail freight depot that will be well Antwerp and Poland with lorries on them, and the known to those who are familiar with the area, and lorries have been lifted off by Ken Russell’s firm, Russell which has plenty of capacity. Transport, at Barking. The terminal is owned by Axa, The scheme has some crucial elements of which the but is operated by Russell Transport. I must emphasise Government will have to be aware if we can get them again that I have no pecuniary interest in the scheme, behind it. The only hold-up so far has been caused by and never will have; I just believe in it. the Department for Transport. Everyone else seems to Even now, freight trains are running from Poland to be in favour of the scheme; even the Mayor of London China. Once we have crossed the channel, not just has given us the nod. The problem has constantly been Europe but the whole of Asia is open to us, and with the Department for Transport, although not with 475 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 476

Transport Ministers, some of whom have been very course coming along the M4 and on to our scheme at supportive. Not only a previous Labour Minister but the north-west London terminal would not be difficult. Ministers in the present Government are privately We do propose, however, a link from Birmingham down sympathetic to the scheme. One has visited the track to the south-west and a terminal in the south-west in a with our engineers. Given that the scheme is so obviously later part of the scheme. what, in modern parlance, is described as a no-brainer, I I have outlined, and made the case for, the scheme. I do not understand why the Department does not jump want the Government to take it seriously and I hope at the idea. very much that they will be persuaded, perhaps after I We estimate that the scheme could take 5 million have made the case on a few more occasions. lorry journeys off the road each year, It would take all the north-south freight traffic on the west coast, east coast and midlands main lines, and free up those lines 2.20 pm for passenger traffic. The idea that passengers should be Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): I taken off the north-south lines and on to HS2 in order want to discuss a subject that strangely we often shrink to free them up for freight is constantly being thrown at from discussing in any depth: the housing shortage in us, but the problem is that the trains cannot transport this country, its consequences, its causes and its cures. lorries. Until that can be done, there will be no serious Reflecting over the years on both the social and the modal shift. I suspect that in future we will travel by economic problems of this country, it strikes me that train more and more as global warming takes hold and almost all the social problems and many of the economic it becomes more and more difficult to travel by road. ones are either caused by or aggravated by a shortage of Railways are indeed the transport mode of the future. housing. This is true not just of homelessness, overcrowding The west coast, east coast and midlands main lines and the huge housing benefits bill—the fastest rising should be used to the maximum for passenger traffic, benefit bill and one of the largest components of the and the freight should be shifted to our dedicated—or Department for Work and Pensions budget; it is also freight-priority—line. true of the benefit trap and the resultant disincentive to I know that the Deputy Leader of the House, who is work, in that so many people have housing benefit even present, has experience of transport matters. He may be if they are in work and consequently suffer a loss of aware of the Barking-Gospel Oak line in London, benefit when their earnings go up, and of family which is currently being used for very limited passenger breakdowns, single parenthood, declining home ownership, traffic. There is talk of upgrading it and making it a bit and the inability of young people to leave home. All more useful, and that will be part of the scheme. Getting these problems are aggravated by the housing shortage. through London is the difficult part. An upgrade of Now the average age of first-time buyers in London is that line so that it can link Barking with north-west the late-30s, which is dramatically different from a London is crucial. I hope that when the Government generation ago. proceed with the upgrade that they have promised, that There are also economic problems: the level of debt, upgrade will include enabling the line to take lorries and the diversion of lending from business to mortgages, not just full-sized but double-stack full-sized containers. and the mortgages cycle. They, too, are all aggravated We are talking big stuff here. by this housing shortage. That is the first of two vital components. The second The causes of our having the highest prices and the is the four-mile Woodhead tunnel, which goes through highest rents in Europe and ever-longer waiting lists are the Pennines and has not been used for decades. My simple enough: the number of households is outstripping hon. Friend the Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge the pitiful level of new house building. There are two (Angela Smith) knows it very well, because it is in her main factors accounting for that. First, there are smaller constituency. It is a beautiful tunnel, which was built on households. Over the years, the average size of households a very large scale. A single track down the centre would decreases by roughly 0.5% as people live longer; often be required to provide sufficient height, but that would there is one of a couple living in the home; or the not be a problem for a four-mile section of track. If we children might have left home so there are just the are to enable traffic to go from Merseyside across the parents living in the home. The average size of households Pennines and further north to Scotland, we will need is declining, therefore, and, sadly, family breakdown the Woodhead tunnel. There has been talk of its being adds to that trend. We would have to build a 0.5% handed to the electricity grid so that cables can be put addition to our housing stock every year just to cope through it. I do not know whether that is happening yet, with that factor, and we are barely doing that. but it would be an utter waste. If it has not yet happened, I suggest that the old parallel tunnels next door to the The other factor we are strangely reluctant to discuss Woodhead tunnel should be repaired, and the cables is the fact that we are now a country of mass immigration. should be put through those. The repairs would require Since Labour took the brakes off immigration in the a small amount of money. Even if the cables have late ’90s, between 2 million and 3 million additional already been put through the Woodhead tunnel, I think people have come to this country. For centuries this that they should be relocated to the smaller tunnels, so country was a net exporter of people. Rather bizarrely, that the big tunnel can be freed up for the line. now that we are one of the most densely populated My right hon. Friend Lord Prescott is very keen on countries in Europe, we are a net importer. the cross-Pennine route, taking traffic off the M62, and I find it strange that many people argue that immigrant this would be the way forward. Having Humberside and numbers are not the problem so long as we have the Merseyside linked for Irish traffic in particular would right sort of immigrants. They say that so long as we be a tremendous addition. Every major economic region exclude scroungers and the unskilled and so on, numbers of the country would have a terminal nearby, even the do not matter. The situation is almost the reverse, south-west, although that would be the last, and of however, because the sort of people we have had are 477 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 478

[Mr Peter Lilley] If there are 2 million or 3 million more people here, we have to build a corresponding number of additional overwhelmingly decent, hard-working, law-abiding people homes, because those people by and large are of child- who come here to make better lives for themselves. The bearing age, they will want to form households and we idea that they are qualitatively wrong is nonsense, insulting have to accommodate that. We also have to avoid the and racist. It is numbers that matter. It is numbers that excuses that are often given for not building homes, have contributed and added to, and aggravated greatly, not least in my constituency. I have a Hertfordshire the housing shortage in this country. Very few people constituency, and Hertfordshire is the most densely come to this country to claim benefits, although that is populated county outside central London. None the the focus in the discussions we have in this country, but less, we have to build more homes there and avoid the all of them need homes, and all of them are going to excuses for not doing so. occupy homes that otherwise would be available for the The first excuse for opposing any proposal that gets people already here. planning permission is, “They’re the wrong type of I wrote a pamphlet back in the early part of this houses.” In Hitchin people say, “They’re too small. millennium entitled “Too Much of a Good Thing?” I There are too many flats, and we don’t want to build hope that title makes clear my view of immigration: any more flats. Any new proposal must be stopped immigrants are basically decent, nice people—fellow because it is for small homes or flats.” Elsewhere they human beings, children of the same God, people we say, “They’re too big. We don’t want those. If we have should love as our neighbours when they live next to us. got a housing shortage, we should be building the small But we are foolish to invite too many people into this homes for first-time buyers and flats.” We must avoid country. I was caused to publish that pamphlet by seeking refuge in excuses. We probably need more of all looking at the housing shortage and the reason for the kinds of property, including flats, small starter homes rising demand for house building in this country, and I and larger family homes. was immediately labelled a racist and an attempt was The second excuse that people use in Hertfordshire is made to shut off the debate. I hope we can stop doing that immigrants do not come to our area. By and large, that, because we will never solve the problem if we do that is true: the vast majority go to central London or to not understand its cause. areas with an existing large immigrant population, including Luton. I see my distinguished neighbour, the hon. Member Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): I agree for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins), nodding in agreement. absolutely with the right hon. Gentleman that this Immigrants tend not to come to Hertfordshire, but the subject is important, and it is the subject I am going to people who would have lived in the homes in central speak about, but I disagree with everything he is saying London that are now occupied by people from abroad—or about it. There are 50,000 new homes being built in my kept empty by people from abroad, as the hon. Member constituency—a small, densely populated constituency— for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter) says—do move out over the next 20 years. The majority of them will be sold to the home counties. We cannot pretend that that does off-plan to overseas investors, not to immigrants to the not happen. We cannot just shut the gates and pull up UK—not to people who now have British citizenship or the drawbridge and pretend that we are not going to are acquiring it. They will be sold in that way for a accommodate them. We have to accommodate more profit because mainly Conservative councils do deals people. with developers to sell them in that way. That is the root of the housing crisis, in London at least. The third excuse that people use is that we cannot build new homes because there is no infrastructure to Mr Lilley: The hon. Gentleman is simply factually support them, and if we build, it will just create a wrong. It contributes to the housing problem, but to a demand for such infrastructure. However, it is not houses small degree. I advise him to read an article in City that create that demand for more schools, hospitals, A.M. last week which got the figures for the number of roads and water; it is people, and the people are already such new unoccupied houses in London, and it is very here. It is people, not houses, who consume water and small. It contributes to the problem, and if it is bigger who need hospitals and schools. The people are here, than I think, I entirely agree with him that we ought to and we need to provide the infrastructure and the tackle it , but to suggest that it has anything like the homes for them. We cannot pretend that the lack of one impact of allowing 2 million or 3 million extra people, is an excuse for not providing the other. and every year an extra 200,000 or quarter of a million, The housing shortage creates problems for people into this country is simply to try to divert people’s like me who represent densely populated constituencies attention from the self-evident realities. Let us deal with whose distinctive feature is the green belt. When I was all the problems, including the problem the hon. Gentleman first elected, I made the defence of the green belt a identifies, but we should not try to pretend that there feature of my maiden speech. I pointed out that the one would not be a problem if that issue were to go away. thing that united the diverse settlements in my constituency The only answer in the long run is to build more was the desire to remain separated from each other by homes. We cannot pretend that we can solve the housing strips of green belt. They should indeed remain separated shortage by manipulating house prices or house rents or in that way: the green belt is a vital and valuable part of mortgage interest rates. Whatever the price of a bottle, our planning law, and we should attach enormous we cannot get a quart into a pint pot. If we have more importance to keeping it. However, that means that we people here, we have to build more homes here. I am not must build elsewhere, on brownfield sites or using infill suggesting that we undo history. The history means development, unpopular though that often is. there are more people here, and we have got to build New towns will also have to be built, not too far from more homes if we are to overcome the social and London. We cannot pretend that this can all be done economic problems that result from a housing shortage. in the north of England. We cannot tell people to go 479 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 480 and live in the north, or give them incentives to do so. That leaves people reliant on their cars, and the There are already enormous incentives to move out of increases in fuel prices have hit these isolated areas London and the home counties to the north. Anyone hard. We are rightly urging people to get into work, and who sells their house in Harpenden can buy an equivalent trying to encourage mothers to work even part time, but property in the north of England for a fraction of the for anyone who lives in one of my rural areas and works price and live off the investment income from the rest in Belfast, the two-hour round trip costs £10 a day. That of the money. There are therefore already enormous is £50 week or £250 a month, which is a huge chunk out incentives, but if people still have a desire to live in of any wage packet. If the two earners in a household London and the home counties, that reflects the reality are on completely different work schedules, that might of economic and other forces that have to be taken into necessitate two cars, which will double the cost. account. I will in no way minimise the fact that the fuel We must do everything we can to stimulate and companies are taking advantage of the situation and promote growth in other regions, but let us not pretend making jaw-dropping profits, but we in this House also that we can avoid the need to build homes in and have a case to answer. I have been outspoken, as have around London. We must do that, and we must avoid others—including, notably, the hon. Member for Harlow the excuses that have been used to prevent us from (Robert Halfon)—about the rate of UK fuel excise doing it. We must defend the green belt, but we must duty, which results in 58p a litre being added in tax. I not be so hypocritical and bigoted as to pretend that we give credit to the Government, however, because they can have no housing at all elsewhere. I hope that enough have taken significant steps to address the cost of fuel of us will have the courage to say that, so that we can at through the abolition of the fuel duty escalator; we least double the rate of house building in this country, welcome what they have done in that regard over the as we must do if we are to tackle the underlying economic past four years. and social problems. If we do not do that, we will The high cost of fuel further isolates those in rural continue to suffer indefinitely. communities, as rural residents travel more often, and cover greater distances, by car than those in urban 2.33 pm areas. Taking children to the boys brigade or the girls brigade, to sports or to after-school clubs is now a Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I should like to costly venture. If a local church is putting on a play, start by thanking you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and the there will perhaps be a practice on Wednesday, Saturday hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter), for and Sunday. That is three days and six journeys, in agreeing to allow me to speak now, ahead of the hon. addition to taking the children to the Campaigners on a Gentleman. Tuesday night. This is another example of the costs I should like to use this opportunity to draw attention multiplying for people who live in rural communities. to social isolation in rural constituencies, which is an For many families, the cost of those journeys is too issue that is close to my heart. As I often have said in much, so their children do not get to dress up as a this House, I represent the most beautiful constituency shepherd or an angel. The isolation is clear. in the United Kingdom. Strangford is made up of many The RAC has identified transport as the single biggest rural and some isolated areas. I am well aware of the area of household expenditure bar none, even housing, beauties of living in the country, but I am also aware of food and power. If people were having to deal only with the drawbacks, one of which is isolation. For most rising pump prices, that would be one thing, but they people, it is no problem to run to the local corner shop are also experiencing soaring insurance costs. Northern or the nearest garage when the milk runs out sooner Ireland has the highest insurance costs in the whole of than expected, but this is not the case for an elderly the United Kingdom. Many TV adverts offer insurance person who lives in the countryside, where there is no at premium rates, but the small print at the bottom of such thing as the corner shop. the screen often says. “Not available in Northern Ireland”. My rural constituents are reliant on cars to run even People are also experiencing hikes in parking charges, the smallest errand. I can hear those with green hearts and train fares are increasing well above the rate of crying, “Use public transport” or “Get on your bike”, inflation, so every extra penny spent on the forecourts but that is not as easy as it might be for those living in makes a real difference. London. It is much more difficult for those of us who Unsurprisingly, it is those on the lowest incomes who live in rural communities. The only public transport are hit the hardest. They spend more on running a car available in my constituency is the bus, as there are no as a proportion of their income than any other section rail lines, but with the way things are in our economy, of society. There is a high degree of car dependence in the bus routes are designed to maximise the number of the rural communities that I represent. About 80% of people on board. That is a fact of life—it is simple the population live in a car-owning household, and over economics—but it does not always work for those who the past 50 years, car ownership among the poorest fifth have to wait half a day to get to their local village or to of households has increased from 5% to 51%. The the bigger towns. dependence on cars is critical. Those figures show how More and more people are cycling, but the roads that the economy has had an impact throughout the United are not main thoroughfares are not fit for bikes, even Kingdom, and that is magnified in rural areas. And for those who are fit to cycle. Steps have been taken in with less funding for community groups, services such my constituency and elsewhere to provide more as community transport are having difficulty putting on opportunities for those who wish to cycle, including the special taxis and buses for those who are disabled cycle lanes and portions of the road being set aside for and live in the countryside. That is yet another blow for cyclists. I welcome the fact that there are some good those who cannot get out of the house and who exist in things happening in my constituency, but they are not a contactless world. For elderly people, this is a critical happening everywhere. issue. 481 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 482

[Jim Shannon] that is associated with a shopping centre in Stanmore and is a district centre. The site has been sold to Notting How can we make a difference to the lives of those Hill Housing Trust and last night a planning application who live in our rural communities—the children who was approved not only for a Marks & Spencer superstore, cannot get to after-school activities and clubs, the stay- which will be welcomed locally, operating as a supermarket at-home mums who have no car and no opportunity to and providing competition to other supermarkets in the meet other mums and have some adult company, the area, but for the development of 120 flats—tightly people who are ill or disabled and cannot drive and who arranged, densely configured and not particularly, in no longer have an affordable taxi service, and the elderly my judgment, well designed—that will lead to a dramatic who oft-times end up all but imprisoned in their own increase in traffic and degrade the quality of life for homes? What difference can we make? Again, a reduction residents around the area. in fuel duty would be a start, and although I accept and Residents were almost united in the view that the understand that the Government have taken significant Marks & Spencer supermarket was welcome, and that steps, I believe that those who live in the countryside some housing was welcome as well. We need housing, as need a special reduction—or a pilot scheme of some my right hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin and sort—to enable the rural community that I represent, Harpenden (Mr Lilley) said. The problem is that the with the highest prices in the whole United Kingdom, consultants estimate that the whole development, including to address that issue. A reduction in fuel duty would be 120 flats—likely to involve two cars per household—and a start, but more needs to be done. I am anxious to hear a Marks & Spencer supermarket, which will have footfall what steps or action the Government plan for the seven days a week, will generate only about 69 extra car isolated in our rural communities. parking visits a day. Madam Deputy Speaker, may I wish you, your family, From 8.30 to 10.30 in the morning, and from 3 o’clock right hon. and hon. Members who are here and who in the afternoon to about 7 o’clock in the evening, the have participated, and their staff, all the very best for a site is gridlocked, so it is incredible to believe that it will happy Easter? I hope the weather is good and you have not impinge on the quality of life for all concerned. a very relaxed time. Regrettably, Harrow council’s planning committee did not see the good sense of all the various local groups 2.40 pm objecting to the overdevelopment of this site, and allowed it to pass. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): It is a pleasure and an honour to follow the hon. Member for Strangford I move on to the issue of Barnet football club and the (Jim Shannon), who took us on a tour of his constituency. Hive. Madam Deputy Speaker, you might say, “What is Barnet football club doing in Harrow?” I am a great The key point behind these debates is the opportunity football fan, as many will know, and a fan of great to raise a range of issues that might apply not only to football as well. Barnet football club was kicked out of Members’ constituencies, but to things of international Barnet and its Underhill stadium, because of disagreements and national importance. I shall raise some issues related with the local council and a large number of residents. to my constituency that are creating great turmoil. As The club sought a contract with Harrow council many we approach the most holy week of the Christian years ago to develop the Hive as a centre for the calendar, it is appropriate that we consider some of the development of youth football, women’s football and things that are happening in my local area. other associated activities, but not for first team matches. First, there is the good news. My constituency already Of course, this did not stop the club. First, it applied plays host to the first state-sponsored Hindu primary for planning permission to complete the stadium on the school in the country, which has operated very successfully Hive, and this meant it got planning permission for a for a number of years. I was pleased to be present at the new stand, for floodlights and to complete the stadium laying of its foundation stone and have supported the that had been half-built in the interim. But it then school since its inception. So this week we had the really decided to ignore the planning permission that had good news that the country’s first state-sponsored Hindu been given, build a stand that is twice as high as the secondary school will be sited in my constituency, on original permission allowed and put floodlights in that the Whitchurch playing fields. I trust that that decision are three times the height of those that were permitted. will be endorsed tonight at Harrow council’s cabinet I wonder sometimes whether Barnet football club has meeting and we can look forward to the redevelopment a solution to the so-called energy crisis in this country, of the site in keeping with what is required. It will be the because those floodlights are on all winter, until all biggest free school in the country and one where parents hours of the day and night—often until 11.30 pm or of Hindu faith will be able to make a choice about their midnight—and they light up everyone’s homes throughout children’s secondary education. That is something we the area so that people do not need to turn on their should endorse across the House. lights. In fact, if they did, they would not see the I also note, I have to say, that the people who formed difference, because the floodlights illuminate their bedrooms, the rather oily, shady Whitchurch consortium, which front rooms, dining rooms and kitchens. All local residents was going to take over those playing fields, turn them complain—quite rightly—that the lights have been operated over to private use and exclude the public from using in an outrageous way. them, will be shown the door. No one locally will Barnet football club did not stop there, though. It mourn their passing. That is the good and positive news then decided to use the stadium for its first team matches, that we can look forward to. despite the fact its contract with the council does not Secondly, there is the bad news. We have a site in my permit the playing of first team matches there until constituency called Anmer Lodge, which was closed 2015, thinking “Well, what’s a couple of years between many years ago. It belongs to Harrow council; it is a people? Let’s just ignore it, because after all we can just landlocked site in Stanmore and it borders a car park carry on and the council will roll over.” 483 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 484

Not content with that, the club then introduced London figures stack up, as I understand it, and there is a Broncos to the site, so at the Hive we now have the dispute involving the NHS TDA—the appropriately impact of unrestricted car parking all over residential named Trust Development Authority—on agreeing the streets for Barnet football club first team matches; and numbers and confirming the funding and financing. London Broncos, the rugby league club, who are not That is despite the fact that one of the first acts of this doing particularly well in the Super League, who are Government, when we reviewed the capital allocations also impinging on residents every week. Basically,throughout made by the previous Government, was to confirm the the whole year, the area around the Hive is a nightmare funding available for the rebuilding of this hospital on for local residents. The council has failed to implement the existing site. The NHS people who are looking at any controls on parking, so people can park on residential this—I am talking about officials, not Ministers—are streets wherever they like, whenever they like, and nothing doing a really bad job, holding up the redevelopment of is done about it. It is a real and serious problem. this site. Planning permission was granted for the master At the same time Barnet football club has ignored all plan a year ago, yet we have not made progress with the the rules. The planning application it submitted was site. I trust however that with the plan the board has rejected, yet it just carried on regardless. To me, Tony laid out, we will see the start of development this Kleanthous and his ilk at Barnet football club deserve summer of part of the work. I believe there is one last to return to Barnet as fast as possible—I wish them well figure to be agreed, of some £20 million, which is in in that—and to get out of Harrow. dispute between NHS London and the board, but I The other two issues I want to raise briefly relate to trust that over the next few days, having entered a new the Royal National Orthopaedic hospital and to Stanmore financial year, that will be signed off and approved. I station. The Royal National Orthopaedic hospital in regularly apply for Adjournment debates on this subject my constituency has been around for about 100 years. and will continue to do so until we get either the money Over the past 30 years it has developed as a national or an Adjournment debate. I hope we get the money and international centre of excellence in the treatment first and then we can have an Adjournment debate of and recovery from orthopaedic elective surgery. It is celebrating the fact. a brilliant hospital. The surgeons and medical staff do Finally, I wish to raise the issue of Stanmore station. brilliant work, and recent clients have included Princess The Royal National Orthopaedic hospital is a centre of Eugenie, who required an operation at a very young age international excellence, and the nearest station to it is to correct a spinal problem, and the noble Lord Tebbit’s Stanmore. The good news is that life expectancy increases wife, who spent almost a year in the hospital, recovering by a year with every stop travelled along the Jubilee line after the Brighton bombing. from east to west. Stanmore is at the extreme end of the It is a wonderful hospital, but it exists in Nissen huts Jubilee line, which means that life expectancy there is that were built during the second world war. It has one the greatest of anywhere in London. The bad news is of the best records of any hospital in the country, and that Stanmore has an increasingly elderly population. certainly of any in London, on methicillin-resistant Our hospital treats disabled people, but our station has Staphylococcus aureus—it has not had a case of MRSA no disabled access. So disabled people, be they wheelchair for five years. One reason for that is that the hospital is users or people with other disabilities, are unable to exposed to the elements; it has no such thing as the come to the hospital by public transport—that is nonsense closeted central heating that exists in modern hospitals—far in this day and age. I have been involved in a campaign from it. for more than 10 years to get a lift installed at Stanmore We have had a plan for the redevelopment of the station. The villain of the piece is the former Mayor of hospital for many years. The previous Government, on London, who took the lift out of the budget when the three separate occasions, promised the redevelopment station was being redeveloped. That redevelopment has of the hospital but failed to deliver. Prior to the election, been completed, so getting a lift into the station is I took the then shadow Health Secretary, my right difficult now. However, I trust that when the enlightened hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire decisions are taken on rebuilding the hospital on the (Mr Lansley), to the site and he stated categorically, “If current site, we will get some enlightened decisions on we are elected to government, we will see the rebuilding getting a lift into the station, so that wheelchair users of this hospital on the existing site during the duration and other elderly people will be able to get from the of the Government.” There is one year to go and, as yet, platforms to the street without having to climb the not a spade has been laid in the ground. However, we do equivalent of Mount Eiger in steps on the way up. have a comprehensive plan: for 300 homes to be put on I will end my speech there, Madam Deputy Speaker, the site—once again, this is much-needed housing—having but first may I wish you, and all staff and all Members freed up some of the land; for a private hospital to go of the House, a very happy Easter break? We look alongside the national health hospital as a centre of forward to the opportunity to be out on the streets expertise and excellence; for not only the Aspire centre, talking to residents about the issues that matter to our which helps people recovering from orthopaedics and is constituents. Given that the Indian elections have started already there in a modern facility, but a nursing home, today, we should send out a strong message from this which will look after many people who need to be House wishing the biggest democracy in the world resident at the site; and, crucially, for the rebuilding of every success in having peaceful elections, and I hope the national health service hospital. that Shri Narendra Modi will be elected as the next Trying to grapple with the intricacies of NHS funding Prime Minister of India. and decision making has been a real eye-opener for me. The number of business cases that hospital trusts and 2.56 pm boards have to go through to get proper funding is Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): I want to incredible. We have now reached the stage where NHS talk about housing and planning policy in my constituency, London has the business plan from the board, all the which is having a detrimental effect on the quality of 485 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 486

[Mr Andy Slaughter] others of all parties and of none who genuinely represent the views of the 2 million people in west London, the life of tens of thousands of my constituents in the short overwhelming majority of whom do not want Heathrow term and on the physical and social integrity of the area expanded. in the longer term. Given the nature of this debate, I I share the frustration of Howard Davies over the will take a Pearl & Dean moment and give three tasters political fix that both coalition parties go along with. I of other issues that will occupy my time and that of my am talking about the fact that the decision on airport constituents between now and the general election, and capacity in the south-east has been kicked into touch probably long beyond that. until after the election. I think Mr Davies is a constituent, The first is truly a life and death matter: the inaptly and his report so far is good as it explodes the myth of named “Shaping a healthier future” programme of NHS the need for a hub airport and raises the prospect of a North West London, which is overseeing, in effect, the second runway at Gatwick, which is, on every criteria, a closure of two major hospitals and four accident and better option. I hope we can have a little more honesty emergency departments in north-west London. An article and transparency in this debate, and that we can force a in last night’s London Evening Standard by its health decision before the next election. editor, Ross Lydall, summed up the futility, incompetence The third issue is police crime statistics, which we and callousness of the way in which this largest ever have already touched on in our discussion on the report hospital closure programme is being carried out. It was from the Public Administration Select Committee. The based on research by the London assembly Labour end of neighbourhood policing, which is what we are group, which revealed that 200,000 people in London seeing in London and around the country, is a huge step last year went beyond the four-hour limit in A and E. back, and does nothing to ensure public confidence in The article stated: the police force. On the misuse of statistics, I gave the “Imperial NHS trust, which runs St Mary’s in Paddington, example earlier of a propaganda exercise, which in Charing Cross and Hammersmith, missed the target on 50 weeks. fairness to the police was carried out by the local North West London hospitals trust…missed the target on 51 weeks.” authority on their behalf, that pretended that extra Those two miscreants run three of the four closing A resources were going into policing. In fact, the official and E departments. statistics, if we can believe them, say that there has been This process has been a stitch-up from the beginning: a cut of 158 officers—police community support officers it has had fixed consultations; it has been subject to the and police officers—in Hammersmith since the last most appalling propaganda by Hammersmith and Fulham election. I raised that matter with the police and crime council which simply tells lies, saying that hospital commissioner. departments are going to stay open when in fact they I raised another matter with the commissioner which are closing; and the trust has now put back the final will affect Members across London. He was perfectly decisions on the closures, which should have been taken clear that it was not in his gift to do anything about this, as long ago as last October, to the week after the local as it was a political decision by the current deputy elections—that does not fill me with anything other Mayor to sell off police houses across London. Most than dread. police accommodation is effectively social housing. Many I am glad that the arguments over the central issue tenants are current or former police staff. Many are are being made in the local elections on 22 May. It is not families who have lived in that accommodation for 15, because people are Luddites that they oppose new 20 or 25 years. They do not have security of tenure, so developments and specialisms within the NHS; that has families are being evicted on a daily basis. I have 40 homes being going on for years in the area. It is because these in my constituency at Broadmead. Families who thought are crass and life-threatening proposals. What really that they had a home for life are being thrown out on to sealed the issue for me was a garbled letter that I the streets or the tender mercies of the local authority. received from the NHS this week. It said that it was That brings me neatly on to the issue of housing going to find, from the various clinical commissioning proper. I am only able to talk about that thanks to two groups, about £100 million in this financial year to sources. One is what I call, pace Sherlock Holmes, the provide the community services that it said it would Uxbridge road irregulars. I am talking about the hundreds have provided before the closures went ahead. It then of my constituents who write to me every month about added for good measure that it also wants to share out housing issues and tell me about things such as the £35 million between the CCGs, which means that my 300% rise in complaints about council housing repairs CCG will have to give money to those CCGs that are in or identify the hundreds of empty council flats that are deficit. That is a shambolic way in which to run the being sold off on the open market by the local authority. health service. I also want to thank Martin Peach, one of my constituents The subject of dodgy consultations links me to my who happens to be a housing expert. He has written a second subject, which is Heathrow’s expansion. People report on the issue, which reveals the depth and cynicism in west London have received a consultation document of the housing policy in Hammersmith. I have had to called “Black Heathrow” from a front organisation for rely on those sources because, unlawfully, the local Heathrow. It is completely unintelligible, talking at one authority refuses not only to give me the information stage about the closure of Heathrow, which no one voluntarily but to answer freedom of information requests. wants, and then trying to advocate a third or additional Over a two-month period, before and after Christmas, runways on the site. I am pleased to say that there is a I submitted nine such requests. I do not think that is genuine cross-party organisation on this subject, which particularly excessive, and I usually put in a lot more, to includes the right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South be honest. Ruislip (Sir John Randall), the hon. Member for Richmond As the local elections are approaching and the authority Park (Zac Goldsmith), my hon. Friend the Member for is so ashamed of what it is doing, it aggregated those Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell), me and many freedom of information requests because most of them 487 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 488 had the word “housing” in them. Some were about how with one child or more outside the borough, and a many properties were sold, some were about rent arrears further 121 households with no children but to whom and one was about the Christmas card sent at great the council owned a homelessness duty were placed in expense to all tenants that said, “Please don’t get drunk accommodation outside the borough. Of all the households this Christmas, pay your rent instead,” which I thought that were housed temporarily, 329 were placed in bed- was an excellent use of public money, but because they and-breakfast accommodation, often for longer than all contain the word “housing” they were aggregated the law permits. A further 22 households were housed and I was told that under the Freedom of Information outside London altogether, at a further cost of £79,000. Act it was too expensive to answer those questions. All told, 600 households were housed outside the local Clearly, I will go to the Information Commissioner and area and 12 hostels were sold off. clearly I will get a decision in my favour, as I am sure How many people are in housing need in the borough? that that is an unlawful step, but that will probably take I said more than 10,000, which was the number on the me six months and the aim will have been achieved. housing waiting list this time last year, but then the That is another example of how the Freedom of housing waiting list was effectively abolished and now Information Act is misused by local authorities. However, the council will tell you that the figure is only 700. as I say, we have other sources to help us find out what However, the waiting time for properties was between is going on. two and seven years depending on the size of the Let me briefly summarise what is going on. The property. How selling off or demolishing hundreds of policy in Hammersmith is to build no new social rented homes helps, I do not know. accommodation, in a borough where the average house What reasons are given for this? First, that there is price is, at a conservative estimate, £675,000, although too much social housing, but there is 31% social housing some estimates say that it is £750,000, and where rent in Hammersmith and Fulham, which is below the inner for a two-bedroom flat is £400 to £500 a week. At least London average. Secondly, that there is no need for 10,000 families are in housing need. The local authority’s social housing; we need a property-owning democracy. response is not simply to say that it will not build a The net effect between this census and the one before is single additional social rented home, but to decide that that the amount of owner-occupation in the borough it will reduce the existing stock. In 2011 it decided that fell from 43% to 35.6%, the second highest fall in the any property that required repairs costing more than country. That is a very successful policy. £15,000 could be sold on the open market. At the end of On planning, the target is 40% affordable housing in 2013, 262 properties had been sold, generating £112 million any scheme. What is achieved, on average, is 16%, and in revenue. none of that is social rented housing. Most of it will be At the time, the local authority was warned—again, for a discount market sale or some form of shared this takes us into the realms of illegality—by the director ownership, with a likely income needed of £50,000, of legal services that it should not sell off scarce properties, about £37,000 net. That is not affordable housing in my when in fact it had sold off 72 ground-floor flats and definition, yet the definition of affordable housing has 31 whole houses, that it should not sell off properties if been extended so that it now applies to households there was a pressing housing need, which of course earning £80,000 a year. there is, and that it should have regard to the effect on Who are the 50,000 homes in Hammersmith being persons protected by the Equality Act 2010. The people built for? As I said in an intervention on the right hon. who are disadvantaged—those who are most in need—tend Member for Hitchin and Harpenden (Mr Lilley), that is to be from minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities the target number. The answer is in a letter that comes and other groups who are protected by that Act. The through my letterbox in an ordinary street in Shepherd’s director of legal services also said that sales should not Bush every day, from estate agents who say that they be tainted by considerations of electoral advantage. have demand from overseas investors. They say they I will let that one hang in the air. have 3,000 purchasers looking to buy in our area, many Selling off perfectly good, sound council flats that of whom have 100% cash funds. could be rented to homeless families is step one, and I shall give one example of a riverside development step two is a joint venture with a private developer that next to an ordinary terraced street in Hammersmith. It will ensure that initially 150, and over time perhaps is a modern, contemporary development of one, two several thousand, blocks or estates of council property and three-bed luxurious apartments in a tranquil riverside will be emptied out, not replaced, and then developed location, priced between £600,000 and £1.7 million. The into what one of my constituents poetically called “zombie agents details say this: homes for absentee oligarchs”. That is obviously a “Also exclusive to the services residents will sport complex, waste of public funds. Most of those properties have which includes a swimming pool, sauna, spa room, gym, massage been newly refurbished under the decent homes programme, room, virtual golf, movie theatre for residents, a wine room and a but they will either be sold off by auction or demolished. room for meetings…The complex is in walking dostants…and the Royal Borough of Kensington Park…is another Stronie away Housing those families who would have gone into those through the area Fulham—is one of the larges parks in London— properties and who will now be in the private rented Richmond Park.” sector will cost a great deal in housing benefit, and that I apologise for the English, but, of course, that was does not deal at all with the social cost. translated from the Russian by Google translator, because In the period from 1 January 2010 to 20 November almost all the developments in my constituency are 2013, 2,505 homeless households approached the council marketed either through The Straits Times or through for help. As of 20 February 2013, 138 people were websites in the middle east or Russia. That is who a sleeping rough on the streets of the borough. The local authority in London thinks it is appropriate to council’s emergency housing costs rose from £387,000 build for when we have tens of thousands of local in 2009 to £1.7 million in 2012. It placed 463 households people of—I say this to the right hon. Gentleman— 489 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 490

[Mr Andy Slaughter] missing link in phase 2 of the Department for Transport’s route-based strategy for further development. I hope whatever ethnic origin, whether they are indigenous, that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Leader of the first, second or third generation into the UK, who need House is taking careful note of the importance of the homes. We have a successful and vibrant mixed community case that has been made to the Department. We need in Hammersmith, which suffers only because of the his support not just for the proposal itself but to encourage direct policies pursued by this Government, this Mayor his colleague, my hon. Friend the Member for Cheltenham and the local authority in my area. (Martin Horwood), to get behind this plan wholeheartedly and join his five coalition colleagues in Gloucestershire— 3.12 pm and many other MPs, from Stafford at the top of the Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): It is a pleasure M5 to the outskirts of London at the beginning of the to speak in this debate. My right hon. Friend the Member M4—to ensure that visitors can get to the Cheltenham for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Sir John Randall) literature festival in his constituency, and Cheltenham introduced his speech by saying that the recess debate races on the edge of it, in time to listen to great talks was one of the highlights of the year. He proceeded to and see great races. We all need to back a plan that will make it so with a bucolic description of blinking at an turn the missing link into a rediscovered link and enable orange butterfly on the edge of the A40, which itself millions of people every year to experience a stress-free was gently sipping on flowers. Not everyone here will discovery of the joys of Gloucestershire. know that my right hon. Friend’s Twitter address is After resolving how to get to Gloucester, either by “@uxbridgewalrus”, which irresistibly drew me to one road or by train—my favoured route, which is about to of the great parliamentary speeches of all times, by his be made quicker and easier by the redoubling of the spiritual ancestor in Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking- Kemble to Swindon line, also long overdue and being Glass”: undertaken by this Government—the next issue is to “‘The time has come,’ the Walrus said, improve the regeneration of the city centre and make ‘To talk of many things: Gloucester again, as it once was, one of the leading Of shoes—and ships—and sealing wax— cities of the realm. I pay tribute to Gloucester city council for its continued leadership on many aspects of Of cabbages—and kings— the regeneration of our city, particularly city council And why the sea is boiling hot— leader Paul James, who told me earlier this afternoon And whether pigs have wings.’” that we had been successful in our bid for funding for a But, alas, my right hon. Friend then moved from the new bus station, which will benefit not just my constituents sunny uplands of orange butterflies to the darker territory but many others around the county as a transport hub of vultures and the EU. in the shire capital. Councillor James and the city Let me take you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and all council in general have been working extremely hard on remaining Members, on a journey from the edge of the the part of the city centre regeneration around the A40 to the M4, and so to the A417 and down the King’s Quarter shopping area, and I believe that the bus Cotswold hills into a glorious sunset with views all station will be the catalyst for further announcements the way to May hill, the Malvern hills, Wales beyond on that in due course. and the ancient cathedral city of Gloucester, nestling I now want to focus on the regeneration of the area beside the River Severn below. There is only one problem— that we know as Greater Blackfriars. You will know, people might find, especially on a Friday evening, that Madam Deputy Speaker, from your own visits to Gloucester they will be blocked on the A417, especially around the cathedral and, in particular, the spectacular Crucible Air Balloon roundabout. They might also be blocked exhibition of two years ago—surely one of the best on a Saturday afternoon. This Saturday, when heading sculpture exhibitions in the country for a generation—how to Kingsholm to watch Gloucester defeat Bath in an important it is when in Gloucester not only to be able to epic game of rugby, they might even miss the first half visit the cathedral but to see the other great buildings waiting for the queues of traffic at the Air Balloon and places of heritage interest. Later this year, we have roundabout to dissolve. Crucible 2, which I hope will bring you, Madam Deputy I want to talk about the so-called missing link of the Speaker, and bring all Members present from their A417—the road that links the M4 near Swindon and constituencies, including Harrogate and Knaresborough, goes on to the M5 on the edge of Gloucester. Some to come and see it. 5 km of this road is single-carriageway, and that causes We need to improve and regenerate the area that I call a major blockage at the roundabout I described. This Greater Blackfriars, which stretches from the former route linking the M4 and the M5 is a major strategic prison to Shire hall at Westgate street and includes route not just for Gloucestershire but beyond. It provides many buildings in between, which are ripe for regeneration, the connectivity for businesses to local, national and and a cleared site known as the Barbican outside the international markets. It is the major strategic route former prison, now in the ownership of the city council. from the midlands to London, the Thames valley, the This offers us a unique opportunity for a master plan of airports, and even the south coast ports. As a result of regeneration that will incorporate the prison, which is the 5 km of single carriageway and some 34,000 traffic shortly to be sold, the buildings known as Quayside, movements a day, many of which are held up, this which is surplus county council estate, the building in heavily congested road is, alas, recognised nationally as which the police currently have their city headquarters, a notorious accident black spot. which they will be leaving soon, and the city council site It is time that this situation was resolved. The so-called of the Barbican. brown route scheme has therefore been proposed as a Regeneration enables us to offer a vision that includes solution with which we very much hope the Government new accommodation—new housing for perhaps 2,000 are going to help. The first stage involves including the residents—new offices for perhaps 1,500 people, and a 491 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 492 new justice centre which can incorporate all the current helicopters, but helicopters can reach only up to 240 nautical courts and tribunals, many of whose current premises miles. They have no linger time at that distance and have passed their sell-by date and need replacement. have to come back and, frankly, surface vessels using Perhaps in due course, if the proposal is right and helicopters cannot do the job because even then there is properly costed, that vision could include a new civic a gap of 1,000 nautical miles that we just cannot supervise. centre which could house both the county and city Therefore, we have to get allies such as the French, with councils, alongside a five-star hotel, perhaps close to their Breguet Atlantic maritime patrol aircraft, or the Westgate, in which visitors can stay when they come to Spanish or the Portuguese to help us. That is fine, in a see our great rugby team—unfortunately the new hotel way, but not great, given that we should have responsibility will not be there in time for the world cup in 2015, but for our own seas. there will be some great games played next year—and to The fact is that maritime patrol aircraft look not just visit the cathedral, which I hope will shortly be successful over but under the seas. The invulnerability of our in its bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve the SSBNs—our nuclear submarines, which have a deterrent experience for visitors. on board—is threatened by the inability to see exactly This vision, which covers the whole of the Greater what is following them. We can hardly ask our allies to Blackfriars area, will radically transform the impression do that for us. I will not go further into that. and perception of what Gloucester is all about. It will We definitely need a squadron of maritime patrol be the link between the already successful Gloucester aircraft. I declare an interest, because my brother, ex-Wing Quays shopping area, which attracts over 3 million Commander Andy Stewart, was commanding officer of visitors a year, and a walk alongside the docks, which is 201 Squadron—the Nimrod squadron—and flew Nimrods one of Gloucester’s and the country’s great masterpieces, throughout his career. He is on my back about this all the deepest and furthest inland port in the country, the time, so I hope the House will forgive me for towards the cathedral, through the new Greater Blackfriars continuing to ask questions about maritime patrol aircraft area. and for taking up its time on the subject this afternoon. Both the proposals that I have mentioned, the resolution However, this is terribly important to our country. We of the A417 missing link and the housing-led regeneration cannot guarantee the security of the waters around us, of the Greater Blackfriars area, are included in the but we should be able to do that, especially given the strategic economic plan put forward by our local economic increasing incursions of Russian aircraft and naval vessels partnership, the LEP for Gloucestershire. This is a around our northern waters. relatively dense 100-page document which not all my According to the Defence Committee, the Ministry constituents will read in the half-hour or so before this of Defence gave back about £2 billion in underspend to Saturday’s game against Bath at Kingsholm. That is the Treasury last year, and there is likely to be another why I wanted to draw attention today to two major underspend this year. That is great—we all want that—but elements which will help to transform access to and the I wonder whether it could be used to start ordering regeneration of our city centre. something crucial. This is the biggest military capability That is a good note on which to bring my speech to gap in our armed forces. an end and to wish Madam Deputy Speaker and all Perhaps we could afford to start the process of getting colleagues a very happy Easter. a maritime patrol aircraft before the next strategic defence and security review. There are two obvious options for 3.22 pm off-the-shelf buy. The first is the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I want to talk about which is probably the leading contender and which something serious: the lack of a maritime patrol aircraft operates in the United States. The second is the Orion for our country. The Nimrod MRA4 was scrapped in maritime patrol aircraft from Lockheed Martin, which 2010. We had squandered £4 billion on it and it was a operates in Canada, New Zealand and Australia. total write-off. In fact, it was cut up. Four years on, we At the moment in the southern Indian ocean, Poseidons still have no maritime patrol aircraft for our country. operated by the United States and Orions from New The United Kingdom is a maritime nation. We are Zealand or Australia are combing the waters to try to surrounded on all sides by seas. Others, arguably less find the remains of an aircraft that, frankly, has just maritime than our nation—France, Spain and Portugal—all disappeared. Australia, New Zealand and the United have a maritime patrol aircraft capability. States can do that, but what would happen if one of our The UK has clear international obligations to have aircraft or an aircraft flying over British territory oversight of adjacent oceans and seas, as laid out in disappeared 900 miles out into the Atlantic? We do not four conventions: the international convention for safety have anything that could get there quickly or could of life at sea, the international convention on maritime search like a maritime patrol aircraft, which is something search and rescue, the United Nations convention on we desperately need. We should seriously consider restoring the law of the sea and the convention on international a maritime patrol aircraft capability to our country as civil aviation. soon as possible. We should start moving towards that What are our responsibilities under those conventions? even before the next SDSR, which will presumably be In essence, we are required—and we have agreed—to after the election, perhaps in 2015 or 2016. have oversight of 1.25 million square nautical miles of I seem to be the last Back-Bench speaker this afternoon. the Atlantic and North sea. We are required to maintain I thank all hon. Members who have stayed here to listen an operational search and rescue capability over that to me. I thank the staff of the House of Commons for area. In rough terms, we have to look after up to being such decent people—kind, hard working and 1,200 nautical miles of the Atlantic up to Iceland, but always up to help. I end by thanking you, Madam we are not able to do it. We use our search and rescue Deputy Speaker, for calling me to speak. God bless helicopters and surface vessels, sometimes with dunking everyone, and happy Easter. 493 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 494

3.31 pm I hope I have addressed all the medical issues to which my hon. Friend referred, and I will now talk The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom about Quilliam. In a previous guise, when I was my Brake): It is a pleasure to respond to the pre-recess party’s home affairs spokesman, I had knowledge of Adjournment debate. As is customary, I will do so at that organisation. He talked about the need to ensure some length to my hon. Friend the Member for Southend that we address the promotion of extremism on the West (Mr Amess), who opened the debate. Hon. Members internet. Members will be aware that terrorist groups who can see the Dispatch Box will notice that I have a make extensive use of the internet to spread their significant number of notes relating to the points he propaganda, and we have seen how that can contribute raised—I will take them in no particular order—but I to individuals becoming radicalised. A number of those hope to leave time to respond to the points made by convicted under the terrorism Acts were exposed to other hon. Members as well. radicalising content that they found online, including My hon. Friend mentioned the Maldives and the Inspire magazine, sermons and bomb-making instructions. double taxation and bilateral investment treaties. I will A number of people who have been involved in terrorist ensure that his comments are passed on to the Treasury, activity have admitted to accessing radicalising content which is the lead Department on this issue. It is clearly online. Keeping up with the scale and pace of terrorist important that action is taken to strengthen the Maldives and extremist content online remains a challenge, so it economy. We hope that President Yameen will now is important that we have a balanced approach, including work towards economic reform in the Maldives, in working with industry, law enforcement and the public. addition to considering the treaties. The police counter-terrorism internet referral unit is removing more illegal terrorist content than previously. My hon. Friend also mentioned the Assisted Dying Since 2010 we have taken down more than 29,000 pieces Bill. The Government believe that any change in the law of illegal terrorist material. in this emotive area is an issue of individual conscience and a matter for Parliament to decide, rather than one My hon. Friend referred to the work of Seetec for Government policy. The Government will take a recruitment in Southend, and he talked about South collective view on the Bill in order to respond to the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. debate on Second Reading, a date for which has yet to He previously talked about the trust’s services in the be confirmed. pre-recess Adjournment debate in December 2013. He had an opportunity to discuss his concerns in Westminster My hon. Friend raised the issue of dog breeding—puppy Hall on 5 March this year, and I hope he secured farming—about which there is a significant petition. suitable responses. It is crucial that all NHS care providers Legislation is already in place to control the breeding deliver care to the highest standard possible. As a local and selling of dogs. Local authorities have powers to MP, he is well placed to help ensure that the trust is held grant licences for dog-breeding establishments, and have to that high standard. I hope he will continue to engage powers of refusal based on the grounds of welfare. with the trust, local GP commissioners and national Powers are also available to local authorities to investigate regulators to that end, and I am sure he will. and enter premises in relation to allegations of poor welfare or cruelty. My hon. Friend raised the further health issue of thalidomide victims. He will know that on 20 December My hon. Friend referred to the all-party group on 2012 the Department of Health announced a new 10-year hepatology. The Department of Health is concerned by grant for the Thalidomide Trust. The grant will be paid the increasing burden of liver disease—he said it was on an annual basis, uprated in line with inflation, which the fifth biggest killer—and the resulting premature means that over the 10-year period it will be worth some mortality, much of which is preventable. Together with £80 million. The Department of Health currently has NHS England and Public Health England, the Department no plans to make representations to the German of Health will support local authorities and clinical Government on compensation from Grünenthal to the commissioning groups in their responsibility to deliver UK victims of thalidomide, but the Minister of State, improved outcomes in relation to liver disease. Department of Health, my hon. Friend the Member for My hon. Friend mentioned the controversial issue of North Norfolk (Norman Lamb), who is responsible for gender selection abortion. As I am sure he and other care services, hopes to meet representatives from the hon. Members are aware, abortion on the grounds of Thalidomide Trust to discuss the matter further. gender alone is illegal. The Abortion Act 1967 states My hon. Friend praised Westcliff high school for that two practitioners must be of the opinion, formed in girls in his constituency, which has the second-best good faith, that the woman has grounds for an abortion GCSE results in the country. I congratulate the school. according to the criteria set out in the Act. The chief In 2013, 100% of pupils achieved five or more A to C medical officer has written twice to all doctors involved grades. The school cannot do any better, but it now has with abortion provision to remind them of the need to the challenge of maintaining that performance hereafter. ensure that they work within the law at all times. My hon. Friend mentioned tongue-tied breastfeeding—it My hon. Friend also referred to melanoma. The is very difficult to say “tongue-tied.” I was not aware of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence the issue, and I do not know how many other Members has recommended Yervoy as an option for treating were aware of it, but he is right to raise its profile, advanced melanoma in people who have previously particularly as he has found that even medical practitioners received therapy. NHS commissioners are required to are not necessarily aware of the condition. I hope there fund Yervoy if there is an indication that clinicians want will now be greater recognition. He will be pleased to to use it. NICE is currently developing guidance on the know that NICE has issued full guidance to the NHS drug’s use in previously untreated, unresectable stage 3 on division of tongue-tie for breastfeeding. He asked or 4 malignant melanoma. for a meeting with Health Ministers, and although I 495 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 496 cannot commit the diaries of other Ministers, I am sure dangerous parking. We want to ensure that, particularly he will pursue the matter vigorously. I am sure that the around schools, parking restrictions are enforced. Parents Department of Health will look carefully at the different often request the presence of a CCTV car to monitor health-related points that he has raised during this other parents who do not observe the rules and, as a debate in case there are things that it wants to respond result, might endanger the safety of children. I hope to him on directly. that I have dealt with all my hon. Friend’s points. That might include the issue of FH. I will leave it at I now move on to my neighbour, the hon. Member that, rather than spelling out precisely what it stands for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh). for. My hon. Friend may know that the NICE clinical guidelines recommend that health care professionals Sir Edward Leigh: May I congratulate the Deputy should use cascade testing to identify people with FH. Leader of the House? In all my time here, that is the Those guidelines represent best practice as they are fullest reply I have ever heard to any Member’s speech. based on the available evidence and developed through It was fantastic, and we now want him to give as full a wide consultation. In view of their complexity and the reply to all the other speeches. different states of readiness for implementation in the NHS, clinical guidelines are not subject to the same Tom Brake: I rather worried that the final sentence of statutory funding requirement as NICE’s technology my hon. Friend’s intervention would be a requirement appraisals. to respond in suitable detail to all the other speeches. I My hon. Friend clearly has some strong views about do not want to give away any secrets, but there are the effectiveness of the Essex probation trust. I understand advantages to Members letting me know in advance that he has corresponded with Ministers at the Ministry what will be in their speech, because it perhaps ensures of Justice about rehabilitation services in Essex. I am a slightly greater degree of detail in the response. Fortunately sure he welcomes the changes that the Government are for me, however, my neighbour the hon. Member for making to ensure that people who were not receiving Mitcham and Morden raised an issue with which I am support and assistance will do so. He has put his extremely familiar—the future of St Helier hospital, concerns on the record. I am sure that in any process of which is in my constituency—so I required no briefing assessing individual bids, the competence of the notes from officials on it. I have been living, eating and organisations that submit the bids will be taken into breathing it for the past 25 years or so, and my wife had account. my children there. My hon. Friend spoke about Bahrain. The Government As the hon. Lady will be aware, £290 million was remain supportive of the reforms that are under way in allocated to St Helier under the previous Government, Bahrain. We commend the steps that have been taken which I welcomed, and that was confirmed under the by the Bahraini Government to implement the current Government, which I also fully supported. As recommendations of the Bahrain independent commission she said, a review called “Better Services Better Value” of inquiry. Progress has been made in a number of was put forward. Had the Surrey GPs not said that they areas, but there is more to be done. We encourage the did not support it, it would potentially have led to the Bahraini Government to ensure that the remaining closure of the A and E and maternity services at St recommendations are implemented soon. Helier and Epsom, which I opposed. She referred to the My hon. Friend talked about the importance of 13,000 signatures on her petition, and I think mine ensuring that drug treatment is tailored to the individual. currently has 19,000, so we are both raising awareness I certainly support that. It must be the most effective of the issue. She commended the supporters of the way to help someone overcome their addiction and to campaign in Merton, as I do, and a wide range of reduce the health harms that are associated with their organisations in Sutton, such as the league of friends, illicit opiate use. It is for NICE to decide when there is that are campaigning on the issue. sufficient evidence to update its guidance and appraisals. I must say, however, that I do not think it is entirely It might be considering that issue at the moment. helpful to the campaign to try to make it partisan in the My hon. Friend spoke about the wine and spirits way that I am afraid some of the hon. Lady’s fellow industry and wine duty. I am sure that he supports the party members have. They have claimed that clause 119 steps taken in the Budget, such as the reduction in beer of the Care Bill will allow the Secretary of State for duty and, in relation to the spirits industry, the freezing Health to close any hospital anywhere in the country at of the duty on Scotch whisky. We all know that pubs are any time if he decides on a whim to do so. That is clearly an important community asset where people socialise not what the clause is about. It is about scenarios such and consume alcohol responsibly.Supporting pubs through as Mid Staffordshire, where the way in which the hospital the reduction in beer duty was therefore a welcome was run meant that more patients were dying than measure. Ending the wine duty escalator will support should have been the case. In a very limited number of pubs that have diversified away from beer. It also ensures circumstances—it has been used only twice—there is a that beer and wine duties remain broadly similar, as is need to take urgent action, and that is what the clause required under EU law. is about. It is not about a well run hospital such as The last thing that my hon. Friend raised was the St Helier, which is in category 6, the category for the issue of CCTV spy cars, which councils use in some safest hospitals in the country. I wish that that argument circumstances to raise money by issuing parking fines. were not being deployed, because it does not add to the The feeling among drivers is that they suddenly receive campaign, which is strong enough as it is. The hon. a fine some weeks later, when they are not aware that Lady and I, along with my right hon. Friend the Member they have committed an offence. Clearly, we do not for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow), who is also propose to do anything to prevent a parking warden or campaigning hard on the issue, will continue to run the police officer from issuing a penalty in cases of genuinely campaign. 497 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 498

