Monday Volume 526 4 April 2011 No. 145

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 4 April 2011

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Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Aylesford) (Con): Will House of Commons the Secretary of State join me in congratulating councils that have protected front-line services through creative and innovative thinking about their budgets, such as Monday 4 April 2011 Medway council, which has halved its funding to trade unions and given that money to fund library books instead? The House met at half-past Two o’clock Mr Pickles: I do indeed congratulate them. My hon. Friend points out to those on the Opposition Benches a PRAYERS way in which money can be directed towards the front line. I hope that the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) will send out requests that Labour [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] councils similarly to look towards trade unions and reducing their costs.

Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): The Oral Answers to Questions Secretary of State has described his cuts as progressive, fair and protecting the most vulnerable. Last Friday, Conservative-led Birmingham city council inflicted the biggest cut in local government history of £212 million. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Some 4,000 people face losing their care packages, including some of the most vulnerable, many of whom are in ill health and in the twilight of their years. Is that progressive, fair and protecting the most vulnerable? The Secretary of State was asked— Local Government Funding (Services) Mr Pickles: Let us be absolutely clear: these are Labour cuts. The Labour party was planning £14 billion- worth of cuts, all of them front-loaded. At least we 1. Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): What changed the formula to help the most vulnerable. We recent assessment he has made of the likely change in find ourselves in a position where we know perfectly the provision of services by local authorities as a result well that the Labour party would have inflicted even of reductions in the level of Government funding to greater cuts on local government. such authorities. [50339]

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local New Homes Bonus Government (Mr Eric Pickles): We have given councils much greater flexibility and the financial autonomy to 2. Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): What manage their budgets. If they share back-office services, assessment he has made of the potential benefits to join forces to get better value for money, cut excessive Kirklees district of the new homes bonus. [50340] chief executive pay, and root out waste and fraud, they can protect key front-line services. 3. Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): What assessment he has made of the potential benefits to Rugby of the new Mr Watts: I thank the Secretary of State for his homes bonus. [50341] response, but does it not demonstrate that he is miles away from the reality of what is happening in the 10. Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): What assessment streets? My local authority, which is one of the most he has made of the potential benefits to Gloucester of efficient and a four-star authority that has frozen its the new homes bonus. [50349] council tax for four years, is faced with 500 job losses, massive cuts in most of its services and a £28 million 13. Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): What loss in spending in its local economy. What is he going assessment he has made of the potential effect on to do about that? regions in England of the new homes bonus. [50352] Mr Pickles: I recognise that the hon. Gentleman has many duties in this House, but perhaps he should have The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant spoken to his council leader, Councillor Marie Rimmer, Shapps): Today, I have announced the final allocations who says: to local authorities under the new homes bonus for 2011-12. All parts of England will receive significant “most job losses” funding from the scheme. Kirklees will receive £1.3 million, will be Rugby £435,000 and Gloucester £782,000. The funding “achieved by not filling posts, early retirement and voluntary is completely un-ring-fenced and councils will be able to redundancies”, use it according to the wishes of their local communities. which is hardly the position that he paints. It is also telling that Sally Yeoman, the chief executive of Halton Jason McCartney: I thank the Minister for that reply. and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action, blames Will he confirm the protection of the green belt and will the drop in funding on the ending of the working he consider the suggestion from the Campaign to Protect neighbourhoods fund—a fund that the Labour party Rural England perhaps to have an enhanced rate of new had decided to end in March. homes bonus for brownfield sites to encourage regeneration? 725 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 726

Grant Shapps: I looked carefully at the new homes not incentivise individual authorities sufficiently so that bonus and at where there should be an uplift and I came the sum total of all the individual parts does not meet to the conclusion that the only uplift we would give the Government’s objective, what is plan B? would be to those who built additional affordable homes, and that is a block grant of £350 per home. The green Grant Shapps: The point about the new homes bonus belt is entirely protected; that is in the coalition agreement is that it is just one element in a series of steps that we and we stand by that position. are taking to ensure that house building goes ahead. The hon. Gentleman is right to mention that it slumped Mark Pawsey: The local authority in my constituency to the lowest level since 1924 under the old top-down of Rugby has been quick to recognise the benefits that targets. The new homes bonus will ensure that £200 million come with the new homes bonus and it has ambitious is distributed today, but it does not stop there. We are proposals for new housing development. What steps is also proposing build now, pay later. We are slimming the Minister taking to ensure that planning authorities down some of the many regulations that prevent house across England recognise the lead of authorities such as builders from getting homes built faster, and we are Rugby and allocate land for the new homes that are so encouraging them to renegotiate section 106. badly needed? Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): It is Grant Shapps: In many ways, authorities such as getting worse. Rugby have led the way by being so keen to produce housing. The difference is that now every single one of our constituents gets to benefit from new homes being Grant Shapps: The hon. Lady says that it is not built. There is £200 million on the table that is being working, but we have already seen an increase in the distributed today. I note that the Opposition seem to be number of homes planned and starting to be built. against their own authorities receiving the money. Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): The Richard Graham: Like my hon. Friend the Member Ansty technology park is in Rugby and the Government for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney), may I ask my announced on Friday that they would sell it off. That right hon. Friend whether more could be done, perhaps was an important job-creation opportunity brought on the paperwork, in order to attract developers into into existence by the old regional development agency constituencies such as mine, which are entirely urban which was scrapped by the Government. Would it not and therefore have only brownfield sites to offer? be preposterous if Rugby gained from the new homes bonus through developing such a site for housing? Grant Shapps: One of the changes that we have made is to enable local authorities to set their own targets Grant Shapps: The new homes bonus is entirely flexible for brownfield sites. I have been to my hon. Friend’s to allow local authorities to decide how the cash that constituency and I know that there are many good sites comes in is spent—those hundreds of millions of pounds available. Rather than housing being built on sites where being distributed today—so that they can take it and the regional spatial strategy seemed to insist that it use it for their own objectives. There is a conversation to went, housing can now go where it is required. Much of be held locally rather than nationally about how that that will be on the brownfield land that I went to see. money is used in Rugby. That is one of the features of the Government’s policy, and of the new homes bonus in particular. Community and Voluntary Sectors

Heidi Alexander: Last week the Minister for Housing and Local Government wrote to my hon. Friend the 4. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): What assessment Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Alison Seabeck) he has made of the likely effect on the community and claimed that the new homes bonus will not penalise and voluntary sectors of reductions in the level of deprived areas to favour more affluent ones. Can he Government funding for local authorities. [50342] explain to me why his figures differ so widely from those of the National Housing Federation, which estimates The Minister of State, Department for Communities that the four northern regions of England will lose and Local Government (Greg Clark): Spending decisions £104 million, whereas the five southern regions will gain are a matter for local councils, but no council should £342 million? make disproportionate cuts to the voluntary sector. It is increasingly clear that well run councils are following Grant Shapps: It may have escaped the attention of that principle, but that a few of the worst run are Opposition Members that the new homes bonus rewards targeting the voluntary sector for disproportionate cuts. the authorities that build homes. That is why it is called the new homes bonus. Of the five areas that are building Julie Hilling: On Friday I met representatives of the most homes—the five top councils to receive the Westhoughton visiting service who, having lost a third new homes bonus—three of them are in the midlands of their budget, do not know where to turn to make or the north. sure that their elderly clients get the support they need. That is one of the many voluntary and community Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): The sectors groups that have contacted me in desperation. I Government’s stated objective is to ensure that more hope that the Minister does not reply by saying that new homes are built than were being built before the Bolton council should have prepared for the cuts or recession. I am sure that it is an objective with which we should protect the voluntary sector, because it did and can all agree. However, if the new homes bonus does it has, but the Government have cut £42 million—three 727 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 728 times more than Labour would have cut. If the council The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for does not have the money, it cannot give it to groups. Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): What can I say to these groups? The local government settlement is a fair outcome in very difficult circumstances—those circumstances being Greg Clark: The hon. Lady can start by getting her that we are borrowing £400 million every day to plug figures accurate. This is the second time in a row that the gap left by Labour. We have worked hard to get she has come to the House with bizarre figures. I was at equity between local authorities, giving proper attention a loss to understand where she got them from, but the to both their level of dependency on Government support source of her information turns out to be a magazine and their local resources. That is why we have transferred called the Bolton Scene. It is not a paper of record. In the needs-based element from 73% to 83% of the formula between obituaries for fish—“Farewell to popular fish”—it grant and introduced the banded floors. As a result, for includes all sorts of misinformation about the settlement every pound per resident of formula grant that goes to for her council. If she sources her information accurately, the least dependent authority in London—Richmond— she will discover that the cut to Bolton’s budget is 7% Lambeth will get £4.86, which is almost five times as and the council should not be cutting local groups much per resident as the least dependent authority. disproportionately. As far as equity for local taxpayers goes, the council tax freeze will provide £2.4 million to Lambeth this Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): My right hon. Friend coming year. has made great efforts to ensure that local authorities publish their spend above £500. Will he extend that to Mr Umunna: Of course, the fact is that the most urge local authorities to publish the amount of their deprived single-tier local authorities are seeing their spend that is given to voluntary organisations? I think spending power reduced by nearly four times the amount that that transparency would be very worth while. of the least deprived local authorities. For example, Lambeth—the Minister omitted this point—is having Greg Clark: I completely agree with my hon. Friend, to make just under £40 million-worth of cuts to services although there is one council that has failed to publish in my area, including to Lambeth senior citizens day its spending over £500: Nottingham city council. The centre in Brixton Hill. That centre provides food and a right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) place to go for—[Interruption.] squirmed and wriggled rather than urge the council to publish those details. I hope that she will take the opportunity today to say that it should publish them. Mr Speaker: Order. It seems to be contagious. Both sides are taking too long. We will have a quick question Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): from Mr Umunna. Well, here we have Ministers again castigating local councils for cuts affecting voluntary organisations, but Mr Umunna: The older people’s centre is facing cuts the Cabinet Office is cutting grants to many volunteering of up to 80%. Will the Minister come with me to the organisations, Government cuts to legal aid funding centre and explain how he will help it to continue to will have a serious impact on Citizens Advice and the survive in the coming financial year? VAT rise and loss of gift aid transitional relief will cost the sector £250 million. Does the Minister not see just Andrew Stunell: According to Lambeth council’s own how hypocritical that stance is toward local authorities? website, it is reducing its front-line service provision by When will the Government get their act together on £1 million, but I draw the House’s attention to the fact supporting the voluntary sector? that it is also increasing its reserves from £83 million last year to £93 million this year. Perhaps the question Greg Clark: Of course, the hon. Lady never saw a about equity would be better directed at the council piece of spending that she did not like. The hypocrisy is than at us. to complain about the inevitable consequences of the previous Government’s overspending. As she has the Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): Some councils, many opportunity, perhaps she will just nod and agree that no of them Labour-controlled, are protecting overpaid council—for example, a Labour council looking to her bureaucracies and slashing services run by the third for leadership—should cut disproportionately. It is a sector, while others are embracing social enterprise and time for leadership from the Opposition Front-Bench charities in new models of social services provision. team. If they want to hang around like ghouls, wailing Will the Minister recognise good behaviour in future and moaning from the sidelines, they can do so, but they allocations to get true equity to the people who need it? should take a lead and give a message to Labour councils. Andrew Stunell: I thoroughly understand my hon. Mr Speaker: Order. To date there has been no breach Friend’s point, and as he will know, the local government of order from either the Opposition Front Bench or the resource review will look at those matters in the near Treasury Bench, but I remind hon. and right hon. future. Members that they should be very careful in their use of the word “hypocrisy”. Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): The wheels are well and truly coming off the Government’s explanation Government Funding (Distribution) for their swingeing cuts to local government—that is pretty clear. Contrary to his assertion that he would 5. Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): What protect the most vulnerable by making his cuts “fair assessment he has made of the equity of the distribution and progressive”, the Secretary of State is actually of Government funding for local authorities. [50343] imposing the biggest cuts on the country’s poorest 729 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 730 communities and leaving more affluent areas relatively reducing debt is perhaps the most important thing that unscathed. Even his own housing Minister confessed we can do to create stability, and recently I held a last week that the poorest areas will shoulder the harshest first-time buyers summit to pull together the sector and cuts. Will the Minister replying do the decent thing and ensure that progress is made. admit that the Secretary of State’s declaration about fairness and the Chancellor’s assertion that we are all in Guto Bebb: I thank the Minister for his response. it together are completely and utterly preposterous? Does my right hon. Friend agree that the new funding for the Firstbuy scheme will help the construction industry, Andrew Stunell: The hon. Gentleman has of course creating new jobs and increasing the pace of economic used a selective quotation, and that is entirely his prerogative, growth? but it does rather undermine his case. The reality is that no local authority in this country faces a reduction in its Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend is absolutely spot on, real expenditure of more than 7.7%, and offset against of course, and the scheme will do both those things. The that is the new homes bonus that we have announced critical difference between it and the schemes that the today, through which Lambeth, for instance, gets previous Government ran is that the person purchasing £1.9 million. the house has to provide a deposit. In addition, the amount of money going in from the Government will Community Housing be reduced to make it much better value for money.

6. Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): Simon Hughes: Will the Minister ensure that all the What plans his Department has to establish trusts to initiatives for first-time purchase and for shared ownership assist communities in providing homes for local people. are well publicised in every local authority in England, [50345] and that the new homes bonus money can be used, where local authorities agree, for the maximum number The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for of property builds and for the maximum number of Communities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): I people acquiring a property—through shared ownership thank my hon. Friend for his question and remind him or outright possession—for the first time? that the Localism Bill, for which he and I served in Committee, contains provisions for the community right Grant Shapps: I am very grateful for that question, to build, which will allow community organisations to not least because I am able to congratulate Southwark bring forward schemes for small-scale development, on today pulling in £2.6 million from the new homes including housing, without needing to go through the bonus. That money certainly can be used in precisely traditional planning route. As he and I know, we hope the way it is required locally, and whatever the principal to achieve Royal Assent for that at the end of the year. concerns are for local people. It is the way to incentivise more house building, and we will make sure that it Stephen Gilbert: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. works effectively alongside the Firstbuy scheme. One of the problems with housing supply is the availability of land, but the Government own vast tracts of land Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The Minister referred throughout the country, so has his Department given to the new scheme as relevant to the replacement of any consideration to bringing forward some public sector HomeBuy Direct, which as he is aware was the much land to meet the housing crisis? more generous scheme that he scrapped just 10 months ago. Is this not another example of the Government Andrew Stunell: I remind my hon. Friend that “The introducing a new policy to make up for the fact that Plan for Growth” published last week by my right hon. their previous policy has gone wrong? Friends the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Chancellor set out plans for the Grant Shapps: The hon. Gentleman has got his facts release of more public land, and this Department is wrong. HomeBuy Direct continues until 2012, so there very strongly engaged in making sure that that leads to is no question of its having come to an end. It was a more housing. funded scheme for a specific period which will come to an end at that point, so by launching another scheme Home Ownership that overlaps rather than replaces it, we have, I assume, achieved precisely what he would want. 7. Guto Bebb (Aberconwy) (Con): What steps his Department is taking to support home ownership and Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): I make first-time buyers. [50346] my usual declaration of an indirect interest in the entry in the register for my right hon. Friend the Member for 15. Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford). (LD): What steps his Department is taking to support HomeBuy Direct was a good scheme, and considering home ownership and first-time buyers. [50354] that the Minister called it an “expensive flop” I am delighted that the Government have seen fit, albeit The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant somewhat late in the day, to enhance it further and, in Shapps): At the Budget, we announced the Firstbuy many ways, to replicate it. Can he confirm that, as the scheme, which will be co-funded by the Government Financial Times reported, this is nothing more than his and house builders, bring £500 million of investment admitting that he cannot fix the mortgage market? Has into the sector and build about 15,000 homes throughout he not, as my hon. Friend the Member for Chesterfield the UK. In England, those figures are £200 million and (Toby Perkins) said, just wasted a vital 10 months, 10,000. In addition, the Government’s commitment to leaving hundreds of thousands of first-time buyers—not 731 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 732 tens of thousands, given the sort of scheme we are Social Housing describing—with no hope under this Government of securing their own homes? 9. Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): What assessment he has made of the potential effect on Grant Shapps: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for levels of homelessness of the proposed changes to rules allowing me to clear up one thing. It is worth knowing on the changes in the treatment of tenancies in that when I said that the HomeBuy Direct scheme had under-occupied social housing. [50348] been an expensive flop, it had been launched 10 months earlier and had helped just five people to secure a home. It is true that the scheme has developed over a period of The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant time and has helped people in between times, but as I Shapps): The security and rights of existing social tenants, said in my previous answer—I appreciate that it was including those who are under-occupying, will be protected given after she had written her question, but none the in the reform of social housing. I have announced a less it is useful to connect the two—the previous scheme £13 million scheme to help local authorities to offer does not end until 2012. We are in 2011, and we have tenants greater flexibility in their choices. already announced a new scheme. Mr Leech: I thank the Minister for his reply, but does Unauthorised Development he accept that the allocations policies of some local authorities, including Manchester, result in larger, hard-to-let properties being under-occupied through no fault of 8. Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): If he will the new tenants? Given the one reasonable offer rule, bring forward proposals to increase the powers of local surely some existing tenants will no longer be able to authorities to tackle unauthorised development. [50347] afford to stay in their property, and some potential tenants will not be able to afford to take the one The Secretary of State for Communities and Local reasonable offer. Government (Mr Eric Pickles): The Government take the problem of unauthorised development seriously. Among other measures, the Localism Bill, which completed Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to its Committee stage in the House of Commons on say that there are problems with the allocation policy at 10 March, includes provisions aimed at strengthening the moment. One thing that we plan to do through local planning authorities’ powers to tackle the issue. the Localism Bill is to provide much greater flexibility to allocations. For example, if somebody is seeking to Mr Leigh: Unauthorised developments, particularly move home within the sector, they should not have to illegal Traveller sites, have poisoned relations in our join the back of the regular queue. In addition, by the communities. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that end of this year we will have set up a mobility scheme, he will use to the full the new powers in his Localism which will cover 90% of homes in this country. Bill to ensure that local councils are given the powers they need to determine these issues on the basis of local Mr Speaker: David Morris is not here. The grouping need and historic demand, not imposed national quotas? therefore falls and Mr Ruffley’s question will follow later. Mr Pickles: I am happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance. In addition, we will very shortly be consulting Green Spaces on the section 106 planning guidance, which deals with Gypsy and Traveller sites, and I hope that he will contribute to that consultation. 12. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): What steps his Department is taking to protect green Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): People in Hightown, spaces from development. [50351] Melling and Lydiate in my constituency are concerned at the possible development of the green belt. Will the The Minister of State, Department for Communities Secretary of State take this opportunity to confirm and Local Government (Greg Clark): The coalition whether the new legislation will make it harder for Government have moved fast to enable communities to developers to build on the green belt, and will he allay protect their green spaces. Three measures stand out. the fears of many people that it is a developers’ charter? The first is the end to the perverse classification of gardens as brownfield land, which has led to the destructive Mr Pickles: No, the way in which we intend to deal practice of garden grabbing. The second is the abolition with problems of unauthorised developments is to get of density targets so that developers have greater freedom tougher. We are doing four things. We are going to deal to provide homes with gardens. The third is the introduction with the question of concealed buildings and those who of neighbourhood plans, which will allow local people seek to hide a dwelling behind a construction; we will be to safeguard green spaces and incorporate them into increasing the penalties; we are going to ensure that their vision of their community. people can appeal either for an enforcement order or a retrospective planning application, not both; and we are Mr Sheerman: Can the Minister therefore explain to going to increase the ability to deal with fly-posting. me what on earth the Chancellor of the Exchequer was Our general policy is this: we intend to ensure that the talking about in his Budget speech? One of the most green belt is held solid and absolutely inviolate by this important parts of the speech was on how he would free Administration. We are not going to follow the tenets of up the country to developers. Most people in Huddersfield the former Labour Government by concreting over the now know that their green spaces—not green belt, but green belt. green spaces—are vulnerable to being built on. 733 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 734

Greg Clark: Of course, they are not. At the moment, Robert Neill: My hon. Friend is quite right. The the regional strategies place a threat over communities, Government have made it abundantly clear that significant as the hon. Gentleman knows. He is a great localist, and sums are held by local authorities in reserves, much of he and I agree on this. I commend his blog to those on which is not allocated. Sensible use of those funds at a the Opposition Front Bench, who are chuntering away. time of financial crisis would enable councils to protect There is a very persuasive piece on this matter under the their front-line services. title, “The party I love is a party of ideals. That’s why I back David Miliband”. It states: Leisure Facilities “I’ve always wanted to be in a party rooted in our diverse communities…nourished and reinvigorated by the ideas and aspirations that stem from our grass roots.” 16. Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): We are giving the grass roots the right to determine the What recent representations he has received on local future of their green spaces, something for which I authority funding for leisure facilities. [50355] welcome his support. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): We Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): Rural buffer have received four parliamentary questions and a number zones and other planning designations protect areas of letters that included references to local leisure facilities. such as my constituency from the westward expansion of Swindon. Does the Minister agree that, leaving aside Alec Shelbrooke: May I urge the Minister to take a the green belt, we have all kinds of ways in which to closer look at Labour-led Leeds city council, which is protect our countryside from excessive building? cutting funding to Garforth leisure centre in my constituency yet continues to waste taxpayers’ money, such as £6 million Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is right that development on new furniture? must be sustainable and must not compromise the ability of future generations to enjoy the environment Robert Neill: I hope the council did not go to the that we have. The Government’s policy has always been same suppliers that gave our Department the sofas and clear in that regard. the peace pod. I note that Leeds city council has £32 million in its reserves, and I hope that it might consider a use for Local Government (Employment) that money to support facilities in my hon. Friend’s constituency. 14. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): What assessment he has made of the likely effects of reductions in Local Authority Executive Pay Government funding on the number of people employed by local authorities in 2011-12. [50353] 17. Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con): What recent representations he has received on the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for levels of remuneration for local government executives. Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): The [50356] Department makes no such centralised estimates for the good reason that it is for individual councils to make The Secretary of State for Communities and Local their own decisions about how their local work forces Government (Mr Eric Pickles): Representations have are organised and managed to ensure the efficient delivery been received from Members of Parliament, leaders of of services for local taxpayers. local authorities, trade union branches and members of the public. Although it is a matter for individual councils, we expect restraint and leadership to be shown Nic Dakin: The Tory-led Local Government Association locally when setting senior pay. We have introduced has made the estimate, however, that 140,000 jobs will measures in the Localism Bill to increase local democratic go as a result of these policies. PricewaterhouseCoopers accountability for decisions on senior pay. We have has said that for every job lost in the public sector, also been consulting on proposed new transparency one will go in the private sector. That makes almost arrangements for local government, including how public 300,000 jobs. How on earth can that help the recovery? money is used in relation to senior pay.

Robert Neill: That is because the Government are Mr Ruffley: Forty-three per cent. of chief executives committed to reducing the deficit to enable a proper are paid more than the Prime Minister, and their pay and sustainable private sector-led recovery. That is no has increased by more than 78% in the past five years. doubt why the Office for Budget Responsibility has Does my right hon. Friend agree that this culture of demonstrated that there will be an increase in private excessive pay is a direct result of the last Labour sector jobs of 1.3 million over the same period. That is Government’s consistent ability to spend more than this nearly four times the figure quoted by the hon. Gentleman. country could afford?

Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Is it not the case that Mr Pickles: I entirely agree. Chief executives’ pay has if councils used their reserves more effectively, unlike got completely out of kilter. There are now 800 local Manchester city council, and did not keep sending government employees in the top 1% of all earners officers out of the door at half a million a pop, like according to Will Hutton’s figures. With regard to the Nottingham city council, so many jobs would not have chief executive of Suffolk, that county does many fine to be lost? things and is an exemplar authority in many ways, but 735 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 736 the chief executive’s refusal to take a pay cut has agreements in a scaled-back form, alongside the community meant that she has detracted from Suffolk’s many fine infrastructure levy, to fund local infrastructure and achievements. community facilities.

Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): Will the Caroline Nokes: Given that commitment to empowering Secretary of State look in particular at the case of local people, is there any intention to provide greater Mr Nick Johnson, who for the past four years has flexibility to parish councils, such as Sherfield English supplemented his local government ill health retirement parish council, which desperately want to use accumulated pension by being paid £1,000 a day by Hammersmith section 106 moneys, but cannot do so under current rules? and Fulham council, so that when he leaves later this year he will have taken almost £1 million from taxpayers? Greg Clark: The answer is yes. The Localism Bill In doing so, will the Secretary of State ignore the fact centres on giving greater discretion to local communities that the local Conservative party says that Mr Johnson to use the funds that come with developments so that is good value for money, and that he has advised the they can invest in infrastructure locally. We know that Tory party on housing policy? one of the sources of opposition to development is people’s reasonable fear that they will not get the Mr Pickles: I kind of understand that it has never infrastructure that the development requires. We are been a glad morning since the hon. Gentleman lost his changing that through the Bill. position as housing chairman at Hammersmith. Frankly, abusing somebody from the safety of this Chamber Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): A recent scrutiny does him no credit at all. report at Wiltshire council revealed that it had failed to claim £16 million of section 106 agreements to date. Council Tax Given the pressures on councils to spend on and invest in the infrastructure in their communities, does the Minister agree that now would be a good time to make 18. Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): What such claims? change in band D council tax he expects (a) on average in local authorities in England and (b) in Tamworth Greg Clark: It would be an excellent time. My hon. borough between 2010-11 and 2011-12. [50357] Friend’s suggestion should apply to councils throughout the country. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr Eric Pickles): Average band D council Mr Speaker: I call Robert Halfon. He is not here. tax for all local authorities in England, including Tamworth, I therefore call David Rutley to ask Question 21. is unchanged between 2010-11 and 2011-12. David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con) rose— Christopher Pincher: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that answer. By sharing back-office services with Lichfield district council and by bearing down on Mr Speaker: Order. I apologise. The hon. Member furniture and other equipment costs, Tamworth borough for Harlow (Robert Halfon) has just entered the Chamber. council has managed to keep council tax frozen, reduce He is only just in time, but he is here. its spending and ensure that it is doing a good job. Will my right hon. Friend please commend the Conservative- Council Tax controlled council, and its retiring value-for-money chief executive David Weatherley, for the work that they have 20. Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): What recent estimate done? he has made of the average change to council tax bills for households in (a) Harlow, (b) Epping Forest and Mr Pickles: Of course my hon. Friend has much to (c) Essex between 2010-11 and 2011-12. [50359] be proud of in Tamworth council. It clearly cares about front-line services and is not prepared, as some Labour The Secretary of State for Communities and Local councils have been, to use the poor as a battering ram Government (Mr Eric Pickles): It is good to see my hon. against the Government for base political motives. Friend in his usual place. Council tax bills for Harlow, Epping Forest and Essex Section 106 Revenue are unchanged between 2010-11 and 2011-12. That pleases me, too, as my hon. Friend and I are constituency 19. Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) neighbours and share Epping Forest and Essex. (Con): What plans he has for the future of rules governing the use of section 106 moneys collected by Robert Halfon: It is the second year in a row that local authorities. [50358] Harlow council has frozen council tax without having a major impact on front-line services. Will the Secretary The Minister of State, Department for Communities of State meet Harlow councillors to learn how their and Local Government (Greg Clark): The Government example can be spread throughout the country? are committed to delivering a simplified, locally driven planning system that supports sustainable economic Mr Pickles: As my hon. Friend is my neighbour, it growth and development. A key part of that is the will obviously be a pleasure to visit an exemplar council, framework that ensures that local communities benefit which is doing the right thing: protecting front-line directly from development. We intend to retain section 106 services and keeping down the council tax. 737 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 738

Mr Speaker: I call Mr David Rutley, whose patience of social, affordable and all types of homes will be built is rewarded. across the social and regular housing sectors because this country needs homes, for which the new homes Efficiency Savings bonus will provide a significant boost.

21. David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): What mechanisms Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): Does the Minister his Department is using to achieve efficiency savings in agree that special measures are likely to be required in its budget for 2011-12. [50360] areas such as Bradford, which has low market rents, because raising our rents up to the 80% level will yield The Secretary of State for Communities and Local no additional funds for new social housing starts? Government (Mr Eric Pickles): My Department will deliver efficiency savings in the next financial year by Grant Shapps: Let us be clear that the existing social driving down our core running costs and through key housing programme continues—£2.2 billion goes into contracts that have been renegotiated. This is expected that. An additional amount will go into affordable rent. to deliver efficiency savings of around £11 million: Affordable rent does not mean 80% of market rent. The £4.2 million from information technology, £6.5 million key words are “up to” 80% of the local market rent, from buildings and £0.6 million from facilities management. meaning that in some areas, the figures will be somewhere in between social rent and the market rent, but not necessarily 80%. David Rutley: I welcome the steps that the Secretary of State is taking to realise efficiency savings and improve Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): accountability and transparency. Does my right hon. May I draw attention to my entry in the register? Friend agree that more must be done to create a real value-for-money culture in more local councils in the Will the Minister admit that he will not build any country, and that that aim should feature more strongly social rented homes at all, and that the ones that will be in public servants’ objectives so that it is reflected in built are all inherited from the previous Government? their work in the communities and for council tax His policy of so-called affordable rented homes—at payers? 80% of market rents—will not produce any social rent properties, and even worse, it will require the conversion of former social rent properties to so-called affordable Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend makes a reasonable rent properties when they become available for re-let. point. It is particularly important for my Department That means no new affordable social rented homes, and to take a lead. That is why we have been so keen to more people waiting for a home that they can afford. reduce the central costs of our budgets and to take a lead in reorganising the Department to recognise its changing role, whereby it no longer dictates to local Grant Shapps: It seems obvious to me that if homes government, but tries to enable more power to go to are not built today or at least at the time of the election, local communities. and we subsequently build them, they will be counted in the homes that we build. The fact that we have decided New Social Housing to continue to put £2.2 billion into the build programme in addition to the affordable rent programme means that we will out-build the previous Labour Government 22. Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): What estimate not just over four years, but in comparison to their his Department has made of the likely number of new 13 years, in every single year. social housing starts between May 2010 and April 2015. [50362] Shared Ownership Schemes

The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant 23. Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con): What steps his Shapps): We are investing £4.5 billion in new affordable Department is taking to increase the flexibility of access housing over the next four years, with the hope of to shared ownership schemes for first-time buyers. producing 150,000 new affordable homes. [50363]

Kerry McCarthy: I thank the Minister for his reply, The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant although I note that he referred just to affordable Shapps): The Government are committed to supporting housing, not to affordable social housing. Given the those who aspire to own their own homes. As announced imminent publication of the Government’s child poverty in the Budget, we are introducing the Firstbuy equity strategy, what conversations has he had with colleagues loan scheme, and the Homes and Communities Agency’s in other Departments about the impact of the lack of affordable housing programme in 2011 to 2015 will affordable social housing on achieving our child poverty include affordable home ownership where appropriate targets? in local circumstances.

Grant Shapps: The hon. Lady is right to draw the Jane Ellison: I very much welcome that additional subject to the House’s attention. It is sadly true that flexibility. Some of my constituents have said that they there were 45,000 fewer affordable social homes in this find existing schemes to be a bit over-bureaucratic, country following 13 years of her party’s being in particularly as regards the relationship between where power. I have had extensive conversations with colleagues people live and where they work. I hope the Minister across Government to ensure that, in the next 13 years—or will look to new schemes to reduce the hurdles that face at least in the next four—a significantly greater number first-time buyers. 739 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 740

Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): May I associate point out that the bureaucratic burdens have become a the Opposition with the Secretary of State’s comments complete nightmare. When the Labour party eventually about the people and firefighters in Japan? There, as in gets to the point of reflecting on why it was booted out this country, the emergency services go towards danger of power, it will realise that one reason was that the level to save others and our thoughts are with those in Japan of bureaucracy—the top-down diktats and the impossible at this time. paperwork before anyone could do almost anything in It seems that with every passing day Ministers are this country, particularly build homes—led to fewer being forced to rethink ill-thought-through policies. homes being built than at any time post-war. One Government policy that councillors and the public do not understand is the decision to front-load cuts to Topical Questions council budgets. Will the Secretary of State tell councillors, communities and Members of the House why it was T1. [50329] Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North necessary for the heaviest cuts to local government to Poole) (LD): If he will make a statement on his fall in this first year? departmental responsibilities. Mr Pickles: I am grateful for the right hon. Lady’s The Secretary of State for Communities and Local remarks about our firefighters. May I respectfully remind Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I am sure the whole her that the Labour party was due to introduce cuts this House would like to place on record its gratitude for the year and that local government was not protected and professionalism and commitment of the 60 firefighters therefore would have faced higher cuts under Labour who are deployed as part of the UK’s international than under the coalition Government? search and rescue team assisting the victims of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. With the number of dead and Caroline Flint: There is no evidence of that and I missing growing daily, our thoughts are with the brave assure the right hon. Gentleman that Labour would not Japanese people. have front-loaded the cuts to local government. As on many occasions, the Secretary of State has not answered The Budget revealed our plans to help support local the question and has left us with no idea why the enterprise and jobs, including the extension of the front-loaded cuts were necessary. As was said earlier, business rates holiday for small firms and small shops. the Housing Minister let slip that the Government The Department is the lead Department for enterprise knew all along that Labour councils representing the zones, and we will make further announcements in the poorest areas of our country were getting the worst of coming weeks. Letters detailing the first payments of the cuts. Is it fair that while the Secretary of State’s own the new homes bonus go out to local authorities today. local council loses just £17 per head this year, councils The Department has published its plans for a future of such as Manchester and Liverpool, which he has criticised, local audit and delivery that is better value for money are losing nearly 10 times as much? for taxpayers than the failed Audit Commission regime. The new rules to stop unfair competition from municipal Mr Pickles: My local council has a budget that would newspapers are now in effect. I am sure that local press have been lost in the sub-committees of Manchester and the public noticed that Labour MPs voted en bloc city council. Labour’s Budget in March 2010 admitted to defend town hall Pravdas. there would be cuts to regional development agency regeneration, the working neighbourhoods fund, the Mr Speaker: That was a very long answer, but I am local enterprise growth initiative, the housing and planning sure they will be shorter in future. delivery grant and time-limited community programmes— and that was just the start. The front-loaded cuts from Annette Brooke: May I associate myself with the the Labour party would have meant £14 billion-worth Secretary of State’s comments on those brave firefighters, of cuts falling in this year. Under Labour cuts, unprotected and express sympathy for the people of Japan? Departments would have received an average real-terms With reference to the review of the statutory duties cut, over the spending review period, greater than those placed on local authorities, the Secretary of State will under the coalition’s deficit reduction plan. be aware that there is a great deal of concern among families with disabled children and young people. Can T2. [50330] Tim Farron (Westmorland and Lonsdale) he give us some clarity on this matter, and confirm that (LD): Because of mistakes made by Cumbria county no changes will be made to statutory duties relating to council in its single status process, Cumbria’s outstanding that group without formal consultation and a full impact teaching assistants face a 30% drop in pay and assessment? deprofessionalisation. Will the Minister meet me, representatives of Cumbria’s teaching assistants and Mr Pickles: I think I can go further than that and tell the county council to find a solution to this impasse so my hon. Friend that we will not be making any changes that Cumbria’s teaching assistants can be fairly rewarded to that duty. I am grateful to her for raising this issue and Cumbria’s children can be properly supported? because it comes out of an agreement between the Government parties and the Local Government Association The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for in which we decided to get an audit of statutory duties. Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): Iam That has been established for the first time, but the fact always happy to meet my hon. Friend, but I am sure he that we have been able to count those numbers does not will understand that the role of central Government in mean that we are going to make any significant reductions relation to local government pay and work force issues in them—certainly not in relation to the matters to is extremely limited because they are rightly for local which she has referred. councillors to decide in local circumstances. 741 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 742

T3. [50331] John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): Planning Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab): Ministers will have applications for wind farms, Travellers’ sites and new seen the wealth of evidence showing that increased housing—which of those will parish councils be given a street lighting leads to lower levels of crime, so do they veto over and when? share my concern that Nottinghamshire county council wants to reduce street lighting and will they join me in Robert Neill: I suggest that the hon. Gentleman awaits urging it to think again? the publication of the details of our national planning policy framework, which will set out the parameters Mr Pickles: My own local authority is considering within which all local plans will be drawn up. similar measures, and providing that that is done at a reasonable time, in the early hours of the morning, it is T4. [50332] Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Parish a sensible move towards greening our provision. However, councils are an important part of the structure of local in places where there are difficulties with crime, I would government, but they often feel that they have to take expect local consultation to take place. an unfair and disproportionate regulatory burden, the latest of which is that they will all be obliged to employ T6. [50334] Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): their parish clerks, with all that entails, such as making Can the Minister give an update on the expected timing national insurance contributions, although many such of a further announcement on the proposed eco-town clerks get only an honorarium, which they could easily at Bordon, and does he agree that there should be a declare in their annual personal tax return. Does my local referendum before any large-scale development right hon. Friend agree? there takes place?

Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend remarks on an issue of The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant some importance, particularly to smaller parishes. I am Shapps): Just to be clear, my hon. Friend raises an a little surprised that some of the professional organisations important subject, because eco-towns were being pushed associated with parish councils have welcomed the move, on to areas without local communities having any say but I think it would be sensible for my hon. Friend to about them. Indeed, there was even a separate planning meet me and a Treasury Minister to see if we can sort policy statement about eco-homes under the previous this matter out. Government. We are not in the game of pushing communities into building homes in ways that are not Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): In June, east compatible or sustainable locally. I am absolutely certain Lancashire was hit hardest by the area-based grant that my hon. Friend’s local authority will want to take reductions, and in October, it was again hit hardest by notice of all local opinions and balance that against the reductions in the support grant and the axing of the things such as the new homes bonus benefits, which it housing market renewal programme. Today we find out will get from building new homes. that east Lancashire authorities feature in the bottom 27 for payouts under the new homes bonus. In fact, my Conservative council is to receive just £62,000—despite Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): Does the Secretary being one of the most deprived in the country—out of of State still believe that abolishing the Audit Commission 350 authorities. It is understandable why—we have 1,300 will provide savings of £50 million a year, or has that empty properties and a Conservative council—but does figure been revised? the Secretary of State accept that the new homes bonus is unfair and hitting the deprived hard? Grant Shapps: The hon. Gentleman raises a point about the abolition of the Audit Commission, which I Mr Pickles: The hon. Gentleman should recognise see is still going out to promote its cause in the weekend that we have done what he asked us to do, which is to newspapers. The reality is that we need local audit that bring those empty homes into the new homes bonus is efficient and brings competition into the marketplace. and turn empty homes into property. He and the House We see no reason whatever to have the country’s fifth also need to understand that the allocation of the new biggest auditor owned by this Government. homes bonus is about building houses or bringing derelict houses back into use. It is not on the basis of permissions; T7. [50335] Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) it is about getting things built. My advice to him is to (LD): I was shocked to hear in the media that disabled get back to his council and tell it to get building. people under-occupying homes will have their housing benefit cut. Can the Minister either dispel that rumour, T5. [50333] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): In or at least tell the House what estimate he has made of last week’s Budget debate, the Secretary of State told the cost of rehousing those disabled people and then the House that at the heart of his approach to planning carrying out the necessary adaptations in their new was a presumption in favour of sustainable development. homes? What does he understand sustainable development to be? Grant Shapps: Of the changes that we are making in affordable housing and social housing allocations, the The Minister of State, Department for Communities most important thing is protecting the most vulnerable and Local Government (Greg Clark): It is a very good people. The whole House will agree that when resources question. The Brundtland commission captured the are tight, paying for spare rooms—rather than paying classic definition of sustainable development, which is for people to live in the homes that are available—does development that does not compromise the needs of not make sense. In those changes, however, we will future generations in meeting the needs of the present ensure that disabled people are protected in the best generation. possible way. 743 Oral Answers4 APRIL 2011 Oral Answers 744

Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): The particularly in the world of planning, but can the Minister last Labour Government oversaw the greatest renaissance reassure my constituents that the announcements about of our cities since the Victorian age. Central to that was growth and planning applications in last week’s Budget the densification of development on brownfield sites. will not be contradicted? Why have the Government junked that policy for more sprawl, the destruction of the countryside and the gutting Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is right. I can certainly of our cities? give that assurance. He will know that in our election manifesto and in the coalition agreement, we said that Greg Clark: Under the previous Government’s target, we would bring in neighbourhood planning and a gardens in cities, which make a huge contribution to the presumption in favour of sustainable development. We biodiversity and pleasantness of life in cities, were erased. are doing that. We have got rid of that, and our cities can breathe easily as a result. Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): Residents of Wideopen in North Tyneside have for a number of T8. [50336] Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): How does years defended a green open space from development. the Localism Bill help communities like Dover and They won one appeal, but the latest planning application Deal? has resulted in a public inquiry. Will the Secretary of State commend the residents on their commitment to Greg Clark: Dover and Deal are fortunate indeed to save the open space and please agree to meet me about have a representative who is as passionate a localist as this matter? my hon. Friend. I know that he is crusading to have the port of Dover retained in the hands of the local community. Mr Pickles: The hon. Lady will, I am sure, understand As Members know, the Localism Bill provides an that I deal with these matters in a quasi-judicial way, so opportunity for local communities to make a bid for it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment assets of community value—and I dare say this might that might be interpreted as prejudging any appeal. provide such an opportunity.

Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): Given T10. [50338] Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): Does the the Secretary of State’s well-publicised comments about Minister agree that shared services are the way forward “Pravda on the rates” and his desire to stop unnecessary in local government? The chief executive of Redditch council publications, what message does he have for and Bromsgrove councils, Kevin Dicks, has already Liberal Democrat-controlled Stockport council, which managed to save hundreds of thousands of pounds by continues to publish the “Civic Review”, promoting uniting services between the two councils. Is this not only Liberal Democrat councillors just weeks before the the way to cut costs while improving services? local elections? Mr Pickles: My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. Mr Pickles: I would say to my hon. Friends, “Beware I am pleased to see that local authorities up and down of friendly fire.” the land—regardless of whether they be county, district or metropolitan—are increasingly looking towards joining T9. [50337] Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) together to get better value and protect the front line. I (Con): My constituents support the Localism Bill and am truly sorry that that enthusiasm is not shared by the empowerment it will bring to local communities, Opposition Members. 745 4 APRIL 2011 Armed Forces Redundancies 746

Armed Forces Redundancies actions. On previous occasions the Secretary of State has simply shouted some political slogans across the Chamber, and I hope that the change of Minister today 3.32 pm signals a change in tone, because armed forces families Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab) (Urgent are expecting a different tone. Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Labour Members are committed to a bipartisan approach he will make a statement on armed forces redundancies. to policy on both Afghanistan and Libya. The Secretary of State originally gave a commitment that none of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence those currently serving in Afghanistan would be sacked (Mr Andrew Robathan): Today, the Army and the Royal on their return, but has since had to admit that he Navy will announce details of their tranche 1 redundancy cannot honour that commitment, and that personnel fields, setting out the specialisations, branches and ranks will be sacked after their post-operational leave. Can from which we are seeking volunteers for redundancy. the Minister confirm that those serving in and around This was a planned, publicised and expected announcement, Libya at this very moment will also be liable for compulsory following that already completed for the Royal Air redundancy in September? Force on 1 March this year to deliver the necessary reductions in the size of our armed forces as required by As for the sacking of RAF trainee pilots, the Secretary the strategic defence and security review. of State said—quite fairly, I thought— We had wanted to lay a written ministerial statement “It would make common sense to ensure that those closest to the end of their course could be allowed to continue, if possible.”— at 4 o’clock this afternoon—a time chosen by the services [Official Report, 15 February 2011; Vol. 523, c. 820.] to allow sufficient time for them to brief service personnel ahead of them hearing about it from a third party. How much common sense has prevailed? How many Indeed, many will have read a story on armed forces trainee pilots have been sacked within just 10 hours of redundancy published in The Daily Telegraph on Saturday. earning their RAF wings? It was extremely disappointing that any details were We all know that no one can stop all redundancies in leaked and equally appalling that the press would publish the Ministry of Defence. However, the first time this was a story that will in no way change the difficult decisions mishandled, Ministers said that it had been an accident. we have to make, but adds a further concern to service The second time, they said that it had been a mistake. In personnel and their families—a position we have striven the opinion of Labour Members, the third time is to avoid. Indeed, it was to allow all personnel to be simply inexcusable. It is time for this shabby treatment briefed that we passed details to the chain of command of our armed forces to end, and it must end soon. on Friday. Mr Robathan: This is no accident. On 1 March, the As has been made clear in this House on several Secretary of State said in response to a question from occasions, we would prefer not to make anyone redundant, the right hon. Gentleman that there would be an but we have to do this to make the very real required announcement today on redundancies as they were savings in defence costs to take control of the deficit. As planned. [Interruption.] It was in the House of Commons. has been emphasised, this Government will not, for As Opposition Front Benchers know full well, it was political expediency, shy away from announcing details planned for a written ministerial statement to be issued when they are expected; our armed forces deserve this at 4 pm, and indeed I was going to conduct a briefing honesty. for Members of Parliament in all parties to explain the The redundancy programme will not impact adversely situation. Instead, the shadow Secretary of State, the on the current operations in Afghanistan or in Libya, right hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy), where our armed forces are fighting so bravely on this has decided that a Minister should come to the House country’s behalf. This was a key assumption in the of Commons. What we are announcing is not new; this strategic defence and security review. We will inform all is political expediency on the part of the Labour party. those individuals selected for redundancy in this, the The right hon. Gentleman was told on 1 March that the first of up to four tranches, in September 2011—specifically, written ministerial statement would be issued. 1 September for the Army and RAF and 30 September for the Royal Navy. Those voluntarily leaving the armed The right hon. Gentleman raised three points in forces will do so within six months; non-volunteers will particular. First, he mentioned redundancies following do so within a year. For all those leaving the armed post-operational leave. Of course those who have served forces as a result of these changes, every effort will be in Afghanistan may have to be considered for redundancy, made to assist in what can often be a difficult transition. because 55% of the Army [Interruption]—which, as We will continue to work hard in this area. Our people Opposition Members have spotted, amounts to 11 out deserve nothing less. of 20—will have served in Afghanistan. Secondly, the right hon. Gentleman raised the issue Mr Murphy: For the third time in just seven weeks, of people on operations in Libya. We do not yet know Ministers have had to be summoned to the House of what operations will be current in September, when people Commons to speak about the treatment of our armed will receive their redundancy notices. We are considering forces. I should have thought that after the sacking of the matter carefully, and we would certainly not wish warrant officers by e-mail and the sacking of trainee to make anyone who is serving on combat operations RAF pilots by media press release, Ministers would be redundant. banging on your door, Mr Speaker, demanding the Finally, the right hon. Gentleman asked about right to come here to make a statement rather than redundancies of RAF pilots who had only had 10 hours being summoned to appear before the House. Let us of training to go. I am afraid I cannot comment on that, hope that this is the last occasion on which Ministers but I shall write to the right hon. Gentleman and let will be dragged here to explain their Department’s him know the answer. 747 Armed Forces Redundancies4 APRIL 2011 Armed Forces Redundancies 748

Mr John Redwood (Wokingham)(Con): Will the Minister Mr Robathan: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely remind the House how many uniformed armed services right: we have a responsibility to make sure our armed personnel will need to leave the service over the next two forces personnel and their families are properly looked years under the current plans, and will he tell us why after, and that is what I do. I should say that in September this cannot be done by means of natural wastage rather when individuals are issued with redundancy notices, than redundancies? volunteers for compulsory redundancy—that is the way it is put—will have six months of notice to work, while Mr Robathan: As far as possible, it is being done by those who are compulsory non-volunteers will have means of natural wastage, and indeed by reducing 12 months of notice to work. They have full resettlement recruiting, but, as my right hon. Friend will understand, courses, which are extremely valuable, and I should say we must continue to recruit because otherwise there will to both the House and the people outside that the be an imbalance in the armed forces. The number that personnel who serve in the armed forces are first rate we are looking at, off the top of my head—in fact I have and almost invariably find that outside employers wish it here, if my right hon. Friend will wait one second—is to take them on because of their qualities. 11,000. Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): Will my Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): The right hon. Friend confirm that the strategic defence and Minister says these cuts will have no impact on either security review has factored in operations such as the Afghanistan or Libya, but can he confirm that, despite one we are undertaking in Libya, and that we will retain the leading role we have played in the Libya operation, the personnel to be able to respond to such events we are providing only about 8% of the aircraft being again? used in the no-fly zone and the Chief of the Air Staff has today said that the Royal Air Force is stretched to Mr Robathan: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for breaking point? How does the Minister square the that question, because he is absolutely right. The National following three points: the stretch, the fact that we are Security Council came up with various scenarios, including providing only 8% of those aircraft, and his insistence operations such as the one in which we are currently that the cuts are having no effect on operations? partaking in Libya.

Mr Robathan: I know that the right hon. Gentleman Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): Will played a very honourable part in the last Government the Minister say how many people in the armed forces explaining to the then Prime Minister how he was will be made compulsorily redundant? trying to increase operational capacity without increasing spending, and I know that he pointed out to the last Prime Minister that there was not enough money for Mr Robathan: All 11,000 redundancies are termed our operational requirements. On the Royal Air Force compulsory. We are hoping that we will receive volunteers in particular, as the Prime Minister said in October, and for as many posts as possible, but we are not just going as the Chief of the Air Staff has confirmed and explicitly to accept volunteers because some of them will be stated in his article, we wish to see an uplift in real-terms people we wish to keep, so we will not want them to defence spending from 2015. The Prime Minister has enter the redundancy programme. said that. Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): We all very Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): much regret every single compulsory redundancy under Will my right hon. Friend outline the extent to which this deficit-driven SDSR, but we none the less accept the rules on regular reserve liability will affect those they have to happen. Does the Minister agree that it is being made redundant, and confirm that those who do terribly important that those involved are given the have that liability will be kept close, up to date and most generous possible conditions of redundancy, whether informed, as they form a very valuable potential contingency voluntary or compulsory, in keeping, of course, with in the event of a declining international situation? their normal terms of service?

Mr Robathan: I could not agree with my hon. Friend Mr Robathan: Yes, I do agree. Individuals will find more. The regular reserve personnel do, indeed, play a that the terms of redundancy are generous and attractive, very important role, and I will make sure that they are which is why we expect a lot of people to volunteer. kept informed. John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): Mr David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab): May I point Will the Minister order an official inquiry into the way out to the Minister that the armed forces do not have that our armed forces personnel continue to learn of any trade union or federation representing them, and it their fate through the newspapers, and will that inquiry is up to everyone in this House to look after their investigate Ministers themselves? interests? What is the Minister doing to ensure that, for those who might be affected by these cuts, there are Mr Robathan: No. after-care services in place so they have assistance in looking for jobs and families are not moved out their homes? What are we as a Parliament going to do to Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): For the sake ensure that we look after the people who protect this of clarity, will the Minister confirm that the reductions country? in manpower announced today are not in addition to 749 Armed Forces Redundancies4 APRIL 2011 Armed Forces Redundancies 750

[Dan Byles] media in these cases deeply regrettable. All that does is create an atmosphere in which people are uncertain and anything announced in the strategic defence and security concerned about their futures. review? Were all the reductions planned, and had the Minister always planned on coming to the House today Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): Is the right hon. Gentleman to announce them? aware of the UK manufacturing industry’s profound disquiet at the continued reduction in the capacity of Mr Robathan: Indeed, we announced to the House the armed forces? Has he discussed such matters with on 1 March that the redundancy programme would be the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and announced on 4 April. That is exactly what was planned Skills, or only with the Treasury? in the SDSR and there is nothing in addition. I am Mr Robathan: UK defence manufacturing is not my sorry that some people have wished to make political responsibility and I have not discussed it with the capital of the matter. Secretary of State. Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Why do two out of Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): three items of vital equipment fail to reach our combat Will the Minister confirm that the redundancies apply troops on time? only to regular and not reserve forces?

Mr Robathan: I have known the hon. Gentleman for Mr Robathan: I am confident that the review into a long time and know that he takes a particular interest reserve forces, “Future Reserves 2020”, will lead to a in these issues, but I do not think his facts are correct on more robust reserve forces scenario and I look forward this occasion. There were issues in the past but—and to reading it shortly. here I will be rather consensual—equipment procurement got a lot better during the final years of the previous Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): In his initial comments, Administration. Equipment procurement is now much the Minister deplored the fact that these details had better, particularly in operational areas. been leaked to the media, yet he said to my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness (John Woodcock) Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman and that he would not hold an investigation into the matter, the Minister for his doughty response. We will now and that he would not be looking into Ministers’ offices. return to the subject of redundancies. That is despite the fact that there have been regular briefings that clearly cannot have come from anywhere other than the Ministers’ offices. He cannot have it both Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): Thank you, ways; he must stop briefing and ensure that newspapers Mr Speaker. I have no doubt in the ability of our armed do not get these stories unfairly. forces to fulfil the tasks given to them, but I have some worries about morale. Will the Minister join me in Mr Robathan: I find it a strange accusation that I appealing to the media to take a responsible attitude to have been briefing the media on redundancies in the the way they report these facts, and to have respect for armed forces. It is not a pleasant subject and has not the chain of command? given the Government tremendously good publicity—I think we can agree about that. On past occasions, the Mr Robathan: I agree with my hon. and gallant Secretary of State has indeed instituted investigations Friend because, like him, I have served in the armed into leaks, but I assure the House that this leak did not forces and I find the political posturing and use of the come from Ministers. 751 4 APRIL 2011 Africa and the Middle East 752

Africa and the Middle East Development is flying tents for more than 10,000 displaced people from its stocks in Dubai to be distributed by the Red Crescent. Several consignments of medical supplies 3.48 pm have been successfully delivered to Misrata and, yesterday, The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth a Turkish hospital ship was able to evacuate 230 wounded Affairs (Mr William Hague): Mr Speaker, with permission, people. I will update the House on recent developments in A further British diplomatic mission has travelled to Africa and the middle east. Before I do, I know that Benghazi, led by Christopher Prentice. As I explained hon. Members on both sides will wish to join me in to the House last week, we are not engaged in arming expressing sadness and outrage at the killing of seven the opposition forces. We are prepared to supply non-lethal international UN workers in Afghanistan this weekend. equipment that will help with the protection of civilian They put themselves in harm’s way to support a better lives and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Given the life for the Afghan people. I pay tribute to those who urgent need of the interim transitional national council died and call for their killers to be brought to justice. for telecommunications equipment, the National Security The House will also share our concern about the Council has decided this morning to supply it with such heavy loss of life in Côte d’Ivoire. The UN has confirmed equipment. at least 462 deaths and up to 1 million people have been On Wednesday, Libya’s Foreign Minister, Musa Kusa, displaced. I discussed the situation this morning with joined other prominent Libyan figures who have resigned Jean Ping, who chairs the African Union Commission. their positions. He flew to the UK from Tunisia of his The African Union has led mediation efforts. We are also own volition, having notified our authorities shortly in close contact with the rightful President, Mr Ouattara. before his departure of his intention to travel here. In The Security Council will meet tomorrow to discuss its accordance with the EU travel ban, he was refused response. We call for an end to the violence, for defeated formal leave to enter the UK but was granted temporary former President Gbagbo to step down, for all human admission and met by officials. Musa Kusa is not being rights abuses to be investigated and for the International offered any immunity from British or international Criminal Court to investigate the crimes that appear to justice. He is not detained by us and has taken part in have taken place. discussions with officials, since his arrival, of his own We also remain in close contact with the small British free will. Today, my officials are meeting representatives community in Côte d’Ivoire. Since December, our advice of the Crown Office and Dumfries and Galloway police to British nationals has been to leave the country. to discuss their request to interview him in connection France is leading on plans to evacuate nationals of EU with the Lockerbie bombing. We will encourage Musa nations if it becomes necessary. We have sent a rapid Kusa to co-operate fully with all requests for interviews deployment team to Paris, ready to be part of any with law enforcement and investigation authorities, in evacuation, and consular officers in the region are on relation to Lockerbie as well as other issues stemming standby. from Libya’s past sponsorship of terrorism, and to seek legal representation where appropriate. As my right Britain continues to play its part in the implementation hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made clear, these of UN Security Council resolution 1973 to protect investigations are entirely independent of Government; civilians in Libya, and 34 nations are now providing a they should follow the evidence wherever it leads them, range of assistance. NATO has assumed full operating and the Government will assist them in any way possible. capability over all military operations, and since Thursday, Musa Kusa’s departure weakens the regime and exposes a total of 701 sorties and 276 strike sorties have been its utter lack of legitimacy, even in the eyes of those conducted. The coalition has all but eliminated the most closely associated with it in the past. It confirms regime’s air defence capability and stopped it bombarding that there is no future for Libya with Gaddafi in power. Libyan cities from the air. We are destroying key regime It is right that, in these circumstances, when the Foreign military assets, including main battle tanks and mobile Minister of a regime that is committing atrocities against artillery. The arms embargo is being enforced. We have its own people wishes to leave that country and to take prevented a huge loss of life and a humanitarian no part in what is happening, we should assist in that catastrophe. process. We will treat those abandoning the Gaddafi However, the regime is still able to inflict considerable regime in the following way. Any who travel to the UK damage on Libya’s civilian population using ground to speak to us will be treated with respect and in forces, and indeed is deliberately inflicting such harm, accordance with our laws. Any immigration issues will particularly in the towns of Brega, Misrata and Zintan, be considered on their merits as with any other case. If where the heaviest fighting is taking place. So long as our law enforcement authorities wish to speak to them the regime continues to attack areas of civilian population, about crimes committed by the regime, Her Majesty’s the coalition will continue military action to implement Government will in no way prevent them from doing so. the UN Security Council resolution. We take every In the case of anyone currently sanctioned by the EU precaution to minimise the risk of causing civilian and UN who breaks definitively with the regime, we will death and are seeking verification of incidents where discuss with our partners the merits of removing the this nevertheless may have happened. restrictions that apply to them while being clear that We are one of more than 30 nations contributing to that does not constitute any form of immunity whatsoever. the humanitarian effort in Libya. Food distribution is We will begin such discussions at the EU this week in taking place at six locations in opposition-held areas in the case of Musa Kusa. Sanctions are designed to the east of the country. The World Food Programme change behaviour and it is therefore right that they are has more than 10,000 tonnes of food positioned inside adjusted when new circumstances arise. We continue Libya and neighbouring countries, and hopes to reach to offer our full support to the investigations of the 85,000 people. The Department for International International Criminal Court. 753 Africa and the Middle East4 APRIL 2011 Africa and the Middle East 754

[Mr William Hague] May I also associate myself with the Foreign Secretary’s comments about the gravely worrying situation in Côte The Libyan regime is under pressure. What is required d’Ivoire? I welcome news that he has held discussions from it is clear: a genuine ceasefire as set out by President this morning with the chair of the African Union Obama and others including our Prime Minister last Commission, Jean Ping, and that contingency plans are month, an end to all attacks against civilians, the withdrawal in place for any evacuation deemed necessary. I join the of armed forces from contested cities and full access for Foreign Secretary in stating clearly and categorically humanitarian assistance. When those requirements of that Laurent Gbagbo must step down immediately. If the UN are fulfilled, air strikes to protect civilians can he does not stand down, there is clearly a risk of a stop. The world is united in believing that the Gaddafi repeat of the situation we had in Angola in 1992 when a regime has lost all legitimacy and that he must go, disputed election led to a protracted civil war. Given allowing the Libyan people to determine their own that risk, will the Foreign Secretary share with the future. House his assessment, in the light of those conversations We continue to pursue tough sanctions at the EU. with the African Union, of Nigeria’s willingness to Additional sanctions on five Libyan companies and two contemplate supporting any west African-led intervention individuals are being discussed at the EU today and if force in Côte d’Ivoire? Given the prior opposition to agreed will be in place on 12 April. We also continue to such a move by Ghana and Gambia, what assessment pursue additional sanctions with our international partners has he made of the possibility that the Economic at the UN and we hope to achieve agreement soon. The Community of West African States might be able to first meeting of the contact group on Libya that was agree to an intervention force in the event of the conflict agreed at the London conference last week will take continuing in the days, weeks and months ahead? What place next week in Doha, and I will attend. It will take assessment has he made of the number of Governments forward the work agreed at the London conference, in the African Union that still support Mr Gbagbo? maintain international unity and bring together a wide On Syria, on Friday thousands of Syrians took to the range of nations in support of a better future for Libya. streets of Douma after prayers and were reported by Elsewhere in the region, we remain very concerned the BBC to have been chanting, “We want freedom.” about the political situation in Bahrain. It is vital for the Yesterday it was reported that again thousands of people future stability of the country that the Government and had taken to the streets there, this time to bury at least leaders from all communities work together to reduce eight people who died during Friday’s protests. The sectarian tension and to create the conditions in which a legitimate demands of these protestors should be met, national dialogue can lead to real political reform. In as the Foreign Secretary said, by reform and not by Yemen, attempts at agreeing a political transition have repression. What assessment has he made of the likely repeatedly stalled or failed. There is an urgent need for impact on the reform process of the appointment of the steps to meet the legitimate demands of the Yemeni new Prime Minister, Adel Safar? people and we call on President Saleh to engage with the opposition and with the protesters in a way that Let me associate myself and the Opposition with the meets these aspirations and avoids violence. position set out by the Foreign Secretary on both Yemen We are deeply concerned by further deaths and violence and Bahrain. in Syria. We call on the Syrian Government to respect The situation in Libya has, of course, dominated the rights to free speech and peaceful protest. We call debate within and beyond the House in recent weeks. for restraint from the Syrian security forces and for the The Foreign Secretary at the weekend was optimistic Syrian authorities to investigate the deaths of protestors that we have not yet reached a stage of stalemate, but and bring those responsible to account through a fair beyond protecting civilians from the air, UN resolution and transparent process. We note the announcement of 1973 provided a range of diplomatic powers intended to certain reforms and believe that meaningful reforms deepen the isolation and increase the pressure on the that address the legitimate demands of the Syrian people Gaddafi regime. These included an expansion of asset are necessary and right. freezes, enforcing the arms embargo and measures to The United Kingdom believes that the people of all prevent mercenaries from flying into Libya. Will the these countries must be able to determine their own Foreign Secretary provide an update specifically on the futures and that the international community must be implementation of these non-military diplomatic aspects bold and ambitious in supporting those countries that of resolution 1973? are on the path to greater political and economic freedom. That is why across the region we stand for reform not I welcome the fact that Christopher Prentice’s team is repression, and why in Libya, supported by the full in Benghazi assessing the situation and entering into authority of the United Nations, we are acting to save dialogue with the interim national council. The Foreign many lives threatened by one of the most repressive Secretary has just told the House that “we are not regimes of them all. engaged in arming the opposition forces. We are prepared to supply non-lethal equipment that will help with the Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire protection of civilian lives and the delivery of humanitarian South) (Lab): I thank the Foreign Secretary for his aid.” He went on to say that he had decided this statement and for allowing me advance sight of it this morning with his colleagues on the National Security afternoon. May I also join him in expressing revulsion Council to supply the transitional national council with on behalf of the Opposition at the murders of the seven telecommunications equipment. Will he therefore inform UN workers in Afghanistan this weekend? He is right—and the House whether opposition military forces have been speaks for the whole House in this—generously to in receipt of any support from British military personnel commend their work and unequivocally to condemn in maintaining or upgrading the military equipment their killers. that they already possess? 755 Africa and the Middle East4 APRIL 2011 Africa and the Middle East 756

Turning to the case of Musa Kusa, his defection Côte d’Ivoire to help ensure civilian protection in Abidjan should be taken as a welcome sign of the disillusionment and elsewhere. We will also discuss the international and disunity within the Gaddafi regime. Following his response to the mounting civilian casualty list and defection, can the Foreign Secretary give us his latest reports of atrocities in the country. We will urge the assessment of the situation within the Gaddafi regime? swift investigation by the UN-mandated commission of In particular, how seriously should the House treat the inquiry into reports of horrific human rights abuses in discussions between Musa Kusa’s successor and the Côte d’Ivoire, which are not necessarily all on one side. Greek Foreign Minister in trying to find a way of All abuses must be investigated. However, I do not resolving the conflict? Clearly, our first priority has to think that Nigeria and other west African countries are be the urgent operational need to ascertain information contemplating an intervention force on top of the fighting from Musa Kusa with respect to the present conflict in that is happening there now. Libya. UN Security Council resolution 1973 must be In Syria, as the right hon. Gentleman says, a new enforced, and if he can help in any way to bring that Prime Minister has been appointed. As in all these about, all sides of the House must surely welcome it. cases, we will have to judge by actions, rather than However, many in the House will want to know that words. The Syrian President has committed himself to Musa Kusa is not and should not be above British or certain reforms, but it is clear that many in Syria would international law. Last week I supported calls saying like those to be much more far reaching. We in the that the appropriate authorities including, of course, United Kingdom recommend reforms that meet the the police should in time be able to ask him all the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. I think that necessary questions about Libya’s violent history, not the new Prime Minister, and indeed the President, will least here on British soil. The murder of a police officer be judged by that. in Northern Ireland on Saturday, on which Ministers On Libya, the overall implementation of the sanctions are due to give a statement later today, will no doubt set out in UN resolutions 1970 and 1973 is particularly remind the House of the links between the Libyan good by the standards of these things because there is regime in the past and decades of terrorism on British very strong international agreement on them. The vast soil. majority of nations in the world are fully behind the I welcome the news, therefore, that the Scottish Crown sanctions. That has led to freezes on tens of billions of Office and Dumfries and Galloway constabulary are dollars of the regime’s assets. The conflict has led to oil now in discussions with the Foreign and Commonwealth not being lifted from Libya, so the principal income of Office about how to pursue their investigations. Will the regime has also been very seriously affected. The the Foreign Secretary tell the House whether any other right hon. Gentleman asked about opposition forces authorities in the United Kingdom or in other countries and whether British forces had been involved in any way at the international level have been in contact with the in upgrading, improving or maintaining the equipment. Foreign Office over the arrival of Musa Kusa as part of I am not aware of any such efforts, so the answer to that their investigations into Libyan terrorism or crimes question is no. against humanity perpetrated in Libya? I discussed with the Greek Foreign Minister this In conclusion, both sides of the House supported the morning the efforts and discussions that took place late decision to enforce UN Security Council resolution last night in Athens between the Deputy Foreign Minister 1973. The members of our armed forces, of course, of Libya and the Greek leaders. The Libyans again put have the continuing support of the House, and the forward, as they have in various discussions over the Government have our continued support in using diplomatic past three weeks, their intention to have a ceasefire, but means to maintain pressure on, and deepen the isolation of course the Gaddafi regime has three times announced of, the Gaddafi regime. a ceasefire and yet continued its attacks, particularly the attacks on the people of Misrata, who have been placed Mr Hague: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman in a desperate situation. I believe that my colleague, the for what continues to be strong bipartisan support for Greek Foreign Minister, conveyed the message that we the operations that are taking place in Libya. He mentioned would want him to convey, which is that a ceasefire will his revulsion at the events in Afghanistan—the murders be judged by actions, not words, and that we wish to see of the UN workers. That will be felt across the House the Gaddafi regime observing the requirements that the and the whole international community. international community has placed on it. I think that On Côte d’Ivoire, the right hon. Gentleman asked these attempts to have discussions with other countries how many African Union nations there are now that do are a sign of the pressure that the regime is under, but not believe Mr Gbagbo should stand down. I think the the solution is in their hands to adopt a genuine ceasefire number is down to zero. The whole of the African and then, in the interests of their country, make it clear Union is clear about that. The African Union did try to that Colonel Gaddafi will go. mediate a solution. It is Mr Gbagbo’s persistence in I hope that my statement answered satisfactorily all trying to sit where he is, having clearly lost the election the questions that the right hon. Gentleman raised and despite the views of his own countrymen and the about Musa Kusa. Musa Kusa has come to a society efforts of the African Union, that has precipitated the that is based on law, and the way in which we treat violence we now see. people who come to this country will be based on law. It is not the belief of west African countries that they They will not be given immunity from prosecution from will need to provide an intervention force of the kind British or international authorities. Equally, we cannot the right hon. Gentleman describes, but that will be put them under a restraint that is not justified by discussed at the UN Security Council tomorrow, as I evidence against them. If they are not under arrest, they mentioned in my statement. We will strongly support are of course free to move around. Our response in greater action by the UN and French forces that are in every way will be based on law, just as our international 757 Africa and the Middle East4 APRIL 2011 Africa and the Middle East 758

[Mr Hague] hon. Friend agree that any such prosecutions should be conducted through the regular court system in Scotland, response, our implementation of UN Security Council and that we should avoid the previous incongruity of resolution 1973, is based on international law. We stick having to establish a special court at Camp Zeist in to the implementation of that resolution—nothing more Holland, as happened in the case of Mr Megrahi and and nothing less—in the military action we are undertaking, his co-accused? and that gives us our strong moral, legal and diplomatic position. Mr Hague: I had better leave any legal deliberations to those better qualified in the Government. Certainly, Several hon. Members rose— whatever appropriate method is necessary should be followed in any future prosecutions. I understand that Mr Speaker: Order. There is understandably much at the moment there is insufficient evidence to produce interest in this statement, but there are three more further prosecutions, but that may change, so I will let statements to follow and, therefore, heavy pressures on my right hon. and learned Friend raise the matter with time, so brevity, as usual, is vital. the Law Officers, rather than try to give a definite ruling on it. Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): I thank the Foreign Secretary for his statement. Does he agree that Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): May I welcome removing Colonel Gaddafi must be the focus of our the work of the Foreign Office and its agents in bringing attention? There are many around him still propping up Musa Kusa to the United Kingdom, even if he brings his regime, however, so can he confirm that there is no with him a lot of legal, diplomatic and ethical problems? viable future for those still loyal to Colonel Gaddafi as If he was responsible for giving Semtex to the IRA in long as they continue to keep him in power? the 1970s and ’80s, the people who used it to kill and main British citizens are now all out of prison and, in Mr Hague: Yes, there is no viable future for the some cases, our partners in devolved Administrations. country as long as Colonel Gaddafi is in power, and my If people want to quit their regimes, whether in Zimbabwe, hon. Friend is absolutely right that Gaddafi should go. Burma or anywhere, and come to the UK, saying that Virtually the whole world thinks that Gaddafi should they should go straight to clink and straight away face go, although let me be clear that our military objectives prosecution is not going to encourage them to defect. and activities will be strictly in accordance with the United Nations resolution—let no one be in any doubt Mr Hague: The right hon. Gentleman makes his about that. But, of course, what is required for any point clearly. We are not putting anybody straight into viable future for Libya is for Gaddafi to leave, and of clink. Musa Kusa is not detained; he is not under arrest. course we recommend to other figures in his regime that As I say, this is a society based on law, and if he is not it would be right to follow the example of Musa Kusa under arrest, he is free to do as he wishes. Equally, as a and desert a regime that has done such violence and society based on law, we do not give immunity from damage to the Libyan people. prosecution by the British authorities or international Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): However authorities. much we despise Gaddafi and everything that he represents, does the Foreign Secretary understand that there is no Mr MacShane indicated assent. wish for Britain to become actively involved in a civil war, and that resolution 1973 should not be interpreted Mr Hague: The right hon. Gentleman nods his head, in any way as Britain being involved in any way whatever so I think we have his approval. in what is, after all, a civil war, although we know which side we would like to see win? Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend accept that while of course we must observe Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman is getting involved the rule of law in this country, it may nevertheless, from there and taking sides, but I hesitate to call it a civil war. time to time, reach a point where it is in the wider It is an uprising by people who started with peaceful interest, if it is going to mean saving a lot of lives, to do demonstrations against a despotic regime that then deals with people whom we may find deeply unattractive, waged war, using heavy equipment, artillery and air and that there are a number of precedents for exactly power, against them, even at the stage when all they that? were trying to do was to demonstrate and to ask for the rights that we take for granted in so many other parts of Mr Hague: There are precedents for doing deals with the world. So I hesitate to call that a civil war; it is a people one has previously found unattractive—there is Government waging war on their own people. Nevertheless, no doubt about that—in all walks of life and all stages I think I can give the hon. Gentleman the assurance of public life. Nevertheless, while I take my hon. Friend’s that he looks for: we will implement the UN Security point, that has not arisen in this case. In the case of Council resolution, and that is what we are there to do. Musa Kusa, there is no deal. Any press reports of a If it had not been for that resolution and the legal deal—of sanctuary or asylum in return for information— authority that it provides, we would not be engaged in are wrong. That is not how we are conducting this. It is what we are doing in Libya. We rest on that resolution, being conducted in a much more straightforward way, but we will continue to implement it. and that has not arisen so far.

Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): In Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): In the second view of the emerging possibility of further prosecutions world war, Rudolf Hess landed in this country and was in relation to the Lockerbie bombing, does my right locked up. Why is it that this Musa Kusa wanders into 759 Africa and the Middle East4 APRIL 2011 Africa and the Middle East 760

Britain, is treated in the way that he is, and it is not yet now supping, if not with the devil, with a pretty good even thought to hand him over to the Scottish authorities? substitute. Is not our enthusiasm for regime change Never mind what my right hon. Friend the Member for sucking us away from the high moral ground of Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Mr Alexander) said: humanitarian gestures and into the ever more murky just think of the revulsion out there in the country world of Libyan politics? about this man being treated like he is. Mr Hague: No, I think that the high moral ground is Mr Hague: As I say, our response to this and other retained by basing all our actions on what is legally situations will be entirely based on the law of our land. correct, as we have done in our handling of the whole If the hon. Gentleman can find any way in which we are Libya crisis from the United Nations resolution downwards, treating Musa Kusa, or anybody else who has come and in the handling of these individual cases. When from Libya, without respect to the laws of our country somebody with such a long association with the regime and without full co-operation with policing authorities wants to leave it, and by doing so damage the regime, I or judicial prosecuting authorities, then he must tell me think that it is right to assist them in doing so. Additionally, about it. In no way are we treating him in any way it can only be a good thing to discuss with such a man differently from accordance with our laws. the situation in Libya and the middle east, and gain his insight into it. It can also only be a good thing that any Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Will prosecuting authorities that wish to speak to him and my right hon. Friend confirm that matters in the Ivory get more information from him can do so. I see no Coast will be dealt with with some urgency due to the downside in doing what we have done with him over the current heavy loss of life that has already taken place? past few days.

Mr Hague: Yes, absolutely. We have treated this with Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Will the Foreign urgency all along. It was back in December that we Secretary confirm that among the restrictions that he called for Gbagbo to go. We have delivered a great deal proposes to remove is the freezing of Musa Kusa’s of humanitarian assistance, which my right hon. Friend assets? That will mean that a man who has engaged in the Secretary of State for International Development the most despicable acts, both abroad and in the exploitation has put in place, not only for Côte d’Ivoire but for of his own people, and who has built up his assets on Liberia, since this has created a very difficult humanitarian that basis, will be able to enjoy the fruits of those acts. situation in Liberia as well. All the time we have tried to respond to events and put in place the help that is Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman makes a number of necessary, and we will add to that urgency at the UN assumptions in his question. I will not necessarily take Security Council tomorrow. issue with those assumptions. However, where we have placed asset freezes and travel bans on individuals purely Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The Foreign Secretary because they are members of a regime, as is the case will know that over the past two days 1,600 people have with the European Union asset freezes and travel bans—we been injured in Taiz and Al Hudaydah in Yemen.Although are not talking here about United Nations Security of course we appreciate the efforts that he has made on Council travel bans—when an individual ceases to be a the diplomatic front to bring sides together, is not now member of that regime, it follows that a change in those the time for an envoy to be sent from the United restrictions should be discussed; otherwise there would Nations or the European Union to bring the President be no incentive whatever for members of the regime to and people around a table so that a smooth transition abandon its murderous work. When the situation changes can be exercised? and the reasons the restrictions have been placed on an individual change, of course the restrictions should Mr Hague: A great many diplomatic efforts have change as well. been made. The right hon. Gentleman mentions my own efforts. I met the President and the opposition Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): When parties two months ago to encourage them in the right we first intervened in Libya, the length of our commitment direction—evidently without success in this case—and was talked of in briefings in terms of weeks; now it is other Foreign Ministers from around the world have months. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that if there tried to do the same. In recent days, the Gulf Co-operation is a stalemate on the ground without a ceasefire, we Council countries, in particular, have been involved in could be talking years? trying to mediate over Yemen, and Saudi Arabia has often tried to do so. Many efforts have been made. The Mr Hague: I am not sure that I have ever referred to list of envoys who have tried to assist in bringing people days, weeks, months or years, and I am not going to together in Yemen is growing quite long. That in no way start doing so now. I think that to do so is futile. We will excludes further efforts, so of course we will continue to implement the United Nations resolution. We should do everything we can to try to ensure that reason not be put off implementing that resolution if it takes prevails and that the way to an orderly transition is time, just as we might have been very pleased if it had found in Yemen that does not involve an even greater not taken many days at all. I do not think that we scale of injury and loss of life, to which the right hon. should say of something of the gravity of the protection Gentleman refers. We will continue these efforts and in of the civilian population of Libya, with all the no way dismiss the idea of a further international envoy. consequences that flow for north Africa and the wider middle east, that we will do it for only a week or for Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): When 10 days. It is important to carry through the authority Musa Kusa was ambassador here, we had to expel him of the United Nations, and we are not putting a time for openly calling for the murder of dissidents. We are limit on that. 761 Africa and the Middle East4 APRIL 2011 Africa and the Middle East 762

Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): On Friday, or six Arab nations represented at the London conference, the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz reported that the Foreign and I hope that more than that will join the contact Secretary, with French and German support, intends to group. The support of Arab nations for what we are propose the recognition of a Palestinian state on 1967 doing has been maintained from the beginning, and it borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, at the next Quartet continues. meeting in two weeks. Is that true? If so, I commend that positive step, but ask him not to get sucked into the Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): Will the Foreign issue of land swaps and to maintain the right of return Secretary confirm that we owe it to the United Nations for refugees. to continue to press the Afghan Government to bring the Mazar-e-Sharif killers to justice? However, will he Mr Hague: I hate to disappoint the hon. Gentleman also condemn the burning of the Koran by American on something that he was going to commend me for, but extremists, which does not excuse, but clearly inflamed, no, we are not proposing the recognition of a Palestinian the violence? state. We have recently upgraded the Palestinian delegation in the UK to a mission. What the UK, France and Mr Hague: I very much agree with my hon. Friend. I Germany are putting to the Quartet is that the basis of absolutely condemn the burning of the Koran in that negotiations set out by the Quartet, including the United or any other instance. It is fundamentally wrong and States, should include 1967 borders, with land swaps, a disrespectful. As he said, that does not excuse what then just settlement for refugees and Jerusalem as the shared happened in Afghanistan, but we should be very clear capital of both states. We are advocating that as an that we condemn both. established basis for negotiations, but we are not advocating proceeding unilaterally with the recognition of a Palestinian Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Does not the state. failure of the armed Afghan police to stop the lynchings of the United Nations workers, along with the previous Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con): Will retreat by 300 members of the Afghan army when they the Foreign Secretary update the House on the planning were attacked by seven members of the Taliban, cause for the post-conflict reconstruction and stabilisation of the right hon. Gentleman to reassess his very optimistic Libya, and on whether he believes the scope of the belief that the security of Afghanistan can be left in the existing UN resolution, for example in relation to our hands of the police and the army when our troops inability to deploy the military stabilisation and support retire? group, means that it can be practically implemented to achieve what we want to achieve there? Mr Hague: I do not think we have ever suggested that the Afghan national security forces are able to look Mr Hague: This is a vital subject that we discussed in after every security situation in Afghanistan on their part of the London conference last week. It will be an own—clearly they are not. If they were already able to important part of the discussion at the first meeting of do that, we would not need to be in Afghanistan. We the contact group, which, as I explained in my statement, want to get them in a position in which they can do that will take place in Doha next week. The United Nations from 2014 onwards. Secretary-General made it very clear at the London Since the hon. Gentleman points to some of the conference that the UN was prepared to take the lead in deficiencies of the Afghan national security forces, it is co-ordinating the stabilisation and humanitarian work, important also to point out that many of them are which was an extremely welcome commitment. The doing excellent work, partnered with our troops in next stage, on top of the urgent work supported by our Helmand, and that a huge proportion of the military Department for Intentional Development that I mentioned operations around Kandahar over the past year have earlier, is to conduct more detailed consideration of been undertaken by the Afghan forces themselves. We Libya’s future stabilisation needs at the Doha meeting. must not give an unrepresentative account of the capabilities of those forces. Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): I thank the Foreign Secretary for an advance copy of his statement. Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): I know that the Foreign Secretary is well aware of the tribal differences Of the 34 countries currently involved, how many are in Libya and the historical divide between east and Arab states, and how many of that number are involved west. To what extent is Gaddafi exploiting our geographical in front-line activities? capture in the east to create and perpetuate that sense of divide? What can we do in the west of Libya to ensure Mr Hague: The number of Arab states involved in that people there see and understand that our humanitarian military participation is two, Qatar and the United activity is for all Libyans, not just certain tribes? Arab Emirates. They have both supplied fighter aircraft to support the no-fly zone. Of course, other states are Mr Hague: My hon. Friend raises an important involved in humanitarian assistance, and the 34 also point. The strength and determination of the attacks include states that have given over-flight rights to assist that the regime has mounted on, for example, Misrata, in the implementation of the UN resolution. That would illustrate their determination to try to secure by military be a minority of the 34, but I do not have the numbers force areas in the west of Libya so that if they cannot to hand for each different category of Arab support. reconquer the whole country, they can declare an east-west We should be clear that the Arab League continues to divide, playing on history and trying to return to those support the implementation of the resolution robustly. days. As well as the humanitarian reasons, that is why it It attended our meeting at the London conference, and is important for us to support the people of Misrata we will expect to see it in Doha as well. There were five and try to defend them from attack. The vast majority 763 Africa and the Middle East4 APRIL 2011 Africa and the Middle East 764 of Libyans with whom I have discussed these affairs, in when a town is under attack, and to speak to us in the the opposition and in the regime, strongly support outside world. I spent a good deal of yesterday afternoon Libya’s territorial integrity and want a united future for trying to speak to one of the Libyan opposition leaders their country. They do not agree with any Gaddafi in Benghazi, but we were never able to establish a intention to partition it, or to hang on in part of the telephone connection. It will improve our understanding country. of what is going on there. It is purely about communications.

Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): The Foreign Secretary Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The Foreign referred to his discussions this morning with Jean Ping Secretary should be congratulated on his statement, about the terrible situation in Côte d’Ivoire. Was he also and the coalition Government should be congratulated able to discuss Libya with him? Has he got any clearer on their regular updates to the House. Is the former understanding of African Union perspectives on that? Foreign Minister of Libya free to leave this country if Was he able to give or take any encouragement about he wants to? possible African Union influences that might be used, in keeping with what was envisaged in UN resolution Mr Hague: He is not detained or under arrest, so as 1973? things stand, he is free to go where he wishes. I am not aware of him trying to leave the country, but he is not in Mr Hague: As the hon. Gentleman can imagine, we detention. We will treat him in accordance with the discussed Côte d’Ivoire, but also Libya at great length. law—I strongly reinforce that point. Only if the law Mr Ping was clear that the African Union also felt that prevents him from doing something that he wishes to do Gaddafi should go—the vast majority of African Union would we intervene to stop him departing. leaders have no disagreement with us about that. Some African nations might disagree, but the vast majority Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the Foreign of the African Union believe that it is inevitable and Secretary for his statement to the House. On the arrival right. I have encouraged Mr Ping to engage more from Misrata of the hospital ship with some 1,000-plus closely with our work in the contact group. Indeed, I injured people on board who were hurt as a result of the have invited the African Union to the contact group terrorist campaign, will he tell us what steps he will take meeting in Doha at the end of next week. It will have to ensure that the Gaddafi regime and his soldiers are to decide at its meeting in Mauritania this weekend stopped from carrying out their clinically murderous whether to attend the Doha meeting, but I see no campaign against innocent civilians? What steps will he obstacle to the African Union’s joining in a meeting, take to ensure that Misrata is not overrun, and that the where the United Nations is present. I think that we voice of freedom is maintained? have established this morning a closer working relationship on those matters. Mr Hague: We have other plans to get further assistance Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): into Misrata, although of course, I cannot be specific In 2003, in planning for the reconstruction of Iraq, the about them in advance—we do not want to give notice UK Government gave too much weight to the opinions of our plans to the Gaddafi regime. I can tell the hon. and insights of Iraqi ex-pats, émigrés and defectors. Gentleman that a good deal of our military effort has Will my right hon. Friend ensure that we do not make been designed to protect the people of Misrata. Many the same mistake, as the rats leave what we hope is of the strikes against battle tanks and mobile artillery Gaddafi’s sinking ship? units of the Libyan armed forces have been made in the vicinity of Misrata. That is difficult because some of Mr Hague: Yes, I think my hon. Friend makes an those forces are in built-up areas, and our concern to absolutely fair point. All those people have important avoid civilian casualties overrides our desire to attack insights and opinions, but we must remember that there individual units in such areas. However, a great deal of are many people left, for example, those who want to the NATO effort is now going into trying to relieve the leave the regime but cannot or dare not. Some people pressure on the most unfortunate citizens of Misrata. are lying low and others have been in office in the past and not been seen around in recent years. All their Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South) (LD): While I opinions will be important, too. We fully take the lesson can accept that Musa Kusa’s circumstances have changed, to which my hon. Friend refers. the one thing that has not changed is his antecedence—he gave weapons to the IRA and was alleged to be involved Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): The Foreign Secretary in the Lockerbie plot. If we do not have enough evidence said that Britain would now give the rebels to detain him and bring charges against him, what on telecommunications equipment. That could cover a wide earth have our intelligence services been doing for the variety of things, from some mobile phones, through last 20 years? the Bowman system to a missile guidance system. What exactly does he mean by telecommunications equipment? Mr Hague: As I have said, any action must be based on evidence. The hon. Gentleman is quite right that Mr Hague: I do not mean missile guidance systems; I things have been alleged, but the evidence must be mean telecommunications equipment. I do not want to presented. The authorities can proceed only on the go into details about the exact specification for various basis of such evidence. reasons, including that, if I did so, it would be easier for the regime to interfere with the telephones. However, it Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Under the cover of is telecommunications equipment, which enables people what else is going on in the middle east, the Iranian to say where there is desperate humanitarian need and regime recently increased the sentences of seven Ba’hai 765 Africa and the Middle East4 APRIL 2011 Africa and the Middle East 766

[Robert Halfon] Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): I heard what the Foreign Secretary said to the hon. Member for leaders to 20 years. Will my right hon. Friend make Brent North (Barry Gardiner) on asset freezing, but in a strong representations to the Iranian Government to statement last week he painted quite a rosy picture to stop the persecution of the Iranian Ba’hais? the House about the benefit to the Libyan people of a future Libyan Government spending those assets. Can Mr Hague: Yes, most certainly—my hon. Friend is he reassure us that any loosening of sanctions in response quite right to draw attention to that. The Iranian to those deserting the Gaddafi regime will not allow Government now have one of the worst human rights those people to take with them riches gained as a result records in the world. They have four times as many of their long association with Gaddafi which belong to journalists in detention as any other country; they have the Libyan people? carried out per capita more executions than any other country so far this year; they have imprisoned the two Mr Hague: Basically, yes, any changes in sanctions on principal opposition leaders; and they have added to all people who have defected from the regime are likely, in of that with the outrage to which my hon. Friend refers, terms of the quantity of money involved, to be infinitesimal and we unreservedly condemn it. compared with the assets of the regime and its companies. We are talking about tens of billions of dollars. The Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): The Foreign United States has frozen more than $30 billion-worth of Secretary and the shadow Foreign Secretary both assets, so we are talking about something very tiny acknowledged that the Gaddafi regime is at least partly when compared with the total scale of assets. propped up by murderous mercenaries who are terrorising the civilian population. Will my right hon. Friend therefore Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): The House indicate what steps the Foreign Office, NATO and our has rightly praised our armed forces for the visible work allies are taking to stop the entry into Libya of mercenaries they are doing, but will the Secretary of State commend from Chad and Niger? the staff of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, particularly the rapid deployment teams, for their sterling Mr Hague: Yes, that is one of the things attended to work throughout the region in recent times, which is in the UN Security Council resolutions, which call for perhaps less visible? action against mercenaries entering the country. My hon. Friend is quite right that there is a good deal of Mr Hague: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that evidence that Colonel Gaddafi has bought some of the question. Rapid deployment teams in a variety of very military support that he has employed over the last few difficult situations, including chaotic airports and the weeks. Although I cannot go into any operational details, aftermath of earthquakes in recent weeks, have done an we will take action whenever we can, and whenever we absolutely outstanding job for this country.The diplomatic have the necessary information, against the supply of mission in Benghazi, to whom I have referred, have, in mercenaries to Libya. We have been in touch with sometimes difficult and dangerous circumstances, gone neighbouring countries about that. People entering Libya into eastern Libya, so he is quite right to praise our in order to do violence to the civilian population of diplomats and I will take that praise back to the Foreign Libya do so at their peril. and Commonwealth Office. 767 4 APRIL 2011 NHS Reform 768

NHS Reform Under Labour, the private sector got a preferential deal, with £250 million paid for operations that never happened. 4.41 pm We have to stop that. People want to know that GP commissioning groups cannot have a conflict of interest, The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): are transparent in their decisions, and are accountable With permission, Mr Speaker, I should like to make a not only nationally, but locally, through the democratic statement about NHS modernisation. Modernisation input of health and well-being boards. We, too, want of the national health service is necessary, is in patients’ that to be the case. People want to know that the interests and is the right thing to do to secure the NHS patient’s voice is genuinely influential, through HealthWatch for future generations. The Health and Social Care Bill and in commissioning. Doctors and nurses in the service is one part of a broader vision of health and health have been clear: they want the changes to support truly services in this country being among the best in the integrated services, breaking down the institutional barriers world; world-leading measurement of the results we that have held back modernisation in the past. achieve for patients; patients always experiencing “No As I told the House on 16 March, we are committed decision about me without me”; a service where national to listening, and we will take every opportunity to standards and funding secure a high-quality, comprehensive improve the Bill. The principles of the Bill are that service available to all, based on need and not the ability patients should always share in decisions about their to pay; and where the power to deliver is in the hands of care; that front-line staff should lead the design of local local doctors, nurses, health professionals and local services; that patients should have access to whichever communities. services offer the best quality; that all NHS trusts The House will know that the Bill completed its should gain the freedoms of foundation trust status; Committee stage last Thursday. I was also able to that we should take out day-to-day political interference, announce last week that a further 43 GP-led commissioning through the establishment of a national NHS consortia had successfully applied to be pathfinder commissioning board and through strong independent commissioning groups. We now have a total of 220 groups regulation for safety, quality and effectiveness; that the representing 87% of the country; that is 45 million public’s and patients’ voices must be strengthened; and patients whose GP surgeries are committed to showing that local government should be in the lead in public how they can further improve services for their patients. health strategy. Those are the principles of a world-class In addition, 90% of relevant local authorities have NHS which command widespread professional and public come forward to be early implementers of health and backing. All those principles will be pursued through well-being boards, bringing democratic leadership to the Bill, and our commitment as a coalition Government health, public health and social care at local level. to them is undiminished. That progress is very encouraging. Our desire is to We support and are encouraged by all those across move forward with the support of doctors, nurses and England who are leading the changes nationally and others who work in the NHS and make a difference to locally. We want them to know that they can be confident the lives of so many of us, day in and day out. However, in taking this work forward. Our objective is to listen to we recognise that the speed of progress has brought them and support them, as we take the Bill through. No with it some substantive concerns, expressed in various change is not an option. With an ageing and increasing quarters. Some of those concerns are misplaced or population, new technologies and rising costs, we have based on misrepresentations, but we recognise that some to adapt and improve. Innovation and clinical leadership of them are genuine. We want to continue to listen to, will be key. We want to reverse a decade of declining engage with and learn from experts, patients and front-line productivity. We have to make productive care and staff within the NHS and beyond and to respond preventive services the norm, and we must continue to accordingly. I can therefore tell the House that we cut the costs of administration, quangos and bureaucracy. propose to take the opportunity of a natural break in The House knows my commitment to the national the passage of the Bill to pause, listen and engage with health service and my passion for it to succeed. To all those who want the NHS to succeed, and subsequently protect the NHS for the future must mean change—not to bring forward amendments to improve the plans in the values of the NHS, but through bringing forward further in the normal way. We have, of course, listened and empowering leadership in the NHS to secure the and improved the plans already. We strengthened the quality of services on which we all depend. overview and scrutiny process of local authorities in response to consultation, and we made amendments in Change is never easy, but the NHS is well placed to Committee to make it absolutely clear that competition respond. I can tell the House today that the NHS is in a will be on the basis of quality, not price. Patients will healthy financial position. Waiting times remain at choose and GPs will refer on the basis of comparisons historically low levels, as promised under the NHS of quality, not price. constitution. Patients with symptoms of cancer now see a specialist more quickly than ever before. MRSA is Let me indicate some areas where I anticipate that we at—[Interruption.] will be able to make improvements, in order to build and sustain support for the modernisation that we recognise is crucial. Choice, competition and the Mr Speaker: Order. The Secretary of State must be involvement of the private sector should only ever be a heard. means to improve services for patients, not ends in themselves. Some services, such as accident and emergency Mr Lansley: MRSA is at its lowest level since records or major trauma services, will clearly never be based on began. We have helped more than 2,000 patients have competition. People want to know that private companies access to new cancer drugs that would previously have cannot cherry-pick NHS activity, undermining existing been denied to them. All that is a testament to the NHS providers, and that competition must be fair. excellent work of NHS staff up and down the country, 769 NHS Reform4 APRIL 2011 NHS Reform 770

[Mr Lansley] There are fundamental flaws in what the Government are doing, not just in what they are saying. The test is and we thank them for their efforts to achieve these whether the Prime Minister will now deal with these results for their patients. The coalition Government fundamental flaws. Will he radically safeguard are increasing NHS funding by £11.5 billion over this commissioning to draw on the full range of NHS expertise, Parliament, but the service cannot afford to waste any to prevent conflicts of interests, bonus payments to GPs money. We can sustain and build on those improvements and to guarantee that important decisions are taken in only by modernising the service to be ever more efficient public not in private? Will he radically strengthen local and effective with taxpayers’ money. accountability to the public and to patients? Will he The Bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set delete the one third of the Bill that breaks up the NHS the NHS on a sustainable course, building on the and makes it into a full-blown market ruled by the commitment and skills of the people who work for it. forces of market regulation and EU competition law? Our purpose is simple: to provide the best health care Will this be just a public relations exercise or will real service anywhere in the world. I commend this statement changes be made in the NHS plans—or has the Prime to the House. Minister not yet told the Health Secretary? This is no way to run a Bill; this is no way to run a Government; this is no way to run the NHS. John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): I thank the Secretary of State for Health for a copy of his Mr Lansley: We heard from the Leader of the Opposition statement shortly before he made it this afternoon. So earlier that the NHS needed to change, but once again Mr Speaker, in the middle of confusion, chaos and we have heard nothing from Labour Members about incompetence, the Prime Minister has pushed the Health how it needs to change. It is not unusual to hear nothing Secretary out of the bunker to try and tell people what from them. They say that we need to tackle the deficit, exactly and what on earth they are doing with the NHS. but they will not say how. They say that we must change Why is the Health Secretary here and not the Prime the NHS, but they will not say how. Minister? After all, we have been told that the Prime Interestingly, in January the right hon. Member for Minister has taken charge and it was he who made his Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) said that he agreed most personal pledge to protect the NHS and to stop with the aims of the Bill. He said that he supported a top-down reorganisations that have got in the way of patient care. It is the Prime Minister who is now breaking “greater role for clinicians in commissioning care, more involvement of patients, less bureaucracy and greater priority on improving his promises on the NHS. health outcomes”. Will the Health Secretary tell us why the Tories did At the last election, his manifesto said that he wanted not tell people before the election about the biggest all NHS trusts to become foundation trusts. It said that reorganisation in NHS history? Why did they not tell he wanted patients to have access to every provider, be it the Lib Dems about the reorganisation before the coalition private sector, voluntary sector or NHS-owned. Now agreement was signed? Whatever the Government say we do not know what the Labour party’s policy is at all, or do now, there is no mandate—either from the election but what I do know is that the Government will give or the coalition agreement—for this reckless and ideological leadership to the NHS, and that we will give the NHS a upheaval in the health service. In truth, the Health strategy enabling it to deliver improving results in future. Secretary is here only because there is a growing crisis The right hon. Gentleman clearly wrote his response of confidence over the far-reaching changes that the to the statement before reading it. In fact, we have made Government are making to the NHS. it clear that we will listen to what is said about precisely There is confusion at the heart of Government, with the issues on which people in the NHS and people who briefings and counter-briefings on all sides, and patients depend on the NHS are united. They know which issues starting to see the NHS go backwards again under the are really important. They know that we must be clear Tories—with waiting times rising, front-line nursing about accountability, and that there must be transparency. staff cut and services cut back. Yet the Health Secretary Clinicians throughout the health service want to work has done nothing to restore public confidence in the together, and want the structure of the service to help Government’s handling of the NHS and nothing to them to work together so that they can deliver more convince people to back the Tories’reorganisation plans. holistic and joined-up services to patients. We want Everything he said today the Government were told that, and they want that. We will back up our strategy about in the consultation—and they ignored it. Everything with detail, but from the right hon. Gentleman we he said today the Government were told in Committee— heard no strategy, no detail, and no answers whatsoever. and they rejected it. We are clear about the principles that we are pursuing This is not just a problem with the pace of change; through the reform and modernisation of the national simply doing the wrong thing more slowly is not the health service. We are listening, and we are engaging answer. It is not just a problem with presentation. In with those principles. We are listening to the people in fact, the more people see the plans, the more concerned the health service who have come together to implement they become about them. That is why there is growing those principles, so that we can help them to do so criticism of the Tories’plans for the NHS—from doctors, effectively. Labour Members have not even listened to nurses, patients’ groups, NHS experts, the Health Select those who threw them out at the last election, because Committee, the Lib Dems and peers of all parties in the they are still wedded to the past and to a failed, top-down, House of Lords. I have to hand it to the Health Secretary: centralised, bureaucratic approach. it takes a special talent to unite opposition from Norman Tebbit and MC NxtGen. That is why Labour has been Mr Stephen Dorrell (Charnwood) (Con): All who saying that the reorganisation requires a root-and-branch genuinely wish the NHS well and consider it to be an rethink and that the legislation requires radical surgery. important part of our national heritage will welcome 771 NHS Reform4 APRIL 2011 NHS Reform 772 my right hon. Friend’s commitment to ensuring that letters that have been well organised. Does the Secretary clinical practice delivered by the NHS is kept up to date of State agree that GPs will be devastated if there is any with the best available medical practice, and responds reversal and backtracking? effectively to the wishes of patients. Will he continue to develop effective commissioning as the best way of Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his delivering that, building on 20 years of commitment to remarks. He and other Surrey Members will be aware of the principle of commissioning under Governments of that primary care trust’s past failure to manage effectively all political complexions since 1990? within its budget. The GPs in Surrey are, like many others across the country, coming together and demonstrating Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend. that they can achieve much greater service improvement He knows and I know—and past Secretaries of State, within NHS resources—and those resources will increase with the exception of the right hon. Member for Holborn in future years. and St Pancras (Frank Dobson) also knew—that in order to deliver the best possible care in the NHS, we Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab): Does the needed to engage clinical leadership more effectively. Secretary of State recognise that the reorganisation and That is what these reforms are about. The modernisation introduction of competition under this Bill have created of the NHS is about better and stronger clinical leadership chaos inside the national health service? What message delivering better commissioning of care and thereby does he have for the 40% of people who work for helping to deliver better provision of care, and about Rotherham PCT who have now taken redundancy, and allying that with democratic accountability at a local who are getting out because they know they are aboard level. Neither of those things has happened sufficiently a sinking ship? in the past, but both are at the heart of our Bill. Mr Lansley: As we have demonstrated, NHS performance is continuing to improve, and it will improve Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): Contrary to what further with clinical leadership, but we can achieve the Secretary of State has claimed, waiting times are that effectively only if we achieve a £1.9 billion a year already lengthening and the quality of service to patients reduction in administration costs in the NHS. We have is already deteriorating as a result of his ill-conceived started that process: since the election, we have reduced upheaval of the health service. Why does he not abandon the number of managers in the NHS by 3,000 and it, rather than just pausing for the Easter holidays, increased the number of doctors by 2,500. before he squanders all the improvements that were achieved under Labour Governments? Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): I very much welcome the Secretary of State’s continued support Mr Lansley: I am sorry that the right hon. Gentleman for the NHS in Cornwall, with the cash increases this should denigrate what staff in the NHS have achieved year, the long overdue integration of adult social care over the past year. He will not have read the deputy with the NHS, and the real opportunity of giving power chief executive’s report on NHS activity, which shows to local people through the health and well-being boards. improvements in breast screening rates, improvements Will he ensure that the central changes he wants to in bowel screening rates—[Interruption.] introduce to achieve the aim of “no decision about me without me” are kept absolutely at the heart of what he Mr Speaker: Order. I apologise for interrupting the does? Secretary of State. I recognise that this subject inflames passions and that there are very strongly held views Mr Lansley: I will indeed do that, and I am very about it, but there is too much noise on both sides of grateful to my hon. Friend for her comments. She the Chamber. I gently say to the hon. Members for represents a Cornwall seat, and she and I know that Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland (Tom over the years many people in Cornwall have felt they Blenkinsop) and for Kingston upon Hull East (Karl wanted a greater sense of ownership of the decisions Turner) that they should cease to yell at the Secretary of made in the health service, not only for individuals but State from a sedentary position. It is very unseemly. for the health service in Cornwall itself. That is precisely what we are going to make available through both local commissioning and local authorities. Mr Lansley: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I shall not go through a long list, but many services in the NHS have Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): improved and continue to improve. Our objective is The Secretary of State listed in his statement concerns very clear: it is to support that improvement, including to which he intends to listen, but every single one of improvement in waiting times. For example, last year them has been raised with him before, going back to the the median wait in January for non-admitted patients time of the publication of his White Paper. As he did was 4.8 weeks, whereas last year it was 4.9 weeks. For not listen to those concerns then, why should any of us diagnostic tests, the average wait this year is 1.6 weeks, believe his positive commitment to listen to them now? exactly the same as last year. Meanwhile, many other factors are continuing to improve as well. Mr Lansley: I am afraid the hon. Lady is completely wrong about that. We have continuously listened. After Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con): As the Secretary the publication of the White Paper, we had a full of State may know, I still have a faint link with the NHS 12-week consultation with more than 6,000 responses, and medicine in general. The GPs I have met in my and in December’s Command Paper we set out a whole constituency and elsewhere are very much in favour of series of changes that were consequent on that, including the proposals. In contrast, the complaints are circular to the structure of commissioning and the timetable for 773 NHS Reform4 APRIL 2011 NHS Reform 774

[Mr Lansley] 10% of that gain will be achieved by cutting the costs of bureaucracy and administration. We have set out the transfer of NHS trusts into foundation trusts. In how we will do that, but the previous Government Committee, we have introduced further amendments, never did. not least to make it clear that competition in the NHS will be on the basis of quality not price, which is very Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): Does the important because that is a concern that people raised. Secretary of State understand that those who care about the future of the NHS believe not only that he got Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): I warmly welcome his presentation wrong, but that his Bill is fundamentally my right hon. Friend’s efforts in modernising the NHS. wrong in principle? The concept of GP commissioning has been widely supported by politicians from all parties for many years. Mr Lansley: No, I do not accept that for a minute. May I urge my right hon. Friend to keep putting patients The right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne, first by increasing GP involvement in the NHS? who sits on the Opposition Front Bench, has freely acknowledged that I have met and talked to many Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his people in the NHS over the course of seven and a half remarks. We have now—earlier than any of us had years, and that I am passionately committed to the imagined—arrived at the point where most of the country NHS. If one set of beliefs lies at the heart of the reforms has pathfinder consortia in place. It is absolutely the and the Bill, it is the belief in the NHS as a free, right moment to engage with them to discuss how we comprehensive, high-quality service that delivers some can ensure that the concerns that have been properly of the best health care anywhere in the world. We will raised, about transparency and accountability in governance never achieve that without the clinical leadership that is and the avoidance of conflicts of interest, will be dealt essential to delivering high-quality health care. with in the legislation. We want the legislation to work for them and the people we serve. John Pugh (Southport) (LD): I thank the Secretary of State for having the grace and courage to respond to Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): The legitimate concerns. Given the agreement that exists in Secretary of State has spoken a great deal about ill the House—not about the effects of the Bill, on which people, but the health service is also, very importantly, there is no agreement, but about its aims—does he about promoting health. With local authorities taking agree that we should not get hung up about whether the lead in the public health strategy, what is his mechanism substantial changes will in future be referred to as to ensure that GPs are fully involved and contribute “tweaking”, “surgery” or, possibly, “surgical tweaking”? fully to the wide range of initiatives on which primary Is not the main thing to get a Bill that carries the broad care trusts took a lead, such as those on child protection, support of Parliament, NHS professionals and the country? teenage pregnancy, diet and exercise, child safety and We do not need to sell this Bill better; we need to take obesity? the spectre of salesmanship out of the NHS.