[Tom Brake] My right hon. Friend then talked about the modern slavery Bill, and I am sure that the Home Office will The hon. Lady also referred to surgery schemes that look seriously at the recommendations from the Joint have stalled. I am sure that her local clinical commissioning Committee. I agree that modern-day slavery is an group will have noted her concerns, and I hope that it abomination. Members of Parliament all read their will respond promptly, and preferably positively. I will local papers avidly, and we can all spot the cases of also draw the matter to the attention of the relevant modern slavery they contain, such as the brothels that Health Minister, to ensure that the Department of have been closed down or the cannabis farms that can Health takes whatever action it can. be found in all sorts of places, including neat, tidy and The hon. Lady referred to GPs charging for letters. I relatively affluent suburbs such as Sutton, Carshalton am not aware of any other organisations that I contact and Wallington. Cannabis farms are regularly found in that charge for providing a letter to assist a Member of houses, empty warehouses and empty blocks of flats. Parliament in pursuing casework—I do not know whether My right hon. Friend referred to early-day motion 1257. any other Members know of any. It is regrettable that He does not normally support early-day motions, but some GPs choose to do that. I should point out, however, this one was to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Anti- that although GPs have a statutory duty to provide Slavery International, and we join him in congratulating certain things for free, they may charge fees in some that organisation on its anniversary. circumstances. I will ensure that her concerns are raised My right hon. Friend also mentioned his central with the Department of Health and that it responds to library and the investment that has gone into it. He said her directly. that he was not being partisan in saying that the London My right hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and borough of Hillingdon was brilliant in terms of its South Ruislip (Sir John Randall) said that the pre-recess library provision, and I am not being partisan when I Adjournment debates are one of the highlights of the say the same about the London borough of Sutton, year, and I agree with him. He referred to the butterfly where we have also succeeded in investing in libraries, supping on the nectar of a flower alongside the A40. I especially those that work jointly with sports centres hate to spoil the picture that he built up for us, but I and so on to maximise footfall and other benefits. suspect that by now the butterfly has been demolished My right hon. Friend plugged Northern Ireland as by a juggernaut driving along the A40. I heard on a holiday destination, and I agree with him that it is a Radio 4 that this has been a slightly better year so far place that everyone should visit. Great steps forward for butterflies, and I also felt rather guilty about removing have been taken since the Good Friday agreement, but a substantial amount of ivy from a tree when I learnt some significant issues still need to be addressed. We are from the same programme that ivy is exactly what all very pleased that he got a bat detector for Christmas. butterflies need in the winter and to provide nectar in I hope he makes good use of it. the autumn when few flowers are available. The hon. Member for Harrow West (Mr Thomas) My hon. Friend also talked about vultures and I also mentioned the Wildlife Trust and praised its work. think we all wondered for a moment what he was about He touched on residents’ associations. We all have effective to say. He then mentioned the European Union and I residents’ associations working hard in our constituencies. thought it would be one of those stories in which the In my case, they are fighting against a proposal for a EU is to blame for everything. In this case, it would very large McDonald’s on Stafford road. He referred to seem that the EU is to be blamed for the deaths of RAF Northolt, wanting to ensure that any consultation, European vultures. I will ensure that, if appropriate, the for example on plans to increase the number of flights, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs goes beyond just Hillingdon council. I will pass on his responds on the issue of bearded vultures as I know concerns to the Ministry of Defence to ensure that that my right hon. Friend identifies with those birds and perhaps a wider consultation is embarked upon. wants to see their numbers grow— The hon. Gentleman referred to underrepresentation of black and minority ethnic people in the media. The Sir John Randall: I just wish to point out that the Government are committed to black and minority ethnic bearded vulture is also known as the lammergeier and diversity in TV, film and the arts, both on and off the bone breaker. screen. The Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my hon. Friend the Member for Wantage Tom Brake: We have learnt two more stunning twitcher (Mr Vaizey) recently met leading figures from these facts this afternoon. They will go down on the record sectors to consider options to improve representation. I and in years to come people will read my right hon. think we all support the idea that people who appear on Friend’s contribution and benefit from his expertise on our screens or on our airwaves should be fully representative bird watching. of the population as a whole, and be in roles that do not My right hon. Friend also explained that Malta was stereotype. not on his holiday list until it addressed the issue of turtledoves and the wall of lead that birds fly into as Mr Thomas: Will the Deputy Leader of the House they approach that island. He then went on to the ask the Department for Culture, Media and Sport subject of the Wildlife Trusts and the campaign it is whether Ofcom might be tasked with more specific running to save grasslands as part of our natural monitoring of what is really going on? That is the nub environment—something that I am sure we would all of the point I was trying to get across. support. He referred to the Allerton project which is a farm that operates on a commercial basis, but takes its Tom Brake: Indeed. The hon. Gentleman raised a conservation responsibilities very seriously. That best point about monitoring data no longer being published. practice should perhaps be more widely promoted, and I cannot provide any further information, but I will, as I am pleased that DEFRA is aware of it. he requests, ask the Minister to respond. 499 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 500

The hon. Gentleman mentioned a decline in police The hon. Member for Falkirk (Eric Joyce) concentrated numbers in Harrow. The independent crime survey has on the extractive industries transparency initiative, identified that since 2010 the level of crime has gone which the Government fully support. He praised the down by 10%. That is something we can all welcome. I work that the Department for International Development note the drop in the number of officers in his borough is doing. I agree with him that the fact that the United as a result of changes that have happened in London. I Kingdom is the only large industrialised nation that is have seen a similar decline in the number of officers in contributing 0.7% of its GDP to overseas aid gives us Sutton. My concern is that people need the reassurance significant clout in discussions on these matters, and of police visibility. As a result of these changes, there is that much of our investment in developing countries concern that the deterrent effect is not what it used to benefits the UK as well. That cannot be stressed too be. His concerns are on the record. The Mayor of often. The Government certainly would not want any London may wish, if he is following this debate, to actions involving the extractive industries to reduce respond directly to him on that point. investment in developing countries, because that investment, and growth in those countries, can make a far bigger My hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Sir Bob contribution to their development than even the significant Russell) had the novel proposal, which I think we all level of financial aid that comes from countries such as wish we had thought of ourselves, of redirecting the the UK. If the transparency initiative comes to fruition Tour de France through every single road in his constituency, in three years’ time—as the hon. Gentleman and I hope or at least the ones that are the responsibility of Essex it will—we shall be able to learn a great deal from it county council, to ensure that all the potholes are filled about best practice which could be applied to other in. I commend him for his initiative. He clearly has industries. strong views on his county council and has used this debate to put them on the record. On the subject of I think we would all agree with the hon. Member for potholes, he will be pleased to hear that in this financial Gainsborough (Sir Edward Leigh) that Parliament should year the Department for Transport is providing more be made more relevant to people’s needs. I do not than £1 billion to local authorities for local highways necessarily agree with some of the solutions he suggested, maintenance, which includes tackling potholes. There but I would certainly welcome a debate on the subject. was, of course, £200 million announced by the Chancellor One of the issues that we must address is the under- in the Budget for pothole repairs. I hope he welcomes representation of different communities and women in the activity on this front. He also referred to an exchange the House. If we want Parliament to be more relevant to around quarterly meetings of Essex MPs. I would hope people’s needs, we must ensure that there is a better that any local authority seeking to work with its Members representation of people from different backgrounds of Parliament would not choose to do so in a way that and genders. He may be right in saying that open gives favour to one party over another. I hope it takes primaries could be a way of achieving that, but there note of this debate. are a number of other things that we can do. Many of the actions taken by the Government since 2010, The hon. Member for Hackney South and Shoreditch such as the introduction of the Backbench Business (Meg Hillier) referred to the Co-op Group, which, as Committee —as well as the actions taken by Select she knows, is going through a difficult time. The resignation Committee Chairs to raise the profile of Select Committees of Lord Myners from the board after some directors and election to them—have led people to believe that criticised his review of the group’s structure has created Parliament represents their views slightly more effectively further instability, and the group is now facing losses than it used to, and some of the polls have confirmed of up to £2 billion. There is clearly a need for action, that. Clearly, more can be done. For instance, there is and she did a very good job of specifying the action a move to ensure that we enhance the handling of that she considered appropriate. I am sure that the petitions within the online petition system, which I members of the Co-op Group will read carefully what think members of the public will appreciate, too. I she had to say. They clearly need to put their house in welcome the hon. Gentleman’s contributions to ways in order—something that only they can do—and I agree which we can ensure that Parliament reflects people’s with her that a period of calm reflection, building needs or is more relevant to them. I am not going to trust and confidence is required. I also agree with her comment on whether there are too many Ministers in that if we were to lose the Co-op, we would lose some the Government, although I point out that in my case I of the richness and variety from which we currently am a Minister but at least I am not paid, so there is no benefit. impact on the payroll. The hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers) The hon. Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins) said that he felt that there was unintended bias on the raised the issue of rail freight, which he campaigns part of the BBC. I suspect that, whatever coverage it on vigorously. He set out a scheme that is being had or had not given to Nelson Mandela, there would put forward by the GB freight group at a minimal cost, have been an issue: the coverage would have been too he said, of £6 billion, which would enable freight to go little for some, or too much for others. I am not sure from Glasgow to the channel tunnel and beyond that the BBC could ever have got everyone on board. to Beijing, which would be quite a journey. We would What the hon. Gentleman certainly did, however, was need to take lots of sandwiches and many flasks of tea reinforce the point that his constituency is key and to get from Glasgow to Beijing on that freight train, should not be neglected at the expense of any other but that would certainly open up new markets to constituency in the country, especially given that it was freight. I will pass on his interest in that scheme to the so badly affected by a tidal surge. He drew attention— Department for Transport. He said Ministers in past perhaps with some justification—to the difference between Governments and, indeed, the current Government the coverage of the floods that hit the south and the were supportive but he felt the blockage may be coverage of those that hit the north. elsewhere. 501 Easter Adjournment10 APRIL 2014 Easter Adjournment 502

[Tom Brake] constituency, but the problems can be exacerbated in that kind of environment. I am sure that his concerns The right hon. Member for Hitchin and Harpenden will be listened to in the appropriate places. (Mr Lilley) raised the issue of housing. It was also The hon. Gentleman also referred to the Royal National mentioned by a number of other Members. I would like Orthopaedic hospital, saying that he wanted the to put on record some of the progress we have made. development of that centre of excellence to happen as Almost 420,000 homes have been built since April 2010. soon as possible. He will have noticed that the Under- The new housing construction output is now at its Secretary of State for Health, the hon. Member for highest level since the crash in 2008 and housing starts Battersea (Jane Ellison) is in her place and that she are at the highest level since 2007 as well. We are heard his speech. That subject is on her agenda, and she therefore making progress. We believe that by the end is aware of his concerns. He also mentioned the difficulty of this Government we will have more affordable of getting in and out of Stanmore station because there homes than there were at the start of the Government, was no lift, and I understand his reasons for wanting something previous Governments have not achieved. action to be taken on that as soon as possible. We expect to deliver 165,000 new homes in three years. The hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter) That will be the fastest rate of delivery in the past talked about a variety of issues. He mentioned the 20 years. I agree with him that increasing house building “Shaping a healthier future” programme. He and other can address many issues beyond those of homelessness, Members will have received proposals with names that, overcrowding and employment. He also raised the issue on the face of it, sound positive but which might not be of the impact of immigration on the housing shortage. to everyone’s satisfaction, given the impact they could Clearly, the UK has seen substantial inward migration. have on the local health service. The Department of That is something the Government are now starting to Health, NHS England and the trusts need to take into tackle, and clearly immigration does have an impact on account the medical benefits of specialisation—as happened housing. in London, for example, in relation to stroke services—as I had an interesting meeting a couple of weeks ago well as the possible disbenefit that can derive from a with an organisation called Pocket which is trying to lack of access to local services. The right balance needs develop, on a relatively small scale, on areas of land in to be struck. London that are perhaps difficult for larger developers The hon. Gentleman also referred to his campaign to to use, and which would provide housing for those oppose a third runway at Heathrow. As the Liberal caught in the middle—people who will never be able to Democrats’ party spokesman on aviation back in 1997, access affordable housing because of their income, but I confirmed at the time that our policy was to oppose a who in London at least are very unlikely to be able to third runway, and we have not deviated from that afford to buy housing because of the level of house position since then. On housing, he referred to the prices. That sort of initiative can make a contribution. refusal to respond to freedom of information requests The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) relating to a wide range of issues. It is incumbent on all pointed out that cycling is not easy in rural areas. I local authorities, and the Government, to be as open agree: the distances might be greater and it may be and helpful as possible in relation to FOI requests. hillier and windier. Those who advocate cycling, including The hon. Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham) me, do not all argue that everyone has to cycle wherever has apologised for leaving the debate early. I understand they live and whatever distances are involved. He rightly that he had to catch a train. He referred to the need to highlighted the issue of fuel costs and the impact they take action in relation to the missing link between the can have, particularly on people in rural areas. I know M4 and the M5. He also rightly concentrated on the colleagues from all parties—particularly those from importance of regenerating the city of Gloucester and rural areas and places like Scotland—are very concerned the Greater Blackfriars area. From his description, the about that. He welcomed the measures the Government area certainly sounds ripe for investment and will provide are taking to address fuel costs and I know he would an opportunity to deliver a vision for the city. like us to go further, but the Government are aware of the issue and we are doing as much as we can. Members will be pleased to hear that I have nearly finished. The hon. Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart) The hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) referred to the need for a maritime patrol aircraft. He referred to having the country’s first state-sponsored explained some of the technical advantages of being Hindu primary school in his constituency, and said that able to see not only what was on the surface but also it is now going to have the first state-sponsored Hindu what was below it. That is an invaluable asset when secondary school. I wish the schools well. He also dealing with submarines. He also said that we needed to mentioned Anmer Lodge, and expressed concerns about work in partnership with our allies. That is something the scale of that development. His contribution highlighted that I welcome, although there could be times when it is the difficulties that any area faces when trying to address difficult to achieve. He will know that defence procurement the housing issue. As the right hon. Member for Hitchin is an area in which the Government have had to take and Harpenden said, we need to increase provision but action to address significant overruns. However, he local residents need to feel that that is being done in a could not have put his request for the maritime patrol way that does not present a challenge to them. aircraft more clearly, and I will ensure that those in the The hon. Member for Harrow East is clearly not Ministry of Defence see his speech and respond to him going to be buying a season ticket for Barnet football on that point. club. Indeed, he probably would not be given one if he Madam Deputy Speaker, I am on to my last note, asked. Many Members will have football clubs in residential which says “Thank you” at the top, so thank you for areas of their constituencies, and they can have a significant chairing this debate so ably. I thank also all Members impact. I do not know whether that is the case in his who have taken part in what has been a fairly comprehensive 503 Easter Adjournment 10 APRIL 2014 504 tour, from butterflies on the A4 to the Maldives. I Cystic Fibrosis conclude by thanking my officials who have worked in Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House supporting me today, and the House authorities for do now adjourn.—(Mark Lancaster.) keeping us safe. I hope everyone has an absolutely fantastic Easter. 4.15 pm Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Unusually, Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): Thank you, I think the House should thank the Minister for his Madam Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity to discuss extremely thorough response to the debate. an issue that is important not just to me personally and Question put and agreed to. to my family, but to those constituents who have families Resolved, or friends with cystic fibrosis and have written to me recently in support of the Cystic Fibrosis campaign. I That this House has considered matters to be raised before the thank also the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Bristol forthcoming Adjournment. Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre for their assistance in preparing for today’s debate, and those with whom I trekked across the desert in Jordan back in February to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. I am so grateful to the many people who sponsored me on that trek and, in particular, to those constituents, many of whom were not known to me personally, who were very generous with their contributions. I chose to join the trek because I have a nine-year-old niece, Maisie, who has cystic fibrosis. Almost everyone who went on that trek to Petra had a relative, spouse, partner or friend with CF. so as well as being a fantastic if physically challenging experience, it was also useful for me, as we went through the mountains and the desert, to speak to people about their experience of dealing with family and friends with CF. CF is an inherited disease that affects more than 10,000 people in the UK. One in 25 people carries the CF gene, and if both parents are carriers there is a 25% chance that their child will have CF—so one in 2,500 babies born in the UK has cystic fibrosis. My niece was diagnosed on Christmas eve when she was only a few weeks old. She had been losing weight and her parents were worried so they took her into hospital. But, thankfully, since 2007 newborn babies have been routinely screened, and that is very welcome. CF is a genetic deficit that causes the production of thick mucus which predominantly affects the lungs and digestive system. The symptoms include a persistent cough, breathing difficulties and repeated chest infections. It also affects the pancreas, meaning that fatty foods in particular and fat-soluble vitamins are not digested or absorbed properly, causing malnutrition, poor growth and diarrhoea. This means that people with CF generally need between 20% to 50% more calories than average, and one third of them go on to develop CF-related diabetes. Treatment varies because the condition can vary from person to person. Some people are not diagnosed and do not realise they have the symptoms of CF until they are an adult, as was the case with one lad on the trek with me. He was in his mid-20s and had been diagnosed at 18, so he had a milder form of the disease without the pancreatic symptoms. Treatment can vary according to how severe a person’s condition is, but it usually involves daily time-consuming physiotherapy, an oral nebuliser and, occasionally, intravenous antibiotics and having to take enzyme tablets when food is swallowed. Patients are susceptible to cross-infection, which sadly means it is not a good idea for people with CF to come into contact with each other. That is where online forums have become valuable, because people with cystic fibrosis can now talk to each other about their condition. 505 Cystic Fibrosis10 APRIL 2014 Cystic Fibrosis 506

[Kerry McCarthy] beds, at the specialist unit in Bristol, in a dedicated space for CF, which stops the risk of cross-infection, I want to flag up the Twitter account @CFAware, which too—patients have their own rooms—is really important. I have only just come across. It retweets people who It is important to remember that many patients are have contacted it with anecdotes about how cystic fibrosis trying to balance employment with their treatment: affects their lives and about their treatment. It has been 70% of adults with CF who completed an employment really valuable to me in informing what I know of the questionnaire for the CF Trust were in work or education. illness. Many of these patients are trying to administer treatment, Cystic fibrosis used to be known as a childhood such as IVs, at home and have to struggle with the disease because life expectancy was so short. When the equipment; they are trying to manage the costs of Cystic Fibrosis Trust was founded in 1964, a child born travelling to the specialist centre; and they may well be with CF was not expected to live beyond the age of five. trying to apply for the assistance to which they are Advancements now mean that half the people with CF entitled from the Department for Work and Pensions. are expected to live beyond 41 years, and the life expectancy Indeed, the financial pressures are considerable, and continues to rise—indeed, I was told the other day that one consequence of CF having been a “childhood disease” a child born today with CF could expect to live into his is that it was not included in the prescription charge or her 50s. That progress is, of course, very welcome, exemptions, so patients now reaching adulthood face but it has implications for people with CF and their significant bills for their cocktail of medication. As we families, and for treatment and public policy, which I know, the prescription charge increased last week to want to focus on this afternoon. £8.05. One recent breakthrough was the development of ivacaftor—the brand name is Kalydeco—a tablet treatment Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I hope that when that addresses the genetic causes of CF, but that is the Minister responds she will explain why successive valuable only for those with the G551D mutation, who Governments refused to acknowledge the very strong comprise just 4% of CF patients. For them, the fact that arguments that the hon. Lady has made about how the this drug is now available reduces CF to a manageable disease was once a childhood condition whereby people lifelong condition—it is something they can live with, never made it beyond being teenagers but now people rather than a deteriorating condition—so the confirmation make it to adulthood and they are having to pay prescription that this drug would be funded in England from January charges—if they are in employment—to stay alive. People last year was an unimaginable relief. The drug demonstrates who self-abuse their body and become drug addicts why investment in research and drug development, and receive state funding, but people who have been served in gene therapy, is so crucial. If a drug were found that by mother nature in this way do not get the help. The could help the remaining 96%, the cost of providing it Government should give that help. could be prohibitive, but of course that should not prevent our carrying out the research and continually Kerry McCarthy: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his trying to find better treatment, better genetic experiments intervention. I know that he has campaigned on this and, ultimately, a cure for CF. issue for many years. To people who think that early-day In the more immediate term, patients need a focus on motions are a magic bullet that will solve things overnight, the care and support available to them. Bristol is fortunate I point to the hon. Gentleman, who managed to get an to have both a specialist paediatric centre at Bristol early-day motion calling for the removal of prescription children’s hospital and, next door, an adult CF centre charges for cystic fibrosis patients. I think that his at the Bristol Royal infirmary, where I met staff and early-day motion has been No. 1 on the list for many, patients when I visited last week. It has a multi-disciplinary many years, but it has not yet managed to progress. He team comprising consultants, nurses, dieticians, also had a debate on the issue last year. I sometimes use physiotherapists, pharmacists, psychologists and a social him as an example of how early-day motions do not worker. It was clear from my visit that each and every automatically mean that the Government will sit up and member makes a vital contribution to the treatment listen, but I hope that the Minister will listen today and and well-being of CF patients there. The dieticians’ hear our plea. input is crucial in trying to help them maintain a healthy weight and deal with the added complication The previous Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend of diabetes. Psychologists are there to help with the the Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), psychological impact of having a life-limiting disease or recognised this issue, and his Government committed to the trauma of waiting for a lung transplant—that is an phasing out prescription charges for people with long-term issue I will return to later. The medics I met also health conditions, but we did not manage to do it before emphasised the importance of the social worker’s role. the 2010 general election. The team also helps patients and families cope with Some people with cystic fibrosis will be forced to the transition from paediatric to adult services at the make the difficult decision to give up work, but research age of 18. That comes at a time when not only are conducted last year by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust with teenagers struggling with all the usual things that teenagers Parkinson’s UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the struggle with and they are perhaps making that transition National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society reported that into managing the condition themselves—by carrying Atos found 45% of people with these progressive conditions out their own physiotherapy and administering drugs fit to work. Obviously, it has now been belatedly themselves, rather than having their parents do it for acknowledged that the assessments carried out by Atos them—but their condition is likely to start deteriorating. were far too unreliable. Most worryingly, some people Young adulthood is often the time when there is a with cystic fibrosis were given “prognosis reports” of dramatic decline in the health of CF sufferers, so having when they would recover from the illness—an illness expert specialists, as well as exercise facilities and in-patient from which it is impossible to recover. 507 Cystic Fibrosis10 APRIL 2014 Cystic Fibrosis 508

Critically, welfare reforms may increase the barriers from just over 500 in 2005 to nearly 2,500. That is due to getting to work and hospital appointments—not to the number of patients, and not because the length of least the new personal independence payment and the stay is increasing. 20 metres mobility limit. A survey of people with CF Over the past few years in particular, there has been a found that more than a third would no longer be able to steeper rise in the number of bed days at home, which is work if they were not awarded the higher rate of mobility now at more than 3,500 annually. The unit is trying to under the new PIP, while 90% said they would find it facilitate more self-care at home and has developed an difficult to access hospital appointments. In a survey for outreach service so that patients do not always have to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a third said that they would travel to Bristol. It also tries to offer community liaison not be able to attend hospital appointments. The trust and health care at home, for example to help with IVs, also warns that patients fear isolation and loss of and is developing innovative ways to help patients, independence, which would affect their mental health. including through an agreement with BUPA to deliver When I visited the Bristol adult cystic fibrosis centre supplies to the homes. There can be huge amount of last week, it was explained to me how the trust and the equipment and pills and so on, and patients who have centre fundraise to help the service and the patients. For to use public transport to get to the hospital, perhaps instance, they buy more nebulisers to lend to patients. not feeling very well as they are travelling, do not want The ordinary nebulisers are huge and cumbersome, but to have to carry huge amounts of drugs and equipment the nice neat little ones are far more expensive. The trust around with them. That delivery service is proving very and centre want to help patients manage their condition useful. Staffing and resources, however, mean that the with the least amount of inconvenience. They fundraise centre has limited capacity for outreach and community to buy the smaller nebulisers. They also buy physio services. equipment, because it is really important for CF patients Importantly, the University Hospitals Bristol NHS to undertake exercise to loosen up the mucus on their Trust is working with the centre and has increased lungs. They buy fridges for patients’ medication and funding for specialist staff but, more generally, the desks for their rooms—as I said earlier, patients need Cystic Fibrosis Trust told me that specialist CF centres their own rooms to avoid cross-contamination. around the UK are reporting that resources, personnel The Bristol centre is clearly making an invaluable and space provision are inadequate and warns that in difference to its patients’ lives, but it has a growing light of the increasing patient numbers nationally the patients list, which is due in part to the very welcome lack of capacity for in-patient beds, combined with a increases in life expectancy. I understand that Bristol’s lack of funding for out-patient staff, threatens to curtail patient numbers are increasing in line with the national the clear progress made over the past few decades. I average—by around 10% each year—and the patient would therefore be grateful if the Minister could update case load has doubled over the past six years to around us on the Department of Health’s plans to ensure that 200. I think the Manchester centre has about 600 patients CF services are equipped to keep up with increasing and is the largest in the country. patient numbers and the complexity of the condition With the Bristol centre, the transfer of patients from and assure me that she will work with the Cystic Fibrosis further afield, such as from Taunton and Swindon, has Trust, the specialist centres and their expert staff. Will contributed to the growth in numbers. This year, it is she also consider the issue of co-ordination between also taking on patients from Cheltenham and Bath. trusts? For example, CF patients who phone an ambulance Patients are often admitted for a course of intravenous will often not be taken to the specialist centres even antibiotics, which they will generally need about three though their consultants recommend it. times a year, with the antibiotics being administered Some patients will be assessed and referred for a lung about three times a day for a couple of weeks. Some transplant and, as the Minister will be aware, last month patients can self-administer at home, but that is not the Cystic Fibrosis Trust launched its “Hope for more” always appropriate or safe, depending on their living campaign. Although a lung transplant is not appropriate conditions and how ill they are. Sometimes it may just for everyone with CF and does not cure it, it can mean be that they have not been monitored by the team for a the priceless gift of a few more years for the patient and while, so they will be admitted to the centre. I met a their family. Tragically, though, one in three people with young woman who had just started work. She had an CF on the lung transplant waiting list will die before understanding employer. She had been in her new job they can receive one, so the Cystic Fibrosis Trust is for two weeks and then decided that she needed to go campaigning to maximise the use of organs and increase into hospital to have the intravenous antibiotics. She the number of organs available for transplant. felt much safer there than administering a course One tragic case was that of Kerry Thorpe, a very of treatment at home, which was her normal way of brave young woman who became the face of the organ doing things. The condition clearly requires considerate donor campaign. She died only a few weeks ago at the employers. end of March at the age of 23, because new lungs could It seems that hospital admissions at specialist CF not be found for her. She spent seven years on the centres are becoming increasingly difficult to plan for waiting list. Today, I was sent an account from the Daily and more prone to cancellation because the units cannot Record of another 23-year-old, Lynette Armitage, who guarantee a bed will be available. It seems that, particularly had a lung transplant in December in an eight-and-a- in winter months, the specialist beds also come under half-hour operation. She asked surgeons whether she pressure from other departments, which have a shortage could have a photo of her old lungs when they removed of beds. Ordinary patients may be put in a CF unit, and them, but they told her that the lungs had completely the CF patients cannot get the treatment that they need. disintegrated when they had taken them out. They were In Bristol, the annual number of in-patient “bed days” only held together by her rib cage and the surgeons required by patients for their IV antibiotics has increased said that if she had not had a transplant within the 509 Cystic Fibrosis10 APRIL 2014 Cystic Fibrosis 510

[Kerry McCarthy] Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the issue of next two weeks, she would have died. The lungs got to allocation of lungs for transplant. In the north-west of her just in time. It might be that she lives for another England we have poor levels of transplant. People wait seven years or so, which is the average, but some people longer and are more likely to die on the waiting list. who have had transplants can live into their 50s or Does she agree that it is important that the Minister 60s. She is talking about having a normal life, having presses for the modelling, which I understand is being children and looking forward to going to T in the Park carried out, on the impact of a national allocation this year. That just shows what a difference can be made scheme to be given great attention and accelerated if if lungs can be found: two 23-year-olds with very different possible, so that we can have the evidence on the benefits outcomes. of such a scheme in this country as quickly as possible? There are a number of ways to reduce the length of time people are waiting and, critically, to reduce the Kerry McCarthy: I agree entirely with my hon. Friend. number of deaths. That includes increasing organ donation As I have said, it makes such a difference if more people rates and promoting more public discussion on organ come forward as donors, not just for lung transplants donation. Less than a third of donors are registered, so but for many other types of donation as well, from it is not necessarily an obstacle if someone is not on the blood through to other organs. I urge the Minister to register. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust reports that the UK give this the utmost priority, because, as we have said, it has one of the highest rates of family refusal in the can make such a difference to people’s lives. western world. I am not suggesting that this is an easy The Department of Health has advised that the most decision for bereaved families to make during such a recent analysis showed no significant difference in allocation difficult and emotionally charged period, particularly if across UK lung transplant centres. But the Cystic Fibrosis the family member has died suddenly, but it is nevertheless Trust clearly believes that an improved allocation system an indication of the need to focus on consent as well as could address the shocking fact that one in three cystic registration and to ensure that more people understand fibrosis patients die before they get to the top of the what an incredible and generous gift they can give to waiting list. So I ask the Minister to review this with other people if they sign up to be donors. NHSBT, and consider the evidence from the Cystic The organ donation taskforce led to a 50% increase Fibrosis Trust. It would also be helpful if she could in the number of deceased donors and a 30.5% increase provide more information on the current review by the in transplants in the five years to 2013. That was important cardiothoracic organs advisory group, and say whether progress, but I am sure the Minister will agree there is it is considering a national allocation system, as referred still more to be done. I would be grateful if she could to by my hon. Friend, or consulting with stakeholders update us on the “Taking Organ Transplantation to such as the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and specialist centres, 2020” strategy and the latest assessment of the case for and when it is likely to report. an opt-out system. I know that Wales is moving to a The “Hope for more” report also highlights that 62% system of presumed consent next year. of survey respondents reported that psychosocial support As the Cystic Fibrosis Trust has highlighted, it is not during the whole transplant process is insufficient, and only a case of increasing donor rates, as significant concludes that numbers of donor lungs are not used, despite the next “The demand for services that assist the family and individuals of kin giving their consent. Lungs from fewer than 25% in coping with cystic fibrosis is drastically underestimated”. of donors after brain death are utilised in transplantation. Medical innovation means that more lungs could be In response to a parliamentary question that I tabled, used, and the trust has called for more transplant the Minister explained that decisions on psychosocial surgeons to be trained in downsizing donor lungs. It has support are a matter for clinicians and commissioners, also funded a study at the university of Newcastle on but I would urge further consideration of the report’s ex-vivo lung perfusion, a technique for the assessment findings and how the Department of Health can help to and potential repair of sub-optimal lungs. That was improve provision and ensure that clinicians have the explained to me as a service where damaged lungs are resources that they need, working with commissioners reconditioned so that they are fit for use in transplants. to address gaps in information, support and psychosocial I urge the Minister to consider the results of that study, services for patients waiting for a transplant and post- and whether such techniques could increase the number operative. of suitable donor organs. It is clear that the specialist centres, working with the In recommending the development of a national lung Cystic Fibrosis Trust, are making an incalculable difference allocation system, the report focuses on a concern amongst to their patients’ lives. The trust is putting real money the cystic fibrosis community about the equity of lung into the provision of services for cystic fibrosis patients. allocation, and whether they go to those most in need, In 2012-13, the trust contributed more than £1.6 million irrespective of where the person lives. I am aware that to research projects, and more than £1.1 million to NHSBT has developed a new super-urgent group, separate clinical care. It also provides a helpline that takes more from the main waiting list, but the Cystic Fibrosis Trust than 3,000 calls every year, and it is able to provide emphasises that that is unlikely to have a significant limited welfare grants to people with cystic fibrosis and impact on people with cystic fibrosis waiting for a their families who are, understandably, struggling with transplant. It also highlights the evidence from the the impact the condition can have on their lives. USA, where the introduction of the lung allocation I congratulate the Cystic Fibrosis Trust on its work system led to an increase in the number of transplants and all those people that I met at the cystic fibrosis and a significant reduction in the number of people centre in Bristol, who were so dedicated and keen to get with cystic fibrosis dying while on the waiting list. across to me that with more resources they would be 511 Cystic Fibrosis10 APRIL 2014 Cystic Fibrosis 512 able to do an even better job in coping with the increased making sure that patients are fully involved in decisions number of patients. I hope that the Minister takes that about their care. We continue to invest in the donation on board. programme to optimise transplantation in the UK. In the five years between April 2008 and April 2013, 4.39 pm donation rates rose by 50.3% and transplant rates rose by 30%. That is a record of good and significant progress The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health in recent years. I pay tribute to NHSBT for the work it (Jane Ellison): I congratulate the hon. Member for has done in this regard, alongside other health professionals Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) on securing this debate. and the charities. Encouragingly, donor and transplant She made a wide-ranging speech demonstrating a very rates continue to rise, and we see that pattern this year deep knowledge of this subject. She alluded to her own as well. However, we know we can do more to match the family connection to this condition. Obviously, I convey successful donation programmes in some other countries my best wishes to her constituents, particularly to her —as the hon. Lady said, there are other countries with family and especially to her niece, who is, as she described, better records—and to give more people the opportunity suffering from the condition. of a transplant. I commend the hon. Lady’s recent achievement in As the hon. Lady and other hon. Members may raising funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. That is an know, a new seven-year UK-wide organ donation and excellent achievement for an excellent charity; she is transplantation strategy, “Taking Organ Transplantation right to be generous in paying tribute to it. I am sure she to 2020”, was published in July last year. The strategy will be interested to know that in recent weeks many expressed the desire to make the UK system comparable Members of Parliament have contacted me in support with the best in the world. Within that, it aims for a rate of the trust’s current campaign on behalf of the 10,000 of consent—the hon. Lady specifically talked about or so people in the UK who battle with the everyday consent rates—of above 80%; it is currently 55%. challenge, which she so eloquently described, of living Increasingly, consent is the most important strategic with cystic fibrosis. aim—interestingly, more so than donation. Spain achieved Let me take this opportunity, as I like to do, to pay a consent rate of 84% in 2011—a remarkable achievement. tribute to those who work in our NHS and their dedication, We know that we have particular challenges in relation determination and commitment to provide a first-class to consent rates in black, Asian and minority ethnic care service to all patients, not least CF patients. I pay communities, which I have discussed at length with tribute to them for their efforts, all the time, on behalf NHSBT and which hon. Members are aware of. I know of all of us and all our constituents. of hon. Members not present here today who have done Let me first speak more generally about organ transplants specific work in some of their local black and minority and the challenges of organ transplantation. In the UK, ethnic communities to raise awareness on this point. the need for an organ is greater than the number of I would like to see us do more of that and use donor organs available. About 8,000 people are on the parliamentarians to do so. national transplant list waiting for a transplant that will save their lives or significantly improve their quality of Kerry McCarthy: It is perhaps remiss of me not to life. Unfortunately, too many people wait too long for a have mentioned in my speech the fact that in the past suitable organ to be donated. About 1,000 people a year year Bristol has had its first Muslim lord mayor who, die waiting—about three adults or children every day. during his year as lord mayor, chose to focus on encouraging That applies to organs in general. Many others lose blood and organ donation from the BME communities. their lives before they even get on the transplant list. As As his term of office is almost up, I ought to take this of 3 April this year, 75 people with cystic fibrosis were opportunity to congratulate Councillor Faruk Choudhury waiting for a lung transplant. About 50 cystic fibrosis on that effort. patients receive a transplant each year, but unfortunately Jane Ellison: I join the hon. Lady in congratulating about 20 patients die each year on the transplant list. the lord mayor. That is exactly the sort of local leadership We can see the clear challenge to meet that need and that can help. One of the big pluses of the devolution of assist those people. public health to local government is that we see such This means that there has to be a system to ensure leadership from people who know their community best that patients are treated equitably and that donated and understand the diversity in their locality. I am keen organs are allocated in a fair and unbiased way based to encourage that. Only recently we celebrated examples on the patient’s clinical need and the importance of in other areas, where we saw that specific leadership in achieving the closest possible match between donor and some communities where health outcomes were not as recipient. A number of factors are involved. The rules good as they could be. We are always looking for such for allocating organs are drawn up by the medical opportunities, and I am delighted that the hon. Lady profession in consultation with other health professionals, has taken the opportunity to highlight local leadership specialist solid organ advisory groups, and health in that regard. administrations. Factors such as the blood group, tissue Our focus in the strategy is initially on increasing type, and age and size of the donor and the recipient are consent rates. We want people to support transplantation. taken into account to direct the allocation of the organ We can all imagine that families are being asked to and identify the best-matched patient or, alternatively, agree donation at probably one of the worst times in the transplant unit to which the organ is to be offered. their life, but many families find that they get comfort The Cystic Fibrosis Trust report “Hope for all”, from knowing they have helped others to live. We will published on 10 March this year, makes a number of keep a close eye on what happens in Wales following the recommendations focusing on three key aspects: increasing changes there, to which the hon. Lady alluded. NHSBT the number of organs donated for transplantation; making also keeps international experience under careful review. sure that we make best use of the donated organs; and I mentioned the good success rates in Spain, for example. 513 Cystic Fibrosis10 APRIL 2014 Cystic Fibrosis 514

[Jane Ellison] research on cystic fibrosis, in particular through the Medical Research Council and the National Institute We need to make sure that we make the best use of for Health Research. the donated organs. Currently donor lungs are procured The hon. Lady alluded to the need for research, so by a retrieval team and allocated to the transplant she may be interested to know that the MRC is funding centre on a zonal basis, based on the location of the a £3.3 million trial of repeated application of gene donor. The transplant team at the centre will decide therapy for patients with cystic fibrosis. That is being whether or not to accept the lungs and will select the undertaken by the UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy most appropriate recipient. Consortium, which comprises world-leading teams at The trust’s report recommends the implementation Imperial college London and the universities of Oxford of a national lung allocation system whereby donor and Edinburgh. The trial is testing whether gene therapy lungs are given to the most urgent patients, regardless of can improve the lung function of cystic fibrosis patients where they live. and its report is due to be published in May 2015. I am This is something that NHSBT’s cardiothoracic organs sure we will all await the review with interest. It has the advisory group, which includes both lung clinicians and potential for interesting and exciting breakthroughs. lay membership, will be considering very shortly, and in I hope the hon. Lady will forgive me for responding particular whether we should introduce a national lung to her points about benefits by saying that I will draw allocation scheme for people who need a lung transplant them to the attention of my colleagues at the Department urgently, with all remaining donor lungs continuing to for Work and Pensions. The issue is not in my remit, but be allocated on a zonal basis. The advisory group’s her points have been noted and are on the record. recommendations will then be considered by NHSBT’s On prescription charges, I pay tribute to my hon. transplant policy review committee, and if a change of Friend the Member for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell), allocation procedures is agreed, it will be implemented who has campaigned long and hard—but not successfully as soon as the governance arrangements can be put in today—on the issue. I am afraid I do not have a response place. for him today, but I will get back to him after the debate. Kate Green: Will the Minister clarify whether the I think I have covered most of the points that have work that is going on now to review the allocation been made. The hon. Lady raised specific points about system is looking at the possibility of a national allocation local arrangements. Some interesting work is going on system only for urgent cases, or whether it will also between the Royal United hospital in Bath and the consider the advantages and disadvantages of a national Bristol adult cystic fibrosis centre at Bristol University allocation system in all cases? hospital. They are looking at specialist commissioning and I think NHS England is looking to commission a Jane Ellison: I imagine that the advisory group is model of adult CF care. I will look at the record after considering that, but I would rather check and get back the debate and will draw that particular section of the to the hon. Lady after the debate. I should have thought hon. Lady’s speech to the attention of NHS England that it was looking at the broader issue, but I will come representatives, because some of the decisions about back to her, if that is acceptable, and confirm that after clinical care and commissioning sit with them. I will the debate. It goes without saying that I will follow up make sure they have a copy of the debate and I will ask this debate with NHSBT, which I am sure will be them to respond directly to the hon. Lady on the issues extremely interested to know that Parliament has an within their remit. interest in the subject. We will revert to any hon. Member to whom I am not able to respond in detail. In conclusion, I hope I have reassured the hon. Lady and other interested Members that we want to provide The issues are complicated. I have only begun to get a the best possible care for cystic fibrosis patients. Service sense of some of that complexity, partly in preparing specifications are in place to define that care and what for this evening’s debate. NHSBT will wish to be certain great care looks like. We continue to do all we can to that any change of policy can be introduced in a fair increase organ donation rates, with some notable recent and safe manner. We need also to ensure that people success. We will look in particular at the issue of increasing with cystic fibrosis receive the best quality of care for consent rates so that we can give many more people them and are involved in decisions about that. NHS the opportunity of a transplant. I have referred to the England has published two CF service specifications, review, which is particularly germane to the current one for adults and one for children, recognising that, campaign, and I will ensure that interested Members although similar, adults and children with CF have are alerted to its outcome. differing needs and it is important that the services provided should reflect that. I will end by wishing colleagues, hon. Members, Madam Deputy Speaker and the staff of the House a NICE has issued technology appraisal guidance pleasant Easter recess. recommending appropriate drug therapies—one of which has been mentioned by the hon. Member for Bristol Question put and agreed to. East—in certain clinical circumstances, which NHS commissioners are required to fund where clinicians 4.53 pm want to use them. The Government also fund a range of House adjourned. 135WH 10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 136WH

mentioned, but it is enough to know that it is a major Westminster Hall issue in communities in this country and around the world. Thursday 10 April 2014 It is also disturbing that one in three girls and 16% of boys aged 13 to 17 report having experienced some form of sexual violence, which highlights how much we need [KATY CLARK in the Chair] to do from a young age in our schools and communities to say that such violence should not be tolerated, especially BACKBENCH BUSINESS now in the age of the internet, cyberabuse, sexting and digital means of communication, which are having an impact as well. At the moment, the cost to the UK Domestic Violence (Police Response) economy is estimated at about £16 billion a year. If we Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting can do something, not only will it transform people’s be now adjourned.—(Amber Rudd.) lives and change their futures, but it will help with the mountainous cost to the UK economy. 1.30 pm On any given day, more than 7,000 women and Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Thank children in England are resident in a refuge. We do not you, Ms Clark, for the opportunity to speak in this have enough refuges; I am not sure whether there is a debate. I also thank the Backbench Business Committee refuge for men in the country. I feel passionate about and the hon. Member for North East Derbyshire (Natascha the subject because of those statistics, and because the Engel) for granting it. world’s first refuge was set up in my west London constituency, in Chiswick, by Erin Pizzey in 1971. That Why are we holding this debate and why is the issue is partly why I got so involved in the issue. Sandra important? First, we need to consider the context of Horley as chief executive of Refuge, as well as Women’s and the facts about domestic abuse. Last year, 77 women Aid and the many other organisations in the area, do were killed by their partners or ex-partners, and each of incredible work to support women and children. those horrific incidents carries with it a story of fear and abuse, often over many years. It does not matter I have spoken at a number of conferences and visited where in the country one is; abuse takes place in so several refuges to speak to the women and children many homes and communities that we must address it. I there. They all have moving stories to tell, and one’s am pleased to see a mix of male and female colleagues heart goes out to them, but it also highlights how here, because I stress that the issue affects men, women important it is for us as Members to speak in schools and children, and the men affected are often forgotten. and communities. I try to do so. At every school that According to the survey done of England and Wales I go to, whether primary or secondary, I talk about it, last year, there were 700,000 male victims, but I would as I do in the churches, mosques, gurdwaras, Islamic say that that is probably an under-representation of the centres or Hindu temples in my constituency. Wherever real numbers, as men are less likely to come forward and I am, I bring up such issues, because I feel that it is say that they have been victims of domestic abuse or important to talk about them and get everyone violence. We should consider trying to change that engaged in supporting them. All stories are different. perception. Just this morning, I received an e-mail from a constituent who fears for her safety and that of her son and is Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): I congratulate my hon. desperately seeking help to move to a different part of Friend on securing this debate and on the comments the country. Those are the people whom we absolutely that she just made. To reinforce her point, the report need to help. stated that only 10% of men said they would tell the This debate is timely, because it follows a number of police about an incident of domestic violence, compared key publications: the Police Foundation report “Are we with 27% of women. Undoubtedly, men under-report doing enough of the right things to tackle domestic domestic violence, although the figures for both men abuse?” in November 2013; the Home Office report “A and women are still considerable. call to end violence against women and girls: Action plan 2014”; the report by the all-party parliamentary Mary Macleod: I completely agree. Those numbers group on domestic and sexual violence, “Women’s access are sad, showing that people, especially men, do not yet to justice: From reporting to sentencing”, which was feel that they can come forward. Additionally, abuse supported by Women’s Aid, in March this year; and the and violence against men is still more accepted: “It’s all recent report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of right for a woman to hit a man.” Work must be done at Constabulary, “Everyone’s business: Improving the police all levels and across communities to say that that is response to domestic abuse”. completely unacceptable, just as it is unacceptable for a man to hit a woman. Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con): I The current crime survey showed 1.2 million female congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. victims in England and Wales, but again, as my hon. Having listed those reports, does she agree that there is Friend says, that is an underestimate. There has been an a gap? There are certainly two gaps that I would like to increase, but that may be partly due to the fact that bring to her attention. One is orthodox religious more people feel that they can talk about the problem. communities, where victims of domestic violence are Recent figures for England and Wales show an increase often ostracised if they must leave the community, of 37% over the past five years, and the Metropolitan which may not be reflected in the services provided. The police in my constituency in west London report 41%. other is the growing problem of domestic violence The figures are complex for the reasons that I have among same-sex couples. The police may not know how 137WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 138WH

[Mike Freer] the message about what constitutes an abusive relationship. The Government have allocated nearly £40 million in to handle two women or two men. Does she agree that funding until next year for specialist local support services we need more support and specialist training in those and helplines, and to part-fund 87 independent sexual areas? violence advisers.

Mary Macleod: I thank my hon. Friend for raising Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): Does my that. I completely agree. The Minister may want to hon. Friend agree that coercive control is often a pathway respond to that. Not enough has been done in those to violence, and far more debilitating than anything areas, and we need more specialist training in them else? Should the Government consider at least criminalising across the country. coercive control in the same way as physical abuse is Looking ahead, in June this year updated guidance now criminalised? will be published on investigating domestic abuse. In September, new guidance will be published from the Mary Macleod: My hon. Friend makes an interesting improved study on the cost-effectiveness of intervention point. I ask the Minister to look into it, because in programmes for children experiencing domestic violence many cases physical violence starts with emotional and and abuse. In January next year, research will be launched psychological abuse. The stories of many victims show for Project Mirabal at the Centre for Research into a pattern of behaviour: that can be manipulative or Violence and Abuse. Work has also been done on a controlling, and financial or psychological. There may victims’ law by Keir Starmer, the former Director of be an apology: it is always about making someone feel Public Prosecutions, and others to see whether more that they are at fault. can be done to encourage victims to come forward. I have been impressed in the past few years by the good Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): cross-departmental working on this and related subjects, Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the most worrying and I ask the Minister to reassure us that that will aspects of the HMIC report on the policing of domestic continue. The Home Office and the Foreign and violence was that it found there were weaknesses in risk Commonwealth Office will hold an event in June on assessment and the identification of domestic violence ending sexual violence in conflict, and in July the trigger points that might tip an unstable relationship Department for International Development will hold a into a violent, dangerous one? The recommendations girls’ summit on female genital mutilation and forced about action plans to be produced by forces, and about marriage. All those initiatives on violence against women improving training on risk assessment, are vital and and girls have a part to play. action should be taken as soon as possible. Some consistent themes have emerged from recent studies, including inconsistency between forces in the Mary Macleod: My hon. Friend is right on that. It is way cases are handled; lack of intelligent data gathering, difficult to understand what the tipping point is, but it is training, and empathy for victims; and victims’ persistent important to do that to find ways to save and transform reluctance to enter the criminal justice process. I want lives before the point of major violence. to speak about some of the key learning points in the reviews and how those can shape our response. Mr Newmark: I am not sure whether my hon. Friend Faced with the disturbing statistics, the Government has addressed the fact that policing, or the legal system— have made domestic violence a priority since 2010. The perhaps the Minister can clarify this—do not make it Home Secretary said in the document “Call to end possible to pick up a behaviour pattern. Domestic violence violence against women and girls” in 2010: is brought to court on the basis of an individual case, “My ambition is nothing less than ending violence against whereas problems could be dealt with much earlier if women and girls. There can be no excuse for these horrific crimes there was a legal framework to deal with the creation of that ruin lives, destroy childhoods and damage our society.” a pattern of behaviour. Some valuable steps have been taken already to deal with domestic abuse. We have extended the definition of Mary Macleod: My hon. Friend makes an important domestic violence to include emotional abuse and point. controlling behaviour and to include those aged 16 to The Mayor of London has developed a strategy on 17. That was an important step forward: it is not just violence against women and girls for 2013 to 2017. The about physical abuse. Abuse goes far wider than physical Metropolitan police have identified a senior officer to violence. The lead-up to that—the financial, emotional lead on domestic abuse, and established a continuous and psychological abuse—is often as difficult to take as, improvement initiative known as Operation Dauntless. and longer-lasting than, some physical abuse. One of the strands of the operation is targeting domestic We have ensured that there is long-term funding for abuse perpetrators and managing their behaviour to rape crisis centres. In London, where my constituency reduce reoffending. The top five highest-risk perpetrators is, the Mayor has quadrupled rape crisis provision, in each borough will be identified, and tactical plans opening three new centres and expanding the only will be put in place. centre in south London. We have piloted domestic The HMIC report on the police response focused on violence protection orders, to be extended throughout four key aspects of the issue, and showed that we England and Wales from March. We have introduced cannot be complacent and that there is much more to Clare’s law, the domestic violence disclosure scheme to do. They were whether a force is effective in identifying enable people to find out whether a partner has a victims of domestic abuse—particularly repeat victims history of abusing. We produced the targeted “This is and vulnerable victims; whether the initial force response abuse” advertising campaign for teenagers, to get across to victims is effective; whether victims of domestic 139WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 140WH abuse are made safer as a result of the police response Mary Macleod: My hon. Friend gives a perfect of and subsequent action; and whether the force has the example of how things can work well. We want to share appropriate systems, processes and understanding to such best practice in different communities and police manage domestic abuse and risk to victims in the future. forces among other forces, so that we can take the The study identified some good points. Domestic learnings and ensure that more people’s lives are affected. violence and abuse are a much higher priority—they are Domestic violence is often a priority on paper, but not a top priority with the Metropolitan police in my always in practice. We have to look at the outcomes. constituency in the London borough of Hounslow. Some forces may be doing a lot of good things, but Another finding was that 79% of victims were happy what are they delivering—what is the outcome? That is with the initial police response. Multi-agency partnership where sharing best practice, such as that which we heard working has become more commonplace. That is the about from my hon. Friend, would make a difference. right approach, and can include multi-agency risk According to the HMIC report, there is also a lack of assessment conferences and safeguarding hubs. appropriate technology to give information on a repeat Eight forces were singled out for particular praise, offender to officers before they deal with calls. Only and I am sorry that the Metropolitan police were not 58% of those interviewed felt safer because of the whole among those. They are Lancashire, Dorset, Durham, police experience. Furthermore, the quality of information Warwickshire, Norfolk, Northumbria, Suffolk and Thames gathered at the scene is often poor, and the number of Valley; they were felt to be doing a reasonable job. In evidence-led cases—in which police take forward a case Hounslow the police hold a weekly one-stop shop where based on significant evidence even when the victim victims can seek advice. There are monthly multi-agency decides against pursuing charges—is small. Neighbourhood risk assessment conference meetings. Four independent policing teams and their local knowledge are insufficiently domestic violence advocates are on hand, and there are used and repeat offences do not always trigger high-priority action-trigger plans for repeat cases. The police have action. Moreover, some police officers lack the skills, or issued TecSOS phones to the most vulnerable victims, the experienced training discussed earlier, required to so that they can seek help at the push of a button. deal with the sensitivity of domestic abuse incidents; Operation Dauntless contributed to the fact that e-training is often not sufficient and something more is more than 200 more domestic violence cases were needed. investigated last year, so it made a difference. The report made many recommendations and called for a national oversight group to report quarterly on the Philip Davies: My hon. Friend’s list did not include achievement of its recommendations and for each force West Yorkshire police, the force in my area; but I have to have an action plan. I am pleased that the Home spent a lot of time out with West Yorkshire police and Secretary has already agreed to chair a national oversight have always found that they take domestic violence group, as suggested. Will the Minister reassure us that seriously as a crime. It is one of their top priorities. The that work will focus on effective outcomes and not only report showed that for every 100 incidents of domestic on the publication of endless statistics and reports? violence that they went to, 88 arrests were made. That Those action plans and what they are delivering—the shows that they take the matter seriously. We should not change on the ground and to people’s lives—are what is think of forces as either failing or succeeding; there are important. many shades of grey in between. As a result of such studies and the information in Mary Macleod: I completely agree with my hon. front of us, I can highlight four areas for the Minister Friend. I listed some police forces that appear to be that would help us to make progress. First, the role of doing well, but even they can improve. My police force leadership is key, as is often the case when we need to and borough treat the issue seriously, and they know bring about a culture change within organisations. It is that they must treat it as a top priority for their local not enough to give domestic violence and abuse a high community, but there is still more that we can do to profile in the action plans, leaflets and notice boards encourage them to improve. within each force; it is through deeds and action that the priority will become real. The police and crime Nicola Blackwood: My hon. Friend is being commissioners and, in the case of London, MOPAC—the extraordinarily generous in giving way. Thames Valley Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime—must ensure police was one of the forces singled out for praise in the that that happens. Will the Minister reassure us that the report. Domestic violence support has improved so Home Office will review the PCC priorities to check much in the Thames Valley area, in Oxfordshire in that domestic violence and domestic abuse are included? particular, because of the work done with the voluntary Will it monitor that on an ongoing basis? sector and a network of domestic violence champions. Secondly, on professionalism, innovation and partnership Those champions are trained up by the domestic violence working, domestic abuse cases are by their nature complex service in the county council, with three days of specialist and need to be treated sensitively, but that means having training, going on to represent the domestic abuse in place a mix of the right trained resources, effective service within the housing association, the local schools processes and intelligent use of technology. Individual and all the different areas in which an individual might officers often make the difference in the cases and for disclose abuse. There is therefore a shortcut to accessing the victims to whom they talk. I was interested in what the necessary services, and people do not find themselves my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford West and being passed from service to service and person to Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) said, because some of person among those who do not know how to respond. those officers could take on the role of ambassadors to That has proved an effective way in which to increase support cross-force training sessions and focus groups reporting and to get help more quickly to people who to build best practice, perhaps together with some of need it urgently. the victims who are willing to share their experiences. 141WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 142WH

[Mary Macleod] have mentioned, but there is a long way to go, and the variation in the performance of different police forces is The College of Policing will be publishing updated not acceptable, so there needs to be more cross-working guidance on the approach to domestic violence cases, between forces to learn from each other. and professional, evidence-led policing should be Locally, in addition to my work in schools and the fundamental to the review. No longer will it be acceptable community, I am hoping to host a domestic violence for photos of abuse to be taken in only 50% of cases, for summit for west London, and I have invited the Home example, and tapes of 999 calls should always be available. Secretary to participate. All of us, whether Members of There are also examples of some innovative technology Parliament or people in different roles in society, can that can be used, such as the Vodafone Foundation’s keep putting the message across that domestic abuse in specially adapted TecSOS phones, which I mentioned any form is completely unacceptable in this country. We earlier and which enable vulnerable people to get help at should all do something to help to change the lives of the touch of one button, or the body-worn cameras, men, women and children so that they may have a safe which officers in my area are beginning to use. Those and secure future. things will help. I would also like to see technology used to trigger an instant red alert to all agencies following 2pm repeated calls to the police about escalating violence. It was heartbreaking to read the recent story about Christine Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): Chambers, whose increasingly frequent calls to police I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford were not logged on to the system until after her death and Isleworth (Mary Macleod) on securing this debate and that of her two-year-old daughter, Shania. How on a really important subject that is not given enough will the Minister ensure that guidance from the College airtime in the House. It is encouraging the see the strong of Policing is fully integrated into day-to-day policing turnout on the Government Benches. I had not intended operations? to speak, but my hon. Friend’s comments have spurred me on to add some of my own. Thirdly, on prevention, we also want to reduce the I want to look at the matter from the perspective of number of cases, so prevention is vital and the police the effect on children. The simple fact is that in the can play an important role. The “This is Abuse”campaign United Kingdom the police receive a call every minute has been effective in making it clear to young people from the public for assistance because of domestic what constitutes abuse in a relationship. The campaign violence. That leads to the police receiving an estimated lends itself well to work in schools and I am glad that it 1,300 calls every day, or more than 570,000 every year. is due to be extended. I also welcome the recent “Sex We have heard that recognition of the problem is improving, and relationships education (SRE) for the 21st century” but it is still a huge one and responsible for 14% of all supplementary advice to schools, which was published violent crimes in this country. in February. I am interested to hear whether the Minister feels that that is sufficient, or if more needs to be done, I am particularly concerned about the estimate that but it will help teachers to adapt and update their at least 750,000 children every year witness domestic relationship advice to take account of, in particular, the violence, and that has long-term implications, particularly technological and social media changes of recent years. on young children and how they will go through their Both men and women need to be involved in spreading childhood and adult life. It is important to protect the message that domestic violence and abuse is completely women, and sometimes men, who may be victims of unacceptable in today’s society. domestic violence; it is equally important to protect children from being influenced by it at an impressionable Fourthly, on wider reporting, an estimated 80% of all age. domestic violence incidents are not reported to the Children who have witnessed violence and abuse are police, as we heard from my hon. Friend the Member much more likely to become involved in a violent and for Shipley (Philip Davies), who gave more detailed abusive relationships as adults. Children tend to copy statistics. Neighbourhood policing teams and multi-agency the behaviour of their parents. Boys learn from their teams can play more of a role in encouraging wider fathers to be violent to women, and girls learn from reporting of domestic abuse. As Members of Parliament, their mothers that violence is to be expected and something we should be able to do that as well, as we go about our that they just have to put up with. That is the most constituencies and talk about it, in particular when depressing response, and I saw it during the many hours children are involved in cases. Women with children are and days I spent out on cases with social workers in my especially reluctant to report incidents to the police, previous role. because of the fear that the children might be taken away. Victims must be reassured that the priority is all When women and young girls who have been subjected about protecting their safety and that of any children to violence are asked why they did not just leave or do involved. If prosecution is not deemed necessary, procedures something about it, the response is along the lines of “I should still be in place to prevent future incidents. Will thought that’s what happens, and what being part of a the Minister update us on what is being done to encourage relationship is about.” It is appallingly depressing that greater reporting of domestic violence incidents? people can be conditioned to think that that is what they should expect, and that it is part of the deal of I want to give hon. Members time to speak on this being in a relationship, whether married, co-habiting or important issue, so I will draw to a close. I welcome the whatever. That is why it is so important to get across to production of the reports, although they make for some people from an early age that it is not the norm, and depressing reading. We now have, however, a good body should not, must not and will not be tolerated. We must of data to help direct our work for the future. The more ensure that they are aware of how to access the power to we talk about the issue and share our ideas, the better do something about it because the long-term implications things will become. We have made good progress, as I are frightening. 143WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 144WH

According to the Home Office, 200,000 children— Violence in the home may result in children suffering 1.8%—are living in households where there is a known long-term emotional and psychological damage. The risk of domestic violence, and that is probably an very young may show physical signs of distress. They underestimate because of under-reporting of the problem. may become anxious or depressed, have difficulty sleeping, The definition of “harm” that is used in care proceedings have nightmares or flashbacks, complain of physical under the Children Act 1989 includes symptoms such as tummy aches, and start to wet their “impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of bed. They may have temper tantrums, behave as though another”. they were much younger than they are, have problems at That is not used enough, and we must ensure that our school or start truanting, become aggressive, internalise professionals are aware of how they should use it as a their distress and withdraw from other people, and have consideration for intervention. a lowered sense of self-worth. Older children may start Many public inquiries into the death of children in to use alcohol or drugs, begin to self-harm by taking recent years have shown that the men responsible for overdoses or cutting themselves, and develop an eating such deaths often have a history of violence towards disorder. All that may be down to being an unwitting their female partners. A study of 139 serious case participant in a home where domestic violence is being reviews—official reports when a child is harmed fatally inflicted on them indirectly, and sometimes also directly. or seriously—in England between 2009 and 2011 showed The physical and psychological implications for children that 63% were found to have domestic abuse as a risk are therefore deep-seated and not just a bit of a worry factor. or a bit of a nuisance. Some years ago, I spent a week being a social worker One could say that if parents are prepared to allow in Stockport in a sort of undercover operation. I went their children to be exposed to those sorts of experiences, out with social workers on real cases away from the they do not deserve to be parents and the state needs to glare of television cameras, dressing down for the occasion. step in—certainly against the abusive parent who is I saw at first hand the nature of many of the problems inflicting the violence on a woman and the children. that those of us who have been Ministers have to deal Although many parents report trying to shelter their with in legislation to provide the professions with the children from marital violence, research suggests that powers to do something about it. I knew that domestic children in violent homes commonly see, hear and violence was a big factor in child protection cases, but intervene in episodes of marital violence—they try to that week really brought home to me how many child step in—in some cases thinking, “Is that my fault?” protection cases have domestic violence as a key element— Children may get a hang-up that they are, in some way, probably more than three quarters of cases have domestic contributing to or responsible for the horrible things violence at the heart of child protection issues. that are going in their homes. What I saw in Stockport, which has a first-class child As I said, domestic abuse accounts for 14% of all protection team, was that the addition of a domestic violent crime. On average, women contact 11 agencies violence specialist social worker in the team made a before they receive the help they need. For black women, huge difference. When new social workers in particular that figure rises, appallingly, to 17 agencies before they suspected a domestic violence element, they could get receive the help they need, according to a report from wise advice, and there were proper procedures for becoming Barnardo’s. involved in such cases, and recognising the symptoms of domestic violence and the effect it was having on children. We are talking specifically about the police, and They were better placed to produce a plan of action for interestingly, we have just discussed in the Chamber the taking the woman and children to a place of safety. Public Administration Committee’s report on the Training to deal with domestic violence should be a reliability—or not—of police crime statistics. The Minister key part of social work training, particularly when it made a brief response to that report. The Chairman of involves children. The multi-agency approach of that the Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich child protection team included a domestic violence and North Essex (Mr Jenkin), mentioned the under- specialist social worker, a family nurse partnership specialist reporting of rape and downgrading, or attempted representing the local health facilities and a police officer. downgrading, of allegations of rape, to flatter the crime They came together every morning to assess cases and figures. The figures that we have on domestic violence had a wealth of intelligence and approaches for how and, in its extreme form, rape—particularly ongoing best to intervene on behalf of vulnerable children. rape—may underestimate the real state of the problem. There are some good examples—Stockport is not an It is absolutely key that the police are completely honest isolated one—of how the practice can work to provide about the extent of the problem that is reported to much better and earlier intervention on behalf of abused them, that it is properly investigated as the serious crime women and children. that it is, and that it is pursued and investigated, and Children who experience severe maltreatment by a that charges are brought wherever possible. We all know parent or guardian are between 2.7 and 2.9 times more the appalling record we still have on the number of rape likely also to have witnessed family violence. According charge cases ending in successful convictions in court. to a report from the NSPCC, under-11s who have We need to do a lot more on that. experienced physical abuse by a parent or guardian According to Women’s Aid, 30% of domestic violence were almost five times more likely to have witnessed starts when a woman falls pregnant. Pregnancy can family violence. Another NSPCC study showed that exacerbate the severity and frequency of the violence 12% of under-11s, 18% of 11 to 17-year-olds and 24% and the woman’s abdomen is often specifically targeted of 18 to 24-year-olds had been exposed to domestic during attacks, according to the charity website, abuse between adults in their home during childhood, protectingchildren.org.uk. Domestic violence has been and that adult males were the perpetrators in 94% of identified as a prime cause of miscarriage or stillbirth. I cases when one parent had physically abused another. find that appalling, particularly because yesterday I 145WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 146WH

[Tim Loughton] and talking to each other. It was interesting to visit the MASH in Haringey, an authority that has gone through spoke to one of my constituents who suffered a stillbirth a pretty traumatic time, with baby P, Victoria Climbié and several miscarriages—she is campaigning with me and others. I saw the way that its MASH works: when for a change in the law to recognise the registration of an incident comes in, around the same table very quickly stillbirths under 24 weeks—but for someone to have that will be social workers, police, people from the housing imposed on them by the violence of the partner who is department and from education. They will all be sharing the potential father of that child is doubly appalling. information quickly. They do not have to go through Domestic violence is also a major factor leading to protocols about getting information; they will be on the death in or related to pregnancy and childbirth. During phone and on the computer getting that information. the three years 2006 to 2008, 34 of the 261 women who I also saw that in Stockport. People knew far more died around the time of giving birth showed signs of from talking to each other and they rarely had to go to domestic abuse, 11 of those having been murdered by the computer. If they did, it was usually to check partners or family members. Previous reports indicated something that they knew already. That is why it is so an even higher proportion of deaths in childbirth being important that professionals talk to each other face to related to domestic abuse. Between four and nine women face, rather than through the internet and electronic in every 100 are abused during their pregnancies and/or communications. There is no substitute for the experience after giving birth. of professionals who have been on the front line—and Given the influence of and contact with midwives, GPs, often know a fact about a family going back many health workers, clinicians doing scans, health visitors—and years—and can come up with the right information. the increasing number of health visitors that we are They are more likely to make the right judgment and trying to recruit—those professionals must be the early- intervention. warning systems to see, identify and know how to identify I want to finish with three points about what should signs of domestic violence before it is too late, and be done. We need to make this a high-profile taboo before some of those extreme outcomes come into play. subject. Mariella Frostrup rightly wrote in an article some time ago: Nicola Blackwood: Will my hon. Friend give way? “We need a Man Army” Tim Loughton: I am delighted to give way, so I can that is able to stand up and say that domestic violence is have a breather. “for cowards.” We know that an awful lot of people in this country—particularly young people—are unduly Nicola Blackwood: Earlier, my hon. Friend mentioned influenced by celebrities, and we need a few celebrities the importance of multi-agency risk assessment conferences to come forward and say exactly that and use their and multi-agency working. One problem that we influence for good, rather than appearing too often in experienced in Oxford with a similar but related issue of our Sunday tabloid newspapers creating the wrong child sexual exploitation was the difficulty that different impressions for our young people to follow. agencies had in sharing important information and The United Nations’ “Real men don’t hit women” intelligence that would have resulted in earlier identification campaign is another thing that we need to make available of victims, and the ability to intervene and protect those to our young people. I absolutely echo the comments of victims at an earlier stage and bring prosecutions in my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth those cases. I believe that exactly that kind of problem is that we need better education. We need better hands-on preventing better work from happening with domestic education about respectful relationships, and we need violence. As my hon. Friend said, we should have better to tailor it particularly to certain black and minority information sharing between GP services, health services, ethnic communities where we need to handle the issue social workers and the police, so that victims can be very carefully. identified at the earliest possible stage and action can be taken. There is often a feeling that in sharing that Children are better able to cope and recover when information people are breaking data protection law, they get the right help and support, for example, from which is not, in fact, the case. I wonder whether he other family members, peers and school. Some children would comment on that. find it helpful to speak to a professional—a trained counsellor or whoever—but it is not uncommon for Tim Loughton: My hon. Friend, who has a great victims of domestic violence and abuse to take a long interest in the subject, is absolutely right in her final time to recognise what is happening. For some families, comment. It is an excuse. Data protection has for too domestic violence and abuse are a normal part of long in child protection cases, just as in domestic violence family life. Even when children realise that a situation is cases, been used as a reason for not acting and that just wrong, shame can make it difficult to speak out. As my should not be the case. Nothing under data protection hon. Friend also said, there is often a fear that children prevents people from sharing the data in a responsible may be taken into care if a woman comes forward to manner with other proper professionals, be it through say that there is a domestic violence problem. MARACs or other structures, when clearly it is in the We need to ensure that social workers can recognise interests of the potential victims or victims that they are who is to blame and are as open as possible, so that looking after. those women can open up to them without fearing that We have a very good MARAC in West Sussex, where they will lose their children through no fault of their the agencies work well together. I also flag up MASHs— own. Having a trusting relationship outside the home multi-agency safeguarding hubs. I visited many of them can increase the chances that someone affected by domestic round the country and what matters there is getting all violence and abuse will manage to talk about their the professionals around the table eyeballing each other experience. Sharing the secret with someone outside the 147WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 148WH family is the first step in breaking out of the cycle of with that, but again, early intervention involving housing violence and abuse. We need to ensure that there are services, police, social workers and specialist domestic trusted confidants. In school, they will be teachers, violence people and charities can make the process school nurses and perhaps social workers working in easier, rather than it just being a case of out of the schools, of which there are good examples. Children frying pan, into the fire. will be able to go to them, trust them and pour out their I take the point made by my hon. Friend the Member experience, so that someone can recognise that and do for Braintree (Mr Newmark) about psychological violence, something about it. because the issue is not just bruises and broken bones, Secondly, I have a concern about the legal aid changes. although they are easier to see. As important in many We had an event in the House on that issue last week. cases but much less easy to see are the effects of the Necessary changes are being made in legal aid, and psychological violence of a controlling person—coercive domestic violence cases should be exempted from them, control, as my hon. Friend puts it. We need to be better but in some cases that is not happening. In some cases, at detecting that. That means better psychological training women are not getting the professional support that for some of our social workers and more specialist they need to ensure that they are getting the full protection domestic violence social workers who are able to bring of the law. That is not acceptable. I hope that my right in all the different aspects of the issue, as I have said. hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be There is also, of course, the question of what we do able to look at the matter in more detail to see whether about sexual violence. We have talked about physical there are unintended consequences from some of the violence. I have just mentioned psychological violence. changes being made to the availability of legal aid. There is a worrying and growing trend of sexual violence. My third point was also made by my hon. Friend the In this Chamber earlier this week, we had a very interesting Member for Brentford and Isleworth in opening the debate about the pornification of the young and the debate. We need to ensure that there is better training of influence that violent pornography in particular is having police and other professionals working with all the on impressionable young children. I remember a particularly agencies. I am very glad to say that in my area and that appalling case on “Woman’s Hour”in which a 15-year-old of the Minister, largely due to the new police and crime girl had been forced to watch violently pornographic commissioner, Katy Bourne, domestic violence has become films, videos, by her boyfriend and then to re-enact the one of the priorities. She has done a lot of work to sex that had been portrayed in them. That was seen as ensure that Sussex police are sensitive to and able to normal by the boy, but when the girl was asked, “Why cope with incidents of domestic violence. I pay tribute didn’t you just tell him where to go?”, her response was, to the excellent women’s refuge services in Adur and “Well, I didn’t think I had the right to say no.” Again, Worthing in my constituency. that was a very depressing response. We need to ensure Housing is a particularly important element in all that our girls in particular have the confidence and the this. Too often, women are confined in accommodation know-how to be able to say no and mean no, and that where they are experiencing domestic violence because our young boys do not normalise pornographic violence housing services are not liaising properly with the police, and unacceptable hard-core sex as what growing up is social workers and others to ensure that those women all about. That goes back to the education process as are appropriately relocated out of harm’s way, which well. often means across local authority boundaries. We need Mike Freer: In terms of helping to stem domestic to have a better networking system between local authorities, violence from a very early age, does my hon. Friend so that safe accommodation can be made available, agree that our education system needs to be teaching often at short notice. the importance of express consent in our schools, rather Mary Macleod: I am very glad that my hon. Friend than just this implicit “You have to say no”? Boys need has raised the issue of children, because that is a critical to be taught that express consent is required. part of the debate. He is currently considering housing. Tim Loughton: My hon. Friend is right. I alluded to Part of the problem is often that a woman will go into a that in relation to respect for relationships and what refuge for some time with her children, but then they that means. It needs to be learned by boys and it needs end up getting put in temporary accommodation until to be learned by girls. We are talking about another something else is found. That is still unsettling for the aspect of the cancer that is domestic violence that needs children. I want to push councils to try to get families to be spotted early. We need to protect the victims, but quickly into not temporary accommodation, but more we also need to ensure that we can protect the children stable housing, so that the lives of the children are not against the long-term and highly damaging consequences disrupted again and they can go on to live fulfilling of being in a home afflicted by domestic violence. lives. Katy Clark (in the Chair): I remind hon. Members Tim Loughton: Again, my hon. Friend is absolutely that interventions should be brief. right, because we look at this issue as primarily about getting the victim out of harm’s way and into a place of safety—that is clearly the biggest priority—as well as 2.27 pm the children. However, that situation may pertain for Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): I thank my some time, and children need stability.They need continuity hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham in their education and access to other people and friends (Tim Loughton), who demonstrated why he was excellent around them. We therefore need to ensure that there is as a Children and Families Minister; he brought his some long-term planning so that the children can still experience to bear in this debate. I thank in particular access all the services and facilities that they need as my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth children growing up, but in safety. There are complications (Mary Macleod) for bringing this important debate to 149WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 150WH

[Mr Brooks Newmark] not acceptable. It would also ensure that courts could take into account a pattern of behaviour, which would the House today. Notwithstanding the fact that the allow the appropriate response. recess is almost here, it is a pity that there are not more According to studies, early intervention would reduce hon. Members in the Chamber to participate, given the domestic violence by some 80%. Countries such as importance of the issue. Spain, France, Portugal, Sweden and the US have already Two women each and every week die as a result of taken steps to enact laws with reference to intimate domestic violence. In the past year, an estimated 1.2 million partner violence that offers a wider criminal definition women in England and Wales have experienced domestic than physical violence. The effects have been significant, violence. Domestic violence can be suffered by both and have saved lives and money. Stalking laws allow the men and women but, statistically, men are overwhelmingly justice system to take into account patterns of controlling the perpetrators and women are overwhelmingly the behaviour after a relationship has ended, but not enough victims. This speech is dedicated to women who have is done to prevent controlling behaviour from escalating suffered domestic violence, but it is especially dedicated during a relationship. We should be calling for a change to my constituent Christine Chambers, who was brutally in the legislative framework so that patterns of controlling murdered, with her daughter Shania, in 2012 by her behaviour and psychological intimidation are targeted ex-partner after years of physical and psychological far earlier, to protect victims better. abuse. I strongly believe that domestic violence needs to be Much of what I have to say is reflected in an excellent criminalised in a way that allows the controlling and report by Women’s Aid entitled “Women’s Access to psychological aspects of it to be recognised. By developing Justice”, which was produced for the all-party group on our current legal system to close the gap between the domestic and sexual violence and is in addition to input current response and the way in which we should respond that I received from Paladin, the National Stalking to domestic violence, we will be able greatly to reduce Advocacy Service and the Sara Charlton Charitable the suffering and oppression of victims. In many cases, Foundation. victims have commented that the control and psychological I begin by commending the Home Office for the steps damage exerted on them by their partners was far more that it took last year to redefine the definition of domestic harmful than any physical abuse. violence to include coercive control. Unfortunately, coercive The main concern of the various women’s groups I control often goes hand in hand with physical abuse. have spoken to is that coercive, abusive and intimidating However, without a legal framework to support the new behaviour are tools used by a perpetrator to exert definition, there is a limit to the impact it can have on control. When a victim finally gathers the strength to victims of domestic violence. In ongoing intimate leave, the abuser may feel as though the only way in relationships, the law prohibits only physical abuse, which they can reassert control is through physical despite the change in definition. violence, and in the worst case death, as tragically Many victims of domestic violence say that physical happened to my constituent Christine Chambers. For violence is not the worst part. There is a gap that allows that reason, we must do more to criminalise psychological the pattern of controlling behaviour and intimidation abuse at an earlier stage. I would like that to be given to remain outside the reach of the law. In simple terms, greater recognition in the criminal justice system to stop the law does not conceive of victims—mostly women—as ongoing abusive behaviour and save victims much sooner victims of ongoing abuse, but sees them rather as victims than is currently possible. of isolated events involving physical violence. As a I want to make a number of recommendations to the result, women become entrapped in abusive relationships Minister on behalf of the groups that I met. First, there and no one goes to prison without the physical evidence should be better data collection. Many advocacy groups of an isolated incidence of physical violence with enough have said that the Government are failing to collect vital injuries. statistics relating to domestic violence. They have suggested Research by Women’s Aid shows that the majority of that the Government should review data collection women in abusive relationships reported violence to the procedures as a first step to building a greater understanding police only after it had been going on for between six of domestic violence. Secondly, we must improve training months and five years. Even once women report abuse, and awareness. All front-line police officers and justice it is treated as a single incident without taking into officials should receive domestic violence awareness account a pattern of behaviour, as I said to my hon. training to bring about a change of culture in the way in Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Mary which victims, particularly women, are treated. Thirdly, Macleod). As such, it is often treated as a low-level legislative loopholes must be closed. The Government misdemeanour, and a man who has been violent on one should review the current legislation on domestic violence occasion is punished in the same way as a man who to close legislative loopholes by, for example, giving might have committed dozen assaults against his partner. consideration to criminalising coercive control and patterns That is unacceptable. of abusive behaviour. Given the lack of statutory framework, the current Fourthly, we need more effective prosecutions. Law remedies focus on changing the victim’s behaviour rather enforcement agencies should move away from evidence than addressing the perpetrator. Because of the lack of that is based solely on victim testimony. The police freedom often experienced by victims, those remedies should begin to build a case against a perpetrator the are limited in their effectiveness. I firmly believe that moment they walk through the door, through better criminalising all aspects of domestic violence, including evidence gathering. Finally, we must develop a more coercive control, would increase public awareness of the victim-centred approach. Governments should work to problem and send a strong message that controlling and break down barriers to justice, increase information psychologically abusive behaviour in a relationship is and communication with survivors about their cases 151WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 152WH and invest in better court facilities and technology. If domestic violence, phoned the police; she reached that the Government implemented those changes, I believe point of bravery that victims so rarely manage to get to that they would have taken the steps required better to on their own. She was given the telephone number of protect victims of domestic violence. the National Centre for Domestic Violence, which told Too many women have suffered already, and we must her that a lawyer would be found for her. She was put in take steps to ensure that no more women have to suffer touch with a nearby solicitor, who got her emergency at the hands of a partner or ex-partner. I would like to legal aid. She then had to get that legal aid extended, end by thanking Polly Neate and Clare Laxton of because the solicitor told her that it had to cover the Women’s Aid, Laura Richards, the founder of Paladin, cost of her husband’s interpreter. It turned out that the and Antonia Packard and Rhea Gargour of the Sara solicitor was wrong about that, but we will come to that Charlton Foundation. later. When her legal aid assessment came back, Mrs Busse was told that she had to pay £560 a month. Mrs Busse is 2.37 pm a carer in a care home. She has two children who are Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): I apologise for the older teenagers, but still in education. If she had paid fact that I was not here for the start of the debate. I was the assessed amount, she would have been left with a at the dentist, but I got here as soon as I possibly could. monthly disposable income of £682.25 for herself and I want to raise a particular issue in the context of a her two teenage sons. In my view, that is grossly unrealistic. series of general issues on domestic violence and police What did she do? She had to pay the first instalment investigation. because otherwise she would not have been represented I start by congratulating Thames Valley police, which at all at the original case and her solicitor would have had a pretty decent showing in the recent report on the taken away all the papers. She borrowed the money police response to domestic violence by Her Majesty’s from her employer to pay the first instalment, but then inspectorate of constabulary. That report shows the cancelled the legal aid certificate and represented herself. extent of domestic violence in the area that I am proud Luckily, in the civil court she got a sensible judge who to represent. Domestic abuse in the Thames valley said that it would be sufficient for her to interpret the accounts for 7% of all recorded crime and for 12% of documents for her partner. She now has a non-molestation assaults with intent. One third of assaults with injuries order, but what happened is not tolerable for a victim of are domestic violence related. More than half of harassment chronic domestic violence. It just is not acceptable. cases are domestic violence cases, as are 10% of sexual The problem seems to be that, even where a police offences. Those figures are pretty enormous, and they service is quite well organised in dealing with such show that it is important for police services to make matters, too often in our system actually getting the tackling domestic violence a high priority. On the whole, things that the victim needs to make themselves safe I think, Thames Valley police does that. I was pleased becomes a burden. One reason why women stay with when the new commander in Slough told the local violent partners for a long time is poverty: they are newspapers that his priority was domestic violence. often financially dependent on the violent partner. We Making it a focus in such a way begins to help to make must ensure that women in such circumstances are not women safe. burdened with extra spending. The problem is that even where the police are reasonably I would like the Minister to promise that he will talk effective, as I think they are in the area that I represent, to the CPS immediately about ensuring that in every victims are often not fully protected in practice. One prosecution the victim is asked whether she wants to reason for that is that the criminal justice system fails proceed with a non-molestation order as part of the them. One of the recommendations in HMIC’s report is criminal prosecution. That does not automatically happen, that Thames Valley force but it should. I would also like the Minister to discuss “should develop further the investigative process for domestic how we can better inform women in such circumstances abuse, to ensure that officers collect all available evidence, to help about the possibility of free representation. Independent build strong cases against perpetrators.” domestic violence advocates have made a huge difference, There is a real failing to secure effective convictions, but they are no good if the civil courts will not allow and one of the reasons for that is a practice that I hope them to represent victims. the Minister can ensure is changed. I want to follow up on the comments made by the When it prosecutes men for domestic violence, the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Crown Prosecution Service does not automatically ask Loughton), who rightly focused on how a culture of the victim whether she wants a non-molestation order. violence and violent pornography can make children If the victim has to get a non-molestation order on her feel that such behaviour is normal, and that they are own, she has to do it through the civil court and has to disempowered and unable to say no. Victims of domestic pay for it. The civil courts in the Thames valley do not violence talk about how hard it is to say no—it is a real allow victims to have McKenzie friends or other non- struggle for them to give up and leave someone. We solicitor people to argue their case. Consequently, vulnerable seem to be preparing children for becoming victims, victims of domestic violence are trying to make the case which is just not acceptable. We should be giving them that their abuser is liable for a non-molestation order the resources, as children, to be more resilient. The issue without legal advice because, frankly, they cannot afford is not just about getting effective prosecution and policing, that. although we need both; it is also about people being The Home Secretary said that victims of domestic able to protect themselves more effectively. violence will qualify for legal aid, but what does that One way for people to protect themselves from domestic mean in practice? Let me tell Members about my violence is for them to know their rights, to know what constituent, Mrs Busse, who, fed up after years of is reasonable and to stop thinking that it is their fault 153WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 154WH

[Fiona Mactaggart] the Re-Unite programme have been able to become—one of the things they need is the skills and resources to when they are hit. That requires really good quality protect themselves and to be able to say no to their sex-and-relationships education for children. We have violent partner, who, frankly, is sitting outside the prison all been mimsy about that, but unless children have it, gate waiting for them to come out; he controls the they will not know in every household what is right and home, he can beat her up again and he has been missing wrong in relation to sex, because sex is this adult his punchbag. mystery. We must prepare them, as children, to protect It is essential that we try to ensure that every police themselves. force in the country recognises that domestic violence is a priority. We need much better prosecuting to bring the Mary Macleod: Does the hon. Lady agree that it is perpetrators to justice much more effectively. We need also important to teach children about emotional abuse? better prevention, through the education of children On the physical side, in a way it is quite easy to say, “If and victims; in that way, they can protect themselves you get hit, that is unacceptable”, but emotional abuse more effectively. If these three things happened, this is much more complex, difficult and disruptive to any would be a much safer country for women to live in. victim who goes through it.

Fiona Mactaggart: That is why relationships education 2.51 pm is so important. It is important to tell children that if something makes them feel uncomfortable, it is their Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) right to say, “Stop—I don’t like this.” Other European (Con): First, may I congratulate my hon. Friend the countries that have robust sex-and-relationships education Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Mary Macleod) teach children how to deal not just with violence as on securing this debate? adults but with bullying. That is important. If we start Domestic violence is a very important subject and by enabling children to know what is not appropriate, extremely difficult to resolve. I start by apologising to safe, right or kind, we give them the ammunition they my male colleagues, as I prepared my speech from the need. I am sorry to use a warlike analogy, but in that female perspective. However, I absolutely accept and way we will give children the skills that they need to acknowledge that all my comments could equally apply protect themselves. to male victims of domestic abuse. We would all like to reduce the number of victims. Rather like my hon. Friend the Member for Braintree One way to do that is to improve prosecution and make (Mr Newmark), I will particularly focus on emotional victims safe, because so many are repeat victims—nearly bullying and intimidation, which is the most difficult half of those in Thames valley are. It seems that to help type to deal with. It does not leave any visible marks. to prevent abuse in the first place through child education There are scars, which can persist for many years, but is utterly essential. If we dip out on that, we have on our they are mental ones. Many culprits are the type of man consciences more children who will become victims who cannot accept his partner as an equal and who has when they are adults. to control, diminish, humiliate, bully and intimidate One argument for educating children that might appeal them, to give himself power, disguise his own inadequacy to the Government is that it will save money. Protecting and boost his own self-esteem. victims better saves money in a whole load of areas. Women who suffer that sort of treatment habitually First, it saves money for businesses; domestic violence hide the truth from the outside world. Why? First, they costs them millions of pounds, as it affects the health of are ashamed—ashamed that their partner thinks so their employees. Baroness Scotland, who used to be a little of them that they can treat them like that. Secondly, Home Office Minister, did a great deal of work with it is because they fear they will not be believed, because businesses on the cost of domestic violence. their partner’s public behaviour and private behaviour Domestic violence also imposes imprisonment costs are so very different. Thirdly, the longer the bullying on the Government. I am chair of a charity called continues, the greater the relentless erosion of confidence, Commonweal. We set up a project called Re-Unite, self-esteem and self-worth, and the woman is progressively which aims to house women who have left prison, so less able to fight back, especially if she has children and that they can reunite with their children. After independent uses appeasement tactics to protect them, or if she has assessment by criminologists from Oxford university, no money to leave home and live independently. the evidence is that that makes a great deal of difference The men who commit such abuse score very highly to those children’s futures. It also makes a great deal of on the recognised scale of characteristics of psychopaths. difference to the women, as they are able to look after They are controlling. They need to be in charge all the their children in secure housing. time, and are unable to give and take, even in relation to To qualify for entering Re-Unite’s housing, women trivial domestic matters such as what meals will be have to have been victims of domestic violence, and in eaten and when or what television programmes will be our criminal justice system there is no shortage of such watched. They can be superficially charming and glib, women. We know that a large number of women prisoners and can put on an act in social circumstances, entrenching have mental health conditions, but we also need to the woman’s view that she will not believed if she tries address the fact that a large number are long-term to share her experiences of abuse with others. victims of domestic violence; the emotional abuse and Such men have a grandiose sense of self-worth. They control that Government Members have been talking are never wrong; everything is somebody else’s fault. about form part of their history. They are manipulative. They enjoy making other people For those women to be able to become autonomous, do something that they do not want to do, such as positive, rehabilitated and contributing members of leaving a social occasion they happen to be enjoying or society—as some of the women who have been through eating something that they do not like. They lack remorse, 155WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 156WH guilt and empathy with others. They also have poor just too much from her part-time job to be eligible for behavioural control—for example, giving in to outbursts any assistance, but she is unable to self-fund any legal of uncontrollable rage—and they are unable to accept action. However, if the perpetrator were charged, he responsibility for their own actions. would be entitled to legal aid. Domestic violence is a That list is not comprehensive; there are about 30 very serious crime and I welcome the opportunity to typical traits of a psychopath. We all know people like draw attention to it in this debate, but how can the that. There are many in the business world. They are person I am talking about and the many other women able to make big decisions, because they have no interest like her get justice? in how other people will be affected by them. In his summing-up, will my hon. Friend the Minister When a victim finds the courage to go to the police, say that he will raise this issue with the Under-Secretary her situation can worsen. Her tormentor knows that she of State for Women and Equalities, the Minister for has complained. There is no visible evidence of his Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims, and any other of behaviour. It is one person’s word against another’s, and his colleagues who can join together to explore ways to I can understand how difficult it is for police to intervene. make justice accessible to victims of verbal and mental Her partner will be adept at denying his behaviour, abuse who cannot afford legal representation? At the doing so with confidence and superficial charm, on moment, their only option is to leave their home, in the occasion even turning the tables and putting the blame interests of their personal safety, while their abuser on her. stays put. That is not justice. The problem is less about identification and awareness, and more about developing I know of a particular case where the woman found solutions that are fair to the victims. the courage to report what was happening to her to the police—in this case it was the Essex police, as Essex was where she happened to live—and continued to do so [MR ANDREW ROSINDELL in the Chair] regularly. However, the attitude of the police varied widely from occasion to occasion, depending on the 2.59 pm officer involved. Some were very understanding and Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): I congratulate sympathetic; others were disbelieving and dismissive. the hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Mary Even police cautions did not moderate the man’s behaviour. Macleod) on securing this debate. She has raised a At least every incident was recorded and the file on him serious issue of particular concern to many women. grew, but every time the woman went home to her own Although the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies) house she suffered continuing intimidation and harassment, was right to say that men can suffer from domestic until it became unbearable and she was forced out. violence too, and the hon. Member for Finchley and My main point is that whether or not the police are Golders Green (Mike Freer) rightly reminded us of the sympathetic in such circumstances, their hands are largely need to consider violence between same-sex couples, it tied. They are unable to take action without evidence. is, overwhelmingly, women who suffer from domestic Even if the woman had a broken arm, there would be violence and the most serious assaults. That is a fact of no evidence that the man was responsible, unless someone life. Yet the report by Her Majesty’s inspectorate of had seen it happen, but abusers ensure that there are no constabulary makes it clear that there are some shocking witnesses to their actions as they cannot confront their failures to tackle this crime and that there is often a own failings. failure to believe the victim of the crime. In the police station that that woman went to, there A number of hon. Members have mentioned the are posters all round the walls advertising Clare’s law, serious nature of the issues that we are dealing with and which we heard about from my hon. Friend the Member how varied they can be. The hon. Member for Brentford for Brentford and Isleworth. This law is new and enables and Isleworth rightly mentioned what is happening victims of domestic violence to check the record of among young girls. Anyone who has read the Children’s their partner to see whether he has a history of abuse. Commissioner report about violence in gangs should be The posters also say: seriously concerned. The hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton), a former Children’s “Verbal, mental and physical abuse is a crime.” Minister, rightly highlighted the effect on children of I congratulate Essex police, because at the beginning of domestic violence, which can persist down the generations March it had a domestic abuse awareness week. I have if it is not tackled early enough. I commend the hon. the press release for that; it says that Essex police has a Member for Braintree (Mr Newmark) on his moving “new Domestic Abuse Crime Unit”, tribute to his constituent, Christine Chambers, and her daughter, who were murdered. The hon. Member for which is great. It also says that Essex police has a Hornchurch and Upminster (Dame Angela Watkinson) “commitment…to offer better protection and support to victims highlighted the nature of coercive control and set out of domestic abuse.” clearly the nature of some of the perpetrators of this Interestingly, it also says: violence, which is often not properly understood. “We are determined to take a hard-line approach with offenders; As well as highlighting the extent of domestic abuse, to make them the focus of police attention and prosecute them for my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) any and all offences they commit.” also highlighted the failures in the criminal justice system, On the ground, the police say that domestic violence as the hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth did, is a civil matter. As the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona which let victims down time and again. My hon. Friend Mactaggart) said, if the victim wants an injunction or a also mentioned tackling this issue by having proper sex non-molestation order she has to pay for it herself. and relationships education in schools, which is needed. Unless she is on benefits, there is no financial help These are difficult issues. The HMIC report, which I available to her. The person I am talking about earns read recently, itemises the shocking failures. I am 157WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 158WH

[Helen Jones] poor practice and lack of empathy towards victims on the part of some—not all—officers and that many surprised—I say this gently to the Minister—that the victims feel judged when they report. Home Secretary has not yet come to the House to make Along with that, the report highlights a failure to a statement about this serious report and say what is recognise what a number of hon. Members have spoken going to be done about it. about: a failure on the part of some officers to understand We have heard the statistics this afternoon, which we the nature of coercive control and its impact on the can repeat over again. Two women a week are murdered victim, which is likely to make victims tell officers that by a partner or former partner. Statistically, women they do not want to proceed with a case. Unless officers between the ages of 15 and 44 are more at risk from on the front line understand the psychological impact domestic violence than from cancer. Every 30 seconds of that, they will find it difficult to act effectively. the police receive a call relating to domestic abuse. If I saw this years ago when I used to get emergency this was any other crime, it would be making headlines domestic violence injunctions for people. By the time in the papers every day and would be leading the news, the full injunction was heard, often the victim would and there would be demands for action. But domestic come back and say that they did not want to proceed, as violence is a silent epidemic, despite the fact that it the perpetrator had promised not to do it again and accounts for one in five violent crimes, shatters families everything would be all right. I knew that I would see and can ruin children’s lives. If that was happening at that person again, beaten up, perhaps with a broken football matches, we would hear about it every day. It is arm or worse injuries, because the situation was never shocking that we do not hear more. going to change, but the victim was made to feel that it Despite the best efforts of some in the police force—I was probably their behaviour that was at fault and that commend those officers who have taken this issue their partner would change. But they never do. That is seriously—this issue is still is not being tackled properly. the psychological impact of coercive control and examples Indeed, in some respects the situation is getting worse. of poor practice show that people do not understand that. The last set of figures, for 2010-11 to 2012-13, show that I have spoken to victims who are not allowed out of reports of domestic violence to the police increased by the house without their partner and whose partner will 11% in that period, and that is only the tip of the take the phone with them when they leave, so that they iceberg. cannot contact anyone, and who are not allowed to see During that period the percentage of successful friends. To interview these victims of violence within prosecutions dropped by 14%. Some 90% of domestic the hearing of their partner—asking them if they want violence incidents result in no further action. Although to proceed, for example—is not to understand the in 2009-10 the police were referring 12.1% of domestic psychological impact of the abuse on them and to fail violence incidents to the Crown Prosecution Service for to understand the nature of this kind of violence. They decisions on prosecution, which I think all hon. Members may also, as hon. Members have mentioned, fear that in this Chamber would regard as unreasonably low, by their children will be taken from them if they proceed. 2012-13 that number had fallen to 10.5%. Figures from the Library show that only 6.3% of cases currently Along with that often goes the failure to understand result in a conviction, despite the number of cases. how perpetrators behave. The hon. Member for Hornchurch and Upminster set that out well. Perpetrators are often I have to say bluntly that, despite the Government’s in complete denial; they blank out the abuse. A police action plans and their cross-departmental strategy, we officer will arrive at the scene to find the perpetrator are, in many respects, going backwards. The HMIC perfectly calm and the victim appearing to be agitated. report sets out reasons for that, including some long- The perpetrator often makes counter-accusations. There standing problems in the police and some that are new. was a counter-allegation in 30% of the cases that HMIC However, the plain fact is that, despite the examples of reviewed. I have known cases where victims who have good policing, of victims being protected and of suffered repeat domestic violence have finally called the perpetrators being brought to justice, there are far too police, only for the perpetrator to make an allegation many examples of poor practice, evidence not being against them; the victim has been cautioned. That is collected, victims not being protected and arrests not outrageous. being made. Unless the police are properly trained to understand The comment “This is not acceptable” appears in the the issue, we will continue to see poor practice. As the report again and again, like a refrain, and underlines report states: the extent of the failure. In fact, almost a quarter of police forces—13 in total—could not even provide the “Many frontline officers, and in some cases specialist police data on repeat offenders to HMIC. That is a huge officers, lack the skills they need to tackle domestic abuse effectively.” failure by itself. Again, I have to ask whether we would Often, the police simply do not build a case. In an tolerate that if it related to burglary or to any other analysis of case files relating to actual bodily harm, the crime of violence. inspectors found that in only 46% of cases were photographs A number of items in the report are important. of the injuries taken at the time and in only 23% of Although I cannot mention them all today, I want to cases were house-to-house inquiries made. That would use what time I have to deal with a couple of issues of be routine for any other sort of crime. failure from which a lot of subsequent failures emerge. The report also found a failure to use intelligence-led First, there is often a failure to believe the victim. If I policing and targeting to tackle repeat offenders and a reported a burglary, or if the hon. Member for Hornchurch failure to use domestic homicide reviews to tackle poor and Upminster did, we would be believed. However, if practice. I hope that the Minister will respond to some we reported domestic violence we would have much less of the report’s recommendations on speeding up domestic chance of being believed. The report highlights some homicide reviews so that lessons can be learned. 159WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 160WH

It is that kind of failure—failure to do what we would The Home Secretary said that she will chair the accept as normal for any other crime—that leads many national oversight group and although she has called on victims to think that they are not believed or taken chief constables to change—it is clear that some of seriously. The report states that a third of victims did them do need to change—the Government need to not feel any safer after their dealings with the police, commit that funding and support for those changes will and that should worry us all. be provided. We cannot protect victims on the cheap or bring perpetrators to justice without the necessary funding. Although many of the issues are of long standing, Women’s safety is at risk and there is less chance than the Government cannot escape responsibility for the there was of their attackers being brought before a impact of some of their decisions. The plan to lose court. That is a moral disgrace, but it is also, as my hon. 15,000 police officers by 2015, with many of them Friend the Member for Slough pointed out, economic already gone, is having a huge impact on the police. The nonsense. If the cost of domestic violence is estimated inspectors highlight the gaps in the capability and capacity to be £15.7 billion a year, there is no logic in continuing of specialist domestic abuse units, with high levels of to fail in tackling it. We need police officers who are vacancies and unsustainable case loads. Even worse, properly trained and can intervene early enough and a they draw attention to a number of cases where they system to give people the support they deserve. There is have found police imposing a quota on the number of an economic cost in not doing that, but also a cost in cases that they assess as high risk, based on what a wrecked lives, broken families and fractured communities. multi-agency risk assessment conference or specialist unit can cope with rather than the actual risk to the It is time that we treated these crimes like any other victim. The inspectors are absolutely right to say that crime and used evidence-based prosecutions. There is that should stop, but it can only stop if we end the no other crime where we expect the victim to build the hollowing out of the police service and invest in the case, but that is often true for domestic violence. It is up right training and support for officers dealing with to the police, but it is up to all of us, too. Someone said domestic abuse. earlier—it is quite true—that we need more men to stand up against domestic violence. Since we are giving It is also important that victims are supported, if they commendations to our local area, I commend my local are to see a case through. We have seen reductions in the rugby team, Warrington Wolves, who participated with number of independent domestic violence advisers and me earlier in the year in a campaign against domestic closures of specialist domestic violence courts, which violence. To really tackle this issue, we need more role are successful in taking a rounded approach to seeing models for men. cases through and supporting victims. Women are turned We need to ensure that when violence does happen, away from refuges every day and the scale of cuts to victims are kept safe and perpetrators are brought before local authorities is leading to the knock-on effect of the courts and dealt with properly. Currently, either reductions in support for domestic violence services. As they are not brought before the courts or, if they are, far the report points out, even closing police stations and too many community disposals are being used for serious locating them with other services can have an impact on cases of violence. victims of domestic violence, who see the police station as a place of safety. If we are serious about tackling this issue, it is time that it was tackled in the way that any other crime Getting better at tackling this issue requires changes, would be tackled: with the police finding the evidence, but not only to the police. There has to be a joined-up passing it to prosecutors and people being brought approach. The Government have to think seriously before the courts. We cannot allow the issue to carry on about putting the resources in place to tackle this crime. in the way that it has, unchecked and often in silence, One assistant police commissioner recently said to me, with people not willing to speak about it. The victims— “We should stop calling it domestic violence. It is violence, those who suffer every day, and those who have, sadly, pure and simple—violence, the same as it would be lost their lives—expect better of us than that, and they anywhere on the street.” deserve better. I hope that when the Minister responds, I have some questions for the Minister, which I hope he will be able to reassure us that we will turn a corner he will answer. First, HMIC recommended a fundamental in dealing with this awful crime. review of police training. Will he tell us how that review will be funded and what funding will be available to 3.20 pm meet the cost of any recommendations that it makes? The Minister for Crime Prevention (Norman Baker): The report also says that outdated and antiquated Thank you for calling me, Mr Rosindell. I thank my information systems are hampering call handlers’ ability hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth to access information and identify repeat victims. What (Mary Macleod) for the opportunity to debate this will he do to assist forces in updating those systems? important topic. Members have referred to the review Will any extra money be allocated, or will it have to of domestic abuse by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of come out of existing police budgets, in which case I fear Constabulary commissioned by the Home Secretary, the updating will not happen? which has brought the matter into sharp relief and In addition, there is considerable worry among many raised serious questions for the police in particular. I people that as victim support funding goes to police pay tribute to hon. Members from all parties who have and crime commissioners, domestic violence will not spoken in the debate for their worthwhile and thoughtful have the high profile it should have. I hope he will think contributions. I will do my best to respond to each of seriously about offering guidance for police and crime the points raised. commissioners, because anecdotal evidence is already I think that we can make progress and turn a corner, coming through of refuges and specialist support services to pick up the last point made by the Opposition not knowing whether their funding will be in place. spokesperson; I think that we are turning the corner. 161WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 162WH