Mr Lansley: If the hon. Lady reads the Bill, she will Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman and I know one see that one of its changes that has been most widely another well enough to know that we share a commitment supported, including by local authorities across England, to the NHS and that I am determined. Perhaps I has been the transfer of public health leadership into sometimes get very close to all of this because I am very the health and well-being boards, with ring-fenced budgets close to the NHS. I spend my time thinking about this for local authorities. The previous Government could subject and I spend my time with people in the service. I have done that, but they did not. Such an approach will spend my time trying to ensure that the Bill is a once-in- allow continued engagement with general practitioners a-generation opportunity to get it right for people in and their practices, both because they are participants the NHS—they want to be free. The British Medical in the health and well-being boards and because Public Association made it clear that it wants an end to constant Health England and the local health and well-being political interference in the NHS. We can do that only if board will be able to influence directly the quality and we secure the necessary autonomy for the NHS, and if outcomes framework, which incentivises GPs in the we make accountability transparent, rather than having work that they do. constant interference from this place or from Richmond house. Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): Colleagues on this side of the House will know that the Secretary of Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): State has a great passion for the health service, and How many managers who have lost their jobs will be great mastery of his brief. Will he confirm, for the sake re-employed during this pause? of all hon. Members, that the object of getting rid of PCTs and top-down targets is to free a lot of money for Mr Lansley: I do not have a figure for how many have patient care? That should be in the interests of all hon. been re-employed. The hon. Lady will know that under Members and their constituents. the process by which people agreed with the NHS to take resignation and, more recently, in voluntary redundancy Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend. terms, after six months there is an opportunity for Before the election, the previous Labour Government people to take jobs—we are not depriving them permanently said that it was necessary to save up to £20 billion in of the ability to take jobs. Indeed, one of the responsibilities efficiencies in the NHS, but they never said they would of the commissioning consortia will be to find the best reinvest that money in the NHS. We have said that we people, but we are doing that now. That is why we will reinvest it. In order to deliver those efficiencies, continue to make progress on the ground by the assignment 775 NHS Reform4 APRIL 2011 NHS Reform 776 of PCT staff to commissioning consortia and to local Mr David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con): authorities, in order to ensure that they are beginning to I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. Does he take on their responsibilities. agree that reduced bureaucracy and better local scrutiny and accountability will ensure a better NHS for all? Conor Burns (Bournemouth West) (Con): My right hon. Friend will know that many GPs are very excited Mr Lansley: Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely right. by the opportunity that his reforms will give them to Locally, he can see how that is happening as GP leaders— serve the needs of their local communities even better. including Dr Howard Stoate, whom Members will fondly Can he assure those GPs that he has no plans to water remember, as the chair of the clinical cabinet in Bexley—are down that strengthening of their pivotal role in the coming together to look at issues that the previous national health service? Government never dealt with, including those relating to the South London Healthcare NHS Trust and to Mr Lansley: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend. Queen Mary’s hospital in Sidcup. They are coming This is born not of political opportunism, as it seems to forward with proposals to improve services for local have been characterised by the Opposition, but of a people, and I applaud that kind of clinical leadership. determination to support those people in constituencies that my hon. Friends on this side of the House have Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): Before been talking to and listening to. As he knows, GPs in the general election, the right hon. Member for Witney his area have come together. For example, when I met (Mr Cameron) promised an extra 3,000 midwives. Has people at Southampton hospital recently, they were able the Secretary of State noted the alarming rise in preventable to talk about how they were working together on improving maternal mortality? Would the Secretary of State not the clinical design of services for patients in his area. do better to deliver on his Prime Minister’s promises and abandon his reckless reorganisation? Malcolm Wicks (Croydon North) (Lab): Why has the Secretary of State waited until now, after the passing of the Bill through its Committee stage, to announce a Mr Lansley: The right hon. Lady must know that we so-called natural break in which to listen to and engage continue to have a record number of midwives in training, with the public? Perhaps I am old-fashioned, but would and that the number of midwives in the health service not the normal process involve getting the brain into has continued to increase since the election. In the gear to avoid putting the foot in the mouth? financial year that is just starting, the number of commissions for training will continue to be at a record Mr Lansley: If I did not come to the House to make a level. statement, I would be accused of not doing so, but when I do so, the Opposition ask why. The reason is Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD): The Secretary of very simple: it is because we are going to listen, and to State is aware that under the Labour Government, engage with people actively over the course of the accident and emergency and children’s services were coming weeks, and I did not want the House to see that transferred from Burnley to Blackburn. The transfer happening during the recess without having been told was opposed by the majority of GPs and 95% of the about it beforehand. local community. It was supported only by the bureaucrats in the PCT and the SHA and by prima donna consultants. Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): Will the Secretary of State confirm that under his new Does my right hon. Friend agree that only the most proposals that will never happen again and that such cynical people could criticise him for wanting to consult decisions will be taken only following full consultation more about the changes that he wants? [Laughter.] and agreement with GPs and local communities, rather And that only the most cynical could treat the NHS as a than being driven through as they were by the previous laughing matter? Will he maintain the goal of delivering Government? the prize, which is to give local people, through their local GPs, more control over the resources that the Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. In Burnley NHS spends in their name? and other places—I think not least of Maidstone—decisions were made in the past, under a Labour Government, Mr Lansley: Yes, I agree. Indeed, in north-east Essex, that clearly did not meet the tests that we now apply, the consortium under Dr Shane Gordon’s leadership is which are about public engagement, the support of the doing exactly that. I personally think that leadership local authority, engagement with general practices leading and listening are not mutually exclusive, and we are commissioning, the clinical case and the responsiveness going to continue to do both. to patient choice. Those tests will be met in future. As we go through the painful process of examining how Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): In the spirit of they are applied to the situations that we have inherited, openness, will the Secretary of State please place in the on occasion we can say things to help colleagues, but House of Commons Library a copy of the legal advice sometimes we cannot. on whether EU competition law will apply to the provisions in the Bill? Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): It is not only the Health Secretary who cares about the NHS. Mr Lansley: The hon. Lady should know, as a member Most people in the House support the NHS in their of the Health Select Committee, that I wrote to the constituencies and the work that it carries out, but the Chair of the Committee just last week and set out the mistakes that the Secretary of State has made—I hope position very fully. The Bill does not extend the scope or he will admit that he has made mistakes by not listening— application of competition law at all. mean that there will already be costs to the health 777 NHS Reform4 APRIL 2011 NHS Reform 778

[Mr Gerry Sutcliffe] Mr Lansley: Yes, I can. Under the coalition Government, in mid-Essex there has been a 3.2% increase in cash for service because of the Bill. Will he publish an impact the NHS this year compared with last year. Not only assessment of the costs to the health service so far of his that, but more of that money will, as a consequence of failed policies? our changes, get to the front line to deliver improving services for patients. Mr Lansley: I am afraid the hon. Gentleman is wrong on a number of counts. First, we have listened and we Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): “No decisions about us will continue to listen. Secondly, of course there are without us” could apply to every single person who costs in reducing the number of managers in the NHS, works in the NHS who has been telling the Secretary of but it is absolutely essential that we reverse the decade State that these are reckless changes. Throughout the of declining productivity in the NHS that took place as country changes are taking place. Now he says that he is the number of managers went up by 78%. How can that going to be listening. If so, we can anticipate some more be the right way forward? Under Labour, we had more changes. Will he therefore instruct everyone in the NHS managers and less productivity. who is currently restructuring on the basis of the Bill to stop that restructuring until we know exactly what the Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): The Secretary Government intend to do? of State will be keen to know that many of the GPs I have met in my constituency are keen on the idea of GP Mr Lansley: No, I will not, because we are very clear commissioning, but there is undoubtedly concern about about the strategy and the principles of the Bill. We are the exact role of the private sector in the NHS. May I equally clear that now we have the opportunity to work urge the Secretary of State to use these next few weeks with the developing GP pathfinder consortia, the health or months to ensure that in the country and if necessary and well-being boards in local authorities and the wider in the Bill we make it perfectly clear that the private community to ensure that the implementation of the sector will not be allowed to undercut or undermine our Bill and its structure support those developing organisations. local hospitals? Mr Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): I thank the Secretary of State for his helpful and useful update this afternoon, Mr Lansley: Yes. I am grateful to my hon. Friend. and welcome his assurances that the coalition wants to Our manifesto was clear that patients should be able to reform and modernise our NHS, right in line with its have access to a provider who gives them the best founding principles. He knows that I will continue to quality, be it the NHS, a private sector provider or a argue for greater transparency for the new GP consortia, voluntary provider. That was in the Liberal Democrat and I hope we can still find a way to do that, but I manifesto and in the Labour manifesto. It is always warmly welcome his listening exercise, the measures about ensuring that that provider is properly qualified contained in the Bill and the way he has made himself and that the basis of that choice is quality, not price. freely available to colleagues since taking up his post There cannot be a race to the bottom on price. We make last year. May I urge him to continue doing that both in it very clear in the legislation—it is important to set this the House and, of course, outside it? out—that the commissioners of local services will also, through designating services, be able to ensure that where patients need services to be maintained and need Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. We will continuity of services they can set that out themselves. do that, not only formally across the country but in the informal manner that we do in the House. His point of view exactly illustrates the purpose of my statement. Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Why does the He served on the Committee that debated the Bill. Secretary of State not admit that the policy is unravelling Notwithstanding the good progress that the Bill has before the eyes of the British public? The thousands made and that we are making around the country, that have been writing to MPs in every constituency people have legitimate concerns and questions. They now know that the truth is out. Instead of waiting for want to raise those and to know that we will listen and the natural break, and then a reshuffle, and then a act on them. resignation, he should do the honourable thing now and resign today. Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): Can the Secretary of State say more about the future of Mr Lansley: I will tell the hon. Gentleman one thing: care trusts? Integration of health and social care is vital I and my colleagues on the Government Benches talk to all our constituents. With all the uncertainty, staff to people in the constituencies who are getting on with are being lost and more could be lost. During this this. That is what is so impressive. People across the natural break, what can the Secretary of State say to NHS are seeing the opportunity to bring more clinical preserve the continuity of those people doing that vital leadership and more democratic local accountability to work and the continuing support for care trusts? fashioning an improving health service. That is what I am determined to achieve. Mr Lansley: I reiterate the point that I made a moment ago. There is nothing in what I have said today that Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): Excessive bureaucracy should do other than give people on the ground confidence and a record level of managers have dominated health that they are building the improvement of services that care provision in mid-Essex. Will my right hon. Friend they need for the future. At the heart of that is the assure my constituents that, under his reforms, the integration of health and social care. We as a Government funding for that excess will go to front-line patient care have made available in this new financial year £648 million in the constituency of Witham? through the NHS specifically to build that kind of 779 NHS Reform4 APRIL 2011 NHS Reform 780 integration between health and social care. It has been or ensure that the right quality was there, including the insufficient in the past; we are building it now. As the right calibre of doctors. It is clear that general practice-led hon. Lady knows, the Bill allows care trusts to continue commissioning consortia will take a wholly different in formation, but it is also possible for care trusts to and preferable approach to that kind of commissioning. redesign around commissioning consortia on the one hand and health and well-being boards on the other. Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): The Prime Minister’s commission on the future of nursing and Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): The Leader of midwifery reported a year ago in March 2010. Of the the Opposition stated his willingness to work with the 20 recommendations, all related to improving the quality Government on the NHS reforms. Does my right hon. of care in the NHS, which is my constituents’ priority, Friend agree that a good place for him to start would be not top-down reorganisation. During the pause that with a re-reading of his party’s manifesto at the last the Secretary of State has announced today, will the election, which supported virtually every principle in Government finally find time to respond to that important our NHS Bill, with one important difference—it was report? without the additional funding to match?

Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes a very good Mr Lansley: Yes. point. I am not sure which Labour party we would be expected to engage with—the one whose manifesto Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con): Can the Secretary agreed with us, the one for which the right hon. Member of State reassure me that any further listening will mean for Wentworth and Dearne spoke at a King’s Fund that retaining local community hospitals, which are meeting in January when he agreed with us, or the one much loved across the country and particularly in South that we saw in Committee, which opposed everything, Dorset, remains top of the agenda? tried to wreck the Bill and clearly has gone back to the Holborn and St Pancras view of the NHS. Mr Lansley: I can assure my hon. Friend that one of the central beauties of the Bill is that in future it will Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): It is matter less what my priorities are and much more obvious that the public are extremely concerned about what the priorities are of his local communities and the Bill. Why does the Secretary of State not suspend general practitioners and others who are responsible for the Bill and bring forward new proposals that we can all commissioning in his area. On that basis, I have no support? doubt about the importance and priority that they will attach to community hospitals. Mr Lansley: I am afraid the hon. Gentleman does not seem to understand that the public support the principles Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): I share and welcome of the Bill. The public want patient choice. When they the Secretary of State’s commitment to reduce bureaucracy, are exercising their choice over treatment, they want to so I am concerned to know why Monitor’s budget is be able to go to whoever is the best provider. Patients increasing by 600% over four years to police the believe that general practitioners are the best people to marketisation of the NHS. Is that not poor value for design services and care on their behalf. Patients, the money? public and professionals support the principles of “no decision about me without me”, focusing on outcomes and delivering an outcomes framework, and the devolution Mr Lansley: The Government are introducing for the of responsibility. What we are talking about now is very first time a clear limitation and reduction on the ensuring that other important principles, such as running costs of the NHS. That will include the Department governance, accountability, transparency and multi- of Health, the arm’s length bodies, the strategic health professional working, are genuinely supported by the authorities and the primary care trusts—the whole shooting structure of the Bill. match. We will reduce those costs by more than a third in real terms. Monitor forms part of that. We have Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): My made it clear that its estimated total running costs will constituents in Suffolk were very concerned at the last be between £50 million and £70 million. That is more election about the fact that only two doctors covered than at present because its responsibilities will be them for out-of-hours care, and that was for considerably larger than they are at present. 600,000 patients. They welcome the reforms in the Bill. Indeed, Waveney and Great Yarmouth have come together Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South) (LD): As the as one pathfinder consortium and resumed out-of-hours Secretary of State will be aware, I chaired the majority care. Will the Secretary of State assure me that such of the Public Bill Committee’s sittings. It was the longest important changes will continue to be important for Bill Committee for 12 years. During that time, more patient delivery in the new Bill? than 100 amendments were voted on in formal Divisions, and many hundreds of others were agreed to. If we are Mr Lansley: Yes, my hon. Friend makes an important taking several months to look at this again, how on point. When people talk about primary care trust earth will the time be found to ensure that this House commissioning, they might care to look at the report has enough time to scrutinise properly any changes, produced by the Care Quality Commission on how bearing in mind how much time has been spent on the primary care trusts went about commissioning out-of-hours Bill as it stands? I want an assurance, as I hope the care. The answer is that they pretty much did it on the whole House does, that we will be given sufficient time basis of cost and volume, rather than quality, and once and that the Bill will not be steamrollered or bulldozed they had a contract they did not monitor it, follow it up through the House. 781 NHS Reform4 APRIL 2011 NHS Reform 782

Mr Lansley: I know that the whole Committee will Mr Lansley: Clearly, this is an area that we will engage have been grateful to my hon. Friend for his chairmanship, in over the coming weeks, but the Bill is already clear because what was achieved in Committee, as was that the consortia must engage the public and patients acknowledged by the hon. Member for Halton (Derek directly. We can look at how we can strengthen that, but Twigg), was that every inch of the Bill was scrutinised. we must never lose sight of the fact that, through local It is our intention to secure proper scrutiny for any health and wellbeing boards, we are creating for the first changes that result from our engagement. time a very much stronger public representative voice in relation to all such decisions, including commissioning Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): The Public Bill and planning, and that, through HealthWatch, we are Committee was one of the busiest since 2002, according creating for patients an altogether stronger, more to the Clerk, with 26 sittings and more than 100 Divisions. comprehensive patient voice, which will have a statutory Does the Secretary of State not agree that that reflects right to be consulted and to express a view on all those the level of concern that the general public have, but commissioning issues. that they will exercise theirs at the next general election? Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): Mr Lansley: No, I am afraid I do not accept that. All Exactly how long with the natural break be, and how that 100 Divisions demonstrate is that time and again will we know whether the Secretary of State has listened? the Labour party was simply trying to divide the Committee in order to delay or, indeed, to wreck the Bill. Mr Lansley: I think the hon. Lady must accept that, Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): GPs in Oxfordshire because I have come to the House and made it very want to be catalysts for change. Collectively and collegiately, clear that we are going to do this thing. We are going to they want to be able to design NHS services for the best set it out, I have done so before the recess, and it will and optimal benefit of the people of Oxfordshire. Can take place during the recess and beyond. But, from my my right hon. Friend confirm that this statement means point of view, I think that in the formation of the policy that they can continue to design those services and and its introduction there has been a genuine process of continue to plan to have an Oxfordshire-wide GP listening. It is now a genuine process of listening and consortium, knowing that they will be able to go forward engaging to ensure that we get the implementation in the future to plan the best health services for the right. people of Oxfordshire? Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): This has Mr Lansley: Yes, I can indeed confirm that. Having been a very good day for the coalition Government, a joined my hon. Friend in Banbury in the past and met great day for the Secretary of State and a superb day for GPs there, I know and can say that, if they had been Parliament. What Opposition Members do not seem to more fully engaged, as our plans would have meant, in understand is that this is about Parliament scrutinising the design of clinical services in Banbury or in the a Bill and improving it. Does the Secretary of State future of the Horton general hospital, for example, we agree that he should listen not to those dinosaurs but to would have had better and earlier outcomes than was in Parliament? fact the case.

Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): The Secretary Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. My of State, in his letter to me of 23 March, dismissed my objective is to ensure that the statutory structure for the request that he discuss with the Comptroller and Auditor NHS moves on from one that had virtually no serious General concerns about the conflicts of interest which accountability. As Secretary of State, I could have done might arise from GP commissioning. The Secretary of most of this without the legislation: I could have just State, in his statement today, refers to the concerns abolished most of the primary care trusts and strategic about those specific conflicts of interest. Will he now health authorities. Previous Secretaries of State behaved engage in a discussion with the Comptroller and Auditor in that cavalier fashion, but we are not doing that; we General to receive best advice on methods of Government are giving Parliament the opportunity—a once-in-a- procurement? generation opportunity—to give the NHS greater autonomy and, in the process, to be transparent about the structure Mr Lansley: I do not think I dismiss anybody; I might of accountability. not agree with people, but I do not dismiss them. If I recall correctly, I did not agree with the hon. Gentleman’s Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Is the suggestion because he misunderstood the fact that the Secretary of State aware of the instability that we are consortia are separate statutory bodies, not private experiencing in the management of NHS services in bodies, and separate from GP practices, which are individual Trafford, with provider services off at Ashton-under-Lyne, contractors to the NHS. The confusion between those Wigan and Leigh on a temporary basis, with Trafford two things meant that his point was not valid. Healthcare NHS Trust forced to find a new partner for its management, and the primary care trust forced, first, Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): My constituents, to combine with other Greater Manchester care trusts who have watched primary care trusts halve the number for one year, before splitting into GP consortia next of community hospital medical beds in Wiltshire, know year? In view of all that instability and the uncertainty that NHS reform is needed to make decision makers that it is causing to staff in the NHS and at Trafford, accountable, so how does the Secretary of State propose will the Secretary of State ensure that he has the adequate to strengthen the public and patient voices on the support in terms of project and change management boards of the GP consortia that will replace them? that appears to be so lacking at present? 783 NHS Reform4 APRIL 2011 NHS Reform 784

Mr Lansley: Let me make it clear to the hon. Lady make a suggestion to the Secretary of State? Perhaps we that many of the things she is describing in Trafford are should bring all those people who are passionate about the result of things that the last Labour Government this reform and want to take party politics out of it failed to do. For example, the last Labour Government together with Labour Members on a platform so that said that all NHS trusts should meet the criteria to we can take this forward without petty politics derailing become foundation trusts by December 2008, but they a brilliant piece of legislation. did not do it. We are now having to help NHS trusts to meet the kind of quality and viability standards that Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. Labour they did not meet in the past, which is at the heart of Members sit and laugh about this, but they ought to many of the problems she describes. Do we have realise that 1 million patients a day visit their local management resources? Yes, we do. That is one of the general practice surgery. GPs across the country who reasons I invited Sir David Nicholson, as chief executive have come together to form pathfinder consortia—87% of of the NHS, to be the chief executive of the new NHS the country—are doing it on the basis that they can commissioning board so that the design of commissioning improve services for patients. I suspect that they understand for the future will be completely consistent with the the needs of their local community and patients better transition and the management of the change in the than many Labour Members, who are not listening to NHS today. their GPs locally.

Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): I Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): I would like thank my right hon. Friend for standing firm in his to thank the Secretary of State for single-handedly desire to improve the NHS. Will he join me in commending destroying the Government’s reputation on the NHS the work of the Great West commissioning consortium through this Bill. No amount of minor changes or in London and others, who have approached these slowing down of the pace will address the Bill’s fundamental reforms with professional leadership and commitment failure to protect the public from privatisation by stealth. to make the NHS more efficient and improve public If he refuses to resign, is he worthy of his nickname, health, ensuring better care for all patients? Broken Arrow—he doesn’t work and he can’t be fired?

Mr Lansley: Yes, I do join my hon. Friend in applauding Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman might like to talk the Great West commissioning consortium, because it to Dr Stewart Findlay, who is among those leading the and others across London are demonstrating that instead pathfinder consortium in County Durham. He might of having the top-down diktat of how services should like to talk to people locally who are piloting the new be changed in London, they are in the process of 111 telephone system, which will give better access and designing, from the point of view of the populations better urgent care to patients. Instead of sitting there they serve, what the requirement is for them and their making rather absurd political points, why does he not services in their area. That is a better and more sustainable go and talk to people who are delivering services to basis on which to design community-led and primary patients? That is what the NHS is really about. care-led services for the future. David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): In east Cheshire, Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): This debate was there is no lament for the passing of the PCTs. In fact, confused before today. Can the Secretary of State put in there is a positive response to GPs having a greater say writing exactly what things will be put on hold and what in how health care is delivered locally. Will the Secretary things will carry on? For example, he said that he is of State tell the House how GPs will be updated on taking a natural break but GP commissioning groups progress over the coming weeks? can still continue to be set up. If the natural break is a good idea, surely that is a pointless exercise. Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. We are not only developing communication with GPs in pathfinder Mr Lansley: No, the hon. Gentleman misunderstands. consortia, but, more importantly, creating a learning I was very clear in my statement and in subsequent network among GPs in pathfinder consortia, so that responses to questions. Right across the country, there these groups across the country will not only learn from are thousands of people who are developing the pathfinder each other, but, we hope, arrive at a set of views that consortia, taking NHS trusts through to foundation help us to design a service that supports them. trust status, and building the health and well-being boards and new public health structures in local Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The Secretary of government. They should be confident in doing that, State, who tells us how much he studies the NHS, must because the Government continue to be committed to know that the King’s Fund tells us that under the achieving those changes. In the process of doing so, we Labour Government, Britain’s NHS was the most efficient will engage with them to ensure that the legislation in the entire world. On that basis, a broad coalition of specifically gives them the support that they need. people, including health experts and the Liberal Democrats, is telling him that this policy is wrong. He apparently Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): I came here today to tell us why he is right and all those congratulate my right hon. Friend on engaging and people are wrong. Is this a genuine consultation, or is it listening. We have all received the 50 or so e-mail just a pause to get through the local elections before he circulars from constituents who are concerned, but that does what he wants to do anyway? does not reflect the evidence on the ground. GPs in Shipston in my constituency are absolutely passionate Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman is wrong on almost about the reforms and want to engage fully with them, every count. We have seen a decade of declining productivity as do 220 other groups—87% of the country. May I in the NHS. The Office for National Statistics and the 785 NHS Reform 4 APRIL 2011 786

[Mr Lansley] Murder of PC Ronan Kerr National Audit Office set that out recently. We have seen an NHS that, despite record increases in funding, 5.44 pm which are welcome, is still not meeting the best European cancer survival rates, as was made clear by the NAO. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen We need to improve the NHS. The Government are not Paterson): With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to discounting anybody’s views on how we can best achieve make a statement about the murder of Police Constable that. In the spirit of continuous improvement in the Ronan Kerr in Omagh on Saturday afternoon. Shortly NHS, there is a spirit of continuously listening about before 4 pm, a device exploded, destroying his car in how to make that happen. Highfield close, a quiet residential neighbourhood in the town: 25-year-old Constable Kerr died as a result of Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): Does the his injuries. I am sure that the whole House will join me Secretary of State share my amazement that in recent in sending our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences months the Labour party seems to have U-turned on to the family, friends and colleagues of this brave young patient choice and on any willing provider, and does officer. He was a local man who, having gained a not appear to support putting clinicians in charge of university degree, decided upon a career in the Police commissioning health care? Its only policies seem to be Service of Northern Ireland. He dedicated his life to the “Save the PCTs”, “Save the SHAs” and “Save NHS service of the whole community; the terrorists who bureaucracy”. murdered him want to destroy that community. The contrast could not be clearer. Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. Perhaps These terrorists continue to target police officers and having increased the number of managers in the NHS endanger the lives of the public. We all pay tribute to by 70%, the Labour party thought that it would be the PSNI and the Garda for their remarkable commitment swept to victory on the votes of NHS administrators. and for their success in thwarting a number of recent That did not happen. People in the NHS knew that attacks. Working seamlessly together, last year they waste, inefficiency and excess bureaucracy were not the charged 80 people with terrorist offences, compared way to deliver the best care for patients. That was with 17 in 2009. However, regrettably, on Saturday a Labour’s way; it will not be our way. device exploded, killing Constable Kerr. His murder was a revolting and cowardly act perpetrated by individuals Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Given that the intent on defying the wishes of the people. Secretary of State will not instruct NHS managers Following Saturday’s attack, the PSNI immediately to take a natural break in implementing his so-called began a painstaking murder inquiry. The House will reforms, does he understand why his intention to make understand that that meticulous work is still in the early changes after the natural break might be questioned? stages. I saw the Chief Constable yesterday and I know As colleagues have suggested, is the natural break just that the PSNI, working closely with the Garda Siochana, like every other Tory consultation—a sham? will not rest until these evil people are brought to justice. I reiterate in the strongest terms the Chief Constable’s Mr Lansley: There is nothing sham about this. This is appeal for anyone with any information to bring it to serious business, not a political game, as it appears to be the police. for Opposition Members. Tens of thousands of people across the NHS are engaged in managing and developing The PSNI has support from right across the community new services, which will deliver improving outcomes and is responsible to locally elected politicians. Just over and be more responsive to patients, through devolved a year ago, we strongly supported the previous decision making in the NHS. I think that we should Government’s determination to devolve policing and simply help and support them, not least by listening to justice, and we backed the very significant financial them. package that accompanied that devolution. After the election we endorsed proposals for a further £50 million Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East for the PSNI, specifically to confront the terrorist threat. Cleveland) (Lab): The Secretary of State told my hon. In the national security strategy, published last October, Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) that we made countering terrorist groups a tier 1 priority. the budget for Monitor will be between £50 million and We have agreed an exceptional £200 million of additional £70 million, but the Health and Social Care Public Bill funding over four years, as requested by the Chief Committee, on which I sat, heard that it would be Constable, so that he can plan ahead with certainty. between £40 million and £130 million. Does that not As the Prime Minister said on Saturday, show that not only are the Government not listening to “the British Government stands fully behind the Chief Constable this side of the country but are not even listening to and his officers as they work to protect Northern Ireland from their own facts? terrorism”. That cannot be done by a security response alone, Mr Lansley: I answered that question earlier. crucial though that is. It can be resolved in the long term only by the community itself, together with strong leadership by local politicians. That leadership was evident again this morning when the First and Deputy First Ministers and the Justice Minister stood as one with the Chief Constable to reiterate their determination that these terrorists will never succeed. They all called for the active support of the PSNI. They spoke for the 787 Murder of PC Ronan Kerr4 APRIL 2011 Murder of PC Ronan Kerr 788 people of Northern Ireland, and their condemnation of is severe. It is more serious today than in nearly 15 years this grotesque murder has been echoed in London, and it is ongoing. A serious terrorist incident was attempted Dublin and Washington. almost every week last year—a dramatic and regrettable Our clear and united message to these terrorists is escalation on previous years. Those people have improved that they will not destabilise the power-sharing institutions capacity, increasingly sophisticated technical and engineering at Stormont, they will not deter young Catholic men capability, and they aspire to extend their reach. and women from joining the police service, and they Today’s terrorists may have little or no community will not drag Northern Ireland back to the past. support, but we make a grave mistake if we do not Thirteen years ago, the agreement was endorsed by recognise that, in addition to those who refused to overwhelming majorities in Northern Ireland and the accept the peace agenda, a new generation is growing Republic of Ireland. That was the true democratic voice up, delusionally embracing a new wave of criminal and of the people of Ireland, north and south. They, above deadly violence. Their numbers grow significantly.Bordering all, will ensure that the terrorists fail. The visit of Her on psychotic, their ambition is to instil fear through Majesty the Queen will shortly reinforce the fact that attempted bombings and murders. Their aspirations relations within these islands have never been stronger. extend beyond Northern Ireland to Britain. Today, politics in Northern Ireland is stable. The Excepting national security, responsibility today for democratic process is established. An Assembly has policing and justice is devolved to Stormont. However, completed its first full term in decades. At the elections devolution does not absolve us at Westminster of our in May, voters will choose their politicians to serve in broader responsibilities to the people of Northern Ireland. the new Assembly based on everyday bread-and-butter The Secretary of State recently succeeded in persuading issues. That is democracy in action. the Treasury to provide additional resources from the Those who murdered police Constable Ronan Kerr reserve. He is to be congratulated on that. That, of fear democracy. The Omagh bomb in 1998 did not course, was before this attack. destroy the peace process. The terrorists failed then and If the Chief Constable should require—to fulfil the they will fail now. They will not deflect us from our ongoing demands of community policing for the public shared determination to build a peaceful, stable and and, of course, for the safety of his officers—further prosperous Northern Ireland for everyone. additional resources for overtime, forensics, vehicles In the powerful and moving words of Constable and other items to meet the threat, will the Secretary of Kerr’s mother yesterday: State reassure the House that they will be agreed and made available without delay? “We were so proud of Ronan and all that he stood for. Don’t let his death be in vain.” To tackle today’s threat, we must ensure that we not only contain the existing terrorists, but do all we can to Mr Shaun Woodward (St Helens South and Whiston) stop alienated young people being drawn into that (Lab): I thank the Secretary of State for his statement. pattern of crime. The Secretary of State will know of The House can only echo and underline the sincerity the work of Co-operation Ireland, which is urgently and unity with which the leaders of all Northern Ireland’s seeking additional financial support for its critical work political parties—nationalist, republican and Unionist— from, among others, the British Government. He knows have spoken. The Opposition are part of that single the former deputy Chief Constable, Peter Sheridan, voice, which reverberated around the world this weekend. who leads that work. The organisation has made cutting- We remember Constable Ronan Kerr with profound edge proposals, tackling the sectarian legacy but also respect. Our hearts go out to his mother and family, and dealing with real problems in the present. Will the to the people of Omagh, for whom the brutal assassination Secretary of State consider the proposals sympathetically reopens a deep wound. We think, too, of the police and renew his support for additional funding with the family of Northern Ireland, who today deeply mourn Chancellor? their colleague, but will be at work, the gravest risks to The Home Secretary raised the threat level in Great each no less, serving the community selflessly. Britain last September. To ensure that we are guided not The men and women of the PSNI do not see themselves by optimism, but by realism, will the Secretary of State as extraordinary, but in what we ask of them, in the reassure the House that the Government will learn from gravest risks that they daily face, we know them as not only the mistakes that we made in the past, but the extraordinary. In his courage and service, Ronan Kerr security measures that we got right? exemplified that spirit. His commitment to working for Will the Secretary of State confirm that he is satisfied one community—Protestant and Catholic—stands in from discussions with the Home Secretary that here in absolute juxtaposition to the deluded and demonic Britain police forces have and will continue to have the deeds of those who targeted him. resources they need to address the threat appropriately? However futile their actions, those behind the psychotic Will he also confirm that, at all levels of Government, acts of violence seek to bring fear and terror back to the there is no complacency? Prevention should be our guide. streets of Northern Ireland. Constable Kerr was not an On national security, and if we are to learn, as the isolated target, nor was the attack random. His death is head of MI5 said, from “the pattern of history”, will profoundly shocking, but an attack on a police officer is the Secretary of State tell the House that he is fully not a surprise. satisfied with the co-operation between the PSNI and When the Belfast agreement was signed, as the head forces here in Britain, including on timely and of MI5 acknowledged last year, we all hoped that the comprehensive sharing of information? residual threat from terrorism in Northern Ireland would Without capability, the threat from terrorists will be remain low and gradually decline. Regrettably, optimism significantly contained. Those who supply the criminals must give way to realism. The threat is not low: today it must also be brought to justice. Will the Secretary of 789 Murder of PC Ronan Kerr4 APRIL 2011 Murder of PC Ronan Kerr 790

[Mr Shaun Woodward] Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): May I thank the Secretary of State for the advance copy of his State confirm that anyone involved today or in the past statement, and on behalf of the Northern Ireland Affairs in the supply of weapons or explosives will not be given Committee join him in condemning this evil and cowardly immunity from prosecution? Will he confirm that, should murder? I do not believe that those people have any the PSNI wish to conduct interviews with any foreign legitimate political aims, but, if they do, is it not worth nationals currently in Britain, the Government would drawing a parallel and reminding them that a murderous immediately help facilitate that? campaign by the IRA made any change in the jurisdiction Hon. Members will have seen the statement that and constitutional position of Northern Ireland less, Constable Kerr’s mother made on television last night. rather than more, likely? Yesterday was mothering Sunday. When so many sons and daughters remembered what their mothers had Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the Chairman of the given for them, Constable Kerr’s mother, in her darkest Select Committee for his comments and for the Committee’s hours of grief, shared with our country what her precious support on this issue. We are quite clear that there are son meant to her and her family. We all have a duty to now mechanisms for everyone in Northern Ireland to ensure that Ronan’s death will not be in vain. Let us be pursue their legitimate political ambitions by peaceful, judged on what we now do. democratic means. There is absolutely no excuse, and no place for violence that is in theory for a political cause. Mr Paterson: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his comments and support, which send a strong signal Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): Our sympathies across the world that the House is united on the issue. and prayers are with the Kerr family at this terrible The right hon. Gentleman mentioned contingency. time. I spoke to Mrs Kerr yesterday in her family home. We have made it clear that, as under the arrangements Her courage and bravery, and that of her son Ronan, that he fixed with the Executive at the time, should the stand in stark contrast to the cowardly callousness of threat increase, we are prepared to consider the reserve, those who murdered him. At this time, does the Secretary but let us look at what we have done. We confirmed of State agree that the best answer, as I said at Prime £50 million last year and got an exceptional £200-million Minister’s questions only last Wednesday, is for the programme agreed this year for the next four years. people of Northern Ireland to stand together, as they Today, the Chief Constable said: are standing together, as one community, to reject these “We have the resources, we have the resilience and we have the men of violence, and to keep Northern Ireland moving commitment.” forward? That is the clear, united voice coming from Northern Ireland and this House today, and Ronan’s As I said in the statement, we are supportive of work death will not be in vain. with community groups, and I spoke to the chairman of Co-operation Ireland this morning. We will consider a Mr Paterson: I wholeheartedly concur with the right range of alternatives because, as I made clear, there is hon. Gentleman’s comments. For Mrs Kerr, yesterday not just a security solution. afternoon, under those circumstances, on mothers day, My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has made to welcome politicians to her house and to come out counter-terrorism a priority, and budgets are protected. after that to make the statement that she made, was a I am absolutely confident that there is increasing and quite remarkable moment. We all owe it to her to do improved co-ordination between the PSNI and GB-based exactly as the right hon. Gentleman says—to rally forces. She came to Belfast to discuss that with the Chief round together. I encourage everyone to participate, Constable a few months ago. campaign and vote in the coming elections in Northern Finally, I assure the right hon. Gentleman that no Ireland, to show that that is the way for Northern immunity has been given to anyone. If he were present Ireland to progress. for the statement from my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, he would have heard him say quite clearly Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): May I offer my that Musa Kusa is not being offered any immunity from condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of British or international justice. He also said during his Constable Ronan Kerr? Will the Secretary of State join statement that we believe in the rule of law. me in continuing to support, honour and celebrate the brave men and women of the PSNI, which can today proudly and rightly say that it is drawn from all communities Several hon. Members rose— in Northern Ireland?

Mr Speaker: Order. This is a matter of the utmost Mr Paterson: I am happy to confirm to my hon. gravity, which is being treated as such by the Secretary Friend that we now have a police service that is well of State and the shadow Secretary of State. However, I manned with personnel from right across the community, hope the House will understand when I remind Members with strong local support, and one that is endorsed by of the very heavy pressures upon time, the further all the main political parties. That is a major force for Government statement to follow and an Opposition good. day debate. Therefore, brevity from Back Bench and Front alike from now on is vital, and it will be enforced Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): I thank if necessary from the Chair. It is no good Members the Secretary of State for his statement. As the only saying, “Ah, but the point I had to make was important.” leader of a Northern Ireland party who is a Member They are all important, but we must make progress, and of this House, I wish to add the voice of the Social I cannot guarantee accommodating everybody. Democratic and Labour party to those who have 791 Murder of PC Ronan Kerr4 APRIL 2011 Murder of PC Ronan Kerr 792 condemned this murder, and who are determined that Mr Paterson: I am very grateful for the hon. Lady’s its perpetrators are brought to justice. I was happy supportive comments. She rightly paid tribute to the yesterday to speak to Mrs Nuala Kerr, and to her two Kerr family. I again quote Mrs Kerr, who yesterday sons and daughter, to convey those sympathies on said: behalf of the wider community and my party. “I urge all Catholic members not to be deterred”. Such killing was always wrong. It was wrong even I do not believe that they will be. when there was some political support for such violence. While we grieve for Constable Kerr and remember Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North) (Con): Constable Carroll, let us include in our prayers all those The thing that sets the Provisional IRA apart from who have died throughout Northern Ireland. the dissident republicans is that in the early 1990s the Given the level of infiltration of the dissident groups Provisional IRA recognised that above what it wanted by the security services, will the Secretary of State give a was what the public and community wanted, and that firm assurance that the PSNI will receive every scrap of the community did not want violence as a way of information and intelligence that is held by the security solving the troubles. Will the Secretary of State take this services that could be relevant to its investigation of this opportunity to tell us whether the whole Catholic appalling murder of Constable Ronan Kerr? May I join community is fully behind the family of Constable Kerr, other hon. Members in urging all members of the wider and will he consider redoubling his efforts to ensure community in Northern Ireland who have information that more Catholics join the PSNI? to pass it on to the PSNI in order to assist with the inquiry? Mr Paterson: My hon. Friend gives me an excellent opportunity to confirm that to my knowledge there is Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. We overwhelming support for the legitimate institutions must have much shorter questions, although I understand and for the legitimate, peaceful parties—I cite as an their importance. example the minute’s silence at the Gaelic Athletics Association game yesterday in Tyrone, which is a very Mr Paterson: I wholeheartedly concur with the hon. strong republican area. There is absolutely no place for Lady’s comments. Her party has a proud record of political violence in Northern Ireland. pursuing its political ambitions by democratic means through the most difficult times. She asked about the Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): security services. I shall repeat the comments of Lord May I also join the Secretary of State in extending my Carlile, who is an independent assessor of these matters: deepest sympathy to Mrs Kerr and her family? Does he “MI5 and the PSNI are working very closely together and one share my concern that, more than two years on, those really could not have more work being done and more energetically who were charged with the murder of Constable Stephen to try and deal with what is a very difficult threat”. Carroll are still to come to trial? Will he take this opportunity to voice his strong support for Minister Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): Will Ford’s efforts to speed up the justice system in Northern the Secretary of State join me in commending Nuala Ireland, so that those who go out to murder police Kerr for the conspicuous and formidable moral leadership officers will be reminded not only that they will be she has shown since the callous and senseless murder of caught, but that if they are convicted they will spend her son, and in urging all politicians to demonstrate the most if not the whole of the rest of their lives in prison? same conspicuous and formidable moral leadership in dealing with the terrorists who murdered her son? Mr Paterson: The right hon. Gentleman will have direct experience of these matters and I know that there Mr Paterson: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that has been frustration in the past about the slowness of strong comment. I entirely concur with what he said the system, so I congratulate Justice Minister Ford on about Mrs Kerr, and I remind everyone of what she said having introduced measures to speed things up. I also yesterday. point out that there were 17 charges in 2009, that the “We all need to stand up and be counted and to strive for number jumped to 80 in 2010 and that there have equality…We don’t want to go back into the dark days again of already been 16 charges this year, so we are definitely fear and terror.” bringing in measures to speed things up.

Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): May I add my Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): The death of Constable sincere sympathies to those expressed by the Secretary Kerr is obviously an extremely sad event, but will the of State to the family, colleagues and friends of Constable Secretary of State join me in congratulating the policemen Ronan Kerr. I also add to the Secretary of State’s call to and soldiers who cleared a 40 lb anti-personnel device those who have information that could lead to those this time last week in the centre of Londonderry, and who perpetrated the attack being brought to justice. will he explain whether he believes that the two incidents Their destructive and murderous attack is in stark contrast are linked? to the constructive role that the PSNI plays in our community in trying to build for the future. Mr Paterson: I thank my hon. Friend for that question Does the Secretary of State agree that this was an and I am happy to put on the record my wholehearted attempt to drive young Catholics out of the PSNI, and congratulations—I touched on this in my statement—of to drive a wedge between it and the community? Does the work not just of the PSNI but of the Garda Siochana, he agree that the best way to avoid that is for us to stand who are working extremely closely. I think we should shoulder to shoulder with those police officers and give pay tribute to the co-operation we are getting from the them our full support? Dublin Government, from both parties. I have talked to 793 Murder of PC Ronan Kerr4 APRIL 2011 Murder of PC Ronan Kerr 794

[Mr Paterson] Mr Paterson: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. I entirely endorse his comments about Eamon Gilmore—the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Constable Kerr, who could have pursued another career. Trade and the Tanaiste—and to Alan Shatter, the Minister He had a university degree in a totally separate subject for Justice, Equality and Defence. Today, I also talked but he decided to work in his community for the benefit to Martin Callinan, the Commissioner, and I confirm of the community. I entirely endorse the hon. Gentleman’s that we are working extremely closely. My hon. Friend comments about the behaviour of local politicians and is right that there has been a succession of events, week local parties. The election campaign of the next few after week; I would not want to comment today on weeks is a glorious opportunity to rebut everything that whether they are linked to this one, but we are determined these violent terrorists stand for. The election should be to work together and bear down on these dangerous entirely about day-to-day issues. As I have said, I encourage people. every voter to participate and turn out. I encourage them to put these people in their place and show them Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I congratulate the that they have absolutely no representation or support Secretary of State on his leadership at this time, which anywhere in the community in Northern Ireland. is much appreciated by MPs from Northern Ireland. We do not want to be dragged back to the past and the dark Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): If the history that we had for many years. I am aware that Provisional IRA could not achieve its aims over 30 years, there has been a large reduction in the number of police despite all the crimes and atrocities it committed, why officers, which might have fallen to approximately 7,000. should the dissident republicans believe they can succeed? What steps will the Secretary of State be taking in relation to resources and training to ensure that the stipulated Mr Paterson: I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s 7,500 figure is reached through the urgent and immediate question. To put it bluntly, they will not succeed, but training of officers to ensure that we have significant one has to ask what on earth they think they achieved and adequate police coverage on the ground? by ending this bright young man’s career just as it began. Mr Paterson: On police numbers, we have contributed major extra funds this year, as requested by the Chief Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): Will the Secretary Constable. I repeat what he said today: of State welcome the strong support from Secretary of “We have the resources, we have the resilience and we have the State Clinton in her condemnation of this brutal murder? commitment.” Will he assure the people of America that there is no How he divides up the funds that have been provided to support in the United Kingdom, in Northern Ireland, him and the Justice Minister are a matter for him. in the Republic or in the American Government for Those are operational matters and not for me to answer these brutal murderers who should be brought to justice from here. as a matter of urgency?

Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): I thank the Secretary Mr Paterson: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman of State for the statement that he has unfortunately had for his question. We have had unstinting support from to make today. Our thoughts are with the Kerr family, both parties in Washington and I was touched that the policing family and all those for whom the awful Hillary Clinton, given everything else that is going on in events of the weekend have been a dreadful reminder the world, put out a very strong statement condemning of their own trauma. The Secretary of State rightly this “cowardly act”, which she said represented the commended the strength of political unity. Does he “failures of the past”. She said that the perpetrators’ agree that it is hugely important, in the context of the actions election campaign, that all parties make it clear that “run counter to the achievements, aspirations and collective will there is no political difficulty or difference that these of the people of Northern Ireland”. terrorists can exploit for their warped agenda? Does he I spoke to Congressman King last night, who is the agree that Constable Kerr was a patriot and that those chairman of the Friends of Ireland group. He, too, has who killed him were not? He was a patriot who was put out an extremely strong statement, which we all honouring his country in the service of all in his community. welcome. 795 4 APRIL 2011 State Pension Reform 796

State Pension Reform Let me give hon. Members an idea of just how confusing the present UK pension system is for the average person. The Pensions Commission has described 6.15 pm it as one of the most complex in the world and a The Minister of State, Department for Work and departmental survey on attitudes to pensions found Pensions (Steve Webb): With your permission, Mr Deputy that barely one in four people agreed that Speaker, I would like to make a short statement about “they knew enough about pensions to decide with confidence state pensions. The coalition has already taken steps to about how to save for retirement.” support current pensioners by reintroducing the earnings Worse still, few people have a clear idea of what their link for the basic state pension. Indeed, we went one state pension will be worth when they retire. Critically, step further with our triple guarantee, which will mean the current system actually discourages some people that a pensioner retiring today can expect to receive from putting anything aside; the mass reliance on means- about £15,000 more in basic pension over the life of tested benefits leaves people unsure whether they will their retirement. However, the pensioners of tomorrow benefit from the savings they make. Automatic enrolment face a new landscape. With longevity continuing to into workplace pensions with employer contributions increase, future pensioners can expect to work for longer are due to start from next year, so we need to give and they may not have the same levels of housing people more clarity and certainty about what they will equity. They are less likely to have the certainty of a get from the state, thereby giving them a firm foundation final salary pension and from 2012 we will introduce for decisions about saving to fund their retirement. a new system of automatic enrolment into workplace For women, the low-paid and the self-employed, the pensions. state pension system can produce unfair outcomes. As a Today, the Government are publishing a consultation result, people in those broad groups are far more likely document, which looks at whether the existing pensions to have poorer state pensions, which we will address. system is suitable for meeting the challenges of the Under a single-tier state pension, for example, the self- future. This Green Paper marks the next step in the employed would be able to build up as good a state coalition’s plan to create a system that is fair and simple pension as anyone else. They stand to gain around for pensioners and that rewards those people who do £1.40 a week of state pension for every year of national the right thing and take responsibility for their future. insurance contributions that they make, up to a maximum It is right that we ask people to take responsibility for of 30 years. That could provide them with a state pension their retirement by saving over the course of their of around £140 a week, instead of the current rate of working lives, but it is also right that the Government £97. Currently, less than 50% of women in their late 40s should play their part by ensuring that we support those or early 50s are expected to get £140 a week from state who make the right choices for their future and those of pension income in retirement. Our proposals would their families. address that. We are clear that reform on this scale If we want to encourage pension saving, the key is could take many years to deliver, but the prize—providing getting the state pension system right. The current clarity to savers and all those planning for their retirement system has been in a sort of permanent evolution for —is a real one. decades, which means that planning for retirement is There are two other, related issues. The Government fiendishly complex. The Green Paper sets out two options recognise that means-tested benefits play an important for reform, neither of which involves spending more role in targeting support where it is needed most and money on future pensioners than has already been provide an essential safety net for the most vulnerable. forecast through the existing system. The key is to However, means-tested benefits add to complexity and spend the money we have better. The objective is clear: can be a real disincentive to saving for many people. to move to a simple, contributory state pension system Therefore, in addition to consulting on the two state that provides flat-rate support above the level of the pension options that I have briefly mentioned, the Green means-tested guarantee credit, which would be easy to Paper seeks views on whether the current system of understand, efficient to deliver and provide a firm means-tested support would best meet the needs of future foundation for further saving. pensioners. On the state pension age, as life expectancy The first option involves bringing forward existing projections continue to be revised upwards, we also reforms so that the state pension would evolve into a have a responsibility to ensure that the pensions system two-tier, flat rate system more quickly. The second, is sustainable and that the costs of increasing longevity more radical, option is to move to a single-tier state are shared fairly between the generations. Therefore, as pension. Both options are for future pensioners; pensioners well as reforms to the state pension, we are consulting who have already reached state pension age by the date on the most appropriate mechanism for determining of reform would not be affected, so no existing recipient future changes to the state pension age. of state pension would see their income reduced. For As the coalition addresses those issues, I shall be future pensioners, we would also continue to honour seeking as many views and contributions to the debate the contributions that people have built up to the date as possible. We shall be asking all interested parties—hon. of reform. The option of a single-tier state pension Members, employers, pension providers, members of would be a marked improvement on the current system, the public and specialists—to work with us to ensure which is dogged by complexity and confusion. During that we deliver the state pension system that the people the transition, many would receive their single-tier pension of this country deserve. If we want future generations from a combination of their state and contracted-out to take responsibility for their retirement, we need to scheme, as happens now, which means that they would deliver a simpler and fairer state pension system that receive less than the currently estimated £140 directly acts as a foundation for people to build up to a decent from their state pension. income in retirement. Fairer, simpler systems that reward 797 State Pension Reform4 APRIL 2011 State Pension Reform 798

[Steve Webb] he will account for those benefits in the new system, or say whether we will see further cuts, by stealth or people who do the right thing and take personal otherwise? responsibility for themselves and their families—these I have a few brief questions about affordability and are precisely the same themes that run through the fairness. The Chancellor announced in his Budget that welfare reforms being implemented by my right hon. the reforms would cost no more than the current system, Friend the Secretary of State, from the universal credit yet the Pensions Policy Institute estimates that a flat-rate to the Work programme. pension at a guaranteed credit level will cost almost With the Welfare Reform Bill we have set out how the 1% of GDP after 13 years. That must imply that although coalition will transform working-age benefits to make some will be better off under the Government’s plans, work pay and tackle the root causes of poverty and some will also be worse off. The Minister has spoken welfare dependency, but we also need people to save for eloquently about the potential winners, but the distributional their retirement. We need automatic enrolment and impacts are critical, so will he confirm who will be employer contributions to work. With today’s Green worse off under the new proposed system? Paper we are setting out how we plan to transform the On fairness, the Minister has said that accrued rights pensions system and create a simple, decent state pension will be protected. Forgive me for being a bit sceptical, that is easy to understand and efficient to administer. but he said the same about the switch in uprating from We need to ensure that saving for the future pays. I am the retail prices index to the consumer prices index. proud to be part of this bold, reforming agenda. Today’s However, in this instance I will give him the benefit of Green Paper is a step on the road to a radical reform of the doubt. Can he guarantee that someone in their 50s the state pension system, and I commend this paper to who has worked all their life on average earnings and the House. has never contracted out of the state second pension will still be entitled to a more generous state pension than Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): I thank the Minister someone who has not paid in? If not, does he think it for advance sight of his statement—half an hour before fair that those contracting out and getting defined he got to his feet. Given that the pensions Minister and benefit pensions in retirement could receive the same the Secretary of State chose to announce the most state pension as their counterparts who have paid full positive elements of the Green Paper to the media over national insurance contributions throughout their careers? the weekend, I cannot help feeling that I am the only If those who have paid in get more than £140, will the person who still has not seen it. Today we have heard change really be cost-neutral? If some will get less than proposals that include a universal flat-rate pension and £140 based on lower contributions, will the Minister further increases in the state pension age. Although in ensure that no one falls below the guaranteed credit principle the move to a more simplified system is welcome, level? In what way can that be called a flat-rate pension? it raises a number of important questions. The Government’s proposals could have serious The Labour Government recognised the importance implications for the future of defined benefit schemes, of pension reform. Labour made great inroads, particularly because they will end the rebate for those on DB schemes. in lifting more than 1 million pensioners out of poverty Given the importance of occupational savings for retirement and in recognising the vital role that people—mainly income, as the Minister said, what are his estimates of women—play as carers. The Labour Government reduced the generosity of DB schemes—and, indeed, their overall the number of years needed to qualify for a basic state survival—given the changes? The changes in contracting-out pension to 30, helping women, while more generous touch on a wider point. The post-world war welfare credits for carers have ensured that more people are state is based on the contributory principle. We welcome now entitled to a higher level of the state second pension. the news that any new flat-rate system will keep Labour also introduced automatic enrolment, helping contributions at their core, and that anyone with 30 years’ the up to 8 million people who previously did not put national insurance contributions will be entitled to the money aside for their pensions to save. Although we newly formulated pension. However, given the Chancellor’s welcome the fact that the Government are continuing announcement that the Government intend to merge with automatic enrolment, we disagree with the watering tax and national insurance, will the Minister explain down of some of those proposals. how the contributory principle will work in practice if Previous changes to the state pension mean that, that merger takes place? Will he also give a reassurance based on new accrual rates and assuming 30 years of that taxes will not go up for pensioners, who of course national insurance contributions or caring credits, a do not pay national insurance? low-paid woman or someone in a caring role would be The other, less briefed elements of today’s Green entitled to a basic state pension of £102.15 a week, plus Paper include the automatic mechanism for increasing £43.50 in the state second pension, totalling £145.65 a the state pension age to make future increases fair and week, or more if she had 40 years of contributions. The smooth, with time for people to plan. The move comes figure of £140 a week that the Minister set out must be too late for the 500,000 women who will have to wait a seen in that context. Pensioners and families must assess year longer before they receive their state pension and the proposals carefully to ensure that they are not worse the 33,000 women who will have to wait exactly two off than they would have been under Labour’s plans. years before receiving their state pension. Does the Can the Minister give some reassurances about the Minister now recognise that the accelerated timetable other benefits that pensioners receive, including free TV for the state pension age for women in their 50s does not licences, prescriptions, eye tests, support with council spread the cost fairly or, with just five years’ notice, tax, bus passes, the winter fuel allowance and cold leave enough time to prepare? weather payments? In the Budget we saw a cut in the To conclude, the Green Paper does nothing for today’s winter fuel allowance, despite rising energy prices and pensioners, because a flat-rate pension will be for only two successive cold winters. Will the Minister explain how new pensioners. Today’s pensioners are suffering at the 799 State Pension Reform4 APRIL 2011 State Pension Reform 800 hands of this Government, with an increase in VAT to of Pension Funds—the trade body for company pensions 20%, which sees pensioners worse off by £200 a year, —welcomes these reforms and supports them, but we low savings rates and a £100 cut in the winter fuel are in dialogue with those operating large final salary allowance. Although a flat-rate pension of £140 sounds pension schemes to discuss how these changes will impact good in theory, the Chancellor says that there is no new on them and how we can work with them to move towards money, so who will lose out? It is quite likely to be the sort of simpler scheme that they and we want to see. families on average earnings, or just a bit more, who The hon. Lady asked about merging what the Chancellor have worked hard and brought up a family, paying their referred to as the operation of the tax and national full national insurance contributions. Some people will insurance system, which is certainly at an exploratory be worse off under the reforms, yet the Government stage, but he has made it clear that pensions will be want to talk about only the winners. In the final chapter protected under these changes and that the contributory of the review, the Government suggested that a crude principle will remain. formula could be used for uprating the state pension Finally, the hon. Lady asked about the mechanism age. They have already hit women in their late 50s with a for raising the state pension age. She referred to a crude two-year increase in their state pension age; now they formula, but there are options in the Green Paper. One want to use a formula that pays no attention to health is to have an automatic mechanism for raising the in later life, so we will all be waiting longer and longer pension age as longevity increases; the other is to adopt to get our pensions. a more nuanced approach to take account of a range of We welcome the intent behind today’s Green Paper. factors. We would welcome feedback on that. We want a more progressive and less complicated system, but I am yet to be convinced that today’s Green Paper Overall, I think the hon. Lady welcomed our proposals, will achieve that. particularly the fact that they will benefit women and self-employed people and will lead to a fairer system. She said that she wanted to see a fairer system; in office, Steve Webb: I did write the hon. Lady’s words down—in the Labour Government never delivered one, but through principle, she welcomed the Green Paper, so I am grateful this Green Paper, we will. for her warm comments about our proposals. She asked a number of specific questions, and I shall try to respond to them. Mr Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con): In welcoming the statement and the Green Paper, I The hon. Lady seemed to imply that women would congratulate the Minister on achieving a long-held ambition get £145 anyway, so wondered why we needed to do in the pensions world of creating much more certainty anything. That, however, is decades away.Equality between and transparency about the state pension system so as men and women in the state pension system is decades to encourage saving in the longer term, as well as on away, and we think that is too slow. Many women who helping the more vulnerable groups he mentioned, such did their child rearing in the ’80s and ’90s got no state as women, who will get help that much earlier. Will he second pension protection because it did not exist at say more about the time scale? He talked about the long that time. They will be retiring over the coming years distance we still have to go before achieving justice for and we are now bringing forward that protection for women, so what improvement will these changes bring them. We do not want to wait 20 years for equality. and what is the Minister’s time scale? The hon. Lady asked an important question about passported benefits and we will need to consider the Steve Webb: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who implications of these changes for those benefits. She had brings his great knowledge of these issues to the House the cheek to suggest that the winter fuel payment had been and to the Select Committee of which he is a member. cut in comparison with what she would have provided if As he says, we need a simpler system. He will appreciate she were in office. She will be well aware that we are that these things take time; we will need to consult and sticking precisely to the budgets that her right hon. then respond. In due course, we hope to legislate to Friend the Member for East Ham (Stephen Timms), the re-programme the computers and so forth. As the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, wrote. He will know Chancellor said, we are talking about some years to perfectly well how much he put aside for the winter fuel implement the reforms, but we are clearly keen to move payments, and we are doing exactly what he planned. forward as fast as we possibly can. The hon. Lady asked about the Pensions Policy Institute and its estimate that a £140 flat-rate pension would cost Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): I was 1% of gross domestic product. What she may have listening hard to the Minister’s reply to the shadow misunderstood from the report is that the question it Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds West asked was what it would cost if that amount were paid (Rachel Reeves), and I noticed that he provided no to everybody. That is where its figure came from. We are examples, in response to her request, of those who saying that we will create this for new pensioners, because would be worse off as a result of these changes. There new pensioners face a new world in which they will work must be some losers. Presumably, they will include the longer, retire later and have fewer final salary pension group who enjoy pension credit now, but have not paid schemes, so we need a system that is fit for them. enough contributions to justify the new flat-rate pension. The hon. Lady sought reassurance on two points and What will happen to that group? As for women, surely if the answer is yes to both of them. We will honour past they have not made the contributions, they will not be service and we will make an adjustment, as I said in my any better off than they are now. statement, for contracted-out periods. The hon. Lady asked about the future of final salary Steve Webb: I am grateful to the Select Committee pension schemes after 13 years of decline under Labour. Chair for her questions. To be clear on the role of She will be pleased to know that the National Association pension credit, we envisage that there will have to be a 801 State Pension Reform4 APRIL 2011 State Pension Reform 802

[Steve Webb] the state pension at 65. If we keep raising the state pension age without allowing for those people who have safety net under any system, and the Green Paper been working since they were 15 or 16, we will certainly provides for consultation about what exactly that might bring insensitivity into the system. look like. There will still be a guaranteed credit type system—a floor below which people cannot fall. In a Steve Webb: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman, single-tier pension world, the savings credit would no who brings great knowledge of these issues to the longer be necessary for new pensioners. In other words, House. He raises a vital point. Although it is true that the savings credit was invented by the previous Government life expectancy across the social classes has been improving, to deal with the fact that 100% marginal tax rates were which is entirely to be welcomed, there are still very paid on any saving. Because we are not doing that any significant differences. One suggested option in the more, we will not need the savings credit for new pensioners, Green Paper is that the review mechanism should take which helps to pay for the reform. It is less means-testing, account of a wide range of factors of the very sort that more universal pension. he mentioned. It is possible to have a too formulaic or The hon. Lady rightly mentions the position of women automatic approach, but the right hon. Gentleman will and my point is that women under the current system, have noted that the Chancellor referred in the Budget to who often did their child rearing before the state second a “more automatic” approach, taking systematic account pension was introduced, have no protection at all, whereas of increases in life expectancy, but potentially of other they have basic pension protection. Under a single-tier factors such as those that he mentioned. world, they get protection at the full rate, so they will benefit from the reforms we are introducing. Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): In welcoming the Green Paper and particularly the emphasis Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) it places on removing means-testing as a deterrent to (LD): My hon. Friend the Pensions Minister has not saving, will the Minister confirm how he intends to treat only introduced the link between pensions and earnings, caring responsibilities and their role in contributing for which pensioners have been calling for years, but towards the build-up of a pension? now makes a clear bid to be the most popular Pensions Minister for decades, in announcing the option of the citizens pension for which he and I have campaigned for Steve Webb: I am grateful to my hon. Friend and I ever. It is clearly fairer, simpler and particularly helpful know of the expertise she brings to the Select Committee to women and the self-employed. I urge my hon. Friend on these issues. We propose that bringing up the next to be as bold and reforming as he suggests option 2 generation or caring for an elderly relative will be valued would allow. I urge him to go fully through the consultation by society just as much as a high-paid job. A year will process, but when midsummer’s day arrives—the last be a year will be a year. If someone is contributing to day of the consultation—I urge him to go for the single society in that way or in paid work or in other ways, it tier state pension so that this Government’s legacy for will bring them one thirtieth of a single state pension. pensioners will be as radical in this century as the legacy We think that is a big step in the right direction, which of Lloyd George and Beveridge was for pensioners in will be widely welcomed around the House. the last. Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): We welcome Steve Webb: My right hon. Friend puts me on the the Green Paper and the consultation that will ensue. spot, but I am glad to respond positively. I have noted We agree that moving away from means-testing and his comments down as being the first response to my complexity towards a universal flat-rate pension is greatly consultation, making it 1-0 for the single-tier option—I to be welcomed. The Minister says that this will not will keep score as we go. He is right that the restoration entail spending any more money. Given that so many of the earnings link after 30 years of breaking it is an pensioners today do not claim all the means-tested historic event, although it has been rather overshadowed benefits to which they are entitled—this is a big factor by other events in the world. We think someone retiring in these reforms and should again be welcomed—does this year will, over the years, get an extra £15,000 in it not mean that more money will need to be spent to basic state pension through the restoration of the link. make up for the fact that people do not claim? If so, will That is a real firm foundation for today’s pensioners as the Minister guarantee that that money will be provided? well as reform for tomorrow’s. I am grateful to my right hon. Friend in respect of the liberal heritage and to my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Chancellor Steve Webb: The right hon. Gentleman has made an for their encouragement for the proposal to move forward. important point, namely that under the current system many people are entitled to top-ups and do not claim them, whereas pretty much everyone claims the state Malcolm Wicks (Croydon North) (Lab): It is humbling pension. The new system will guarantee that a great to follow a question from a “for ever” Member of many people will live clear of the poverty line for the Parliament. first time. As the right hon. Gentleman says, a price tag May I ask about the mechanism for determining is attached, and we have factored that into our costings. future changes to state pension age? Could this mechanism Although the prospective state pensions of the very please allow for occupational and social class differences highest earners will be lower than they would otherwise in terms of life expectancy? If we look at men who work have been, many lower earners and people who would in what are called routine occupations, such as van not otherwise have taken up their entitlement to pension drivers, cleaners and labourers, we see that almost a credit will be in a better position, and we consider that fifth of them—19%, I believe—die before they receive to be a fairer system overall. 803 State Pension Reform4 APRIL 2011 State Pension Reform 804

Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): What My hon. Friend asked about pensioners’ savings. In a the Minister has announced will be enormously welcome world in which we will enrol people in workplace savings, in my constituency. I know from correspondence with we need them to be confident that they will be better off my constituents that they will be particularly interested when they save, and that is one of the specific purposes in the raising of the state pension age, because they of the reforms. If my hon. Friend wishes to raise any want a degree of certainty about when they can expect further points, I will certainly respond to them. to retire. I urge the Minister to provide that certainty as rapidly as possible. Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) (Lab): Given that the introduction of a single-tier pension will Steve Webb: As my hon. Friend says, people want be available only to new pensioners, will the safety nets certainty about the future. We have said that we must to which the Minister referred in his answer to my hon. move rapidly in respect of those reaching the age of 66. Friend the Member for Aberdeen South (Dame Anne However, the new mechanism is designed not just to Begg) include all the existing passported benefits, and make changes more automatic, but to provide notice will claimants still have to go through a means-tested periods. Young people will not have that certainty, system in order to obtain them? because life expectancy is always changing, but as people approach the state pension age, we want to be able to give them more certainty. That is part of our plans. Steve Webb: We are not changing the system for current pensioners at all. It will continue as previously Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): It is difficult to budgeted. As for new pensioners, we need to think what think of any statement that could be more important paying a pension above the guarantee credit implies for than one that commits a Government to paying a state passported benefits, and what sort of system we need. I pension above means-tested assistance level. The importance should be interested to hear people’s ideas, because the of this statement—which I welcome—stems from the issue is important. Hitherto, we have simply assumed fact that the income of many pensioners is below that that pension credit means poverty and that we must level. Even if we take into account those who do not therefore make all the extra payments. We may need a claim means-tested help, a large price tag will be attached more sophisticated system now, but the role of passported to this reform. Will the Minister consider the contribution benefits is important, and I am grateful to the hon. made by taxpayers through pension tax relief, which Lady for raising it. favours the wealthy over those who earn least, as one way of financing it? Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): I thank the Minister for his statement and for providing us with the rationale Steve Webb: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his behind it. As he will know, people will want to establish welcome for the proposed system. It will be financed on whether the single tier really does offer the platform for a cost-neutral basis within the system: we will spend fairness and adequacy that he has described. They will less money on means-testing and, for instance, savings want clarity and confidence. credit, we will withdraw some of the very small payments The Minister mentioned the need for people to save that we currently make to people who do not even live money for their pensions. What consideration have he in this country, and we will remove some of the highest and Treasury Ministers given to their ability to afford accruals for the highest earners. We therefore do not that, given the hits that they are taking as a result of the need to involve tax relief. As the right hon. Gentleman withdrawal of some child benefit, the entry of more will know, the Government have refined the previous people into the 40% tax bracket, and the huge challenge Government’s plans, so tax relief will be less concentrated posed by tuition fees? on the highest earners, but we have no further plans to change tax relief. Steve Webb: The hon. Gentleman has raised an important point about people’s ability to afford to save. One of the Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): It is key aspects of automatic enrolment is the fact that always an honour to follow the right hon. Member for an employee’s contribution will trigger an employer Birkenhead (Mr Field), who invariably speaks a great contribution of nearly as much, plus tax relief. If an deal of common sense on these issues. employee contributes 4% of his salary, the employer’s I thank the Minister for publishing the Green Paper, contribution will raise that to 8%, so this is a very which, along with the introduction of universal credit, affordable form of saving. Of course we want to ensure constitutes a seminal reform. We in the Government that people who make such sacrifices in order to save parties are sending the message that it always pays to will be better off as a result, and our reforms will make work and it always pays to save. We are taking radical that outcome far more likely than it is at present. steps in regard to the choices that we give pensioners on annuities; may I ask the Minister to continue that work? After all, we are talking about the individual savings of Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC): Plaid Cymru has long pensioners who have worked all their lives. campaigned for a living pension, and we welcome the Government’s single tier proposals. The current system does not ensure an adequate income for all pensioners. Steve Webb: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. As Jackie Ashley wrote in today’s Guardian, There is a clear link between the major reforms that the Department is introducing for people of working age “On this issue of complexity Labour in power got it wrong, and those that it is introducing for those who will reach and should admit it.” pension age in the future. “It pays to work” and “it pays However, does the Minister accept that on the accelerated to save” must be the right combination. equalisation of state pension age, the Government are 805 State Pension Reform 4 APRIL 2011 806

[Hywel Williams] Points of Order in some danger of getting it badly wrong for about half 6.48 pm a million women in their late 50s? What assurances can Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): On a he give about that? point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I seek your advice on how the House may properly engage with the public Steve Webb: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for in the referendum on the alternative vote. Many of my expressing support for the proposal of the single tier constituents, and many Members of Parliament, have on behalf of the Welsh nationalists. As for the issue of drawn my attention to the fact that a recent publication state pension ages, the Green Paper involves moves by the Yes campaign appears to be an official document beyond the pension age of 66. The issue raised by the drawn up by the local electoral service. It also appears hon. Gentleman will be dealt with in the Pensions Bill, that those who apply for a postal vote may well be which will be presented to this House shortly, but, entitled to vote in all the elections. How can we make beyond that, we are trying to establish a more automatic people understand that this is nothing to do with the mechanism that takes account of changes in life expectancy electoral service, and that they must apply for a different and, perhaps, of other factors as well, such as notice postal vote if they want to vote in the local elections? periods—which is, I think, the issue that he has raised—in Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): a more systematic way than we or other Governments Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. have done so far. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I was going Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): There is some to rule on the point of order raised by the hon. Member good stuff in what the Minister has said, but every week for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke), but if the my office—and, probably, the office of every other point of order from the hon. Member for Harwich and Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom—receives North Essex (Mr Jenkin) will help, I will take it. queries about small works pensions. Although they Mr Jenkin: Further to that point of order, Mr Deputy amount to a pittance, they remove people’s eligibility Speaker. The leaflet in question uses local authority free for benefits. Will the Minister assure us that such people post whether or not a person already has a postal vote, will not be disadvantaged? thereby adding to the costs authorities face for this referendum. How can the House engage in this matter Steve Webb: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. and hold this disbursement of public money, which the A small occupational pension can make the difference Yes campaign is wasting, properly to account? between living in poverty and living with a bit of dignity. Hitherto, given the low state pension of £97 a week, the Mr Deputy Speaker: That point has already been first £35 or so of company pension has tended to offset raised in the House. It is not a procedural point on £35 of guarantee credit, so people have been no better which I can rule, but I suggest that it might be taken up off. Then the savings credit has come along and given with the Electoral Commission. them a bit back, and it is all fiendishly complicated. The Mr Tom Harris (Glasgow South) (Lab): On a point of beauty of the single tier is that people are above the order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Just over six weeks from guarantee credit level from pound one, so the works now, East Coast trains will start operating on a new pension is theirs to keep on top. There is still a housing timetable. East Coast is wholly owned by the Government benefit system and so on, but in principle the works and many people who wish to travel will want to buy pension will be worth more than it is under the current their tickets in advance in order to get the best possible system. fares. However, even though there are only six weeks to go until the timetable takes effect, East Coast has still Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): not published it, so last week I tabled a named day May I give the Minister a final opportunity to tell us question to the Minister of State, Department for Transport, who the losers will be from his plans for flat-rate pensions? the right hon. Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers), asking when the timetable will be published. On Thursday, Steve Webb: I will have another go. We have made it the Minister responded, saying that she will answer the clear that we are not spending more money overall, that question shortly. That is not an answer; that is a happy there are significant gainers among women, the low coincidence of ink patterns on a piece of paper. What paid and the self-employed, and that therefore, inevitably, is the point of named day questions if Ministers are some people who would have received higher state allowed blatantly to ignore and disrespect Members pensions under the current system will receive flat-rate and the procedures of this House? pensions. Because the current system is earnings-related, the highest earners will tend to receive lower state Mr Deputy Speaker: There are quite a few points in pensions under this system. The Labour party used to that point of order. The first of them is, to some degree support that sort of thing. at least, a matter for the Scottish Government. I cannot rule on the second point. Instead, it will need to be taken up with the Table Office, and I am sure the Member will do so on his way out, in order to ask about the progress of the answer to that question. 807 4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 808

I was contacted last week by a local beat officer from Opposition Day the west midlands, and I want to read out what he said about the job he did: [14TH ALLOTTED DAY] “When I arrived it was a run-down, deprived area frequented by pimps, prostitutes, druggies and drug dealers. By working with the community we were able to change it into an area where the Government Reductions in Policing residents were happy to walk the streets at all times of the day and night. Crime was reduced and the feel-good factor returned. The local community saw me every day. If I wasn’t there, they would Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I must phone me. I was able to rebuild trust and confidence in the police. inform the House that Mr Speaker has selected the I was the single point of reference for them. amendment in the name of the Prime Minister. In 2010 I was awarded the ‘coppers’ copper award’ by the Police Federation…this spoke of my professionalism and dedication. Now I am being forced out and will not be replaced. Residents are 6.51 pm up in arms and have even started a petition to keep me. These Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) people know that in a very short space of time” (Lab): I beg to move, their area That this House notes the Association of Chief Police Officers’ “will return to what it used to be and they are frightened. statement that there will be 12,000 fewer police officers because of I believe I am good value for money...My presence prevents the Government’s cuts to central government funding for the crime and antisocial behaviour. It makes people feel good. I’m police; considers that chief constables across England and Wales totally devastated to be leaving as I feel that I have a number of are being put in an impossible position by the Government’s good years in front of me doing the job I’m good at. I took an 20 per cent. cut to central government funding; notes that Her oath in 1979 and have stuck to it. Ultimately the people who will Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) said the police suffer are the public.” budget could be reduced ‘at best’ by 12 per cent. and that ‘a cut beyond 12 per cent. would almost certainly reduce police availability’; Those are the words of one beat officer in the west further notes that HMIC has said that 95 per cent. of police midlands, who is at the sharp end. That is what it is officers do not work in back office roles; regrets that because of really like on the front line of the Government’s 20% the Government’s 20 per cent. cut frontline police officers are cuts in policing, and there is much more such evidence being lost in every region of England and in Wales; is deeply from across the country. concerned by recent statements from police forces and authorities that show the level of cuts being forced upon them by the Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): One of the sharp-end Government, amounting to 1,158 police officers in the South West, 1,428 police officers in the South East, 1,215 police officers decisions this Government have had to take is to deal in the East of England, 579 police officers in Wales, 783 police with the economic legacy to which my hon. Friend the officers in the East Midlands, 1,573 police officers in the West Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) referred. Midlands, 573 in the North East, 3,175 in the North West, 1,242 Is the biggest Budget deficit in the developed world part in Yorkshire and the Humber and 1,200 in London; calls on the of that golden economic legacy that the right hon. Lady Government to think again; and rejects the cuts to frontline believes her party left to our country and Government? police officers the Government is forcing upon police forces. We come to this debate rather later than any of us had Yvette Cooper: The hon. Lady chose not to comment expected, and I congratulate those Members who have on the more than 100 police officers being lost from the managed to sit through all four statements and an Wiltshire force, as well as the more than 100 support urgent question in order to be present for it. jobs being lost from that force. I look forward to seeing This debate offers a chance for the House to reflect her put that in her leaflet for the next election. As I have on the full scale of the cuts in policing the Home already pointed out, at the time of the election borrowing Secretary agreed and announced last October, a chance was, in fact, lower than expected and unemployment for Members on both sides of the House to consider was falling. By cutting too far, too fast, the hon. Lady’s what this means for their constituents, and a chance to party is going to make it harder to cut the deficit, with urge the Home Secretary to pause and think again, more people on the dole and more spent on unemployment because if Government Ministers can do that for trees benefit. and for hospitals, then this is her moment. It is time the From Nottinghamshire, another officer writes: Government stopped to think about the damage they “Since 2006 when I took this office road casualties have fallen are doing to the nation’s policing before it is too late. by 33%...that’s saved over £90 million in costs...I haven’t achieved this by myself for sure but we’ve contributed massively to that Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): Does effort and now they want to get rid of me.” this debate also present the previous Administration Hampshire police have been forced to cut their domestic with the chance to say sorry for the huge economic mess violence units. In Lancashire, they are reducing air-support we were left in, which is why tough decisions are now cover. In Dorset, they are cutting traffic policing by having to be taken in policing and other areas? 33%. In north Wales, they have cut back on the handlers and sniffer dogs for explosives. In the west midlands, Yvette Cooper: In fact, at the time of the election neighbourhood policing teams are being lost. unemployment was falling, the economy was growing and borrowing was lower than expected, whereas nearly Stephen Barclay (North East Cambridgeshire) (Con) 12 months on we have seen borrowing come in higher rose— than expected, unemployment continue to rise and growth stall. The hon. Gentleman should, perhaps, consider Yvette Cooper: I will give way to the hon. Gentleman those points when he thinks about the impact these if he wants to comment on the policing cuts in his foolish decisions are having on public services. area. 809 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 810

Stephen Barclay: I thank the right hon. Lady for The Secretary of State for the Home Department giving way. Under the 12% cuts she proposes, what does (Mrs Theresa May): The right hon. Lady is making a lot she consider to be the right ratio between the numbers out of the issue of police numbers. What would she say of senior management staff and bobbies on the beat, whose to Chief Constable Peter Fahy from Greater Manchester, comments she is quoting in her speech? Cambridgeshire who in January said to the Home Affairs Committee: police has a sergeant for every four constables, an “The other issue has been political—if I can say it—almost an inspector for every three sergeants, and a chief inspector obsession with the number of police officers, which meant that or officer of more senior grade for every one-and-a-half we’ve kept that number artificially high. We have had lots of inspectors. Does she consider that to be the right ratio police officers doing administrative posts just to hit that number.”? between the number of senior police figures and those on the beat? Yvette Cooper: As the Home Secretary will know, chief constables have been put in an impossible position. They are rightly trying to do everything they can to Yvette Cooper: Of course we want to see more police deliver strong policing within the budgets they have officers out on the beat, and, in fact, that was the been given and to reassure the communities for which consequence of the policies of the Labour Government they have to provide services, but the rug is being pulled over many years. We also believe it is right for forces to from underneath them. If the Home Secretary now do everything they can to improve their efficiency and believes that police numbers are artificially too high and to make sure they are supporting officers. However, in higher than they ought to be, she is the first Conservative force after force and area after area we are seeing police Home Secretary in history to say that the problem with officers, not just police staff, being lost: 12,500 officers the police force is that police numbers are too high. to go. These are not our figures; they are figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers and individual The right hon. Lady referred to chief constables. police forces and police authorities across the country. Chief Constable Steve Finnigan of the Lancashire There will be 12,500 fewer officers and 15,000 fewer support constabulary, who is the ACPO lead on police performance staff. That is the equivalent of the combined police management, was asked whether he would have to strength of Yorkshire and Humberside, or the equivalent reduce front-line policing in order to meet the Government’s of the forces of Durham, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, budget cuts. He replied: “I absolutely am.” He has also Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Surrey said: and Dorset combined. “Let me be really clear. With the scale of the cuts that we are experiencing…we can do an awful lot of work around the back office…but we cannot leave the front line untouched.” Claire Perry rose— That is because of the scale of the cuts and it is what chief constables are saying across the country. Yvette Cooper: I will give way to the hon. Lady if she thinks it is really possible to make cuts of that scale to Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): Is my right police forces and still have no impact on the front-line hon. Friend not amazed that at a time when we are services that communities across the country receive. cutting front-line policing, the Government intend to spend more than £40 million electing police commissioners that nobody wants? The Government have failed to put Claire Perry: I am most grateful to the right hon. forward an argument as to why they are required. Lady for her generosity in giving way for a second time. I am very interested in the statistics she is quoting, and I ask her for the source of the data she just gave Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend makes an important suggesting that 100 officers were going in Wiltshire, point, because that money could be spent on keeping because I have very frequent conversations with the some of the 2,000 police officers who have been told chief constable of Wiltshire, and that is not a number that they will be forced to take early retirement as a that either he or I would recognise. Please can she tell us result of the scale of the cuts. Electing 43 police and the source of the data? crime commissioners seems to be the only crime policy that the Government have. They are electing 43 new politicians in place of the thousands of police officers Yvette Cooper: All the figures we have seen and across the country who are to go. released have come either from chief constables, police forces or police authorities. That is also where the Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): figures of 12,500 fewer officers and 15,000 fewer support Meredydd Hughes, the chief constable of South Yorkshire, staff have come from. I know that Ministers have repeatedly has said that Government expectations of improving refused to acknowledge those figures, but I hope they performance were will take the opportunity of today’s debate to admit that police officer posts are being cut across the country. “challenging if not unrealistic in the longer term.” That is what happens when you cut too far, too fast. Of Does that not demonstrate beyond doubt that the service course the police can make efficiency savings; they will be damaged between now and 2015? should strive to do more and do better, and should make savings in procurement, on overtime and by changing Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend is right to mention the way they do things. That does mean cuts to their the concerns of the chief constable of South Yorkshire. budgets, but by forcing cuts of 20%, with the steepest He is reported as having recently raised concerns about cuts occurring in the first two years so that there is no what would happen to crime in many areas as a result of time to adjust and plan, the Government have lost any the scale of the cuts in the Government’s plans. The cuts sense of balance and any grip on the reality of what go way beyond the 12% that Her Majesty’s inspectorate such cuts will mean for communities across the country. of constabulary said could be made through genuine 811 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 812 efficiency savings over several years, and they go way Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): In my local beyond the 12% cuts that the previous Labour Home area, the police tell me that their back office is already Secretary identified and promised to implement over a cut to the bone. We are reaching a point—[Interruption.] Parliament—they are more than 15% in real terms in That is what I have been told. Government Members the first two years alone. The Government are cutting may laugh, but that is what police officers have told me. more in the first two years than Labour proposed to cut We now have the ridiculous situation of front-line police over a Parliament. officers taking time to do things such as empty the bins in a police station in my constituency. That was done by the back office, but it is no longer a back-office function Mr Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con): as the back office is not there. The police are spending Does the right hon. Lady not feel any need to apologise time emptying bins rather than being on the street for the state in which Labour left this country? We had fighting crime. How on earth is that justifiable? the worst deficit in the G20—worse than Ireland and Greece. We are now trying to do something about it, but Yvette Cooper: That is a hugely important point, she criticises every saving. What is the matter with because the scale of the cuts to the back office is having Labour? Do Labour Members not understand that an impact on the front line. The sheer scale and pace of everybody and every economic organisation across the the cuts that hon. Members are making and supporting world is saying that we need a deficit reduction package are having an impact. Making the police implement and that what she is saying is nonsense? those cuts so fast makes it hard for them to plan, make reforms and change services. Instead, they are having to Yvette Cooper: Government Members have obviously make deep cuts that hit services as well. been primed by the Whips today to join the debate but not make any points about policing. They are obviously Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): Does my right hon. afraid to discuss the consequences of the cuts for policing Friend recall that last year, when I was the Minister for and crime in communities across the country, and they Policing, Crime and Counter-Terrorism, we proposed are starting to sound like a stuck record. They are £1.5 billion-worth of cuts and the then Conservative cutting too far, too fast, and it is having serious consequences Opposition did not vote against those cuts or propose for our economy, the level of unemployment, and police the extra £1 billion that they are now taking out, and forces. They are going too far, too fast, and communities the Liberal Democrats asked for 3,000 more police will pay the price. officers on the beat? Will my right hon. Friend update us on where we are on that promise? The charge against the Home Secretary, as she sits in the dock aided and abetted by the Minister for Policing Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend is right. We had and Criminal Justice, is serious. She is the first Conservative identified a series of areas where savings could be made Home Secretary in history to champion cuts to the while still protecting front-line services. It is true, as the police as a way to cut crime. What is her defence? First, lonely Liberal Democrat on the Benches today will she tried to claim that she was not at the scene of the concede, that the Liberal Democrats had called for crime, and that it was the Chancellor who cut her 3,000 more police officers, rather than voting to cut budget and not her. She then tried to claim that no 12,500 police officers in constituencies across the country. crime had been committed, saying The Home Secretary has tried a final line of defence. “lower budgets do not automatically have to mean lower police She hopes that the Merseyside force will come to her numbers.” rescue as a character witness. She claims that if every Faced with the incriminating evidence of 12,500 fewer force improved its visibility as well as Merseyside has police, she changed her story: done, more officers would be available. We agree that forces should increase their visibility, as many started to “We have been absolutely clear about the need for forces to ensure that the cuts are made to the back office, procurement, IT do when we introduced neighbourhood policing, and provision and so forth.”—[Official Report, 6 December 2010; that they should learn from the best. But Merseyside’s Vol. 520, c. 19.] testimony does not help the Home Secretary’s case, because it is losing more than 800 police officers, along Her accomplice, meanwhile, said that savings could all with an estimated 1,000 staff. Its evidence shows that, come from the back office and the newly defined “middle despite its good work, it is already being forced to make office”. cuts in front-line services, including to officers in visible The expert witnesses from HMIC have blown that jobs, who are already losing their jobs, and it is also defence away. Instead of proving that cuts could all be cutting the antisocial behaviour task force. made from the back office, they showed that 95% of police officers do not work in the back office. Instead of Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): I thank identifying a wasteful middle office, they said that that my right hon. Friend for giving way, and I apologise for office carried out 60% of intelligence support, included being a little late arriving for the debate. Is she aware the CID specialist crime units, and worked on tackling that the second phase of redundancies in the West hate crime, vice, drugs and burglary.Even the Conservative Midlands police force will cost an extra £10 a year over councillor who chairs of the Norfolk police authority the next two to three years? has switched sides to give evidence for the prosecution. He stated: Yvette Cooper: I was not aware of the further plans in “I have to fundamentally disagree with the Minister’s assertion the West Midlands police force. It is certainly true that that we can find further efficiencies in the so-called ‘back office’…you many of the cuts in police numbers cover only the first can’t take £24.5 million out of our annual spend and still deliver year or two, and many forces are concerned about the the policing service to the same current standards.” consequences in future years as well. 813 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 814

Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): expert witnesses is clear. The sheer scale and pace of the My right hon. Friend will know that Merseyside police cuts mean that front-line services, and not just front-line force made the biggest efficiency savings in the country numbers, are being hit. The Home Secretary and her before it received its grant settlement. That means that co-defendants can change their story as much as they 800 police officers and 1,200 police support staff will like, but every claim collapses under interrogation. The now not be employed, and we are still waiting to find evidence from the police and the expert witnesses is out how many policy community support officers we damning, and the mood among the jury, as Lord Ashcroft’s will lose their jobs. Is she as worried as I am that police polling proves, is already hostile, even though the cuts officers in domestic violence units, undercover police have barely started to bite. It is little wonder that the units, child protection units and race hate crime units Ministers are backing softer sentencing; they know that are no longer to be considered front-line police? they are going to be found guilty as charged. Whatever Ministers say at the Dispatch Box, in their Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend makes an important offices and in the TV studios, they are a long way from point. She will know from her constituency the impact the reality in the police stations and out on the beat. that the cuts are having on communities across Merseyside. They are out of touch. They think that if they talk fast While Merseyside has certainly done excellent work in enough and loudly enough in management-speak about getting as many police on the beat as possible and in efficiency, bureaucracy, visibility, availability, back office, ensuring that its officers are as available as possible, as middle office and even Middle Earth, it will somehow well as making very substantial efficiency savings, it is make the real cuts go away, but it will not. This is all a now being penalised. Its services are being hit, and it is far cry from their pre-election promises. The Prime the local communities in Merseyside that are paying the Minister promised that the front line would be protected. price. The truth is that the Home Secretary is making The Lib Dems wanted 3,000 more officers, not 12,000 fewer. visibility more difficult to achieve in Merseyside, not Even the Policing Minister told his local paper, just a easier. year before the election: It is the same story in Warwickshire, where the force “I will continue to press for more PCSOs and police officers”. is having to take police officers off the front line to So much for that, then. cover critical support jobs that have gone, and South Yorkshire’s chief constable has said: As for Ministers’ claims that there would be no link between the cuts in police numbers and crime, influential “A reduction in back officer support will put an increased members of their own coalition see things rather differently. burden on operational officers, detracting them from frontline duties.” Before the election, the right hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr Clegg) said that HMIC said in July last year that “putting 2,700 more police on the beat in England and Wales will “a cut beyond 12 per cent would almost certainly reduce police lead to 27,500 more arrests and an extra 24,500 crimes being availability”. solved.” I am not sure that I would sign up to his level of Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): Does the precision, but he made his point. And one prominent right hon. Lady accept that HMIC also said last year, in Tory Front Bencher said the following: a report commissioned by her Government, that only 11% of police officers were available to the general “The case can certainly be made that the increase in police officers in the last few years has had a positive effect both on public at any one time? Does she not accept that there providing reassurance to the public and on reducing some crimes…I are efficiencies that can properly be made, and that this am making an argument in favour of an increase in police Government are cutting forms and bureaucracy that numbers”.—[Official Report, 3 May 2007; Vol. 459, c. 1671-73.] have taken up hundreds of thousands of hours of Who said that, in this House? The current Minister for police time? Those are the kind of efficiency savings Policing and Criminal Justice. that can be made. Let us listen to the concerns from the top police. The Yvette Cooper: We have always said that efficiency South Yorkshire chief constable has warned of the savings can be made. That is why we set out 12% impact of higher unemployment, shorter sentences, cuts reductions, but HMIC said that in probation and cuts in police on increasing crime. The Kent chief constable has said that a 20% cut was “a cut beyond 12 per cent would almost certainly reduce police availability”. “quite a significant drawback into police numbers, both civilian staff and police numbers, and clearly there’s a potential impact The hon. Gentleman also cited the HMIC figure on that crime will rise.” visibility, but he is misusing the figures. In fact, HMIC said in its most recent report that it is right that forces Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): I am a should try to increase visibility, but pointed out that member of the Kent police authority, and the chief policing is a 24/7 service. The report stated: constable of Kent has also said that he sees this as an “HMIC estimate that between five and six officers are needed opportunity to deliver a more efficient and effective in order to provide one on duty 24/7…This suggests that, overall, force. He is increasing the number of neighbourhood the police are operating at the upper end of the efficiency range.” officers by more than 75%. That is not my conclusion, but that of the independent HMIC. Yvette Cooper: I welcome anything that the Kent Chief constables are being put in an impossible position. chief constable is able to do to support neighbourhood They are doing their best within their budgets to deliver policing, but the hon. Gentleman will know that Kent strong policing and to reassure the public, but the rug is police are having to lose more than 500 officers and being pulled out from underneath them. Whichever about 1,000 support staff. That means that they will be way we look at it, the evidence from the police and the under pressure in a number of different areas. 815 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 816

What on earth has happened to the Conservative speech, one might think that they had not planned to party? The traditional party of policing and crime is make any cuts to policing budgets, but in fact Labour’s throwing it all away. They have left the Liberal Democrats overall spending plans involved £14 billion of cuts to in charge of policing powers and sentencing policy, and Government spending this year, including cuts to the they have left the management consultants in charge of policing budget. The Opposition just will not tell Parliament, the police. They are taking serious risks with crime and the police or the public how they would make them. communities as a result. Over the 13 years of a Labour Government, crime fell by more than 40%, but most of us think that it is still too high. We want it to come Mr Hanson: May I confirm that when I was police down further. But instead of building on our progress, Minister last year we planned cuts of £1.5 billion? The the Government are putting it at risk. difference is that her Government are implementing cuts of £2.5 billion and are front-loading them over the The Government’s amendment today first two years. “welcomes the Government’s comprehensive proposals to cut crime”, but what are those proposals? In 13 years of falling Mrs May: I gently suggest that if the right hon. crime, Labour increased the number of police officers Gentleman is going to make an intervention it might and got more of them on to the front line, increased the help if he gets his facts right. He has the wrong figures. powers of the police through ASBOs and other measures, Indeed, I notice a difference between him and the increased the use of CCTV and DNA, increased crime shadow Home Secretary, who said she would make prevention through youth services and intensive family 12% cuts. The right hon. Gentleman talks about cuts of support, strengthened sentencing and, yes, sent more £1.5 billion—more like 15% or 16%. What we have people to prison. What are this Government doing? done and what the Opposition have singularly failed to They are making cuts in the number of police officers do is set out a detailed and comprehensive plan to free and cuts in the number on the front line. They are the police, give accountability back to the people, bring cutting the powers of the police and ending ASBOs. in real reforms and make real savings. They are cutting the use of CCTV and DNA. They are We struck a tough but fair settlement for the police in cutting prevention, youth services and specialist family the spending review. Let us look at the figures. In real support. They are cutting sentencing, cutting prison terms, the average reduction in central Government places and cutting probation, all at the same time. They funding for the police will be about 5.5% a year, but are increasing unemployment and child poverty, too. given that police pay constitutes 80% of all police Those do not sound like crime-cutting proposals to me. revenue spending and the likelihood that police pay will The Government are whipping up a perfect storm. be frozen for two years along with that of the rest of the None of us knows when it will blow, but they should public sector, the reductions in police force budgets will think again before it is too late. Let me say this to them: be less severe than the real terms figures imply. they used to be the party of law and order once. Not In cash terms, the average reduction for forces’ grants now. will be 4% in the first year, 5% in the second, 2% in the third and 1% in the fourth. Again, that does not include 7.18 pm the local council tax contribution, which on average makes up a quarter of all police funding. In fact, if we The Secretary of State for the Home Department assume that the council tax precept rises in line with the (Mrs Theresa May): I beg to move an amendment, to Office for Budget Responsibility’s expectations, in cash leave out from “House” to the end of the Question and terms the police face an average cut of 6% over four add: years. Those figures show that the reductions are challenging “welcomes the Government’s comprehensive proposals to cut but achievable. crime and increase the democratic accountability of policing while dealing with the largest peacetime deficit in history; supports the Government’s determination to help the police make savings Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): to protect frontline services; congratulates the police forces that Is the Home Secretary urging police authorities to are increasing the number of officers visible and available to the public; notes that the Opposition’s spending plans require reductions increase council tax for policing? in police spending; and regrets its refusal to support sensible savings or to set out an alternative.” Mrs May: No. I was merely pointing out the fact that I want to start by saying that in this country we have the Opposition appear to keep forgetting, which is that the finest police in the world. The tragic events in police forces have two sources of funding: from central Omagh at the weekend have yet again shown the bravery Government and from the precept. of police officers serving in all parts of the United Kingdom. They put their lives on the line day in, day I am absolutely clear that such savings will be achieved out, and I am sure that the whole House will join with only if we reform and modernise our police service, me in paying tribute to the courage, dedication and which Labour consistently dodged and ducked during commitment of all our police officers. its time in office. We should be absolutely clear that, as the right hon. Member for Normanton, Pontefract and I am delighted that we are having this debate today. Castleford has admitted today, Labour would not have Of course, the right hon. Member for Normanton, protected police budgets but would have had to make Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) wanted to the same savings as we are. hold it last time there was an Opposition day, but she was overruled by the shadow Chancellor—not for the During the last general election campaign, the Labour first time, I understand. From looking at the text of the Home Secretary was asked whether he could guarantee Opposition motion and listening to the right hon. Lady’s that police numbers would not fall under a Labour 817 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 818

[Mrs May] Angela Smith: On Friday, my constituent—a very senior officer in West Yorkshire police—came to see me Government and his answer was no. Now, the right at my surgery and asked me to put on the record in this hon. Lady claims she would be able to protect police debate his deeply rooted view that the Government’s numbers. Despite Labour’s denials, we know the truth—they police spending cuts will damage the service. What does would have made cuts to the police budget, just as we the Home Secretary have to say to my constituent? are. Mrs May: I would suggest that the hon. Lady says two things to her constituent. First, she should make Mr Ellwood: A theme is developing. A call is made clear why the Government are having to make cuts in for an Opposition day debate on one of the great offices public spending—they are a result of the decisions of state and Labour Members come to the House, taken by the previous Labour Government. Secondly, demanding that difficult decisions are overturned while she should also make clear the commitment that Chief completely forgetting why we must make those difficult Constable Sir Norman Bettison has given to what he decisions in the first place—[Interruption.] Aside from calls the central drivers of the way in which West the cuts, one big issue that affected the police in Dorset Yorkshire police will deal with the budget changes. He was the amount of red tape, which meant that officers states that the first is that were spending only 14% of their time on the beat. Is “local policing will not suffer, the sort of policing you see when that right? Can we not change it? you open your curtains and the emergency response of the police at the times when people are feeling vulnerable, under threat or have suffered some criminal act or tragedy.” Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes two extremely On bureaucracy, we have scrapped the so-called policing important points. First, judging by the replies from the pledge and done away with the last remaining national shadow Home Secretary to a number of interventions targets and we have replaced them with a single objective: from my hon. Friends—as well as the noise just made to cut crime. We are scrapping the stop-and-account by Labour Members from a sedentary position—all form, cutting the reporting requirements for stop and those on the Labour Benches fail to recognise the state search, and restoring discretion over certain charging in which they left this country’s economy, with the decisions to the police, and that is just the start. biggest deficit in our peacetime history. By the necessary measures we have taken to cut public spending, we have taken this country’s economy out of the danger zone. David Wright (Telford) (Lab): The right hon. Lady is My hon. Friend also makes an important point about obviously in touch with front-line police officers and bureaucracy. Central to our reforms is the need to get they obviously correspond with her. How many front-line central Government out of the way and to start trusting police officers have written to her or spoken to her to the police again. ask for the introduction of a police commissioner in their area?

Yvette Cooper: The Home Secretary claimed that our Mrs May: I shall tell the hon. Gentleman what front-line plans would have been the same as hers. By what maths police officers are saying to me. When I visited the does she make 12% over a Parliament the same as 15% Nottinghamshire police force, I saw a police officer who in the first two years and 20% over a Parliament, which said to me proudly that he had been out and had made is what she is doing? an arrest that morning and that he had had to come back and spend several hours filling in forms when, to use his words, what he wanted to do was to get back out Mrs May: The right hon. Lady is absolutely clear that on the streets again. if Labour had been in government, it would have made cuts. We are making cuts. My point was very simple: she Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The Home Secretary is claiming today that it would have been possible for a is continuing the work started by the previous Government Labour Government to have protected police numbers. on bureaucracy, but this Government have a more It would not have been possible, as the last Labour ambitious plan to change the landscape of policing. Home Secretary admitted during the election campaign. Does she not accept that the abolition of bodies such as The right hon. Lady must consider that very carefully. the National Policing Improvement Agency will result The one thing that the previous Labour Government in a greater cost to local police authorities and the new failed to do was to address the bureaucracy that ties up commissioners? They will now have to pay for things, our police officers in filling in forms rather than doing such as the databases, that they used to get for free. the job that they want to do and that the public want them to do out on the streets. Indeed, the former Mrs May: Yes, we are getting rid of the NPIA and we president of the Police Federation and the previous are considering a number of the functions that it carries Government’s own police bureaucracy fighter, Jan Berry, out as well as where they should best and most appropriately said that as a result of their sit and we will make an announcement in due course. Of course, the overall cost to the public purse of such “diktats the service has been reduced to a bureaucratic, target-chasing, things is not likely to change much because the functions points-obsessed arm of Whitehall”. undertaken by the NPIA have been funded by the We have done away with the diktats, we have scrapped public purse. But there will be a question over the extent the central targets, and we are ripping up the red tape. to which some of those functions are appropriately Instead, we are putting our trust back in the police and carried on at the centre or whether they are carried out we are making them accountable to the people who elsewhere, potentially more efficiently and with an improved really matter—the public. service as a result of moving them elsewhere. 819 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 820

Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): Will Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab) rose— the Home Secretary give way? Mrs May: I will make some progress before I give way Mrs May: No. I shall make some more progress. to any other interventions. I have made the point about the bureaucracy, but Our reforms are also based on the premise that the what we have done is just the start. Working with the police must be accountable not to civil servants in police, we are looking at sweeping away a wide range of Whitehall, but to the communities that they serve. Last the red tape, bureaucracy and paperwork that get in the Thursday, the Police Reform and Social Responsibility way of officers doing what they want to do—getting out Bill completed its passage through the House. It is our on the streets and keeping us safe. hope that it will complete its passage through the Lords and receive Royal Assent in time for elections for police Yvette Cooper: What does the home Secretary say to and crime commissioners to take place next year. the police and Warwickshire and South Yorkshire During the Committee stage of the Bill, the Opposition and the HMIC, who have all said that the scale of cuts helpfully conceded the principle that we need democratic means that police officers will be doing more bureaucracy reform in policing, but their idea is just to add elections and will be less available because of the scale of the cuts on top of the existing ineffective structures by having and the support staff who used to do those jobs being elected police authority chairs, which would add to the lost? costs without bringing any of the benefits. Under our proposals, police and crime commissioners will have the Mrs May: The right hon. Lady just does not get the power to set the police budget, determine local policing fact that this Government are getting rid of much of priorities and hold their chief constables to account. If the bureaucracy that has been tying up the police in red they do not cut crime and help keep their communities tape and taking them off the job that they want to safe, they will face the ultimate sanction of rejection at do—something that the previous Government singularly the ballot box. failed to do. I would have thought that Labour supported However, slashing Labour’s bureaucracy and increasing us in our efforts to get officers out from behind their accountability is not enough. The police will have to desks and back on the streets, but when one of their take their fair share of the cuts across Government to several former shadow Home Secretaries was asked by clear up Labour’s financial mess, so direct savings and the Home Affairs Committee: efficiencies are also needed. “Do you think it would be better if police spent more time on patrol than they do on paperwork?”, Jack Dromey: I am grateful to the Home Secretary. he replied: Last week five west midlands police officers with a total “I think that is too simplistic a question for me to give a service of 163 years spoke out about the harm that will sensible answer.” be done to the front line on which they have served all Perhaps the right hon. Lady would like to tell us whether their life. If the Home Secretary wants to hear the voice she agrees with the shadow Chancellor that the police of front-line police officers, will she agree to meet those should be behind their desks, filling in forms, or does five police officers? she agree with me that they should be out on the street, fighting crime? Mrs May: I am very happy to visit police forces, as I do, to talk to police officers across the board, and to Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): Will my hear directly what they are saying. When I next make a right hon. Friend note that Jan Berry, the former president trip to the West Midlands force, I am very happy for the of the Police Federation, wrote only recently that one hon. Gentleman to arrange for me to meet those five third of all effort was being duplicated or in some way officers. I am sure I will be meeting other officers as well. wasted, and therefore that considerable savings could It is important that we ensure that we make changes be made by a reduction in bureaucracy? One third— within our police force so that we have the police force engineered or duplicated. that we need to face the 21st century, but it is also important that we make sure that taxpayers’ money is Mrs May: My hon. Friend has made an extremely spent effectively. Our starting point for savings is the important and valid point and an excellent contribution report by HMIC, “Valuing the Police” which estimated to the debate. It is exactly that point that was stopping that £1.15 billion per year could be saved if only the the police doing the job they wanted to do. least efficient forces brought themselves up to the average level of efficiency. Claire Perry: Does my right hon. Friend share my However, the fiscal deficit left by Labour is so dire incredulity on listening to those on the Opposition that bringing all forces up to the average level is no Benches? One would think that there had been nothing longer enough—forces must go further. We must raise left to do in terms of improving efficiency, but is the the performance of all our police forces up to the level, Home Secretary aware that each of the 43 police forces not of the average, but of the most efficient forces. If buys its own uniform and its own cars separately? forces improve productivity and adjust to the level of spend typical in the most efficient forces, we could add Mrs May: My hon. Friend also makes an important another £350 million to the £1.15 billion of savings that and valid point. I will come on to such issues in a few HMIC calculated. minutes. This sort of thing is already happening. In Suffolk and Norfolk the police forces are creating a shared Jack Dromey rose— service platform for their back-office support functions, 821 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 822

[Mrs May] Mrs May: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. Our view is that it is important to get the balance right saving around £10 million per year. In Kent, as my hon. between what the centre does and what the local forces Friend the Member for Rochester and Strood (Mark do. Of course we want to leave decision making with the Reckless) who serves on the Kent police authority made local forces, but we are working with them and ensuring clear, the police are streamlining and rationalising support that they will collaborate on those aspects where it services, enabling them to put more into the front line. makes sense for them to do so in order to make the The Kent force is also collaborating with Essex police to savings that enable them to reduce their budgets without make savings and allow more resources to be devoted to affecting the front-line services that people want out the front line. there in the streets. In London the Metropolitan police are getting more No Home Secretary wants to freeze or cut police officers to patrol alone, rather than in pairs, and are officers’ pay packages, but with Labour’s record budget better matching resources to demand in neighbourhood deficit these are extraordinary circumstances. That is policing, increasing officer availability to the public by why I commissioned Tom Winsor to undertake the 25%. In Gloucestershire the police are putting 15% more most comprehensive review of police pay and conditions sergeants and constables into visible policing roles and in more than 30 years, not because I want to make increasing the numbers of officers on the beat, at the savings for their own sake, but because I want to protect same time as they are making savings. These examples police jobs and keep officers on the streets. We are show that it can be done and it must be done. doing everything we can to minimise the effect of the There were other aspects that were outside the remit necessary spending reductions on pay. I have spelt out of the HMIC report. I know that members of the savings today, but we cannot avoid the fact that changes Opposition Front-Bench team have not read everything to pay and conditions have to be part of the package. that was in that report, so let me spell it out to them. HMIC did not look at the savings that could be made Steve McCabe: Will the Home Secretary give way? by joining up police procurement and IT, for example. Currently, the police have 2,000 different IT systems Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman has been very keen to across the 43 forces, employing 5,000 staff. As my hon. intervene, so I will give way. Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry) said, the police currently procure items from uniforms to helicopters in 43 different ways. That makes no sense. Steve McCabe: The Home Secretary is very generous. Following her comment on pay and trying to protect Working with the police, we have already secured the police from the worst effects of the cuts, does she their agreement that the right way forward is a national, accept Winsor’s own comment that 40% of officers joined-up approach, with better contracts, more joint stand to lose as much as £4,000 a year as a result of the purchasing, a smaller number of different IT systems proposals she is putting forward? and greater private sector involvement. With these changes we can save a further £350 million. Again, that is over and above the savings that HMIC identified. Mrs May: Tom Winsor did not say that. He indicated that a percentage of officers could lose funding as a result of his proposals, which are about putting increased Steve McCabe rose— pay to those officers who are in front-line service or who are using certain specialist skills in their work. I want Mrs May: The other major item that HMIC did not action on pay to be as fair as possible. We are determined look at was pay. In an organisation like the police, not only to cut out waste and inefficiency, but to ensure where £11 billion goes on pay, there is no question that that pay recognises and rewards front-line service and pay restraint and pay reform must form part of the package. allows chief officers to put in place modern management That is why we believe, subject to any recommendations practices. from the Police Negotiating Board, that there should be The Opposition know that savings can and should be a two-year pay freeze in policing, just as there has been made by modernising police pay and conditions. Indeed, across the whole of the public sector. This would add at they have said so publicly. The right hon. Member for least another £350 million of savings to those calculated Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford and the former by HMIC. Policing Minister, the right hon. Member for Delyn All these savings, together with those identified by (Mr Hanson), have both said that Labour planned HMIC, give us £2.2 billion of savings, just over the savings in the police overtime budget, but when Tom £2.1 billion reduction in central Government grant that Winsor proposed those savings they attacked them. I must be made. And even that ignores the contribution am sure that not only police officers and staff, but the from the local precept. public, would prefer us to look at pay and conditions rather than lose thousands of posts. Given that the Keith Vaz: I am grateful to the Home Secretary for Opposition do not support reform of pay and conditions, giving way a second time. The permanent secretary in losing more posts is exactly what they would do. her Department is before the Select Committee tomorrow and we will be asking her about procurement. I welcome Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): On the key what the right hon. Lady has said so far about centralising issue of posts, the chief constable of South Yorkshire procurement, but is it not better for the Home Office police, who has been mentioned a number of times in to make recommendations on procurement across the the debate, is facing a loss of 1,200 police and civilian 43 forces, rather than still to leave it to the forces to posts. He is absolutely clear that there will be an enormous work out collaborations between themselves? impact on front-line policing and has said that crime 823 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 824 will rise in South Yorkshire. Given the Home Secretary’s The Home Secretary caricatured the position of the concern that we should trust the police and their judgment, Opposition and previous Ministers, such as my right what would she say to him? hon. Friend the Member for Delyn (Mr Hanson). The cuts that the Government propose are roughly double Mrs May: What I say to the hon. Gentleman is this: the level that my right hon. Friend the Member for he is standing up saying that he wants to be able to save Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson) police jobs, so why have the Opposition singularly failed described as painful but possible when he was Home to support Tom Winsor’s proposals? Not only did they Secretary. The fact that the cuts are front-loaded makes not support the proposals, but the right hon. Member the pain even worse. for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford said that in I do not blame the Policing Minister, because this is commissioning Tom Winsor’s report I was picking a driven by a Chancellor and a Prime Minister who are fight with the police. It is absolutely clear that there are on the rampage with economic cuts that they clearly chief constables out there who recognise the impact believe in and that go beyond what is economically that this could have. The chief constable of Thames necessary. The Home Secretary should have done better Valley has said, “Tom Winsor’s report on terms and in negotiations and given the Policing Minister the tools conditions provide us with recommendations that could that are necessary to do his job well. It is a fascinating cut the size of our pay bill if they are implemented. This and challenging role, as some of us know from our time will allow us to reassess the job reductions we had in that job. The police need the tools to do the job. I planned for future years and maybe to retain greater want to inject some realism into the debate about what number of officers and staff.” we expect from the police and then focus on what we I have set out today that we have already identified mean by front-line policing. savings over and above the reduction in central Government grant, so it is clear that savings can be made while In recent months, the Home Secretary has muddled front-line services are maintained and improved. The the issues by talking so much about visible policing, as truth behind today’s debate is that the Labour party is if the test is whether each of us can see a couple of engaged in opposition for opposition’s sake. They admit Dixon-style cops strolling up our streets with measured that there is a democratic deficit in policing but oppose tread. Visibility can mean different things to different our reforms to bring in democratic accountability. They people, so let us look at look at some examples. I will said they would not be able to guarantee police numbers, start with my own city of Cardiff. Pretty much all the but now they say that they would protect them. They police officers were pulled off the streets across south say they would cut police spending, but now they oppose Wales on 5 June last year because the English Defence every single saving we have identified. They oppose a League made an unwelcome and unpleasant foray into two-year pay freeze, meaning that their cuts would have south Wales. Inevitably, and rightly, I was there. People to be deeper. They say that they would cut police overtime, from a wide range of political and community groups but then they attack Tom Winsor when he proposes just marched as Unite Against Fascism. It was a massive that. They oppose reform of pay and conditions, meaning and peaceful presence on our streets rejecting the bile that under Labour more police jobs would have to go. and hatred of the EDL. That was a sort of inverse This is not constructive opposition, but shameless bonus for the city, because the police already had to opportunism, and the public know it. cope with the Wales v. South Africa rugby game at the Millennium stadium. It was rather an irony that I had Only one side of the House has a clear plan to reform to depend for updates via text messages from my daughter, the police and cut crime. We are slashing bureaucracy, who was watching the match on television in Cape restoring discretion, increasing efficiency, giving power Town, because I was on the streets instead of at the back to the people and, most of all, freeing the police to game. On the same afternoon, the West Indies cricket fight crime. Every one of those measures is opposed by team was playing against the England and Wales cricket the Labour party, which is why their motion deserves team at Sophia gardens—it is called the England and to fail. Wales team when it is not doing very well, but the 7.44 pm England team when it is doing well. The Stereophonics were in concert at Cardiff city stadium at the same time. Alun Michael (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): I will start by repeating the declaration I make when The police and the organisers of Unite Against Fascism policing issues come up in the Home Affairs Committee, and of the sporting events worked very hard to make it which is that my oldest son is chief executive of the a peaceful day, and apart from a few idiots it went well. North Wales police authority. That was greatly to the credit of South Wales police, who took all necessary precautions. However, they could I am amazed by the sheer complacency of the Home not be very visible in other parts of south Wales on such Secretary’s speech. She seems to have just landed from a day. It is challenging to police a successful capital city. another planet. Given that we are experiencing the largest annual fall in police officer strength since figures Despite such challenges, we have seen a major reduction were first published for March 1978—I depend on the in crime in Cardiff and across the South Wales police House of Commons Library for that figure—it is obvious force area. Crime figures show that for 2009-10, crime that the cuts are going too far, too deep and are happening overall fell by 11.7%, compared to 2008-09. More than too fast. I do not rely only on statistics to know that; I 13,000 fewer people became victims of crimes such as need only speak with senior police officers, experienced burglary and vehicle crime. Robbery was down a massive people who do not want to leave the police, who work 27%, with South Wales police the second most improved on the streets in my constituency—colleagues can do force in England and Wales. the same in their constituencies—to know that we are That is not just down to the police; crime and disorder losing people whose experience, knowledge and dedication partnerships have helped, particularly through the violence is invaluable in the fight against crime. reduction project in Cardiff, led by a medic, Professor 825 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 826