[Norman Baker] HMIC also identified many examples of officers who work tirelessly to keep victims safe, sometimes with One reason is that there is unanimity within this House little support from their wider force. I wanted to put it that domestic abuse and violence must be tackled more on the record that such people exist and are doing their seriously than they have been, particularly in the past best. However, there are also officers who have shown a 20 or 30 years and before that. We must consider it poor attitude towards victims and failed to treat them differently, and the HMIC report helps us in that regard. with the empathy that they deserve. That is simply not good enough. It is clear that the police must change Domestic abuse is a sinister way of undermining the how they respond to victims of domestic abuse. trust that those in close relationships place in one another. It ruins lives and, as my hon. Friend the At nine focus groups that HMIC held with 70 victims, Member for East Worthingand Shoreham (Tim Loughton) the majority of participants had experienced poor attitudes pointed out, it can affect children significantly as well. from responding police officers. They felt that they were As we know, in the worst cases it can lead to deaths. judged and not taken seriously. I was horrified that one Domestic abuse happens every day in homes across this victim told inspectors she had overheard officers dismissing country. In most cases it goes unreported, which makes her report: it difficult to know exactly how many people are affected. “Last year one officer came out and his radio was going and I The crime survey for England and Wales estimates that heard him say ‘It’s a DV, we’ll be a few minutes and we’ll go to the 1.2 million women were victims of domestic abuse last next job’. And I thought—thanks a lot, that’s my life.” year, and 77 women were killed by their partners or That is a significant and harrowing example of what is ex-partners. happening. I was also disturbed to read the account of We can take some comfort, I suppose, from the fact a victim in Manchester whose 13-year-old daughter was that that is the lowest number of intimate partner asked to act as a language interpreter for officers homicides since 1998, but in my view and, I am sure, investigating allegations against her father. There is no that of everybody in this Chamber, one such death or excuse for those attitudes from police officers, and chief loss of life is too many. I think that I speak for my constables must act immediately to stamp them out. colleagues not just in the Home Office but across the It is that failure to see domestic abuse as the serious Government when I say that I am determined to see a crime it is that is stopping officers responding effectively. society in which violence against women and girls is not Basic evidence collection that could help to support a tolerated, people are able and encouraged to speak out, prosecution to bring a perpetrator to justice simply is their concerns are taken seriously and no woman or girl not happening. The hon. Member for Warrington North must suffer domestic abuse. (Helen Jones) referred to the failure to take such basic steps as capturing photographic evidence. I have been It has been said by one or two Members that every concerned about the fall-off in referrals by the police to 30 seconds, a victim of domestic abuse summons up the the Crown Prosecution Service, so I was particularly courage to call the police. When a victim reaches out for worried to see that HMIC has exposed a wide variation help, it is vital that the police are equipped to respond in the number of arrests for domestic abuse crime. The effectively and sensitively to help end the cycle of abuse, arrest rate is anywhere between 45% and 90%. The which in many cases will have been going on for years, report also draws out wide variation in cautioning and as Members have correctly said. That is why, in September, reveals that some forces are even routinely using restorative the Home Secretary commissioned HMIC to review the justice in domestic abuse cases. I am clear—I put it on police response to domestic abuse across all 43 forces in the record—that if there is enough evidence to caution, England and Wales, following a series of reports on there is enough evidence to charge. individual domestic homicides by the Independent Police Complaints Commission that caused the Home Secretary HMIC also carried out a file review of 615 actual concern that the police were not doing all that they bodily harm cases connected with domestic abuse. could to safeguard victims. Photographs of injuries were taken in only half the cases, and in 30% officers’ statements lacked important As has been mentioned, on 27 March, HMIC published details about the crime scene or the victim. The Government its findings, which made for depressing reading. The has spent £1.4 million on body-worn cameras to help review was thorough and rigorous and showed, frankly, officers gather evidence at the scene. Yet HMIC has that the police response is not good enough and is revealed that body-worn cameras are not routinely available failing victims. Crucially, it is clear that the priority that for officers attending domestic abuse situations. Those police and crime commissioners have given on paper in unacceptable failures to gather evidence effectively mean their crime plans to tackling domestic abuse is not in that opportunities to stop perpetrators in their tracks many cases, or even most, translating into operational are being missed and victims are left suffering. As the reality. HMIC report makes clear, the police need to build the Although the main findings have been referred to, it case for the victim; they should not expect the victim to may be helpful if I reprise some of them. First, on build the case for the police. leadership, the report highlights that poor management HMIC has exposed similar weaknesses in police action and supervision in the police fail to reinforce the right to safeguard victims. Risk assessment tools can be seen behaviours, attitudes and actions among officers. It also as tick-box exercises that are slavishly followed by officers highlights that some officers lack the basic skills and who do not have the skills to tailor their response to the knowledge necessary to engage confidently and competently situation in front of them. A third of all victims surveyed with victims of domestic abuse. HMIC found that many by HMIC felt no safer as a result of police intervention. chief constables and their top teams still focus more on In more than half the cases that HMIC looked at, there volume and acquisitive crime reduction than on domestic was no evidence of safety measures being considered. abuse. Leadership on the issue is simply not present. Police officers must understand that they have a 163WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 164WH responsibility to make victims safer, not just while they Helen Jones: I am sorry, but I cannot allow that to go are on the scene, but once they have closed the front by without comment. Changing a call-handling system door and gone on to the next call. Chief constables need to enable call handlers to identify repeat victims, for to take urgent action to make significant changes to example, is not a question of attitude; it is a question of front-line policing so that victims are protected and having the right system in place, so that they can perpetrators brought to justice. immediately check whether they have a repeat victim I am encouraged that the majority of chief constables calling. have signalled their commitment to deliver lasting change Norman Baker: It is a question of both, because if in response to the HMIC review. Some forces have people are not taking domestic abuse seriously, they are already taken action to address the issues that HMIC not interested in tracking repeat matters, which was the highlighted. Merseyside police identified a problem with point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Braintree the initial evidence collected by officers in domestic (Mr Newmark). abuse cases and trained 1,500 front-line officers to improve their investigation skills. HMIC found that Mr Newmark: I do not mean to undermine the Minister, Lancashire constabulary has made domestic abuse but training is about more than simply an attitude; one “everyone’s business” and delivered an excellent service has to invest, which means some real money, perhaps a for victims in partnership with independent domestic reallocation of resources. He is absolutely right, there violence advisers. That is commendable. It also shows has been a fall in crime and I have seen that locally in that the police can improve their response. Braintree, but as we are saving money, I would like to That is particularly important given that some police see some reinvestment made to address specific leaders have suggested that the problem is wider than recommendations, such as those which I made in my the police service and extends to other front-line agencies. speech, which include better technology and better training, It is of course true that all such agencies have a critical so that we get a change not only of mindset, but in the role to play, and we are taking steps through our violence education of the police as to what domestic abuse is against women and girls action plan to improve the really about. response of all front-line professionals. However, domestic abuse is a crime and is accordingly core police business. Norman Baker: I want to pick up on that point and The report is about police performance and it identifies approach it logically. Body-worn cameras, for example, police failures. Police leaders can and should work to have been an investment, but they are not being used as address HMIC’s findings because that can and must they ought to be, so there is also a matter about how the make a difference to victims’ lives. police deal with the technology that they are given. In addition, I confirm that the College of Policing—a Some senior police officers have said in response to good innovation introduced by the Government—will the findings that they cannot deliver better standards deliver better training in such matters within their resources. without more resource. Indeed, the hon. Member for It is prioritising what it wants to do on domestic abuse, Warrington North suggested likewise. I want to be which is something that we are dealing with on a clear: this is not about extra resource for the police number of fronts, as I will explain. service. This is about the police changing their culture Responding to domestic abuse is and must be seen as and getting basic policing right, such as collecting evidence a core part of the police’s job. I want the priority to be that ought to be collected and dealing with victims as in practice, not only on paper. HMIC has found that the they ought to deal with them. Improving how they coalition Government’s introduction of directly elected listen to victims and getting the basics of investigation police and crime commissioners and establishment of right are not to do with resources. the College of Policing, which I have just mentioned, are two significant changes that will make a difference Helen Jones: The Minister is absolutely right that in supporting forces and in holding them to account. there have to be changes in culture, but to does he not Change, however, must be driven by police at all levels. accept that to achieve those—the understanding among The report is an opportunity to make a real and lasting front-line officers about some of the realities of domestic difference. Chief constables need to take personal oversight violence and the improvement of call handling—there to ensure that things happen. We need leaders to recognise must also be an investment in training and equipment? and reward officers who are working hard to improve the reality for victims of domestic abuse. Norman Baker: I will come on to training, but the The Opposition spokesperson suggested—she said issue is too serious to digress into—dare I say it—a “gently”—that the Home Secretary should have made a normal debate about resources for the police. The reality, statement as soon as the HMIC report came out. I want to deal with that quickly, is that we have seen a reduction to put it on the record, however, perhaps as a Liberal in crime of around 10% since 2010, which means that Democrat rather than anything else, that the Home fewer crimes are being committed and the police have Secretary has been absolutely rigorous and determined more time to investigate those that have been committed, to make progress on domestic violence since 2010—the even with fewer police officers than previously. Also, whole House recognises that—and even more so subsequent significant investment under my colleague, the Policing to the report. On day one of the report’s publication she Minister, such as digitalisation in the police service, is produced a written ministerial statement, she wrote to freeing up a great deal of officer time by removing all colleagues in the House of Commons and she wrote paperwork. Opposition or Government Members may to all chief constables and police force leads, making it think that this is a matter of resources, but I genuinely clear that her expectation, in line with HMIC’s believe that it is not; it is about attitudes and practice in recommendations, was that each force will have a plan the police—as well as training, to pick up on the hon. in place by September to improve its response to domestic Lady’s point. violence and abuse. 165WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 166WH

[Norman Baker] review. The HMIC report is clear that multi-agency approaches are vital to improving practice in the area. The Home Secretary has committed to chairing a The Government has ring-fenced nearly £40 million of national oversight group to lead immediate improvement. stable funding for specialist local domestic and sexual She has not delegated that to me or to officials; she will violence support services until 2015. That is used to lead it herself, and I will serve on that group with her. part-fund 54 multi-agency risk assessment conference The group has a clear and specific mandate to monitor co-ordinators and 144 independent domestic violence delivery against each of HMIC’s recommendations, so advisers. Up to 60% of abuse victims report no further people’s feet are being held to the fire. The group will violence following intervention by independent advisers, bring together the organisations that must make change so they appear to work. with experts on domestic abuse, and it will sit for the The work that the police will undertake to improve first time shortly. The Home Secretary will issue quarterly their response must be supported by the wider response reports on progress. The coalition Government will of the criminal justice system. On 10 December 2013 ensure that those important recommendations do not the coalition Government brought in a victims’ code become yesterday’s news. They are live issues to be that gives victims of crime clearer entitlements from continually monitored, and progress must be pursued. criminal justice agencies so that they get the right My officials are already working on delivering the support at the right time. The new code provides an actions for the Home Office that were identified by enhanced level of service to vulnerable or intimidated HMIC. The Home Secretary has advised chief constables victims. that she will mandate the collection of performance We are piloting pre-trial cross-examination in three statistics on domestic abuse by the police, which several Crown courts, recognising that if we are to encourage colleagues mentioned, and work to build victim satisfaction victims to come forward we need to ensure that they are into the picture so that we can meaningfully monitor offered the support they need to go through the court progress to deliver improvements. We will also review process. The Director of Public Prosecutions is currently the domestic homicide review process—a point that was updating guidance for prosecutors to complement that also raised—to ensure that it provides the best possible work. I have also asked that we consider what guidance opportunity for local areas to learn from individual may be issued to juries. Juries are, of course, independent tragedies. but some juries conclude, for example, that an inference Police action to address HMIC’s findings will build can be drawn from the fact that someone is wearing on work already being carried out by the coalition certain clothes. Such attitudes must be challenged, and Government. We have introduced Clare’s law, as my that work is ongoing. hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth Let me pick up some of the points that were raised in mentioned, and we have introduced domestic violence the debate. The hon. Member for Slough (Fiona protection orders to give the police a broader range of Mactaggart) asked about non-molestation orders. The tools to break the cycle of abuse. My hon. Friend the domestic violence protection orders that I have mentioned Member for Hornchurch and Upminster (Dame Angela go a long way towards closing the gap, and they do so Watkinson) referred to that issue in her speech, which more quickly than a non-molestation order might. Police was rather moving, when she said that a victim would officers can issue a domestic violence protection order sometimes be forced out of her house. It is precisely on first call-out. That is an immediate response, which because of that problem that we have introduced domestic does not involve going through the legal system. In the violence protection orders, which allow the victim to meantime, of course, during the period granted by the stay put and require the perpetrator to leave the premises. protection order, the victim can be referred to specialist That puts the victim centre stage, rather than making services for support. Non-molestation orders do not them something of an add-on, as they have been in the add to the framework in the short term, but I will raise past. the issue with colleagues at the Ministry of Justice and the interministerial group on violence against women Fiona Mactaggart: I raised the point about people and girls, which I sit on with the Home Secretary. I hope being unable to have legal representation in getting such that is helpful. orders. If the orders exist, that is fantastic, but how can people get access to them if they cannot afford legal Fiona Mactaggart: I thank the Minister for that. representation? The hon. Member for Hornchurch and What struck me was that when my constituent phoned Upminster (Dame Angela Watkinson) and I are eager the police and was passed on to the solicitor, she was to hear that the Minister will do something to help on told that her contribution to legal aid would be around that. £40, which she could afford, but in the end it was more than £500. We must ensure that people are properly Norman Baker: I have got notes, but I will respond to informed of the costs that they may incur in such cases. the specific points raised by the hon. Lady in a moment. She was trying to make herself safe from her husband I would expect the police to be helpful in ensuring that rather than prosecute him. the protection orders are taken forward in such circumstances. Norman Baker: I entirely understand that. The hon. We have also been clear that changes to the law or Lady made the point about the cost of implementation new powers alone are not sufficient. The Home Secretary very well. I was dealing with the non-molestation point is determined to use the extra resource that the Government in the sense that I was trying to ensure that someone has injected into HMIC to continue to monitor performance who had been subject to domestic violence was secure on domestic abuse, and I join her in welcoming HMIC’s from further attack or violence. The protection order commitment to revisit those issues as part of its annual that we have just introduced provides a period when the 167WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 168WH victim can stay in their home, the perpetrator is removed, As to how we would ensure that guidance from the and a specialist independent domestic violence advocate College of Policing will be fully integrated in day-to-day can give advice. IDVAs should be allowed to support policing operations, the Home Secretary and I expect victims throughout the criminal justice process. I am that all chief constables will have plans in place by happy to take the matter up with the Ministry of Justice September, as I have mentioned, to drive a culture and to take it forward with the interministerial group change in front-line policing and, again, a national that I mentioned. oversight group will bring together the College of Policing and police leadership to ensure that training is effective Dame Angela Watkinson: I am doing my best to and that it is rolled out across the UK. follow the change in policy. Will the Minister clarify The hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies), who is whether the sort of harassment charges that we have not in his place, and one or two other hon. Members been talking about are now criminal and not civil? That referred to domestic violence affecting men. Figures seems to be the crucial point. If it is a civil matter, the were quoted to suggest that a large number of men are victim is liable for the cost of obtaining a non-molestation affected. I have asked for that to be dug into more, order. If it is a criminal matter, will it be free of charge? because I want to make sure that we compare like with like. I suspect that female victims of domestic violence Norman Baker: I will write to my hon. Friend on that are, overwhelmingly, those in a relationship with a man specific point. However, the protection order is an alternative who commits domestic violence or abuse against them. that is immediate—it immediately protects the victim. I I want to make sure that male victims represent the will write to hon. Members here about the nature of the same thing. The figures may include male-on-male cases non-molestation order so that the information is more such as fathers and sons, or brothers. I want to make widely available. sure that the figures do not misrepresent the situation. Vera Baird, the PCC for the north-east—I cannot remember When introducing the debate, my hon. Friend the what the area is called—mentioned that to me. There is, Member for Brentford and Isleworth asked for an assurance of course, some domestic violence against men, and that the work that is under way will focus on effective that needs to be factored in. I was asked whether there outcomes and not simply on the production of endless are refuges for men, and I am aware of at least one, statistics and reports. I am happy to give her that which opened in Berkshire in 2012, which accommodates assurance. We need culture change and that is certainly males, including those with children, who have had to central to the work that the Home Secretary and I are flee domestic abuse. There may be others that I am not taking forward. We are not simply interested in aware of. statistics; we want to see real change on the ground to benefit the people who are adversely affected by this The hon. Member for Finchley and Golders Green terrible crime. (Mike Freer) asked what we were doing to deal with religious groups that ostracise victims. That is of course My hon. Friend asked what could be done to encourage a difficult matter to deal with, but the Under-Secretary greater reporting of domestic violence incidents. I am of State for International Development, my hon. Friend happy to tell her that domestic violence reporting is on the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Lynne the rise and although the figures from the crime survey Featherstone), and I have met religious leaders to talk for England and Wales suggest that the level of domestic about female genital mutilation in particular, and to try abuse and violence is roughly flat, the number of incidents to engage their help in tackling that version of domestic reported to the police has risen, which suggests that violence—or violence against women, anyway. I am more people are confident about reporting such incidents keen to go further with that, so I shall be looking to to the police. More of the incidents that are occurring make more progress with religious leaders in that regard. are being formally reported. That is good, and shows I think that the hon. Gentleman also asked whether that sometimes when crime is officially rising, it may be there was any guidance for police on same-sex couples because more people are coming forward to report when there is violence. The current police guidance on crimes that hitherto were hidden. That must be helpful. investigating domestic abuse, which was issued in 2008, My hon. Friend asked whether the Home Office covers same-sex relationships. The intention is that it would review the priorities set by police and crime will be updated to build into it the findings from the commissioners to check whether domestic abuse is included. HMIC report. The Home Secretary has already taken these matters up The hon. Member for Braintree raised the issue of with each PCC, and I think PCCs throughout the coercive behaviour and asked whether a pattern of such country now understand not only that this is an important behaviour can constitute domestic abuse. The answer is issue for the Government, which it certainly is, but that yes. He also asked whether there are problems in proving their own populations are drawing it to their attention that, and the answer is yes. We believe, and the HMIC rather more. I am confident that more and more attention report suggests, that police forces do not keep good will be given, in a more structured way, to taking that data on repeat victims, which makes it hard to prove a issue forward in local police plans. The challenge, as I pattern. It is not, however, impossible. The situation have mentioned, is not simply getting PCCs to include it must change, and that will be a focus of the national in their plans; it is to make sure that police follow it oversight group, which, as I mentioned, the Home through in a way that is effective to protect victims of Secretary chairs. I do not think that it is a question of domestic violence. As a general point, the national the law, because domestic abuse is a crime, and coercive oversight group, which the Home Secretary has set up behaviour is part of the definition, as we heard from my and will chair, and which I sit on, will make sure that hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth, domestic abuse is a priority for all areas. If there are any when she referred to the change that we made. Indeed, areas where it is not taken seriously, that will change, the hon. Member for Warrington North also mentioned because we intend to make sure of that. the change in the definition of domestic abuse. The 169WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 170WH

[Norman Baker] on gangs demonstrated how teenage girls in particular are often subject to appalling violence. That is one issue is ensuring that the evidence is collected in order reason why we have been running the “This is Abuse” to enable a successful prosecution to be carried through, campaign, to which my hon. Friend the Member for rather than necessarily finding a new law. The law to Brentford and Isleworth referred. That is also why it is deal with coercive behaviour and repeat patterns is targeted particularly at boys, why the message is very already there. However, it is of course an important clear that no means no, and why we are trying to matter and I fully accept that it is easier to deal with educate young boys in particular about what consent is. isolated incidents than ongoing, what might be called Clearly, there is an issue about people understanding low-level, domestic abuse. I am sure that that will also consent, and that needs to be rectified. be covered by the work of the national oversight group. We are also using role models who will be effective in getting these messages across, so that it is not Ministers Mr Newmark: From speaking to women’s groups, my or police officers who are communicating the messages impression is that the problem is that there is no legislative to young boys; it is, for example, pop stars. We have framework. Simply saying that it will be taken into used the band The Wanted, Jason Derulo and people account does not deal with the substantive issue. The like that, and we have also used outlets such as MTV. Minister said that it is low-level, but coercive abuse can We have tried to use the outlets and the people who will sometimes be far more pernicious because of the be effective in getting the messages across, and I think psychological damage that it does. One should not say that we have been quite successful in doing that. that physical violence is somehow that much worse than The HMIC report states that an coercive behaviour. The Government should at least be “HMIC inspection on child protection is currently underway. It looking at trying to find some form of legislative framework will review how effective the police are at keeping children safe.” to encompass coercive behaviour. The Department for Education believes that it is important that police advise children’s social care when Norman Baker: When I said low-level, I was referring children are in an abusive environment. In the most to perhaps each individual instance, but I very much severe cases, children at immediate risk should be accept that the accumulation of such instances may, of immediately protected by being removed if necessary. If course, have a result that is worse than an instance of there is further work to do to link up the police and violence. I am sorry for giving the wrong impression. children’s services, I hope that will be considered by the As I said, we think that the behaviour we are discussing oversight group as well. is already covered by the law; the issue is that the data are not being collected and the evidence accumulated in Mary Macleod: One of the important points that my a way that leads to successful prosecutions in many hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham cases. Nevertheless, we do believe that it is possible to (Tim Loughton) talked about was the impact that domestic deal with such behaviour under existing laws. I am violence has on children in the long term. It is almost as reluctant to move towards having narrowly defined, though it is subconscious, learned behaviour that could specific laws, because the thrust of the Government’s affect them. Although yes, the issue is absolutely about intention has been to move away from that. Narrowly immediate safety, it is also about ongoing support, defined law can lead to people finding loopholes, which counselling and mentoring to support those children, were mentioned by the hon. Member for Warrington so that they can get over some of the experiences that North. An example of our intention is that we have they have been through—the learned behaviour can amended the antisocial behaviour legislation to make sometimes be very much in the subconscious—so that general offences easier to deal with, because exemptions they do not go on and repeat such behaviour later on in have been found that made prosecutions unsuccessful. I their own lives. believe that a general definition that can include coercive behaviour will be a more successful way forward, provided Norman Baker: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. that the police are collecting the evidence and a system There is a clear generational pattern, in that those who is in place to enable that to be successfully followed have been abused are more likely to abuse others in through to a prosecution. future, or to allow themselves to be abused in the future, My hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and than those who have not suffered such abuse in their Shoreham mentioned the provisions of the Children formative years. Therefore, cutting the generational link Act 1989. He made an important point and, as he said, is very important, so she is absolutely right to draw it has not been given sufficient attention in the past. I attention to that. will undertake to see what we might do to tie the I want to mention Cumbria constabulary, which is Department for Education rather more into these currently running a pilot in one area of the force. For matters—he will be aware of my wish to do so—and to medium and high-risk cases involving children, the ensure that legislation that is specifically children-orientated force will make contact with a nominated person at the is given proper attention. He is right to say that children child’s school to alert them that the child has been at are not necessarily attacked physically, but can suffer home when a domestic abuse incident took place, so significantly, as he very eloquently outlined, as a result there may be a risk. That seems to be a very good of being in a place where domestic violence occurs, example of the police working sensibly with those who particularly when it occurs over a long time. That will have responsibility for caring for children. Leicestershire be very damaging to children. police is also piloting a similar approach with a number The hon. Member for Warrington North was right to of schools in Leicester, where the force notifies the refer to the work on gangs, because the work by the school if the child has witnessed a domestic violence or Deputy Children’s Commissioner in the harrowing report abuse incident. 171WH Domestic Violence (Police Response)10 APRIL 2014 Domestic Violence (Police Response) 172WH

I have mentioned one or two matters to which the Helen Jones: For clarity, before the Minister sits hon. Member for Warrington North referred, but I will down, I said that it was a moral disgrace. I do not want pick up one or two other points to try and be comprehensive him to attribute to me something that I clearly have not in my response. She referred to police IT systems. I said, even if accidentally. mentioned the digitisation that is going on in the police, which is both making the police more effective and Norman Baker: I do not wish to have a dispute about saving money. The other steps that are being taken that particular point, but the impression I gained from through technology are doing those two things as well. the hon. Lady’s contribution was that she was suggesting Police IT will be discussed with police leadership as part that a motivation for the Government to do more might of the agenda for the national oversight group that the be that we might save money. I want to put it plainly on Home Secretary has established. I had not yet addressed the record that that is not a consideration in taking that point of the hon. Lady’s. forward the agenda. Our consideration in taking forward The last point I wanted to make was about saving the agenda is to do the right thing by those who are money. The hon. Lady referred to the fact that dealing victims of this appalling crime. with domestic abuse will save money, as though that I think we have made a good start and that the Home were a motivation for the Government. It will save Secretary has made a good start following the HMIC money; she is right in the analysis that doing the right report, to add on to all her previous work. We will take thing and reducing the number of cases of domestic the matter very seriously and it will be subject to very abuse will end up benefiting the public purse, but I want close scrutiny by myself and by the Home Secretary. We to be absolutely clear to all Members today that that is are determined to do all we can to eliminate this appalling not a motivation that is driving the Government. What crime. is driving the Government today is our horror at domestic Question put and agreed to. abuse and domestic violence, and our determination to stamp it out. If it saves money, that is a beneficial side effect, but it will not be the driver either way. Even if it 3.59 pm costs money, we will be taking action on this front. Sitting adjourned.

23WS Written Statements10 APRIL 2014 Written Statements 24WS Written Statements Fine Industries Ltd Gestamp Tallent Ltd Huntsman Polyurethanes (UK) Ltd Thursday 10 April 2014 Hydram Engineering Ltd JDR Cable Systems Ltd Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies Ltd (JM Davy) BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Let’s Grow Tinsley Special Products Ltd Regional Growth Fund TRW Systems Ltd North West The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Absynth Biologies Ltd and Skills (Michael Fallon): Today my right hon. Friend Glen Dimplex Home Appliances Ltd the Deputy Prime Minister will announce that 50 projects GT Energy UK Ltd and programmes have been awarded a total of £300 million Nice-Pak International Ltd in round 5 of the regional growth fund (RGF). North West Logistics Ltd (“NWL”) This support will help an increasing number of companies to invest in long-term job creation in Redx Pharma Ltd communities where the need is greatest, and bring in Unilever UK Central Resources Ltd £1.9 billion in private investment. I am publishing a list South East and London of all 50 projects and programmes that have been Elekta Ltd selected for support in round 5 at annex A. Farnborough International Ltd (FIL) In the June 2013 spending round allocation, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Government KEWS Kent Woodland Employment Scheme announced a further £600 million to be available for South West bids in rounds 5 and 6 of the RGF, bringing the fund Becton Dickinson UK Ltd total to £3.2 billion. Of this £600 million, £100 million Cornwall Marine Network Ltd was passed to the local growth fund which will support Dyson Technology Ltd local enterprise partnership (LEP) initiatives from 2015-16. The remaining £500 million is available to fund rounds Fine Tubes Ltd 5 and 6. The application window for round 5 ran from Gooch and Housego (Torquay) Ltd October to December 2013 and the fund appraised North Devon+ 129 bids seeking a total of £650 million. Unlike previous SPP Pumps Ltd rounds, following the creation of the local growth fund for LEPs, round 5 was only open to private sector-led West Midlands bids. Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd Since the start of the RGF over £1.5 billion has been Bournville College/Trinity Mirror Midands made available to SMEs in England through RGF- HydraForce Hydraulics Ltd supported programmes. Further details on how the RGF helps support SMEs can be found here: Maier UK Ltd https://www.gov.uk/regional-growth-fund-a-guide-for-small-and- MTCE Ltd medium-enterprises-smes Sense and Sense International Round 6 of the RGF will continue to help secure Sertec private sector investment and job creation when it opens to bids in the summer of 2014. Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Yorkshire and the Humber ANNEX A—LIST OF SELECTED BIDDERS IN ROUND 5 East Midlands Anglia Metal Ltd Dalepak Ltd Really Useful Products Ltd Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry Reckitt Benckiser (Brands) University of Derby Ltd UK Steel Enterprise Ltd East of England Hayward Tyler Ltd (HTL) UK Coal Production Ltd Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd Nationwide Avanti Communications Group plc The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Close Brothers Ltd and Skills (Michael Fallon): I want to update the House Compass Business Finance Ltd on matters concerning UK Coal Production Ltd. Finance For Industry Ltd The directors of UK Coal Production Ltd (UK Coal) The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc approached the Government at the end of January 2014 to report that they were concerned that, due to a North East combination of an unfavourable coal price, exchange Cleveland Potash Ltd (CPL) rates and other factors, the viability of the business was Cummins Ltd potentially in doubt. 25WS Written Statements10 APRIL 2014 Written Statements 26WS

On 21 March a private sector-led consortium submitted We envisage that these structural changes will be proposals to Government for a managed closure of the implemented by no later than July 2015. 24 Commando operational deep mines by autumn 2015 and the sale of Engineer Regiment will remain in Royal Marines Barracks, the surface mining business. The proposals require funding Chivenor (Barnstaple). from a number of parties, including Government, to provide the liquidity necessary to enable the managed Armed Forces Pay Review Body (Triennial Review) closure. The proposal involves the Government contributing an interest-bearing loan of £10 million alongside additional contributions from other parties. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence The taxpayer would face significant losses and liabilities (Anna Soubry): On 27 February 2014, Official Report, in the event of an immediate insolvency of UK Coal, column 25WS, I announced in a written ministerial principally relating to redundancy and unpaid tax liabilities. statement, the commencement of the triennial review of Considering this, the taxpayer is better served by supporting the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body (AFPRB). I am a managed closure of the mines. The proposal is for the now pleased to announce the completion of the review. Government to invest alongside private sector organisations, The AFPRB plays an important role providing including an experienced coal operator. This provides independent advice to the Prime Minister and Defence reassurance on the deliverability of the closure plan and Secretary, and the review has concluded that the body therefore the repayment of the Government loan. However, remains fit for purpose, delivering relevant and beneficial deep coal mining remains an inherently risky business. functions for Defence, in an appropriate governance There is no value-for-money case for a level of investment framework. The review report makes some minor that would keep the deep mines open beyond this managed recommendations to improve the governance arrangements wind-down period to autumn 2015. Private sector investors for the AFPRB, which will be taken forward by the who wish to put in the substantial investment that Department in conjunction with stakeholders across would be needed to maintain the mines beyond autumn Government and with the AFPRB. The report also 2015 without Government support remain free to do so. notes that as the management framework for dealing It is the Government’s intention, in principle, to with service personnel issues within the Department participate in the private sector-led consortium created undergoes significant change, the relationship with the to avoid the immediate insolvency of UK Coal. This AFPRB may also need to evolve over time. participation is conditional on negotiation of final terms The triennial review has been carried out with the that provide adequate protection to taxpayers, and the participation of a wide range of stakeholders across the Government securing assurance that all parties (including Defence community, including the AFPRB. I am grateful trade unions) are committed to successful delivery of to all those who contributed to the review. The final review the closure plan. report has been placed in the Library of the House. The Jobcentre Plus rapid response service will be made available to help support the employees into new EDUCATION employment, and to arrange re-training where needed. I should also like to acknowledge the ongoing support the company is receiving from its work force, customers, Careers Guidance suppliers and creditors during this challenging period. The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock): As part of plans to reform the education and skills DEFENCE systems we need better support to prepare young people for the world of work. 24 Commando Engineer Regiment Today I am publishing revised statutory guidance, “Careers guidance and inspiration in schools”, which The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Mark Francois): will be effective from September 2014. On 5 July 2012, Official Report, column 1085, the As evidence shows that the best people to inspire and Defence Secretary made a statement to the House on guide young people are those in good careers themselves, the outcome of the Army 2020 review and laid out the this guidance strengthens the requirement for schools to future structure of the British Army. The announcement build links with employers to inspire and mentor pupils, explained the need to restructure the Army to face an helping them to develop high aspirations and fulfil their increasingly uncertain world and to create the agile and potential. adaptable armed forces as set out in the 2010 strategic The guidance sets a clear framework for the provision defence and security review. Included in the statement of advice and guidance, giving schools clarity on the was the withdrawal of 24 Commando Engineer Regiment. required approach to ensure that expectations are set At the time of the Army 2020 announcement, the high, and all young people can access the support they Army acknowledged that engagement with the Royal need to understand and navigate an ambitious range of Navy was still ongoing, and this would refine the allocation career options. of Army manpower available to support Royal Navy The guidance emphasises the need to provide pupils tasks. This process is now complete and it has been with direct experience of the world of work, a clear decided that 24 Commando Engineer Regiment will be view of the labour market and a good understanding retained although the regiment will be reduced in size. of progression routes through education, including This change will be achieved by rebalancing Army apprenticeships and university. The guidance highlights manpower within 3 Commando Brigade and allows for the benefits of pupils having face-to-face discussions to the best use of available resources to deliver the strategic explore career ideas with a range of people including defence and security review and Army 2020 capability. alumni, careers advisers, coaches, mentors and other 27WS Written Statements10 APRIL 2014 Written Statements 28WS inspiring individuals. There is now no excuse for schools Our topical theme for the report is “Preventing Sexual and colleges not to engage local employers to support Violence in Conflict”. Rape as a weapon of war needs students in the transition from education to employment. to be removed from the world’s arsenal of cruelty, and Departmental advice published alongside the guidance the culture of impunity that surrounds the issue put to provides examples of inspiring activities that can be an end. It is an issue of fundamental importance to embedded within a clear advice and guidance strategy international peace and security and conflict prevention. linked to outcomes for pupils. It also contains details of Since the launch of the preventing sexual violence initiative, organisations that help to broker relationships between the UK has worked with many Governments around schools and employers, and case studies demonstrating the world, the UN and other multilateral organisations, high-quality advice and guidance. This paints a clear and a wide range of committed NGOs and civil society picture of what good careers guidance looks like, offering organisations to achieve greater global awareness of the evidence of what works. scale of sexual violence in conflict, and to promote The guidance sets out clearly how schools will be held changes in how the international community perceives to account, confirming Ofsted’s intention to take greater and responds to the issue. I am determined that political account during school inspections of the quality of will now turns to practical action. In June, I am co-hosting careers guidance and of pupils’ destinations. This sits the global summit to end sexual violence in conflict, alongside the new accountability structures published with the special envoy of the UN High Commissioner last week, which will hold schools to account for pupil for Refugees, Angelina Jolie, in London. Over 140 destinations, as well as English and Maths and exam results. countries will be represented and it will be the biggest meeting ever held on this issue. The new guidance is available on the Government website www.gov.uk and copies have been placed in the Human rights are at the heart of our foreign policy, House Libraries. and remain a priority for the Government as a whole. In 2013, we were successful in our bid for election to the UN Human Rights Council, giving us a greater opportunity FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE to support countries working to improve their human rights record, and to call to account those nations that commit serious and systematic violations against their Human Rights and Democracy Report citizens. In 2014, the UK will continue to work on our six global The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth thematic priorities: women’s rights; torture prevention; Affairs (Mr William Hague): I have today laid before abolition of the death penalty; freedom of expression the House a copy of the 2013 Foreign and Commonwealth on the internet; business and human rights; and freedom Office report on human rights and democracy (CM 8842). of religion or belief. We will aim to protect those most vulnerable in society, promote human dignity for all, The report is a comprehensive assessment of the and respond proactively to the many existing and, as yet global human rights situation in 2013. It sets out what unforeseen, challenges on human rights that 2014 brings. the Government are doing through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to promote human rights and The full report can be read at: www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk democratic values around the world in three principal ways. First, it documents how we are seeking to exert a Foreign Affairs Council/Defence Foreign Affairs positive influence in a range of countries where we have Council serious concerns about the human rights situation. Secondly, it assesses progress on a number of thematic issues that cut across geographical boundaries. And thirdly, it reports on the benefits for UK citizens of our work on human The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): My rights, in terms of prosperity, security, and human right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and rights for British nationals overseas. Commonwealth Affairs will attend the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 April. The Minister for International The primary criterion for inclusion as a country of Security Strategy will attend the European Defence concern continues to be the gravity of the human rights Agency Steering Board and the Defence Foreign Affairs situation in the country, including both the severity of Council on 15 April. Both Councils will be chaired by particular abuses and the range of human rights affected. the High Representative of the European Union for This year we introduced a list of human rights indicators Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton and indices in order to ensure that our analysis of this of Upholland. The meetings will be held in Luxembourg. criterion was strictly evidence-based. As a result of this analysis, no countries were removed from the countries FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL of concern category, and the Central African Republic Introduction was added to the list. Baroness Ashton is expected to cover a number of Country case studies are a way to report on countries topics in her introductory remarks, including the outcomes that do not meet the overall threshold for a country of of the EU/US summit which took place on 26 March in concern, but which we judge nonetheless to be facing Brussels; her meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping human rights challenges, or to be on a trajectory of in Brussels on 1 April; the outcomes of the EU/Africa change with regard to their human rights performance. summit which took place on 2 and 3 April in Brussels; The Gambia has been removed from this category, and the first round of the presidential elections in Afghanistan the report features Swaziland and India as thematic which took place on 5 April; and the talks between the case studies this year. The remainder of country case E3+3 and Iran on a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s studies is unchanged from 2012: Bahrain, Bangladesh, nuclear programme on 8 and 9 April in Vienna. We do Egypt, Ethiopia and Rwanda. not expect substantive discussion on any of these topics. 29WS Written Statements10 APRIL 2014 Written Statements 30WS

Ukraine where appropriate, to help deliver efficiencies and address Ministers will discuss the situation in Ukraine. The critical shortfalls. Any EU framework must not duplicate UK will focus on how to support Ukraine in the crucial existing NATO defence planning activities and must pre-election period and also longer term. Free and fair not cross the UK’s established defence red lines. elections are crucial to build confidence in a new DEFENCE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL Government that will carry out the deep reforms Ukraine Maritime security needs to become the prosperous and stable independent Ministers will discuss the recent joint communication country that it aspires to be. The presidential elections on maritime security from the Commission and Baroness on 25 May represent both opportunity and risk for Ashton, which sets out elements that could be incorporated Ukraine. The election process is likely to be fraught in an EU maritime security strategy.We support developing with difficulty; Russia will seek to undermine and possibly a more co-ordinated and coherent approach to existing even delay the process. The UK will be proposing ideas Commission and the European External Action Service to mitigate the risks and help the new Government (EEAS) work in this field, and will seek to ensure the engage with the Ukrainian people including those regions final strategy, expected in June, takes full account of the which have concerns about protecting their cultural and roles of other international organisations, particularly linguistic rights. We will also be stressing the importance NATO. of further preparatory work on restrictive measures against Russia to ensure EU preparedness for any further Central African Republic escalation. Ministers will receive an update on the deployment of the EU’s operation in the Central African Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina EUFOR RCA. The UK is concerned about the ongoing Ministers will discuss the latest developments in Bosnia security and humanitarian situation in the Central African and Herzegovina (BiH). They will also adopt conclusions Republic, and EUFOR RCA will contribute to security urging Bosnian leaders to address immediately the legitimate in Bangui until a successful hand-over to the African socio-economic grievances of their population, making Union mission or a possible UN peacekeeping operation clear the EU’s strong commitment to supporting BiH in can be completed. We would like to see the operation implementing the wide range of reforms needed for the deployed and having effect on the ground quickly, and country to progress, should BiH’s leaders demonstrate are examining in detail possible logistic support to help their commitment to immediate reform. The UK supports achieve this. The UK has provided a staff officer to the a broadened and reinvigorated EU effort in BiH, in operation headquarters in Larissa, but will not be response to the recent protests and the political and contributing any combat troops. economic stalemate which they reflect. The UK will Eastern Partnership emphasise strongly the need for BiH’s leadership to In the context of recent events in Ukraine, Baroness respond rapidly and comprehensively to the population’s Ashton is likely to provide an update on the EU’s legitimate demands for change. The UK will also emphasise support to its eastern partners, including Ukraine, Georgia its continued commitment to BiH’s territorial integrity and Moldova. We will continue to encourage co-operation as a united sovereign country, and make clear that it with eastern partners in the context of the EU’s common regards recent secessionist rhetoric as entirely unacceptable. security and defence policy (CSDP), building on existing Syria EU work to support and facilitate eastern partners’ Ministers will discuss the situation in Syria, focusing contributions to CSDP missions and operations. on humanitarian access, elections, sanctions and humanitarian aid. EU Foreign Ministers (Informal Meeting) The UK will emphasise the importance of the Syrian regime complying with all the demands of the UN Security Council Resolution 2139 on humanitarian access, The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): My in particular allowing cross-border and cross-line right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and humanitarian access. We will also stress the importance Commonwealth Affairs attended the informal Foreign of the UN and other international aid agencies, including Ministers meeting on 4 to 5 April in Athens, Greece. EU aid agencies, scaling up their cross-border and The informal format of the Gymnich allows EU cross-line aid deliveries, given the legitimacy of carrying Foreign Ministers to engage in a free-ranging discussion out cross-border work without regime consent in these on a number of issues. In contrast to arrangements in circumstances. The UK will stress its support for the the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), Ministers do not political track, including delegitimising the regime-held agree any formal written conclusions. The next FAC is presidential elections. In support of the political and due to be held on 14 April. humanitarian efforts, the UK will ask member states to consider putting pressure on the regime through further The Gymnich was chaired by the High Representative sanctions measures, and to contribute more funding for of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security humanitarian aid. Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland. Discussion centred on issues in the EU’s eastern and southern neighbourhoods. EUROPEAN DEFENCE AGENCY MINISTERIAL STEERING BOARD Commissioners Füle (enlargement and European The EDA Ministerial Steering Board is likely to focus neighbourhood policy) and Georgieva (international on work to date developing the policy framework for co-operation, humanitarian aid and crisis response) systematic and long-term co-operation, called for in the were in attendance for some of the discussions. Elmar December 2013 European Council conclusions. The Brok MEP, chairman of the European Parliament’s UK supports efforts to encourage EU member states to Committee on Foreign Affairs, attended lunch with the invest in defence capabilities and co-ordinate requirements Foreign Ministers. 31WS Written Statements10 APRIL 2014 Written Statements 32WS

FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL in enforcing the protection of workers and directly Ukraine tackling those who choose to abuse the system. Ministers discussed the situation in the eastern The review has concluded that there is a continuing neighbourhood countries, focusing in particular on Ukraine, role for the GLA. Georgia and Moldova. The Foreign Secretary emphasised The review concludes that the functions performed the importance of support for Ukraine, in particular in by the GLA are still necessary, that the GLA remains this crucial pre-election period. He also stated the the right body for delivering them and that it should be importance of rebalancing the EU’s relationship with retained as an non-departmental public body (NDPB). Russia and over the long term reducing our energy The review also looked at the governance arrangements dependency; the immediate tasks were to continue the for the body in line with Cabinet Office principles of preparatory work on the possible next phase of sanctions, good practice. It further suggested that the GLA should and on the consequences of annexation for Crimea. develop mechanisms for continued effective communication Discussion among Ministers ranged widely over these and engagement with stakeholders. The report makes topics. some recommendations in this respect; these will be Bosnia and Herzegovina implemented shortly. Ministers discussed the situation in Bosnia and By moving sponsorship of the GLA to the Home Herzegovina. The Foreign Secretary made a strong case Office, the Government are seeking to strengthen the for increasing EU engagement, aimed at supporting GLA’s law-enforcement functions, supporting the Home Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development into a fully Office’s work to tackle modern slavery and worker functioning state. Baroness Ashton ranked Bosnia and exploitation. Herzegovina alongside Ukraine and Syria as one of the The full report of the review of the GLA can be EU’s main external policy challenges. found on the gov.uk website and a copy will be placed in Syria the Library of the House. Ministers discussed the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Syria, and the regime’s non-compliance with UN Security Council resolution 2139. They underlined WORK AND PENSIONS the importance of the resolution being fully implemented. Ministers also discussed progress on the destruction of Personal Independence Payment Assessment Syrian chemical weapons.

The Minister of State, Department for Work and HOME DEPARTMENT Pensions (Mike Penning): The Government have committed, through the Welfare Reform Act 2012, to carry out an Gangmasters Licensing Authority independent review of the personal independence payment (PIP) assessment within the first two years of operations. I am pleased to announce today that Paul Gray CB The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home has been appointed to carry out the first independent Department (Karen Bradley): On 10 September 2013, review. the then Minister with responsibility for agriculture and Paul Gray has held the position of chair of the Social food, the Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr Heath) Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) since November made a written statement to Parliament announcing the 2011. Prior to his retirement from the civil service in triennial review of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority 2007, he held a number of senior positions including (GLA)—Official Report, column 44WS. I am pleased to executive chairman of HM Revenue and Customs and announce the conclusion of the review. Responsibility managing director, pensions and disability in the for the GLA has now moved from the Department for Department for Work and Pensions. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to the Home Office under a machinery of government change. During the period of the review Paul Gray intends to The GLA is an organisation which regulates the stand aside from any consideration by SSAC of issues supply of labour to the farming, food processing and relating to personal independence payment. shellfish gathering sectors and protects workers in those The review will provide valuable independent insight sectors from exploitation. The GLA works to embed a into the how the assessment process is operating in its framework through which workers are treated fairly early stages. and labour providers and labour users operate on a Paul Gray will present his report to the Secretary of level playing field. The GLA also plays a significant role State for Work and Pensions before the end of 2014.

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We are working hard to ensure that couples wanting Written Answers to to convert their civil partnerships into marriages are able to do so as soon as possible. We aim to do this Questions before the end of 2014. These aspects of implementing the Act take longer because they involve developing and implementing Thursday 10 April 2014 completely new procedures and processes. This contrasts with the work to make new marriages for same-sex couples possible, where we were able to build on existing WOMEN AND EQUALITIES processes so implementation was more straightforward. Gender

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for Women and ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE Equalities what assessment she has made of the implications for her Department of the results of publicly-funded Electoral Register research into gender differences in brain development and functioning. [195615] Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Mrs Grant: I have made no assessment of the implications Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport of the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of results of publicly-funded research into gender differences 3 December 2013, Official Report, columns 611-2W, on in brain development and functioning. electoral registration officers, which local authorities failed to meet performance standard 1 on using local Gender: Discrimination government databases, in each year for which information is available. [194403] Mr Marsden: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities how many times gender discrimination in the Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me maritime sector has been (a) reported to the Equal that the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) who did Opportunities Commission, (b) prosecuted and (c) not meet performance standard 1 in each year from penalised under the Equality Act 2010 since the Act 2008 to 2010 are shown in the following list. No EROs came into force. [195430] have been assessed as not meeting this standard in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Mrs Grant: In October 2007 the Equal Opportunities, EROs not meeting Performance Standard 1 Racial Equality and Disability Rights Commissions were merged to form the Equality and Human Rights 2008 Commission. The Equality and Human Rights Commission Barnsley is an independent body and I have asked the commission Berwick-upon-Tweed to provide the information requested. The commission Blaby can only provide information on cases that have been Blackburn with Darwen referred to it, and does not hold information on any Brentwood legal action that may have been taken independently on 1 this issue by individuals. The commission’s records of Chester-le-street complaints received and cases taken to court do not Durham1 specifically identify gender discrimination in the maritime Harborough sector. Providing a comprehensive and accurate response Ipswich on the number of times this issue has been reported to North East Derbyshire the commission, cases prosecuted or penalties imposed North Lanarkshire2 would require a manual search of files and therefore Nottingham could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Sutton LGBT People South Lanarkshire2 Three Rivers Simon Kirby: To ask the Minister for Women and Windsor and Maidenhead Equalities when she plans to bring forward legislative Weymouth and Portland proposals to enable LGBT people in civil partnerships Walsall to convert these to marriages as defined in the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013; and if she will make a 2009 statement. [195370] Bradford Nottingham Mrs Grant: Our priority has been to ensure that Sefton same-sex couples who were not currently in a civil 2010 partnership and who had been waiting to marry in order to formalise their relationship were able to do so Barnsley as soon as possible. Therefore our focus has been on Nottingham enabling marriages to take place and this happened 1 Chester-le Street and Durham are now part of County Durham several months earlier than anticipated. The first marriages unitary authority. of same-sex couples took place on 29 March 2014. 2 North and South Lanarkshire are covered by one ERO 305W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 306W

The Electoral Commission also informs me that it Electoral Register: Young People published its report, titled “Readiness for the transition to Individual Electoral Registration”, which included Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West its assessment of ERO performance in 2013, on 31 Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the March 2014, and wrote to the hon. Member with a copy Electoral Commission, with which (a) mobile telephone of the report. The report explains that all EROs reported companies, (b) voluntary groups and (c) travel card that they were meeting or exceeding standard 1 in 2013, providers the Electoral Commission is working to improve and that the Commission is in the process of conducting registration rates of young people. [194344] a detailed analysis of EROs’ electoral registration data from the 2013 canvass, following which it will publish Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me its final assessment of EROs’ performance. that it continues to work to identify partners for its work on IER. As agreements are put in place, it will make these available on its website and will inform the Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South hon. Member when the first batch is published. West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, which local authorities have Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West failed performance standard 3 on house-to-house Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the enquiries; how many times they have failed; and how Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of many times a Cabinet Office regional delivery manager 29 January 2014, Official Report, column 620W, on the has intervened. [194793] electoral register, what progress the Electoral Commission has made in improving registration rates of attainers; Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me and what measures the Electoral Commission uses to that in 2013 five Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) judge its performance of increasing registration rates of reported that they did not meet performance standard attainers. [194422] 3: Mid Devon; Taunton Deane; Torridge; West Devon; and West Somerset. The following table shows the Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me number of times these EROs have not met this standard. that Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are responsible for maintaining the electoral register in their local areas. Number of times those EROS not meeting standard 3 in 2013 have not The Electoral Commission supports them in this work met this standard in a number of ways, including by targeting its performance Number of times not Years in which not standards to help ensure that they understand the particular ERO met met challenges in their registration area and develop plans Mid Devon 4 2010, 2011, 2012, to address these and improve registration rates. 2013 The Commission refers the hon. Gentleman to its Taunton Deane 3 2011, 2012, 2013 earlier reply of 29 January 2014 in which it outlined the Torridge 2 2012, 2013 steps it was taking to register attainers. West Devon 4 2009, 2010, 2011, It is not possible to isolate registration form downloads 2012 from the Commission’s West Somerset 4 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 www.aboutmyvote.co.uk website by demographic, however it does regularly review The Commission is in the process of conducting a what media channels are most used by attainers, for detailed analysis of EROs’ electoral registration data example Video On Demand (VOD). This ensures that from the 2013 canvass, following which it will publish its campaigns are targeted as effectively as possible. its final assessment of EROs’ performance in 2013. Electoral Registration Officers The Cabinet Office has established a network of regional delivery managers to monitor EROs’ readiness Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West for the transition to individual electoral registration in Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on 2014. However, the Commission does not have specific the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of details of the activities undertaken by these all of these 3 December 2013, Official Report, columns 611-2W, on officials. electoral registration officers, when the Electoral Commission will make available its final assessment of Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South performance for 2013; and if he will make a statement. West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on [194423] the Electoral Commission, how many and what Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me proportion of households which had a door step that it published its report, titled “Readiness for the contact under performance standard 3 were called on transition to Individual Electoral Registration”, which (a) once, (b) twice and (c) three times in each local included its assessment of ERO performance in 2013, authority in the UK which passed that performance on 31 March 2014, and tabled a written statement standard in the most recent period for which figures are informing the House of this. It also wrote to the hon. available. [194794] Member with a copy of the report and placed a copy in the House of Commons Library. A copy of the Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Commission’s statement can be found on the Parliament that it does not collect information about the number of website: visits that Electoral Registration Officers’ staff make to www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-vote-office/March_ individual households as part of their activities to maintain 2014/31st-March-2014/14.Speakers-Performance- the electoral registers. Standards.pdf 307W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 308W

The Commission informs me that it is in the process Grants to the Grants to the Total of carrying out a detailed analysis of EROs’ electoral Region value of £250 value of £500 applications registration data from the 2013 canvass, following which it will publish its final assessment of EROs’ performance North East 195 18 213 in 2013. Yorkshire and the 364 39 403 Humber North West 527 58 585 Electoral Registration Officers: Scotland South East 912 68 980 South West 521 28 549 Margaret Curran: To ask the hon. Member for South London 442 89 531 West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on East Midlands 380 43 423 the Electoral Commission, which parliamentary East Anglia 353 24 377 constituencies in Scotland are part of local authority West Midlands 307 49 356 areas whose electoral registration officers did not reach Total (Grants) 4,001 416 4,417 the required performance indicators on Standard 3 in respect of electors who failed to register to vote. Total (£) 1,000,250 208,000 1,208,250 [195258] Source: Liberata, management information. Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that no EROs in Scotland reported not meeting standard Culture: Finance 3 at the recent 2013 canvass. The Commission is in the process of conducting a detailed analysis of EROs’ Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, electoral registration data from the 2013 canvass, following Media and Sport how much funding his Department which it will publish its final assessment of EROs’ and his Department’s Executive agencies allocated to performance. museums, galleries and libraries in (a) London and (b) Greater Manchester in each year since 2010. [192693]

Mr Vaizey: Funding awarded was as follows: CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT London £ Broadband: Rural Areas 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