[Alun Michael] impact on cutting crime depend on resources outside the criminal justice system: mental health, drug and Jonathan Shepherd. Violence resulting in a victim needing alcohol rehabilitation, skills, employment, housing and treatment at an accident and emergency unit is down by personal relationships. Harnessing those resources, however, more than 40% in Cardiff, so the reduction is not just requires greater engagement by the police, not less, so down to the police, but that partnership approach cannot forcing the police to withdraw from such teamwork will work without the police. Is that front-line work? Is it lead to long-term costs, rather than to savings. visible policing? The answer to both questions must be That is why I am sceptical of the HMIC report. It no, unless we distort the words far beyond their normal, fails to refer to the words of Sir Robert Peel, stating that common-sense meaning. the purpose of policing is to prevent and reduce crime, Let me give some other examples. First, it is vital that words that were quoted by the Policing Minister when police officers do undercover work and work internationally he gave evidence to the Home Affairs Committee and in to counter terrorism. Preventing an explosion does not a number of other contexts. I applaud him for quoting get the headlines commanded by the sort of bombs that that as the prime purpose of the police, but nowhere went off in London in July 2005, but that is exactly why in the HMIC report does it refer to the work of crime it is important for such quiet but effective work to go on reduction partnerships or to any findings from the year-in, year-out. Justice Committee’s report. Secondly, there is the need to combat organised crime: A time of financial constraint is the right time to be those who traffic drugs, people and human misery. innovative and strategic and to go back to basic questions Again, that is well organised criminal activity and such as, “What is this all for?” The HMIC report does international in scale, as some of us saw when we visited not do that. At the end of the day, cutting bureaucracy Turkey with the Home Affairs Committee a few weeks is indeed a worthy objective, but the Home Secretary ago. will find that it is not as easy as she thinks; many Thirdly, there is internet-related crime, which includes previous Ministers have been dedicated to cutting fraud on a massive scale and serious and well-organised bureaucracy. Increasing the visibility of the police, solving child abuse. more crime, arresting more offenders and succeeding in a higher proportion of prosecutions are also worthy Mark Tami: Does my right hon. Friend agree that objectives, but they are means to an end, not an end in this Government deride the work of so-called back-room themselves, and that is why we need to spell out the staff? What does he think it does to the morale of such danger of the cuts that go too deep, too fast and too far. people? Several people have quoted the chief constable of the Alun Michael: Absolutely. Often, it is not very pleasant South Yorkshire force. I could quote any number of work. It is painstaking, time-consuming, requires a chief constables, but I will quote Meredydd Hughes, great deal of commitment, and often people put themselves because I remember him as an effective front-line police in danger by undertaking such not very visible activity. officer in Llanrumney in my constituency earlier in In each of the three areas that I have just mentioned, his career. He said that the cuts questioned the success commands little publicity. A day’s report of sustainability of unprecedented reductions in crime over convictions is the best that they can expect, and that is the last 15 years, and let us not forget how successful the trumped by the drip-feed of facts and fears as the media previous Government were in driving down crime. He quite rightly report the crimes and warn us of the also said: dangers. That is inevitable, because until a case is brought “A reduction in back office support will put an increased to court, publicity might undermine it, and that is a risk burden on operational officers detracting them from front-line which cannot be taken. It means, however, that the duties.” public demand for reassurance and safety involves But, above all, he said: effectiveness, not just visibility. Success on its own does not give reassurance. “What is clear is that we will be unable to continue to provide the level of service that we do today in such areas as neighbourhood There is an issue of confidence, but crime is down. I policing within diversionary and problem solving activities.” have referred to the massive drop in violent crime in Cardiff, as measured by the number of people who need I worry that the HMIC report does not say enough emergency treatment, but people do not feel safe. They about diversion, prevention, crime reduction or problem- worry about neighbourhood nuisance, graffiti and rudeness solving activities. They seem to have fallen outside the as much as about murder and terrorism, and that is why four categories that it chose, and we need to look at that police accountability is challenging and why Her Majesty’s report and its definition with very great care. inspectorate of constabulary was right to send a message to the Home Secretary last week, defining the front line Paul Farrelly (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Lab): In as a complex and challenging place. Staffordshire, the protestations that the cuts should not That report itself, however, raises some serious issues, hit front-line services simply sound absurd. From this because the four categories of police work as set out in November, the county, which has a Conservative-run the report—visible, specialist, middle office and back council, is implementing a rule that will force serving office—do not include the strategic partnership work to police officers, irrespective of rank or experience, to which I referred earlier, and it is not clear that the report retire once they have reached 30 years’ service. Does my includes the other examples that I have given either. right hon. Friend think that Staffordshire police will I was a member of the Justice Committee when it enforce regulation A19 lightly, or does he think that it produced its report on justice reinvestment. That report has something to do with the severity and depth of the points out that many of the services that can make an cuts? 827 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 828

Alun Michael: I am certain that it has a lot to do with Simon Hart: I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. the severity and depth of the cuts, and my hon. Friend Indeed, responsibility and irresponsibility lie at the refers precisely to the experience in my force area which heart of this debate. I cannot think of a more irresponsible has been replicated throughout the country. approach than to try to frighten the most vulnerable in The point is that, at a time of severe cuts, many forces society, and the police service itself, with spurious claims are having to take emergency action, rather than a that cannot be backed up by fact. considered approach that looks at the evidence of what works and makes sure that the police service increases Steve McCabe: Does the hon. Gentleman think that its effectiveness and efficiency and is more successful, the chief constable of Lancashire, who is the ACPO rather than less, in reducing crime. We have deep cause lead on performance management, was being irresponsible for concern. The cuts go too far. or misleading when he said on the “Today” programme on 29 March, 7.57 pm “we cannot leave the front line untouched and that is because of the scale of the cuts”? Simon Hart (Carmarthen Westand South Pembrokeshire) (Con): I am grateful to have been called in this debate, so soon after last week’s proceedings on the Police Simon Hart: The hon. Gentleman may be also be Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, to express some interested in the comments of the right hon. Member of the frustration that has reached me from police for Exeter (Mr Bradshaw), who said: officers in the far west Dyfed Powys force and, indeed, “I don’t think it’s possible to make a direct correlation between from members of the public, who are increasingly concerned police numbers and crime reduction.” about seemingly being used as a political pawn in the It is being assumed that a reduced number of police debate. It is affecting that vital bond between the public officers means a reduced service. I would argue, as have and the police, and indeed the morale of police officers chief constables across the land, including my own, that themselves. that is not as clear cut as the hon. Gentleman might In our debate last week, I drew a parallel with the suggest. In Dyfed Powys, there will be a different sort of ongoing consultation on the future of the coastguard policing as a consequence of these changes—it will look service, simply to remind myself as well as the House different, as I said last week. There will be a greater that the great passion for that service—one that is reliance on technology, and things will not be quite as crucial in west Wales at Milford Haven—is built on they were before. However, it is irresponsible to suggest loyalty, public respect, a sense of ownership and the that the public are somehow endangered as a result, and sense that the coastguard and, indeed, the police are that makes the motion something that the Opposition somehow part of the fabric and the architecture of the should be rather ashamed of. community, and that people know that when they ring the coastguard, as with the police, they will get a trusted Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman and, above all, local response. That is increasingly relevant says that police numbers and crime are not linked. Is he in this debate. therefore suggesting that if crime does not go up we As hon. Members know, the Dyfed Powys force should carry on cutting police numbers? covers a huge geographical area of rural west Wales, but it has its fair share of terrorist-related incidents, urban Simon Hart: I fully follow the hon. Gentleman’s logic. crime and industrial-related challenges. Above all, however, The comment I made is attributed to a Member from what the force possesses is an ancient relationship with his own party, and a similar comment was made by the the community, and the potential compromise of that former Home Secretary, so perhaps he will take it up relationship, as a result of the terms of the Opposition’s with them when he has the opportunity. motion, is causing our officers and our public to waver I commend the approach of the Dyfed Powys force in between nervousness and distrust and, at times, contempt. its tackling of the challenges ahead. It had a simple Public confidence is very precious, and the idea that we strategy, which was to list its challenges as the things can compromise it on the back of financial mismanagement that it must do, the things that it could do, and the over the past few years is the scandal at the heart of this things that it must stop doing. Hon. Members may be debate, rather than the proposals put forward by the interested to discover, as I was, that the last of those Government. three lists is longer than Labour Members may care to Several Members have referred to conversations that consider. One such example was the victims of crime they have had with their local chief constables, and I leaflet, a new Labour gimmick if ever there was one, will be no exception. Mr Ian Arundale, who is highly which was abandoned by the Dyfed Powys police force respected by the public in our area and by his own as being a waste of officers’ time and the public’s time, members of staff, has told me on more than one occasion and—guess what?—public satisfaction with the force that the proposals are challenging but need not compromise went up at the same time as that measure was disposed public safety. of. That illustrates what I think, what my voters think, and what the police officers of Dyfed Powys think—that Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): The Opposition we would much rather have our police officers engaged consistently contend that we are facing 20% cuts across in proper crime prevention and detection than in the board, yet we know that the precept is not subject to subsequently taking part in some sort of PR exercise to those cuts, and that officers are likely to face a two-year suit a political agenda. pay freeze in the future, which means that in fact the cuts are far lower. Does my hon. Friend agree that a much Mr Alan Campbell (Tynemouth) (Lab): Will the hon. more responsible approach is to make that clear, as that Gentleman join me, and indeed the Government, in will be less worrisome to his constituents and mine? welcoming the comments of Baroness Newlove who 829 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 830

[Mr Alan Campbell] everybody in this House was keen to see rid of, as well as members of the public and the police force. These said last week that the assets of criminals should be proposals take police officers out of their offices and used more for the benefit of the community that they put them back where we need them: solving and preventing have harmed? How does he suggest that that happens in crime, and closer to their communities. the Northumbria police area, where the asset recovery The scandal of this motion, and the reason I took unit is going to be subject to the cuts that he is advocating? part in this debate—I had no serious intention of doing so, but I was driven to it by frustration—is that it has Simon Hart: The hon. Gentleman asks me to comment nothing whatsoever to do with protecting vulnerable on a constabulary that is about as far away from my people in society or defending jobs in the police, and own as it is possible to go. All I can say on behalf of my everything to do with furthering Labour’s political aims. own area is that we simply want our police officers to be To do that in the run-up to a Welsh Assembly election solving crime and, better still, preventing crime—dealing when so many things are at stake, and to do so at the with the realities of day-to-day life rather than engaging expense of the fear of vulnerable people in society and in spurious PR exercises and form filling of the sort that police officers worried about their jobs, is an absolute has dominated the political agenda for some time and scandal. For that reason alone, the motion should fail that this Government are rightly seeking to reduce. dismally. There is talk of its being easier simply not to replace chief superintendents—I almost said chief constables, which was a bit of a Freudian slip—after their 30-year 8.9 pm service has come to an end. Of course there is a temptation Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) (Lab): Thank you, to take that approach but, certainly in our case, it is Madam Deputy Speaker, for allowing me to take part in balanced with the clear need seriously to address the this important debate. issue of back-office support that other hon. Members have mentioned. That has been slightly misrepresented, In January, I met the acting chief constable of because huge importance is attached to back-office Northumbria police to discuss the significant challenges police work as distinct from back-office administrative she now has to face. Owing to central Government cuts, activity. The right hon. Member for Cardiff South and Northumbria police have to identify more than £57 million Penarth (Alun Michael) was a little disingenuous in not of cuts to be made over the next three years. That will making that clear separation. lead to fewer police on our streets. I recognise that some savings are inevitable, but the depth and extent of the Paul Farrelly: I mentioned the 149 police officers cuts that this Government are imposing on our police being forced to resign after 30 years’ service in Staffordshire, force will have a long and lasting effect on our communities but I did not mention the six police stations, including and my constituents. My local police authority has my own in Newcastle-under-Lyme, that are being closed confirmed that 318 police officers will lose their jobs, because of the cuts. These are police stations that and that 825 support staff jobs will be lost. That is survived Margaret Thatcher and are now falling victim 41% of all support staff. In total, the sad figure of to Cameron-Clegg. Would the hon. Gentleman designate 1,143 jobs will be lost across the region. those as much-needed assets or merely back-office functions Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary warned that can be reorganised willy-nilly? that forces could make savings of up to 12% before front-line policing would be affected. This Government Simon Hart: The hon. Gentleman conveniently takes have arrogantly gone ahead with cutting central funding me on to my next point. to the police by 20%, while continuing to claim that I do not think anybody on the Government Benches— front-line services will be protected. Despite the cuts, obviously I cannot speak for the Home Secretary—has Northumbria police are expected to maintain or even gone into these challenges with any great sense of glee improve the services they provide. The numbers simply based on any great ideology. It is grim reality time— do not add up. I believe that this situation is impossible. responsibility time. I was fortunate enough to operate in I fail to see how Northumbria police’s track record of the private sector before I came to this place. I was excellence and the quality of service that they provide responsible for 90 employees and a budget of £5 million. to my constituents will not be challenged and compromised Every single year I was forced to reduce that budget, by the loss of staff. every single year I went to my departmental head, every Before entering this House, I was a trade union single year they said they could not do it, and every official for the GMB, as is stated in the Register of single year they said it would never be the same again Members’ Financial Interests. For a number of years, and the end of civilisation as we know it, and—guess I had the privilege of representing GMB members what?—after 10 years we had a lean, efficient machine employed by Northumbria police as support staff, so I that served its members responsibly and cost-effectively. understand the jobs that support staff do. I know how What it boils down to—my own chief constable has hard they work and how dedicated they are to providing said this publicly and privately—is that police officers an excellent service to the residents of the Northumbria are well capable of applying the same corporate disciplines police area. in the police world that most people out there in the real world apply to their businesses. We should not automatically Ms Louise Bagshawe (Corby) (Con): Will the hon. assume that a new approach to efficient policing will Lady speculate on what would be the effect on Northumbria necessarily lead to compromises in safety. police of the policing cuts that the right hon. Member The Government’s proposals take us back to relatively for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) recent levels of funding, not to the dark ages. They has just announced that Labour would have made of remove a thick layer of bureaucracy that I thought 15% over the course of this Parliament? 831 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 832

Julie Elliott: That is substantially less than the I think that that sums it up. I ask the Government to Government propose. The key point is that it would be consider the impossible position in which they are putting done over the course of a Parliament. These cuts are our police officers and chief constables. being implemented now—too fast and too deep. For years, Sunderland has led the field in tackling The jobs that support staff do are crucial and important; domestic violence. The Safer Sunderland Partnership they are not anonymous pen pushers. They do jobs such and its dedicated team have worked tirelessly and effectively as taking calls from the public and directing them to the to support women and children who are victims of and correct area within the force or escalating them to the at risk from domestic violence. The Government cuts correct level—for instance, if an accident has happened. will put such specialist policing units under strain or Some are employed at the driver training school, which facing closure. Sunderland’s safer communities team is teaches all police officers specialist driving skills, such losing its highly dedicated domestic violence co-ordinator. as how to drive safely at speed, before allowing them to Our communities, and the women and children whom drive a police car. Those are not jobs that do not have to these services protect, cannot afford to take that risk. be done, but essential jobs. If support staff do not do The Government do not seem to consider specialist them, someone else will have to. They are not the type services such as domestic violence, child abuse and of jobs that can be got rid of. serious organised crime units, or those involved in training, to be front-line services and they will not be exempt from the cuts. The Government may not consider such Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Perhaps the units to be important, but my constituents do and they hon. Lady can understand why the public are slightly greatly appreciate the work that they do to protect our confused about the numbers. Since 1994, police numbers community. have gone up by 16%, but back-room staff numbers have gone up by 54%. The public wonder about the It is time that the Government faced up to reality and productivity of the back-room staff because crime figures recognised the risks that they are taking with crime in are not exactly moving in the right direction very quickly. our communities—risks that we cannot afford. They must review the level of cuts that they are imposing before it is too late. Julie Elliott: If back-room staff are freeing police officers to be out on the streets dealing with crime, they are doing an important job in bringing down crime. 8.17 pm That is what my constituents say to me. Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): The Staffing rationalisations, which I have heard much Government are facing up to reality. The most challenging about from Government Members, have been ongoing financial circumstances that this country has faced since for many years in police services. In my opinion, support the second world war have made me acknowledge that staffing is down to a level where there is little, if any, the quality of policing cannot simply be about the slack. The cuts will take police officers off the streets to number of police; it must also be about how well they do support staff jobs. The result will be many fewer are deployed. Government Members have always been police doing front-line duties. clear that police forces can make savings, while protecting When Labour left office, there was a record number front-line services and prioritising the visibility and of police on the streets—nearly 17,000 more than in availability of policing. 1997—and 16,000 new police community support officers. There may be no agreement on that between the Inevitably, the record number of police officers on our Government and the Opposition, but at least there is streets meant that crime fell dramatically. That is a agreement on police budgets. Let us be clear: the Labour record of which all Labour Members can be proud. The party admits that it would be cutting police funding, Government are unravelling all the work that was done that it could not guarantee police numbers, and that it to increase police numbers and as a result are putting could not guarantee that police staff would not be lost. the safety of our communities at risk. That is not only because of the cuts to police funding that it had proposed, but because, irrespective of the The question I ask today is this: I know that my plethora of targets that operated when it was in power, constituents value their police force, so why do this it still could not dictate to chief constables exactly Government not? When the police do so much to whom they did or did not employ. protect our homes, families and communities it is only right that we show them just how valuable they are. At At the moment, the police are crippled by bureaucracy the moment, the Government are sending the police the and spend more time on paperwork than on patrol. opposite message from that of my constituents. That frustrates the police, who want to do their job, and the public, who want to see more police on the streets. Over the last few weeks, many police officers who live The coalition Government are scrapping unnecessary and work in my constituency have contacted me. They bureaucracy to save police time. The Liberal Democrat are concerned about the additional and unnecessary and Conservative manifestos both said that we would pressure they will face as a result of the Government’s reduce time-wasting bureaucracy, and that is exactly cuts. One serving police officer contacted me recently what we are doing. We are helping the police to make to say: savings, and to ensure that resources are focused on the “The cuts to police officers and police staff will have a massive front line. effect on our ability to police the streets throughout our force area. Our command team have no alternative but to face the press and pretend to them that we can make ourselves more efficient Graham Jones: Would the hon. Gentleman not add and improve the service we deliver. To say anything else would cutting crime to that list? He has listed bureaucracy, but cause panic across our force area. This is the direct result of the surely the purpose of the police is to cut crime. Will that massive cuts to police budgets imposed by the current government”. be in his speech at some point? 833 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 834

Tom Brake: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his Stephen Twigg rose— intervention. That is the second point on which we can agree: the police should, indeed, cut crime. Tom Brake: Perhaps one could argue that the Liberal The police could also make savings from consolidating Democrats had that obsession too. I am very happy to IT services, as the Home Secretary said. The police have give way to the hon. Gentleman, but I may have pre-empted no fewer than 2,000 separate IT systems. Surely that is a his point. good place to look for savings. We can do much more with technology to help the police use their time more Stephen Twigg: I am grateful. In the light of the hon. effectively, and all parties agree that we need to do much Gentleman’s comments, does he regret the commitment more to ensure smarter procurement. that he stood on last May of 3,000 additional police Another point on which the coalition partners agree, officers? but on which Labour opposes us, is the terms and conditions of police officers. The Government were Tom Brake: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his point, right to set up the Winsor review of police pay and and I apologise for pre-empting it. However, I said at conditions, and of course the coalition Government the beginning of my speech that the circumstances that will work in co-operation with the police negotiating we are in have required all parties to reappraise any bodies on the matter. To fight crime, we need a modern prior commitments in their manifestos. Quite simply, as and flexible work force to help chief constables manage the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury said, there is their resources properly, maximise officer time and improve no money. the service to the public. We are clear, of course, that the I turn back to the previous Government’s record. police must be fairly compensated for their work, which Jan Berry, as the hon. Member for Northampton North is difficult and often dangerous, as we have been tragically (Michael Ellis) mentioned, said about police bureaucracy: reminded over the weekend following the callous murder of Ronan Kerr. “I would estimate one-third of effort is either over-engineered, duplicated or adds no additional value.” What are the key facts behind what the coalition She was the person whom the previous Government Government are doing? It is true that Government chose to examine bureaucracy, and that was her assessment funding for the police is being reduced, and will be of police effort. reduced throughout this Parliament. However, as the Home Secretary said, the police also receive precept funding, and the Government’s freeze in police pay will Keith Vaz: Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that it make a substantial contribution to maintaining budgets. would have been sensible if Jan Berry had been asked to continue the work that she started? She produced an I acknowledge that the picture across the country is excellent report, but I understand that her work has complex, and it is clear from the reports that we are now been transferred to the chief constable of the West getting from different forces that some are finding the Midlands, a serving chief constable. Surely it would situation tougher to address than others. However, as have been better if Jan Berry had been allowed to Members have said, some police forces are actually monitor the results of her recommendations. increasing the number of front-line officers, such as Gloucestershire police, which is moving up to 15% of police officers into more visible roles. Many Members Tom Brake: I thank the Chair of the Home Affairs have quoted the HMIC report, which revealed that Committee. I am absolutely certain that the work that some forces have twice the visibility and availability of Jan Berry has already done will inform what the chief policing of others. It is clear that all forces can make constable and the Government are doing to address improvements to the visibility of police officers. bureaucracy. The same report showed that a third of resources are A previous Labour Home Secretary, when he was asked not on the front line, and highlighted the great differences in April 2010 whether he could guarantee that police in the visibility of police officers at different times. numbers would not fall, said that he could not. The Some 16% are visible on a Friday morning at 9 o’clock, shadow Chancellor is on record as saying that under his but only 9% are visible and available on a Friday night. plans, Again, it is clear that there are things that forces can do “you will lose some non-uniformed back office staff”. to increase the visibility of police without necessarily It is interesting that the shadow Home Secretary and touching police numbers. They can provide police at the the shadow Chancellor cannot even agree among themselves time when the public want to see them. I am sure all what their position on the Winsor review is. The former Members have been accosted by constituents who ask has attacked the Government for initiating the review, them why police officers and safer neighbourhood teams but the latter has said that overtime and shift work are out patrolling at 9 o’clock on a Monday morning savings are something that rather than in the town centre at 9 o’clock on a Friday night. Improvements can therefore be made to rotas. “any sensible government would look at”. The Labour party’s record is worthy of some scrutiny. I suggest that they need to get their house in order first. As Opposition Members may well know, in 2009, just 14% of all officers’ time was spent on patrol, compared Yvette Cooper: To clarify, we have criticised the with 22% on paperwork. In one year alone, from 2007 Government many times for pre-empting the Winsor to 2008, the amount of time spent on paperwork increased review, not for commissioning it. We have criticised by 22%. The Home Secretary referred to the comment them for announcing their views on the amount of of Peter Fahy, the chief constable of Greater Manchester money that should be cut, and for criticising the police police, that Labour had a political obsession with numbers in the newspapers, in advance of the Winsor review of police. rather than after it. 835 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 836

Tom Brake: I thank the shadow Home Secretary, but We must not make a clinical distinction between front-line maybe she would like to intervene again and confirm and back-office policing. That is too crude. We must whether she agrees with the shadow Chancellor that not confuse visibility with deployment. overtime and shift work savings are something that HMIC found that 95% of police officers are either on “any sensible government would look at”. the front line or working in important middle-office roles in—for example, intelligence gathering or operation Yvette Cooper: I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman planning. Even if the Government’s claim that cuts of is inviting interventions, because we have said that it is 20% would affect only back-office roles were true, those right to examine how the police work. However, will he middle and back-office roles are not simply disposable confirm that his party’s pledge of 3,000 additional assets. Cuts to middle and back-office roles will inevitably officers was made when the now Deputy Prime Minister have an effect on the ability of those on the front line to said that although financial circumstances were extremely do their jobs. difficult, the position of the police was so important The Prime Minister said: that there would be 3,000 additional police officers as part of his party’s manifesto commitment? “There is no reason for there to be fewer front-line officers.”— [Official Report, 30 March 2011; Vol. 526, c. 335.] Tom Brake: I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for I would like to echo the words of Steve Finnigan, our intervening and putting on record the Labour party chief constable. He said that preventing cuts from hitting policy on policing—that it is right to examine how the the front line would prove challenging. He went further, police work. That is as close to a policy statement as we saying that it would be impossible to protect the front are going to get tonight. line. He was asked this week whether the Government’s cuts mean that he will have to reduce front-line policing The debate could have been an opportunity to discuss and he replied, “I absolutely am.”Chief Constable Finnigan the coalition’s programme of police reform and budget is ACPO’s lead officer on performance management. reductions, and to contrast that with the Opposition’s Does the Home Secretary think that he is wrong? Does track record and future plans. Regrettably, the Opposition she think that Chief Constable Finnigan of ACPO and did not grasp that opportunity. Instead, we had the Lancashire police is not managing his force correctly? usual “too fast and too deep” or, alternatively, “too far and too fast” line from the shadow Home Secretary, The point is simple, and we are hearing it from forces peppered with lame police and justice themed jokes, throughout the country. We simply cannot make cuts of recycled from an earlier speech. When will she accept 20% without hitting front-line services. Our police force that saying that the coalition is going too far, too fast is one of our most vital public services. Those officers does not amount to a policy for the Labour party? If she do some of the hardest jobs in the most demanding wants to be taken seriously, she will have to work out her circumstances and the Government have wholly party’s policy before she next stands at the Dispatch Box. underestimated their commitment and dedication. The Government’s so-called reforms will inevitably 8.28 pm have an impact on the police service for years to come. The Government promised that there would be no Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): The Government centrally determined job losses—I suppose that that is speak of reform of the police force: of front-line services technically true. Instead, the Government are responsible and of back-office management. However, “reform” is for the heavy front-loaded cuts, leaving the inevitable job a euphemism that the Government use for the most losses in the hands of local authorities and the police. drastic cuts to one of our most vital public services. The priority must be to protect the visibility and Actions speak louder than words, and the public will availability of police forces in our local communities. judge the Government on their actions and their decision However, my constituents are far from optimistic about to cut the police budget by 20%. The Government the so-called reforms. Lancashire Police Federation has speak of reform, but the reality is deep and damaging said that, in the light of cuts, the force will be hit doubly cuts, which will drastically affect the front line of our with job losses and pay cuts, about which we have police force. already heard. We should not underestimate the scale of the cuts. Almost a quarter of a million people are employed by Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con): 43 police forces in England and Wales. The Association Will the hon. Gentleman give way? of Chief Police Officers has put a figure on how the Government’s 20% cut is likely to translate into the number Graham Jones: I would like to finish, please. Plenty of of officers on the street. It estimates that 28,000 jobs other hon. Members wish to speak. will be lost as a result of the cuts. Of those, 12,000 will John O’Reilly, chairman of Lancashire Police Federation, be police officers and 16,000 will be so-called civilian said: staff. That represents a fall of around 12% in overall staff numbers, with 8% of officers losing their jobs. “Lancashire is a top performing force because of its workforce.” The Government’s Winsor review states that the taxpayer John goes on to say that will save £485 million over three years as a result of “if the Government keep bashing us, all they are doing is opening those cuts, but at what cost? Her Majesty’s inspectorate up the door for criminals to make life more difficult.” of constabulary has said that more than two thirds of Figures put to the Lancashire police authority suggest a all police force staff in England and Wales are employed drastic reduction in the number of officers, which would in front-line roles, but that not all are necessarily visible. put Lancashire’s officer strength at its lowest since 2003. It stated that the front line is, In the period since 2003, Lancashire has experienced “not just what you notice, but it’s also what you rely on.” the greatest fall in crime, and I would not like to go back 837 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 838

[Graham Jones] To understand what Labour would have done had it been in government, we need to look back at its plans. to 2003 crime levels. However, the cuts will result in an The coalition inherited planned spending cuts from eight-year low in the number of police officers on Labour of £14 billion in 2011-12, and the coalition Lancashire’s streets. savings amount to £16 billion for the same period, Everyone supports sensible reform, but the Government which is a ratio of 9:10. It is all very well Labour are hitting our police forces hard, and it will be to the Members moaning about the level and pace of cuts, and detriment of our local communities. My constituents the frontloading of savings, but the fact is that they are concerned that cuts to our already stretched police planned to do exactly the same. force will be an open invitation for criminals to commit It is all very well the shadow Home Secretary wailing more crime. Do the Government really think that crime about police numbers, but before the general election—a levels will not rise with the police force stretched, number of colleagues have alluded to this—her colleague, understaffed and under-resourced? Do they honestly the former Home Secretary, the right hon. Member for think that antisocial behaviour will not increase, and Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson), that the safety in our streets will not be put into question made the point that he could not guarantee police as a result of there being fewer officers on the beat? numbers if Labour were re-elected and returned to Two thirds of the British public share those concerns office. It is all very well the shadow Home Secretary and, to date, the Government have done nothing to put attacking the Winsor review, as she did again today, those concerns to rest. People are clearly concerned that but her colleague, the former Police Minister, the right reduced police funding will have detrimental effects, hon. Member for Delyn (Mr Hanson), who is not in the and at the same time, the Government are prepared Chamber, confirmed that Labour planned to cut police to spend £40 million or thereabouts on electing police overtime if it returned to office. I do not understand—and commissioners. I guess all Government Members do not understand—why Furthermore, there has been a two-year delay on the the Labour party and the shadow Home Secretary decision on whether police community support officers oppose the Winsor review. will continue. My constituents are worried not only The shadow Home Secretary may well moan about about police cuts, but about the Home Office budgets cuts generally, but she should remember, as do many that affect PCSOs. This is not just a numbers game. The outside the House, that the Government of whom she Government seem happy to cut our police force by a was a member created the mess and the record deficit fifth, but have they paid any thought to the experience that the coalition is trying to fix. Just for the record, and and expertise of the PCSOs who will be lost as a result because Labour Members still do not get it after 12 months of those cuts? in opposition, let us remember Labour’s legacy: the The Home Secretary must realise that she cannot biggest deficit in the developed world, and £120 million make drastic cuts of 20% to the police budget without paid out every day in interest alone by the British losing some of our most experienced and dedicated taxpayer. That is three and half times the total that we officers from the front line. The Government must think spend on policing in the UK. again on the scale and pace of the cuts. They are going Have the British people ever had an apology from too far, too fast. Labour for creating that toxic financial mess? No. And what of the Tweedledum and Tweedledee of Labour’s Several hon. Members rose— decade of destructive debt? The right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) seems to have Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): I call abandoned the House completely—I do not think that Alok Sharma. we have seen in him here in recent times—and in his utterances, the shadow Chancellor seems to be morphing 8.36 pm into the Labour Prime Minister of the late ’70s, saying, Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): Thank you, “Deficit? What structural deficit?” That is where we Madam Deputy Speaker for calling me to contribute to have come to. this very important debate. A few weeks ago, the shadow Home Secretary turned Since the start of this Parliament, we have had numerous up in my constituency in a marginal ward to moan Opposition day debates on a range of subjects, but the about cuts in front-line policing and to worry my core of every debate is always the same—public spending constituents—what a surprise with local elections due and public sector reform—and the Labour party always in May. To get her facts she chose, rather unwisely, to falls back and repeats the same tired mantra that the listen to the apparatchiks, dinosaurs and deficit deniers coalition is cutting too fast and too far. who currently comprise the Labour party in Reading. Of course, to date, the Opposition have offered no [Interruption.] Oh, the hon. Member for Liverpool, alternative. They have no credible policies to speak of West Derby (Stephen Twigg) has met them! They are and there is still no ink on the Leader of the Opposition’s the same folk who managed, between 2002 and 2010, to blank sheet of policy paper. Perhaps there is an untidy increase Reading council’s debt from £41 million to an smudge, because after all, in February, he and the eye-watering £200 million, with no debt-reduction plan shadow Chancellor tried to instil some discipline in in sight—that sounds familiar does it not? There was the shadow ministerial ranks by asking all potential £1 million of taxpayers’ money wasted on consultants commitments to be cleared by the Labour high command. here and £1.4 million to pay for full-time union officials That discipline, however, was in tatters in no time. Over there, but then Labour has always been very good at the past few weeks, Labour has opposed £50 billion of frittering away taxpayers’ money. savings proposed by the coalition, and made £12 billion— Had the shadow Home Secretary bothered to speak and rising—of unfunded spending commitments. That to the chief constable of Thames Valley police before is no economic policy; it is voodoo economics. her visit to Reading, she would have heard a different 839 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 840 story. She could perhaps have Googled, as she is doing communities now want more police and they all believe now, and seen the stories in the press from February. that antisocial behaviour and crime need to be tackled. What is absolutely clear is that, despite having to make More people are also prepared to give evidence—to savings, Thames Valley police has made it clear that it stand up and be brave in the face of some of the most will not cut the resources committed to neighbourhood shocking crimes that we have seen recently in London. policing and patrols. That is its commitment to visible Operation Trident, dealing with black crime, has also policing—protecting the front line. It is finding savings been a fantastic success. by removing management layers and collaborating However, that success does not come out of thin air; successfully with the neighbouring Hampshire police in it comes from politicians—yes, politicians—making key areas to save back and middle-office costs. Examples decisions about policing and saying, sometimes in the include a single, shared IT department that will save face of opposition from leading police officers, “We millions of pounds and shared firearms and dog training. want to get back to community policing and we want to It is collaborating with other forces in areas such as air introduce safer neighbourhood police teams.” I give support, witness protection, specialist operations and credit to the former Home Secretary, my right hon. Friend technical support. While finding savings and protecting the Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough the front line, Thames Valley police is also increasing (Mr Blunkett), for introducing safer neighbourhood the number of special constables, having recruited 570 in teams and police community support officers. His decisions the past six months alone. were sometimes derided, but those initiatives have brought Thanks to Labour’s budget deficit, police forces and about the biggest increase in confidence in policing and other public services are having to find savings, but we the biggest reduction in crime in modern times, all should also remember, as a number of my colleagues on because of those simple things that we all know to be the Government side have said, that many in the private true, irrespective of our political ideologies. sector have had to find savings of more than 3%, 4% or For policing to work, it has to be about community. 5% a year for the past few years. It is, as my right hon. People have to know who their police officers are and to Friend the Home Secretary has said, possible, and feel that they can give information to them, because the Thames Valley police is demonstrating that it can find police can never sort out crime on their own. They need savings and protect the front line at the same time. Let all of us with them, and that is what the safer me take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the police neighbourhood teams were beginning to do. Were they officers and PCSOs in Reading who do such a great job perfect? Did they all do the right things? No, certainly and are so dedicated to serving the local community. not. Indeed, I have spent most of the last 10 years In conclusion, this is just another cynical Opposition fighting with my safer neighbourhood teams, because I motion. It demonstrates that Labour is not ready for a have not liked their shift patterns, nor have I agreed that grown-up discussion about tackling its budget deficit they should be out more at 9 o’clock in the morning and I will be voting against it this evening. than at 9 o’clock at night, and that goes for Mondays as much as for Saturdays or Sundays. Indeed, when my 8.42 pm dad was dying, I found the energy to sit all my safer neighbourhood teams down, along with all the trade Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): I unions, and say, “You have to change these practices.” shall concentrate my remarks on what is happening in Is the Home Secretary right to look at police practices? my part of south London and in the Metropolitan Yes, she is; but in doing that, she also has to say that we police area, where there is a serious undermining of the need to keep safer neighbourhood teams on our streets. credibility of senior police officers at the moment, In my constituency those officers are in decline, yet because of their collusion with the Mayor and deputy the area commander and the leadership of the Met Mayor in suggesting that there are no cuts to safer deny that this is happening. Currently, eight out of my neighbourhoods teams. 10 safer neighbourhood teams are not fully staffed. First, let me say that I am truly obsessed by police They have gone down to one PC, and none has a full numbers, and I am joined in that obsession by the complement of police community support officers. That 74,000 people who also live in my constituency—people is not something that I have dreamt up or that a who voted Labour, Conservative or Liberal, or who did disgruntled police officer has told me—although many not vote at all; men and women; people of all races; are willing to tell me—but something that can be found people who have come to this country recently and people on the Merton police service’s website. Consultations who were born in this country, perhaps in south London. begin all the time on what safer neighbourhood policing All those people are obsessed with police numbers should look like, but the whole drift and drive are about because their top concern is their personal safety and reducing team numbers, merging and deciding that their desire to feel safe from crime. I am talking about some areas are not worthy of their team, because they crime numbers and the fear of crime. are not crime-ridden enough. However, as far as I am We in the House often forget that there has been a concerned, people in every ward pay their taxes and revolution in policing in the past 10 years. There has they deserve to have their neighbourhood police team. been a rowing back of the police policy of 50 years—the If the Government and the Mayor believe that the policy of getting off the street, out of the neighbourhood cuts should fall on safer neighbourhood teams, let me and into the panda car, to be with the blue light and not say this: stand up and say it. Do not pretend and do not with the old lady on the street or the young guys down lie, because the consequences will be enormous, and if the street who did not know police officers’ names and we row back on people’s confidence in the police, we increasingly came into conflict with them. will all have a problem. In the past 10 years we have seen an enormous I was watching the BBC’s nightly London news change in the relationship between the Metropolitan programme back in February when I saw my good police and the communities that make up London. All friend Councillor Martin Whelton talking about how 841 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 842

[Siobhain McDonagh] murder of young Jia Ashton in Somercotes a couple of weeks ago help us all to appreciate how hard a job the his safer neighbourhood team was being merged with police sometimes have. the team in Longthornton, and how the two police It is important to put our debate on policing into panels had been merged. Later in the same news item I context. We are debating the subject in the shadow of saw Mr Ian McPherson, the Assistant Commissioner— the most difficult public finance situation in peacetime whom I have never met—explain that that was not history. As we look through these large and confusing happening. The local councillor on the ground and the numbers, it is important to realise, as my hon. Friend members of the panels were saying, “Yes, this is happening,” the Member for Reading West (Alok Sharma) just but the Assistant Commissioner was saying, “No, it explained, that the Opposition’s last financial plan when isn’t”, so I sought to clarify the situation. On 18 February, they were in government involved them in about 90% of I wrote to Mr McPherson to say: the spending reductions for this financial year—a difference “I write further to my discussions with the Area Commander of only £2 billion, which they spent many times over. of Merton Police Service, Mr Wolfenden, and your interview on They cannot get away with saying that if they were in BBC London on Thursday February 17th, in which you suggested power we would not have to face the huge savings that that there were no plans to reduce the size of Safer Neighbourhood need to be made or the huge cuts that need to be found. Teams. In fact, neither of the main parties at the last election As my colleague, Councillor Martin Whelton, suggested in the pledged to make no reduction in police funding or news report from Mitcham, the evidence on the ground contradicts police numbers. Moreover, the last Labour Home the content of your TV interview. I am personally aware that the Longthornton and Pollards Hill teams have now merged and only Secretary—we have already had three shadow Home have one sergeant, both having only one PC. In addition, I am Secretaries in this Parliament—admitted that police also aware that a PC was removed from the Lavender team and numbers would fall under Labour as well. transferred to Graveney. As you will be aware, the concentration The public do not much enjoy listening to us throwing of crime and anti-social behaviour in the London Borough of blame around the Chamber. They want to hear us talk Merton is within the Mitcham and Morden constituency, with high levels of crime and fear of crime in Lavender, Cricket Green, about what the Government should be doing to ensure Figges Marsh and Pollards Hill. If you were to reorganise the that we have the efficient and effective policing that we police officers to match this need, those wards would be receiving need. The Government might have passed a Bill stating great, not less, cover. that there would be no reductions in uniformed police I have also been informed by officers at all levels within the officers, but I am not sure whether we could have Merton Service, that there is no point to argue for the continuation recommended such a Bill or whether it would have of the ten teams in my constituency as this cannot be sustained worked or been at all sensible. We have all seen the awful due to the need to cut back on sergeants within the Metropolitan trend of having uniformed officers working at back-office Police Service. The need to reduce the number of officers and the functions for which they are not trained and for which inability to sustain the Safer Neighbourhood Teams was also they are probably overpaid to do. What we need is contained on the Merton Voluntary Service Council website, who themselves were informed that there needed to be cuts in sergeants something different. We want the highly trained police and police officers. officers to be out on the streets, not doing support or Given the evidence on the ground, and concern of local back-office roles, however we want to define them. councillors and residents, I would be very grateful if you might The Government clearly can and should do certain meet with me in my constituency to discuss these matters further. things. I would like to talk about three particular examples: I am concerned that there are changes being undertaken on the the funding for each force, reforms to pay and conditions ground that you do not appear to be aware of. I would be happy and taking steps to strip away bureaucracy. I am glad to arrange a meeting with councillors and concerned local residents where we could discuss these matters.” that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is still in the Chamber. She has heard me say this before, but I That letter was written on 18 February. To date, I think it is important to bear in mind the difference have not received the courtesy of a reply. In getting no in funding levels. Let me point out yet again that for response, I am not offended personally, but I am offended many years Derbyshire has lost about £5 million a year on behalf of my constituents, who fear crime and want —which equates roughly to 160 officers—because the to keep their police officers. last Government did not implement their own funding I would ask for a modicum of honesty in this matter. formula establishing the requirement for each force. It is absolutely right to look at how a big public service I realise that it was not possible for any Government like the police works. The desire for continuing efficiency to solve the problem in the time available, but I urge the is absolutely right, but the idea that police officers can Home Secretary, when the next funding round arrives, be taken off the street and be put back in cars at the either to start to implement the existing funding formula same time as continuing to reduce crime itself and, or to introduce a new one. It cannot be right for us to more importantly, the fear of crime is a complete lie keep saying “Here is a formula; here is the amount that and a fantasy. We should stop these lies. you want; oh, sorry, you cannot have it”. That simply is not sustainable. We are led to believe that some forces do not have to work under the same financial pressures 8.52 pm as Derbyshire and several other authorities in the east Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): This is the fourth midlands. time in my short career in the House that I have spoken I may gain more agreement from my colleagues on in a policing debate and, sadly, the second time I have the Front Bench when I speak of the need to reform pay done so while a murder investigation is ongoing in my and conditions. The point has been well made that at a constituency. That makes it a good time for me to pay time when more than 75% of police budgets is spent on tribute to the police for their hard work. Large-scale pay, there is a clear link: if we do not reform pay and and difficult investigations like this one after the senseless conditions, we shall have to accept a smaller head 843 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 844 count. Although imposing a two-year pay freeze is not a change programme and various others about how they pleasant task, reforming police allowances and overtime were approaching it, and to challenge them by suggesting payments must be the way forward. I say that cautiously, some additional things that they could think about. I as the police service parliamentary scheme enables me was impressed by how well on track they were, and how to spend Wednesdays touring Chesterfield with members well they had thought everything through. They have of the police force. I hope that, if they read the report of managed to save £700,000 already by putting sergeants my speech, they will understand what I was trying to back in charge of evidence gathering and case preparation, say. I am happy to debate the issue with them. and they have saved about £1 million through increasing I urge the Government to make some progress on the regional collaboration. So there are things that all forces Winsor review. The last thing that any of us want is for can do. police forces to have to make cuts and savings and then, when the final recommendations of the review are Mrs Grant: Does my hon. Friend agree that there is published, to discover that the problem was not as bad also an emerging police willingness to work with other as had been feared, and that they need not have made agencies in the community, and that they are doing that those savings. A degree of certainty on pay and conditions in a very exciting and innovative way, which is good for and the pension position will help everyone. I do not both public services and the improvement of the police think that any of us work at our best with a huge force generally? amount of uncertainty hanging over us for longer than necessary. Nigel Mills: It would be impossible not to agree with that; it has to be the way forward for all the services that We also need to strip away bureaucracy, and during have interactions with each other to make those interactions their 11 months in power the Government have made more effective and to avoid the duplication that can considerable progress in that regard. We all want as many arise. man hours as possible to be spent on the front line. I believe that Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary People must feel that the police are on their side. In defines the front line as officers the election campaign, I suspect that the following concern was expressed to every one of us time and “who directly intervene to keep people safe and enforce the law”. again: “What do the police do? We never see them. They I do not know whether others agree with that definition, only want to tackle innocent motorists, and they don’t but it strikes me as a reasonable form of words. tackle serious crimes.” That is why the introduction of The abolition of the police pledge, the reduction of elected police commissioners—I have the pleasure of bureaucracy and the granting of more discretion to the serving on the Public Bill Committee dealing with that—is police to fight crime should be hugely welcomed. Talk a hugely powerful step. It is a way of saying, “Look, of absolute police numbers is not the clearest way of here is someone who can ensure that what the police do discussing the issue; I think that what the public want to is what the public actually want them to do, and not see is the right number of officers engaged in the right what the chief constable, or the Government, might duties at the right times and in the right places, working want them to do. Here is someone who is accountable in a smart manner. to the public for delivering on police priorities.” Finally, let me say that it would have been a far more Tom Brake: One issue that the hon. Gentleman and, constructive use of parliamentary time if today we had indeed, other Members should consider is the amount debated those aspects of the Winsor review that we of time spent by safer neighbourhood teams on petrol welcome or have concerns about. Instead, we have had stations. I was appalled to discover that one BP garage what must be about the third debate on police funding, in one ward was using 20% of the safer neighbourhood which has more to do with playing party games before team’s time to deal with drive-outs and incidences of the local elections than trying to improve the police shoplifting. I suggest that Members with petrol stations force. Let us instead look at the challenges the police in their constituencies ask how much of the local safer face, and work constructively to get the best and the neighbourhood teams’ time is being spent in that way most efficient, but also the most effective, police force because they have not, for instance, ensured that CCTV that we can for all our constituents. is up to scratch, and that staff are properly trained to prevent shoplifting from becoming rife. Several hon. Members rose—

Nigel Mills: The hon. Gentleman has made a sensible Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. point. I hope that the Government’s decision not to Before I call the next speaker, may I point out to those increase fuel tax even more will not provide any further Members still waiting to speak that the winding-up encouragement for thefts from petrol stations. speeches will start at 9.40 pm and we simply will not have time to hear from everyone who wishes to contribute Various reports have been quoted as saying that in unless we have fewer interventions from those who have 2009 only 14% of police officers’ time was spent on already spoken and each Member who speaks is considerate patrol and 22% was spent on paperwork. That cannot of the Member who is about to follow them? If that is be right: there must be scope for the police to work in a the case, everybody will be able to make their points. far smarter manner. According to Jan Berry’s report—which has been referred to—about a third of police time is ineffective, and that demonstrates the scope for savings. 9.2 pm I commend the work that Derbyshire police have Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): done, and continue to do, in their “Moving Forward” It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Amber savings programme. I recently had an opportunity to Valley (Nigel Mills). He made a thoughtful and reflective quiz the chief constable, the officer in charge of the speech, which, frankly, is in complete contrast to all the 845 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 846

[Stephen Twigg] in schools. The previous Government piloted this programme in 2002, when I was a Minister in the then other speeches delivered from the Government Benches Department for Education and Skills, and it was brought this afternoon. I was astonished by how relaxed the into the mainstream in 2006. I imagine that hon. Members other Conservative and Liberal Democrat speakers were on both sides of the House will have seen the very about the scale of the police cuts we are experiencing positive work done by police in schools, not only to as a direct consequence of decisions made by this tackle bullying but to ensure higher attendance levels Government—by the Conservative party, which used to and lower truancy rates in schools. Last year, “Robby be described as the party of law and order, and the the Bobby”, who is based at Lower Lane police station Liberal Democrats, who advocated extra police officers and who serves the Croxteth and Norris Green communities on top of the additional officers Labour introduced in my constituency, received the Queen’s police medal in throughout our period in government. the Queen’s birthday honours list. I want to pay tribute Between 1997 and last year, there was an increase of to him because he does great work, and I have seen that 17,000 in police numbers, and at one stroke this Government work. More importantly, however, I cite him because are making a reduction of 12,000. There is a very the work done by police in schools is so important. I significant difference between that and the reductions would like to hear a reassurance from this Government we propose and absolutely acknowledge need to be that the safer schools programme is one to which they made, as referred to in our motion, and as my right hon. have the same commitment as the previous Government Friend the Member for Normanton, Pontefract and had. Castleford (Yvette Cooper) made clear in her speech. The Minister has responded to me on this point The cuts under the 12% figure cited by Her Majesty’s previously, but I ask him to respond again on the issue inspectorate of constabulary would be very different of the differential impact of police cuts on the poorest from those under the 20% figure that this Government communities. I request him specifically to meet a Merseyside are imposing on police forces up and down the country. delegation of MPs and those from the police authority I want to be brief in order to enable other Members to discuss the issue, because we could make a real to speak, so I will focus my remarks on the situation in difference to the front-line service in Merseyside if we Merseyside. Merseyside has already cut 200 officers and could reconsider the scale of the cuts and the unfairness another 80 police staff. The force had a moratorium on involved in how they have a greater impact in a community recruitment during the previous financial year, and that such as mine than they do in a community such as the continues. As a consequence, it anticipates a further one that he represents. reduction in officer numbers of 200. In other words, The main focus of tonight’s debate is on the fact that one in 12 officers in Merseyside will be lost in the space by going beyond the 12% figure that Her Majesty’s of just two years, and for the remaining period of this inspectorate of constabulary has set out, the Government Parliament the force anticipates a total loss of 880 police are endangering the quality of front-line policing in all officers and 1,000 police staff. In other words, one in our constituencies, no matter which part of the country five officers will go. I know from my discussions with we represent. For that reason, I urge the Government to the chief constable, with other senior officers and with think again. front-line staff at the police stations in my constituency that they are doing their utmost to protect the front line, 9.8 pm but they have said that because of the cuts in Government funding, front-line services will now be looked at. Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): First, I should declare an interest as a member of the Kent The Home Secretary said that local police forces had police authority. In that capacity, I get very frustrated the option of increasing the council tax, and when I about some of the numbers that the Opposition throw challenged her on whether she was advocating that, she around. The shadow Home Secretary said that Kent’s was careful in her response. I wish to reiterate something police force had said that it was going to cut more than that I have said in previous debates: the capacity of a 500 officers, but it has not said that. The projection, local police force to secure additional funding by increasing once made, of 500 was on the basis of an assumption the precept varies enormously from one police force to that the cut in grant was going to be significantly worse another. The key determinant of that variation is how than it actually turned out to be. deprived the local community is. Half of Surrey’s funding The hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen for the police comes from central Government and half Twigg) set up this great contrast between the 12% cut is raised locally, whereas 82% of Merseyside’s police that Labour is very happy about and the 20% cut that funding comes from central Government and only 18% is we are supposedly imposing, but he does not draw determined by local council tax. It does not take a attention to two key differences between those figures. mathematician to work out that the capacity of Merseyside First, the 20% reduction is a real reduction rather than police to raise additional funds locally is considerably a cash reduction, so a two-year pay freeze accounts for less than that of the police in Surrey and in other parts a significant portion of it and helps to explain totally of the country. The Merseyside force has made great appropriate front-loading, because that is the period in strides in recent years in improving its efficiency and the which the pay freeze will take place. In addition, the quality of its service. That is why, although it is making 20% does not allow for a precept, and assumes that the efficiencies and will make further efficiencies, it is simply precept falls as much as the central grant. If we take not going to possible for it to balance its books without those two factors into account, the reduction in central cuts in the front-line service. Government grant represents a more generous settlement I hope that the Minister will be able to say something than the one that HMIC said it would be possible to about the importance of the work done by the safer deliver. That reflects the importance that we place on schools partnerships and, in particular, by police working policing and on police numbers. 847 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 848

The motion is predicated on the assumption that savings in those areas. We are also going to work with there will be a cut of 12,000 in the number of police Essex to form a single major and organised crime officers because that is the number that ACPO has put division, which will bring together a lot of the specialist out. However, that number was put out before Tom areas. That will enable us to iron out the peaks and Winsor’s report was published. It is a very long report, troughs in demand and deliver at least as good a service and I look forward to reaching its conclusion over the using fewer officers. recess, but I have read quite a lot of it already. Tom When I first joined Kent police authority, I was Winsor is saying that, even for 2012-13, on the basis of concerned that we were not going out to find the his recommendations, there will be a further £200 million savings and ask the difficult questions. Partly that is of savings, over and above those that police authorities because police authorities are not elected, so there is no and chief constables have already been pushing towards. direct connection with the electorate that requires delivering If we generously assume that there will be add-on costs the best possible policing while minimising the precepts. of about £50,000 per police officer, that would give us If one finds savings, asks difficult questions and tries to enough money for 4,000 officers. If we implement what get the police to do things in a different way from the Tom Winsor suggests in his interim report, we would one they are used to, and which they perhaps prefer, get the number down from 12,000 to 8,000. that will always be quite difficult and with no direct That number will have to go through the national electoral accountability, there is not necessarily the Police Negotiating Board, and there will doubtless be motivation to do that. some pushback from the Police Federation and others, In my police authority, in the past year or two at but in some areas Tom Winsor is actually being quite least, people have worked very hard to find savings and generous to the police in recognising the unique contribution it has one of the lowest precepts in the country. I believe that they make. The hon. Member for Birmingham, that in many police authorities across the country that Selly Oak (Steve McCabe), who is no longer in his have had consistent grant increases year on year, there is place, has suggested that 40% of officers would lose scope to find savings and to work together much more. £4,000 on the basis of what Winsor has said, but that is There is no justification for having 43 different IT quite wrong. Tom Winsor’s point was that, back in systems. A large amount of the police budget is police 1978, under Lord Edmund-Davies, a 9% shift allowance pay, but that is partly because the police deliver almost for unsocial hours was incorporated into the standard everything themselves with a direct labour force. In police pay. Tom Winsor went on to say that, logically, many areas of the public sector, we have found significant we should therefore reduce by 9% the pay for the 43% of savings through outsourcing. Cleveland police has a officers whose role did not require them to work unsocial control centre run by the private sector—it is outsourced— hours. Rather than recommending that, however, he has but it is quite rare in policing to make those more now left them as they are and proposed an additional radical changes to deliver things as cheaply and efficiently 10% shift allowance for hours worked between 8 pm as one can by going outside the police service. A direct and 6 am. electoral mandate would press people to deliver policing Another area in which Tom Winsor has been very as well as they could for as little as they could. There is generous to the police is that of the new expertise and significant scope for savings and I believe that reductions professional accreditation allowance. Most police have can be made while protecting the front line and delivering been operating on the assumption that the special priority the police service that the country deserves. payments, which were introduced in 2003 and which have been quite divisive, would not be continued. If we 9.16 pm take into account the additional allowance, which will be more costly than the special priority payments, we Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): I pay shall see a net increase in pay, even though most officers tribute to our police service. It is quite remarkable how probably assumed that they would not get a special it has evolved over the years, learning sometimes difficult priority payment. Perhaps there will be a bit of give lessons of history from Scarman to Macpherson. Our and take in the negotiations but, in those two areas in Labour Government backed the police service and invested particular, Tom Winsor’s proposals are more generous massively, with 17,000 more police officers and 16,000 than many officers would have expected. police community support officers. An admirable model I should also like to touch on the ability of police of community policing has led to a record fall in crime, forces to make savings. We also heard about this from and nowhere can that be seen better than in West my hon. Friend the Member for Carmarthen West and Midlands police authority, under the leadership of Chief South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart). Most organisations Constable Chris Sims. try to find savings and do things more efficiently year I have seen at first hand just how effective our police by year. In policing, however, there was an increase in service is. In Castle Vale, the neighbourhood tasking grant every year from central Government. Police forces group deals with problems of antisocial behaviour and were able to increase their numbers, deal with particular there is excellent dialogue between the police and the issues and have more police tackling problem areas local community, so that the young kids now go and without having to find savings in other areas to fund play in a park and the older residents, who were those activities. complaining, enjoy their environment. When there was In Kent, we found a deputy chief constable who had an outbreak of robberies in shops in Stockland Green, been delivering a fantastic programme in Norfolk and the police mounted an excellent operation and effective finding very significant savings, all of which were able intelligence led to the arrests of those responsible. When to be invested in the front line. Now, in tougher times, there were two terrible knife murders in my constituency, Kent is looking to strip out some of the inefficiencies. including that of one young man who died on his doorstep There might be too many people in central teams, or the in the arms of his mother, a huge police operation, with intelligence area might be top heavy, so we will make support from the community, led to arrests. 849 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 850

[Jack Dromey] is not possible to have any discussion about any public sector service without having some regard to the national The community values its community policing and economic context. Colleagues on the Government Benches there is complete dismay about the impact of the have mentioned the £120 million a day that the Government Government’s cuts on our police service, not least because are spending on interest, which puts into context the the first duty of any Government is to ensure the safety £35 million a day that we are currently spending on and security of our communities. It is therefore simply policing, the matter under debate. All sectors of public wrong for the Government to impose massive front-loaded service must be subject to review, and no sector can be cuts on the West Midlands police service that will lead immune. Policing must play its part. to 2,400 people going, including 300 police officers who It is entirely appropriate that cost reduction should are going right now under regulation A19. It is absolutely be accompanied by Government reform of the public wrong that the high-need, high-unemployment west services. No sector should be immune from the need to midlands is being hit more than twice as hard as the reform, and policing must play its part. I therefore leafy glades of Surrey and that Ministers pretend that reject the proposition in the Opposition motion that there is no impact on front-line policing. Policing is does nothing other than criticise the steps that the about much more than just those who are out on the Government have taken. It offers no alternative proposal. front line: the police team working together is key. Some The motion is completely silent on what the Opposition of the earlier references to areas such as child protection, would do to make policing play its part in reducing the domestic violence and counter-terrorism involve a great burden of public expenditure or reforms to the service. deal of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence gathering. We might therefore assume that the Opposition are Having said that, we need to move beyond the numbers happy to carry on spending as they were before and —not just how many are going, but who they are and make no change to public service, but we would be why they matter. Sergeant Dave Hewitt, 32 years a police wrong, because the right hon. Member for Normanton, officer, being forced out at the age of 48, is a neighbourhood Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) has said that sergeant with an excellent team of neighbourhood police all departments, police included, would need “to make officers making their local community a safer place to savings”. The former Home Secretary, the right hon. live. Is he or is he not a front-line officer? Police Constable Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Ian Rees, 34 years a police officer, being forced out at Johnson), has said that Labour in government would the age of 55, is a motorway specialist making our have cut spending and reduced police numbers. motorways in the midlands a safer place to drive. Is he What are the Government actually doing? They are or is he not a front-line police officer? making the police accountable to their communities, Detective Constable Tony Fisher, 33 years a police cutting increasing costs, removing targets and paperwork officer, being forced out at the age of 50, is a specialist and, critically, restoring to police officers the discretion in dealing with serious robbery. Only in the past couple they once had. In my constituency of Rugby we are of years, he mounted an exercise to track down the governed by Warwickshire police, a force in which, individual who was robbing pensioners at cash points notwithstanding the Opposition’s remarks, police numbers and put that man away, and rightly so, for 13 years. He fell between 2004 and 2009, so there have not been also tracked down the gang that used machetes to rob massive increases in police numbers under the Labour shops, with the leader of that gang going away for Government. Warwickshire police are currently vacating 17 years, and rightly so. The community is a safer place, an expensive and unnecessary force headquarters to thanks to him. Is he or is he not a front-line police officer? save costs, and the chief constable is doing the right Detective Constable Tim Kennedy, 31 years a police thing by focusing on public protection, providing service officer, is a specialist in serious acquisitive crime—burglaries to the community and increasing productivity on the and cars—with one of the best detection records anywhere front line. in the midlands. Is he or is he not a front-line police One of the reasons I was keen to speak in the debate officer? Inspector Mark Stokes, 33 years a police officer, is that my brother is a sergeant in Warwickshire police is a specialist in designing out crime, with an outstanding with more than 20 years’ service. We often get together track record. On the Four Towers estate in Birmingham, and speak about our respective roles. He tells me how for example, there has been a 98% fall in what was a he and his colleagues were frustrated by the previous serious level of crime, thanks to the work that he has Government’s tick-box approach and the massive increase done. Is he or is he not vital to the front line? in paperwork and bureaucracy that resulted in their I am grateful to the Home Secretary for agreeing spending less time on patrol than they did filling in earlier that she will meet these A19 officers. She will forms. They were not doing what they had been trained find that they are the best in Birmingham and Britain. to do—to protect the public. As a parliamentary candidate, They will be sadly missed by the communities that they I spent a Friday night accompanying an officer on have served so well over many years. It is wrong—plain patrol and saw just how much paperwork he had to wrong—for the Government to say to the men and women complete. being forced out under A19, “Thanks for your past loyalty. Thanks for your outstanding service. Here is The police look forward to many of the Government’s your notice.” The Government have got to think again. proposals and reforms, in particular the one to get rid of the stop and encounter form. Officers appreciate that services must accept some of the reduction in expenditure 9.23 pm and in the cost burden of the public sector. There are Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): Notwithstanding the three significant issues that they are having to deal with. remarks that we have just heard from the hon. Member First, the restructuring in costs will lead to fewer people for Birmingham, Erdington (Jack Dromey), the Opposition, being able to support them in the back office and the whose motion we are debating this evening, know that it pay freeze. Secondly, the provisions of the Winsor report, 851 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 852 to which my hon. Friend the Member for Rochester and they ACPO, the Police Federation or other organisations Strood (Mark Reckless) has just referred, will change that have commented on the matter. The key test for the the way they operate and the structure of their pay. Government is whether having fewer staff will make the Thirdly, over and above those effects officers will also be police force more efficient. affected by the Hutton report, which in time will lead to I do not deny any incoming Government the right to less generous pension provision. I must tell the Home put forward proposals to the British people and a Secretary and the policing Minister that the combination scheme that they say will provide a better service for less of those three factors means that the morale of our money, but it will be some time before we find out what officers is lower than it has been for some time. They those key indicators are. As several Members have understand the need for change, but they feel that they pointed out, crime is at a record low, and the question are burdened by those three changes all coning along at is, once the proposals are implemented, whether crime one time. will rise. That is the challenge for this Government. I was delighted to hear the Home Secretary acknowledge We also know that the Government’s proposals have in her opening remarks that we have the finest police still not been completed. There is an ambitious target service in the world. I hope that the Minister, in summing not just on police finances, but on the new landscape of up, will express some words about the regard in which policing, and the election of police commissioners will the public hold the police, who are doing a difficult job have an impact on how policing operates—everyone at a difficult time. I hope that he will provide some accepts that it will. The new landscape will result in the reassurance to officers who are committed to service, abolition of the Serious Organised Crime Agency and such as my brother and his colleagues, that their the National Policing Improvement Agency, and the commitment will be recognised. I hope that he will Home Affairs Committee is just about to undertake an ensure that those officers who work hard and from time inquiry into the likely new landscape. to time put themselves on the line can feel positive I think that we will have to return to the subject once about the valuable role they play and can focus on the the Government have completed their template. As I key task of protecting the public. have said, it is absolutely the right of an incoming In conclusion, the Government are right to be taking Government to say that they propose to use taxpayers’ their current action on policing. It represents just one of money in a way that will make the service more efficient, a series of very difficult decisions that they have been but my concern is that the template is not complete and, obliged to take over the past 11 months, all of which in to some extent, the proposed cuts—or reductions, if we the long term will provide better and more efficient like to use that word—are a work in progress. We will services to the public of this country. not know the full effects until the rest of the landscape has been completed. 9.29 pm What the Government are doing on procurement and on the reduction in bureaucracy is excellent. The Home Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): It is a pleasure to Secretary says that she has taken on board Jan Berry’s follow the hon. Member for Rugby (Mark Pawsey), recommendations and appointed Chris Sims to take who spoke about not only his constituency’s interest in the matter forward, and that is a continuation of what the debate, but that of his family. He can report back to the previous Government did. I see the previous Policing his brother that he was able to raise those concerns in Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Delyn such a debate. (Mr Hanson), is present, and whenever he got to the It is commendable that both the Home Secretary and Dispatch Box when Labour was in government, he the shadow Home Secretary have sat through the entire talked about cutting red tape. We on the Select Committee debate, the feature of which is that Members on both hope to look at Jan Berry’s recommendations to see sides have talked about not just the headline figures, but whether they have been implemented and whether red policing in their constituencies. On balance, Opposition tape has been cut. Members have said that the cuts are going to affect Tomorrow, as the Home Secretary knows, we have policing negatively, and Government Members have the new permanent secretary at the Home Office before said that the cuts are required to some extent because the Committee, and it is of course important to save they can make the police more accountable, transparent money on procurement. I would like to have seen more and efficient. done under the previous Government to bring procurement In four weeks’ time, the right hon. Lady will celebrate under much greater central control. The right hon. her year in office as the first Conservative Home Secretary Lady talked about local decision making, but I understand in 13 years. She has got used to the fact that when she that vehicles are now the subject of central planning, so enters the Chamber for policing debates, she does not the Home Office is saying, “You can buy these vehicles, get a standing ovation, but importantly we have heard because this is the best possible deal that we have been what the Government propose to do and what the able to make.” If that can be done with vehicles, why Opposition have said they would do in similar not mobile phones or all other aspects of procurement? circumstances. Of course we would like to see local police forces The Home Affairs Committee produced a report on collaborate—the hon. Member for Rochester and Strood police finances, and it was unanimous. The hon. Member reminded me that a conference on procurement is coming for Rochester and Strood (Mark Reckless) is our resident up in the near future, co-sponsored by Essex and Kent expert on policing matters along with my right hon. police authorities—and we want local decision making, Friend the Member for Cardiff South and Penarth but I cannot understand why the Home Office does not (Alun Michael), and the Committee concluded that produce a procurement catalogue that has the best there would be significantly fewer police service staff possible prices available and encourage all local police once the proposals were implemented. That is certainly forces to buy from it. That is something that we will backed up by all the other stakeholder organisations—be have to look forward to in future. 853 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 854

[Keith Vaz] did not work in the back office, with only 5% doing so. [Interruption.] The Minister for Policing and Criminal My final point, which my hon. Friend the Member Justice scoffs, but I refer him to page 4 of the report, for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) made which shows clearly that the percentage of officers and better than anyone else, is that we need to stop consulting PCSOs who are in the back office is 5%. If he wants to only chief constables about what is happening. The take issue with that, he must take issue with HMIC. people who really matter are the public. In his recent That figure drives a coach and horses through the speech to the Institute for Public Policy Research, the Home Office’s justification for its proposals. The proposals Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice rejected the were undermined by Sir Denis O’Connor, the chief idea of a royal commission on policing, citing Harold inspector of constabulary, who said that it would be Wilson’s comment that royal commissions take minutes difficult to protect the front line. The Government to set up but years to report. We do not need to wait plough on regardless, oblivious to the growing chorus years to hear about the expectations of the public, who of anxiety and deaf to those who are expressing increasing must be consulted. concern and alarm. “We know best,” is the motto of the The Select Committee intends to consult the public in Home Secretary and the Minister for Policing and an online poll on the five key things that they want Criminal Justice. police officers and the police force to do. Once we have My right hon. and hon. Friends have pointed out the those conclusions, I hope that they will feed into the impact of the police cuts across the country. My right Government’s thinking on how the new landscape operates. hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff South and Penarth Without consulting the public on their expectations, (Alun Michael) praised the work of specialist officers, there is no point in having this debate. The chief constables but pointed out the threat to the reduction in violent have a vested interest—they want to protect their budgets. crime. My hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland Police authorities want things to stay as they are, and Central (Julie Elliott) spoke about the impact on everyone else involved has, to some extent, the same Northumbria, where there is a 41% cut in police staff. interest. However, it is the public to whom we are My hon. Friend the Member for Hyndburn (Graham accountable on policing, and therefore, in the end, it is Jones) pointed out the cuts to hundreds of police officers the public to whom we have to listen. and police staff in the Lancashire constabulary. My hon. Friend the Member for Mitcham and Morden 9.36 pm (Siobhain McDonagh) pointed out the importance of Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab): I join the Home the introduction of neighbourhood policing and safer Secretary in the tribute that she paid to the police for neighbourhood teams, which was one of the successes their hard work and courage, which we have seen, of the previous Government. The budgets pose a threat tragically, over the past couple of days. to those teams. My hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen Twigg) spoke about the impact of This debate takes place at a time when the police feel the cuts on Merseyside, where one in five officers is to undervalued and under attack by this Government. Let go. My right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester East me start by laying out a few facts. There is a 20% cut (Keith Vaz) said that the jury is out on the current from central Government, with the highest percentage proposals. He was right to point out that crime is at a of that cut falling in the first two years, and the Government record low, but the question is whether it will keep implementing it with no real definition of the front line. falling. At a time when crime is at a record low, all this is That will mean the loss of over 12,000 police officers. In put at risk. every region of England and Wales, police officers and staff will be lost in every community. This means the As the chief constable of South Yorkshire police, loss of over 15,000 police staff—again, right across our Meredydd Hughes, warned in a paper to his police country in every single community. As we heard so authority, front-line posts and specialist officers will be eloquently from my hon. Friend the Member for lost, and there will be real risks to crime levels. He said: Birmingham, Erdington (Jack Dromey), it also means the loss of over 2,000 of the most experienced officers. “A reduction in back office support will put an increased burden on operational officers detracting them from front-line These officers are not going because chief officers duties.” want them to go—they are being forced to go because of the need to cut costs. The functions of most of these No doubt the Government will say, as they do when officers are not in the back office but on the front line. anybody disagrees with them, that he is just wrong. Front-line detectives are gone, with one detective saying Well, I know Med Hughes and he is an excellent chief “I don’t want to go and I’m absolutely gutted.” Front-line constable. He should be listened to and not dismissed. response officers are gone, along with neighbourhood It is not just one chief constable. The chief constable of sergeants, one commenting that the claim that cuts Lancashire police, Steve Finnigan, said on the “Today” would not affect the front line was absolute rubbish. programme last week, in answer to whether he would Firearms officers are gone from the front line, along have to reduce front-line policing to meet the Government’s with crime reduction officers and public order officers—and budget cuts, “I absolutely am.” so the list goes on. These are just some of the front-line Of course, the protection of the front line is made so posts lost because of the cuts. much more difficult by the loss of police staff. Who will To listen to the Home Secretary, one would think that do the necessary administrative tasks? Who will do the there is no impact on police officers—that there are no necessary probation work or the court reports? We have cuts on the front line—but her case is completely seen examples across the country of officers being undermined by last week’s report by Her Majesty’s needed to do such tasks and being pulled away from the inspectorate of constabulary, which showed that 95% of public and the front line. No reorganisation on this police officers and police community support officers scale will protect the front line. We have already seen 855 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 856 that in Warwickshire. Reflecting on the job losses in his 9.46 pm area, Ian Francis, the chair of Warwickshire police authority, said: The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick Herbert): First, I join other hon. Members including “The simple matter is yes, we are going to lose policemen from the shadow Police Minister in paying tribute to the the front-line.” police for the job that they do for the whole country in The Police Federation, the Police Superintendents every constituency, particularly at this time when, as the Association, chief officers and police authorities have House did earlier, we remember PC Ronan Kerr, who all warned of the consequences of this Budget settlement. tragically lost his life serving the Police Service of Northern However, as with so many of their so-called reforms, Ireland. the Government say that they know best. They believe that they know what is right and that they have to drive We should always value the work that the police do through all those who stand in the way of this so-called and remember that they do a difficult and dangerous progress. Last week, the Minister for Policing and Criminal job, but none of that means that we can avoid the Justice called those who oppose the Government’s decisions that have been forced upon us by the need to accountability changes and other reforms elitist. Well, I deal with the deficit. My first point to Opposition say that the Government are elitist in their flagrant Members is that they are silent about the savings that disregard for anyone who disagrees with them and can be driven by police forces working together and anyone who stands in their way. The police and the individually that reach beyond the savings identified in public are deeply worried by the cuts to policing. the HMIC report. That report stated that savings of more than £1 billion a year were possible while front-line No one in this House of Commons, as far as I am services were protected. It did not examine the potential aware, stood on a platform of having fewer police savings that could be made through, for instance, police officers. The Liberals promised 3,000 more police officers— forces working together to procure goods and equipment— yet another broken promise. Individual Tory MPs up some £350 million on top of that figure. and down the country demanded more police officers. Tory MPs need to be sure what they are voting for, and As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary pointed so do Liberal Democrats. out, there are 2,000 different IT systems in our forces, employing 5,000 staff. I welcome the comment of the I say to the hon. Member for Carmarthen West and Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee, the right South Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart) that 250 personnel hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), that we will be gone in his police area. He should put that on the were right to examine such procurement. He should leaflet in the local election campaign. In Carshalton know, and I know he does, that we have already laid and Wallington, police officers and staff are going—that regulations to drive collective procurement by forces to should be on the next Liberal Democrat “Focus”leaflet. save money. In Reading West, 256 officers and 564 staff are going at Thames Valley police—its Member should put that on I repeat for the benefit of the Opposition, who have the next leaflet and say it is down to efficiency. Although not heard or understood the point, that those savings the hon. Member for Amber Valley (Nigel Mills) was are in addition to those identified by the inspectorate, more reasonable than others, he will still have to put on and that they can be made by police forces working his election leaflets for the Amber Valley borough council more effectively together. The right hon. Member for election why he justifies 290 police officers and staff Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper) going in the area. I tell you what, Mr Speaker—I bet not criticised that approach when my right hon. Friend the many of them do put that on their leaflets. Home Secretary talked about it earlier. Do the Opposition Front Benchers not support that collective approach to Up and down the country, people are watching— procuring goods and equipment, and why did they not [Interruption.] The Home Secretary should listen to take it in their 13 years in government? this. People are watching a Tory-led Government cutting police numbers and crime prevention projects. They are Let us examine another matter on which the Opposition looking at a Tory-led Government who cannot find are completely silent, which is the proposed savings that money for the police but can finds of millions of pounds we have set out in relation to pay. Any organisation in extra for a democratic experiment in electing police and which three quarters of the costs rest in the pay bill has crime commissioners that nobody wants and for which to look to control that bill when resources are tight. the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice has yet to That is the responsible thing to do. That is why we have produce one shred of evidence. [Interruption.] Are you said that, in common with other public services, we enjoying this? The Government were so embarrassed expect the police to be subject to a two-year pay freeze. that the responses to the consultation paper commissioned My hon. Friend the Member for Rochester and Strood to show how many people were in favour of elected (Mark Reckless) was right that that directly answers the commissioners were not published. Shall I tell the House point about the savings that we require forces to make why? Because of the 900 people asked, so few were in being higher in the first and second years than in the favour that the Government were embarrassed to publish third and the fourth. In those years, we propose that the responses. another £350 million should be saved through the pay The cuts to the police budget are too fast and too freeze. Here is a question for the Opposition: do they deep. The Home Secretary and the Prime Minister need support that pay freeze? If not, they would put more to think again. They need to put aside ideology, listen to jobs at risk in policing. They are adopting an irresponsible the many voices of concern and change course. The approach. Government are looking to cut costs, but it is communities What about the Winsor savings? Police officers should up and down the country that will pay the price of an know that it is proposed to plough back the majority of arrogant Government failing to stand up for policing the savings that Tom Winsor identified in his report on and failing to stand up for the police. pay and conditions into new allowances to reward 857 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 858

[Nick Herbert] Let us look at another matter in which the Opposition seem simply uninterested: how resources are deployed. front-line service and specialist skills. We will consider Labour is only ever interested in how much money is those matters carefully in the recommendations of the spent rather than in how well it is spent. Why, therefore, Police Negotiating Board. Do the Opposition back do Labour Members have not the slightest interest in those savings, for which police forces have not budgeted the fact that officer visibility and availability in the at the moment? Do they support those proposals in the best-performing forces is twice that of the poorest- Winsor review? Again, we do not know because the performing forces within the existing resource? Apparently, Opposition are silent on the matter. they are not interested in that. Government Members Let me explain for the benefit of the Opposition that have consistently made the point that, even as resources the total effect of the savings of more than £500 million, contract and even as forces find savings, they can and on top of the savings that HMIC identified, add up to should prioritise visible and available policing, and 10,000 officers. In opposing the pay reforms, the Opposition good forces are doing so. put those 10,000 jobs at risk. That is why their position As we have heard from my hon. Friends, Kent is is untenable. increasing numbers in neighbourhood policing teams, as is Gloucestershire, and Staffordshire is protecting Several hon. Members mentioned the front line. Of them. course, it includes not only visible policing, but investigative units. However, the Opposition have again completely missed the point. The hon. Member for Gedling (Vernon Yvette Cooper: The Minister says that good police Coaker) shouts “smoke and mirrors” from a sedentary forces are doing all the things he wants, but what does position, but he uses a fair bit himself when he claims he say about the Warwickshire, South Yorkshire and that 5% of officers are in the back office. Does he expect Merseyside police forces, and all forces that are being officers to do IT and payroll? Those are back-office forced to take police officers off the front line? Does he functions. The inspectorate says, “Look at the back and think that those chief constables are doing a bad job? middle offices—the support functions—not the front line.” How many police officers does the hon. Gentleman Nick Herbert: The right hon. Lady just does not get think are serving in the back and middle office? The it, does she? She does not understand the difference same report tells him—I assume that he has read it. A between how much is spent and the service that we get fifth of officers and PCSOs are in the back and middle out at the other end, because Labour measures the office. In case he cannot do the maths, that means that value of every public service by how much is being 30,000 police officers are not working on the front line, spent on it. and we should begin looking for savings in the back and Let me tell the right hon. Lady what the South middle office so that we can protect front-line services. Yorkshire chief constable said in January this year. He The Opposition mentioned Northumbria police and said that claimed that there would be an impact on front-line “the reduced level of government funding announced late last services. Chief Constable Sue Sim said: year was expected and I’m confident that our service to the public won’t necessarily decline over the next two years.” “I am absolutely committed to maintaining frontline policing and the services we offer to our communities.” Let us look at the sums. Labour Members always say that there will be 20% cuts in budgets. Every chief constable is saying the same. They are committed to doing everything they can to maintain Yvette Cooper: Will the Minister give way? front-line services. As the chief inspector of constabulary said, we must Nick Herbert: I shall make a little more progress, and consider a total redesign of the way in which policing is then give way. delivered in this country. We must look at forces sharing services and collaborating. We must consider radical The Labour party says that there will be 20% cuts in solutions, which will enable a better service to be delivered. budgets—that is the language that Labour Members Is the Labour party in favour of police forces outsourcing always use—but there will not be. No force will have a their services to the private sector? That is another 20% cut in its budget, because forces raise money from matter on which it is silent. Some forces have contracted their precept. Assuming reasonable rises in precept over our their control rooms and their custody suites. Those the next four years, the cash reduction is 6%. Provided are defined as being in the so-called front line. Is the that forces do the right things, that is challenging but Labour party in favour of those cost-saving measures? nevertheless deliverable. There is deafening silence from the Opposition when they are faced with difficult questions about how to Yvette Cooper: The Minister again says that some drive value for money. police forces are doing the right thing, and some the wrong thing. He referred to Chief Constable Meredydd There is silence again about bureaucracy.The Opposition Hughes of South Yorkshire police, who said this week: spent 13 years tying up our police officers in red tape. All the shadow Chancellor could say about that when “We will be unable to continue to provide the same level of service we do today in such areas like neighbourhood policing” he was shadow Home Secretary is that he did not think it mattered that officers spent more time on paperwork and diversionary and problem-solving activities. He than on patrol. Let me say to the Opposition that the also said: Government think it does matter and we are determined “A reduction in back officer support will put an increased to reduce red tape and improve productivity on the burden on operational officers detracting them from frontline front line because we want police officers to be crime duties.” fighters, not form writers. Is the South Yorkshire chief constable right or wrong? 859 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 860

Nick Herbert: It is the same tired stuff from the Fitzpatrick, Jim Michael, rh Alun shadow Home Secretary, reading out local press cuttings Flello, Robert Miliband, rh David from around the country. She should reflect on the fact Flint, rh Caroline Miliband, rh Edward that police officer numbers were falling under the previous Flynn, Paul Miller, Andrew Government by the time we got to the election. In their Fovargue, Yvonne Mitchell, Austin last year in office, officer numbers fell in 27 forces across Francis, Dr Hywel Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Gapes, Mike Morris, Grahame M. England and Wales—did we hear a squeak from them Gardiner, Barry (Easington) about that?—and officer numbers fell in 13 police forces Gilmore, Sheila Munn, Meg in the five years before 2009. Glass, Pat Murphy, rh Mr Jim This is what the public need to know about Labour. It Glindon, Mrs Mary Murphy, rh Paul would cut police budgets by £1.5 billion—we heard that Godsiff, Mr Roger Murray, Ian this evening—and yet Labour Members pretend that Goggins, rh Paul Nandy, Lisa that would not mean fewer officers and staff. When Goodman, Helen Nash, Pamela asked in the election campaign, Labour refused to Green, Kate Onwurah, Chi guarantee police numbers, yet Labour Members criticise Griffith, Nia Owen, Albert the fall in numbers now. Labour Members say that cuts Gwynne, Andrew Pearce, Teresa Hain, rh Mr Peter Perkins, Toby are too deep and front-loaded, yet they would be cutting Hamilton, Mr David Phillipson, Bridget £9 for every £10 we will cut next year; they claim that Hanson, rh Mr David Pound, Stephen police and crime commissioners would cost too much, Harman, rh Ms Harriet Raynsford, rh Mr Nick but their model would cost more; and they call Opposition Harris, Mr Tom Reed, Mr Jamie debates and run their cynical campaigns, but they— Healey, rh John Reeves, Rachel Hendrick, Mark Reynolds, Emma Ms Rosie Winterton (Doncaster Central) (Lab) claimed Hepburn, Mr Stephen Reynolds, Jonathan to move the closure (Standing Order No. 36). Heyes, David Riordan, Mrs Linda Question put forthwith, That the Question be now put. Hillier, Meg Robertson, John Hilling, Julie Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Question agreed to. Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Rotheram, Steve Question put accordingly (Standing Order No. 31(2)), Hoey, Kate Roy, Mr Frank That the original words stand part of the Question. Hood, Mr Jim Ruane, Chris Hopkins, Kelvin Ruddock, rh Joan The House divided: Ayes 210, Noes 289. Howarth, rh Mr George Sarwar, Anas Division No. 252] [9.59 pm Hunt, Tristram Seabeck, Alison Irranca-Davies, Huw Shannon, Jim AYES Jarvis, Dan Sharma, Mr Virendra Johnson, rh Alan Sheridan, Jim Abbott, Ms Diane Connarty, Michael Johnson, Diana Shuker, Gavin Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Cooper, Rosie Jones, Graham Skinner, Mr Dennis Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Cooper, rh Yvette Jones, Helen Slaughter, Mr Andy Alexander, Heidi Crausby, Mr David Jones, Mr Kevan Smith, rh Mr Andrew Ali, Rushanara Creagh, Mary Jowell, rh Tessa Smith, Angela Allen, Mr Graham Creasy, Stella Joyce, Eric Smith, Nick Anderson, Mr David Cruddas, Jon Keeley, Barbara Smith, Owen Austin, Ian Cryer, John Kendall, Liz Spellar, rh Mr John Bailey, Mr Adrian Cunningham, Alex Khan, rh Sadiq Straw, rh Mr Jack Bain, Mr William Cunningham, Mr Jim Lammy, rh Mr David Stringer, Graham Balls, rh Ed Cunningham, Tony Lavery, Ian Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Barron, rh Mr Kevin Curran, Margaret Lazarowicz, Mark Tami, Mark Bayley, Hugh Dakin, Nic Leslie, Chris Thomas, Mr Gareth Beckett, rh Margaret Danczuk, Simon Lewis, Mr Ivan Timms, rh Stephen Begg, Dame Anne David, Mr Wayne Lloyd, Tony Trickett, Jon Benn, rh Hilary De Piero, Gloria Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Turner, Karl Benton, Mr Joe Denham, rh Mr John Love, Mr Andrew Twigg, Derek Berger, Luciana Dobbin, Jim Lucas, Ian Twigg, Stephen Betts, Mr Clive Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Mahmood, Mr Khalid Umunna, Mr Chuka Blackman-Woods, Roberta Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Mahmood, Shabana Vaz, Valerie Blears, rh Hazel Doran, Mr Frank Mann, John Walley, Joan Blenkinsop, Tom Dowd, Jim Marsden, Mr Gordon Watts, Mr Dave Blomfield, Paul Doyle, Gemma McCabe, Steve Whitehead, Dr Alan Blunkett, rh Mr David Dromey, Jack McCann, Mr Michael Wicks, rh Malcolm Brennan, Kevin Durkan, Mark McCarthy, Kerry Williams, Hywel Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Eagle, Ms Angela McClymont, Gregg Williamson, Chris Bryant, Chris Eagle, Maria McDonagh, Siobhain Winnick, Mr David Buck, Ms Karen Efford, Clive McDonnell, John Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Burden, Richard Elliott, Julie McFadden, rh Mr Pat Woodcock, John Campbell, Mr Alan Ellman, Mrs Louise McGovern, Alison Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Campbell, Mr Ronnie Engel, Natascha McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Wright, David Clark, Katy Esterson, Bill McKinnell, Catherine Wright, Mr Iain Clwyd, rh Ann Evans, Chris Meacher, rh Mr Michael Tellers for the Ayes: Coaker, Vernon Farrelly, Paul Meale, Mr Alan Phil Wilson and Coffey, Ann Field, rh Mr Frank Mearns, Ian Lilian Greenwood 861 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 862

NOES Jenkin, Mr Bernard Prisk, Mr Mark Johnson, Gareth Pugh, John Adams, Nigel Ellison, Jane Johnson, Joseph Raab, Mr Dominic Afriyie, Adam Ellwood, Mr Tobias Jones, Andrew Randall, rh Mr John Aldous, Peter Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Mr David Reckless, Mark Amess, Mr David Eustice, George Jones, Mr Marcus Redwood, rh Mr John Bacon, Mr Richard Evans, Graham Kawczynski, Daniel Rees-Mogg, Jacob Bagshawe, Ms Louise Evans, Jonathan Kelly, Chris Reevell, Simon Baker, Norman Evennett, Mr David Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Baker, Steve Fabricant, Michael Kirby, Simon Robertson, Mr Laurence Baldry, Tony Farron, Tim Kwarteng, Kwasi Rogerson, Dan Baldwin, Harriett Featherstone, Lynne Lancaster, Mark Rosindell, Andrew Barclay, Stephen Field, Mr Mark Latham, Pauline Rudd, Amber Baron, Mr John Foster, rh Mr Don Laws, rh Mr David Ruffley, Mr David Barwell, Gavin Fox,rhDrLiam Leadsom, Andrea Rutley, David Bebb, Guto Francois, rh Mr Mark Lee, Jessica Sanders, Mr Adrian Beith, rh Sir Alan Freeman, George Lee, Dr Phillip Sandys, Laura Bellingham, Mr Henry Freer, Mike Leech, Mr John Scott, Mr Lee Beresford, Sir Paul Fuller, Richard Lefroy, Jeremy Selous, Andrew Berry, Jake Gale, Mr Roger Leigh, Mr Edward Shapps, rh Grant Bingham, Andrew Garnier, Mr Edward Leslie, Charlotte Sharma, Alok Binley, Mr Brian Garnier, Mark Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Shelbrooke, Alec Blackman, Bob Gauke, Mr David Lewis, Brandon Simmonds, Mark Blackwood, Nicola George, Andrew Lewis, Dr Julian Simpson, Mr Keith Blunt, Mr Crispin Gibb, Mr Nick Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Skidmore, Chris Boles, Nick Gilbert, Stephen Lilley, rh Mr Peter Smith, Miss Chloe Bone, Mr Peter Goldsmith, Zac Lopresti, Jack Smith, Henry Bradley, Karen Goodwill, Mr Robert Lord, Jonathan Smith, Julian Brady, Mr Graham Gove, rh Michael Loughton, Tim Smith, Sir Robert Brake, Tom Graham, Richard Luff, Peter Soames, Nicholas Bray, Angie Grant, Mrs Helen Lumley, Karen Soubry, Anna Brazier, Mr Julian Gray, Mr James Macleod, Mary Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Bridgen, Andrew Grayling, rh Chris Main, Mrs Anne Spencer, Mr Mark Brine, Mr Steve Green, Damian May, rh Mrs Theresa Stanley, rh Sir John Brokenshire, James Greening, Justine Maynard, Paul Stephenson, Andrew Brooke, Annette Grieve, rh Mr Dominic McCartney, Jason Stevenson, John Bruce, Fiona Griffiths, Andrew McCartney, Karl Stewart, Iain Bruce, rh Malcolm Gummer, Ben McIntosh, Miss Anne Stride, Mel Buckland, Mr Robert Gyimah, Mr Sam McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Stunell, Andrew Burley, Mr Aidan Hague, rh Mr William McPartland, Stephen Swales, Ian Burns, Conor Halfon, Robert McVey, Esther Swayne, Mr Desmond Burns, rh Mr Simon Hames, Duncan Menzies, Mark Swinson, Jo Burrowes, Mr David Hammond, rh Mr Philip Mercer, Patrick Syms, Mr Robert Byles, Dan Hammond, Stephen Metcalfe, Stephen Teather, Sarah Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hancock, Matthew Miller, Maria Timpson, Mr Edward Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hancock, Mr Mike Mills, Nigel Tomlinson, Justin Carmichael, Neil Hands, Greg Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Truss, Elizabeth Carswell, Mr Douglas Harper, Mr Mark Moore, rh Michael Turner, Mr Andrew Cash, Mr William Harris, Rebecca Morgan, Nicky Tyrie, Mr Andrew Chishti, Rehman Hart, Simon Morris, Anne Marie Uppal, Paul Chope, Mr Christopher Harvey, Nick Morris, James Vaizey, Mr Edward Clark, rh Greg Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mosley, Stephen Vickers, Martin Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hayes, Mr John Mowat, David Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heald, Mr Oliver Mulholland, Greg Walker, Mr Robin Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heath, Mr David Munt, Tessa Wallace, Mr Ben Collins, Damian Heaton-Harris, Chris Murrison, Dr Andrew Walter, Mr Robert Colvile, Oliver Hemming, John Neill, Robert Ward, Mr David Cox, Mr Geoffrey Henderson, Gordon Newmark, Mr Brooks Watkinson, Angela Crabb, Stephen Hendry, Charles Newton, Sarah Weatherley, Mike Crouch, Tracey Herbert, rh Nick Nokes, Caroline Webb, Steve Davey, Mr Edward Hinds, Damian Davies, Glyn Hoban, Mr Mark Nuttall, Mr David Wharton, James Davis, rh Mr David Hollingbery, George Offord, Mr Matthew Wheeler, Heather de Bois, Nick Hollobone, Mr Philip Ollerenshaw, Eric White, Chris Dinenage, Caroline Hopkins, Kris Paice, rh Mr James Whittaker, Craig Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Horwood, Martin Parish, Neil Whittingdale, Mr John Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Howarth, Mr Gerald Patel, Priti Wiggin, Bill Doyle-Price, Jackie Howell, John Pawsey, Mark Willetts, rh Mr David Drax, Richard Huppert, Dr Julian Perry, Claire Williams, Roger Duddridge, James Hurd, Mr Nick Phillips, Stephen Williams, Stephen Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jackson, Mr Stewart Pickles, rh Mr Eric Williamson, Gavin Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain James, Margot Pincher, Christopher Willott, Jenny Ellis, Michael Javid, Sajid Poulter, Dr Daniel Wilson, Mr Rob 863 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 864

Wright, Simon Tellers for the Noes: Hart, Simon Mills, Nigel Young, rh Sir George Mr Philip Dunne and Harvey, Nick Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Zahawi, Nadhim Mark Hunter Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Moore, rh Michael Hayes, Mr John Morgan, Nicky Question accordingly negatived. Heald, Mr Oliver Morris, Anne Marie Heath, Mr David Morris, James Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 31(2)), Heaton-Harris, Chris Mosley, Stephen That the proposed words be there added. Hemming, John Mowat, David Mulholland, Greg Henderson, Gordon The House divided: Ayes 282, Noes 209. Munt, Tessa Hendry, Charles Division No. 253] [10.15 pm Murrison, Dr Andrew Herbert, rh Nick Neill, Robert Hinds, Damian AYES Newmark, Mr Brooks Hoban, Mr Mark Adams, Nigel Crabb, Stephen Newton, Sarah Hollingbery, George Nokes, Caroline Afriyie, Adam Crouch, Tracey Hollobone, Mr Philip Nuttall, Mr David Aldous, Peter Davey, Mr Edward Hopkins, Kris Davies, Glyn Offord, Mr Matthew Amess, Mr David Horwood, Martin de Bois, Nick Ollerenshaw, Eric Bacon, Mr Richard Howarth, Mr Gerald Dinenage, Caroline Paice, rh Mr James Bagshawe, Ms Louise Howell, John Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Parish, Neil Baker, Norman Hughes, rh Simon Patel, Priti Baker, Steve Doyle-Price, Jackie Drax, Richard Huppert, Dr Julian Pawsey, Mark Baldry, Tony Duddridge, James Hurd, Mr Nick Perry, Claire Baldwin, Harriett Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jackson, Mr Stewart Phillips, Stephen Barclay, Stephen Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain James, Margot Pickles, rh Mr Eric Baron, Mr John Ellis, Michael Javid, Sajid Pincher, Christopher Barwell, Gavin Ellison, Jane Jenkin, Mr Bernard Poulter, Dr Daniel Bebb, Guto Ellwood, Mr Tobias Johnson, Gareth Prisk, Mr Mark Beith, rh Sir Alan Elphicke, Charlie Johnson, Joseph Pugh, John Raab, Mr Dominic Bellingham, Mr Henry Eustice, George Jones, Andrew Randall, rh Mr John Beresford, Sir Paul Evans, Graham Jones, Mr David Reckless, Mark Berry, Jake Evans, Jonathan Jones, Mr Marcus Redwood, rh Mr John Bingham, Andrew Evennett, Mr David Kawczynski, Daniel Rees-Mogg, Jacob Binley, Mr Brian Fabricant, Michael Kelly, Chris Blackman, Bob Farron, Tim Reevell, Simon Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Blackwood, Nicola Featherstone, Lynne Kirby, Simon Robertson, Mr Laurence Blunt, Mr Crispin Field, Mr Mark Kwarteng, Kwasi Foster, rh Mr Don Rosindell, Andrew Boles, Nick Lancaster, Mark Fox,rhDrLiam Rudd, Amber Bone, Mr Peter Latham, Pauline Francois, rh Mr Mark Ruffley, Mr David Bradley, Karen Laws, rh Mr David Freeman, George Rutley, David Brady, Mr Graham Leadsom, Andrea Sanders, Mr Adrian Brake, Tom Fuller, Richard Gale, Mr Roger Lee, Jessica Sandys, Laura Bray, Angie Garnier, Mr Edward Lee, Dr Phillip Scott, Mr Lee Brazier, Mr Julian Garnier, Mark Leech, Mr John Selous, Andrew Bridgen, Andrew Gauke, Mr David Lefroy, Jeremy Shapps, rh Grant Brine, Mr Steve George, Andrew Leigh, Mr Edward Sharma, Alok Brokenshire, James Shelbrooke, Alec Gibb, Mr Nick Leslie, Charlotte Brooke, Annette Simmonds, Mark Gilbert, Stephen Lewis, Brandon Bruce, Fiona Simpson, Mr Keith Goldsmith, Zac Lewis, Dr Julian Bruce, rh Malcolm Skidmore, Chris Goodwill, Mr Robert Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Buckland, Mr Robert Gove, rh Michael Smith, Miss Chloe Lilley, rh Mr Peter Burley, Mr Aidan Graham, Richard Smith, Henry Lopresti, Jack Burns, Conor Grant, Mrs Helen Smith, Julian Burns, rh Mr Simon Gray, Mr James Lord, Jonathan Smith, Sir Robert Burrowes, Mr David Grayling, rh Chris Loughton, Tim Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Spencer, Mr Mark Byles, Dan Green, Damian Luff, Peter Stanley, rh Sir John Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Greening, Justine Lumley, Karen Stephenson, Andrew Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Macleod, Mary Stevenson, John Carmichael, Neil Griffiths, Andrew Main, Mrs Anne Stewart, Iain Carswell, Mr Douglas Gummer, Ben May, rh Mrs Theresa Stride, Mel Cash, Mr William Gyimah, Mr Sam Maynard, Paul Hague, rh Mr William Stunell, Andrew Chishti, Rehman McCartney, Jason Halfon, Robert Swales, Ian Chope, Mr Christopher McCartney, Karl Hames, Duncan Swayne, Mr Desmond Clark, rh Greg Hammond, rh Mr Philip McIntosh, Miss Anne Swinson, Jo Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Hammond, Stephen McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Syms, Mr Robert Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hancock, Matthew McPartland, Stephen Teather, Sarah Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hancock, Mr Mike McVey, Esther Timpson, Mr Edward Collins, Damian Hands, Greg Menzies, Mark Tomlinson, Justin Colvile, Oliver Harper, Mr Mark Metcalfe, Stephen Truss, Elizabeth Cox, Mr Geoffrey Harris, Rebecca Miller, Maria Turner, Mr Andrew 865 Government Reductions in Policing4 APRIL 2011 Government Reductions in Policing 866

Tyrie, Mr Andrew Whittaker, Craig Irranca-Davies, Huw Pound, Stephen Uppal, Paul Whittingdale, Mr John Jarvis, Dan Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Vaizey, Mr Edward Wiggin, Bill Johnson, rh Alan Reed, Mr Jamie Vickers, Martin Willetts, rh Mr David Johnson, Diana Reeves, Rachel Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Williams, Roger Jones, Graham Reynolds, Emma Walker, Mr Robin Williams, Stephen Jones, Helen Reynolds, Jonathan Wallace, Mr Ben Williamson, Gavin Jones, Mr Kevan Riordan, Mrs Linda Walter, Mr Robert Willott, Jenny Jowell, rh Tessa Robertson, John Ward, Mr David Wilson, Mr Rob Joyce, Eric Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Watkinson, Angela Wright, Simon Keeley, Barbara Rotheram, Steve Weatherley, Mike Young, rh Sir George Kendall, Liz Roy, Mr Frank Webb, Steve Zahawi, Nadhim Khan, rh Sadiq Ruane, Chris Wharton, James Tellers for the Ayes: Lammy, rh Mr David Ruddock, rh Joan Wheeler, Heather Mr Philip Dunne and Lavery, Ian Sarwar, Anas White, Chris Mark Hunter Lazarowicz, Mark Seabeck, Alison Leslie, Chris Shannon, Jim Lewis, Mr Ivan Sharma, Mr Virendra NOES Lloyd, Tony Sheridan, Jim Abbott, Ms Diane De Piero, Gloria Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Shuker, Gavin Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Denham, rh Mr John Love, Mr Andrew Skinner, Mr Dennis Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Dobbin, Jim Lucas, Ian Slaughter, Mr Andy Alexander, Heidi Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Mahmood, Mr Khalid Smith, rh Mr Andrew Ali, Rushanara Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Mahmood, Shabana Smith, Angela Allen, Mr Graham Doran, Mr Frank Mann, John Smith, Nick Anderson, Mr David Dowd, Jim Marsden, Mr Gordon Smith, Owen McCabe, Steve Austin, Ian Doyle, Gemma Spellar, rh Mr John Dromey, Jack McCann, Mr Michael Bailey, Mr Adrian Straw, rh Mr Jack Durkan, Mark McCarthy, Kerry Stringer, Graham Bain, Mr William McClymont, Gregg Eagle, Ms Angela Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Balls, rh Ed Eagle, Maria McDonagh, Siobhain Tami, Mark Barron, rh Mr Kevin Efford, Clive McDonnell, John Thomas, Mr Gareth Bayley, Hugh Elliott, Julie McFadden, rh Mr Pat Timms, rh Stephen Beckett, rh Margaret Ellman, Mrs Louise McGovern, Alison Trickett, Jon Begg, Dame Anne Engel, Natascha McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Turner, Karl Benn, rh Hilary Esterson, Bill McKinnell, Catherine Twigg, Derek Benton, Mr Joe Evans, Chris Meacher, rh Mr Michael Meale, Mr Alan Twigg, Stephen Berger, Luciana Farrelly, Paul Field, rh Mr Frank Mearns, Ian Umunna, Mr Chuka Betts, Mr Clive Fitzpatrick, Jim Michael, rh Alun Vaz, Valerie Blackman-Woods, Roberta Flello, Robert Miliband, rh David Walley, Joan Blears, rh Hazel Flint, rh Caroline Miliband, rh Edward Watts, Mr Dave Blenkinsop, Tom Flynn, Paul Miller, Andrew Whitehead, Dr Alan Blomfield, Paul Fovargue, Yvonne Mitchell, Austin Wicks, rh Malcolm Blunkett, rh Mr David Francis, Dr Hywel Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Williams, Hywel Brennan, Kevin Gapes, Mike Munn, Meg Williamson, Chris Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Gardiner, Barry Murphy, rh Mr Jim Winnick, Mr David Bryant, Chris Gilmore, Sheila Murphy, rh Paul Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Murray, Ian Buck, Ms Karen Glass, Pat Woodcock, John Glindon, Mrs Mary Nandy, Lisa Burden, Richard Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Godsiff, Mr Roger Nash, Pamela Campbell, Mr Alan Wright, David Goggins, rh Paul Onwurah, Chi Wright, Mr Iain Campbell, Mr Ronnie Goodman, Helen Owen, Albert Clark, Katy Green, Kate Pearce, Teresa Tellers for the Noes: Clwyd, rh Ann Griffith, Nia Perkins, Toby Phil Wilson and Coaker, Vernon Gwynne, Andrew Phillipson, Bridget Lilian Greenwood Coffey, Ann Hain, rh Mr Peter Connarty, Michael Hamilton, Mr David Question accordingly agreed to. Cooper, Rosie Hanson, rh Mr David Cooper, rh Yvette Harman, rh Ms Harriet The Speaker declared the Main question, as amended, Harris, Mr Tom Crausby, Mr David to be agreed to (Standing Order No. 31(2)). Healey, rh John Creagh, Mary Hendrick, Mark Creasy, Stella Resolved, Hepburn, Mr Stephen Cruddas, Jon Heyes, David That this House welcomes the Government’s comprehensive Cryer, John Hillier, Meg proposals to cut crime and increase the democratic accountability Cunningham, Alex Hilling, Julie of policing while dealing with the largest peacetime deficit in Cunningham, Mr Jim Hodgson, Mrs Sharon history; supports the Government’s determination to help the police make savings to protect frontline services; congratulates Cunningham, Tony Hoey, Kate Curran, Margaret the police forces that are increasing the number of officers visible Hood, Mr Jim and available to the public; notes that the Opposition’s spending Dakin, Nic Hopkins, Kelvin plans require reductions in police spending; and regrets its refusal Danczuk, Simon Howarth, rh Mr George to support sensible savings or to set out an alternative. David, Mr Wayne Hunt, Tristram 867 4 APRIL 2011 868

Business without Debate Bradley Manning Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House DELEGATED LEGISLATION do now adjourn.—(Mr Newmark.) Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), 10.26 pm Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): I am pleased to LEGAL SERVICES have the opportunity to debate this issue, because it is That the draft Legal Services Act 2007 (Approved Regulators) important that the case is raised here in the House of Order 2011, which was laid before this House on 14 March, be Commons. I want to talk about the treatment of Bradley approved.—(Mr Newmark.) Manning. An early-day motion on this subject—early-day Question agreed to. motion1624—stands in my name and is currently supported by 37 right hon. and hon. Members, and I hope that others will add their names. I wish to speak this evening in terms very similar terms to those of the early-day motion, which reads as follows: “That this House expresses great concern at the treatment of Private First Class Bradley Manning, currently detained at the US Quantico Marine Base; notes the increasing level of interest and concern in the case in the UK and in particular in Wales; appeals to the US administration to ensure that his detention conditions are humane; and calls on the UK Government to raise the case with the US administration.” That is what I want to expand on in this short debate. I want to explain why I am so concerned about Bradley Manning’s case and why others should be too, and I want to ask the Minister to undertake to raise the case with the US Administration. Bradley Manning is the US soldier imprisoned at the US marine base at Quantico, Virginia. He is accused of being the person responsible for the leaking of the US Government information—about Iraq and about Afghanistan, and from US embassies around the world— that was released into the public domain through the website WikiLeaks. Bradley Manning is a serving member of the US armed forces and he is detained in a military prison. It is important for us to note that he has yet to be convicted of any offence—I am not sure whether there is a confirmed trial date, but I understand that it will not be until May or June. Like me, the Minister will want to be careful about describing the actions of which Bradley Manning is accused, because we have yet to have Bradley’s account and he has still to have that account considered by a court. That is why I do not want us to get drawn into a discussion of the rights and wrongs of the WikiLeaks revelations. However, I would like to concentrate on the current conditions of detention for Bradley Manning. I have read the several accounts of Bradley’s treatment which have appeared in the press. Some very good accounts that have appeared in The Guardian have come from David Leigh, in particular, but the one that I paid most attention to was the one from Bradley himself. On 10 March, in an 11-page memorandum from Bradley Manning to the commanding officer of the Quantico marine base, issued through his lawyer, Bradley Manning described for us the conditions of his detention. This is what he said: “Since 2 March 2011, I have been stripped of all my clothing at night. I have been told that the PCF commander intends on continuing this practice indefinitely. Initially, after surrendering my clothing to the brig guards, I had no choice but to lay naked in my cold jail cell until the following morning. The next morning I was told to get out of my bed for the morning duty brig supervisor (DBS) inspection. I was not given any of my clothing back. I got out of the bed and immediately started to shiver because of how cold it was in my cell. I walked towards the front of my cell with 869 Bradley Manning4 APRIL 2011 Bradley Manning 870