DCMS 499,343,000 476,352,000 427,101,000 325,157,000 Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for London Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has Arts Council: 1,000,000 8,102,776 3,615,252 545,255 made of the economic effect of mobile internet services Grant in aid on the rural economy. [195500] Arts Council: — 9,200,000 10,000,000 5,147,263 Lottery Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State has not made any Heritage 7,204,583 25,245,000 27,154,450 39,961,800 direct assessment of the economic effect of mobile Lottery Fund internet services on the rural economy. The Department Total 507,547,583 518,899,766 467,870,702 370,811,318 has however recently undertaken work to assess the Greater Manchester wider impact of broadband internet access. The UK £ Broadband Impact study is available on the GOV.UK 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 website: DCMS 4,882,000 3,332,000 — — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-broadband- Arts Council: — 5,247,981 1,145,450 366,450 impact-study--2 Grant in aid Arts Council: — 112,570 — 105,386 Children: Day Care Lottery Heritage 9,011,300 313,600 2,309,600 1,334,400 Lottery Fund Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Total 13,893,300 9,006,151 3,455,050 1,806,236 Media and Sport how much funding is still available through the childcare business grant scheme; how many The DCMS London figure includes 11 national grants under that scheme have been allocated in each museums, which all have a national remit to work region; and how many such grants with a value of (a) across the country, the Horniman Museums and Gardens, £250 and (b) £500 have been allocated. [195192] the Geffrye Museum and the British Library. It also includes funding for the Museums, Libraries and Archives Mrs Grant: The Childcare Business Grants scheme council until such time in 2011 that funding transferred was launched in April 2013 to help those wishing to to Arts Council England, including funding for Renaissance start a new child care business with start-up costs. To in the Regions. The DCMS Greater Manchester figure date, 4,417 applications have been received; of these, relates to funding for the Museum of Science and 4,001 applications have been for £250 grants and 416 Industry which joined the Science Museum Group in have been for £500 grants. 2012. As at 7 April 2014, £791,750 is still available through Significant differences in lottery funding relates to the scheme. both the number and size of applications received, the The regional breakdown of grant applications is in funding available to support these applications and the the following table: way in which activity is classified. 309W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 310W

Employment Agencies to consumers. In January 2014, the Department published an economic analysis of the impact of various wayleave Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for valuation regimes. A copy of this report has been Culture, Media and Sport which five companies were placed in the House of Commons Library. The analysis used most often to provide temporary workers for his work is ongoing and I will make public the plans to Department in the last financial year; and how much in reform the Electronic Communications Code in due agency fees was paid to each of them. [195548] course. National Lottery: Scotland Mrs Grant: The five companies that were used most often in the last financial year ending 31 March 2014 to provide temporary workers were: Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Capita Resourcing Ltd Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of national lottery grants have been provided to good causes in Brook Street UK Ltd Scotland in each year since 2010. [195303] Capita Business Services Ltd Hudson Global Resources Ltd Mrs Grant: From information provided to DCMS by Michael Page International Recruitment Ltd the national lottery distributing bodies, the value of We do not hold the details of specific agency fees grants given in Scotland as a proportion of all grants paid to each of these. This information is not separated where a recipient location is specified is shown in the out from the total charge that we pay to the agency for following table. an individual. To try and separate out this cost would incur disproportionate cost. Percentage Members: Correspondence 2010 9.5 2011 10.1 2012 11.8 Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he intends to reply to 2013 9.8 the letter to him dated 26 February 2014 from the right Public Expenditure hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mrs J Higham. [195060] Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Grant: A response to the right hon. Gentleman Culture, Media and Sport what his Department’s total will be sent shortly. (a) departmental expenditure limits (DEL), (b) resource DEL, (c) capital DEL, (d) resource departmental annually Mobile Phones managed expenditure (AME) and (e) capital Department AME will be in 2015-16. [195253] Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment his Mrs Grant: The answer is as follows: Department has made of the economic effect of mobile DCMS Budget allocations for 2015-16 network outages. [195501] £000

Mr Vaizey: The Department has not made any direct Departments expenditure limit 1,637,466 assessment of the economic effect of mobile network Of which: outages. In May 2011 a new requirement was introduced Resource 1,275,466 for operators to report to Ofcom any significant incidents Capital 362,000 which affect the availability of their networks and services. In November 2012 Ofcom published an update to the Annually managed expenditure 4,999,996 Communications Infrastructure Report including details Of which: of significant incidents and outages to mobile services, Resource 4,299,368 and their causes. This is available on Ofcom’s website: Capital 700,628 http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/market-data-research/other/ telecoms-research/broadband-speeds/infrastructure-report- 2012/ Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 April 2014, Official Report, column 718W, on public Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had expenditure, what the projected spending is by his with mobile network operators on reform of the Department in 2015-16 by functional flows to categories electronic communications code; and if he will make a other than those specified in the answer, disaggregating statement. [195502] (a) grant-in-aid, (b) Lottery, (c) capital and (d) current expenditure. [195495] Mr Vaizey: Ministers and officials have had a number of representations from the mobile network operators Mrs Grant: The only area of public expenditure about the Electronic Communications Code since the omitted from the answer of 2 April 2014, Official Report, Law Commission published its report on the reform of column 718W,relates to the administration and research the code in February 2013. My Department is considering of the Department This expenditure is met solely from the implications of the Law Commission’s Exchequer funding, and the plans for 2015-16 are recommendations on network roll-out and service provision £36.4 million resource and £1.1 million capital. 311W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 312W

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for The Prime Minister: Issues on matters of conscience Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 2 have, by tradition, been the subject of a free vote in the April 2014, Official Report, column 718W, on public House of Commons. expenditure, under which category Heritage Lottery Fund monies have been shown. [195496]

Mrs Grant: Monies from the Heritage Lottery Fund CABINET OFFICE were not included. Responsible Gambling Trust Building Regulations

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Culture, Media and Sport (1) what recent discussions Office what discussions he has had with the Department he has had with the Gambling Commission on the for Communities and Local Government on how building independence of the research programme of the regulations can contribute to his Department’s Building Responsible Gambling Trust; [195493] Information Modelling Smart City project. [195614] (2) what discussions he has had with the Responsible Gambling Trust on funding for research into fixed odds Mr Maude: As was the case under previous betting terminals. [195494] Administrations details of internal discussions are not normally disclosed. Mrs Grant: The Government holds regular discussions with the Gambling Commission and the Responsible Gambling Trust (which is an independent charity) on a Census range of matters, including the independence of the Responsible Gambling Trust’s research programme. At Margaret Curran: To ask the Minister for the present, the Government is satisfied of the integrity of Cabinet Office how many and what proportion of the research programme, all aspects of which will be people in England and Wales identified themselves as vigorously peer-reviewed and transparent to the Responsible (a) British, (b) Scottish and (c) British and Scottish Gambling Strategy Board, the Gambling Commission in the 2011 census. [195616] and Government. Following Government-led discussions, the Responsible Gambling Trust has increased the available Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the budget for commissioning independent research into responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have fixed odds betting terminals by 50% to £750,000. asked the authority to reply. Tickets: Touting Letter from Caron Walker, dated April 2014: In the absence of the Director General for the Office for Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Culture, Media and Sport if he will make it his policy Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet to follow the model used for the restriction of the resale Office how many and what proportion of people in England and Wales identified as a) British, b) Scottish and c) British and [194233] of football match tickets for other live events. Scottish in the 2011 Census. (195616) Mrs Grant: The resale of football match tickets is The following is an extract from 2011 Census Table KS202EW restricted for reasons of public order and is a matter for which shows the numbers of residents and what proportion stated their national identity was British, Scottish and British and the Home Office. I have no plans to extend these regulations Scottish as at Census day – 27 March 2011. in relation to the secondary ticket market for other live events. All usual residents in National identity England and Wales Percentage Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action his Department is taking British only 10,690,999 19.1 to prevent the resale of event tickets on the internet at a British and Scottish 83,412 0.1 significant increase to their original face value. [194271] Scottish 434,951 0.8 Full results can be found here: Mrs Grant: The Government continues to encourage improvements so that all customers have an opportunity http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/census/2011/KS202EW/view/ 2092957703?cols=measures to purchase tickets and can do so in a secure environment. The Government believes it is for event organisers together with the professional ticketing organisations to determine Job Creation suitable arrangements for ticket sales to their events. Lucy Powell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether the Office for National Statistics includes PRIME MINISTER in its estimate of newly-created private sector jobs those which have been reclassified from public to private Euthanasia sector as a result of privatisation or outsourcing. [195608] Mr Amess: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to suspend collective responsibility on any Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the vote in the House on assisted suicide legislation. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have [194777] asked the authority to reply. 313W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 314W

Letter from Peter Fullerton, dated April 2014: Table 1: Number1,2 of people aged under 25 years claiming jobseeker’s allowance for more than one year in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland In the absence of the Director General for the Office for As at February: National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your 3 Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Office, whether the Office for National Statistics includes in its Coatbridge, 60 35 115 200 130 estimate of newly-created private sector jobs those which have Chryston and been reclassified from public to private sector as a result of Bellshill privatisation or outsourcing. (195608) Cumbernauld, 45 15 85 130 65 Kilsyth and The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes statistics Kirkintilloch East relating to both the number of people in employment and the Dumfries and 50 30 85 140 95 number of jobs but does not make estimates of the number of Galloway newly-created private sector jobs. Dumfriesshire, 35 30 90 100 60 Reclassifications between the public and private sectors are Clydesdale and highlighted in the quarterly Public Sector Employment and monthly Tweeddale Labour Market Statistics releases so that their impact on labour Dundee East 25 10 80 150 80 market statistical outputs is clear. Dundee West 20 20 125 235 160 Dunfermline and 10 25 90 135 90 Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland West Fife East 105155030 Dunbartonshire Margaret Curran: To ask the Minister for the East Kilbride, 35 25 90 120 80 Strathaven and Cabinet Office how many people aged under 25 years Lesmahagow in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland have East Lothian 20 15 75 90 85 claimed jobseeker’s allowance for more than (a) one East Renfrewshire 5 10 30 50 30 and (b) two years in each year since 2010. [195613] Edinburgh East 45 20 75 85 70 Edinburgh North 40 30 75 100 65 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the and Leith responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Edinburgh South 20 15 30 55 30 asked the authority to reply. Edinburgh South 30 15 55 90 55 West Letter from Caron Walker, dated April 2014: Edinburgh West 20 10 40 60 50 In the absence of the Director General for the Office for Falkirk 10 45 140 155 105 National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Glasgow Central 35 60 85 135 75 Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Glasgow East 65 75 140 160 100 Office how many people aged under 25 years in each parliamentary Glasgow North 45 30 55 95 65 constituency in Scotland had claimed jobseeker’s allowance for Glasgow North 90 90 165 230 180 more than (a) one and (b) two years in each year since 2010. East (195613) Glasgow North 60 80 135 170 105 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles data on the West number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance from the Glasgow South 50 80 90 120 80 JobcentrePlus Administrative System. Glasgow South 60 80 115 165 140 Table 1 shows the number of people aged under 25 years West claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for more than one year in each Glenrothes 10 15 125 185 105 parliamentary constituency in Scotland for February 2014 and Gordon 0 0 10 10 10 February for each year since 2010. Table 2 shows the number of Inverclyde 30 10 75 85 45 those who had been claiming for more than two years. Inverness, Nairn, 15 10 25 40 25 A copy of the tables will be placed in the Library of the House. Badenoch and Strathspey National and local area estimates for many labour market Kilmarnock and 60 25 130 215 155 statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant Loudoun count are available on the NOMIS website at: Kirkcaldy and 15 30 120 165 140 http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Cowdenbeath Lanark and 65 55 125 185 130 1,2 Table 1: Number of people aged under 25 years claiming jobseeker’s allowance Hamilton East for more than one year in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland Linlithgow and 60 65 135 175 135 As at February: East Falkirk 2010 2011 2012 2013 20143 Livingston 60 45 85 120 70 Aberdeen North 10 5 40 60 20 Midlothian 50 45 105 130 80 Aberdeen South 5 5 25 40 15 Moray 010403515 Airdrie and Shotts 70 30 120 215 135 Motherwell and 85 60 160 195 135 Angus 10 0 55 85 55 Wishaw Argyll and Bute 10 15 65 65 45 Na h-Eileanan An 005105 Iar Ayr, Carrick and 40 20 110 200 135 Cumnock North Ayrshire and 100 55 150 255 155 Arran Banff and Buchan 0 10 45 50 20 North East Fife 5 5 30 60 40 Berwickshire, 40 50 85 110 80 Roxburgh and Ochil and South 0 20 90 160 125 Selkirk Perthshire Caithness, 5 5 50 70 50 Orkney and 0 0 5 15 10 Sutherland and Shetland Easter Ross Paisley and 5 15 70 100 65 Central Ayrshire 45 25 95 145 110 Renfrewshire North 315W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 316W

Table 1: Number1,2 of people aged under 25 years claiming jobseeker’s allowance Table 2: Number1,2 of people aged under 25 years claiming jobseeker’s allowance for more than one year in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland for more than two years in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland As at February: As at February: 3 2010 2011 2012 2013 20143 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Paisley and 10 20 85 165 120 Glasgow East 10 15 20 40 35 Renfrewshire South Glasgow North 10 10 10 20 25 Perth and North 5 5 35 65 40 Glasgow North East 10 30 30 60 85 Perthshire Glasgow North 15 20 25 50 50 Ross, Skye and 5 0 15 25 10 West Lochaber Glasgow South 10 15 30 30 35 Rutherglen and 75 70 155 225 130 Glasgow South 510304055 Hamilton West West Stirling 5 10 75 115 60 Glenrothes 0 5 5 45 45 West Aberdeenshire 055105Gordon 00000 and Kincardine Inverclyde 0 0 5 25 15 West 25 25 160 200 140 Inverness, Nairn, 005510 Dunbartonshire Badenoch and Strathspey 1 Data rounded to nearest 5. 2 Computerised claims only. Information on age of claimant is only available Kilmarnock and 0 5 5 50 60 for computerised claims which currently make up 99.8% of all claims. Loudoun 3 Claimant count figures for February 2014 do not yet include claimants of Kirkcaldy and 5 5 10 45 50 Universal Credit. Cowdenbeath Source: Lanark and 010155555 Jobcentreplus Administrative System Hamilton East Table 2: Number1,2 of people aged under 25 years claiming jobseeker’s allowance for more than two years in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland Linlithgow and East 015204550 Falkirk As at February: Livingston 0 10 5 15 25 2010 2011 2012 2013 20143 Midlothian 0 15 10 25 35 Aberdeen North 0 0 0 15 10 Moray 0 0 5 10 5 Aberdeen South 00555Motherwell and 010154550 Airdrie and Shotts 0 5 5 45 60 Wishaw Angus 0 0 0 15 20 Na h-Eileanan An 00000 Iar Argyll and Bute 0 0 5 20 10 North Ayrshire and 515157060 Ayr, Carrick and 5 5 5 35 50 Arran Cumnock North East Fife 0 5 5 10 15 Banff and Buchan 0 0 0 15 5 Ochil and South 0 0 5 40 65 Berwickshire, 010103035Perthshire Roxburgh and Selkirk Orkney and 00055 Shetland Caithness, 0 0 0 20 25 Sutherland and Paisley and 0 0 5 20 30 Easter Ross Renfrewshire North Central Ayrshire 0 5 5 30 45 Paisley and 5 5 5 30 55 Renfrewshire South Coatbridge, 0 5 10 55 65 Chryston and Perth and North 0 0 0 10 15 Bellshill Perthshire Cumbernauld, 5 5 5 35 20 Ross, Skye and 00050 Kilsyth and Lochaber Kirkintilloch East Rutherglen and 510154560 Dumfries and 0 5 15 35 35 Hamilton West Galloway Stirling 5 0 5 30 30 Dumfriesshire, 010103030West Aberdeenshire 00000 Clydesdale and and Kincardine Tweeddale West 5 5 10 55 55 Dundee East 0 5 5 30 45 Dunbartonshire Dundee West 5 5 5 45 75 1 Data rounded to nearest 5. 2 Computerised claims only. Information on age of claimant is only available Dunfermline and 0 5 10 35 40 for computerised claims which currently make up 99.8% of all claims. West Fife 3 Claimant count figures for February 2014 do not yet include claimants of East 000515Universal Credit. Dunbartonshire Source: East Kilbride, 0 5 5 35 35 Jobcentreplus Administrative System Strathaven and Lesmahagow Unemployment: Essex East Lothian 0 0 5 20 30 East Renfrewshire 0 0 0 10 10 Mr Simon Burns: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Edinburgh East 0 5 5 20 25 Office what estimate he has made of the proportion of Edinburgh North 0 5 5 20 25 and Leith young people in (a) Chelmsford constituency and (b) Edinburgh South 0 5 5 10 15 Essex who have been unemployed for more than Edinburgh South 0 5 5 20 20 12 months. [195485] West Edinburgh West 0 0 5 10 20 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Falkirk 0 0 10 50 50 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Glasgow Central 5 5 15 30 30 asked the authority to reply. 317W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 318W

Letter from Peter Fullerton, dated April 2014: Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing In the absence of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of Office for the proportion of young people in (a) Chelmsford social housing tenants affected by the implementation constituency and (b) Essex who have been unemployed for more of the under-occupancy penalty have been given than 12 months. (195485) exempt status in each (a) constituency and (b) local The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles unemployment authority area. [195086] statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. Esther McVey: The only group exempt from the However, estimates of unemployment for the requested age band, removal of the spare room subsidy and therefore unaffected duration and geographies are not available due to small sample sizes. by the policy are those housing benefit social sector tenants who have reached state pension credit age. As an alternative we have provided the proportion of young people who had been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) for Registered foster carers are allowed an additional more than 12 months. The counts of people claiming JSA are bedroom if they have fostered a child during the last 52 those who are claiming benefits for unemployment related purposes. weeks and parents of armed forces personnel who have At a UK level the total number of JSA claimants is around half been deployed on operations are allowed to retain that of the total unemployment level. adult child’s bedroom. In February 2014 the proportion of people aged 18 to 24 years who had been claiming JSA for more than 12 months in Chelmsford Internet constituency and Essex were 0.6% and 0.7% respectively. National and local area estimates for many labour market Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant and Pensions which suppliers his Department has count are available on the NOMIS website at: contracted for the delivery of his Sorting Out Separation http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Web Application; and how much was awarded under each contract. [195621] Youth Services Steve Webb: The information is as follows: Current contracts Ms Buck: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Memset Ltd to provide hosting services. The amount awarded (1) if he will rank each English local authority by the was £10,990.83 (ex VAT)—contract expires 1 September 2014. (a) percentage and (b) actual change in (i) total and Lightmaker UK Ltd to provide maintenance and development (ii) per capita expenditure on all provisions for young services. The amount awarded was £97,500 (ex VAT)—contract people since 2010; [195480] expires 31 July 2014. (2) how much each local authority in England reported Expired contracts as its (a) budgeted and (b) outturn expenditure on all Centre for Separated Families to develop logic for a self youth work and provision of activities for young people diagnostic tool and the contract amount awarded was £19,630 (ex in each year since 2010. [195481] VAT)—contract expired 5 July 2013. Lightmaker UK Ltd to provide interactive content services Mr Hurd: The information requested is collected by and the amount awarded was £99,625 (ex VAT)—contract expired Department for Education and published on gov.uk. I 15 January 2013. have asked that this information for each year since Bullet Ltd to provide Syndication/Promotion services and the 2010 is placed in the Library of the House as soon as is amount awarded was £99,160 (ex VAT)—contract expired 31 October 2013. practicable. Figures for actual spend by local authority in 2013-14 Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work will be available in December 2014. and Pensions what steps he plans to take to ensure the effectiveness of the Sorting Out Separation Web app in providing constructive support to assist collaboration for longer-term separated parents in response to the WORK AND PENSIONS evaluation commissioned by his Department which indicated that the Web app had little relevance or use for this group. [195737] Housing Benefit: Rural Areas Steve Webb: DWP research report 863: “Sorting Out Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Separation Web App: evaluation of effectiveness” Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the highlighted that the longer-term separated found the level of need in rural communities for discretionary Sorting out Separation Web app less relevant because housing payments beyond 2014-15. [195835] they were more likely to know most of the information provided. Steve Webb: An assessment has not yet been made The evaluation confirmed that we need better to about the level of need in rural communities for understand the needs of this group. Several projects discretionary housing payments (DHP) beyond 2014-15. funded in the second round of the Innovation Fund are DHP funding after 2014-15 will be agreed in due course specifically focusing on what type of support works to and will be informed by evidence on the use and demand help longer-term separated couples to collaborate. When for DHPs, including in rural communities. The Department these projects have been completed and evaluated, we is currently collecting data on the use of discretionary will be able to consider how further to improve support housing payments in the 2013-14 financial year. for longer-term separated parents. 319W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 320W

Jobcentre Plus the requested data prior to that date. In addition, contested sanction decisions are subject to the appeals and Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work reconsideration process and are not categorised as and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 6 March 2014, complaints. The information we are able to provide for Official Report, columns 971-2W, on Remploy, what Bolton Jobcentre is as follows: proportion of the £4.2 million spending has gone to Telephone line Jobcentre Plus; and who the recipients are of the Period Staff behaviour waiting times majority of that funding. [195306] 1 July 2012 to 50 Mike Penning: Of the £4.2 million spent on providing 31 December 2012 individual support to former Remploy disabled employees, 1 January 2013 to 20 0 31 December 2013 up to the end of January 2014, £0.7 million has been 1 January 2014 to 12 0 provided to Jobcentre Plus to fund personal case workers, 1 March 2014 who provide personalised one-to-one help to find and keep employment. As at 21 March 2014, 1,513 disabled Jobseeker’s Allowance former Remploy workers have chosen to work with our personal case workers to find another job and 716 are in Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work work. and Pensions whether any jobseeker’s allowance claimant was sanctioned for not signing on Christmas Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Day. [195943] Work and Pensions what provision is made by Jobcentre Plus for victims of domestic violence. [195445] Esther McVey: It is not Jobcentre Plus policy to sanction jobseeker’s allowance claimants for not signing Esther McVey: Jobcentre Plus directly supports domestic on Christmas day. Jobcentres are closed as this is a violence victims in a number of ways. The jobseeker’s public holiday. allowance domestic violence (JSA DV) easement helps victims of actual or threatened domestic violence by Nurseries allowing a break from job seeking activity. This helps to give claimants the opportunity to begin to stabilise their Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work lives and those of their families. The Destitute Domestic and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 24 March Violence Concession ensures migrant spouse victims of 2014, Official Report, column 26W, on nurseries, for domestic violence who have been granted leave to remain what reasons his Department is reviewing provision of outside the immigration rules are able to access eligible workplace nurseries; when that review will be complete; income-related benefits. how many families access his Department’s workplace As well as these initiatives our operational staff signpost nursery provision; how much workplace nursery domestic violence victims to local support organisations. provision by his Department costs each year; and Partnership working opportunities with local voluntary whether his Department claims tax relief on workplace and community support groups is continually being nurseries. [195198] developed at a local level. Mike Penning: There are currently seven workplace Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work nurseries in operation, by third parties, on DWP premises. and Pensions what guidance his Department issues to The Department’s current contracts with its nursery Jobcentre Plus on giving written appointment cards to providers are soon expiring. Therefore, it is appropriate claimants with details of future appointments. [195946] to review future nursery provision in general and consider whether it is appropriate and cost effective to continue Esther McVey: Jobcentre staff are advised to confirm, to contract for on site services. in writing, the details of all appointments a claimant is In addition, as part of its remuneration package, the required to attend. This includes the date, time and Department supports employees through a salary sacrifice location of the appointment, what the claimant must do scheme where employees can give up part of their salary if they cannot attend and the consequences of failing to in return for childcare vouchers, which allows for significant attend any of these appointments without good reason. savings through tax relief. This gives parents support in order to make their own choices for child care. Jobcentre Plus: Bolton Consequently, as suitable alternatives exist, it is no longer appropriate to continue to contract for workplace nursery provision. Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many complaints about (a) staff There are currently 361 families who access DWP’s behaviour, (b) contested sanction decisions and (c) workplace nurseries. telephone line waiting times have been made against The cost of nursery provision: Bolton Jobcentre Plus offices in each year since 2010. [195040] £ 2013-14 YTD (February) 29,112 Esther McVey: Until July 2012, when a new process 2012-13 50,693 for handling and recording customer feedback was 2011-12 80,811 introduced, complaints were not formally categorised. 2010-11 88,494 It has therefore not been possible to accurately identify 321W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 322W

The Department doesn’t claim tax relief on workplace Mike Penning: Personal independence payment (PIP) nurseries. started from April 2013 and, although limited data has No information is held on Executive agencies and non- started to feed through, we need to wait until the departmental bodies. There would be a disproportionate Department has quality assured, meaningful figures for cost to source that information. publication. The Department is working to guidelines set by the UK Statistics Authority to ensure we are able Pensioners: Means-tested Benefits to publish statistics that meet high quality standards at the earliest opportunity. We intend to publish official statistics on PIP from spring 2014 in line with our Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for publication strategy: Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the minimum income per annum required during an https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ individual’s working life to prevent the need to claim attachment_data/file/284330/ pip_stats_release_strategy_feb14.pdf means-tested benefits in retirement. [195426] An ad-hoc release of PIP information was published Steve Webb: No such estimate has been made. on 11 February 2014. The single-tier pension will be set above the level of the standard minimum guarantee for a single person. Personal Independence Payment: Clackmannanshire This means that for people reaching state pension age from April 2016 onwards, anyone who has built up 35 Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for qualifying years through national insurance contributions Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the and credits should have an income above the level of the number and proportion of personal independence basic means test, regardless of how much they earned payment claimants in Ochil and South Perthshire during their working life. constituency who waited for more than six months for Some pensioners will still require means-tested support, a home medical assessment. [195607] and at a given level of retirement income an individual’s eligibility will depend on a number of factors. These Mike Penning: It is not possible to provide the data include the level and nature of their housing costs, for personal independence payment home assessments whether they are single or in a couple, whether they in the Ochil and South Perthshire constituency. have additional needs associated with caring or severe disability and whether they reached state pension age before or after the introduction of the single-tier pension. Remploy Whether or not a particular salary level in working life would lead to an income in retirement that is high Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for enough to avoid eligibility for any means-tested benefits Work and Pensions (1) how much personal budget his will also depend on the choices an individual makes, Department allocated to each Remploy worker; including how much of their income to save for retirement. [195642] Pensions: Russia (2) how much of the funding available for Remploy worker personal budgets has been allocated and used Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work by individuals. [195643] and Pensions what discussions the Government has had with the government of Russia on the failure of Mike Penning: Personal budgets are an important certain Russian companies to fulfil their obligations in part of the £8 million People Help and Support Package relation to pension payments to UK citizens following (PHSP) which was not available for those affected by those companies acquiring the assets of UK businesses. the 2008 Modernisation Plan. Personal budgets provide [195639] additional support where other sources of funding are unavailable. We originally budgeted £4 million for personal Steve Webb: The responsibility for the oversight of budgets but all of the PHSP support, including personal work-based pensions in the UK rests with the Pensions budgets, is allocated based on individual need and there Regulator which was set up under the Pensions Act is no specific allocation of funding for each former 2004. Parliament gave the Pensions Regulator operational Remploy disabled employee. independence, which means that Ministers are not involved Up to the end of March 2014, DWP has spent in in decisions to exercise its powers or able to intervene in total £4.9 million on providing individual support including its casework. It would therefore not be appropriate for £0.4 million on personal budgets. We expect all the Ministers to comment on any individual pension scheme. original £8 million PHSP funding budget to be utilised Where it appears that scheme abandonment has taken by the time the last PHSP period is completed. place, it is a matter for the Regulator to establish whether the legal tests in relation to its ‘anti-avoidance’ As at 21 March 2014, 1,513 disabled former Remploy powers, including the power to issue contribution notices, workers have chosen to work with our personal case are met. workers to find another job and 716 are in work. Personal Independence Payment Social Security Benefits Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average waiting time is for a Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work personal independence payment assessment for claimants and Pensions what his Department’s policy is when a in (a) the Torbay local authority area, (b) the South claimant’s regular signing on date falls on a bank West and (c) England. [195671] holiday. [195945] 323W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 324W

Esther McVey: Jobseeker’s allowance claimants who Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for are due to attend their local jobcentre on a public Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure holiday are excused from doing so and an advanced that jobs advertised on Universal Jobmatch do not payment is issued. breach his Department’s terms and conditions. [195431] Claimants must continue to meet the conditions of entitlement, by being available for and looking for work Esther McVey: The vast majority of employers offer and the actions they have taken to do so are reviewed at genuine vacancies for jobseekers to apply for-however, the claimant’s next attendance. we don’t hesitate to take action against anyone who tries to break the rules. Where we identify vacancies The claimant is informed of this and issued with a that may not comply with our terms and conditions we formal notification at their attendance prior to the suspend the vacancy, investigate and remove if appropriate. public holiday. If the employer is unable to provide assurance of compliance with terms and conditions, their account will also be Unemployment Benefits: Lone Parents suspended.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Vacancies: North Yorkshire Work and Pensions what provisions are in place to enable a lone parent on out-of-work benefits and on a Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for course taking up more than 16 hours per week, whose Work and Pensions what the current number of job youngest child turns five-years-old, to complete the vacancies is in the Thirsk, Malton and Filey travel-to- course notwithstanding the 16 hour rule. [194200] work area. [195486]

Esther McVey: Lone parents in receipt of income Esther McVey: The Universal Jobmatch System was support and who were undertaking a full-time course introduced in November 2012. The system does not that began prior to May 2012 are transitionally protected provide data for travel-to-work areas. However, I can and they can therefore continue their courses. confirm the number of live jobs on the system in these Lone parents who began a full-time course post May towns at 8 April 2014. 2012 were notified prior to them undertaking the course that they will be required to work search when their Town Number of live jobs youngest child turns five, as part of the lone parent Thirsk 149 obligation changes. This would mean that a claimant Malton 134 who is capable of work could continue with part-time Filey 44 training and still be eligible for JSA. Total 327

Vacancies: Internet Work Programme Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions (1) how many and what proportion of Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 10 vacancies currently available on Universal Jobmatch February 2014, Official Report, columns 518-19W, on are employee only jobs; [195183] the Work programme, for what reason the change in (2) pursuant to the answer of 2 April 2014, Official the definition of Payment Group 6 referred to in the Report, column 723W, on conditions of employment, memorandum was made. [195415] how many and what proportion of vacancies available on Universal Jobmatch are zero-hours contracts jobs. Esther McVey: The change in the definition of Payment [195260] Group 6 was made to allow more people to gain access to the tailored support provided by the Work programme. Esther McVey: In answering question 195183 we have interpreted “employee only jobs” as meaning “employee owner status jobs.” Universal Jobmatch revolutionises the way jobseekers HEALTH look for work and it has already helped many jobseekers find the jobs they want. It is part of the Government’s Air Pollution plan for providing easy online access to Government services for all. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Universal Jobmatch has streamlined our existing services what estimate he has made of the number of deaths for employers and empowered claimants to take more from air pollution in (a) London, (b) Cardiff, (c) responsibility for their jobsearch and get more targeted Edinburgh and (d) Birmingham in each of the last support from advisers. 10 years. [195194] It does not capture information on the number and Jane Ellison: Estimates of the fraction of mortality in proportion of zero-hours contracts or ‘employee owner’ English local authority areas and regions in 2010 and status jobs. 2011 attributable to long-term exposure to particulate Jobcentre Plus guidance stipulates that claimants should air pollution arising from human activities are published not be mandated to apply for a job offering a zero hours by Public Health England as one of the indicators in contract. It also states that no sanction action will be the Department of Health’s Public Health Outcomes taken if claimants refuse or fail to apply. Framework. 325W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 326W

For London, this figure was approximately 7.2% in The SCNs work with local stakeholders, including both years. In Birmingham, the figures were approximately local commissioners and local clinical teams to determine 6.4% for 2010 and 5.9% for 2011. Figures for Cardiff the priorities for their work plans and target their and Edinburgh have not yet been published. resources accordingly. These are aligned to the national priorities set out in Putting Patients First, NHS England’s Bone Marrow Disorders recently published Business Plan 2014-15 to 2016-17, and the NHS Outcomes Framework. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for number of people in the UK receiving long-term care Health what steps (a) his Department and (b) NHS after a bone marrow transplant; and what assessment England are taking to improve the experience of cancer he has made of variations in the number of such patients at the end of life. [195145] patients across regions. [195435] Norman Lamb: Domain 4 of the NHS Outcomes Jane Ellison: No estimate has been made as this Framework includes the indicator “Improving the information is not held centrally. experience of care for people at the end of their lives”. NHS England has published service specifications The data source underpinning this indicator is the national for both child and adult haematopoietic stem cell survey of bereaved relatives (VOICES), an internationally transplantation which sets out that a clearly defined recognised tool for obtaining feedback on people’s programme of after care should be developed with the experience at the end of life, as well as that of the patient following treatment. The specifications are important bereaved person. This indicator will enable us to assess in clearly defining what NHS England expects to be in the progress NHS England is making in improving the place for providers to offer evidence-based, safe and quality of end of life care for all patients, including effective services. They ensure equity of access to a those with cancer. nationally consistent, high quality service for patients. The latest national VOICES survey results were published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in July 2013, Breast Cancer and in March 2014, the ONS made findings of the survey available at national health service local area team and clinical commissioning group level. The survey Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for results, are supporting commissioners and providers to Health if he will make it his policy to generalise BRCA target service improvements and drive up standards 1/2 gene testing in England and Wales; and what locally. Survey results can be viewed on the ONS website assessment he has made of the effectiveness of that www.ons.gov.uk policy in Scotland. [195436] (type ‘VOICES survey’ into the search bar). Jane Ellison: Current National Institute for Health The “Quality Standard for End of life Care for and Care Excellence guidelines recommend offering Adults”, published by the National Institute for Health genetic testing to people with a 10% likelihood of and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2011, highlights areas of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation. This has been put to the care that can play a key role in supporting a positive NHS England medical genetics Clinical Reference Group experience, including: the importance of giving people (CRG) with input also from the specialised gynaecology the opportunity to discuss, develop and review a CRG to scope out what the issues are in order to inform personalised care plan for current and future support; us further. and treatment and the need for those delivering care to The Department has made no specific assessment of be aware of the individual’s care plan and expressed the effectiveness of BRCA 1/2 genetic testing policy in care preferences. NICE Quality Standards are a concise Scotland. set of statements designed to drive and measure priority quality improvements within a particular area of care and NHS England continues to champion their use Cancer with providers and commissioners. Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to ensure Dental Health: Children that all cancer strategic clinical networks have adequate financial resources to contribute to the achievement in all domains of the NHS Outcomes Framework. Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health [195144] what assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding of dental visits to schools and Sure Start Jane Ellison: The Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) centres to promote dental awareness. [195405] are funded by NHS England and managed through area teams. Their focus is on continuous service Dr Poulter: Oral health promotion programmes are improvement particularly where there is a need for a commissioned by local authorities and funded from co-ordinated system wide or a collective approach to their public health allocations. No figures are collated improvement. centrally regarding the funding allocated by local authorities Cancer is one of the four key areas of focus for their to such programmes in schools or Sure Start centres. work; the others being cardiovascular disease, maternity Public Health England will be publishing Commissioning and children and mental health, which includes dementia. Better Oral Health, an oral health promotion toolkit All of them are high national priorities. for local authorities, in early summer 2014. 327W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 328W

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to encourage reductions in how many primary care dental services contracts have dental decay in young children. [195528] been secured by UK providers in each of the last four years. [195531] Dr Poulter: In May 2014, Public Health England (PHE) will publish the third edition of ‘Delivering Better Oral Health’, evidence-based guidance for health Dr Poulter: Information is not available in the format care professionals on the prevention of dental disease. requested. However information for England can be This will include specific advice regarding the provision found as follows: of preventative dental advice and treatment for children. A public-facing version is planned for later in the year. NHS dental contracts in England for each financial year 2009-10 to 2013-14 Local authorities, working in partnership with IMHS 2009-10 England’s Area Teams and PHE, have a key role in Number of contracts determining oral health strategies in their area, In order to support them in this role, PHE will be publishing Contract type ‘Commissioning Better Oral Health’, an oral health Status GDS PDS TDS Total improvement toolkit for local authorities, in early summer Existing 7,433 1,223 758 9,414 2014. contract PHE promotes a healthy balanced diet to children New 851 234 101 1,186 through its Change4Life campaign, which aims to help contract families to eat healthier. PHE is also supporting the 2009-10 work of the School Food Plan to encourage schools to Total 8,284 1,457 859 10,600 take a whole school approach to healthy eating. The NHS dental contract reform programme is also 2010-11 focussed on embedding prevention in dental practice. Number of contracts Contract type Dental Services Status GDS PDS TDS Total Existing 7,408 1,156 766 9,330 contract Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health New 836 379 65 1,280 what assessment he has made of the adequacy of contract access to home visits for frail dental patients. [195529] 2010-11 Total 8,244 1,535 831 10,610 Dr Poulter: NHS England is responsible for commissioning dental care services to reflect local needs 2011-12 and priorities. This includes appropriate domiciliary Number of contracts services for patients who are unable to access high Contract type street, or community dental services. NHS England is Status GDS PDS TDS Total currently engaged in working on a strategic commissioning framework for dental commissioning which includes Existing 7,251 1,237 601 9,089 services for vulnerable groups such as the frail and contract elderly. New 920 331 58 1,309 contract 1.4 million more patients have seen a national health 2011-12 service dentist since May 2010. Total 8,171 1,568 659 10,398

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2012-13 what progress he has made on replacement of the 2006 Number of contracts Units of Dental Activity dental contract. [195530] Contract type Status GDS PDS TDS Total

Dr Poulter: 1.4 million more patients have seen a Existing 7,185 1,376 596 9,157 national health service (NHS) dentist since May 2010. contract The Government remains committed to dental reform New 808 231 35 1,074 and to ensuring that any changes are thoroughly piloted contract before implementation. More than 90 pilot dental practices 2012-13 have been testing new ways of delivering care and Total 7,993 1,607 631 10,231 remuneration that support dentists to increase access and improve oral health. The learning from these pilots 2013-14 will inform design of any new system. Professor Jimmy Number of contracts Steele’s second report on the learning so far, “NHS Contract type dental contract pilots-Learning after first two years of Status GDS PDS TDS Total piloting”, is available at: Existing 7,073 1,349 575 8,997 www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ contract attachment_data/file/282760/Dental_contract_ pilots_evidence_and_learning_report.pdf New 618 145 13 776 contract and a copy has been placed in the Library. 2013-14 329W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 330W

It is for NHS England to ensure that practices are 2013-14 meeting the terms of their contracting arrangements. Number of contracts Contract type Status GDS PDS TDS Total Health: Scotland

Total 7,691 1,494 588 9,773 Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Notes: 1. Caveats: Health if he will place in the Library all recent Data included is for contracts in England entered on POL by correspondence between Ministers in his Department commissioners from, primary care trusts (PCT) prior to April 2013 and their counterparts in the Scottish Government on and area teams (AT) thereafter, either prior to or during each of the cross-border public health risks. [195138] financial years. Counts will include contracts that are open prior to the reporting period, open during the whole period and those that opened during Jane Ellison: Correspondence relating to the European each of the reporting years (new contracts). Affairs Committee clearance of the Decision of the Contracts can open and close, change PCT or AT, change ownership European Parliament and of the Council on Serious or form new companies any time during the reporting period and all Cross-Border Threats to Health has been placed in the such instances are counted. Contracts on POL that opened and closed on the same day have been Library. excluded on the assumption that these are invalid entries. 2. Definitions: Medical Records: Data Protection Year: The financial year of the entry on POL. Includes the calendar month April to March for each of the reported time periods. Number of Contracts: The count of contracts as entered on POL for Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for each financial year from 2009-10 to 2013-14 Health for what reason the Data Access Advisory 3. Contract Type Name GDS-General Dental Services “NHS GDS and PDS contracts Group’s register of approved applications for sensitive commissioned for general and orthodontic dental provision)” data made to the Health and Social Care Information PDS-Personal Dental Services Centre (HSCIC) contains entries which are missing TDS-Trust led Dental Services “NHS Trust services commissioned from the HSCIC’s overall register of approved data locally to cover specialist and community dental services” releases. [195659] Existing contract: A contract that already exists and opened prior to the reporting period New contract: A contract that opened any time during the particular reporting period and did not exist previously Dr Poulter: The Data Access Advisory Group’s (DAAG) Sources: register of approved applications for sensitive data covers 1. NHSBSA Dental Services Payments on line (POL) applications made to DAAG for both release of sensitive Information entered by commissioners to administer and monitor data and advice on consent models. contracts to enable payments to dentists. 2. NHSBSA Dental Services data warehouse The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) The information we collect from dental activity forms (FP17s) combined register as published on 3 April 2014 covers data releases with the information taken from POL. approved by the HSCIC from 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2013. Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has considered potential alternative sources There are three reasons why such approved applications may therefore not appear in the HSCIC’s overall register of funding for additional NHS dental services. [195532] of approved data releases: Dr Poulter: The national health service commissions 1. If the data request was approved and the data released services based on local oral health needs. 1.4 million through the applications process for the Data Linkage and Extract more patients have seen a national health service dentist Service (DLES) before 31 March 2013. since May 2010. NHS England determines how best to 2. If the data request was approved and the data released use its resources to meet this need. In the year 2013 the through the applications process for the DLES after 1 January gross spend nationally on dental services was £2.84 2014. At its January 2014 meeting, the HSCIC Board committed billion of which £653 million was raised by patient to a quarterly update to the register. charges. Patients contribute to the cost of their dental 3. If the request to DAAG is for advice on consent models. care where they are able to afford it and there are no These will not appear in the register since no data will have been plans to amend this. released. General Practitioners Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health who would be responsible for informing patients Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for that their confidential medical data had been released Health what estimate his Department has made of the without a legal basis. [195677] number of GP practices which have a premium or 0845 telephone number to book appointments. [195497] Dr Poulter: The Department’s guidance to national health service (NHS) healthcare providers is that they Dr Poulter: The requested information is not collected should inform patients when a personal data breach has centrally. taken place. In addition, the new standard NHS contract Regulations introduced in 2010 prevented general includes a requirement that NHS hospital trusts must practitioner practices from entering into, renewing or adopt and implement and the recommendations of the extending a contract for telephone services unless it was Caldicott Information Governance Review, including satisfied that, looking at the arrangements as a whole, the recommendation that where there is an inappropriate patients would not pay more to make calls to the disclosure of personal confidential data then practice than they would to make calls to a geographical “the data controller, the individual or the organisation responsible number. for the data” 331W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 332W must explain the reasons for the disclosure, what remedial European Economic Area action is being taken and provide an apology to the (excluding the United Kingdom) patient whose data has been disclosed. In line with other NHS organisations, the Health and 2002-03 802 Social Care Information Centre will only release confidential 2003-04 1,029 medical information with a legal basis to do so. If it 2004-05 1,192 breaches confidentiality then it should act in accordance 2005-06 1,745 with the Caldicott recommendations and inform individuals 2006-07 1,484 of the breach. 2007-08 1,457 2008-09 1,920 Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009-10 1,970 Health for what reason the approved application for 2010-11 2,715 sensitive data made by the Cabinet Office to the Health 2011-12 3,137 and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) Data 2012-13 3,436 Access Advisory Group (DAAG), Application Reference Total 20,887 OC/HES/030, does not appear in (a) the DAAG meeting Note: minutes and (b) HSCIC’s register of approved data For each year data relate to the period of 1 April to 31 March the releases; what data was requested in that application; following year. Data for 2013-14 may be available from the NMC. and how the decision to approve the data release was Source: Nursing and Midwifery Council made. [195678] Overseas Dr Poulter: The record of the application made by the Cabinet Office (Application Reference OC/HES/030) 2002-03 12,747 and the decision made was recorded in the Data Access 2003-04 13,954 Advisory Group (DAAG) January meeting minutes 2004-05 11,306 which are now available on the Health and Social Care 2005-06 8,634 Information Centre (HSCIC) website at the following 2006-07 4,830 link: 2007-08 2,338 www.hscic.gov.uk/daag 2008-09 762 This application did not request release of data and 2009-10 550 no data was released, therefore it does not appear on 2010-11 1,143 the HSCIC’s register of approved data releases. 2011-12 1,152 No data was requested in the application from the 2012-13 869 Cabinet Office. This application was to seek advice Total 58,285 from DAAG about the consent approach covering wording Note: For each year data relate to the period of 1 April to 31 March the for a piece of urgent work. following year. Data for 2013-14 may be available from the NMC. Due to the urgent nature of the request, the request Source: was considered and approved by DAAG members out Nursing and Midwifery Council of committee, but this was not recorded in the relevant Nutrition minutes. The members agreed to include this decision in the minutes from the January meeting to ensure that it was on record. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what specific targets relating to portion size Nurses: Foreign Workers companies which are signed up to the calorie reduction pledge of the Responsibility Deal have agreed to; and Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for what progress they have made in achieving those targets. Health how many nurses from (a) the European [195540] Economic Area outside the UK and (b) other overseas countries registered as a nurse in the NHS in each of Jane Ellison: The calorie reduction pledge of the the last five years. [195477] Responsibility Deal was launched in March 2012 and currently 36 companies are signed up to take a range of Dr Poulter: The Department does not hold information actions to reduce calories. Within that, the following on the numbers of nurses from the European Economic 26 companies have pledged to take action on portion Area and other overseas countries who are registered size. Some of the companies signed up to the pledge nurses working in the national health service. after the initial launch and may have made further The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the progress since the last formal reports. Annual updates regulatory body for nurses and midwives and holds a for 2013-14 will be made available from 15 May 2014. register of nurses and midwives registered to practise in Aldi Stores Ltd—will review portion sizes. the United Kingdom. Nurses must be registered with Aramark—will seek to influence customers’ choice through the NMC to work as a nurse in any health care setting, portion control. not just the NHS. To keep their registration up to date, Asda—will support the development of a range of portion nurses also need to renew their registration every three controlled options across bakery and snacking food lines. years. Authentic Food Company—has reduced meal sizes. The following tables show the number of registered Britvic Soft Drinks—has launched a 250ml slimline can. nurses from the European Economic Area and from Burton’s Foods Ltd—is testing and implementing portion overseas countries since 2002. control packs across its biscuit range. 333W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 334W

CH&Co Catering Ltd—has committed to reduce portion sizes LAs now have access to local adult and child excess offering smaller alternative dessert and cake portions and smaller weight data, which will help them in identifying how to juice sizes, particularly smoothies. support effective behaviour change within their local Coca-Cola GB—has launched a 375 ml bottle and a 250 ml demography and in making the case for action going slimline can. forward. Compass Group UK & I—pledged to commence work on Public Health England is committed to supporting reviewing portion sizes at the end of 2012. LAs by providing expert advice and is currently piloting Dairy Crest Ltd—has introduced single serve portion products a peer challenge approach with the Local Government and reduced its milkshake bottle size from 500 ml to 471 ml. Association, as part of the Health and Wellbeing Board Dairy UK—will encourage its members to reduce portion sizes sector-led improvement programme. where appropriate. Feel Good Drinks—will introduce smaller pack size products Out-patients: Attendance to give options for lower volume/lower total calorie portions. JD Wetherspoon PLC—will look to offer varying portion size Mr Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for options and reviewing the portion sizes on all components in all Health what estimate his Department has made of the dishes. cost to the NHS of missed appointments in (a) Chelmsford Lexington Catering—will aim to reduce calories through new constituency and (b) Essex in the last 12 months. menu choices and portion control. [195492] Mars UK—has introduced new smaller multipack formats. Mondelez International—has introduced a two biscuit portion Dr Poulter: The Department has not made an estimate pack. of the cost of missed national health service appointments. Nestle UK—will launch more than one third of new products as a smaller portion size alternative to a standard product, Palliative Care including three significantly smaller ice cream choices. Premier Foods—70% of new products developed have reduced calories, including through new portion sizes. Sarah Newton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy that there should be Sainsbury’s Supermarket Ltd—has introduced multipacks of universal access to 24 hours a day seven days a week 11g snack bags and a range of five portion controlled individual bags of dried fruit. community nursing services to support people to die at home if that is their choice; and if he will estimate the Seabrook Crisps Ltd—has reduced bag size in multipacks cost to the public purse of introducing such a policy. from 30g to 25g. [195083] Sodexo—will look into the feasibility of offering two portion sizes, if appropriate and provide guidance on what a standard Norman Lamb: The Government is committed to portion size of a high calorie item would be. extending patient choice in end of life care, and a review Subway International BV—has introduced a range of nine will be looking into this issue this year. The provision of new low fat flatbreads to replace the wrap product. The flatbread community palliative care services will be looked at as is a smaller serving size than the wrap. part of this review. Unilever UK Ltd—has introduced smaller ice cream servings. United Biscuits (UK) Ltd—has carried out a market trial of Parents portion controlled biscuit packs. Waitrose—has introduced a range of seven kitchen portion Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health tools to help consumers manage portion sizes of everyday foods how many (a) families, (b) mothers and (c) fathers in the home. have used CANParent vouchers during the time of the Whitbread Group PLC (Beefeater)—will continually review pilot project, broken down by provider; whether any of portion sizes during product development and the promotion of the parenting classes providers in each of the pilot areas different portion sizes. continue to offer either free or paid-for parenting classes; Companies’ delivery plans and annual updates for what funding the Department has allocated to CANParent the Responsibility Deal calorie reduction pledge can be in the next (i) financial year and (ii) Parliament; how found at: much was spent on the scheme, broken down by https://responsibilitydeal.dh.gov.uk/pledges/pledge/7pN23 subheading; what plans the Government has for the national rollout of the scheme referred to in the launch of the trial; and when the final evaluation of the CANParent Obesity: Harlow trial will be published. [195437] Dr Poulter: CANparent vouchers were available to Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for parents of children ages 0-5 in the three trial areas of Health what assessment he has made of the causes of Camden, Middlesbrough and High Peak. (a) adult and (b) childhood obesity in Harlow The latest data, at 8 April 2014, held by the contractor constituency. [195203] managing the CANparent trial, show that parenting class providers have confirmed a total of 2,234 women Jane Ellison: Local authorities (LAs), working with and 211 men have attended CANparent classes since local and national partners across the health and social the start of the trial (full data is collected on class care system, have responsibility for public health and attendance by females and males, but not according to the assessment and provision of preventative and obesity their relationship to children in the family). These totals treatment services. are broken down by provider in the following table: 335W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 336W

Dr Poulter: Since the launch of Information Service Total number Confirmed male Confirmed starts female for Parents (ISP) on the 7 April 2012 there have been 312,875 sign-ups to the service, 268,308 of these are Barnardo’s 102 10 92 actively subscribed, and a breakdown of these current City Lit 450 25 425 subscribers is detailed as follows. Coram 24 3 21 Derbyshire County 35 6 29 Current live subscribers Council Family Links 201 12 189 E-mail only 198,079 Family Lives 10 2 8 SMS only 129 Family Matters 25 4 21 Both e-mail and SMS 70,100 Institute Total live 268,308 FAST 282 25 257 Fatherhood 32 13 19 We do not know whether or not these subscribers are Institute first-time parents, as this information is not requested/ Montessori 32 6 26 captured as part of the sign-up process. NCT 222 30 192 There have been 4,508,350 viewings of the videos Parent Gym 322 15 307 since the launch of ISP (2,420,563 on NHS Choices and REF 489 36 453 2,087,787 on YouTube). It is not possible to break this Solihull Approach 219 24 195 figure down in to the number of people as requested, Total 2,445 211 2,234 just the total number of times a video was started either on NHS Choices or YouTube. The data on parenting class providers continuing to The Department transferred £300,000 to Public Health provide free or paid-for classes is not collected centrally. England (PHE) for the financial year 2013-14. Market development work following on from the The Department will transfer some funding to PHE initial two-year trial, led by Family Lives, was transferred in 2014-15 to support the work of the NHS Start4Life to the Department of Health from the Department for Information Service for Parents (S4LISP). Budget Education (DFE) on 1 April 2014 and is due to run allocations are still to be confirmed but this sum is likely until 31 March 2015. The budget for that work stands at to be circa £1.5 million. PHE’s total budget for the £1,140,758. S4LISP will need to cover automated sign-up, content review and commissioning new content. The trial will now run for one more year until March 2015. The budget for the one year extension of the Physiotherapy: South Yorkshire CANParent trial stands at £1,286,000 for the 2014-15 financial year. No further funds have been committed to the project. Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on According to DFE officials, from 1 April 2012 to 31 steps to ensure that specialist neuromuscular physiotherapy March 2013, the total amount spent on the CANParent is provided to both children and adults with muscle-wasting trial was £1,248,640. From 1 April 2013 to the end of conditions in South Yorkshire. [195038] March 2014, the total was £2,228,806. Norman Lamb: No Ministers in the Department have The new phase of the CANparent trial is an opportunity held such discussions. The provision of physiotherapy to build on the successes of the first trial but with an services is a matter for the local national health service. increased emphasis on supporting and encouraging providers to think about the long-term sustainability of CANParent and how they will be delivering classes Radiotherapy once the trial comes to an end. CANparent aims to create a cultural shift so it becomes the norm to seek Mike Thornton: To ask the Secretary of State for advice and support on raising children, just as it is the Health what assessment he has made of the implications norm to attend antenatal classes, so that children get for his policies of Vision for Radiotherapy 2014-24, the best start in life. During 2014-15, a programme of published by Cancer Research UK and NHS England business support will be offered to parenting class providers. on 3 March 2014; and if he will make a statement. [195539] The DFE will publish the final evaluation of the initial two-year trial shortly. The publication of the Jane Ellison: The ‘Vision for Radiotherapy’ 2014-24 final evaluation of the one-year extension will follow was co-produced by NHS England and Cancer Research the completion of the trial in March 2015. UK and will be one of a number of sources, used to inform the development of future strategy and policy, particularly NHS England’s five-year strategy for specialised Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health services. how many and what proportion of new parents have signed up to the NHS Information Service for Parents; how many people have accessed the specially-commissioned Reckitt Benckiser videos online to support the scheme since its introduction; what the annual budget is for the NHS Information Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Service for Parents; and what plans his Department has Health what total costs his Department incurred in for the scheme in the next financial year and into the relation to the Government’s claim against Reckitt next parliament. [195438] Benckiser in connection with the supply of Gaviscon to 337W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 338W the NHS in England; what sums his Department will April to March each year Number of quit attempts receive or has received in settlement of its claim against Reckitt Benckiser as announced on 28 February 2014; 2012-13 5,024 and what proportion of the sums to be received from Notes: Reckitt Benckiser relate to the costs incurred by his 1. The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) collects Department in bringing that claim. [195441] data from the NHS Stop Smoking Services as part of the NHS Stop Smoking Services Quarterly Monitoring Returns Forms, undertaken since 2005 by the HSCIC on behalf of the Department of Health. Dr Poulter: Details of the settlement of the Department’s 2. Only people who set a quit date through the NHS Stop Smoking claim against Reckitt Benckiser in connection with the Services are included in the Quarterly Monitoring Returns. Those supply of Gaviscon to the national health service in who attend the service, but do not set a quit date are not included. 3. A person may make more than one quit attempt, therefore the England are commercially sensitive. It would not be in figures in this dataset do not represent the number of people using the the public interest for information to be supplied. service. Source: Smoking The Health and Social Care Information Centre, Lifestyles Statistics.