[Ann Clwyd] Since his resignation, P. J. Crowley has gone on to explain why he said what he did, including in a column my hands covering my genitals. The guard told me to stand at in The Guardian last week. He says: parade rest, which required me to stand with my hands behind my “As a public diplomat and (until recently) spokesman of the back and my legs spaced shoulder width apart. I stood at ‘parade department of state, I was responsible for explaining the national rest’ for about three minutes until the DBS arrived. Once the DBS security policy of the United States to the American people and arrived, everyone was called to attention. The DBS and the other populations abroad. I am also a retired military officer who has guards walked past my cell. The DBS looked at me, paused for a long believed that our civilian power must balance our military moment, and then continued to the next detainee’s cell. I was power. Part of our strength comes from international recognition incredibly embarrassed at having all these people stare at me that the United States practises what we preach.” naked. After the DBS completed his inspection, I was told to go and sit on my bed. About 10 minutes later I was given my clothes He goes on: and allowed to get dressed…Under my current restrictions, in “Based on 30 years of government experience, if you have to addition to being stripped at night, I am essentially held in explain why a guy is standing naked in the middle of a jail cell, solitary confinement. For 23 hours per day, I sit alone in my cell. you have a policy in need of urgent review.” The guards check on me every five minutes during the day by Finally, he says: asking me if I am OK. I am required to respond in some “So, when I was asked…I said the treatment of Private Manning, affirmative manner.” while well-intentioned, was ‘ridiculous’ and ‘counterproductive’ and, yes, ‘stupid’. Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Will the right hon. I stand by what I said.” Lady give way? In the article and the interviews he has given, P. J. Crowley—a career US military and Government man—sets Ann Clwyd: I have very little time, but yes, I will. out why Bradley Manning’s case is important. It is important because of the message it sends to the rest of Jim Shannon: Is the right hon. Lady aware of when the world about what kind of treatment the United the trial will take place? States thinks is acceptable for people in detention. As for us, it is important what we say—or what we do not Ann Clwyd: No, I do not yet know that, but I think say—because of the message that it sends about the that it will be in a couple of months’ time. kind of treatment we in the United Kingdom and in the Bradley Manning’s account continued: UK Government think is acceptable. That matters in “At night, if the guards cannot see me clearly, because I have a countries where human rights are not so well observed. blanket over my head or I am curled up towards the wall, they will People will pay attention in China, in Russia, in Libya, wake me in order to ensure that I am OK…I am prevented from where we want to be on the side of those fighting for exercising in my cell. If I attempt to do push-ups, sit-ups, or any freedom from state repression, and most of all in other form of exercise I am forced to stop. Finally, I receive only Afghanistan. The image that Britain and the US have in one hour of exercise outside of my cell daily. My exercise is the world matters to the UK and US service personnel usually limited to me walking figures of eight in an empty room.” fighting in Afghanistan. We also learn from this memorandum, issued through his lawyer, that his treatment ignores the repeated I know that only too well from my experience in Iraq recommendations of the Marine Corps’ own appointed as special envoy on human rights over a seven-year psychiatrists. They repeatedly say that Bradley Manning’s period. In my view some of the greatest damage was detention status should be changed. That treatment caused to British and American efforts in Iraq when the serves no purpose other than to humiliate and degrade stories of prisoner abuse emerged. It undermined our Bradley Manning. I regard it as cruel and unnecessary. moral authority at a time when we needed to explain that we were fighting for a better future for Iraq, free Bradley Manning calls his conditions “improper from the torture and abuse suffered under the regime of treatment” and “unlawful pre-trial punishment”. Human Saddam Hussein. The United States and the UK, in the Rights Watch has called on the US Government to way we respond to US actions, need to preserve that “explain the precise reasons behind extremely restrictive and moral authority if we are to have a positive impact on possibly punitive and degrading treatment that Army Private the world and lead by example. First Class Bradley Manning alleges he has received”. So what am I asking the Minister to do? Let me Amnesty International has said: address the issue of British nationality, because it seems “Manning is being subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading to me to have been something of a red herring. I am not treatment. This is particularly disturbing when one considers that raising Bradley Manning’s case because he is a British he hasn’t even been brought to trial, let alone convicted of a national but because I believe his treatment is cruel and crime”. unnecessary and that we should say so. I am also chair The United Nations special rapporteur on torture, who of the all-party group on human rights and so I often I have spoken to in the House of Commons about the raise human rights cases from around the world. They case, has officially raised his concerns with the US might be in Burma, Chechnya, East Timor, China, or, Administration and is awaiting a response. sadly, too many other places besides. I do not raise them We have not only those views but a view from inside because they involve British citizens, but because they the US Administration. Until recently, P.J. Crowley was involve human rights abuses or wrongdoing and because the spokesman for the US State Department. He was a I am in politics because I want to do something to try to senior and well respected official and a career member stop those things happening. of the US armed forces. Early in March he was forced I want the British Government to raise Bradley to resign following comments he made about the treatment Manning’s treatment with the US Administration because of Bradley Manning at a university seminar. He called his treatment is cruel and unnecessary and we should be the treatment of Bradley Manning “ridiculous”, saying so. We cannot deny, however, that Bradley’s “counterproductive” and “stupid”. connection to the UK adds an additional dimension. 871 Bradley Manning4 APRIL 2011 Bradley Manning 872

Bradley’s mother, Susan, is Welsh and lives in 10.43 pm Pembrokeshire. Bradley lived and went to school in Wales between the ages of 13 and 17. There is a great The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign deal of interest in the UK, and in particular in Wales, in and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Henry Bellingham): I Bradley’s case and much of that is grounded in his close congratulate the right hon. Member for Cynon Valley connection to the UK. Both London and Wrexham (Ann Clwyd) on securing the debate, which is of have seen protests against Bradley Manning’s treatment, considerable interest not just to a number of right hon. and I pay tribute to those people in the UK who have and hon. Members but to her constituents and others raised his case. in Wales, as well as to the country as a whole. The right hon. Lady is deservedly well respected for her understanding Perhaps the Minister will take this opportunity to and championing of human rights. Her work in clarify, on the record, just what the position is with Afghanistan and Iraq is widely admired. regard to British nationality. My understanding is that under the British Nationality Act 1981 anyone born As the Foreign Secretary said last week during the outside the UK after 1 January 1983 who has a mother launch of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s report who is a UK citizen by birth is British by descent. on human rights: Perhaps the Minister will assist us by confirming that “Our government promised from the outset a foreign policy that is the case. I am aware that Bradley Manning’s that will always have support for human rights and poverty lawyer has issued a statement that Bradley is not asserting reduction at its irreducible core. It is not in our character as a any kind of UK nationality. I know that, but from the nation to have a foreign policy without a conscience, and neither point of view of British law, is it the case that Bradley is it in our interests.” Manning qualifies for British nationality? I therefore welcome this chance to discuss matters that I shall mention briefly the British aspect of the case, give rise to concern among Members of the House. which concerns Bradley’s mother and family in Wales. I Although recent events in the middle east and north have met some of Bradley’s family—his aunt and uncle— Africa continue to demand the attention of my ministerial and I am in contact with them. This will be an exceptionally colleagues, it is important that we do not lose sight of hard time for Bradley Manning’s family, not just for his developments elsewhere in the world, including in the mother and family in Wales, but for his father and that countries that are closest to us. side of his family in the United States. He is accused of The right hon. Lady makes a number of points about the gravest of crimes which, according to some reports, the treatment of Private Manning, including those from can attract the death penalty, and there is intense media a memo of 10 March 2011 from Private Manning to his interest in Bradley, in anything to do with WikiLeaks commanding officer, released by Private Manning’s lawyer. and in the information that was revealed about the US I have read the memo and have listened carefully to the Government. different points that the right hon. Lady has made, Part of Bradley’s family live in Pembrokeshire and including allegations of mistreatment in detention. their son is in a military prison in Virginia in the US. Her Majesty’s Government are committed to working They are being contacted by journalists, campaigners towards the eradication of mistreatment that may amount and politicians who are trying to raise the case. This is a to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. difficult situation for any family to deal with. What We do not condone its use for any purposes. We take kind of consular, official or other support could be allegations extremely seriously and, where appropriate, made available to Bradley’s mother and family? When raise general and specific concerns with foreign they visit Bradley in the US, for example, can they Governments. That is why we fund work to support expect assistance from British embassy staff in the US? professional and ethical policing. We also fund human Can they receive advice and assistance in understanding rights approaches to prison management and initiatives the charges faced by their son, and perhaps advice, too, to support a robust legal system and civil society, including about the issue of British nationality? an independent judiciary, which all contribute to tackling I look forward to hearing what the Minister has to mistreatment. say. I hope that in his reply he does not say that we do not know what Bradley Manning’s conditions are. We As far as Her Majesty’s Government are concerned, have his own statement, backed by his lawyer, from the conditions in which an individual is detained must which I read earlier. I am sure the Minister will not try meet international standards. Conditions that fail to to defend the harsh treatment that Bradley Manning is meet this standard may amount to cruel, inhuman or experiencing because of the gravity of the charges. That degrading treatment or punishment. This is particularly is beside the point. I hope the hon. Gentleman does not important for an individual in pre-trial detention. The try to say that as he is not a British citizen, it is not manner in which a detainee is held depends on an appropriate to raise Bradley Manning’s case with the objective assessment of the security risk posed by that US Administration, because we raise cases with other individual, their health and their behaviour in prison. countries all the time. I hope he will not fail to acknowledge This must be justified by the detaining authority. In that Bradley Manning, having lived for a time in the general, we are content that conditions in the US detention UK, and given that his mother and that side of his system meet international standards and that there is a family are British, creates an additional obligation on clear legal process for a detainee to be able to challenge the Government to act in that family’s best interests. their conditions of detention. I hope that the Minister can give two undertakings In this case, President Obama himself has said that tonight—first, that the British Government will officially he has sought and received assurances from the Department raise the case with the US Administration, and secondly, of Defence that Private Manning’s treatment is that the Government will consider what support they “appropriate” and meets US “basic standards”. Of could provide to the British family of Bradley Manning course, the United States has an effective and robust as they try to do whatever they can to help Bradley. judicial system. It is a champion of human rights the 873 Bradley Manning4 APRIL 2011 Bradley Manning 874

[Mr Henry Bellingham] Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): May I, from the Government Benches, urge the Minister to world over. However, where crimes are alleged to have convey to our American friends and allies that those of occurred they must be investigated. This is currently the us who believe that, if Private Manning is guilty of the case. The fact that we have seen the memo from Private leakage of which he is charged, he did a very terrible Manning to his commanding officer is evidence that his thing indeed, are nevertheless convinced that it is fatal legal representation is working. We must allow the legal to snatch defeat from the jaws of a sort-of victory by case to follow its course without interference. focusing attention on the conditions in which he is Where representatives of this House or members of being held, rather than on the question of the guilt or the public have concerns, we have a duty to listen. On innocence of his conduct? The word “counter-productive” 16 March the right hon. Lady raised her concerns about should be at the forefront of our American allies’ minds Private Manning’s treatment with the Foreign Secretary when they consider how to treat him. during the oral evidence session of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and on 17 March she repeated her call for Mr Bellingham: I thank my hon. Friend for his very discussion of the issue during business questions. Be wise remarks. He is a candid friend of our American assured that we are in no doubt of her concerns, which allies, and his points are very well made. All people who we know are shared by a number of Members across are detained in custody deserve to be treated in detention the House. Indeed, the Under-Secretary of State for according to the highest international standards, and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend we certainly expect nothing else—nothing less—from the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) the United States. has already received more than 30 letters from Members To return to the point about Private Manning’s of the House. nationality, we must respect his wishes on the matter and recognise the limitations on UK involvement. The In line with the Foreign Secretary’s response to the right hon. Lady mentions Mr Manning’s family, and we right hon. Lady during the Foreign Affairs Committee have not had a direct request from them, but obviously, evidence session, a senior official in our embassy in if it comes to consular assistance of any kind, we will Washington called on the US State Department on look at that request as and when one is made. 29 March. He drew its attention to her concerns over Private Manning and handed over a copy of the uncorrected Private Manning is serving in the US armed forces transcript of the Committee’s oral evidence session and and has been detained in the US while he is subject to a copy of her early-day motion 1624, which was tabled legal proceedings. He has access to legal counsel who, on 17 March. He also drew attention to the debate from the reports I have seen, appear to be very active in taking place today as a measure of the level of defending his case. That case is ongoing, and we are parliamentary interest in the subject. The State Department confident in this instance that US judicial processes are took note and agreed to convey the information to all sound. those dealing with the case. Our US interlocutors know In the light of the right hon. Lady’s representations that where we have concerns we will raise them. The tonight, I will instruct our officials at our embassy in strength of our relationship empowers us to discuss Washington again to report the concerns of this House difficult issues and we will continue to raise concerns to officials in the State Department. I will also discuss where and when necessary. However, let us be clear that with the Foreign Secretary and the Under-Secretary, my President Obama has stated that he has received assurances hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire, that Private Manning’s treatment is meeting basic standards. who has responsibility for north America, what else we I know that there will be many who feel that we might be able to do, while respecting the views of should do more in the light of reports of Private Manning’s Private Manning and his legal counsel. links to the UK. The UK Government have a duty to I can assure the right hon. Lady that we are concerned: protect his privacy and as such it would not be appropriate we have listened very carefully to what she has said to discuss his nationality without his consent. I note before; I have listened to what she has said tonight; and, that his lawyer wrote on his blog on 2 February: as I assured her a moment ago, in response to that we will instruct our officials at our embassy in Washington “Private… Manning does not hold a British passport, nor does he consider himself a British citizen”. again to report our concerns to officials in the State Department. Therefore, it is clear that he neither is asking for our Once again, I thank the right hon. Lady for raising help, nor considering himself to be British. Although I the issue. I hope that what I have said is of some help have said that we do not normally discuss a person’s and of some interest to her. nationality without their consent, I will say that the right hon. Lady’s understanding of the British Nationality Question put and agreed to. Act 1981 is accurate. Any person born outside the UK after 1 January 1983 whose mother is a UK citizen by 10.52 pm birth is British by descent. House adjourned. 45WS Written Ministerial Statements4 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 46WS

Alongside the charter, the Treasury and the OBR Written Ministerial are publishing the OBR’s framework document and memorandum of understanding. The framework document Statements sets out the broad governance and management framework within which the OBR will operate. The memorandum of understanding establishes a transparent framework Monday 4 April 2011 for co-operation between the OBR, the Treasury and other parts of Government which the OBR will need to work closely with to perform its forecasting and analytical duties. TREASURY Each document has been deposited in the Libraries of both Houses. They are also available on both the Treasury’s and OBR’s websites. Copies of the charter Corporate Capital Gains Degrouping Charges are available in the Vote Office. (Simplification)

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke): I am announcing today the Government’s intention to present to Parliament a proposed legislative change New Homes Bonus Final Allocations (Year 1) to schedule 10 to the Finance Bill. This schedule simplifies the calculation of chargeable gains degrouping charges for companies. The change we are proposing, which will The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant have effect from 1 April 2011, will allow companies the Shapps): Today, I am announcing the final allocations option to apply the new degrouping charge provisions for local authorities in England for the new homes to transactions occurring from 1 April 2011 rather than bonus year 1 funding. This announcement follows my Official Report only after the passing of the Finance Act. written statement of 17 February 2011, , columns 93-95WS, about the final design of the new A degrouping charge is intended to prevent loss of homes bonus. The new homes bonus will fulfil the tax on gains that arise on the disposal of assets, where a Government’s coalition agreement commitment to provide company owning the asset is sold. This can be used for local authorities with real incentives to deliver housing tax avoidance. Companies identified it as one of the growth. most burdensome tax rules that affect them when they Local authorities had until 10 March to make data are making an acquisition or disposal, or restructuring. representations on their provisional grant allocations. The new provisions in schedule 10 provide greater We received 27 representations of which 16 were revisions certainty to companies planning acquisitions and disposals. to the 2009 and 2010 council tax base statistics, three The changes will promote growth in the economy by were banding corrections between 2009 and 2010 and removing some tax barriers to corporate transactions, eight were about other matters. The 2010 council tax reducing the costs of restructuring a business and base statistics were released as official statistics on simplifying the process. 31 March and we have used the official statistics to The changes made by schedule 10 have already been calculate the final allocations. We have worked closely welcomed by many businesses. I am announcing this with authorities to resolve other data issues. new change in response to recent representations, to New homes bonus is a key part of our ambition, set ensure that the benefits of the changes we are making out in the local growth White Paper, to create a fairer are available to those groups that are currently in the and more balanced economy through encouraging growth. process of a reconstruction, or considering making an The role of local areas in this rebalancing of growth is acquisition or disposal. crucial—they are best placed to understand the drivers HM Revenue and Customs will publish a technical of, and barriers to, local growth and should lead their note on its website setting out further detail, including own development to release their economic potential. the draft legislative amendments. In so doing they should be able to benefit directly from the development they bring forward. The new homes bonus is designed to address the Office for Budget Responsibility disincentive within the local government finance system for local areas to welcome growth. Until now, increased housing in communities has meant increased strain on The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Justine public services and reduced amenities. The new homes Greening): The provisions of the Budget Responsibility bonus will remove this disincentive by providing local and National Audit Act 2011 which establish the Office authorities with the means to mitigate the strain the for Budget Responsibility (OBR) have been brought increased population causes. In addition, in doing so, into force today. The OBR is now established on a the new homes bonus should help engender a more permanent, statutory footing. positive attitude to growth, and create an environment The Treasury has also published and laid before in which new housing is more readily accepted. Parliament the charter for budget responsibility. This The new homes bonus scheme will be a powerful, charter addresses the comments made by Members simple and transparent incentive. Commencing in April during the passage of the Act. The charter must be 2011, the bonus will match fund the additional council approved by the House of Commons before it is brought tax potential from increases in effective housing stock, into force. A debate will be scheduled shortly. with an additional amount for affordable homes, for the 47WS Written Ministerial Statements4 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 48WS following six years. It will ensure that the economic Energy and Climate Change indicated his intention to benefits of housing growth are more visible to the local review our regulatory procedures once detailed analysis authorities and communities where growth takes place. of the factors that caused the incident were available. A full list of the final allocations is being placed in Subsequently in their evidence to the Committee on the Library of the House. Further information on the Energy and Climate Change’s inquiry into deepwater final scheme design can also be found at: http:// drilling, my Department, the Health and Safety Executive www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingsupply/new and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed homesbonus that the review would involve external experts to ensure We will continue to provide advice on the scheme via that an independent perspective was brought to bear on the [email protected] email this work. I am pleased to announce today the composition account. of the panel which has been established to review the UK’s oil and gas offshore regulatory regime. The panel will be chaired by Geoffrey Maitland, DEFENCE Professor of Energy Engineering at Imperial College. Armed Forces Redundancy Process He will be joined on the panel by two further independent members; Professor John Shepherd of the National Oceanography Centre at the University of Southampton, The Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Liam Fox): and Mr Mick Temple, who holds a range of positions The Government announced in the strategic defence and has extensive oil industry experience. Mr Jim Campbell and security review last October that as part of moving (Director of Energy Development, DECC), Mr Kevin to Future Force 2020 and due to the economic situation Myers (Deputy Chief Executive Health and Safety we have inherited, we would reduce the size of the Army Executive), and Mr Philip Naylor (Director of Maritime by 7,000 personnel, and both the Navy and RAF by Services , Maritime and Coastguard Agency) will represent 5,000 personnel. We also made clear that regrettably an the three regulatory bodies involved. The panel’s first element of these reductions would need to be made formal meeting will take place on 7 April 2011. It will through a redundancy process. report later this year. I set out in my statement of 1 March 2011 the process and timetable the armed forces redundancy scheme would follow. The RAF informed their personnel of the FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE areas in which they would look to make reductions in tranche one on the same day. In accordance with the Afghanistan: Monthly Progress Report February 2011 timetable set out in the 1 March statement the Army and Navy have today published to their personnel the equivalent information. In the first stage the Army are The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth looking to reduce by around 1,000 personnel, and the Affairs (Mr William Hague): I wish to inform the House Navy by 1,600. Like the RAF, individuals will not be that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, together selected for redundancy by the Army and Navy until with the Ministry of Defence and the Department for 1 September 2011 and 30 September 2011 respectively. International Development, is today publishing the fourth While it is too early to know who will be selected for progress report on developments in Afghanistan. redundancy, the principles set out in the 1 March statement The report focuses on key developments during the will be followed. First, both services will ask for volunteers month of February. although all personnel in the relevant areas will be The international security assistance force (ISAF) considered. Secondly, the redundancy scheme will not and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) continue impact adversely on the current operations in Afghanistan to make steady progress on extending security. ISAF and Libya, where our armed forces are fighting so commanders are confident that ISAF and Afghan military bravely on this country’s behalf. No-one who is preparing operations over the winter have significantly reduced for combat operations, deployed on combat operations insurgent capability, but the rising numbers of weapons where they will receive the operational allowance or on found indicate clearly that the insurgents have every post-operational tour leave on the day redundancy notices intention of stepping up their attacks. Recruitment of are issued will be made redundant unless they have Afghan army and police remains ahead of target, but volunteered. the standard of Afghan national police leadership needs The Government would rather not have had to reduce to be improved and the rate of turnover of recruits the size of the armed forces but the size of the fiscal needs to be reduced. The Afghan Parliament’s election deficit inherited left little choice. As we continue with of a new Speaker, after a protracted process, is an the redundancy process we will ensure we retain the encouraging step forward, but further appointments capability our armed forces require to be as effective in need to be confirmed before the Parliament can play a the future. full role in the legislative process. Stronger links are beginning to develop between central and local government in Helmand, through governance, rule of law and economic ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE development programmes and better access to Government -provided services including transport. This is essential UK Oil and Gas (Regulation) to help the Afghan Government deliver basic services and win the support of the population. Concern remains The Minister of State, Department of Energy and over a lack of progress in certain areas, for example, Climate Change (Charles Hendry): In his statement to women’s rights. Through the High Peace Council the the House on 14 June 2010 on the Gulf of Mexico oil Afghan Government are increasing their dialogue with spill, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for their neighbours to promote regional engagement in the 49WS Written Ministerial Statements4 APRIL 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 50WS wider political process. This is an encouraging step the last 18 years, DLA has failed to keep pace with the forward towards building confidence across the region, changing approach to disability in society. As it stands, which is clearly a long-term challenge. DLA is complex to apply for and to administer, lacks As I place this report, the Government of Afghanistan consistency in the way it supports disabled people with have announced that the following provinces and districts similar needs, and has no systematic process for checking will begin the process of transition to Afghan security the ongoing accuracy of awards. responsibility: Kabul (excluding Sorobi district); Panjsher This is why we believe that now is the time to reform province; central Bamyan province; Western Herat; Lashkar DLA by replacing it with a new benefit for working-age Gah; Mazar-e-Sharif (Balkh province); Mehtarlam disabled people—personal independence payment. This (Laghman province). Further details will be included in new benefit will better reflect the desire from disabled the progress report for March. people to live independent lives, not labelling individuals I am placing the report in the Library of the House. by a health condition or impairment but considering its It will also be published on the Foreign and Commonwealth impact on their everyday lives. Office website (www.fco.gov.uk) and the HMG UK and The importance of personal independence payment Afghanistan website (http://afghanistan.hmg.gov.uk/). means that spending must remain sustainable for the future. Currently 3.2 million people receive DLA, an increase of around 30% in the past eight years. The FCO Services (Performance Targets 2011-12) announced budget for working-age spend by 2015-16 will bring that expenditure back to 2009-10 levels. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign The Government response outlines the feedback received, and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Henry Bellingham): from both individuals and organisations, and provides FCO Services operates as a trading fund of the FCO. I further information regarding the replacement of DLA have set the following performance targets for 2011-12: and the introduction of personal independence payment for working-age people from 2013-14. An in-year surplus before interest and tax producing a net margin of between 1% and 5%. Copies of the Government’s response will be available A return on capital employed of at least 3.5% (weighted in the Vote Office, and will be available shortly at: average). www.dwp.gov.uk/dla-reform. Finance, HR, ICT and procurement functions to sit within or above the second quartile in the Office for Efficiency and Performance benchmarking survey. WORK AND PENSIONS A utilisation rate for revenue earning staff of between 75%-80%. Customer satisfaction rating to be within or above the second quartile in the customer satisfaction index, as produced State Pension Reform by the Institute of Customer Service. FCO Services will report to Parliament on its success against these targets through its annual report for 2011-12. The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Steve Webb): I am today publishing the consultation document, “AState Pension for the 21st century”(Cm 8053), which looks at whether the existing pensions system is WORK AND PENSIONS suitable for meeting the challenges of the future. We want to create a simple, decent state pension, that is easy Disability Living Allowance Reform to understand and efficient to administer, which gives people more clarity and certainty about what they will get from the state, thereby giving them a firm foundation The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work for decisions about saving to fund their retirement. and Pensions (Maria Miller): I am publishing today the A copy of the consultation document will be available “Government’s response to the consultation on disability on the Department’s website at: www.dwp.gov.uk/state- living allowance reform” (Cm 8051). pension-21st-century, later today. Copies will also be Disability living allowance (DLA) has not been available in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office fundamentally changed or updated since it was introduced, later today. and no longer provides the framework for supporting We look forward to hearing the views of the many disabled people that is needed in the 21st century. Over groups and individuals who will have an interest.

565W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 566W

May 2010 to February 2011 Written Answers to £

Ministerial car 46,237 Questions Train 995 Bus 0 Commercial aircraft 6,954 Monday 4 April 2011 Private aircraft 0

SCOTLAND HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Departmental Official Cars Motions: Audio Recordings

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Amess: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Scotland on what date (a) he and (b) each other Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Minister in his Department last used a ministerial car Commons Commission, pursuant to the answer of while travelling in an official capacity; and how many 19 November 2010, Official Report, column 960W, on times (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his Motions: audio recordings, what progress the House of Department has travelled to their constituency in a Commons Commission has made on placing on the ministerial car since May 2010. [50201] parliamentary website a sound recording of the debate held on a Motion of no confidence in the Government Michael Moore: The Scotland Office contract with on 28 March 1979; and if he will make a statement. Government Car Service was terminated in January [50240] 2011 at my request. In line with the practice of the previous Administration, a private car hire company is John Thurso: The 1979 audio recording of the debate used for any official travel in Scotland. held on a motion of no confidence in the Government on 28 March 1979 has been published on the Living Departmental Public Transport Heritage page on the Parliament website. Security: Parliament Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last travelled by (i) London Nicholas Soames: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Underground and (ii) public bus services on Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of government business; how many times (A) he and (B) Commons Commission, how many passes to enter the each other Minister in his Department has travelled by Palace of Westminster have been issued in each category each such form of transport on government business since May 2010; how many of these were issued to hon. since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. Members’ staff acting (a) as secretaries, (b) as research assistants and (c) in other capacities; and what estimate [50081] the Commission has made of the number of research Michael Moore: The Scotland Office does not keep a assistants in possession of a valid pass at the latest date record of individual journeys taken by Ministers on for which figures are available. [50113] public transport. John Thurso: The number of passes issued in each Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for category since May 2010 are in Table A. The number of Scotland how many of his ministerial team have been passes issued to hon. Members’ staff acting (a) as issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly secretaries, (b) as research assistants and (c) in other and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport capacities are in Table B; those currently on issue in and paid for by his Department for use while travelling these categories are shown in Table C. on Government business. [50178] All figures given for passes issued since May 2010 include those that have been replaced because they have Michael Moore: Scotland Office Ministers have not been lost or stolen, temporary passes issued because been issued with an Oyster card or a London Transport passes have been left elsewhere and routine renewals of travel card. passes. Table A: Number of passes issued since May 2010 Departmental Travel Number issued Current valid Pass category since May 2010 passes on issue

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Contractor Works 1,485 1,125 Scotland how much his Department has spent on Contractor Works Escort 462 274 ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) Excluded Hereditary Peer 30 83 bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft Former Member 228 351 since May 2010. [50210] Full Pass Holder House of 1,237 1,707 Commons Michael Moore: The information requested is provided Full Pass Holder House of 307 314 in the following table. Please note that since January Commons Officer 2011 the Scotland Office no longer has a contract with Full Pass Holder Staff of Both 1,429 1,434 Houses Government Car Service. 567W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 568W

Table A: Number of passes issued since May 2010 DEFENCE Number issued Current valid Pass category since May 2010 passes on issue Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations Full Pass Holder Staff of Both 86 93 Houses Officer Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Full Pass Holder House of 95 62 Commons Whips for Defence what plans he has for the deployment of helicopters to Afghanistan; and if he will make a Full Pass Holder House of 44 Commons Members Library statement. [50295] Full Pass Holder House of Lords 372 924 Nick Harvey: Helicopters make an essential contribution Full Pass Holder House of Lords 99 100 Officer to current operations in Afghanistan. The Government Full Pass Holder House of Lords 33 28 will continue to ensure that deployed helicopter numbers Whips and flying hours meet our operational requirements. Government Department Staff 2,074 1,801 Government Department Staff 380 258 Air Force: Manpower Escort Gymnasium 90 91 Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State MEP 27 21 for Defence what assessment he has made of the Media 116 89 potential effects on the economy of reductions in Royal Media Escort 25 28 Air Force service personnel. [50292] Media Gallery 87 77 Media Lobby 266 242 Mr Robathan: In November 2010 following the Strategic Members of Parliament 1,067 650 Defence and Security Review (SDSR) the Ministry of Defence conducted a sustainability appraisal into the Peers Staff 624 587 effects of the decisions taken. Further work is ongoing Peers 458 821 to identify the impact of manpower reductions as well Restricted Pass Holder 479 342 as the rationalisation of Defence estates and equipment Restricted Pass Holder Driver 92 99 on the local economy and employment. This work is Restricted Pass Holder Escort 80 46 not specific to the numbers of RAF service personnel. Restricted Pass Holder Tour 239 198 Guide Infrastructure Security and Resilience Advisory Council Retired Officer 9 17 Staff of Both Houses 637 530 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Staff of Both Houses Escort 258 116 Defence who sits on the Infrastructure Security and Staff of House of Commons 231 117 Resilience Advisory Council; how many times it has Staff of House of Commons 25 6 met since its inception; what the agenda items were for Escort each such meeting; and what powers the Council has. Staff of House of Lords 145 107 [43972]

Table B: Members staff passes issued since May 2010 Number Nick Herbert: I have been asked to reply. The Government are committed to ensuring that Research Assistant 2,941 dialogue with industry is effective and comprehensive Secretary 548 and so better addresses the risks of disruption to national infrastructure. Examples of work in this area include Other: meetings of an advisory body representing industry and Chauffeur 1 regulators. This has supported the work that has led to Intern 315 the publication for consultation on 1 March of the Media Advisor 2 guide to improving resilience to natural hazards and the Party Staff 1 recent discussions with industry on the risks posed in Press Officer 4 the area of cyber security. The Infrastructure Security Work Experience 16 and Resilience Advisory Council has not yet been set up APPG passes 31 and the Government are using existing arrangements with industry to consider the establishment of a senior Table C: Members staff passes currently on issue (March 2011) umbrella group with advisory functions in this area. Number

Research Assistant 1,222 Military Aircraft: France Secretary 328 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Other: Defence (1) what discussions his Department has had Intern 165 with the French Government on using the Breguet Media Adviser 1 Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft; [49904] Party Staff 1 (2) whether the French Government has offered his Press Officer 2 Department use of the Breguet Atlantique maritime APPG passes 19 patrol aircraft. [49905] 569W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 570W

Peter Luff: Ministry of Defence officials have regular Mr Bellingham: The political crisis and security situation discussions with their French counterparts on a wide in Cote d’lvoire is increasingly concerning as former range of issues, including anti submarine warfare capability. President Laurent Gbagbo refuses to cede power to the We have no plans to use the Breguet Atlantique maritime rightful winner of last year’s poll, President Alassane patrol aircraft. Ouattara. The impact on the lives of innocent civilians is particularly disturbing. The Government continue to Storm Shadow Missile monitor the situation closely, including military advances being made by President Ouattara’s forces, and calls on Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for all sides to exercise restraint. Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the I welcome United Nations Security Council Resolution public purse of one Storm Shadow missile; and what 1975, which reinforces and reaffirms the resolve of the assessment he has made of the value for money of the United Nations and the African Union to see a swift Storm Shadow missile. [49247] resolution to the crisis. Peter Luff [holding answer 28 March 2011]: Storm My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Shadow provides the UK with a unique capability for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs spoke to President precision strike against high value hardened targets Ouattara on 21 March to express support for his position such, as command bunkers without exposing aircraft as legitimate Head of State. and crews to high threat levels. The missile was procured in co-operation with France following an international Cote d’Ivoire: United Nations competition. Storm Shadow missiles which were contracted for in 1997 are now held on the Ministry of Defence’s Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign balance sheet at a value of some £790,000 per missile. and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he This figure includes the costs of producing an integrated has had with his UN counterpart on disturbances in weapon system and not just the purchase cost of the Cote d’Ivoire; and if he will make a statement. [50235] missile. In addition, a further £160 million was incurred by the UK in development costs. Mr Bellingham: The situation in Cote d’lvoire remains The Ministry of Defence now takes a portfolio approach volatile and deeply worrying. The Government are in to procuring complex weapons. This was launched in regular contact with UN counterparts through their April 2010 and will secure significant efficiencies across diplomatic missions in New York, Geneva and Abidjan. the breadth of the complex weapons portfolio over the I welcome United Nations Security Council Resolution next 10 years and beyond and is designed to meet the 1975 which reinforces and reaffirms the resolve of the UK’s military requirements and safeguard our sovereign United Nations and the African Union to see a swift capability. resolution to the crisis. We have supported the UN Human Rights Council’s Strategic Defence and Security Review recent resolution calling for a commission of inquiry into human rights abuses and we are also supporting a Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State proposed UN Security Council Resolution currently for Defence what steps he has taken in response to the under discussion. More widely, the Government continue recommendations of his Department’s report, SDSR: to support the African Union’s leadership in seeking a Lessons Identified; and if he will make a statement. swift and peaceful resolution to the crisis. [50293] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr O’Brien) answered an Dr Fox: The Government will draw on the experience urgent question on the humanitarian response to the of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review crisis in Cote d’lvoire on 31 March 2011, Official Report, (SDSR) to inform the next SDSR. columns 519-25.

Former Ministers FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE British Antarctic Territory Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 21 March 2011, Official Report, column Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for 819W, on former Ministers, whether his Department Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many monitors records of the briefings given to former Ministers. officials from his Department are currently based in the [50674] British Antarctic Territory. [51248] Mr Lidington: No. Mr Bellingham: There are no Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff based in the British Antarctic Territory. Iran: Politics and Government

Cote d’Ivoire: Politics and Government Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) reports Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign he has received and (b) representations he has made to and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he the government of Iraq on the treatment of human has made of the political situation in Cote d’Ivoire. rights campaigners in Al Sulaimaniyah; and if he will [50234] make a statement. [50372] 571W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 572W

Alistair Burt: We do not have any specific information Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign on the treatment of human rights campaigners in and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost to the public Sulaimaniyah. However, we are aware of reports of purse is of relocating and accommodating British embassy intimidation and violence being committed against staff in Israel as a result of the decision to undertake a journalists and protestors during recent demonstrations full refurbishment of the British embassy. [50419] across Iraq, including the Kurdistan region. Following the demonstrations, I released the following statement Mr Lidington: The total cost of relocating and on 10 March 2011: accommodating the staff is £1.399 million. This comprises of £214,000 displacement rent (while works are carried “We have been following events in Iraq closely. We are concerned at a number of reports of harassment of protestors, including out) and £1.185 million fitting out works and related political groups associated with the protests, and of violence IT/communications. against journalists and media offices across Iraq. We call on the Israel: Overseas Aid Iraqi and Kurdish authorities to investigate these incidents and to protect the right to freedom of expression and assembly”. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Our embassy officials in Baghdad regularly discuss and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he has human rights issues with senior members of the Iraqi provided to the Government of Israel to prevent terrorism Government, and raise concerns when appropriate. in Israel in each of the last three years; what assistance he plans to provide over the comprehensive spending review period; and if he will make a statement. [50231] Iran: Radar Alistair Burt: The UK and Israel governments regularly Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign discuss counter-terrorism issues. However, the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has and Commonwealth Office has not provided counter- had with his (a) Israeli, (b) Palestinian and (c) Syrian terrorism assistance to the Government of Israel in the counterpart on reports that British-made Kelvin Hughes last three years, and there are currently no plans to provide SharpEye radars were intercepted by Israeli forces on assistance in the forthcoming spending review period. board the vessel Victoria in March 2011; [49583] Israel: Science (2) what assessment he has made of the discovery of Kelvin Hughes SharpEye radars on board the vessel Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Victoria in March 2011; whether this represents a violation and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to of the terms of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions encourage links between the UK and Israel in the fields in respect of Iran; and if he will make a statement. of science and technology. [49804] [49584] Alistair Burt: In November 2010, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs launched Alistair Burt: Government officials have held discussions the UK-Israel Life Sciences Council, which had its first with Israeli officials on this matter; at this time we have meeting in Israel on 25 January. The Council comprises not had any discussions regarding the shipment with 20 top scientists from both sides, and agreed that an Syrian or Palestinian counterparts. We are continuing important area for UK/Israel scientific collaboration to look into this matter to ascertain whether any further should be the field of regenerative medicine. This will action is necessary, if the items in question are found to be now become the focus of an enhanced Britain-Israel be in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions. Research Exchange (BIRAX) fund. Israel: Terrorism Israel: Embassies Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign on (a) suicide bombings and (b) terrorist incidents in and Commonwealth Affairs how much funding has (i) Jerusalem and (ii) Tel Aviv since January 2011; how been allocated to the refurbishment of the British embassy many British citizens were (A) killed, (B) seriously in Israel; what assessment was made of the need for injured and (C) injured in each incident; what the sex such expenditure; and when he expects embassy staff to and age group of each such British citizen was; what return to the refurbished premises. [50418] recent discussions he has had with (1) the government of Israel, (2) the Palestinian Authority, (3) the government Mr Lidington: In September 2010 the Foreign and of Egypt, (4) the Arab League, (5) the government of Commonwealth Office Board and the Secretary of State Jordan, (6) his EU counterparts and (7) the United for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs approved the Nations Secretary-General on such incidents; what steps funding of £18.998 million for refurbishment of our he has taken and plans to take in the next six months at embassy in Israel. the United Nations in respect of this issue; and if he A full business case was prepared for the project will make a statement. [R] [50300] which highlighted that our embassy building in Tel Aviv Alistair Burt: As the Secretary of State for Foreign falls short of necessary, health and safety and environmental and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the standards and fitness for purpose. We looked at alternative Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) said on options and concluded the chosen solution was the 25 March 2011: most effective and that it represented the best value for money. “I am extremely concerned at the escalating violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories over the past week. We Staff will return to the embassy in July 2012. have seen a surge in rockets and mortars launched at Israeli 573W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 574W civilians from the Gaza strip. This is abhorrent. Three people have Mr Bellingham: The Government are extremely been injured, many more are living in fear. Six Palestinian civilians, concerned by the situation in Tristan da Cunha, part of including four children, have been killed as a result of Israeli the British Overseas Territory of St. Helena, Ascension actions in the Gaza strip. We have urged the Israeli Government Island and Tristan da Cunha, arising from the wreck on to ensure everything is done to avoid further civilian casualties while calling for a complete end to attacks on Israel. Nightingale Island of the motor vessel (MV) Oliva. We have been in close touch with the Tristan da Cunha And we have seen the terrible sight—which we hoped belonged to the past—of a bomb at a bus station in Jerusalem. A British authorities throughout and are ensuring that they have woman was killed and more than 30 injured. I condemn this the advice and support they need from across Government attack in the strongest terms and call for those responsible to be and elsewhere. held to account. Elsewhere, we have seen Israeli settlers opening We are receiving regular reports on the situation at fire on a Palestinian funeral procession, wounding two mourners. Nightingale Island from the Tristan da Cunha authorities. Also, another Palestinian was stabbed in an unprovoked attack. Leaked fuel oil from the wreck of the MV Oliva has We condemn the extremists who are instigating this violence washed ashore. It has impacted on both protected wildlife and who are deliberately attempting to wreck the chances of peace. We call on all sides to do all that they can to prevent and the fisheries on which the islands’ economy relies. further loss of innocent life, to bring the perpetrators to justice The Tristan authorities and community are working and to reduce current tensions.” hard to help the wildlife affected by the oil. The fisheries Our embassy in Tel Aviv and our consulate-general in at Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands will remain Jerusalem are in regular contact with the Government closed until testing has shown the catch to be free of any of Israel and the Palestinian Authority on these issues. harmful effects of pollution. The longer term impacts President Abbas has condemned the terrorist bombing on the wildlife and fisheries will take time to assess. in Jerusalem. We are also in regular contact with EU The responsibility to clean up the damage caused to and Arab League partners. this precious environment and to compensate the Tristan community for any losses they may suffer lies with the Libya: Foreign Nationals ship’s owners and insurers. We are ensuring that they continue to meet this responsibility in full. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign The remoteness of the site and the demanding conditions and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made mean that this is a very difficult operation. Following of the number of (a) Commonwealth and (b) other foreign the initial salvage efforts further equipment and expert nationals who were evacuated from Libya by his personnel are now en route to the islands. Department; and if he will make a statement. [48877] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: Over 800 foreign nationals from 54 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance countries were evacuated by the UK, on six Foreign and his Department is giving to mitigate the effects of the Commonwealth Office-organised charter flights plus Petrel Bay oil slick on Nightingale Island. [50595] Ministry of Defence ships and aircraft. These included Australian, Canadian and other Commonwealth nationals, Mr Bellingham: The Government are extremely as well as US nationals and those of several EU countries. concerned by the situation in Tristan da Cunha, arising Middle East: Health Services from the wreck on Nightingale Island of the Motor Vessel (MV) Oliva. We have been in close touch with the Tristan da Cunha Authorities throughout and are ensuring Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign that they have the advice and support they need from and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has across Government and elsewhere. received on the work of (a) Israeli medical organisations and (b) joint Arab-Israeli medical projects. [49851] The responsibility to clean up the damage caused to this precious environment and to compensate the Tristan Alistair Burt: My officials receive regular reports of community for any losses they may suffer lies with the the work of a number of Israeli and joint Arab-Israeli wrecked ship’s owners and insurers. We are ensuring medical organisations, centres and charity projects and that they continue to meet this responsibility in full. initiatives. The remoteness of the site and the demanding conditions The UK and Israel have a wide range of joint initiatives mean that this is a very difficult operation. Following in the field of medicine that involve Israelis from all the initial salvage efforts further equipment and expert backgrounds. This includes grants for joint scientific personnel are now en route to the islands. research and the announcement by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in November Palestinians: Politics and Government 2010 of the UK-Israel Life Sciences Council. The Council will be chaired by our ambassador, Matthew Gould, Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and co-chaired by Professor Raymond Dwek of Oxford and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he university and Professor Rivka Carmi, President of Ben has made of the political situation in the west bank; Gurion university. what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Government of Israel, (b) the Palestinian Authority, (c) the Government Nightingale Island: Oil of Egypt, (d) the Government of Jordan, (e) his EU counterparts and (f) the United Nations Secretary-General Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [47687] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the effects of the oil slick at Petrel Bay, Alistair Burt: This answer covers the situation in the Nightingale Island; and what assistance his Department west bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza. The west bank is giving to mitigate the effects of the slick. [50594] and east Jerusalem are experiencing continued Israeli 575W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 576W settlement construction, which is illegal under international Somaliland law. Israel’s refusal to halt construction is a serious obstacle to peace. We are pushing hard for a resumption Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for of negotiations to resolve final status issues based on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff of clear parameters supported by the international community. his Department are based in Somaliland. [50415] In Gaza, while we welcomed the limited steps Israel Mr Lidington: There are no Foreign and Commonwealth has taken to facilitate the entry of ordinary consumer Office staff based in Somaliland. goods, the continued restrictions on access for dual-use items and the ban on nearly all exports continue to Syria: Politics and Government hamper reconstruction and economic revival. This benefits Hamas both financially and politically, while ensuring Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for that ordinary Gazans remain poor and without hope Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent for the future. We do not believe this is in Israel’s assessment he has made of the political situation in interests. Syria. [51013] Hamas remains committed to the use of violence to achieve its political goals, most recently witnessed in its Alistair Burt: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Gaza Secretary said on 31 March 2011, we continue to watch and in the barrage of over 50 rockets fired at Israel on the evolving situation in Syria closely, and are deeply 19 March 2011. concerned by continuing deaths and violence in Deraa and Latakia. We call on the Syrian Government to uphold Ministers and officials discuss the situation in the their responsibility to protect protesters and to respect Occupied Palestinian Territories on a regular basis with the right of peaceful protest and free speech. We call for key partners including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, restraint, particularly from the Syrian security forces. Egypt, Jordan, the EU and the UN. The Secretary of State discussed these issues with President Abbas on 8 We note the announcement of committees to study March 2011 and Ehud Barak on 17 March 2011. repeal of the Emergency Law, and to review the 1962 census that resulted in many Kurds in Syria being excluded from Syrian citizenship. We believe it is important Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign for the Syrian Government to address the legitimate and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he demands of the Syrian people. We call for serious has made of the political situation in Gaza; what recent political reforms to be brought forward and implemented discussions he has had with (a) the Government of without delay. Israel, (b) the Palestinian Authority, (c) the Government of Egypt, (d) the Arab League, (e) the Government of Turks and Caicos Islands Jordan, (f) his EU counterparts and (g) the United Nations Secretary-General on this issue; and if he will Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for make a statement. [47690] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials from his Department are based in the Turks and Caicos Islands. [51242] Alistair Burt: This answer covers the situation in the west bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza. The west bank Mr Bellingham: I refer my hon. Friend to the response and east Jerusalem are experiencing continued Israeli from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth settlement construction, which is illegal under international Affairs (Mr Hague) to the right hon. Member for law. Israel’s refusal to halt construction is a serious Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Mr Alexander) on obstacle to peace. We are pushing hard for a resumption 17 February 2011, Official Report, columns 993-97W. of negotiations to resolve final status issues based on clear parameters supported by the international community. Western Sahara: United Nations In Gaza, while we welcomed the limited steps Israel Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for has taken to facilitate the entry of ordinary consumer Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has goods, the continued restrictions on access for dual-use to meet the UN Special Envoy to Western Sahara. items and the ban on nearly all exports continue to hamper reconstruction and economic revival. This benefits [50147] Hamas both financially and politically, while ensuring Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and that ordinary Gazans remain poor and without hope Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for the future. We do not believe this is in Israel’s for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has no plans to meet interests. Ambassador Christopher Ross, the UN Secretary-General’s Hamas remains committed to the use of violence to Personal Envoy to Western Sahara. achieve its political goals, most recently witnessed in its The Minister of State, my noble Friend Lord Howell use of force against peaceful demonstrators in Gaza met ambassador Ross on 22 June 2010. They discussed and in the barrage of over 50 rockets fired at Israel on the issues of human rights, natural resources and efforts 19 March 2011. to find a political solution to the conflict. I spoke to Ministers and officials discuss the situation in the ambassador Ross on 31 March 2011 in advance of the Occupied Palestinian Territories on a regular basis with publication of the UN Secretary-General’s annual report key partners including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, on the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Egypt, Jordan, the EU and the UN. The Secretary of Sahara, and of a visit to the region. State discussed these issues with President Abbas on Officials at our mission in New York are also in 8 March 2011 and Ehud Barak on 17 March 2011. regular contact with ambassador Ross and his staff. 577W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 578W

LEADER OF THE HOUSE CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

BBC: Northern Ireland Departmental Travel Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions Maria Eagle: To ask the Leader of the House (1) (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have whether he is issued with an Oyster card paid for by the had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the future Office of the Leader of the House for the purposes of funding of the BBC. [49900] travelling on official business; [50139] (2) whether he is issued with an annual or monthly Mr Vaizey: There have been no discussions. The travel card valid on London Transport and paid for by BBC’s Charter and Agreement place obligations on the the Office of the Leader of the House for the purposes BBC with regard to the nations and regions of the UK. of travelling on official business; [50140] Broadband: Rural Areas (3) what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last used a ministerial car while Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, travelling in an official capacity; and how many times Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions he has (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his Department had with broadband providers on reducing surcharges has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car to users of broadband services in rural areas. [49931] since May 2010; [50203] (4) how much his Office has spent on ministerial Mr Vaizey: I have had no such discussions. Tariff travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) regimes of private telecoms service providers are commercial decisions and are not regulated by Government. commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May 2010; [50216] Museums and Galleries: Finance (5) what date he last travelled by London Underground while on Government business; and how Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for many times he has travelled by London Underground Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions while on Government business since May 2010; [50274] he has had with representatives of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council on entry prices for non-national (6) what date he last travelled by public bus while on museums and galleries in receipt of funding from his Government business; and how many times he has Department. [49677] travelled by public bus while on Government business since May 2010. [50275] Mr Vaizey: Neither the Secretary of State nor I have had any recent discussions with the Museums, Libraries Sir George Young: Section 10 of the Ministerial Code and Archives Council about admission prices for the provides guidance on travel for Ministers and makes non-national museums and galleries currently in receipt clear that Ministers must ensure that they always make of Department funding. efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. Sports: Clubs The contract entered into by the previous Administration providing for an allocated ministerial car for Ministers Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, in the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions his was terminated in May 2010. I last used a ministerial Department has had with the Department for Communities car on 17 January 2011 and the Deputy Leader of the and Local Government on the effects on sports clubs of House last used a ministerial car on 7 February 2011. withdrawal of discretionary rate relief. [50598] Neither I, nor the Deputy Leader of the House have ever used a ministerial car to travel to or from our Hugh Robertson: In early 2010, the Department held constituencies. discussions with the Department for Communities and Local Government about the withdrawal of discretionary My office does not issue its Ministers with an Oyster rate relief. The granting of discretionary rate relief is card or an annual or monthly travel card. ultimately a decision for the local authority however the The Office of the Leader of the House of Commons Government believe they have an important role to play has spent £313.33 on ministerial car travel since May in supporting not for profit organisations, recognising 2010; including £137.02 incurred by the previous the public benefit that they give to their local community. Administration. The Office has incurred £388 on the We would expect local authorities to take full account cost of ministerial train travel in the same period. No of the central government funding support for discretionary costs have been incurred for ministerial travel by bus, rate relief in making their decisions. commercial aircraft or private aircraft. Certain sports clubs may also be eligible for small When travelling in the course of Government business, business rates relief which we have doubled until both my Deputy and I predominantly travel by bicycle 30 September 2012, Eligible organisations with rateable or walk. No separate record is maintained of when I values below £6,000 will pay no rates for that period. have travelled by London Underground or public bus in The Government have also included in the Localism the course of Government business. On the occasions Bill the necessary provisions for discretionary business that I have done so, including on the last occasion I rates discounts so that local authorities will be able to travelled by London Underground on government business respond to local circumstances by reducing business on 24 March, no cost has been incurred to the Office. rates bills. 579W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 580W

Sports: Schools Foxes: Urban Areas

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent made of the effects of charging VAT on construction discussions her Department has had with local authorities costs incurred by schools which open sports facilities on urban foxes. [50557] out of hours. [50602] Richard Benyon: No such discussions have taken place Hugh Robertson: This issue was highlighted in the on this issue recently. Sport and Recreation Alliance’s recently published Red Local authorities have powers under the Local Card to Red Tape regulatory burdens review which I Government Act 2000 to take action to control foxes commissioned. We are currently considering this issue where they feel it is appropriate. alongside the report as a whole. Hydrofluorocarbons Television: Licensing Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will bring she has made of the effects of implementing the forward proposals to allow venues that currently do not Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the have a television licence to receive one at no charge Ozone Layer in respect of the production and use of solely for the purposes of showing via a television hydrofluorocarbons on the heat pump industry; and on receiver the broadcast of the royal wedding on 29 April what date she expects hydrofluorocarbons to be phased out from the heat pump industry. [50328] 2011. [50455]