Thalidomide Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of NHS’s involvement in No Smoking Day on 12 March 2014 Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and the performance of the NHS Choices Stop pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Smoking app. [195043] Birkenhead, of 5 March 2014, Official Report, column 886W, on thalidomide, if he will make representations to his German counterpart on compensation from Jane Ellison: NHS Smokefree is a public health campaign Grünenthal to UK victims of thalidomide. [195148] initiated and supported by Public Health England (PHE), an executive agency of the Department. PHE worked Norman Lamb: The Department has no current plans collaboratively with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to make representations to the German Government on as part of the NHS Smokefree campaign to support No the subject of compensation from Grünenthal to the Smoking Day (NSD) 2014. United Kingdom victims of thalidomide. Since 1 April 2013, NHS Smokefree has been run I hope to meet with representatives of the Thalidomide from PHE. The campaign has recently drawn to a close Trust to discuss this issue further. and we are currently in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of the activity. We will not specifically be making an assessment of the NHS’s involvement in NSD, but the evaluation will provide an assessment of TRANSPORT the overall campaign effectiveness. Consultants As part of the campaign, PHE worked with the BHF to provide collateral such as posters and leaflets to a Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for number of partners, including: pharmacies, employers, Transport which 10 consultancy firms were paid the housing associations and local areas, to support NSD most by his Department in the last financial year; and 2014. We also piloted a new One Day Quit tool. how much each of those firms was paid. [195584] The NHS Choices Stop Smoking app helps people to Stephen Hammond: The following table sets out the stop smoking by providing motivational messages and 10 professional services consultancy firms paid the most support. Since its launch in 2010, the app has received by the Department during the 11 months of the financial 315,000 downloads. To date, the app has been downloaded year 2013-14 for which we have data. These companies 23,000 times in 2014. are sorted in descending level of departmental expenditure.

Smoking: Bolton Total spend for periods 1 to 11 of Company name financial year 2013-14 (£) Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Eversheds LLP 13,829,112 how many people in Bolton have received assistance Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 3,245,153 from the NHS to stop smoking in each year since 2010. Systems Up Ltd 706,248 [195044] DTZ 414,077 Allen & Overy 236,786 Jane Ellison: The information is not available in the Cubic Transportation Systems Ltd 234,598 format requested. Thompsons Solicitors 234,260 Information is available for the number of ’quit attempts’ Nabarro LLP 200,614 through the NHS Stop Smoking Service in the former Rowsell Wright Ltd 160,486 Bolton Primary Care Trust area. People may also receive Boyes Turner LLP 160,000 national health service assistance that is not recorded in this dataset: Motor Vehicles: Seized Articles

April to March each year Number of quit attempts Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vehicles have been crushed as a 2010-11 4,504 result of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency database 2011-12 4,763 errors since July 2013. [195536] 339W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 340W

Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Therefore, the Department for Transport has not made Agency (DVLA) does not hold the information requested. an assessment specifically about traffic movements in If the DVLA is made aware of any enforcement London in each year since the introduction of congestion action taken as a result of an error, officials consider charging. compensating for any losses incurred. Each case is Rolling Stock: Lancashire considered individually.

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will request the Driving Standards Transport what representations he has received from Agency and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to (a) local authorities and (b) hon. Members in waive charges arising from car seizures as a result of Lancashire on rolling stock in Lancashire. [195651] database classification errors. [195538] Stephen Hammond: Discussions have taken place with Stephen Hammond: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Lancashire county council on the provision of rolling Agency does not seize and impound cars. stock for a new Manchester to Burnley and Blackburn via Rochdale service. A number of representations have The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) been received from hon. Members concerning rolling adopts a compliance and enforcement approach to ensuring stock in Lancashire, including at the Westminster Hall vehicle excise duty is paid. This includes reminder letters debate on rolling stock provision in the North of England and late licensing penalties as well as court prosecutions on 12 March 2014. and the wheelclamping and/or removal of unlicensed vehicles. Schools: Cycling If the DVLA is made aware of any action taken as a result of an error, officials will consider refunding any Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for charges incurred. Each case is considered individually. Transport pursuant to the answer of 31 March 2014, Official Report, column 411W, on transport: schools, Parking: Fines how many (a) schools and (b) pupils took part in Bikeability cycle training in each year since 2005. Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for [195440] Transport how many foreign-registered cars received a Mr Goodwill: Funding provided by the Department parking penalty charge in each year since 2010; how for Transport (DFT) for Bikeability cycle training began many parking penalty charges for foreign-registered in financial year 2006-07. vehicles went unpaid in each year; and what the value was of these unpaid parking charges. [195473] Data collection since then has consisted mainly of the number of places delivered by each Bikeability grant Mr Goodwill: This is a matter for individual local recipient. Therefore it is not possible to fully answer authorities who are required to keep records of all (A), however, the current estimate is that 8,177 schools penalty charge notices issued including those issued to take part in training delivered by either their Local drivers of foreign-registered vehicles. The Department Highway Authority or School Games Organiser Host for Transport does not record this information centrally. School. The number of places delivered using DFT grant Railways: Stansted Airport funding until 31 March 2013 is available and the totals are as follows: Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Number for Transport what recent representations he has received on efforts to improve the frequency of services 2006-07 7,983 by Cross Country trains between Peterborough and 2007-08 26,894 Stansted airport; and if he will make a statement. 2008-09 92,579 [195424] 2009-10 133,984 2010-11 199,197 Stephen Hammond: The Secretary of State for Transport 2011-12 293,969 has not received any representations from Cross Country 2012-13 255,833 Trains regarding frequency improvements to their services Total 1,010,439 between Peterborough and Stansted airport. Unmanned Air Vehicles Road Traffic: Greater London Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Transport if he will bring forward proposals to update what assessment he has made of the effects of congestion the current Air Navigation Order to define and charging on traffic movements in London in each year categorise unmanned aircraft systems. [R] [194982] since the introduction of such charging. [195184] Mr Goodwill: The safe operation of civil Remotely Stephen Hammond: Under the terms of the Greater Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in the UK is governed by the London Authority Act 1999, transport in London, requirements of the Air Navigation Order 2009 (ANO). including the Congestion Charge scheme, is the RPA with an operating mass of more than 20 kg are responsibility of Transport for London and the Mayor. subject to regulation as though they are manned aircraft. 341W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 342W

RPA with an operating mass of 20 kg or less are RAF Menwith Hill referred to as ‘small unmanned aircraft’. Small unmanned aircraft are exempt from the majority of the regulations Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for that normally apply to manned aircraft, however their Defence whether his Department was (a) aware of the use is specifically covered by two articles within the nature of and (b) consulted before the start of ANO, which legislate for the ‘general’ flying aspects and surveillance being carried out at NSA Menwith Hills. the flight of those equipped for surveillance. As well as [194679] these specific articles however, a more general article which prevents a person ‘causing or permitting an Mr Francois: Operations at RAF Menwith Hill have aircraft to endanger the safety of any person or property’ always been, and continue to be, carried out with the also remains applicable. There are no current plans to knowledge and consent of the UK Government. further categorise RPA. Research West Coast Railway Line Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to promote the Transport what estimate his Department has made of commercialisation of scientific and technological research the average load factor of West Coast Mainline trains by his Department and its agencies. [195656] leaving London Euston in 2013. [195450] Mr Dunne: The National Security through Technology Stephen Hammond: The requested information is not White Paper (Cm 8278) lays out our commitment to available, however a number of similar statistics relating open procurement, and that the Department and its to 2012 are available via this link: agencies will conduct research and development only https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/rai02- where it is essential for our national security. capacity-and-overcrowding The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Average load factors for all services departing Euston (Dstl), a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Trading Fund, can be calculated from the data in Table RA10213. delivers the majority of the MOD’s Science and Technology The percentage of passengers in excess of capacity Programme. Any ideas generated within Dstl can be (PiXC) and the number of passengers standing is given commercialised through Ploughshare Innovations Ltd, for the three hour peaks for all franchised operators in a technology transfer company owned by Dstl. Table RA10215. Where external suppliers are contracted, the MOD Equivalent statistics for 2013 will be available in July leaves the intellectual property rights of any discovery 2014. or technology with those suppliers to commercialise. The MOD retains rights to disclose and use the intellectual property for UK Government purposes.

DEFENCE Armed Forces BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Business: Loans Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information his Department holds on the number of (a) aggravated assaults against members of the Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for armed forces and (b) times members of the armed Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken forces were discriminated against in bars, restaurants to increase the availability of credit for small businesses and hotels in each year since 2003. [195653] in (a) Bolton North East constituency and (b) England in the last year. [195045] Anna Soubry: This information is not held by the Department. Matthew Hancock: The Government is committed to ensuring businesses can access the finance they need for Armed Forces: Pay investment and growth. The Bank of England and HM Treasury announced Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for in November that the Funding for Lending scheme Defence (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of his would be focused on lending to businesses to reflect the Department’s notice 2014DIN01-021, Revision of success that the scheme has had with households. Lending cost-of-living addition salary bands; [195471] under the Funding for Lending Scheme has totalled over £16 billion according to the latest figures. (2) if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department’s notice 2014DIN01-032, Increase in the The British Business Bank is being established to rate of excess fares allowance from 6 April 2014. ensure that business finance markets work efficiently [195479] and effectively for smaller businesses, and its loan guarantee and investment programmes supported £660 million of Anna Soubry: Copies of the Department’s notice on lending and investment in 2013 across the UK. the revision of the cost of living addition salary bands A breakdown of the value of debt finance facilitated (2014DIN01-021) and the increase in the rate of excess to businesses in Bolton North East constituency and fares allowance from 6 April 2014 (2014DIN01-032) England through British Business Bank programmes in have been placed in the Library of the House. the last year is detailed in the following table: 343W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 344W

Engineering: Females Enterprise Finance Lending Guarantee Start Up Loans facilitated by the Scheme (drawn Scheme (drawn Business Finance Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for down) down) Partnership Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to ensure that more women are able to take up senior Bolton North 7 loans with a 24 loans with a North West [903652] East value of £1.14 value of Region: 462 positions in engineering businesses. constituency million £117,330 loans with a value of nearly Jenny Willott: The Government is working with £27 million employers, professional bodies and HE and FE institutions England 2,857 loans with 13,432 with a 3,721 loans a value of value of over provided with a to encourage more women to enter engineering and to £307.6 million £75 million value of nearly remove barriers to their progression. £226 million The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) funds the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering jointly to run a programme of work aimed Consultants at understanding and addressing issues of diversity in the STEM work force. Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for The Royal Academy of Engineering has developed a Business, Innovation and Skills which 10 consultancy diversity concordat which 70% of engineering institutions, firms were paid the most by his Department in the last representing over 90% of registered engineers, have now financial year; and how much each of those firms was signed. They also run the Diversity Leadership Group, paid. [195566] made up of senior industrial representatives from an array of engineering disciplines who steer and review Jenny Willott: Under this Government’s transparency collective actions to increase the size and diversity of programme, details of spend are published on gov.uk the engineering talent pool. which is available at: BIS contributes to the cost of hosting the finals of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?departments the National Science and Engineering Competition at %5B%5D=department-for-business-innovation-skills the annual Big Bang Fair which took place last month. 55% of Competition prizewinners were girls and the Fair promoted Science, Technology, Engineering and Digital Technology Maths (STEM) careers to a record number of schoolchildren. BIS also funds STEMNET to run the STEM Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Ambassadors programme: a nationwide network of Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking over 27,000 volunteers who visit schools to bring STEM to promote digital industries in England and Wales; career opportunities to life. 40% of STEM Ambassadors and if he will make a statement. [195156] are women.

Mr Willetts: The Government published its Information Entry Clearances: Overseas Students Economy Strategy on 14 June 2013 which sets out how we will work with business and academic partners to promote digital industries across the UK. I am now Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for working with the Information Economy Council to Business, Innovation and Skills how many tier 4 visa deliver the actions in the Strategy. The Technology applications were refused for applicants intending to Strategy Board is also investing in a range of programmes, study at each English university in the last year for including Collaborative Research and Development which records are available; and what guidance his competitions and the Connected Digital Economy Catapult Department issues to universities on retaining fees paid Centre, to support UK companies working in the digital by students whose applications for such visas are industries. subsequently refused. [195655] Mr Willetts: Statistics on Tier 4 refusals are published Employment Agencies in the Home Office’s quarterly Immigration Statistics, available in the Libraries of the House and at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration- Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for statistics-quarterly-release Business, Innovation and Skills which five companies Information relating to individual institutions is not were used most often to provide temporary workers for published in line with the requirements of the Code of his Department in the last financial year; and how Practice for Official Statistics. Information on the number much in agency fees was paid to each of them. [195544] of refusals of tier 4 visa applications by education sector or by individual institution is not available and Jenny Willott: Under this Government’s transparency could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. programme, details of spend are published on gov.uk As autonomous bodies, individual UK HE institutions which are available at: are able to decide their own tuition fee refund policy https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?departments including what refunds will be made to overseas students %5B%5D=department-for-business-innovation-skills who are subsequently refused a visa to study in the UK. To provide the level of detail requested in relation to The Department does not issue guidance, however, the agency fees would incur disproportionate cost. QAA has issued guidance in 2012 for institutions on 345W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 346W sponsoring international students which included Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the recommendations on refund procedures for international Cabinet Office. students. The information requested falls within the responsibility Innovation of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Letter from Peter Fullerton, dated April 2014: Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking In the absence of the Director General for the Office for to promote innovation within industry; and if he will National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent make a statement. [195158] Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent estimate he has made of rates Mr Willetts: This Government is fully committed to of national minimum wage non-compliance in each (a) sector and improving the UK’s innovation performance as an essential (b) region; and what estimate he has made of the number and component of its growth plan. Innovation has long proportion of people of each gender who are paid below the national minimum wage and what information is (i) collected and been, and will continue to be, a key driver of UK (ii) held. (195240) growth and economic prosperity, accounting for up to 70% of economic growth in the long-term. Information on non-compliance with the national minimum wage is not available from ONS. The Annual Survey of Hours The UK’s Industrial Strategy, a new long-term and Earnings (ASHE), carried out in April each year, is the most partnership between business and all parts of Government, comprehensive source of earnings information in the United has identified a range of opportunities to help create Kingdom. Hourly levels of pay are estimated from ASHE, and growth for the future, from developing new skills and are provided for employees on adult rates of pay, whose earnings securing critical investment, to commercialising our for the survey pay period were not affected by absence. ASHE scientific research and inventions. data are used to produce estimates of the number and proportion of employee jobs with hourly pay below the national minimum Support for technologies is one of five core themes of wage. However, these figures cannot be used as a measure of the Industrial Strategy. The Government has identified non-compliance with legislation. This is because it is not possible “Eight Great Technologies” where the UK’s science to determine from the survey data whether an individual is strengths and business capabilities combine to give us eligible for the minimum wage. For example, it is not possible to world-leading potential and announced an additional identify people such as apprentices and those undergoing training £600 million investment to help support their development who are exempt from the minimum wage rate or are entitled to lower rates. In addition, if employees receive free accommodation, from laboratory to marketplace. employers are entitled to offset hourly rates. We have made the Technology Strategy Board the In April 2013, the latest period for which results are available, Government’s prime channel for supporting business-led there were 131 thousand jobs held by men (1.0 per cent of technology innovation, which delivers a range of employee jobs held by men) and 148 thousand jobs held by interventions in support of innovative businesses, such women (1.1 per cent of employee jobs held by women) with as the network of Catapult Centres and collaborative hourly pay below the national minimum wage in the UK. research and development competitions. ASHE is based on a one per cent sample of employee jobs We have also put in place a range of wider policies to taken from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Pay As You Earn support innovation which include a tax regime that (PAYE) records. Information on earnings and hours is obtained supports innovation, investment and enterprise that from employers and treated confidentially. enables the UK to be internationally competitive, as the increasingly international nature of innovation means that it is crucial for the UK and its businesses and National Renewable Energy Centre universities to remain active in the global innovation ecosystem. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for We know that other leading innovators and the emerging Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has economies are increasing their investment in science made of the effects of the National Renewable Energy and innovation and that we need to strengthen our own Centre on its local economy. [195660] performance in some areas and build on our acknowledged strengths to retain our position as one of the world’s Michael Fallon: BIS has not made an assessment of leading innovation countries. the impact of the National Renewable Energy Centre This is why we will be developing a new Science and (Narec) on its local economy. Narec has created a world Innovation Strategy to be published this autumn. This leading suite of testing facilities for the offshore renewable will set out the future shape and scale of the UK’s energy sector. The recently announced merger with the science and innovation system and look at how we Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult will accelerate the measure the system’s performance and the key challenges design, deployment and commercialisation of offshore that the UK needs to address to maintain its global renewable energy technology and help the UK capture leadership position. the economic opportunity presented by this sector. Minimum Wage Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Private Sector Innovation and Skills what recent estimate he has made of rates of national minimum wage non-compliance in each (a) sector and (b) region; what estimate he has Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for made of the number and proportion of people of each Business, Innovation and Skills how many jobs have gender who are paid below the national minimum wage; been transferred from the public to the private sector as and what information on such people is (i) collected and a result of privatisations or outsourcing by his (ii) held. [195240] Department since May 2010. [195503] 347W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 348W

Michael Fallon: Following the sale of 60% of Government Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for shares in Royal Mail on 15 October 2013 some 150,000 Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what the total value Royal Mail jobs in the UK transferred from the public is of all bids to each round of the Regional Growth sector to the private sector. Fund; how much has been committed to winning bidders in each Regional Growth Fund bidding round; Regional Growth Fund and how much such funding has been drawn down in each region to date; [195286] Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many bids by LEPS to the (2) what the total value is of funds not yet drawn (a) regional growth fund and (b) exceptional regional down by winning bidders under the regional growth growth fund have been (i) under discussion with officials, fund in each bidding round and region; [195181] (ii) submitted, (iii) approved and (iv) rejected in each (3) how much funding allocated under the Regional (A) bidding round and (B) region. [195179] Growth Fund in each (a) holding and (b) region has not yet been drawn down by winning bidders. [195283] Michael Fallon: All bids received to the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) and for exceptional RGF (eRGF) support are discussed with officials as part of the appraisal process. The following table lists bids received directly Michael Fallon: Regional breakdown of RGF allocations from local enterprise partnerships to the RGF by bidding for each bidding round (Rounds 1-4) including the round and the outcome. amount drawn down and remaining to be drawn down RGF Round 2 are provided in the following tables. This data is as at Number of 2 April. The RGF not drawn down for Rounds 1 to Number of Number of bids not 4 totals £1,238 million. Of this, currently, £1,152 million Region bids received bids selected selected is budgeted to be drawn down in 2014-15 and later years. Payments schedules are agreed with companies Yorkshire and 514and payments are made when they need them. Humber North East 3 0 3 Round 1 South East 2 2 0 £ million North West 3 2 1 RGF RGF RGF not East Midlands 4 2 2 Region allocation drawdown drawn down West 220 Midlands North West 21 19 2 East of 000Yorkshire and 47 39 8 England Humber South West 3 2 1 North East 34 34 0

RGF Round 3 West 89 22 67 Midlands Number of Number of Number of bids not East 220 Region bids received bids selected selected Midlands East of 16 10 6 Yorkshire and 330England Humber South East 000 North East 2 2 0 and London South East 4 4 0 South West 4 4 0 North West 3 3 0 East Midlands 4 4 0 National 175 175 0 West 844Total 388 305 83 Midlands Round 2 East of 110 England £ million South West 4 1 3 RGF RGF RGF not Region allocation drawdown drawn down RGF Round 4 Northwest 189 123 66 Number of Number of Number of bids not Yorkshire 68 45 23 Region bids received bids selected selected and Humber North East 64 56 8 Yorkshire and 330West 91 87 4 Humber Midlands North East 1 1 0 East 80 49 31 South East 5 3 2 Midlands North West 4 3 1 East of 35 20 15 East Midlands 3 3 0 England West 770South East 60 45 15 Midlands and London East of 220South West 71 69 2 England National 90 80 10 South West 1 1 0 Total 748 574 174 349W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 350W

Round 3 £ £ million Constituency RGF committed RGF spent RGF RGF RGF not Region allocation drawdown drawn down Nottingham North 1,600,000 1,599,999 North West 113 43 70 Nottingham South 2,871,460 727,471 Yorkshire 63 28 35 Sherwood 495,000 0 and Humber South Derbyshire 6,300,000 0 North East 113 44 69 West 158 24 134 Royal Mail Midlands East 57 14 43 Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Midlands Business, Innovation and Skills what category of East of 25 8 17 England investor Lansdowne Partners was with regard to the [195611] South East 48 18 30 sale of Royal Mail. and London South West 82 8 74 Michael Fallon: All investors in Royal Mail—whether National 177 75 102 individuals or institutions—have a reasonable expectation Total 836 262 574 of privacy; therefore we have not disclosed the names of specific investors and their involvement in the IPO Round 4 process. £ million RGF RGF RGF not Self-employed Region allocation drawdown drawn down

North West 96 5 91 Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Yorkshire 30 2 28 Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has and Humber made of the number of people who run a small or North East 33 1 32 medium-sized enterprise as a secondary form of income West 65 1 64 alongside another job. [195098] Midlands East 41 1 40 Matthew Hancock: Information is not available to Midlands answer this question. However, data from the Office for East of 15 3 12 National Statistics estimate that around 400,000 people England describe themselves as self employed in their second South East 25 2 23 jobs between October 2012 and September 2013. and London South West 14 0 14 Skilled Workers: Immigration National 115 12 103 Total 434 27 407 Mr Rob Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Regional Growth Fund: East Midlands made of the effect of migration on UK businesses which require highly-skilled employees. [903672] Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much was (a) Vince Cable: We recently published analysis proving committed to and (b) spent in each constituency in the that highly skilled migrants are not displacing UK East Midlands through the Regional Growth Fund in workers. Indeed, in many sectors such as engineering (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) 2013 and (v) 2014 to and digital technologies, they’re filling skills gaps and date. [195637] starting new companies. Business groups tell me that an open labour market Michael Fallon: We do not hold information in the helps foreign investment in the UK and that migrants format requested. However, the following table details foster innovation and growth by bringing in new ideas, the amount of Regional Growth Fund (RGF) allocated language skills and assisting trade links overseas. So to and paid in each constituency in the East Midlands overall, it’s a positive picture. from the first four bidding rounds. In addition, £82.2 million has been allocated to nine programmes in the Social Enterprises: Brighton East Midlands, which support small and medium-sized enterprises across the region. Of this, £19.6 million has Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, been paid to date. Innovation and Skills how many social enterprises there were in Brighton, Kemptown constituency in the most £ recent period for which figures are available. [195159] Constituency RGF committed RGF spent

Bassetlaw 1,328,460 1,328,460 Jenny Willott: BIS does not have constituency level Bosworth 19,671,000 16,284,417 data on social enterprises. Using data from the 2012 Charnwood 4,170,000 4,168,871 BIS ’Small Business Survey’ and the ’Business Population Leicester South 1,072,800 249,301 Estimates for the UK and Regions 2013’, BIS estimate Lincoln 5,575,000 0 that in 2013 approximately five% (or 60,000) of small and medium-sized enterprise employers1 in the UK 351W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 352W were social enterprises2. It is not possible to provide UK Trade and Investment: Nigeria reliable information for smaller geographical areas. 1 Small and medium-sized employers with between 1 and 249 Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for employees. Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment 2 Defined as an enterprise that considers itself a social enterprise he has made of the quality and performance of UK and that should not pay more than 50% of profit or surplus to Trade and Investment support for UK-Nigeria partnerships owners or shareholders, should not generate more than 25% of in (a) financial services, (b) the creative industries and income from grants and donations and, therefore, should not (c) educational services. [195048] have less than 75% of turnover from trading. Michael Fallon: UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Students: Loans carries out an in-depth assessment of its overall impact each quarter via the Performance Impact Monitoring Survey (PIMS). Generic assessments of specific sectors Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, are carried out externally on behalf of UKTI. The Innovation and Skills what his policy is on raising the business impact of individual services and activities is cap on the amount of student loan accessible by also monitored by the teams delivering them. students studying at alternative learning providers. [195051] UKTI delivers a range of services in relation to Nigeria in the sectors specified, both bespoke services for individual companies and broader activities. These Mr Willetts: There currently are no plans to raise the are in line with sector strategies for the market. Some cap on the amount of student loan accessible by students recent examples include a financial services mission to studying at alternative providers. Alternative providers Nigeria in March organised by UKTI, in partnership are not subject to the same regulatory conditions as with Nigerian Diaspora individuals working in the City those providers whose students can access fee loans of of London. Also in March, UKTI Nigeria worked with up to £9,000. In particular, the fees that they may UK and Nigerian stakeholders to deliver an SME event charge students are not subject to a cap, nor are these in Lagos focused on creative industries. This was followed providers required to put in place an Access Agreement. in early April by a videoconference between UK and Nigerian companies engaged in fashion retail. UKTI Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, was also involved in a local education event in Lagos in Innovation and Skills what his Department’s estimate early April during which Nigerian requirements were is of the latest RAB charge for further education successfully matched to UK companies offering relevant students. [195461] expertise. All participants who commented on these events Matthew Hancock: The Department models the reported that they found their participation useful. All proportion of loans which we expect will not be repaid have identified follow up actions and UKTI will be (the RAB charge). The 2012 impact assessment on the monitoring successes which ensue. introduction of 24+ Advanced Learning Loans stated that we anticipated this RAB charge would be 60% of the total loan amount. Now that we are beginning to HOME DEPARTMENT receive figures on actual learner numbers, we are reviewing the assumptions within the RAB charge model. This Asylum: Children 60% figure may therefore be subject to change in the future. Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many unaccompanied asylum-seeking children were placed in local authority UK Trade and Investment care in each of the last 10 years; [193336] (2) how many unaccompanied asylum-seeking Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for children there were in the UK in each of the last 10 Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) bonuses, (b) years. [193337] additional salary increments and (c) premiums are offered to UK Trade & Investment staff for proficiency James Brokenshire: Figures for Unaccompanied in foreign languages; for which foreign languages these Asylum Seeking Children (UASCs) placed in local are available; what level of financial support is available authority care are not available from published for each language; and how many staff receive support statistics. for each foreign language for which support is offered. In 2012 and 2013 there were 1,125 and 1,174 [195618] applications received from UASCs, excluding dependants. Michael Fallon: UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Figures on a comparable basis are not available for draws mainly on civil service staff employed by one or previous years. other of its two parent Departments—the Department The Home Office publishes statistics on asylum for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Foreign applications from UASCs in tables as_08 and as_08_q & Commonwealth Office (FCO). (Asylum data tables Volume 2) of the release BIS does not give bonuses, additional salary increments Immigration Statistics available from: or premiums to the staff of UKTI for proficiency in any https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration- foreign languages. BIS does however actively encourage statistics-october-to-december-2013 individuals to learn languages and they have access to This release is available from the Library of the the FCO’s language school. House. 353W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 354W

Asylum: Syria Supplier Name Total cost/value (£) Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for the 6. PricewaterhouseCoopers 676,871 Home Department how many Syrians have been brought LLP to the UK under the Vulnerable Person Relocation 7. Broadcasting Support 387,268 Services Scheme to date. [194822] 8. X-Net 298,407 James Brokenshire: The first group of Syrian 9. Roke Manor Research Ltd 94,262 refugees arrived in the UK on 25 March as part of the 10. i01 Ltd 45,704 Government’s Vulnerable Persons Relocation (VPR) Scheme. The next group of refugees are expected to Domestic Violence arrive this month, with further groups to follow on a regular basis. While there is no set quota we predict Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the that the VPR scheme will support several hundred Home Department what proportion of victims who people over the next three years. took part in the research used in the report Everyone’s Borders: Personal Records business; Improving the police response to domestic abuse were (a) male and (b) female. [194674] Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment she has made Norman Baker: As part of its inspection of the police of report by the Chief Inspector of Borders and response to domestic violence and abuse, which was the Immigration of the critical system vulnerabilities in basis for the report “Everyone’s business: Improving Semaphore and Warnings Index; and what steps she the police response to domestic abuse”, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) held focus took in response to that report; [192032] groups and interviews with 80 victims, of which six (2) what steps she has taken to implement changes as were male. a result of the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration report Exporting the border?: An inspection of e-Borders. HMIC also circulated an electronic self-completion victim survey to inform its inspection. 532 victims of [192034] domestic abuse completed the survey, of which 483 James Brokenshire: The Home Office has responded were female, 39 were male and 10 preferred not to to the report on ‘Exporting the border?: An inspection disclose their gender. of e-Borders’. This response can be found at: http://icinspector.independent.gov.uk/inspections/inspection- Employment Agencies reports/2012-inspection-reports-2/ Borders: Scotland Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which five companies were used most often to provide temporary workers for her David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department in the last financial year; and how much in Home Department what estimate her Department has agency fees was paid to each of them. [195556] made of (a) the cost to set up and (b) annual running costs of full border control with Scotland. [194540] Karen Bradley: The five companies that were used most often to provide temporary workers for the Home James Brokenshire: The Home Office has made no Department in the last financial year and the total cost estimate of (a) the cost to set up and (b) the annual of these services are set out in the following table. running costs of full border control with Scotland. Consultants Number of Supplier name contracts Total cost/value (£) Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Methods Consulting 241 15,415,826 Home Department which 10 consultancy firms were Ltd paid the most by her Department in the last financial Badenoch and Clark 56 2,905,149 year; and how much each of those firms was paid. LA International 55 3,574,736 [195578] Advantage Technical 45 4,271,513 Resourcing Karen Bradley: Information on the 10 consultancy Experis Ltd 40 2,011,081 firms that were paid the most by the Home Notes: 1. The data is only representative of core Home Office and agency Department for the last financial year and how much data, it does not include any arm’s length body (ALBs) each of those firms were paid is set out in the following organisations. table: 2. The data is from April 2013 to February 2014 inclusive.

Supplier Name Total cost/value (£) Entry Clearances: India

1. Detica Ltd 7,220,985 2. Pa Consulting Services Ltd 6,084,558 Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for 3. Ernst And Young LLP 2,575,080 the Home Department what comparative assessment 4. KPMG LLP 2,259,099 her Department has made of the cost to Indian 5. Deloitte 855,360 nationals of applying for a (a) UK and (b) US student visa. [194825] 355W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 356W

James Brokenshire: The Home Office assesses visa Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the fees annually, to ensure the fees charged by the UK are Home Department if she will place in the Library a competitive with similar endorsement types offered by record of those institutions which have made a conditional other countries. offer to overseas students whose application for a visa is subsequently refused. [193015]

Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for James Brokenshire: When a sponsor issues a student the Home Department how many applications for with an unconditional offer of a place on a course, it study visas by Indian nationals were (a) granted and will assign a confirmation of acceptance of studies (b) refused in the year ending (i) September 2012 and (CAS) via using the sponsorship management system. (ii) September 2013. [194826] The only time a sponsor can offer a conditional place is when a student holds B1 English and wishes to James Brokenshire: The information requested is study B2 English on a pre-sessional course before their given in the following table: main course of study. Entry clearance study visas resolved by outcome: Indian nationals (main Full details relating to issuing of conditional offers applicants, Tier 4 and pre-PBS equivalents) to overseas students are set out in the tier 4 sponsor Of which: guidance which can be found at: Resolved Issued Refused Withdrawn Lapsed https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Year ending 21,738 17,011 4,322 275 130 attachment_data/file/270492/sponsor-guidancet4.pdf September 2012 As sponsors issue CAS on a daily basis, there are no Year ending 16,669 12,926 3,524 202 17 September 2013 plans to place any records in the Library. EU Immigration The latest Home Office immigration statistics on entry clearance study visas issued (by nationality) and Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for the refused, are published in the quarterly Immigration Home Department what steps her Department is Statistics release, which is available from the Library of taking to work with other EU member states to reduce the House and on the Department’s website at: the number of deaths of immigrants illegally coming to https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration- the EU via the sea. [194970] statistics-quarterly-release James Brokenshire: The Government continues to have regular discussions with our EU partners in order Entry Clearances: Overseas Students to ensure that all member states operate effective asylum and border management systems, including through cooperation with countries of origin and transit beyond Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the the EU. This includes the UK’s participation in the Home Department what steps she is taking to EU’s Task Force Mediterranean, established following investigate the English language test results of students the Lampedusa tragedy last year to develop actions to who completed English language tests organised by prevent further deaths at sea. ETS in each of the last three years. [187807] The Task Force involves member states, the European Commission, the European External Action Service James Brokenshire: The Home Office has suspended (EEAS) and key EU agencies {including Frontex, the acceptance of all ETS tests taken and used in the UK European Asylum Support Office and Europol). It has while the scope of the issue is ascertained and to developed a series of coherent actions, including cooperation determine the number of people who have taken a test with third countries and combating the organised criminals and been involved in fraud. We have specialist teams in who facilitate many of these dangerous sea crossings. place to undertake this analysis. The Government strongly supports the Task Force We are looking at all current and past applications. proposal to develop information campaigns in countries Anyone who is found to have used or is currently trying of origin and transit as part of wider prevention efforts, to use evidence that they obtained dishonestly can and has shared our experience in this area with EU expect to have their leave curtailed and be removed partners. from the UK or have any outstanding application EU Justice and Home Affairs refused and leave the UK. We will also seek criminal prosecution where appropriate and use all of the measures that we have available. Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what discussion she has had with Our reforms have curbed abuse by closing bogus Ministers in the Scottish Government on transitional colleges, making the application process more rigorous arrangements to cover the potential gap between the and imposing more rules on colleges to improve course UK Government opting out of EU justice measures quality. However, as the recent BBC Panorama and negotiating its re-entry into specific measures; programme highlighted, much more needs to be done. [194026] The Government will take all necessary steps, but (2) what assessment she has made of the potential our approach also requires the education sector, effect on Scotland’s justice system of the UK particularly private or further education colleges and Government opting out of EU justice measures and those providing secure English language testing, to take then negotiating its re-entry into specific measures. on their responsibility to tackle abuse. [194027] 357W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 358W

Karen Bradley: The Government is clear that there is LGBT People no need for there to be an operational gap after 1 December, and is negotiating on that basis. Other member states Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for the support the UK position and are keen for this process Home Department what recent discussions she has had to be concluded as swiftly as possible to provide certainty with chief constables in England and Wales about hate for all involved. crimes against LGBT people; and if she will make a The Government has engaged with the devolved statement. [195369] Administrations throughout this process at ministerial and official level. The Minister for Security and Norman Baker: The coalition Government is committed Immigration, my hon. Friend the Member for Old to tackling all forms of hate crime and works closely Bexley and Sidcup (James Brokenshire), visited Edinburgh with the National Policing Lead on hate crime. last year, where he met the Scottish Cabinet Secretary We will shortly publish our progress report on the for Justice Kenny MacAskill, representatives from the Government’s hate crime action plan, which will set out Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland and the a range of activities that have been taken forward, Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC. I plan to visit including by the police. Edinburgh to discuss this matter further later this year. New hate crime guidance, which includes information on dealing with cases of hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities will be issued Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 by the College of Policing this Spring. Motor Vehicles: Seized Articles Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vehicles were impounded under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 in each Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many vehicles have been year since 2010. [195391] seized by police officers as a result of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency classification database errors James Brokenshire: The Home Office does not hold since July 2013; [195535] this information centrally. (2) how many seized vehicles have been released by police officers as a result of Driver and Vehicle Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Licensing Agency correction of database errors since Home Department how many civil penalties were July 2013. [195537] imposed on hauliers under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 in each year since 2010. [195392] Damian Green: The Home Office does not hold this information. The police have the power under the Road James Brokenshire: The number of civil penalties Traffic Act 1988 to seize vehicles driven without licence imposed on hauliers under the Immigration and Asylum or insurance. Enforcement of vehicle seizures is an Act 1999 in each year since 2010 is as follows; operational matter for the police. Offenders: Deportation Number

2010-11 814 Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2011-12 648 Home Department how many people deported by the 2012-13 915 Border Agency since May 2010 have subsequently been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK. [187705] The 2013-14 figure cannot be provided as penalties for this period will continue to be imposed as the James Brokenshire: This information is not held centrally process of evidence gathering and recommendations and would be available only at disproportionate cost. continue. Private Sector

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Immigration Controls Home Department how many jobs have been transferred from the public to the private sector as a result of Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the privatisations or outsourcing by her Department since Home Department pursuant to the answer of 5 March May 2010. [195513] 2014, Official Report, column 821W, on immigration controls, what procedures are in place to ensure that Karen Bradley: Since May 2010, 77 posts have transferred immigration officers ensure the removal of any face from the Home Department to the private sector as a coverings before authorising entry to the UK; how result of outsourcing. many incidents have been recorded where the correct Proceeds of Crime procedures relating to the removal of face coverings have not been followed by immigration officers in each Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for of the last three years; and what disciplinary action has the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 1 April been taken in such incidents in each of the last three 2014, Official Report, columns 615-16W, on proceeds of years. [194471] crime (1) whether the requests for repatriation of assets arose from charges against public officials suspected of James Brokenshire: This information is not held centrally. corruption offences or wider criminal charges; [195600] 359W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 360W

(2) how many requests from jurisdictions overseas to (2) in what proportion of cases where (a) an allegation repatriate frozen assets the Government has received; of stalking was made or (b) a criminal conviction was and which jurisdictions made those requests. [195601] obtained for stalking the victim was a man and the perpetrator a man in the latest period for which figures Karen Bradley: It is the usual policy to neither confirm are available; [194959] nor deny the existence, content or status of any individual (3) in what proportion of cases where (a) an allegation requests to repatriate assets. of stalking was made or (b) a criminal conviction was obtained for stalking the victim was a man and the Refuges perpetrator a woman in the latest period for which figures are available; [194960] Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the (4) in what proportion of cases where (a) an allegation Home Department what information her Department of domestic violence was made or (b) a criminal conviction holds on the number of specialist refuge places for was obtained for domestic violence the victim was a women from black and minority ethnic communities. man and the perpetrator a woman in the latest period [193806] for which figures are available; [194961] (5) in what proportion of cases where (a) an Kris Hopkins: I have been asked to reply on behalf of allegation of domestic violence was made or (b) a the Department for Communities and Local Government. criminal conviction was obtained for domestic violence This Department does not hold the information the victim was a man and the perpetrator a man in the requested. Decisions on the provision of accommodation latest period for which figures are available. [194962] for victims of domestic abuse are for local authorities: we expect local authorities to build services based on the needs of their communities, taking account of locally Norman Baker: The requested information is not available data sources. available centrally. The dynamics of domestic abuse mean that Home Office police recorded crime only covers offences accommodation can play an important role in the resolution recorded by the police and not allegations. Furthermore, of interpersonal abuse and conflict. This is why the it is not possible to identify domestic violence cases homelessness legislation in England provides one of the from the recorded crime figures returned to the Home strongest safety nets in the world for families with Office by police forces as these figures are based on children and for vulnerable people who become homeless counts of crime under the appropriate offence classification through no fault of their own. (e.g. GBH, ABH). There is a range of support for victims of domestic With regard to stalking, the police started recording abuse. Some victims will be accommodated in refuges, offences on April 1st 2014. Stalking offences recorded but Sanctuary Schemes and mainstream local authority by the police will be included as part of the regular accommodation may be an option for others, while crime statistics publications in due course. some victims will pursue independent solutions with The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database help and advice from support schemes as necessary. holds information on defendants proceeded against, This Department funds UKRefugesOnline, a UK-wide found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in database of domestic violence services which supports England and Wales. This database holds information the national 24-hour free phone domestic violence helpline. on offences provided by the statutes under which This service enables those working with victims of domestic proceedings are brought but not all the specific violence to identify appropriate services and potential circumstances of each case. This centrally held information refuge vacancies around the country so that victims can does not specifically identify whether the crime was get the help they need as quickly as possible. committed against males or females for the offences of This Government has ring-fenced nearly £40 million stalking and domestic violence. This detailed information of stable funding for specialist local domestic and sexual may be held on individual court files but is not reported violence support services until 2015. This funding is to Justice Statistics Analytical Services due to its size used to part-fund 54 multi-agency risk assessment and complexity. As such this information can only be conference co-ordinators and 144 independent domestic obtained by the Ministry of Justice at disproportionate violence advisers. We have piloted and rolled out Clare’s cost. Law and domestic violence protection orders; extended the definition of domestic abuse to cover controlling behaviour and teenage relationships; run two successful Stephen Lawrence campaigns to challenge perceptions of abuse; and placed Domestic Homicide Reviews on a statutory footing to make sure lessons are learned from individual tragedies. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the terms of reference are for the inquiry led by Mark Ellison QC announced on 6 Stalking March 2014 into whether undercover police officers caused miscarriages of justice; whether Mr Ellison will Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for the be given access to all documentation from Operation Home Department (1) in what proportion of cases Herne for his review; whether members of the public where (a) an allegation of stalking was made or (b) a will be able to give evidence to Mr Ellison during his criminal conviction was obtained for stalking the review; and whether the review will cover cases victim was a woman and the perpetrator a man in the involving the National Public Order Intelligence Unit. latest period for which figures are available; [194958] [194475] 361W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 362W

Damian Green: The scope and terms of reference for Warrants (a) in force on 31 December 1992 and (b) issued during the this review are being determined. The Secretary of State course of 1992 for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Telecommunications Letters Total Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), made it clear in (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) her statement to the House on 6 March 2014, Official Warrants 265 756 72 118 337 847 Report, column 1063, that “Mark Ellison and the CPS will be provided with whatever access they judge necessary to relevant documentary evidence.” Travel Restrictions: Uganda Surveillance Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will implement travel bans Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the against those who have been actively promoting the Home Department how many warrants to undertake Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act 2014. [194820] surveillance on British nationals were issued by her Department between 1989 and 1992. [189333] James Brokenshire: The Secretary of State has a non-statutory power to exclude from the UK any foreign James Brokenshire: As indicated in the debate on 12 national whose presence is considered not conducive to February 2014, Official Report, column 858, both the the public good. The power to exclude is broad but is Independent Police Complaints Commission and the normally used in circumstances involving national security, Investigatory Powers Tribunal provide an avenue for ’unacceptable behaviour’ (extremism), international relations investigating concerns in this area. and foreign policy and serious organised crime. As a matter of long-standing practice, we do not routinely comment on the detailed use of interception Where the Government identifies or is made aware of and surveillance, or provide a breakdown of the number any individual who may have crossed the threshold for of warrants signed in relation to specific circumstances exclusion, we will consider carefully the evidence in the or nationalities. case before the Secretary of State decides whether or not to take action. Figures for the overall number of interception warrants authorised by the Secretary of State during the period 1989-1992 were published in the Annual Report to the Unmanned Air Vehicles Prime Minister by the Interception Commissioner under the legislation then in force (the Interception of Communications Act 1985). The published figures are Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the as follows. Home Department whether she has issued any authorisations under section 42(3) of the Regulation of Figures for the overall number of interception warrants Investigatory Powers Act 2000 which permit intrusive authorised by the Secretary of State under the Interception surveillance by unmanned aircraft systems in the UK. of Communications Act 1985 during the period 1989-1992 [R] [194983] are shown in the following tables. They provide separate figures for warrants covering telecommunications (which exclude letters), warrants covering letters (letters were James Brokenshire: As a matter of long-standing relatively more important as a mode of communication practice we do not comment on the operational use of than they would be today), and a total for both categories covert surveillance, or provide a breakdown of the of these warrants. number of warrants signed by particular Secretaries of State, or in relation to specific circumstances or methods Warrants (a) in force on 31 December 1988 and (b) issued during the of surveillance. course of 1988 Telecommunications Letters Total Existing regulation relating to surveillance includes (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) the surveillance camera code of practice issued under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, which provides a Warrants 225 412 75 48 300 460 framework of good practice for surveillance camera operators and sets out obligations arising from other Warrants (a) in force on 31 December 1989 and (b) issued during the course of 1989 legislation including those for the processing of personal Telecommunications Letters Total data under the Data Protection Act 1998 and a public (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) authority’s duty to adhere to the Human Rights Act 1998. Any covert surveillance undertaken by a public Warrants 232 427 59 31 291 485 authority which is likely to obtain private information would be subject to authorisation under the Regulation Warrants (a) in force on 31 December 1990 and (b) issued during the course of 1990 of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). Telecommunications Letters Total (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she has issued any exemptions Warrants 225 473 52 42 227 515 pursuant to section 28 of the Data Protection Act 1998 Warrants (a) in force on 31 December 1991 and b) issued during the which apply to data obtained via unmanned aircraft course of 1991 systems in the UK. [R] [194984] Telecommunications Letters Total (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) James Brokenshire: It has been the position of successive Warrants 239 670 50 62 289 732 Governments to not comment on national security issues. 363W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 364W

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Official Report, column 595W, on flood control, what Home Department with reference to the answer of 19 the extra sum allocated in Budget 2014 is for each of March 2014, Official Report, column 607W, on the devolved administrations for flood defence in (a) unmanned air vehicles, whether any person, agent or 2014-15 and (b) 2015-16. [194953] public body has provided video imagery or other data to her Department obtained by unmanned aircraft systems in the UK; and for what purposes. [R] [195014] Danny Alexander: The following table sets out the James Brokenshire: I am advised that no imagery or extra funding allocated to the devolved Administrations other data from such sources is held by the Department. through the Barnett formula which reflected new funding provided to UK Government Departments for flood defence measures at Budget 2014. TREASURY Flood Control

Maria Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 1 April 2014,

£ million Scotland Wales Northern Ireland 2014-15 2015-16 2014-15 2015-16 2014-15 2015-16

Flood maintenance (Resource) 2.0 3.5 1.2 2.0 0.7 1.2 Flood maintenance (Capital) 6.0 2.5 3.5 1.4 2.0 0.8

Helius Energy these increases, including over 5 million adults currently constrained by the cash ISA limit, three-quarters of Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whom are basic rate taxpayers and a third are pensioners. if he will consider awarding a loan guarantee under the As HMRC’s published Tax Information and Impact UK Guarantee Scheme to investors in Helius Energy’s Note explains, the increase to real household disposable proposed biomass energy project in Avonmouth due to incomes resulting from the New ISA changes might concerns surrounding the sustainability of biofuels. feed through to higher consumption or savings in the [195658] household sector. There may also be a shift in the savings portfolio composition towards cash deposits. At Danny Alexander: The Helius Energy—Avonmouth the same time there may be an overall increase in biomass power generation project has prequalified under savings invested in securities. the UK Guarantees Scheme and is still subject to the Stocks and shares, and cash offer very different risk necessary due diligence, commercial negotiation and and expected return profiles, and the tax treatment will financial restructuring before any offer of a guarantee is be just one factor affecting investors’ choice between made. them. In 2012-13, the FTSE All-Share Index grew by 5.6% (excluding dividend yield). In contrast bank and Individual Savings Accounts building society deposit returns averaged 1.95%. For individuals who prefer to hold their savings portfolio Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the in stocks and shares rather than cash, the New ISA will Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 24 March 2014, provide a significant increase to the amount that can be Official Report, column 12W, on individual savings invested and held within the tax-advantaged ISA wrapper accounts and with reference to HM Revenue and for 2014-15, from £11,880 to £15,000. Custom’s policy paper published on the new ISA and changes to Junior ISA and the Child Trust Fund, what assessment he has made of the consequences for (a) Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the the economy, (b) capital markets and (c) business of a Exchequer how many people made the maximum shift in savings portfolio composition away from allowed contribution to an ISA in each of the last three securities towards cash. [193987] years; and how many he estimates will do so in each of the next three years as a result of changes announced Mr Gauke: From 1 July 2014 the overall annual New in the 2014 Budget. [195422] ISA subscription limit will be increased to £15,000 and can be used for either cash or stocks and shares investments, Mr Gauke: In 2010-11, around 1.2 million individuals or any combination of the two, up to this limit. At the made full use of their (£10,200) ISA allowance. Figures same time the annual Junior ISA and Child Trust Fund for more recent years are not yet available. subscription limits will be increased to £4,000. As announced at Budget 2014, from 1 July 2014 the These measures were part of a wider Budget package overall annual New ISA subscription limit will be increased aimed at supporting savers. These ISA measures will to £15,000 and can be used for either cash or stocks and reduce income tax on savings for people constrained by shares investments, or any combination of the two, up the current limits, improving incentives to save and to this limit. Over 6 million people are expected to increasing real household disposable incomes. Over 6 benefit from these increases, including over 5 million million people each year are expected to benefit from adults currently making full use of the cash ISA limit. 365W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 366W

Estimates of the numbers of individuals expected to Pensions save at the new limit in each of the next three years are not available. Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish an impact assessment of National Insurance Contributions planned changes to pensions from 2015 as announced in the 2014 Budget. [195423]

Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) to how many businesses the letter from the Prime Mr Gauke: The expected Exchequer impacts over the Minister about the employment allowance was sent; forecast period of the changes made to private pensions what criteria were used to select those businesses; and taxation as announced at Budget 2014 were included in how the addresses and other details of the businesses to the Taxes Information and Impact Note “Increasing which the letter was sent were obtained; [195622] Pension Flexibility” published on 19 March 2014 and can be found in Table 2.1 (p.56) of the Red Book. (2) what the total cost to the public purse was of the letter sent to businesses by the Prime Minister on the The Treasury announced in paragraph 1.13 of “Freedom employment allowance. [195623] of Choice in Pensions” that “it intends to publish draft legislation for a short technical Mr Straw: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer consultation prior to the introduction of the legislation that will (1) how many copies of the Prime Minister’s recent enact the changes from April 2015”. letter concerning new tax cuts for businesses and A consultation impact assessment will be published charities were printed; what the total cost was of alongside this draft legislation. printing, distribution and postage in respect of these letters; and from which Vote this expenditure will be taken; [195468] Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what comparative analysis he has carried (2) whether, on previous occasions, the Chancellor of out of the effects of the changes to pensions set out in the day has written to taxpayers about new tax cuts; at the 2014 Budget on men and women. [195427] what cost; and if he will place copies of such correspondence in the Library. [195469] Mr Gauke: At Budget 2014 the Chancellor announced Emily Thornberry: To ask the Chancellor of the changes which increase the flexibility of pensions, some Exchequer (1) where the Prime Minister’s Office of which took effect on 27 March 2014. obtained contact details of the businesses and charities The increases to the small pot and trivial commutation to which he sent a letter about changes to national limits are believed to benefit women proportionately insurance contributions which took effect from 6 April more than men, as they are more likely to have smaller 2014; [195627] pension wealth. Reducing the minimum income requirement (2) whether the Prime Minister’s Office used private for flexible drawdown is also expected to have a companies to distribute to businesses and charities the disproportionate impact on women, as they are less letter he signed about changes to national insurance likely to have a large pension pot than men. contributions which took effect from 6 April 2014; HMRC’s Tax Information and Impact Note presents [195628] further information on the estimated impacts of the (3) what the cost was of sending businesses and 2014 changes: charities the letter the Prime Minister signed about https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ changes to national insurance contributions which took attachment_data/file/293844/TIIN_8070_8062_8202_ effect from 6 April 2014. [195629] 8132_8133_increasing_pension_flexibility.pdf The proposed 2015 changes will enable individuals to Mr Gauke: The employment allowance was introduced access their defined contribution pension savings as to promote both growth and employment, particularly they wish at the point of retirement, subject to their among small businesses, and its success is heavily dependent marginal rate of income tax (rather than the current on ensuring that businesses know whether they are 55% charge for full withdrawal). The changes the eligible, which they can check by visiting Government proposes will entitle everyone to full flexibility regardless of their gender. https://www.gov.uk/employment-allowance It is estimated to benefit UK employers by approximately £1.25 billion for employers in 2014-15. Personal Income The Prime Minister’s letter was distributed by HMRC and its contractors and targeted c1.7 million current and potential employers most likely to benefit from the Mr Ruffley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer allowance. if he will estimate the number of individual taxpayers in each £1,000 band of gross income between £40,000 It cost approximately £430,000 including the cost of and £70,000. [191879] postage, which equates to 25 pence per letter and its distribution is consistent with the Government’s wider awareness raising campaign ensuring that employers Mr Gauke: The estimates requested are in the following are aware of the allowance and check their eligibility. table. 367W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 368W

Number of taxpayers Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs does not own Thousand the freehold interest of the Custom House site (also Projections from 2011-12 known as Priory Court) adjacent to Dover Priory railway data station. HMRC occupies the site as part of the STEPS Total Income in £1,000 PFI agreement and will consider any proposals from bands (lower bound £) 2011-121 2013-142 2014-152 the freeholder Mapeley that affect our rights of occupation. 40,000 282 277 303 41,000 269 278 267 River Thames: Bridges 42,000 304 258 267 43,000 219 256 257 Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the 44,000 212 255 238 Exchequer which parties have received the £30 million 45,000 197 264 229 for the Garden Bridge announced in the National 46,000 176 212 229 Infrastructure Plan. [195166] 47,000 157 193 247 48,000 147 172 224 Danny Alexander: The £30 million contribution to 49,000 136 157 183 the Garden Bridge from Government is conditional on 50,000 124 146 161 a business case being produced that demonstrates the 51,000 114 134 149 project represents good value for money. The business 52,000 110 124 137 case is expected to be complete by mid-2014. 53,000 105 113 128 Should the business case demonstrate that the project 54,000 95 108 117 represents good value for money, Government will agree 55,000 90 105 108 the detailed terms of funding with the Garden Bridge 56,000 86 95 106 Trust. 57,000 79 89 97 58,000 72 80 94 Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 59,000 69 80 83 which Department has responsibility for calculating the 60,000 67 74 72 estimated cost of the Garden Bridge announced in 61,000 60 68 76 paragraph 3.45 of the National Infrastructure Plan 62,000 62 62 70 2013. [195395] 63,000 57 65 68 64,000 50 60 61 Danny Alexander: The Garden Bridge Trust has been 65,000 49 59 64 established to take responsibility for this project. This 66,000 46 53 58 includes the responsibility to produce a reliable cost 67,000 45 49 57 estimate. 68,000 40 50 52 Government have asked for a business case to be 69,000 39 44 47 produced for the project in line with standard guidance. 1 These estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes This will need to demonstrate that Government’s support 2011-12 which is the latest year for which outturn data are available. represents good value for money before a contribution 2 These estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes 2011-12 projected forward using economic assumptions consistent to the construction cost is made. with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s December 2013 economic and fiscal outlook.

Revenue and Customs FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Baltic States Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for how long discussions have been ongoing between HM Revenue and Customs, Network Rail and Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State others on the development of new parking facilities at for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the Customs House site adjacent to Dover Priory the UK has offered through NATO to its Baltic allies railway station. [195432] since the Russian military incursion into Crimea. [195103] Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs does not own the freehold interest in the Custom House site (also Mr Hague: The UK, alongside our NATO allies, known as Priory Court) adjacent to Dover Priory railway remains committed to the preservation of stability and station. HMRC occupies the site with the STEPS PFI security in Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia and to the agreement. While HMRC has been aware of approaches guarantee of collective defence under Article 5 of the to the freeholder Mapeley for some time, formal discussions North Atlantic Treaty. have commenced only recently in February 2014. The Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr Hammond), announced on 17 March the UK has whether HM Revenue and Customs supports in principle offered to contribute four Typhoons to the Baltic Air the sale of part of the Custom House site adjacent to Policing mission. NATO Foreign Ministers agreed on 1 Dover Priory Railway Station for the development of April to consider further measures as necessary to fulfil new parking facilities. [195498] NATO’s collective defence mission. 369W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 370W

Burma Hugh Robertson: We are unable to breakdown the region that each and every one of our ambassadors and Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State high commissioners was born in without incurring for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response disproportionate costs. We are able to breakdown by his Department has made to the expulsion of Médicins the constituent country within the UK as follows: Sans Frontières from Rakhine state by the Burmese Male Female Government. [195591] England 80 22 Mr Swire: On hearing of the expulsion of Médicins Scotland 5 1 San Frontières (MSF) on 26 February, the British embassy Wales 3 0 registered our concerns with the Burmese Government Northern Ireland 1 0 that same evening. Since then we have been liaising very Born outside the UK or not 29 7 closely with MSF tailoring our lobbying to their support, recorded on file as they negotiate with the Burmese authorities. The British ambassador visited the MSF clinic in Sittwe There is also one post where the ambassador’s role is during his visit to Rakhine State from 19-20 March to shared by one male and one female, both from England. hear first hand the impact this decision has had on the The key principle of all FCO appointments is selection local community. by merit through fair and open competition. Place of I summoned the Burmese ambassador to London on birth has no effect on our appointments system. All UK 7 April to make clear our grave concerns about the based members of staff have to be British citizens. situation in Rakhine State, including the expulsion of Médicins San Frontières. I called on the Burmese Egypt Government to urgently restore humanitarian access to all communities in need and to ensure the security of Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State humanitarian aid workers and all communities in Rakhine for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the State so that they can operate free of constraint and Government’s latest assessment is of the security intimidation. We continue to make clear to the Burmese situation in Egypt following the recent suicide bombing authorities that there must be no deterioration in the outside Cairo university grounds. [195100] provision of health services in Rakhine State, which is already on the brink of crisis. Mr Hague: Our assessment, as published in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice, is that there is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt, including Cairo. Central African Republic We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks, which could be indiscriminate and occur without prior warning. Attacks have mainly been aimed at the security Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State forces, their facilities and other government buildings. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what level of However, attacks targeting foreigners cannot be ruled engagement, support or resource the Government is out. We continue to keep our travel advice under constant contributing to the expected EU mission in the Central review. African Republic. [195102] During my meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mr Hague: I welcome the launch of the EU’s Central Nabil Fahmy on 2 April, I condemned the recent attacks African Republic (CAR) military operation, EUFOR, in Cairo and sent condolences to the family of the on 2 April 2014. EUFOR will help the International victim and those who have been injured. Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) and French (Sangaris) forces to provide security in Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Bangui until a handover to MISCA or a possible UN Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome Peacekeeping Operation can take place. was of his meeting with his Egyptian counterpart on 2 April 2014; and when the next meeting is planned. I encouraged the quick deployment of the mission [195383] when I attended the Mini-summit on CAR on 2 April in the margins of the EU-Africa summit. The UK will pay Hugh Robertson: During the Secretary of State for its share of the common costs for EUFOR, and has Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. played a strong role in planning, including through Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague)’s provision of a military officer to EUFOR’s operational meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy headquarters in Larissa. Discussions are currently under on 2 April, he discussed the political situation in Egypt, way about the possibility of providing strategic airlift including the presidential elections scheduled for 26-27 May. assistance with countries that have contributed troops. The Secretary of State raised his strong concern over the death sentence imposed on 529 people on 24 March and the case of two British journalists who have been Diplomatic Service charged in Egypt and are currently being tried in absentia. He asked the Egyptian Government to review these Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign issues as a matter of urgency and to ensure that the and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) male and individuals’ human and legal rights are properly upheld. (b) female (i) HM Ambassadors and (ii) High The Secretary of State condemned the terrorist attacks Commissioners there are from each region of the UK. of 2 April in Cairo and sent his condolences to the [195617] family of the victim and those who had been injured. 371W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 372W

He reiterated the importance of co-operation against Hugh Robertson: The Foreign and Commonwealth the shared threat from terrorism. He also raised the Office (FCO) management board consists of eight executive UK’s concerns regarding the security situation in the (five male and three female) and two non-executive South Sinai region. He urged the Egyptian Government members (one male and one female). to do all it could to protect British nationals in Egypt, The management board is supported by the four including those visiting the Red Sea resorts over the sub-committees which are each chaired by a member of holiday season, and to take further measures against the board; they are Audit and Risk Committee, Human the risk of terrorism. Resources (HR) Committee, Operations Committee and The two Ministers also discussed recent events in the Health and Safety Committee. middle east, including the crisis in Syria and the importance The gender breakdown of the committees is as follows: of progress on the middle east peace process. Audit and Risk Committee (ARC): two male, one female; There has been no date set for their next meeting. HR Committee: nine male, 10 female; and the 20th position is currently filled by two people (one male, one female) in a job share; European Union Operations Committee: nine male and eight female; and FCO Health and Safety Committee: 18 male and eight female Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for members. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his German counterpart Gibraltar on reform of the EU. [195233] Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member Minister of his Department last visited Gibraltar. for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed EU reform [195105] with his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on 3 February 2014 in London. They discussed the need Mr Hague: The Minister for Europe, my right hon. to make the EU more competitive, flexible and Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), was democratically accountable, as well as the importance the last Minister from the Foreign and Commonwealth of the EU becoming more effective and more focused Office to visit Gibraltar, in April 2011. My right hon. on economic development, in order to deliver the jobs Friend hopes to visit again this year. and growth EU citizens want and need. The Minister for the Armed Forces, my right hon. On 27 March 2014, I chaired a meeting of the European Friend the Member for Rayleigh and Wickford Affairs Sub-Committee with the German Committee of (Mr Francois), visited in December 2013. State Secretaries for European Affairs during which I and other Ministers discussed aspects of EU reform Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State with our German counterparts. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times he has visited Gibraltar in an official capacity GCHQ since taking up his present office. [195188]

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hague: I have not yet had the opportunity to visit Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is Gibraltar since taking up office. The Minister for Europe, taking to promote the commercialisation of scientific my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury and technical research undertaken by GCHQ. [195657] (Mr Lidington), visited in April 2011.

Hugh Robertson: GCHQ works closely with business Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State to release Intellectual Properties (IP) which are suitable for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what for more general use in the outside world. For example occasions he has met the First Minister of Gibraltar, through its information assurance arm, Communications- Fabian Picardo, since Mr Picardo became First Electronics Security Group (CESG), it operates a number Minister. [195189] of schemes which enable individuals and companies to gain CESG endorsement of products and services via Mr Hague: I have met Mr Fabian Picardo three times technical assessment. since December 2011. I had discussions with him in the GCHQ is additionally running a number of pilot margins of the reception for Her Majesty’s Diamond cases looking at ways of improving its coordination Jubilee on 5 June 2012 and during the Conservative with SMEs and larger industry partners including on Party Conference in October 2012. We also had a Open Source publishing and licensing to SMEs and substantive meeting in London on 28 August 2013. In larger industry partners. GCHQ is also sponsoring research addition to those meetings, the Chief Minister and I institutes in Cyber Security and running innovation have spoken on a number of occasions by telephone calls aimed at SMEs. The latter initiative in partnership about various policy issues concerning Gibraltar. with organisations such as the Centre for Defence Enterprise and the technology Strategy Board. Gibraltar: Spain Gender Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign representations his Department has made to the government and Commonwealth Affairs what the gender balance is of Spain on the proposed twinning of the town of of his Department’s management board and its Algeciras in Spain with Rio Grande in Argentina. sub-committees. [195624] [195113] 373W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 374W

Mr Hague: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office The British Government maintains that the purported has not made representations to Spain about the proposed site known as the Estrecho Oriental was unlawfully twinning of Algeciras in Spain, and Rio Grande in designated and, in any event, cannot have any legal Argentina. Any twinning arrangement between Algeciras effect in BGTW due to UK sovereignty over this territory. and Rio Grande is a matter for the local authorities of We have made our position on this clear to the European those cities. Commission and the Spanish Government.

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings the Minister for Europe has held with the naval incursions there have been into British Gibraltar European Commission to discuss incursions by Spanish territorial waters by Spanish government vessels in government vessels into British-Gibraltar territorial waters each month since June 2010. [195310] in the last two years. [195140] Mr Hague: The numbers of unlawful incursions by Mr Hague: We are confident of UK sovereignty over Spanish government vessels are as follows: British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW) under international law, a matter over which the European Month Number of unlawful incursions Commission has no locus to intervene. As a result the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member June 2010 18 for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), has not had any meetings July 2010 3 with them in the last two years where the sole purpose August 2010 2 was discussing Spanish incursions into BGTW. September 2010 7 However, my right hon. Friend has raised on a number October 2010 7 of occasions, at a senior level in the European Commission, November 2010 2 the adoption by the European Commission of a proposal December 2010 0 from the Spanish Government to designate a site of January 2011 1 community importance (SCI) under the EU habitats February 2011 4 directive (92/43/EEC). The SCI in question overlaps March 2011 2 virtually the whole BGTW area. Spain has used this April 2011 5 fact to justify certain incursions on the grounds that May 2011 3 they are enacting obligations in relation to EU June 2011 5 environmental legislation. July 2011 0 The British Government maintains that the purported August 2011 1 site known as the Estrecho Oriental was unlawfully September 2011 0 designated and, in any event, cannot have any legal October 2011 0 effect in BGTW due to UK sovereignty over this territory. November 2011 2 We have made our position on this clear to the European December 2011 1 Commission and the Spanish Government. January 2012 2 February 2012 5 March 2012 0 Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State April 2012 2 for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many May 2012 23 meetings the Minister of State for Europe has held with June 2012 19 the European Commission with the sole purpose of discussing incursions by Spanish government vessels July 2012 40 August 2012 34 into British Gibraltar territorial waters. [195190] September 2012 29 October 2012 22 Mr Hague: We are confident of UK sovereignty over November 2012 31 British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW) under December 2012 22 international law, a matter over which the European January 2013 29 Commission has no locus to intervene. As a result the February 2013 35 Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member March 2013 23 for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), has not had any meetings April 2013 36 with the EC in the last two years where the sole purpose May 2013 50 was discussing Spanish incursions into BGTW. June 2013 50 However, my right hon. Friend has raised on a number July 2013 46 of occasions, at a senior level in the European Commission, August 2013 68 the adoption by the European Commission of a proposal September 2013 35 from the Spanish Government to designate a site of October 2013 61 community importance (SCI) under the EU habitats November 2013 54 directive (92/43/EEC). The SCI in question overlaps December 2013 9 virtually the whole BGTW area. Spain has used this January 2013 7 fact to justify certain incursions on the grounds that February 2014 58 they are enacting obligations in relation to EU March 2014 37 environmental legislation. 375W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 376W

India Official Report, columns 66-67WS, sets out a summary of the concrete measures in the DPRK resolution to Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State ensure the work of the COI continues in order that for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which those responsible for human right violations and crimes Government Minister took the decision that there were against humanity will one day be brought to account. no grounds for a futher inquiry into the events in Amritsar in 1984. [195279] Pakistan

Mr Hague: The Cabinet Secretary, Sir Jeremy Heywood, Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for was asked by the Prime Minister to lead a review to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations establish the facts relating to the UK’s involvement in he plans to make to the Government of Pakistan following Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple. The report the death sentence imposed on Sawan Masih as a result was submitted to the Prime Minister and as I told of an alleged offence of blasphemy; and whether he Parliament in my statement to the House on 4 February plans to raise that matter at a Commonwealth level. 2014, Official Report, columns 139-42, it clearly showed [195146] the limited nature of UK advice on Operation Blue Star, and that there were no grounds for a further Hugh Robertson: I am concerned to hear about the inquiry. case of Sawan Masih and the imposition of the death penalty. We regularly raise the issue of blasphemy laws, Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State and their misuse against both Muslims and religious for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the minorities at the highest levels in Pakistan. During last Cabinet Secretary was tasked with assessing whether week’s adjournment debate on the blasphemy law the there were grounds for a further inquiry into the events Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member surrounding the storming of the Golden Temple in for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington) assured this House that Amritsar. [195280] “we must continue to pursue this issue” Mr Hague: The Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood’s with the Pakistani authorities. We encourage interfaith investigation looked at why the UK provided advice to dialogue and support those in Pakistan who are working the Indian authorities, the nature of the UK assistance for reform of blasphemy laws. We have also consistently and the impact of that assistance in Operation Blue pressed the Government of Pakistan on the issue of the Star at the Golden Temple. As I told Parliament in my death penalty and our principled opposition to it in all statement to the House on 4 February 2014, Official cases. We consistently strive to foster debate on the Report, columns 139-142, the report and the documents death penalty within the Commonwealth and hope that we published clearly show the limited nature of UK these issues will be discussed by Commonwealth Law advice on Operation Blue Star, and that there were no Ministers at their meeting in Botswana in May. grounds for a further inquiry. Sri Lanka Iran Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make steps his Department is taking to ensure that the representations to his Iranian counterpart for the international investigation into the human rights release of Shahrokh Zamani. [195491] situation in Sri Lanka is carried out transparently, robustly and swiftly. [195202] Hugh Robertson: We remain deeply concerned about the detention and treatment of labour activist Shahrokh Mr Hague: On 27 March, the UN Human Rights Zamani. Unions and labour organisations have been Council passed a renewed resolution on Sri Lanka heavily repressed in Iran, and many members have been which establishes an international investigation into arrested, jailed or harassed. We have called on Iran to allegations of violations of international law on both fulfil its international and domestic obligations to allow sides of Sri Lanka’s military conflict, and calls upon the freedom of expression to all Iranians. Sri Lankan Government to make progress on human North Korea rights and reconciliation. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Rights will now begin the process of establishing an Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment investigation and assessing the evidence. It is expected he has made of the extent of persecution of Christians that the investigation will draw on expertise from a in North Korea; what steps he is taking within the range of fields and examine a broad range of information international community to address that issue; and if and evidence. The high commissioner will provide an he will make a statement. [195499] oral update to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) this September, and will provide a comprehensive report Mr Swire: I made clear in my response to oral questions to the UNHRC in March 2015. on 8 April 2014, Official Report, column 109, that the The British Government fully supports the Human UN Commission of Inquiry’s report documents a Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner persecution of Christians which is truly shocking. The for Human Rights. We will continue to work with them UK played a leading role in ensuring a strong Human and international partners, and continue to encourage Rights Council resolution in response to this report. the Sri Lankan Government to ensure proper My written ministerial statement on 31 March 2014, implementation of the resolution. 377W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 378W

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which and Commonwealth Affairs what specific steps the UK occasions Ministers in his Department have met has taken to encourage more opposition groups to join President Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka since May 2010. the Syrian National Coalition. [195625] [195309] Hugh Robertson: We have publicly and repeatedly Mr Hague: The Minister of State, Foreign and urged moderate Syrian opposition groups, inside and Commonwealth Office, my right hon. Friend the Member outside Syria, to join the National Coalition, underlining for East Devon (Mr Swire), and I met President Rajapaksa the importance of a unified, and effective organisation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting pressing for a democratic and pluralist Syria. We have in Sri Lanka in November 2013. consistently encouraged the National Coalition to broaden their membership, and they have made strenuous efforts Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State to attract all sections of Syrian society, including ethnic for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the and religious minorities, and women. They have made Minister of State, the hon. Member for East Devon, clear that they stand for all Syrians. We have worked will next travel to Sri Lanka. [195359] through the London 11 group in support of the National Coalition, as well as providing practical support to Mr Hague: There are no current plans for the Minister develop its capacity. of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire), to visit Sri Lanka. We continue to Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign engage regularly with the Sri Lankan Government at and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his ministerial and official level on a wide range of issues. Department has had with the Syrian National Coalition. [195641] Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has Hugh Robertson: We have daily discussions with the asked President Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka to resign as Syrian National Coalition, most notably with its leadership Chairperson in Office of the Commonwealth in the through the UK Special Representative to Syria, Jon light of the decision to investigate potential human Wilks, but also at ministerial level. We are in regular rights abuses in Sri Lanka. [195541] touch with the National Coalition representative in London. We have supported the National Coalition Mr Hague: Any decision on the Chair-in-Office role since its foundation in 2012 and have consistently is for all Commonwealth Heads of Government to take encouraged it to reach out to all Syrians as a democratic, by consensus. inclusive and unified organisation. This has included practical support to the National Coalition, including on strategic communications and design of internal Syria structures and organisation. The UK is a leading member of the “London 11”, the core group of the Friends of Syria, who are the National Coalition’s strongest supporters. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Most recently we hosted a meeting of senior officials for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the from the London 11 in London on 7 March. Government’s most recent assessment is of the likelihood of President Assad complying with the agreed Organisation Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons timetable for and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has the removal and destruction of Syria’s stockpile of made of how representative the Syrian National chemical weapons. [195099] Council is of all Syrian opposition groups. [195644]

Mr Hague: Good early progress was made toward Hugh Robertson: The Syrian National Council is one putting both Syria’s chemical weapons manufacturing part of the National Coalition. I have called for women, facilities and the weapons themselves beyond use. However, in particular, to be represented more in the National the programme has fallen behind schedule and the Coalition. I am pleased that the National Coalition has regime has missed a number of interim deadlines, including made strenuous efforts to broaden its membership to the 31 December target for the removal of priority I attract all sections of Syrian society, including ethnic chemicals, and the 5 February deadline for the removal and religious minorities and women, stating that it is a of priority II material. It is the regime’s responsibility to Coalition for all Syrians. The most recent organisation comply with the timetable set out by the UN-Organisation to join its ranks is the Kurdish National Council. We for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). continue to work with the National Coalition in their efforts to deliver more services on the ground through The UN Secretary-General, the OPCW Director-General the Interim Government. and the co-ordinator of the OPCW-UN joint mission have assessed that Syria has all the equipment it needs to ensure the expeditious removal of the chemicals Ukraine concerned. To date, approximately 54% of the declared chemical stockpile has been removed from Syria. The Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State regime must significantly accelerate the movement of for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the chemicals to port to enable their removal if the the UK Government plans to provide through the EU 30 June deadline for the elimination of the chemicals is in advance of presidential elections in Ukraine in May to be achieved. 2014. [195104] 379W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 380W

Mr Hague: The UK will be sending 90 short term The UK Government has increased its bilateral support observers, in addition to the 10 long term observers to the Independent Caribbean by 50% (around £75 million already in Ukraine, to join the observer mission being in 2011 to 2015). We also make significant contributions mounted by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation though multilateral partners, for example providing in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions 15% of the EU’s ¤1.4 billion support and 19 per cent of and Human Rights (ODIHR). This will allow for an the Caribbean Development Bank’s Special Development objective assessment as to whether the required standards Fund. Our funding runs until March 2015. We are are met. We also welcome the announcement by the currently reviewing our approach in the Independent OSCE/ODIHR that they will be providing advice and Caribbean to ensure that the UK’s support responds to training on running elections. the countries’ needs and delivers the greatest positive impact in the next phase of support from 2015-16 Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State onwards. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he In addition, the UK provides assistance to the Overseas plans to increase the UK’s bilateral financial support Territory of Montserrat by financing public services for Ukraine in the next six months. [195313] and investing in infrastructure. We are making these Mr Hague: The UK has pledged £10 million in investments to facilitate economic growth and reduce assistance to Ukraine from the Department for long-term dependence on aid. International Development bilateral programme. The Secretary of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Developing Countries: Abortion Greening), will keep this allocation under review. The UK also provides support to Ukraine through our core Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for International contributions to the EU, the World Bank, the European Development pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the for Foyle, of 10 March 2014, Official Report, column International Monetary Fund and the UN. 42W,on developing countries: abortion, for what reasons Venezuela data on spend for individual components of sexual and reproductive health and rights policy are not compiled; Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State and if she will estimate the cost of compiling that data. for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent [195149] representations he has made to his Venezuelan counterpart on exercising restraint in response to protests in that Lynne Featherstone: DFID adheres to Development country. [195311] Co-Operation Directorate (OACD-DAC) expenditure coding requirements to allow comparison across donor Mr Hague: I am concerned by reports of excessive spending towards attainment of the millennium use of force in protests, and reports of armed groups development goal targets. This does not include the using violence. I condemn all acts of violence and call facility to calculate spend for individual components on all sides to show restraint. It is important that the such as sexual and reproductive health and rights—only Venezuelan Government respects the right to protest against coding titles as have been internationally agreed. peacefully and ensures public security. The Government has called for all sides to take steps to avoid confrontation, Only coding titles as have been internationally agreed reduce tensions and to create the right conditions for can be individually disaggregated. genuine dialogue to take place. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Developing Countries: Family Planning Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire), has written to the Venezuelan Government emphasising the importance of respecting Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for peaceful protest and the importance of dialogue to take International Development if she will make it her policy place between the parties. He has offered the UK’s that UK public funds should not be used for the purposes assistance in the reconciliation process and asked to of campaigning for more liberal abortion laws in another speak to his Venezuelan opposite number. The British country. [195245] embassy in Caracas urges peaceful dialogue through its contacts with a range of actors in Venezuelan society. Lynne Featherstone: In many countries abortion may be permitted only on limited or highly restricted grounds. In these circumstances, we can consider support to INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT increase awareness among policy-makers, legislators, national health authorities and health personnel of the Caribbean circumstances under which abortion is allowed. We can also work to highlight the consequences arising from Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the complications of unsafe abortion, such as the burden International Development what her future plans are of maternal ill-health and high health service costs. for support to the Caribbean. [195229] In addition we can also consider support to locally-led Mr Duncan: The UK is strongly committed to supporting efforts to enable legal and policy reform in circumstances development in the Caribbean. Helping the region tackle where the existing law and policy are contributing to the risks posed by natural disasters is one of our top high maternal mortality and morbidity; and to regional priorities, alongside supporting sustainable economic or international initiatives that are working to prevent growth and addressing governance and security. unsafe abortion. 381W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 382W

Developing Countries: Females Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent meetings she Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for has had with representatives of the Nigerian diaspora International Development with reference to Stepping in the UK on support for entrepreneurship in Nigeria. up a gear for girls and women: updates to the [195049] Department for International Development’s Strategic Lynne Featherstone: I have not, as yet, had the pleasure Vision for Girls and Women, what steps she is taking to of meeting representatives of the Nigerian diaspora in promote girls and women as leaders in politics, peace UK. My Department, however, is actively involved in processes, business and public life, and as active citizens helping improve the investment climate for entrepreneurs with a voice in society; and if she will make a in Nigeria, including for Nigerians living abroad. An statement. [195590] example of this was our recent support for a review of Nigeria’s Investment Policy which was presented at Lynne Featherstone: Increasing women and girls President Goodluck Jonathan’s Honorary International participation in politics, peace processes, business and Investors’ Council held in London last November and public life, and as active citizens with a voice is central which was co-chaired by Baroness Chalker. to achieving DFID’s Strategic Vision for Girls and Women and is crucial if we are to achieve gender Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for equality. DFID works through a range of programmes International Development if she will take steps to to address the long term structural barriers to women’s establish an early stage co-investment fund in Nigeria. political empowerment. For example, DFID is working [195050] with the BBC’s World Service Trust in 14 countries to enhance political accountability through the media. Lynne Featherstone: DFID supports a number of Women’s active and meaningful participation in all initiatives that help private sector development in Nigeria. peace processes, as well as their representation in formal These include work alongside CDC to fund investment and informal decision making at all levels, is vital to opportunities in Northern Nigeria; technical assistance international peace and security. to increase lending by Nigerian banks to small and medium enterprises, through the International Finance Development Aid Corporation (IFC); and start up grants for Nigerian firms through the Business Innovation Facility. Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what assessment she has made of the role of early stage co-investment funds in ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE assisting the achievement of development goals; Biofuels [195035] (2) what steps she is taking to work with CDC in Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for delivering early stage investment funds in developing Energy and Climate Change when work will begin on the bioenergy strategy review; and if he will make a countries to better achieve development goals. [195036] statement. [195351] Lynne Featherstone: Investment funds that invest in Gregory Barker: As set out in the UK Bioenergy early-stage businesses can provide risk capital, create Strategy: jobs and provide access to services such as healthcare, “it will be important to continue to monitor impacts and energy, housing, education and sanitation. In December review policies and measures periodically in the light of information 2012 the Secretary of State for International Development, gained from monitoring policy impacts and the outputs of continuing the right hon. Member for Putney (Justine Greening), research. .... We will review how the totality of UK bioenergy announced the DFID Impact Fund, which is managed policies meets the direction and principles set out in this strategy by CDC. Through the DFID Impact Fund CDC is in at least 5 year intervals.” investing up to £75 million of DFID’s capital into We will set out our intentions closer to the time. Funds on a matched basis with other co-investors. Consultants

Nigeria Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change which 10 consultancy firms were Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for paid the most by his Department in the last financial International Development (1) what steps her Department year; and how much each of those firms was paid. is taking to increase the role of the UK further education [195573] sector in strengthening vocational education in Nigeria; Gregory Barker: The table details the Department of [195047] Energy and Climate Change’s consultancy expenditure (2) what steps her Department is taking to in 2013-14: strengthen vocational education in Nigeria. [195046] 2013-14 Lynne Featherstone: DFID recognises the importance £000 of vocational skills training for reducing poverty among KPMG LLP 2,340 young people in Nigeria, and is currently considering Lazard & Co. Ltd 1,940 options on how best to support the sector to increase Deloitte LLP 855 the economic opportunities available to marginalised Baringa Partners LLP 238 groups of young men and women in six of the poorest Mott Macdonald Group Ltd 91 states in Northern Nigeria. 383W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 384W

2013-14 Further details are set out in the document which can £000 be found at: Redpoint Energy Ltd 91 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/65643/7101-energy-security-strategy.pdf Poyry Management Consulting 61 (UK) Ltd Oxera Consulting Ltd 60 Energy: Prices Cambridge Economic Policy 55 Associates Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for E S P Consulting 48 Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the Supplemental Balancing Employment Agencies Reserve on energy bills for the year (a) 2014-15 and (b) 2015-16. [195408] Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change which five companies were used Michael Fallon: The cost of procuring Supplemental most often to provide temporary workers for his Balancing Reserve and Demand Side Balancing Reserve Department in the last financial year; and how much in is a matter for Ofgem and National Grid. In its draft agency fees was paid to each of them. [195551] impact assessment Ofgem estimated the cost of buying these services would be less than £1 a year for the Gregory Barker: The following table details the companies average domestic customer. Ofgem’s final impact assessment used and the total amounts paid to them in the last did not revise or update this estimate. DECC has not financial year. We are unable to identify separately the carried out a separate assessment. amounts retained by the companies as fees and the Ofgem’s draft impact assessment can be found at: amounts passed on to the temporary worker by the company. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/84629/ nationalgridsproposednewbalancingservices- draftimpactassessment.pdf Agency 2013-14 (£000) A final impact assessment is available at: Adecco UK Ltd 1,162 https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem-publications/85278/ Michael Page International 533 decisiontoacceptngetapplicationtointroducetwonewbalancingservices Recruitment Ltd andsubsequentconsultationonfundingarrangements.pdf Methods Consulting Ltd 517 Parity Resources Ltd 461 Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Allen Lane Ltd 406 Energy and Climate Change what forecast he has made of the impact of capacity contracted under the Energy Supply Supplemental Balancing Reserve to the Loss of Load Expectation in the winter of (a) 2014-15 and (b) Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for 2015-16. [195421] Energy and Climate Change what steps he has taken to secure the long-term provision of energy for the UK; Michael Fallon: The Government has not made any and if he will make a statement. [195153] forecast of the impact of capacity contracted under the Supplemental Balancing Reserve (SBR) on the Loss of Michael Fallon: This Government published its Energy Load Expectation for winter 2014-15 or 2015-16. SBR Security Strategy in November 2012 which sets out the is one of National Grid’s two new balancing services, range of policies in place to deliver energy security and approved by Ofgem in December 2013. SBR and the meet demand up to 2050. The strategy sets out the Demand Side Balancing Reserve (DSBR) will address Government’s approach which is based on competitive potential capacity shortfalls in the middle of the decade. markets combined with effective regulation to deliver National Grid is currently developing a methodology to diversity of supply and robust infrastructure for consumers. determine how much capacity should be contracted via This is supported through measures in a number of SBR. Once this is approved by Ofgem, National Grid areas which will enhance energy security further while will proceed with the procurement process. also delivering wider energy goals. These measures include resilience measures to prevent Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for possible disruptions ranging from flooding through to Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to industrial action, and to reduce the impact of incidents ensure that all customers receive the full benefit of if they do occur and energy efficiency measures to lower reductions in levies on energy bills. [195520] our exposure to domestic and international energy market risks. We also work to maximise economic production Michael Fallon: All households will benefit from our of our oil and gas reserves to provide reliable energy changes. While the reduction in individual household supplies which are not exposed to international energy bills will depend on the energy supplier, this package, supply risks as well as working to improve the reliability including VAT, will be worth an average of around £50 of global energy markets to help ensure that, where the to households, compared to what would have happened UK does require the supply of energy from overseas, it without these changes. All customers on fixed tariffs is dependable and affordable. In addition, reliable networks will receive the £12 rebate from suppliers in autumn and ensure that the energy we need is delivered, where we the vast majority of them can either switch to a new need it. Lastly, decarbonising our energy supplies will tariff created since the autumn statement without any help to reduce our dependence on international fossil charge or will be switching to a new tariff anyway as a fuel markets in the longer term. result of their fixed contract coming to an end this year. 385W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 386W

Fracking I would also like to point out that as part of the Government’s transparency initiative DECC publishes Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for summary details of all payments made over £500, including Energy and Climate Change what recent representations payments to contractors. You can find this information he has received on the regulatory regime associated with using the following link: fracking. [195089] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?keywords=& publication_filter_option=transparency-data&topics%5B%5D= all&departments%5B%5D=department-of-energy-climate- Michael Fallon: The Department has received a number change&direction=before&date=2013-03-01 of comments and has been made aware of recommendations by a variety of interested parties, The Ombudsman Service has undertaken some casework including non-governmental organisations and members but this has not resulted in formal complaints or of the public, that are relevant to the UK’s shale gas investigations and there have been no investigation charges regulatory regime. The UK has a strong regulatory to the Department. system which provides a comprehensive and fit for purpose regime for exploratory activities, but we want Housing continuously to improve it. The Office for Unconventional Gas and Oil (OUGO) works closely with regulators and Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for others to ensure that regulation is also fit for purpose Energy and Climate Change what research his Department for production; and that it remains robust enough to has conducted on the accuracy of assumptions made in safeguard public safety and protect the environment. the National Housing Condition Survey that all stone The Department is presently conducting a strategic properties built before 1920 are of solid wall construction. environmental assessment (SEA) on further onshore [195067] licensing. The SEA consultation closed on 28 March. Some of the responses to this consultation are relevant Gregory Barker: DECC has not undertaken any research to the UK’s shale gas regulatory regime. All responses into the accuracy of the assumptions made in the will be carefully considered before any decision is made English Housing Survey that all stone properties built on further licensing. before 1920 are of solid wall construction. Green Deal Scheme Offshore Industry Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he Communities and Local Government of 27 March has had on the Natural Environment Research Council’s 2014, Official Report, columns 345-6W, on the Green funding of a new innovation programme in oil and gas; Deal scheme, if he will take steps to enable Green Deal if he will write to the Natural Environment Research providers to access all the supporting data for Green Council on the measures it has taken to assess whether Deal reports held by Landmark Information Group. its funding of this programme is compatible with (a) [194923] the UK’s statutory domestic carbon reductions targets as set out in the Climate Change Act 2008 and (b) the Gregory Barker: The supporting data for Green Deal UK’s international commitments as set out in the Advice Reports held by Landmark Information Group Copenhagen Accord and the Cancun and Camp David contains sensitive personal data, such as how householders agreements; if he will place in the Library a copy of use energy. We do not think it appropriate for providers such correspondence; and if he will make a statement. to have access to this data, given data protection [195318] considerations. We understand that providers would find the raw Michael Fallon: I have not had any recent discussions data useful to tailor Green Deal Advice Reports around with the Natural Environment Research Council regarding the measures customers want installed. However, they a new innovation programme for oil and gas and so I do have access to the Green Deal Improvement Package not intend to write on this matter. There is good Tool—which would allow them to tailor the reports as co-operation between Government and NERC, and I necessary. This tool can be found at: would anticipate that their schemes will be aligned with https://www.gdsap.org.uk the aims of my Department which include the development of the UK’s hydrocarbon resources. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much has been Private Sector disbursed to Ombudsman Services for work relating to the Green Deal in each month since January 2013; and how many complaints relating to the Green Deal have Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy been processed by Ombudsman Services over the same and Climate Change how many jobs have been period. [195420] transferred from the public to the private sector as a result of privatisations or outsourcing by his Gregory Barker: I can confirm that DECC pays the Department since May 2010. [195509] Ombudsman Service a fixed quarterly rate to provide Green Deal services, support to DECC and maintain Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and systems, plus an additional fee for each investigation Climate Change has not transferred any jobs to the undertaken. The quarterly fixed rate payments work private sector as a result of privatisation or outsourcing out at £3,333.00 per month. since May 2010. 387W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 388W

Radioactive Fallout Nick Boles: Yes. Betting shops are currently in the A2 (″financial and Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy professional services″) use class. The Budget announced and Climate Change what assessment has been made that we will consult on introducing a wider ’retail’ use by (a) the RIMNET network and (b) other bodies of class; I can confirm that this would not include betting the possibility that the sand fallout across the British shops or payday loan shops. isles from the Sahara desert has been contaminated by Moreover, to increase access to retail banking and to long-lived radioactive fallout from atmospheric nuclear encourage new entrants, we have already recently amended weapons tests conducted by France in the Algerian secondary legislation such that shops (A1) are now able Sahara in the 1960s. [195416] to change to banks, building societies, credit unions and friendly societies, within the A2 use class. This does not Michael Fallon: The Radioactive Incident Monitoring cover betting shops or payday loan shops. Network (RIMNET) is the UK Government’s radiation monitoring and nuclear emergency response system Enterprise Zones which is operated on a 24-hour a day, seven days a week basis by the Met Office, on behalf of the Department of Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. Data from RIMNET has Communities and Local Government (1) how many been inspected and shows no evidence of increased jobs have been (a) created and (b) safeguarded at each levels of radioactivity across the UK. enterprise zone to date; how many (i) jobs and (ii) firms The Environment Agency (EA) undertakes a programme are currently based at each enterprise zone; and how of far-field monitoring, away from nuclear sites, of many businesses have begun occupying premises at radioactivity in air and rainwater. This programme each enterprise zone since it began operation; [195301] involves constantly sampling air through filters in high (2) how many vacant premises are currently located volume air samplers. Filters are changed on a weekly at each enterprise zone. [195302] basis and subsequently analysed. Past Saharan dust events have not caused any detectable increase in Kris Hopkins: More than 7,600 jobs have been created radioactivity on the filters. Results for the changed and 260 new businesses attracted to the 24 enterprise filters on 31 March and 7 April should be available in zones over the period April 2012 to December 2013. the next few days. The results will be published as However, I am unable to disclose zone-level information consolidated data in the annual Radiation in Food and as the estimates that enterprise zones provide us with the Environment (RIFE) report which is published may be subject to local commercial sensitivities and jointly by a number of UK and devolved agencies. disclosure may prejudice commercial negotiations. For Previous RIFE reports are available at: this reason, it is for individual zones to determine http://www.sepa.org.uk/radioactive_substances/publications/ whether they make this information available. rife_reports.aspx Fire Services: Retirement Winter Fuel Payments Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what the Energy and Climate Change what discussions his mean retirement age of a firefighter was in each of the Department has had with other government departments last 10 years; [195475] on extending the winter fuel payment to people on the (2) how many firefighters in South Yorkshire retired higher rate of disability living allowance for care or before the age of 60 in each of the last 10 years; mobility and the equivalent enhanced rate of the new [195463] personal independence payment; and if he will make a (3) how many firefighters in Rotherham retired statement. [195087] before the age of 60 years in each of the last 10 years. [195476] Gregory Barker: Winter fuel payments is a DWP policy. Brandon Lewis: The Department collects information However, people with disabilities may be able to on numbers of normal and early retirements only, it access the Warm Home Discount scheme and receive a does not collect information on the specific age of these rebate off their electricity bill. They may also be able to firefighters at retirement. To assist the hon. Member a access the energy companies obligation through which table containing this information has been provided. they can get help with insulation and heating measures. Wholetime and Retained Duty System firefighters, leavers from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, 2002-03 to 2012-13 Compulsory/voluntary age retirements

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 2002-03 30 2003-04 26 Betting Shops 2004-05 43 2005-06 35 2006-07 19 Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007-08 29 Communities and Local Government if he will bring 2008-09 64 forward legislative proposals to ensure that betting 2009-10 43 shops are not placed in the same planning use class as 2010-11 27 cafes, banks and public houses. [195298] 389W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 390W

Wholetime and Retained Duty System firefighters, leavers from South Yorkshire Taken together, the Private Registered Provider (housing Fire and Rescue Authority, 2002-03 to 2012-13 association) and local authority tenures provide estimates Compulsory/voluntary age retirements of total social housing completions, but these figures 2011-12 18 understate total affordable supply. This is because the 2012-13 30 house building figures are categorised by the type of developer rather than the intended final tenure, leading The Department collects information on retirements to under recording of affordable housing, and a at Fire and Rescue Authority level only. corresponding over recording of private enterprise figures. More comprehensive statistics on affordable housing Planning Permission completions funded by the Homes and Communities Agency since 2009-10 by local authority district are Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for available at the following link: Communities and Local Government what assessment http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/housing-statistics he has made of the adequacy of the protections These statistics include both newly built housing and currently available under planning law for parcels of acquisitions but exclude delivery of affordable housing land which are subject to planning applications and not funded by Homes and Communities Agency which are close to National Parks. [195155] programmes that are reported in local authority returns to the Department. A fuller picture of all affordable Nick Boles: The Government made clear in the National housing completions is published in the Department’s Planning Policy Framework that national parks have live tables 1006, 1006a, 1007 and 1008, which are available the highest status of protection in relation to landscape at the following link: and scenic beauty and that great weight should be https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- placed on their conservation. In developing the planning tables-on-affordable-housing-supply guidance, which was published in March 2014 to support There is no data source that provides information on the framework, the Government took account of feedback affordable homes delivery by parliamentary constituency. raised during the ‘Beta’ test phase. The guidance, which is a material consideration in planning decisions, explains Over 170,000 new affordable homes have been delivered that section 11 A(2) of the National Parks and Access in England since April 2010 (to the end of September to the Countryside Act 1949 requires authorities to 2013). Our Affordable Homes Programme will lever in ‘have regard’ to the purpose of national parks ‘in exercising £19.5 billion of public and private investment over the or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to current spending review period. Over 2015 to 2018, we affect, land’ in national parks. The guidance is clear that will be investing a further £23 billion in public and the duty is relevant in considering development proposals private funding for affordable housing. that are situated outside national parks, but which State Retirement Pensions might have an impact on the setting of, and implementation of, the statutory purposes of these protected areas. Andy Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for Through the Localism Act, the Government has Communities and Local Government what assessment strengthened the role of local plans to shape where he has made of the financial effect on local authorities development should or should not go. This would allow when the single tier state pension is introduced in councils to protect the countryside close to national 2016-17 and local authorities no longer receive a parks. national insurance rebate from the contracting out of pensions. [194998] Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in how many Brandon Lewis: The Government is currently in cases an Article 4 direction has resulted in the rejection discussions with the Local Government Association on of a planning application which has not subsequently this matter. been overturned by the Planning Inspectorate; and what assessment he has made of the typical circumstances of Temporary Accommodation: Greater London such cases. [195255] Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick Boles: This information is not held centrally. Communities and Local Government how many and what proportion of London households in temporary Social Rented Housing: Brighton accommodation were in (a) private sector leased properties, (b) hotels, (c) bed and breakfast, (d) local Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for authority registered social landlord property and (e) Communities and Local Government how many social other accommodation (i) at the most recent date for housing units were built in Brighton, Kemptown which figures are available and (ii) at 31 March 2010. constituency in the most recent five-year period for [191531] which figures are available. [195160] Kris Hopkins: [holding answer 17 March 2014]: To Kris Hopkins: Statistics on house building completions assist public scrutiny, I have placed in the Library of the by tenure in each local authority district are published House, a table which provides quarterly figures for the in the Department’s live tables 253 (annual) and 253a last 10 years. (quarterly), which are available at the following link: Over that period, the numbers of households in http://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables- temporary accommodation in London in this Government on-house-building is far lower than averaged under the last Administration. 391W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 392W

The peak of 63,800 households in December 2005 Dan Rogerson: Pesticides are authorised for sale and compares to 42,430 in December 2013. use only if effects on non-target species, including honeybees, Councils have a responsibility to move homeless are not unacceptable. households into settled accommodation as quickly as The Government has, over a number of years, possible and we made common sense changes to the law commissioned broader research on the effects of pesticides to enable them to use suitable private rented homes. The on honeybees. Details of all DEFRA research can be average stay in temporary accommodation in England found at: has been reduced from 20 months at the beginning of http://randd.defra.gov.uk/ 2010 to 14 months now, which means that people on Current DEFRA research projects include: average are spending far less time in such temporary accommodation. PS2370 Interpretation of pesticide residues in honeybees PS2374 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) of the effects We have also seen a 42% reduction in the numbers of of pesticides on foraging bees families with children in Bed and Breakfast for more PS2376 Evaluation of procedures to improve estimates of than six weeks on this time last year across the country. exposure of pollinators to neonicotinoid insecticides The seven local authorities that my Department has In addition, one of the nine projects being carried out funded to tackle families in Bed and Breakfast have under the Insect Pollinators Initiative (which is part-funded made significant progress, achieving an overall reduction by DEFRA) is ‘An investigation into the synergistic of 96% since the funding began. impact of sub-lethal exposure to industrial chemicals on the learning capacity and performance of bees’. Research needs in this area are kept under active consideration. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Biodiversity Air Pollution Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will provide Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many citations of all the scientific literature used by his meetings he has had with the Mayor of London on air Department to establish the weightings of risk factors when establishing the metric for biodiversity offsetting. quality. [195708] [195096]

Dan Rogerson: The Secretary of State meets the Dan Rogerson: The current metric was developed for Mayor of London on a regular basis. They met on 1 use in the biodiversity offsetting pilots. DEFRA published May last year specifically to discuss air quality. There a paper at the start of the pilots describing the metric has also been correspondence between them on this and explaining the rationale behind it. That paper is issue. called “Biodiversity Offsetting Pilots. Technical Paper: In addition, DEFRA air quality officials are in regular the metric for the biodiversity offsetting pilot in England”. contact with officials at the Greater London Authority. Pages 18-19 include the list of references http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/ Bees offsetting/documents/110714offsetting-technical-metric.pdf The time multiplier reflects HM Treasury “Green Book” Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State guidance. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will Coastal Erosion make an assessment of the implications for his policy of the findings of the European Commission’s Epilobee Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Study, published on 2 April 2014; and if he will make a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is statement. [195673] taking to review the integrity of the coastline following recent severe weather; and if he will make a statement. Dan Rogerson: DEFRA has received a copy of the [195364] report on the findings of the Epilobee Study and is considering its content. Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency, assisted by We take the issue of honeybee health seriously. We the military, is undertaking a review of coastal flood have a long-established bee health programme, which defences after the recent weather events. The results of includes inspection of colonies, diagnosis of bee pests this review will inform the Environment Agency’s priorities and diseases, and training for beekeepers. Bee health for the near future. forms a key part of the National Pollinator Strategy, which is currently out for consultation. Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is Bees: Pesticides taking to protect the (a) UK coastline and (b) Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven stretch of coastline Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State from erosion; and if he will make a statement. [195366] for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what studies the Government has (a) conducted and (b) Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency has had commissioned on the effects of pesticides on honeybee strategic overview of coastal erosion risk management mortality. [195674] in England since 2008. Under this overview the Environment 393W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 394W

Agency oversees the development, monitoring, delivery Dan Rogerson: Forestry is a devolved issue. UK Forestry and reporting of Shoreline Management Plans and Standard compliant management plans are a matter for associated coastal strategies for the whole coastline of the devolved Administrations. England and Wales. This sets out how coastal erosion In England, the Forestry Commission, with input will be managed sustainably in the long term. from the private sector, has recently published new Lewes district council and Brighton and Hove city management plan templates with accompanying guidance. council are developing a long-term plan to manage This delivers the commitment in the Government’s response erosion risk along the frontage from Beachy Head to to the report by the Forestry Regulation Task Force to Selsey Bill. This is to be completed this year. It will develop a series of UK Forestry Standard compliant evaluate the most sustainable options to maintain the management plan templates for a range of forest types. coastline over the next 100 years and assess the economic Grant funding is available through the English Woodland viability of replacing the existing defences when required. Grant Scheme to support the production of woodland The plan has been funded by £104,000 of flood and management plans and similar support is planned as coastal erosion risk management grant in aid. part of the next Rural Development Programme. In the next programme an approved UK Forestry Standard Conifers compliant management plan will be a prerequisite for further woodland grant support. Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for taking to increase the planting of conifers. [195349] Environment, Foodand Rural Affairs what recommendations have been made to him by the Natural Capital Committee Dan Rogerson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer on the ecosystem services provided by woodland. I gave to the hon. Member for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock [195350] (Sandra Osborne) on 10 March 2014, Official Report, column 75W. Dan Rogerson: The Natural Capital Committee’s (NCC) second report to the Government’s Economic Affairs Flood Control Committee was published on 11 March. The report does not make specific recommendations that only apply explicitly to woodland. It does, however, use woodland- Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for based examples to illustrate a number of opportunities Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he to enhance ecosystem service values. A copy of the has made of the amount spent per person on flood report is available at: defences in (a) England and (b) Wales in each year since 2001 to date; and what estimate he has made of http://www.naturalcapitalcommittee.org/ the amounts in each year to 2016. [195489] The Government plans to respond to the NCC’s recommendations in summer 2014. Dan Rogerson: The figures are as follows: In 2012, the NCC published its principles for guiding (a) Average DEFRA spend per head on flood and coastal decision making regarding forestry in the UK in response erosion risk management in England. to recommendations made by the Independent Panel on Forestry report. The NCC’s response is available at: £ http://www.naturalcapitalcommittee.org/advice.html

2005-06 9.51 Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006-07 9.47 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he plans 2007-08 9.34 that the commercial timber manufacturing sector will 2008-09 10.61 be represented on the proposed public forest trustee 2009-10 11.83 body. [195353] 2010-11 12.53 2011-12 10.71 Dan Rogerson: In January this year, we set out a list 2012-13 10.77 of ten core principles for the new body, including that it 2013-14 11.34 would be managed by experts and have access to the 2014-15 14.86 best advice. We intend that the commercial timber Notes: 1. The figures for each year is the total DEFRA spend on flood and coastal manufacturing sector should be represented in the erosion risk management divided by the most recent ONS population estimate arrangements, giving effect to this commitment. for mid 2012. 2. Figures before 2005-06 are not available in a comparable format. 3. Figures for 2013-14 and 2014-15 are budget allocations. Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for 4. Figures for 2015-16 are not available as the budget has not yet been set. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress his (b) Flood management in Wales is a devolved matter and DEFRA Department has made towards the creation of a new has made no estimate of the amount spent per person. public forest trustee body as proposed in the Government’s Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement 2013. Forests [195358]

Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Dan Rogerson: The Government is making good Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance progress in developing plans for the new, operationally his Department gives the private sector on steps to independent public body to manage the public forest increase the area of woodland with a current UK estate, as announced in the Forestry and Woodlands Forestry Service compliant management plan. [195348] Policy Statement, published in January 2013. DEFRA 395W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 396W and the Forestry Commission have worked closely with Mr Vara: Rules 12 to 15 of the Coroners (Inquests) a wide range of stakeholders in designing the features Rules 2013: of the new body. Subject to parliamentary time, the http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1616/contents/made Government intends to legislate at the earliest opportunity. provide for a coroner, on request, to disclose relevant Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for documents to ‘interested persons’ in the coroner’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress he investigation, subject to specified restrictions. This may has made on developing an ecosystem valuation include reports that police provide to the coroner. approach. [195387] Rule 16 of the Rules provides that a coroner may not charge a fee for any document disclosed before or Dan Rogerson: DEFRA and HM Treasury produced during an inquest. Regulation 12 of the Coroners new Green Book supplementary guidance in 2012 on Allowances, Fees and Expenses Regulations 2013: how to account for nature’s value at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1615/contents/made https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ sets out the fees that coroners may charge for disclosure attachment_data/file/191500/Accounting_for_ after an inquest. enviornomental_impacts.pdf This supplementary guidance covers the practical We do not have operational responsibility for coroners application of techniques for valuing environmental so do not hold data on the costs to coroners of supplying impacts in policy appraisal. It applies to all programmes, documents and there would be disproportionate costs policies and projects. An important recommendation in for both MOJ and coroners in obtaining it. This is this guidance is the use of the ecosystem services framework. because we would need to approach each coroner to ask them to investigate and advise MOJ of the costs to DEFRA is also supporting independent research on them of disclosing police reports to interested persons. developing further our understanding of nature’s economic and social value through the National Ecosystem The Rules minimise disclosure costs for coroners by Assessment Follow-On Project (NEAFO), which will providing for electronic disclosure where appropriate, report later this year. and for a coroner to disclose a bundle of relevant documents together, where this is more efficient. Livestock: Transport Paragraphs 117 to 126 of the Chief Coroner’s Guide to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009: Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/Resources/JCO/Documents/ Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent coroners/guidance/chief-coroners-guide-to-act-sept2013.pdf discussions he has had with his EU counterparts regarding explain this in more detail. the live export of animals; and if he will make a The coroner provisions in the 2009 Act were implemented statement. [195386] in July 2013 and we have undertaken to review their George Eustice: The EU Commission’s approach is impact after 18 months. focused on better enforcement of existing European Courts rules on the welfare of animals during transport, rather than making any substantive change to legislation. I have not held any discussions with my EU counterparts Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for on this strategy. Justice how many and what proportion of (a) magistrates’ courts, (b) County courts and (c) County Timber Court money claims centres use higher-rate telephone numbers. [191689] Mrs McGuire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress he Mr Vara: The information held centrally on how has made on the development of the Grown in Britain many and what proportion of (a) magistrates courts, certification scheme for timber products. [195347] (b) County courts and (c) County Court money claims centres use higher-rate telephone numbers is as follows: Dan Rogerson: The Government supports and is very (a) Magistrates courts—33 out of 330 courts encouraged by the Grown in Britain initiative, which is (b) County Courts—17 out of 216 courts working to maximise the long-term benefits that our woodlands can bring to the environment, social well-being (c) The County Court Bulk Centre in Northampton which centrally manages money claims, also uses higher rate telephone and the economy. As Grown in Britain is a sector-led numbers. initiative, the Government is not responsible for the development of the brand licensing system that will be Some of the individual numbers are used for more applied to timber products produced by Grown in Britain than one court. commercial partners. As stated in previous answers to parliamentary questions, the Department’s approach is not to use 084 or 087 for non-geographic numbers and instead, wherever possible, to assign 0300 numbers, for which the tariff is similar to JUSTICE calling an 01 or 02 (geographic) number, whether the Coroners caller is using a fixed line or a mobile phone—see: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/ Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of cmhansrd/cm130423/text/130423w0004.htm#130423w0004. State for Justice whether police reports to coroners’ htm_wqn27 inquests are available to the connected parties; what the and cost is of supplying such reports; and if he will make a http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?ids2013-11- statement. [195543] 20a.175002.h&s=Vaz+0845#g175002.q0 397W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 398W

The number of 08 numbers used by the Department Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State has fallen by 55% since December 2009. for Justice (1) if his Department will estimate the savings in reduced litigation costs that might accrue Employment Tribunals Service: Scotland from a reform of civil procedure rules to clarify the courts’ powers to strike out cases on a basis that Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for personal injury claims were exaggerated or fabricated; Justice how many employment tribunals in Scotland and if he will make a statement; [195398] have been processed by HM Courts and Tribunals (2) what estimate his Department has made of the Service in each year since 2010. [195137] average loss incurred by victims of insurance fraud in the last year for which information is available. [195397] Mr Vara: The Government is committed to working across the employment law (including the employment Mr Vara: No figures are available for the number of dispute resolution) system to help to make it easier for victims of, or for the average loss incurred from, personal companies to hire and manage staff, while protecting injury fraud. Across all forms of insurance the ABI workers’ rights. This encourages employers to create estimates that fraud adds, on average, an extra £50 a new jobs, supporting enterprise and growth. year to the annual insurance bill for every UK policyholder. Workload before the employment tribunals is affected However, we have already seen a fall in premiums by several factors, including underlying economic paid by motorists following the implementation of performance trends, the impacts of reforms of employment Government reforms in April 2013. The latest ABI legislation and tribunals process, and the number of quarterly index shows a 9% drop in actual premiums collective disputes (for example involving insolvencies, paid in the last year. The Government fully expects and equal pay complaints) that lead to large-scale multiple insurers to continue to meet their commitment to pass claims. on the savings from these and other reforms to consumers. The number of claims accepted by employment tribunals The Government is committed to turning the tide on and processed by HMCTS in each calendar year, since fraudulent personal injury claims. To this end we are 2010, is set out in the following table: working closely with stakeholders across the industry to Employment tribunal claims accepted in Scotland for calendar years secure better data on motor accident cases, including 2010 to 2013, inclusive the number of fraudulent cases. Calendar year Number of claims accepted No estimate is available of any cost savings that 2010 18,795 might accrue from clarifying the courts’ powers to 2011 16,670 strike out claims that are exaggerated or fabricated. 2012 12,533 However, we are considering what reform might be 2013 7,506 appropriate to the law in this area. Source: ET Database. Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Insurance: Fraud Justice (1) if he will adopt the Law Commission’s proposal in its 12th programme of law reform on fraud by victims of personal injury; [195630] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate his Department has made of (2) what progress his Department has made on potential the number of victims of personal injury insurance measures to discourage personal injury claimants from fraud in the last year for which information is available. exaggerating or fabricating losses over and above genuine [195396] elements; and if he will make a statement. [195650]

Mr Vara: No figures are available for the number of Mr Vara: The Government is committed to reducing victims of, or for the average loss incurred from, personal the number of fraudulent personal injury claims. To injury fraud. Across all forms of insurance the ABI this end, it is considering what specific reforms might be estimates that fraud adds, on average, an extra £50 a appropriate, including whether the Law Commission year to the annual insurance bill for every UK policyholder. should be asked to consider the issue. However, we have already seen a fall in premiums As announced last year, we are working with stakeholders paid by motorists following the implementation of in the industry to tighten the medical evidence process Government reforms in April 2013. The latest ABI so that only evidence from accredited experts can be quarterly index shows a 9% drop in actual premiums considered, and the costs for those reports can be fixed. paid in the last year. The Government fully expects This will mean people can no longer profit from exaggerated insurers to continue to meet their commitment to pass or fraudulent compensation claims but victims with on the savings from these and other reforms to consumers. genuine cases can still get the help they deserve. We are introducing these reforms later in the year. We are also The Government is committed to turning the tide on working to secure better data on motor accident cases, fraudulent personal injury claims. To this end we are including the number of fraudulent cases. working closely with stakeholders across the industry to secure better data on motor accident cases, including Jobseeker’s Allowance the number of fraudulent cases. No estimate is available of any cost savings that Yvonne Fovargue: To ask the Secretary of State for might accrue from clarifying the courts’ powers to Justice (1) how many appeals against jobseeker’s allowance strike out claims that are exaggerated or fabricated. decisions went to tribunal between (a) 1 April 2012 and However, we are considering what reform might be 31 March 2013 and (b) 1 April 2013 and 31 March appropriate to the law in this area. 2014; [195526] 399W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 400W

(2) what proportion of jobseeker’s allowance appeals Male offenders receiving their first immediate custodial were represented at tribunal between (a) 1 April 2012 sentence for the criminal offence of breaching a non- and 31 March 2013 and (b) 1 April 2013 and 31 March molestation order in the 12 months ending September 2014; and what proportion of such claimants were 2013 had received, on average, less than 1 (0.5) previous successful. [195524] convictions or cautions for the same offence. In the 12 months ending September 2013, nine females Mr Vara: The first-tier tribunal—social security and received their first immediate custodial sentence for child support (SSCS), administered by HM Courts and breach of non-molestation order, of which six had no Tribunals Service (HMCTS), hears appeals against previous, one had one previous and two had two or Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) decisions more previous convictions or cautions for the same on a range of benefits including jobseeker’s allowance offence. Averages have not been provided for female (JSA). offenders breaching a non-molestation order as the The following table shows (i) the proportion of appeals number of females is too small to provide a reliable against JSA which were represented and (ii) the proportion estimate. of those appeals which were found in favour of the It is important to note that these figures are based appellant for the period (a) 1 April 2012 to 31 March only on those offences recorded on the police national 2013 and (b) 1 April to 31 December 2013 (the latest computer (PNC) by an English or Welsh police force, period for which figures have been published). including the British transport police. This database Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) appeals holds details of all convictions or cautions for breaching April 2012 to April to December a non-molestation order since their introduction as a March 2013 2013 criminal offence in July 2007. Number of JSA appeals 33,976 32,635 disposed of at tribunal hearing1 Oakwood Prison Proportion attended by 23 representative2 (%) Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Proportion attended by 60 64 representative where the (1) what discussions he or his officials have had with decision is in favour of the management of HM Prison Oakwood about the appellant (%) staffing levels at that prison; [194420] 1 Includes oral and paper hearings. 2 (2) what the expected additional cost is in 2014-15 of Oral appeal hearings attended by a representative. the increased staffing levels agreed for HM Prison A combination of reasons can lead to a decision Oakwood; [194364] being overturned on appeal. For example, a hearing may generate additional evidence, in particular oral (3) what increase in staffing levels at HM Prison evidence provided by the appellant at the hearing. Oakwood his Department has agreed with G4S. [194421] Information on appeals received by the tribunal against decisions made about claims for JSA is published by the Ministry of Justice in Tribunals Statistics Quarterly. Jeremy Wright: Staffing levels at HMP Oakwood are The most recent report, which includes the number of regularly reviewed by both the Ministry of Justice and appeals received in the periods (a) 1 April 2012 to 31 G4S. There are currently no plans to increase staffing March 2013 and (b) 1 April to 31 December 2013, can levels at HMP Oakwood. be viewed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/289342/tribunal-stats-oct-dec-2013.pdf Offensive Weapons Magistrates Courts Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people aged (a) under 18 years old and (b) Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 18 years and over were (i) prosecuted and (ii) received a when he next plans to review the number of magistrates custodial sentence for carrying a bladed or pointed courts operating in England. [195041] article in a public place in each year since 2008. [194369] Mr Vara: HM Courts and Tribunals Service continues to keep the number of magistrates courts under review, Jeremy Wright: Since 2009 there has been an overall as with the wider estate, to ensure it meets operational decline in knife crime. A higher proportion of people requirements. are going to prison for knife possession than in previous years and sentences are getting longer. However we Non-molestation Orders continue to keep this area of the law under close scrutiny. We recently made it clear that cautions should no Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice longer be used for knife possession offences for adults pursuant to the answer of 24 March 2014, Official and are currently exploring wider changes to how we Report, column 95W, on non-molestation orders, what tackle knife offences. the figure for previous convictions or cautions is for (a) Table 1 illustrates the number of juveniles proceeded male and (b) female offenders. [194472] against at magistrates court, found guilty and sentenced at all courts for offences relating to having an article Jeremy Wright: The following additional break down with blade or point in England and Wales, from 2008 to has been provided in addition to PQ 192243. 2012. 401W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 402W

Table 2 illustrates the number of adults proceeded received a custodial sentence for carrying a bladed or against at magistrates court, found guilty and sentenced pointed article in a public place in each year since 2008 at all courts for offences relating to having an article can be found at the following link: with blade or point, in England and Wales, from 2008 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/knife- to 2012. possession-sentencing-quarterly-brief-october-2013-december- 2013 It is important to note that these data have been The figures provided have been drawn from an extract extracted from large administrative data systems generated of the Police National Computer (PNC) data held by by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care the Department. The PNC holds details of all convictions should be taken to ensure data collection processes and and cautions given for recordable offences committed their inevitable limitations are taken into account when in England and Wales. In addition, as with any large those data are used. The figures given in the table relate scale recording system the PNC is subject to possible to persons for whom these offences were the principal errors with data entry and processing. offences for which they were dealt with. The Department also records number of prosecutions Data detailing the number of people aged (a) under and custodial sentences for this particular offence which 18 and (b) 18 and over, who were (i) convicted (ii) and can be viewed in the following tables.

Table 1: Juveniles proceeded against at magistrates court, found guilty and sentenced at all courts for offences relating to having an article with blade or point, England and Wales, 2002-121,2,3 Offence Outcome 20084 2009 2010 2011 2012

Having an article Proceeded against 1,354 1,436 1,219 1,141 935 with blade or point in public place Immediate custody 100 111 77 77 59

Having an article Proceeded against 75 104 93 82 81 with blade or point on school premises Immediate custody 0 0 3 1 1

Table 2: Adults proceeded against at magistrates court, found guilty and sentenced at all courts for offences relating to having an article with blade or point, England and Wales, 2002-121,2,3,5 Offence Outcome 20084 2009 2010 2011 2012

Having an article Proceeded against 6,112 7,696 6,753 6,646 5,669 with blade or point in public place Immediate custody 1,273 1,560 1,326 1,501 1,264

Having an article Proceed against 6 6 14 9 6 with blade or point on school prenises Immediate custody 4 4 7 6 3 1 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 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 extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 The number of offenders sentenced can differ from those found guilty as it may be the case that a defendant found guilty in a particular year, and committed for sentence at the Crown court, may be sentenced in the following year. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 5 Excludes life and indeterminate sentences. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Personal Injury: Compensation (4) if he will take steps to reform civil procedure rules in a similar manner to the Republic of Ireland’s Civil Liabilities and Court Act 2004 to tackle third party Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for insurance fraud; [194804] Justice (1) if he will take steps to reform civil procedure (5) if he will make resources available for a project by rules to clarify courts’ powers to strike out cases due to the Law Commission investigating the question of exaggerated or fabricated personal injury claims; and if fraud by victims of personal injury; [194805] he will make a statement; [194773] (6) what estimate his Department has made of the (2) what estimate his Department has made of the scale of (a) detected and (b) undetected insurance effect on insurance premiums of personal injury fraud in the last year for which figures are available; insurance fraud in the last year for which information [194806] is available; and if he will make a statement; [194759] (7) if he will request that the Law Commission undertake (3) how many insurance fraud cases were struck out a law reform project on the question of fraud victims of due to exaggerated or fabricated personal injury claims personal injury as part of its 12 programme of law in the last year for which figures are available; [194774] reform. [194807] 403W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 404W

Mr Vara: The Government is committed to turning Jeremy Wright: Prisoners may be released on temporary the tide on fraudulent personal injury claims. To this licence for reasons linked to their resettlement needs end, it is considering what specific reforms might be and sentence plans, or where there are compelling appropriate, including whether the Law Commission circumstances that justify the release. Last month, we should be asked to consider this issue. We will make our announced a range of measures to strengthen the existing conclusions known in due course. temporary release provisions to ensure that the right No figures are available on the number of exaggerated balance is always struck between facilitating resettlement or fabricated personal injury claims struck out by the and protecting the public. Under our plans, public courts. Figures for 2011 published by the Association of protection will always take priority. British Insurers (ABI) indicate that whiplash claims Data on the number of hours for which prisoners are cost customers more than £2 billion a year and add £90 released on temporary licence is not collated centrally. to the average motor insurance premium. Data on temporary releases in 2012 is available at: The ABI describe 7% of all motor claims in 2011—worth https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statistical- £441 million—as fraudulent. In addition, they estimate notice-releases-on-temporary-licence-2012 that a further £1 billion of motor insurance fraud went undetected in 2011. Prisoners: Publications As announced last year, we are working with stakeholders in the industry to tighten the medical evidence process so that only evidence from accredited experts can be Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State considered, and the costs for those reports can be fixed. for Justice for what reason the rules governing the This will mean people can no longer profit from exaggerated provision of books to prisoners have recently been or fraudulent compensation claims but victims with changed. [193552] genuine cases can still get the help they deserve. We are introducing these reforms later in the year. We are also Jeremy Wright: Up to 12 books may be held by working to secure better data on motor accident cases, prisoners in their cell at any one time. Prisoners may including the number of fraudulent cases. have additional books stored locally at the prison. Every prison has a library, to which every prisoner has Prison Accommodation access. Ministers have not made any policy changes specifically Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice about the availability of books in prisons. The changes what the (a) operational capacities and (b) certified to the Incentives and Earned Privileges national policy normal accommodations were of each privately run framework we introduced last year in relation to parcels prison with which a contract for additional places has were introduced to ensure consistency across the estate been signed since January 2014. [194309] and to make sure that security can be maintained. There have always been controls on the sending of Jeremy Wright: The privately operated prisons at parcels into prisons, and allowing parcels to be sent in which additional places have been purchased since January unrestricted would be operationally unmanageable and 2014 are listed as follows: would lead to a significant risk of drugs and other illicit Altcourse items being smuggled into prisons. Dovegate The National Offender Management Service works Forest Bank closely with the Shannon Trust to support schemes such as ‘Toe by Toe’, which includes peer mentoring to Lowdham Grange improve reading levels. Parc Peterborough Prisoners: Religion Individual prison population and capacity information is published monthly on the Government website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prison-population- Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for figures-2014 Justice whether prisoners are subject to different Population and capacity figures for March 2014 will conditions depending on their religion. [194808] be published on the Government website on 11 April. Jeremy Wright: All prisoners are held in Prisoners’ Release accommodation/conditions appropriate to their individual categorisation and the assessed rehabilitation needs. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what the highest number of hours spent on Prisoners: Repatriation temporary release in a week by a prisoner was in the latest period for which figures are available; [194657] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (2) on how many occasions a prisoner did not spend how many prisoners in England and Wales originate at least one period of 24 consecutive hours in prison in from countries that are signed up to the EU Prisoner a week in each of the last three years; [194673] Transfer Agreement. [191088] (3) how many prisoners were released on temporary licence for (a) up to 12 hours, (b) 12 to 24 hours and Jeremy Wright: The EU Prisoner Transfer Agreement (c) over 24 hours in a week in the latest period for (Council Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA) entered which figures are available. [194677] into force on 5 December 2011. 405W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 406W

To date 18 member states (including the United there may be multiple assailants in some incidents. How Kingdom) have implemented the Agreement. The number many of these resulted in charges or conviction can be of foreign nationals in prison from these countries (as obtained only at disproportionate cost. of 31 December 2013) is set out in the table. Table 1: Number of prisoner on officer assault incidents referred to the Transfer under the EUPTA requires a deportation police order and prisoners must have at least six months left to 2010 2011 2012 serve when transferred. Many shorter sentenced EU Prisoner on officer assaults 374 393 543 prisoners will therefore not be in scope for transfer. referred to police

Of which Total sentenced Prisons: Postal Services

Foreign nationals from EU countries 2,307 1,422 that have implemented the EUPTA1 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Poland 938 553 how many (a) items of post were received by prisoners 1 Includes Poland. Poland has implemented but has derogation from and (b) items of contraband was found in prisoners’ accepting compulsory prisoner transfers under the EU Prisoner Transfer post in each of the last four years. [195533] Arrangement (PTA) until December 2016. Use of the EUPTA remains at an early stage, but we Jeremy Wright: Prisons employ a range of measures expect to see a significant increase in the number of to detect, disrupt and deter the trafficking of unauthorised prisoner transferred once the Agreement has been items into prisons. implemented by all member states. The number of individual items of post sent to All foreign national offenders sentenced to custody prisoners is not recorded by prison establishments. Finds are referred to the Home Office for them to consider of contraband are recorded on a central incident reporting deportation at the earliest possible opportunity. system as either a drug-related incident or a miscellaneous incident. In order to establish the number and type of The Prisoner Transfer process is just one mechanism contraband found in post received by prisoners, in each for removing foreign national offenders. The number of of the last four years, would require the interrogation of FNOs deported under the Early Removal Scheme (ERS) over 62,000 individual electronic incident files. This has increased under this Government. In 2013, we could be achieved only at disproportionate cost. removed nearly 2,000 FNOs under ERS and under the Tariff Expired Removal Scheme (TERS), which we Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice introduced in May 2012, we have removed 237 FNOs to what types of contraband were found in items of post date. received by prisoners in each of the last four years. Whereas this Government has begun to reduce the [195534] foreign national population in prison since 2010, between 1997 and 2010, the number of foreign nationals in our Jeremy Wright: Prisons employ a range of measures prisons more than doubled. to detect, disrupt and deter the trafficking of unauthorised items into prisons. Prisons: Crimes of Violence The number of individual items of post sent to prisoners is not recorded by prison establishments. Finds Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of contraband are recorded on a central incident reporting how many assaults there were against prison officers in system as either a drug-related incident or a miscellaneous incident. In order to establish the number and type of (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) 2013. [194698] contraband found in post received by prisoners, in each of the last four years, would require the interrogation of Jeremy Wright: NOMS takes the issue of assaults on over 62,000 individual electronic incident files. This prison staff very seriously. It currently has systems in could be achieved only at disproportionate cost. place to deal with perpetrators quickly and robustly, with serious incidents referred to the police for prosecution. It is working with the police and Crown Prosecution Remand in Custody Service to ensure that prisoners who assault staff are charged and punished appropriately. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (a) (b) NOMS is committed to exploring options to continue (1) how many men and women were refused to improve how violence is tackled in prisons to keep bail and remanded in custody where the allegation both staff and prisoners safe. It is currently reviewing related to (i) an offence against the person, (ii) a public the policy and practice of the management of violence. order offence and (iii) a harassment offence in the latest period for which figures are available; [194404] The number of prisoner on prison officers assault (2) how many (a) men and (b) women were refused incidents in each year are provided in table 3.8 of the bail and remanded in custody where the alleged offence supplementary tables on assaults that accompany each related to an incident involving domestic violence in Safety in Custody statistics bulletin. The latest publication the latest period for which figures are available. can be found at: [194414] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-in-custody Figures for the number of these incidents that are Jeremy Wright: The number of men and women reported on the centralised administrative system as remanded in custody at magistrates courts and the being referred to the police in each year are provided in Crown courts for offences of violence against the person, table 1. These figures do not represent individuals as public order offences and harassment offences, for 2012 407W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 408W

(latest available) can be viewed in the tables. The proportion but not all the specific circumstances of each case. This remanded in custody has remained broadly constant in centrally-held information does not allow us to separately recent years. identify which offences proceeded against were related The MoJ Court Proceedings Database holds information to domestic violence. This information is not reported on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and to Justice Statistics Analytical Services in MoJ owing to sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales. its size and complexity, and it could be obtained only at This database holds information on offences provided disproportionate cost. by the statutes under which proceedings are brought,

Table 1: Defendants1 proceeded against at magistrates courts, by remand status, offence group and sex, England and Wales, 20122 Offence group Remand status Male Female

Violence against the Custody4 6,867 401 person3 Public order offences3 Custody4 1,508 112 Harassment offences5 Custody4 2,060 78 Note: Magistrates courts data for 2012 are estimated. Table 2: Defendants1 appearing at the Crown court, by remand status, offence group and sex, England and Wales, 20122 Offence group Remand status Male Female

Violence against the Custody4 6,975 476 person3 Public order offences3 Custody4 1,628 74 Harassment offences5 Custody4 534 14 1 Defendants in Table 1 may also be counted in Table 2 if they were committed for trial or committed for sentence at the Crown court. Defendants in Table 2 may also be counted in Table 1. 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 extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Based on new Office for National Statistics (ONS) crime classifications. For further detail see: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/specific/crime-statistics-methodology/ presentational-changes-on-police-recorded-crime-in-england-and-wales.pdf 4 Includes those remanded in custody at any stage of proceedings at the relevant court who may also have been given bail at some stage of those proceedings. 5 Includes offences under S.2, S.2A(1), S.3, S.4, S.4A(1 )(a)(b)(i), S.4A(1)(a)(b)(ii), S.5, SS.5A(2) & 5(5) & (6) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, and S.31(1)(b) & (4), S.31(1)(c) & (4) of the Crime & Disorder Act 1998, and S.42Aof the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Sentencing next publication of the data on total numbers of the judiciary and their background. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for For the period April 2013 to December 2013, panel Justice how many prisoners being held in prisons in members sat in the first-tier tribunal tax chamber for a England and Wales are serving sentences passed in total of 964.50 days. Members do not sit on tax cases in jurisdictions outside England and Wales. [194412] the upper tribunal1. Jeremy Wright: As at 31 December 2013, 231 prisoners In the financial year 2013-14, judicial expenditure for held in prisons in England and Wales were serving all fee-paid judicial office holders within the tax jurisdiction sentences imposed in jurisdictions outside England and was £1.8 million2. Wales. This includes 125 who were convicted overseas, 1 This figure is taken from internal management information and for example in Thailand, Panama and Venezuela, and as such has not been quality checked to the same level as official 106 who were convicted in another UK jurisdiction or statistics. the Islands (Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle Man). 2 This figure is still subject to internal audit processes and will be These figures have been drawn from administrative incorporated into overall judicial spend figures in the HMCTS IT systems which, as with any large scale recording annual report and accounts which will be published later this year. system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Verne Prison Taxation: Appeals Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for what funds his Department has spent on preparing Justice how many (a) first-tier and (b) upper-tier tax HM Prison the Verne for re-role as an immigration tribunal (i) judges and (ii) expert panel members there detention centre to date. [194448] were as of April 2014; for how many days (A) first-tier and (B) upper-tier tax tribunal panel members sat in Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice has not spent 2013-14; and how much was paid to tax tribunal panel any additional money to date in preparing HM Prison members in 2013-14. [195472] The Verne to hold immigration detainees. However, the Home Office has funded infrastructure changes to make Mr Vara: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of the site suitable for holding immigration detainees. These 10 February 2014, Official Report, columns 491-92W, changes have allowed for early and cost-efficient preparation which contain the most up-to-date information on judicial for its change of use while continuing to allow The numbers. Data for later periods will be contained in the Verne to operate as a prison. 409W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 410W

Written Questions: Government Responses or by contacting the Family and Childcare Trust. Their findings on the costs of child care for children aged two Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for and over in England since 2005 are shown in the following Justice pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2014, tables. Official Report, column 293W, on prisons: mother and Cost of 50 hours care for nursery, 2005-09 baby units, what the reasons were for the time taken to Family and Childcare Weekly hours of provide a substantive answer day to the named day Trust Survey child care Nursery1 (£) question tabled for answer on 10 February 2014. 2005 50 132.00 [194372] 2006 50 135.00 Jeremy Wright: Officials in the Ministry of Justice 2007 50 140.00 have looked into the issue you have raised and we can 2008 50 149.00 confirm that the reason the above answer was delayed 2009 50 156.00 was due to an administrative error. 1 Two and over. I apologise for this delay. From the 2010 survey onwards, the hours of weekly child care used in the cost survey was changed from 50 hours a week to 25 hours a week. This was because the EDUCATION trust believed that the lower figure was a more accurate reflection of typical child care usage. Children: Autism Cost of 25 hours care for nursery, 2010-14 Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Family and Childcare Weekly hours of Education what steps he is taking to improve the education Trust Survey child care Nursery1 (£) of children with pathological demand avoidance. 2010 25 82.00 [195317] 2011 25 94.00 Mr Timpson: The reforms made in Part 3 of the 2012 25 98.75 Children and Families Act 2014 will improve education 2013 25 106.52 for all pupils with special educational needs and disabilities 2014 25 106.19 (SEND). These reforms will ensure that there is a focus 1 Two and over. on identifying the individual needs and aspirations of children and young people with the full involvement of Children: Protection their families. The Act requires joint planning and commissioning of services across education, health and Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for social care, so that these needs can be met more effectively. Education whether recommendations from the The National Autistic Society acknowledges that Independent Experts Panel on Serious Case Reviews to pathological demand avoidance is increasingly becoming Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards are advisory. recognised as part of the autism spectrum. The Department [195604] for Education continues to fund the Autism Education Trust to provide training to early years, school and Mr Timpson: ‘Working Together’ states that local further education staff on autism. We also provide safeguarding children boards: grant funding to organisations including Ambitious “should have regard to the panel’s advice when deciding whether about Autism and the National Autistic Society in or not to initiate a serious case review (SCR), when appointing order to support implementation of the reforms. reviewers and when considering publication of SCR reports.” Children: Day Care Children: Social Services Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 24 February Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for 2014, Official Report, column 221W, how many three Education which children’s services departments have and four year olds in each parliamentary constituency instituted the role of Principal Social Worker; and how are accessing the free early years entitlement outside of many people each such department employs. [195605] reception classes. [195200] Elizabeth Truss: The information is provided in a Mr Timpson: The Department for Education does table which will be placed in the Library of the House. not hold this information. Local authorities are responsible for the recruitment and deployment of social workers, Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for including those they appoint to the Principal Social Education what the average cost of child care for a Worker role. three-year-old in England has been in each year since Children’s Centres 2005. [195216] Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education uses Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for cost information from a number of independent surveys. Education (1) what plans he has in place to support The Family and Childcare Trust (formerly the Daycare children’s centres that wish to move towards a Trust) has published a child care costs survey annually co-operative model following their proposed closure; since 2002. Survey information is available on: [195433] http://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/childcare-costs- (2) if he will provide funding for the transition of surveys children’s centres to new structures; [195434] 411W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 412W

(3) what steps he has taken to ensure the quality of The number of places in approved free schools is service provided by co-operative model children’s published online at: centres; [195462] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/successful-free-school- (4) what steps he has taken to develop the capacity proposals-announced and knowledge of parents and staff who volunteer to The total school population is published in the ’schools, take on the running of their children’s centre. [195474] pupils and their characteristics’ statistical first release and is available at: Elizabeth Truss: The Cabinet Office’s Mutuals Support https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils- Programme provides support to public sector workers and-their-characteristics-january-2013 who want to turn their service into a mutual. This can include children’s centres and co-operative forms of Further Education organisation. Further information is available through the Mutuals Information Service website at: Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for http://mutuals.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ Education if he will visit further education colleges to The Department for Communities and Local discuss the effect of his proposed 17.5 per cent Government recently announced a Transformation reduction from September for funding for 18-year-olds Challenge Award to help councils transform the way in full-time education. [195446] they run local services to put the user first. The Department for Education has funded work to support and encourage Elizabeth Truss: I have received a large number of groups of parents, families and community members to invitations to discuss this topic and sadly cannot accept develop their own community management models for nearly as many as I would like to. children’s centres. Nevertheless, I have listened to the views of the hon. All designated children’s centres including those provided and right hon. Members, as well as those of colleges by co-operative model, are inspected by Ofsted. and other providers of 16 to 19 education. I am pleased that we have been able to afford to mitigate the impact of the funding reduction on 18-year-olds in the academic Families: Advisory Services year 2014/15. We will cap any losses in relation to this at 2% of the funding that an institution receives for the Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education education of 16 to 19-year-olds. how many and what proportion of (a) mothers and (b) However, the overriding need to tackle the budget fathers with children under two years of age in each of deficit remains, and so the full funding reduction for the pilot areas have taken up subsidised relationship 18-year-olds will still be necessary in 2015/16. We have support between April 2012 and March 2014; whether carried out and published an impact assessment, which this support was face-to-face or online; how much the is available online at: support cost parents; what the subsidy cost the Government; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/funding- how much of the £1 million funding has been used; and reduction-for-18-year-olds-impact-assessment if he will break down the costs of the scheme by subheading. [195439] Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his policy is on career colleges. [903663] Mr Timpson: Some £400,000 was spent out of a budget of £1.1 million. Elizabeth Truss: The Government’s policy for career The remaining information which is available is published colleges is the same as for any other further education in the Evaluation report and can be found at: college that enrols 14 to 16-year-olds. The Education Funding Agency first needs to grant permission for the https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/262849/DFE-_RR311.pdf college to enrol 14 to 16-year-olds, and permission is restricted to colleges with a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating. Free Schools The proposals set out by the Career College Trust, an independent charity, take advantage of the flexibilities Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and freedoms of the funding reforms introduced by this if he will rank each English local authority by the Government to provide an alternative approach to offering number of (a) primary and (b) secondary free schools high quality academic and vocational education from to have received approval; and what this represents as a age 14. proportion of the estimated school-age population. I await with interest developments in career colleges [195442] and other innovative schemes for 14-19 provision, which have arisen as a result of the Government’s vocational Mr Timpson: The published list of successful applications education reforms. to open a free school and of free schools already opened or in the pre-opening stage, which includes which local Further Education: Ethnic Groups authority they are in, is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-schools- Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for successful-applications-and-open-schools-2014 Education what assessment he has made of the effect The total number of places in these schools when at of the proposed 17.5 per cent reduction in funding for full capacity will be around 2% of the total number of full-time education on 18-year-olds from ethnic children currently educated in state-funded schools in minorities who (a) have poor prior attainment and (b) England. speak English as an additional language. [195478] 413W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 414W

Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education has https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/doncaster- published an impact assessment, which is available online: childrens-care-direction-for-improvement-march-2013 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/funding- Professor Le Grand submitted his report to Ministers in reduction-for-18-year-olds-impact-assessment May 2013. Professor Le Grand was subsequently asked The impact assessment looked at the proportion of by the Minister for Children and Families, the Under- 18-year-old black and minority ethnic (BME) students Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend the in full-time education who attract a funding uplift for Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mr Timpson) to disadvantage based on the level of deprivation of their chair another panel to consider ways forward for home postcode, compared with the proportion of all Birmingham’s Children’s Social Care Services, as 16 to 18-year-old BME students. It shows that 18-year-old announced in a letter to the leader of Birmingham BME students in full-time education are not more likely council, Albert Bore, on 29 November 2013. The letter to be from disadvantaged areas than 16 to 18-year-old is also published on the Department’s website: BME students as a whole. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/edward- I am pleased that we have been able to afford to timpson-writes-to-birmingham-city-council mitigate the impact of the funding reduction on 18-year-olds The Report of this work was submitted to Ministers in in the academic year 2014/15. We will cap any losses in February 2014. relation to this at 2% of the funding that an institution Professor Le Grand received no remuneration for his receives for the education of 16 to 19-year-olds. work on either review. The Department for Education met reasonable travel, accommodation and other expenses Jimmy Savile for Professor Le Grand which were wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in relation to this work in Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for accordance with the Department’s policies. Education which local authorities are involved in Pre-school Education investigations of historic abuse by Jimmy Savile; and when he expects the resulting reports to be published. [195606] Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many early years providers with Mr Timpson: As published in the written statement exemptions from the early years foundation stage are made by the Secretary of State for Education, my right funded to provide early education places to two, three hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael and four-year-olds. [195336] Gove), on 27 March 2014, the following local authorities are involved in investigations of historical abuse by Elizabeth Truss: According to the information that Jimmy Savile: the Department for Education holds, we are aware that 43 early years providers, who have been granted full or Bournemouth; partial exemptions from the learning and development Devon; requirements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) Gloucestershire; framework, are in receipt of early education funding. Leeds; Information on the exemption process for early years London borough of Hounslow; providers is available at: London borough of Islington; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-early-years- London borough of Southwark; foundation-stage-eyfs-learning-and-development- London borough of Tower Hamlets; requirements-guidance-on-exemptions-for-early-years- providers Manchester; Nottingham; As the published information above states, to be granted an exemption, independent schools have to Nottinghamshire, and meet the quality threshold of ‘good’ or better judgment Surrey. in the school’s most recent inspection report; meet the The investigations will be completed at the earliest other conditions set in the Secretary of State’s Direction opportunity, but not before the independent quality (which is to notify parents and the local authority) and assurers are satisfied that they have been full and thorough. notify the Department of their intention to take up the exemption. Julian Le Grand Providers who are governed by principles of learning and development that cannot be reconciled with the Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for learning and development requirements of the EYFS Education what contractual arrangements his have to submit an application to the Secretary of State, Department has with Professor Julian Le Grand; and demonstrating how their principles of learning and how much he has been paid. [195602] development conflicts with the EYFS and meet the other conditions set by the Secretary of State which is Elizabeth Truss: In March 2013, the Secretary of to notify parents and the local authority of their intention. State for Education, my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), appointed Professor Priority School Building Programme Julian Le Grand as chair of a panel undertaking a review of Doncaster Children’s Services, as announced Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for in a letter dated 25 March 2013 to the then Mayor of Education pursuant to the answer of 12 March 2014, Doncaster, Peter Davies. The letter is published on the Official Report, column 250W, on schools construction, Department’s website: if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department’s 415W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 416W non-firm, estimated dates for the start and finish of Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education publishes construction for each PSBP school. [195610] statistics on England only. Information on unauthorised pupil absence in St Albans constituency has been provided Mr Laws: The Department for Education does not in the following table. Pupil absence rates at regional hold firm predictions for when every project will start and local authority level are available in the local authority or finish construction as time scales can shift in either tables in the absence statistical first release for each direction. year1. I do not believe it is appropriate to publish non-firm, We know from evidence that pupils who have regular estimated dates for the start and finish of construction attendance at school are four times more likely to for each Priority Schools Building Programme school. achieve five or more A*-C grades at GCSE including English and maths than those pupils who are persistently 2 Pupil Exclusions: Autism absent . This is why the Department for Education reduced the threshold at which pupils are classified as being persistently absent, from 20 to 15% of school Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for missed. This measure enables schools to identify earlier Education (1) what assessment he has made of the those pupils with troubling attendance patterns, and to effect of the school exclusions pilot on pupils with do something about them. autism; [195295] In 2012, we increased the level of the school attendance (2) what assessment he has made of the potential role penalty fines of £50 and £100 to £60 and £120 respectively; of the local offer in reducing the number of pupils with and in 2013 reduced the overall timescales for paying autism affected by official and unofficial exclusion. fines from 42 to 28 days. Our reforms are working. In [195296] 2012/13 persistent absence was 300,895 pupils—a fall of almost a third from 2010. 130,000 fewer pupils are now Mr Timpson: An interim evaluation of the school persistent absentees. exclusions pilot, published in March 2013, found early 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-pupil-absence indications of schools taking more responsibility for 2 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ pupils at risk of exclusion, collaborating with each attachment_data/file/183445/DFE-RR171.pdf other and working in partnership with local authorities State-funded primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1, 2, 3, to improve alternative provision in their areas. Such 5 approaches benefit all pupils vulnerable to exclusion, 4: unauthorised absence rates , academic years 2009/10 to 2012/13 including those with autism. St Albans parliamentary constituency Unauthorised absence rate5 The Department for Education has introduced wide ranging reforms through the Children and Families Act 2009/10 0.7 2014 to improve provision and support for children and 2010/11 0.6 young people with special educational needs or a disability. 2011/12 0.6 The Act requires local authorities to publish a local 2012/13 0.6 offer of services for children and young people with 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. special educational needs (SEN) or a disability. The 2 Includes primary academies, including free schools. 3 Includes city technology colleges and all secondary academies, local offer will set out in one place information about including free schools, university technical colleges and studio schools. provision families can expect to be available across 4 Includes maintained special schools, non-maintained special schools education, health and social care for children and young and special academies. Excludes general hospital schools, independent people who have SEN or are disabled, including those special schools and independent schools approved for SEN pupils. who do not have education, health and care (EHC) plans. 5 The number of sessions missed due to unauthorised absence expressed as a percentage of the total number of possible sessions. The local offer will provide children, young people Source: and parents with clear, comprehensive and accessible School Census information about the services and support available and how to access it, including that from schools. Schools: Discipline It will make provision more responsive to local needs and aspirations by directly involving families and service Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Education providers in its development and review, enabling them what recent steps he has taken to integrate better into to have a greater say in how services and support schools children with challenging behaviour; and if he develop over time. will make a statement. [195367] This should therefore have an important role to play in improving outcomes and reducing exclusions for Elizabeth Truss: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the children and young people with SEN, including those reply given to him on 8 October 2013, Official Report, with autism. column 257W. Since October, we have updated our advice on behaviour Pupils: Absenteeism to re-emphasise the need for clear rewards and sanctions. We have outlined a range of sanctions that it is permissible Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for teachers to use to tackle challenging behaviour when how many unauthorised school absences there have it occurs. We have also been clear that schools should been in (a) St Albans constituency, (b) Hertfordshire, use rewards to praise and reinforce good behaviour. (c) the East of England and (d) the UK since 2010; In addition, we have produced a range of case studies and what steps he is taking to reduce such absences. showing good practice in how schools manage behaviour [195130] and bullying. The case studies provide examples of 417W Written Answers10 APRIL 2014 Written Answers 418W what effective schools do to integrate children with Mr Timpson: The Government is clear that the best challenging behaviour into the school ranging from way forward for any school judged inadequate by Ofsted support through schools’ pastoral systems to using art is for it to become an academy with the support of a and modified curricula to support the inclusion of strong sponsor. We consider that sponsored academy pupils with behaviour difficulties. arrangements will safeguard the long-term future of The new special educational needs (SEN) Code of such schools and will secure rapid and sustained Practice makes it clear that, while persistent disruptive improvement, which should reassure parents. or withdrawn behaviour does not necessarily mean that Water: Safety a pupil has SEN, schools should determine whether there are any causal factors, such as undiagnosed learning difficulties, difficulties with communication or mental Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for health issues, so that support can be put in place for the Education if he will bring forward proposals to amend pupil to stay at the school and make progress. the national curriculum to require the teaching of water safety in schools. [195297] Social Work: Pilot Schemes Mr Timpson: The Government is committed to ensuring Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for that swimming and teaching water safety takes place in Education what progress he has made on the Social schools. Swimming is an important part of the National Work Practice pilots; and which local authorities are Curriculum, which requires that all pupils must be taking part in those pilots. [195603] taught to swim at least 25 metres unaided, and be able to use recognised swimming strokes by the end of Key Mr Timpson: The Social Work Practices pilot concluded Stage 2 (age 11). It also requires that a child can in 2012. In November last year the Government commenced demonstrate an understanding of water safety. Swimming Part 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 2008 to and water safety remain compulsory in the National allow all local authorities to explore new models of Curriculum following the recent curriculum review. provision if they wish to. In March 2013 the Prime Minister announced additional ring-fenced funding of £150 million per year for each of Special Educational Needs 2013-14 and 2014-15 to support the provision of PE and sport in primary schools. This funding was extended Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for in the autumn statement 5 December 2013, Official Education what steps his Department takes to support Report, columns 1101-1113, to include 2015-16. Qualifying parents whose children attend a school in special schools would be free to use this to extend their pupils’ measures; and if he will make a statement. [195152] access to swimming lessons and water safety awareness. ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 10 April 2014

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 395 BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Business (Young People) ...... 407 Royal Mail ...... 406 Economy (Rebalancing)...... 397 Small Businesses ...... 401 Energy-intensive Industries ...... 408 Student Loans...... 396 Exports (SMEs) ...... 404 Topical Questions ...... 409 High-growth Markets...... 402 UK Trade & Investment...... 399 Life Sciences ...... 404 Universities ...... 400 Living Wage...... 395 Women in Business ...... 403 Productivity ...... 408 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

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Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 23WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 27WS Regional Growth Fund ...... 23WS EU Foreign Ministers (Informal Meeting) ...... 30WS UK Coal Production Ltd ...... 24WS Foreign Affairs Council/Defence Foreign Affairs Council ...... 28WS DEFENCE...... 25WS Human Rights and Democracy Report...... 27WS 24 Commando Engineer Regiment ...... 25WS Armed Forces Pay Review Body (Triennial HOME DEPARTMENT...... 31WS Review) ...... 26WS Gangmasters Licensing Authority...... 31WS

EDUCATION...... 26WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 32WS Careers Guidance...... 26WS Personal Independence Payment Assessment...... 32WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

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Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 342W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— Business: Loans...... 342W continued Consultants...... 343W Enterprise Zones...... 388W Digital Technology...... 343W Fire Services: Retirement ...... 388W Employment Agencies...... 343W Planning Permission ...... 389W Engineering: Females...... 344W Social Rented Housing: Brighton...... 389W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 344W State Retirement Pensions...... 390W Innovation ...... 345W Temporary Accommodation: Greater London ...... 390W Minimum Wage ...... 345W National Renewable Energy Centre...... 346W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 307W Private Sector...... 346W Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 307W Regional Growth Fund ...... 347W Children: Day Care ...... 307W Regional Growth Fund: East Midlands ...... 349W Culture: Finance ...... 308W Royal Mail ...... 350W Employment Agencies...... 309W Self-employed ...... 350W Members: Correspondence ...... 309W Skilled Workers: Immigration ...... 350W Mobile Phones ...... 309W Social Enterprises: Brighton...... 350W National Lottery: Scotland ...... 310W Students: Loans ...... 351W Public Expenditure...... 310W UK Trade and Investment...... 351W Responsible Gambling Trust...... 311W UK Trade and Investment: Nigeria...... 352W Tickets: Touting ...... 311W

CABINET OFFICE...... 312W DEFENCE...... 341W Building Regulations...... 312W Armed Forces ...... 341W Census ...... 312W Armed Forces: Pay...... 341W Job Creation...... 312W RAF Menwith Hill ...... 342W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland...... 313W Research ...... 342W Unemployment: Essex...... 316W Youth Services...... 317W EDUCATION...... 409W Children: Autism...... 409W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 387W Children: Day Care...... 409W Betting Shops...... 387W Children: Protection...... 410W Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION—continued HEALTH...... 324W Children: Social Services...... 410W Air Pollution ...... 324W Children’s Centres...... 410W Bone Marrow Disorders ...... 325W Families: Advisory Services...... 411W Breast Cancer...... 325W Free Schools...... 411W Cancer ...... 325W Further Education ...... 412W Dental Health: Children...... 326W Further Education: Ethnic Groups ...... 412W Dental Services ...... 327W Jimmy Savile ...... 413W General Practitioners ...... 329W Julian Le Grand...... 413W Health: Scotland ...... 330W Pre-school Education...... 414W Medical Records: Data Protection ...... 330W Priority School Building Programme ...... 414W Nurses: Foreign Workers...... 331W Pupil Exclusions: Autism ...... 415W Nutrition...... 332W Pupils: Absenteeism ...... 415W Obesity: Harlow...... 333W Schools: Discipline...... 416W Out-patients: Attendance...... 334W Social Work: Pilot Schemes...... 417W Palliative Care...... 334W Special Educational Needs...... 417W Parents...... 334W Water: Safety...... 418W Physiotherapy: South Yorkshire ...... 336W Radiotherapy ...... 336W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 304W Reckitt Benckiser ...... 336W Electoral Register...... 304W Smoking...... 337W Electoral Register: Young People ...... 306W Smoking: Bolton...... 337W Electoral Registration Officers ...... 306W Thalidomide...... 338W Electoral Registration Officers: Scotland ...... 307W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 352W Asylum: Children...... 352W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 382W Asylum: Syria ...... 353W Biofuels...... 382W Borders: Personal Records...... 353W Consultants...... 382W Borders: Scotland ...... 353W Employment Agencies...... 383W Consultants...... 353W Energy: Prices ...... 384W Domestic Violence ...... 354W Energy Supply...... 383W Employment Agencies ...... 354W Fracking...... 385W Entry Clearances: India ...... 354W Green Deal Scheme...... 385W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students...... 355W Housing ...... 386W EU Immigration ...... 356W Offshore Industry...... 386W EU Justice and Home Affairs...... 356W Private Sector...... 386W Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 ...... 357W Radioactive Fallout...... 387W Immigration Controls ...... 357W Winter Fuel Payments...... 387W LGBT People...... 358W Motor Vehicles: Seized Articles...... 358W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Offenders: Deportation...... 358W AFFAIRS...... 391W Private Sector...... 358W Air Pollution ...... 391W Proceeds of Crime...... 358W Bees...... 391W Refuges ...... 359W Bees: Pesticides...... 391W Stalking...... 359W Biodiversity...... 392W Stephen Lawrence ...... 360W Coastal Erosion ...... 392W Surveillance...... 361W Conifers ...... 393W Travel Restrictions: Uganda...... 362W Flood Control...... 393W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 362W Forests ...... 393W Livestock: Transport ...... 395W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 379W Timber ...... 395W Caribbean ...... 379W Developing Countries: Abortion...... 380W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 368W Developing Countries: Family Planning...... 380W Baltic States ...... 368W Developing Countries: Females...... 381W Burma...... 369W Development Aid...... 381W Central African Republic ...... 369W Nigeria...... 381W Diplomatic Service...... 369W Egypt ...... 370W JUSTICE...... 395W European Union ...... 371W Coroners ...... 395W GCHQ ...... 371W Courts...... 396W Gender...... 371W Employment Tribunals Service: Scotland...... 397W Gibraltar...... 372W Insurance: Fraud...... 397W Gibraltar: Spain ...... 372W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 398W India ...... 375W Magistrates Courts...... 399W Iran...... 375W Non-molestation Orders ...... 399W North Korea ...... 375W Oakwood Prison ...... 400W Pakistan ...... 376W Offensive Weapons...... 400W Sri Lanka ...... 376W Personal Injury: Compensation...... 401W Syria...... 377W Prison Accommodation ...... 403W Ukraine...... 378W Prisoners: Publications...... 404W Venezuela...... 379W Prisoners’ Release ...... 403W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TREASURY—continued Prisoners: Religion...... 404W Pensions...... 366W Prisoners: Repatriation ...... 404W Personal Income ...... 366W Prisons: Crimes of Violence ...... 405W Revenue and Customs...... 367W Prisons: Postal Services ...... 406W River Thames: Bridges...... 368W Remand in Custody ...... 406W Sentencing...... 407W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES ...... 303W Taxation: Appeals ...... 407W Gender...... 303W Verne Prison...... 408W Gender: Discrimination ...... 303W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 409W LGBT People...... 303W

PRIME MINISTER ...... 311W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 317W Euthanasia...... 311W Housing Benefit: Rural Areas ...... 317W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 318W TRANSPORT ...... 338W Internet ...... 318W Consultants...... 338W Jobcentre Plus ...... 319W Motor Vehicles: Seized Articles...... 338W Jobcentre Plus: Bolton ...... 319W Parking: Fines...... 339W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 320W Railways: Stansted Airport ...... 339W Nurseries...... 320W Road Traffic: Greater London ...... 339W Pensioners: Means-tested Benefits ...... 321W Rolling Stock: Lancashire ...... 340W Pensions: Russia...... 321W Schools: Cycling...... 340W Personal Independence Payment...... 321W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 340W Personal Independence Payment: West Coast Railway Line ...... 341W Clackmannanshire ...... 322W Remploy...... 322W TREASURY ...... 363W Social Security Benefits...... 322W Flood Control...... 363W Unemployment Benefits: Lone Parents ...... 323W Helius Energy ...... 363W Vacancies: Internet...... 323W Individual Savings Accounts ...... 363W Vacancies: North Yorkshire ...... 324W National Insurance Contributions ...... 365W Work Programme...... 324W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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 Thursday 17 April 2014

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CONTENTS

Thursday 10 April 2014

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 395] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

Asylum Seekers (Support) [Col. 415] Answer to urgent question—(James Brokenshire)

Business of the House [Col. 424] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

Police Recorded Crime Statistics [Col. 441] Statement—(Mr Jenkin)

Backbench Business Easter Adjournment [Col. 448] Motion—(Mr Amess)—agreed to

Cystic Fibrosis [Col. 504] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Domestic Violence (Police Response) [Col. 135WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 23WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 303W] [see index inside back page]