Mr Vaizey: There are no plans to introduce any Richard Benyon: The Montreal Protocol on Substances concessionary television licences for the royal wedding. that Deplete the Ozone Layer does not currently cover fluorinated greenhouse gases (F gases) such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). F gases form part of the Theatre: Tickets basket of gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol. Proposals have been put forward to use the Montreal Protocol to Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, phase down the production and use of HFCs and this Olympics, Media and Sport how many free theatre would affect all types of equipment, not just heat pumps. tickets have been provided to people under 26 resident The UK Government are supportive in principle of an in (a) the South West and (b) England under his international phase-down of production and consumption Department’s scheme since 2008. [50494] of HFCs and will continue to push for the development of one at upcoming Montreal Protocol and United Mr Vaizey: In February 2009, Arts Council England Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change launched ‘A Night Less Ordinary’ in association with meetings. As part of this, further detailed analysis of Metro. The scheme offers free theatre tickets to anyone impacts will be conducted. under 26 at more than 200 venues throughout England. There are no plans to phase out HFCs. The proposals (a) The total number of tickets offered in the south-west put forward to the Montreal Protocol are based on region is 23,032. Of these, a total of 19,125 were taken up. These progressively phasing down (rather than phasing out) figures cover February 2009 to November 2010. production and consumption of HFCs over time, while (b) The total number of tickets offered in total through the allowing continued HFC use for important equipment programme is 444,329. Of these, a total of 317,456 tickets were or where there are no suitable alternatives. Refrigerant taken up. These figures cover February 2009 to November 2010. choice in equipment would, therefore, be affected by The scheme ended on 31 March 2011. Final statistics any progressive cap on HFC availability. will be published on the Arts Council website on 12 May 2011. Sewers

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS has for the timetable for the transfer of ownership of private sewers and lateral drains to sewerage undertakers following the passage of proposed legislation. [50278] Environment Richard Benyon: It is proposed that transfer should Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, take place on 1 October 2011. We hope to seek Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to publish her parliamentary approval of the regulations this spring, Department’s White Paper on the natural environment. in order to effect the transfer. [49853] Water Charges: South West Richard Benyon: Following the hugely positive response to the consultation, including discussion documents Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for and online survey, we are now taking account of these Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate views and look forward to sharing the Natural Environment she has made of the number of water bill payers in the White Paper shortly. south-west who will receive reduced bills as a result of 581W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 582W implementation of the Government’s proposals in the Water: Meters Budget; and for how many years such reductions will apply. [50118] Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects Richard Benyon: I refer the hon. Member to the to publish her Department’s Water White Paper. answer I gave on 31 March 2011, Official Report, column [49206] 466W, to the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy). Richard Benyon [holding answer 28 March 2011]: We anticipate publishing the Water White Paper in the Mr Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, autumn. Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to paragraph 1.156 of Budget 2011, HC 836, how much her Department plans to spend from the public purse on reducing water bills WALES for customers in the south-west; from what date this money will be made available; how many people in each Departmental Mobile Phones demographic group will be eligible for such payments; and from which of her Department’s budgets the Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales expenditure will be drawn. [50380] how many officials in her Department are provided with mobile communication devices; and how much Richard Benyon: The Government will consult shortly her Department spent on mobile telephones and on proposals to address water affordability across England, related data services in the last year for which figures including the south-west. This will include reforms to are available. [51429] the existing WaterSure scheme, the approach to company social tariffs and options for additional Government Mr David Jones: From April 2009 to the end of spending to provide further support. Additional funding March 2010, the last full audited financial year for will be provided to DEFRA as necessary to deliver this which figures are available, the Wales Office spent £11,388.06 policy, taking into account practical and affordability on mobile phones and related data services for 31 officials. considerations. Departmental Official Cars Water Supply: Billing Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for on what date (a) she and (b) each other Minister in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether funding her Department last used a ministerial car while for the implementation of proposals to support travelling in an official capacity; and how many times households (a) who face water affordability pressures (i) she and (ii) each other Minister in her Department and (b) in areas with particularly high water bills will has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car be from within her Department’s existing allocation for since May 2010. [50200] the comprehensive spending review period. [50106] Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, the right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Richard Benyon: The Government pledged in the Gillan) and I shared the ministerial car today as we Budget that we will consult shortly on proposals to often do while travelling in an official capacity. The support households which face water affordability pressures, other information requested is not collected centrally and those in areas with particularly high water bills. and to do so would incur disproportionate cost. Proposals include reforms to the existing WaterSure scheme, the approach to company social tariffs and Section 10 of the Ministerial Code provides guidance options for additional Government spending to provide on travel for Ministers and makes clear that Ministers further support. must ensure that they always make efficient and cost- effective travel arrangements. Additional funding will be provided to DEFRA as necessary to deliver this policy, taking into account Departmental Public Transport practical and affordability considerations. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for on what date (a) she and (b) each other Minister in her Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has Department last travelled by (i) London Underground made an estimate of the number of households in the and (ii) public bus services on government business; south-west which will be affected by the measures in how many times (A) she and (B) each other Minister in respect of water bills announced in the 2011 Budget in her Department has travelled by each such form of the next four financial years. [50315] transport on government business since May 2010; and if she will make a statement. [50080] Richard Benyon: The Government pledged in the Budget that we will consult shortly on proposals to Mr David Jones: This information is not collected support households which face water affordability pressures, centrally. and those in areas with particularly high water bills, such as the south-west. This will include reforms to the Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales existing WaterSure scheme, the approach to company how many of her ministerial team have been issued social tariffs and options for additional Government with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) spending to provide further support. Different options annual travel card valid on London Transport and paid will benefit different numbers of households in the for by her Department for use while travelling on south-west. government business. [50177] 583W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 584W

Mr David Jones: None. Departmental Travel

Departmental Training Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Minister in his Department last travelled by (i) London how much her Department spent on staff training in Underground and (ii) public bus services on government the last year for which figures are available. [51411] business; how many times (A) he and (B) each other Minister in his Department has travelled by each such Mr David Jones: From April 2009 to end of March form of transport on government business since May 2010, the last full audited financial year for which 2010; and if he will make a statement; [50082] figures are available, the Wales Office spent £31,055 on (2) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister staff training. in his Department last used a ministerial car while travelling in an official capacity; and how many times Departmental Travel (i) he and (ii) each other Minister in his Department has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010. [50202] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much her Department has spent on ministerial Mr Paterson: When travelling in Great Britain, I have travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) the same arrangements as the Secretaries of State who commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May served in the previous Government. 2010. [50209] The Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Mr David Jones: From May 2010 to February 2011, East Devon (Mr Swire) and I use cars provided by the the date to which information is available, the Wales Government Car and Dispatch Agency as and when Office spent: necessary for official ministerial business (under guidelines (a) £167,588 provided by the Cabinet Office). (b) £5,002.70 On becoming Secretary of State I decided not to travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a (c) Nil routine basis by private jet which had been previous (d) £275.32 practice thus saving the taxpayer large sums of money. (e) Nil. Decisions about ministerial travel are taken in line with section 10 of the Ministerial Code. Legislative Competence Order Process Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Northern Ireland how much his Department has spent what recent discussions she has had on the continuation on ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, of the legislative competence order process in non-devolved (c) bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private policy areas. [50544] aircraft since May 2010. [50211]

Mrs Gillan: The National Assembly for Wales’s enhanced Mr Paterson: The cost of ministerial travel for my law-making powers come into force on 5 May. From Department since May 2010 are as follows: that date Part 3 of the Government of Wales Act 2006, under which legislative competence orders are made, £ ceases to have effect. (a) Ministerial Car 21,000 However if, in future, the Government and the Welsh (b) Trains 2,384.93 Assembly Government agreed that further powers should (c) Buses 0 be devolved to the Assembly, an order could be brought (d) Commercial Aircraft 55,310 forward under s.109 of the Government of Wales Act (e) Private Aircraft 0 2006 for approval by Parliament and the Assembly. On becoming Secretary of State I decided not to travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a routine basis by private jet which had been previous NORTHERN IRELAND practice thus saving the taxpayer large sums of money. Decisions about ministerial travel are taken in line Departmental Public Transport with section 10 of the Ministerial Code.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of his ministerial team ATTORNEY-GENERAL have been issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Departmental Official Cars Transport and paid for by his Department for use while travelling on government business. [50179] Maria Eagle: To ask the Attorney-General on what date he last used a ministerial car while travelling in an Mr Paterson: No one in my ministerial team has been official capacity; and how many times he has travelled issued with either an Oyster card or monthly/annual to his constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010. travel cards. [50184] 585W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 586W

The Attorney-General: Exact records are not maintained The Attorney-General: The Crown Prosecution Service on my day to day usage of ministerial cars; however, I (CPS) issued guidance to prosecutors in March 2010, can confirm that I do make regular use of the ministerial before the offence of paying for the sexual services of a car allocated to my Department. prostitute subjected to force, threats or any other form The car has never been used for journeys between of coercion or deception came into effect on 1 April Westminster and my constituency. 2010. The guidance defines the meaning of each of the elements of the offence. It also provides guidance on Departmental Public Transport charging practice and outlines the reasons for the introduction of the offence, which is to address the Maria Eagle: To ask the Attorney-General on what demand for prostitution services and reduce all forms date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in the Law of commercial sexual exploitation. The offence is wider Officers’ Departments last travelled by (i) London than criminalising those who use prostitutes who may Underground and (ii) public bus services on government have been trafficked, as it also includes those who use business; how many times (A) he and (B) each other all prostitutes who may be exploited, but who have not Minister in the Law Officers’ Departments has travelled been trafficked. There is no specific guidance on the by each such form of transport on government business prosecution of men who have reported to the police that the prostitute has been trafficked. since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [50092] Public Order The Attorney-General: The Law Officer’s do make use of public transport in London on government business but such journeys are not routinely recorded and it is Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Attorney-General if therefore not possible to provide this information. he will direct the Crown Prosecution Service to apply for remand in custody in the case of those charged with Maria Eagle: To ask the Attorney-General whether public order offences following the disturbances in he has been issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) central London on 26 March 2011. [50142] monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport and paid for by the Law Officers’ Departments The Attorney-General: The decision whether to apply for use while travelling on government business. [50181] for a remand in custody, in the case of those charged with public order offences following the disturbances in central London on 26 March 2011, will be taken by the The Solicitor-General: Neither of the Law Officers Crown Prosecution Service on a case-by-case basis. has been issued with any form of travel card. Remands in custody will only be sought where grounds under the Bail Act 1976 exist to support such an action. Departmental Travel

Maria Eagle: To ask the Attorney-General how HOME DEPARTMENT much the Law Officers’ Departments have spent on ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) Antisocial Behaviour Orders bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May 2010. [50218] Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders The Attorney-General: Travel by Ministers is undertaken were (a) granted and (b) breached in the criminal in accordance with the Ministerial Code. justice area covering Poole in the last 12 months for Ministerial travel since 1 May 2010 which figures are available. [50520] £ James Brokenshire: Poole is in the Dorset Criminal Ministerial car 105,100 Justice System (CJS) area, and 2009 is the latest year for Train 2,480 which figures on antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) Bus 0 are available. In that year, 16 ASBOs were issued in the Commercial aircraft 1,100 Dorset CJS area and 10 ASBOs issued in Dorset were Private aircraft 0 proved in court to have been breached for the first time. Total 108,680 An ASBO can be issued in one CJS area and breached in another. ASBOs may also be breached more than Spend is based on all invoices paid to date and not once, and in more than one year. As a result, while the necessarily costs incurred to date. latter figure represents instances when an ASBO was breached for the first time in 2009, some of these may be breaches of ASBOs issued in previous years. Human Trafficking: Prostitution Cannabis Mr Bone: To ask the Attorney-General what guidance is provided to the Crown Prosecution Service on the Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for prosecution of men who use prostitutes who subsequently the Home Department what health risks associated to report to the police that such people might have been the use of skunk cannabis her Department has trafficked. [51006] identified; and if she will make a statement. [50030] 587W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 588W

James Brokenshire: The Advisory Council on the and 2009-10, and have been extracted from the Home Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), the Government’s independent Office’s Homicide Index. The following table shows the expert drug advisers, has assessed the evidence on the number of female homicide victims, where court health harms of cannabis, including the risks to young proceedings have resulted in at least one person being people. convicted of murder and the victim had previously been In its latest report, ‘Cannabis: Classification and harassed or stalked by one (or more) of the suspects. Public Health (2008)’, the ACMD found that cannabis Data on whether homicide victims had previously been, has a number of acute and chronic health effects and harassed or stalked have only been collected since April that prolonged use can induce dependence. 2007. It also found a probable but weak causal link between Offences1 currently recorded by the police as homicide of a female psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia, and cannabis resulting in murder conviction where victim was previously stalked/ harassed: England and Wales, 2007-08 to 2009-102 use. It further stated that whether this would become 2 stronger with the wider use of higher potency cannabis Year Number (sinsemilla—sometimes referred to as ‘skunk’) was 2007-08 2 uncertain. There has been no decisive new research 2008-09 4 since the 2008 ACMD report. 2009-10 8 The ACMD publishes its reports on the Home Office 1 As at 28 September 2010; figures are subject to revision as cases are website available via the following link: dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/acmd/ 2 Offences are shown according to the year in which they were initially recorded as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made. the Home Department what the average THC content The data are as at 28 September 2010 and subject to of seized skunk cannabis was in the latest period for revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the which figures are available; what the average THC courts, or as further information becomes available. content of cannabis seizures was (a) five, (b) 10 and This is particularly the case for the years presented (c) 20 years ago; and if she will make a statement. given the time it can take to bring suspects to trial. It [50071] should also be noted that the data do not relate to the number of suspects convicted, and that the victim may James Brokenshire: The latest data from the Forensic not necessarily have been harassed or stalked by the Science Service Ltd (FSS) show that the average person convicted of murder. tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of mature flowering tops from plants, otherwise known as sinsemilla, seized Criminal Records Bureau: Poole and submitted to the FSS from the 1 January 2008 to the present day was 14.0%. By comparison, during the same period, the average THC content of traditional Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home imported cannabis and cannabis resin was 12.5% and Department how many residents of Poole constituency 5.5% respectively. were subject to more than one Criminal Records Bureau check in the last 12 months for which figures Information on average THC levels of cannabis available are available. [50521] in the UK prior to 2008 is available in the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs 2008 report ‘Cannabis: Lynne Featherstone: The information is not available Classification and Public Health’, which can be found in the absence of the particular constituency post codes. on the Home Office website via the following link: The Criminal Records Bureau can provide the information http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/acmd/reports-research/ requested if you write to the chief executive with the This summarises data available at that time, including constituency postcodes that apply. FSS data from 1995 to 2007 and data from the Home Office’s Cannabis Potency Study 2008, published by the DNA: Databases Home Office Scientific Development Branch. Information on average THC levels of cannabis prior to 1995 is not available. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful matches there have been between DNA profiles taken and crime Crimes of Violence scenes and DNA profiles stored on the National DNA Database in each of the last five years. [50012] John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information her Department James Brokenshire: The table shows the number of holds on the number of persons convicted of offences matches on the National DNA Database (NDNAD) of (a) murder of and (b) actual bodily harm against a where one or more DNA subject sample profiles were woman in England and Wales in each year since 1998 matched with a DNA crime scene profile for each of the who had previously stalked or harassed the victim. last five years. The figures do not include matches as a [49856] result of one-off speculative searches of the NDNAD or from comparing DNA profiles in a forensic laboratory. James Brokenshire: The requested data relating to One-off speculative searches and DNA profile comparisons actual bodily harm convictions are not collected by are used mainly in the investigation of serious crimes either the Ministry of Justice or Home Office. such as murder and rape. Available data relate to offences recorded as homicide The match figures provided are for all UK police by police forces in England and Wales between 2007-08 forces. 589W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 590W

The data provided are management information and Table 1: Operating costs of the NDNAD in each year from 2005-06 to have not been formally assessed for compliance with the 2009-10 Code of Practice for Official Statistics. £ Costs Total Table 1: Number of NDNAD matches where one or more DNA subject profiles matched with a DNA crime scene in each year from 2005-06 to 2005-06 Operating costs 1,704,343 1,704,343 2009-10 2006-07 Operating costs 2,569,410 2,569,420 Number of NDNAD matches 2007-08 Operating costs 2,174,904 2,174,904 2005-06 49,247 2008-09 Operating costs 3,330,500 14,290,500 2006-07 44,224 NDNAD Transition 960,000 1— 2007-08 40,406 Project 1 2008-09 40,687 2009-10 Operating costs 2,781,930 6,504,263 1 2009-10 36,399 NDNAD Transition 3,594,000 — Project and NDNAD Note: Enhancements The figures do not include matches as a result of one-off speculative 1 searches of the NDNAD or from comparing DNA profiles in a Indicates a brace. forensic laboratory. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions the Home Department how many searches of the National National DNA Database was inaccessible owing to DNA Database there have been in each of the last five system error in each of the last five years. [50017] years. [50013] James Brokenshire: The following table shows the James Brokenshire: Each new subject or crime scene number of occasions in the last four years on which the sample profile loaded to the national DNA database national DNA database was inaccessible, other than as (NDNAD) is routinely searched against all other subject part of planned maintenance. These occasions may and crime scene sample profiles on the database. have resulted either from system error or from any other In addition, speculative searches of crime scene profiles event which resulted in the entire system being unavailable. against the NDNAD are carried out as a specialist Information is not available for the period before 2007. service without loading the crime scene profile to the On these occasions, no significant degradation in service NDNAD. There are two types of speculative searches: to the police was experienced and no police investigation premium and standard. was compromised. The following table shows the number of routine Number of occasions when the NDNAD was inaccessible in each year searches on the loading of a subject profile, crime scene from 2007-08 to 2010-11 profiles and premium and standard speculative searches Number on the NDNAD for each of the last five years. The figures provided are for all UK forces. 2007-08 8 2008-09 9 The data provided are management information and 2009-10 7 have not been formally assessed for compliance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. 2010-11 8 Number of searches of the NDNAD by type in each year from 2005-06 to 2009-10 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Crime Home Department what plans she has for the DNA scene Subject samples and exhibits on the National DNA Database profiles profiles Premium Standard following the winding-down of the Forensic Science loaded and loaded and speculative speculative searched searched searches searches Service. [50104]

1 2005-06 68,774 715,145 286 4,093 James Brokenshire: The Forensic Science Service (FSS) 2006-07 55,217 722,475 1,299 4,562 and other forensic science providers derive DNA profiles 2007-08 50,579 591,028 717 5,000 from biological samples taken by the police and submit 2008-09 49,572 580,174 728 9,788 them to the National Policing Improvement Agency 2009-10 43,974 540,333 560 6,380 (NPIA) for loading onto the National DNA Database 1 Data are only available from December 2005 to March 2006. (NDNAD). It is the profiles on the NDNAD that are the primary focus of the provisions of the Protection of Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Freedoms Bill. Consideration is currently being given to Home Department what the running cost of the the destruction of profiling records held by all forensic National DNA Database was in each of the last five suppliers. The NPIA is already working on proposals years. [50014] for the implementation of the Bill should it be given Royal Assent in early 2012. James Brokenshire: The costs of operating the National DNA Database (NDNAD) in the last five years are Domestic Violence shown in the following table. It is not possible to break these figures down into capital and running costs. The costs shown in successive years are not comparable Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for the because of changes in the roles of the Forensic Science Home Department how much she has allocated for Service, Home Office and the National Police Improvement assistance to victims of domestic violence in each Agency (NPIA) over the period. financial year from 2011-12 to 2014-15. [47726] 591W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 592W

Lynne Featherstone: For the next four years the Home The data include cases for which: the principal suspect Office has committed over £28 million of funding for committed suicide or died before proceedings could be specialist services to tackle violence against women and initiated or before proceedings could be concluded; the girls. suspect was found to be insane; all suspects were acquitted For domestic violence this includes funding: and police investigations are continuing; and, no suspects Towards the national helplines including the National Domestic have been charged. Violence helpline, the Men’s Advice Line and Broken Rainbow Offences1 currently recorded by the police as homicide2 not resulting in 3 4 To support Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and Multi conviction : England and Wales, 1980 to 2009-10 Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARACs) nationally Offences with no Total offences conviction3 Proportion (%) To invest in the training and quality assurance process for MARACs and IDVAs 1980 535 81 15 To contribute to the running of the joint Home Office/Foreign 1981 501 88 18 and Commonwealth Office Forced Marriage Unit. 1982 557 121 22 1983 482 84 17 Drugs 1984 537 106 20 1985 536 107 20 Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the 1986 563 103 18 Home Department what her policy is on implementation 1987 600 123 21 of the recommendations of the Third Report of the 1988 547 97 18 Home Affairs Committee, Session 2001-02, on the 1989 521 109 21 Government’s drug policy: is it working, HC 318; and if 1990 554 124 22 1991 622 147 24 she will make a statement. [50687] 1992 581 116 20 James Brokenshire: The Government’s policy on drugs 1993 566 103 18 has been clearly articulated in the new Drug Strategy 1994 633 146 23 which was published in December 2010. 1995 662 153 23 1996 586 130 22 1997 608 157 26 Fraud: Elections 1997-98 606 151 25 1998-99 642 153 24 Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for 1999-2000 672 214 32 the Home Department how many people were arrested 2000-01 765 203 27 on suspicion of having committed electoral offences in 2001-02 794 228 29 England and Wales in each year since 2005. [50425] 2002-035 943 384 41 2003-04 772 226 29 Nick Herbert: The information requested is not collected 2004-05 780 219 28 centrally. 2005-06 709 247 35 The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers 2006-07 715 265 37 arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences) only, 2007-08 744 274 37 broken down at a main offence group level, covering 2008-09 644 257 40 categories such as violence against the person and robbery. 2009-10 619 430 69 1 As at 28 September 2010; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with The information requested on arrests for the specific by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. offence mentioned cannot be separately identified from 2 Offences recorded as murder, manslaughter or infanticide. the arrests collection. 3 includes cases with outcome of: court proceedings pending; suspect found by court to be insane, suspect died/committed suicide before proceedings were initiated or could be concluded; all suspects acquitted; no suspects charged. Homicide 4 Offences are shown according to the year in which they were initially recorded as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made. Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the 5 Includes 172 victims of Dr Harold Shipman. Home Department how many murders there have been for which there has been no conviction in each of the Metropolitan Police Authority: Finance last 30 years. [49496] Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for the James Brokenshire: Available data are collected by Home Department what assessment she has made of the Home Office from police forces in England and the effect of changes to funding allocation to the Wales, and have been extracted from the Homicide Metropolitan Police Authority budget on (a) police Index. The following table shows the number of offences numbers and (b) Safer Neighbourhood teams in the recorded as homicide—murder, manslaughter, infanticide London borough of Southwark. [47304] —between 1980 and 2009-10 for which no one has been convicted. It is not possible to separately identify those Nick Herbert [holding answer 21 March 2011]: The offences recorded as murder. vast majority of funding that the Metropolitan Police Data are as at 28 September 2010 and subject to Authority (MPA) receives from central Government is revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the allocated using the Police Allocation Formula (PAF), courts, or as further information becomes available. which allocates funding based on the relative need of This is particularly the case for offences recorded during forces. It is only right that decisions about how these 2008-09 and 2009-10 given the time it can take to bring resources are used are made locally and so no central suspects to trial. Government assessment has been undertaken. 593W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 594W

However, on 10 February the Mayor of London WORK AND PENSIONS announced in his budget statement that he was proposing to increase funding for the Met by £42 million and that Children: Poverty this additional funding would be used to recruit police officers and protect Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on what dates he consulted the Child Police: Forensic Science Poverty Commission in accordance with the Child Poverty Act 2010 in advance of proposals to publish a Child Poverty Strategy; and if he will make a Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the statement. [50108] Home Department what information she holds on the level of spending by each police force on providing Maria Miller: We have not yet established the Child their own forensic science support in each of the last Poverty Commission. three years; and what estimate she has made of levels of such expenditure in 2011-12. [50146] We believe the Commission must have a remit which will allow it to hold Government to account and drive progress towards reducing child poverty. We cannot James Brokenshire: Data collected by the Chartered justify establishing an independent commission which Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) does not perform these functions effectively. This is why in their Police Objective Analysis (POA) suggest that we have chosen to consult with our stakeholders and to total spent on investigative support (excluding external carefully consider how the Commission should be taken forensics) by 43 forces was approximately £250 million forward, rather than rushing to set it up. in 2009-10. This figure is estimated to be closer to £260 million for 2010-11 but actuals are not yet available. Meeting the requirements of the Child Poverty Act POAs were first collated in 2009-10 so comparable 2010 would have meant that a Child Poverty Commission information is not available prior to this nor is 2011-12 was established for a very short time before replacing it estimated data available. with a new Commission that reflected a different approach from that provided for in the previous legislation. This Investigative support includes scenes of crime officers, would have utilised resources and effort that we think fingerprint and DNA bureaus, photography/image recovery can be more properly and efficiently employed in and any other forensics services. establishing the new and more effective Commission. Our plans for establishing a Commission will be set Police: Olympic Games 2012 out in the Child Poverty Strategy, to be published shortly Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of Departmental Procurement the effect of potential changes to police numbers over the next two years on arrangements for policing the Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for London 2012 Olympics. [49527] Work and Pensions which procurement projects engaged upon by (a) his Department and (b) each non- Nick Herbert: By improving efficiency, driving out departmental public body and agency for which he is waste, and increasing productivity, the service can make responsible had a designated senior responsible owner the savings required while protecting its frontline policing in the latest period for which figures are available; and capacity, including in relation to the London 2012 on what date they were appointed in each such case. Olympics. [45691] The Government will make up to £600 million available, if required, for additional policing and wider security for Chris Grayling: I have arranged for the list of procurement London 2012. At this stage, with 16 months before the projects engaged upon which had a named senior Games begin, we estimate that it should be possible to responsible owner by (a) DWP and (b) non-departmental deliver the core cross-Government safety and security public bodies and agencies to be placed in the Library. programme for about £475 million. We will continue to Information relating to the date that each senior keep security planning and policing for the Games responsible owner was appointed is not held centrally under review, but we are satisfied that sufficient funding and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. has been made available to deliver the security programme in full. Departmental Public Bodies

Remand in Custody Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate his Department has made of the level of savings which will accrue from the Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for abolition of the Disability Living Allowance Advisory the Home Department how many people charged in Board. [48690] connection with disturbances in central London on 26 March 2011 have been remanded in custody. [50141] Maria Miller: On 16 March 2011, Official Report, columns 9-10WS, the Minister for the Cabinet Office Nick Herbert: The Home Office do not hold this and Paymaster General, the right hon. Member for information. As of 30 March, 149 individuals have been Horsham (Mr Maude), issued a written ministerial charged with offences resulting from the disorder on 26 statement updating Parliament on progress on public March. bodies’ reform. That statement also announced that 595W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 596W

Departments estimate cumulative administrative savings arrangements by putting them on a statutory basis and of at least £2.6 billion will flow from public bodies over so will deliver a more streamlined approach and simplify the spending review period. the pensions institutional landscape. I anticipate net overall administrative savings from Departmental Theft the abolition of the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board over the spending review period of 2011-12 to 2014-15 will be minimal as the board has not been fully Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for operational for some time. Expenditure for 2010-11 was Work and Pensions what items with a value of over £5,000. £100 have been taken without authorisation from his Department since his appointment; and what steps Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work have been taken to recover such items. [48433] and Pensions what estimate his Department has made of the level of savings which will accrue from the Chris Grayling: The Department does not hold central abolition of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement records itemising assets taken with a value of over £100. Commission. [48692] Information is recorded at local level and it would incur a disproportionate cost to obtain the information requested. Maria Miller: As part of the Public Bodies Bill, the The Department’s IT equipment is leased from service Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission will providers. Excluding lower value items, there have been be abolished as a non-departmental public body, and its 41 reported thefts of individual items of equipment, functions transferred to the Secretary of State as an including laptop computers and BlackBerry phone devices Executive Agency of the Department. since 12 May 2010. The level of savings resulting from this change in In all cases of theft the matter is fully investigated status has been estimated as minimal beyond any one and appropriate action taken by the Department. Where off transitional costs. This is because the Child Maintenance the item concerned is not recovered, the police will be and Enforcement Commission for all practical purposes informed as a matter of routine. has almost all the delivery focussed activities of an In the case of the above items, to date, none have Executive Agency. The principal differences lie in its been recovered. legal status and the responsibilities of its board. The decision to change the status of Child Maintenance and Disability Living Allowance Enforcement Commission was made to increase ministerial responsibility and accountability for child maintenance Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Work policy, and not to generate savings. and Pensions how many (a) men and (b) women in each (i) age group and (ii) local authority area received Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the (A) higher and (B) lower rate of disability living and Pensions what estimate his Department has made allowance (1) on the most recent date for which figures of the level of savings which will accrue from the are available and (2) in each of the last five years for change in function of Equality 2025. [48763] which figures are available. [45620]

Maria Miller: Following the NDPB review, there has Maria Miller: The information has been placed in the been no change in function for Equality 2025, therefore Library. there are no savings. Equality 2025’s remit remains to provide confidential advice to Government on issues Housing Benefit: Blaenau Gwent that affect the lives of disabled people. Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of claimants of local and Pensions what estimate his Department has made housing allowance in Blaenau Gwent constituency (a) of the level of savings which will accrue from the are making additional payments to cover the difference merging of the Pensions Ombudsman and the Pension between benefit received and rent paid and (b) will be Protection Fund Ombudsman. [48807] required to make an additional payment to cover the difference between benefit received and rent paid from Steve Webb: On 16 March 2011, Official Report, April 2011. [49608] columns 9-10WS, the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, the right hon. Member for Steve Webb: The information is not available at the Horsham (Mr Maude), issued a written ministerial constituency level. statement updating parliament on progress on public The Department published a document on the ‘Two bodies reform. That statement also announced that Year Review of the Local Housing’ in February 2011, Departments estimate cumulative administrative savings which includes current shortfall values at the Government of at least £2.6 billion will flow from public bodies over Office Region level, in Figure 3.3. A copy of the document the spending review period. has been placed in the Library. I estimate that there will not be any net overall On 23 July the Department published a document on administrative savings from the merger of the Pensions ‘Impacts of Housing Benefit proposals: Changes to the Ombudsman with the Pension Protection Fund Local Housing Allowance to be introduced in 2011-12’. Ombudsman over the spending review period. This included estimates of the number of losers and The Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman and the average losses per week for each local authority and Pensions Ombudsman already function as a single each bedroom entitlement category. A copy of the operational unit. The merger will formalise the current document has been placed in the Library. 597W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 598W

Jobseeker’s Allowance: Wolverhampton Table 1: Total number of claimants of PC, IS, JSA receiving mortgage interest in Wolverhampton North East constituency PC, IS, JSA claimants receiving mortgage Interest Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the May 2010 1400 numberof claimantsof jobseeker’sallowanceinWolverhampton 1 Numbers are based on very few sample cases and are subject to a North East constituency who (a) were affected by his high degree of sampling variation. Department’s recent changes to entitlement to mortgage Notes: 1. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest hundred. interest payments and (b) will be affected in the 12 months 2. Figures are based on 5% sample data. All figures are subject to a following the change. [49838] degree of sampling variation. 3. Caseload figures have been uprated by using 5% proportions against 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) data. Steve Webb: The change in the standard interest rate 4. Figures provided are a point in time estimate at August in each year used to calculate support for mortgage interest applies 2006 to 2009. 5. Due to a problem with the latest data for August 2010, which is to all customers who receive that help as part of their benefit. being investigated, we have provided data for May 2010 until this is In May 2010, the latest period for which figures are resolved. Source: available, the number of jobseeker’s allowance customers Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate, 5% in Wolverhampton North East constituency is given in samples. the table. No estimate has been made of the number of jobseeker’s allowance customers who will be affected over 12 months Remploy: Social Enterprises following the change to the standard interest rate at which support for mortgage interest is paid. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Jobseeker’s allowance claimants in receipt of mortgage interest in the and Pensions what assessment he has made of the Wolverhampton North East constituency—May 2010 potential for Remploy factories to become independent Number social enterprises. [47966]

Wolverhampton North East *100 Maria Miller: The coalition Government believe that Notes: 1. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest 100. social enterprises provide a valuable model to support 2. Figures are based on 5% sample data. All figures are subject to a disabled and disadvantaged people into work. degree of sampling variation. Remploy as part of its five year modernisation plan is 3. Numbers marked “*” are based on very few sample cases and are developing the social enterprise model in five sites including subject to a high degree of sampling variation. 4. Caseload figures have been uprated by using 5% proportions the Bridgend factory. This model focuses on the local against 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) data. market conditions and the skills and expertise of employees 5. Due to a problem with the latest data for August 2010, which are in order to identify a suitable and viable social enterprise being investigated, we have provided data for May 2010 until this is business. Social entrepreneurs, with the input and support resolved. of organisations such as co-operative societies, are Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate, 5% supporting the incubation of these businesses. samples Within Bridgend, social enterprise businesses have been developed in recycling and kit assembly and the company will continue to explore, with the factory employees, any social enterprise opportunities in their Mortgages: Wolverhampton local area. On 2 December 2010, I announced an independent review of the support the Government provide to disabled Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for people who want to work. We will publish the outcome Work and Pensions how many people in Wolverhampton of the review in the summer. North East constituency received support for mortgage interest payments in each of the last five years. [49830] Ritalin: Children Steve Webb: As requested, Table 1 presents the total number of claimants, in receipt of either pension credit (PC), Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for income support (IS) or jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), Work and Pensions (1) for which benefits a household receiving support for mortgage interest in Wolverhampton with a child who is prescribed Ritalin qualifies; [51021] North East constituency between August 2006 (2) how many children qualified for disability living and May 2010. allowance as a result of being prescribed Ritalin in Table 1: Total number of claimants of PC, IS, JSA receiving mortgage each year from 1997 to 2010. [51022] interest in Wolverhampton North East constituency PC, IS, JSA claimants receiving mortgage Maria Miller: No benefits are awarded because a Interest person is prescribed a form of medication. August 2006 1400 Entitlement to disability living allowance is not dependant August 2007 1400 on having a specific health condition or diagnosis, but August 2008 1300 on whether the severely disabled person needs help with August 2009 1300 personal care and/or their mobility difficulties. 599W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 600W

Social Security Benefits social security benefits: fraud, if he will estimate the number of investigations of individuals suspected of Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and benefit fraud which have taken more than nine months Pensions how many people in Poole constituency are in in the latest period for which figures are available. receipt of (a) incapacity benefit, (b) employment support [50818] allowance and (c) disability living allowance. [50548] Chris Grayling: The information requested cannot be Maria Miller: The information is provided as follows: estimated from the management information available, as to collate this data would incur a disproportionate Claimants of employment and support allowance, disability living allowance, incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance—August 2010 cost. Incapacity benefit/severe Employment Disability living disablement and support allowance (in allowance allowance payment) Swimming Pools

Parliamentary 2,540 720 3,820 constituency Poole Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Notes: Work and Pensions what assessment the Health and 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Safety Executive has made of the effectiveness in 2. For disability living allowance the totals show the number of people in receipt prevention of cryptosporidium of the operation of of an allowance and excludes people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. regulations on water quality in public swimming pools. 3. A claimant can be in receipt of more than one of these benefits and will [49942] therefore be counted for each benefit they receive. 4. Incapacity Benefit was replaced by employment support allowance (ESA) from October 2008. Chris Grayling: The regulations covering the quality 5. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament of May 2010. of water in the UK apply to the supply of water for Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study domestic use. They do not apply to the quality of water in use in swimming pools. Social Security Benefits: Disability Swimming pool operators however do have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably, practicable, that the Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work public are not exposed to risks to their health and safety and Pensions what recent representations he has received when bathing. from disability groups on the effect of proposed changes The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health to the (a) disability living allowance and (b) independent Regulations (COSHH) 2002 specifically require pool living fund; and if he will make a statement. [48971] operators to assess the risks to the health of their employees and bathers from hazardous substances, Maria Miller: Since disability living allowance (DLA) including microbiological organisms such as reform was announced in the Budget in June 2010, my Cryptosporidium, and take effective measures to control officials and I have met disabled people and a large that risk. number of disability organisations to discuss our proposals. We published a public consultation on DLA reform on HSE believes that compliance with these regulations 6 December 2010, which ended on 18 February 2011. should ensure that the risk of exposure to Cryptosporidium The Department received a large number of responses in public swimming pools is reduced, so far as is reasonably to this consultation, with more than 5,000 individual practicable. and 500 organisational responses. We are considering these responses and will publish our response shortly. The Government’s position on the independent living Third Sector fund was set out in the written ministerial statement issued on 13 December 2010, Official Report, columns 85- Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 86WS. This made clear that the independent living fund and Pensions how much his Department gave to each will remain closed permanently to new applications and charity it funds in each of the last five years; and how we will safeguard the position of existing recipients by much it has allocated in funding to each such charity in carrying out a formal consultation on future support each of the next five years. [48513] for existing ILF users, while continuing to administer their awards throughout this Parliament. This consultation Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions will take place following the publication of the report and its agencies do not ordinarily directly fund charities. by the Commission on the Funding of Care and Support. The Department does, however, work closely with charities I have met with a number of disability organisations and voluntary organisations to help people access the and other bodies to discuss the future of the independent services and benefits to which they are entitled. living fund. These include the Chair of Equality 2025, The Department also encourages a wide range of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Disability, and providers from the voluntary and charitable sectors— the Disability Charities Consortium and the Disabled alongside providers in the private and public sectors—to Peoples Organisations Group. contract with it to deliver employment programmes. It is not possible, however, to identify payments made to Social Security Benefits: Fraud charitable organisations except at disproportionate cost; the Department’s payment systems identify the individual Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State recipients, but do not show the status of those recipients for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of i.e. whether they are private, public, charitable or voluntary 10 March 2011, Official Report, column 575W, on sector organisations. 601W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 602W

Unemployment: Wales that between January and February 2011 the number of claimants of jobseeker’s allowance in Wales fell 1,100 to Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for 70,300. The claimant unemployment rate in Wales in Work and Pensions if he will assess the trends in levels February 2011 was 5.0%, down 0.1 percentage points of unemployment in (a) Wales, (b) Cardiff and (c) on the previous month. Cardiff North constituency since January 2011; and if Information on the claimant count in Cardiff and he will make a statement. [49815] Cardiff North constituency is also available for February 2011, although the figures are not seasonally adjusted Chris Grayling: Latest figures on the headline ILO so a comparison with the previous month would not measure of unemployment only cover the period up to provide a reliable guide to the trend in unemployment. January 2011 in Wales and September 2010 for localities The figures in the following table show the latest year- within Wales. More recent information is available from on-year changes in the claimant count in Cardiff local the seasonally adjusted claimant count, which shows authority district and Cardiff North constituency.

Cardiff local authority district Cardiff North constituency Number Proportion Number Proportion

January 2010 9,687 4.2% 1,489 2.6% February 2010 9,894 4.3% 1,498 2.6%

January 2011 9,739 4.2% 1,449 2.5% February 2011 9,835 4.2% 1,460 2.6%

Change on year to January 2011 +52 0 -40 -0.1 Change on year to February 2011 -59 -0.1 -38 0 Notes: 1. The claimant count proportions shown are as a proportion of the population aged 16-64. This is different from the unemployment rate which is traditionally calculated as a proportion of the active labour force. Claimant unemployment rates are not available below regional level. 2. Proportions are rounded to one decimal place Source: Office for National Statistics

Universal Credit one or other of them. We are not intending that couples will be able to choose for the payment to be divided Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and between them by routine. Pensions pursuant to the answer of 21 March 2011, However, there may be exceptional cases that require Official Report, column 869W, on universal credit, in alternative arrangements and the Government intend which instances it would be appropriate to split to retain power to arrange payments to couples to offer payments of universal credit between partners or safeguards. We are considering the circumstances for spouses in shared households. [49240] and details of these alternative arrangements, which might include division of the payment. Work is ongoing. Chris Grayling: The answer to which the hon. Member The Government already have and will retain the refers sets out the intention to pay universal credit as a power to direct payments to the other partner where single sum per household, including couple households. there is proven abuse of the money, and this current As mentioned, however, there may be exceptional practice can be triggered by notification by one of the cases that require alternative arrangements and we are partners. Circumstances for alternative arrangements in considering the circumstances for and details of these exceptional cases could include request or notification alternative arrangements. Alternative arrangements might by either member of a couple to continue this approach. include dividing payments between two or more parties. Further information is available in the universal credit Further information is available in the universal credit briefing note which has been published on the Department briefing note which has been published on the Department for Work and Pensions website. for Work and Pensions website. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what measure of inflation will be used for Pensions pursuant to the answer of 21 March 2011, the annual uprating of cash payments made to Official Report, column 869W, on universal credit, what individuals with a potentially lower entitlement under his policy is concerning situations where a couple household universal credit than under current tax credit and requests that the payment of universal credit be split benefit arrangements; [49803] between the two partners or spouses. [49241] (2) whether transitional cash payments to individuals with a lower entitlement under universal credit will Chris Grayling: As already set out, ordinarily the continue until there is a change in the financial universal credit payment will be made as a single sum to circumstances of such individuals. [49855] the household. In recognition of the fact that different households organise their finances and budget in different Chris Grayling: Any cash protection awarded to ways, we are allowing couples to decide between them individuals with a potentially lower entitlement under whether the money goes to a joint bank account or to universal credit will not be uprated but will be fixed at 603W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 604W the point of transition. It will remain in place until the (2) if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of the claimants’ circumstances change or the universal credit provision of winter fuel allowance to those (a) aged 60 entitlement exceeds the protected amount. to 79 at the rate of (i) £200 and (ii) £250 per year and (b) aged 80 or over at the rate of (A) £300 and (B) £400 per year in (1) Glasgow North East constituency, (2) Winter Fuel Payments Glasgow, (3) Scotland, (4) Great Britain and (5) the UK in each of the next four calendar years. [49939] Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Steve Webb: The information is not available as requested. Pensions (1) if he will estimate the cost to the Forecasts of winter fuel payments are made on financial Exchequer of the provision of winter fuel allowance to years rather than calendar years, and estimates for the those (a) aged 60 to 79 at the rate of £250 per year and United Kingdom are not available as the Department (b) aged 80 or over at the rate of £400 per year in (i) for Work and Pensions is only responsible for Great Glasgow North East constituency, (ii) Glasgow, (iii) Britain winter fuel payments. Scotland, (iv) Great Britain and (v) the UK in 2011; The information that is available is in the following [49938] tables.

Glasgow North East constituency

Winter fuel payment expenditure (£ million, in-year prices)

Winter fuel payment rates Age group 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

£200/£300 79 and under 2 2 2 2

80 and over 1 1 1 1

All ages 3 3 3 2

£250/£400 79 and under 2 2 2 2

80 and over 1 1 1 1

All ages 3 3 3 3

City of Glasgow local authority Winter fuel payment expenditure (£ million, in-year prices) Winter fuel payment rates Age group 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

£200/£300 79 and under 11 11 11 11 80 and over 5 5 5 6 All ages 17 16 16 16

£250/£400 79 and under 14 14 14 13 80 and over 7 7 7 7 All ages 21 21 21 21

Scotland Government office region Winter fuel payment expenditure (£ million, in-year prices) Winter fuel payment rates Age group 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

£200/£300 79 and under 130 127 124 122 80 and over 54 55 56 58 All ages 184 182 181 179

£250/£400 79 and under 162 159 156 152 80 and over 72 74 75 77 All ages 235 233 231 229

Great Britain Winter fuel payment expenditure (£ million, in-year prices) Winter fuel payment rates Age group 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

£200/£300 79 and under 1,447 1,417 1,388 1,358 80 and over 677 691 705 720 All ages 2,124 2,108 2,093 2,078

£250/£400 79 and under 1,808 1,771 1,735 1,698 80 and over 906 924 943 963 605W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 606W

Great Britain Winter fuel payment expenditure (£ million, in-year prices) Winter fuel payment rates Age group 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

All ages 2,714 2,695 2,678 2,661 Notes: 1. Expenditure on winter fuel payments is rounded to the nearest £1 million. Age breakdowns may not sum to totals due to rounding. 2. Expenditure on the ‘79 and under’ age group includes payments to people over women’s state pension age, which is increasing from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2018. People under women’s state pension age (both men and women) are not eligible for winter fuel payments. 3. Great Britain forecasts of winter fuel payments are consistent with Budget 2011 forecasts. 4. Projections of winter fuel payments on a constituency, local authority and Government office region level use latest administrative data to apportion total GB expenditure over the requested geography. 5. Forecasts do not include winter fuel payments made to eligible recipients now resident in other European economic area countries or Switzerland, which is why these GB forecasts may differ from published forecasts that do include such overseas spending. Source: DWP statistical and accounting data.

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Capacity Assessment Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the proportion of the average winter fuel bill for pensioner Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for households represented by the (a) £100 reduction and Work and Pensions what the average period is between (b) £50 reduction in winter fuel payments proposed the date of a work capacity assessment and a referral to over winter 2011-12; and what assessment he has made an employment provider for those found capable of of the effects on fuel poverty of the proposed removal work (a) nationally and (b) in each local authority of the enhanced rate of the winter fuel payment in area. [39769] 2011-12 for pensioners under (i) 80 and (ii) over 80 years; and if he will make a statement. [50297] Chris Grayling: The information is not available. Steve Webb: In winter 2011-12, winter fuel payments will be paid exactly as budgeted for by the previous Government. The standard rates of winter fuel payments TRANSPORT will be £200 for households with someone who has reached women’s state pension age and is under 80 and Commission for Integrated Transport £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over. (a) For households where there is someone aged 80 or over, Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport the winter fuel payment is £100 less in 2011-12 compared to what residual functions will remain following the abolition 2010-11. For this group it is estimated that £100 represents of the Commission for Integrated Transport; which around 15% of the average winter fuel bill. organisation will carry out each such function; what the (b) For households where there is someone who has reached estimated costs of each such function are; and what women’s state pension age and is under 80, the winter fuel transfer of funds will be made to each organisation to payment is £50 less in 2011-12 compared to 2010-11. For this carry out each such function. [46487] group it is estimated that £50 represents around 7% of the average winter fuel bill. Norman Baker: The Department for Transport abolished Information on the fuel poverty impact for (i) pensioners the Commission for Integrated Transport as we concluded under 80 and (ii) pensioners over 80 years is not available that our emphasis should now be on high-level strategic separately. For both groups combined the impact of the advice rather than the detailed research undertaken by removal of the temporary increase in winter fuel payments the Commission. We will receive this advice by engaging is estimated at 25,000 more households in fuel poverty directly with experts in a number of ways, including in England. through a new informal strategic transport advisory Additional support is available through cold weather group, rather than an arm’s length body. We are currently payments for regions that suffer particularly cold weather developing our thinking on these options, including the and we have made permanent the increase in these group, and will publish our conclusions in the next few payments from £8.50 to £25 a week from 2011-12 months. onwards. Subject to parliamentary approval, from winter 2011-12 some of the poorest pensioners would get Departmental Public Bodies direct assistance with their energy costs through a rebate off their electricity bills under the warm home discount Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for scheme. Rebates would be at least £120. Transport what estimate his Department has made of Notes: the level of savings which will accrue from the abolition of BRB (Residuary) Ltd. [48689] 1. Family Spending 2010 (Living Costs and Food Survey 2009) is used to determine household expenditure on fuel by age. This information uses weekly amounts to create an average annual fuel Mrs Villiers: On 16 March 2011, Official Report, bill. Winter fuel bills are estimated as being between 60% and 70% columns 9-10WS, the Minister for the Cabinet Office of the annual bill based on DECC information (in table 2 for gas and Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member and table 3 for electricity) of: for Horsham (Mr Maude), issued a written ministerial http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/Statistics/publications/ statement updating Parliament on progress on public trends/articles_issue/559-trendssep10-domestic-energy-bills- bodies reform. That statement also announced that article.pdf Departments estimate cumulative administrative savings 2. The fuel and light inflation rate, published by the ONS, is used of at least £2.6 billion will flow from public bodies over to estimate the energy bills as at February 2011. the spending review period. 607W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 608W

I refer the right hon. Member to my answer of Driving Standards Agency 22 March 2011, Official Report, column 1055W. This is Motorcycle Industry Association our best current estimate of the level of savings which Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association will accrue from the abolition of BRB (Residuary) Ltd. Motorcycle Action Group Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee Public and Commercial Services Union Biketrain Wales Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for CamRider Transport when he plans to publish the equality impact Streetwise Training assessment in respect of the abolition of the Disabled Fast-Trak Training was also involved in the initial Persons Transport Advisory Committee. [49835] stages of the review. An interim report from the working group was published Norman Baker: The Department for Transport’s on the DfT website on 20 December 2010. There will be proposals have been through a preliminary impact a further report later this year. assessment process, including an equalities impact assessment. Full impact assessment documents will be East Coast Railway Line: Timetables published as part of the consultation process in the coming months. Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Driving Tests: Motorcycles Transport when he expects the East Coast Trains timetable due to be introduced in May 2011 to be published. [50002] Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) which organisations have been consulted Mrs Villiers [holding answer 31 March 2011]: East by his Department’s review group assessing the feasibility Coast’s May 2011 timetable was published on its website and safety of proposed changes to the motorcycle test; on Monday 14 February 2011. Tickets are now available [50822] for purchase using the usual channels. (2) what discussions he has had with the (a) Association of Chief Police Officers and (b) Association of Chief Large Goods Vehicles Police Officers Scotland on proposals for alterations to the motorcycle test; [50829] Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) who the members are of his Department’s review Transport when he plans to introduce a road user group to assess the feasibility and safety of the changes charging system for foreign heavy goods vehicles. proposed for the motorcycle test; [50830] [50050] (4) when his Department’s review group assessing the feasibility and safety of the proposals to change the Mike Penning: In April 2014. A road user charging scheme will apply both to UK and foreign-registered motorcycle test will report. [50893] vehicles, although we intend to compensate UK hauliers Mike Penning: A public consultation was held on the for the extra costs involved. scope of the review in June/July 2010. There were 489 Legislation responses, mainly from motorcyclists (including learners and experienced), motorcycle trainers and examiners. There will be a further consultation on proposed changes Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for to the motorcycle test in due course. Transport what plans he has to bring into force sections of primary legislation within his Department’s area of There have so far been no formal discussions with the responsibility which are not currently in force. [50452] Association of Chief Police Officers or the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland. There have been Norman Baker [holding answer 1 April 2011]: Active informal discussions with the DfT/ACPO liaison officer. consideration is being given to commencing the following There is a working group and a technical sub-group provisions (to the extent they are not already commenced): assessing the feasibility and safety of the changes proposed (a) section 35 of the Road Safety Act 2006 (which relates to a for the motorcycle test. reduced disqualification period for attendance on a course); Members of the working group are: (b) sections 2, 4 and 5 of the Local Transport Act 2008 (which Department for Transport relate to traffic commissioner areas); Driving Standards Agency (c) the Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Act 2009;and Motorcycle Industry Association (d) sections 161, 165 and 167 of the Equality Act 2010 (which Motorcycle Industry Trainers Association relate to taxis and private hire vehicles). Motorcycle Action Group British Motorcyclists Federation LEK Partnership Public and Commercial Services Union Road Safety Great Britain Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents what meetings he has had with representatives of LEK Consulting in 2011 to date. [49877] The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety was also involved in the initial stages of the review. Norman Baker [holding answer 29 March 2011]: The Members of the technical sub group are: Secretary of State for Transport, the right hon. Member Department for Transport for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has 609W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 610W not had any meetings with LEK Consulting in 2011 to (2) what his policy is on the introduction of date. I met with LEK Bus Profitability Research on continuous insurance enforcement for motor vehicles; 15 June 2010. and if he will make a statement. [50688]

London Underground Mike Penning: The Continuous Insurance Enforcement scheme, that will mean that the registered keeper of a Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for motor vehicle must keep it insured at all times unless Transport what progress has been made in awarding a they have made a Statutory Off Road Notification contract for sub-surface signalling on the London (SORN), is planned to start in late spring. Underground. [51007] This will follow a full publicity campaign to raise awareness of the scheme with motorists. The Department Mrs Villiers: London Underground Ltd, who are for Transport continues to work closely with the insurance accountable to the Mayor of London, are responsible industry on communications activity and the message for the award of this contract. has been promoted through the media, in information mailed out by Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency London-Norwich Railway Line with vehicle tax reminders and on: www.direct.gov.uk/stayinsured Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions Ministers in his Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Department travelled on rail services between Norwich Transport what recent representations he has received and London in the course of their official duties in on the scale of risks to young drivers seeking motor each of the last 10 years. [49156] insurance; and if he will initiate a consultation on policy options to address the cost of motor insurance Norman Baker: The information is not held in the for young drivers. [50689] format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. All travel is undertaken in accordance Mike Penning: I recognise that the rising cost of with the Ministerial Code. motor insurance is a problem to young people. The higher premiums faced by young drivers reflect the cost Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to insurers of providing cover but the Government are on how many occasions bus services replaced passenger concerned that it may tempt some to drive uninsured. rail services for all or part of the journey between The issue has been raised in correspondence to the Norwich and London Liverpool Street owing to (a) Department and at the recent Transport Select Committee routine and (b) non-routine maintenance in each year on the cost of motor insurance. since 2007. [49160] I wish to work with the motor insurance industry to Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not identify ways in which we can develop insurance products hold data on replacement bus services for National which offer incentives to those young drivers who may Express East Anglia. While Network Rail is responsible be willing to accept restrictions or take additional training. for the maintenance of the infrastructure, the provision A seminar to look at the issues is planned for May. of replacement bus services is the responsibility of the There are no current plans for formal consultation. train operating company. My hon. Friend may wish to Network Rail contact National Express East Anglia, contact details for which can be found on their website: Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com Transport what plans he has for the restructuring of Network Rail in 2011. [49831] Mersey Gateway Project Mrs Villiers: Sir Roy McNulty’s Rail Value for Money Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport study will present its final conclusions shortly. Sir Roy’s when he plans to announce the funding package for the recommendations and the industry’s response to them Mersey Gateway Bridge scheme. [50453] will shape the Government’s proposals for the reform of the industry, which we intend to set out later this year. Norman Baker [holding answer 1 April 2011]: We are still considering the funding proposal from Halton borough Network Rail: Electrification council for the Mersey Gateway Bridge scheme and hope to announce the final funding arrangements as Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for soon as possible. This is the largest scheme with the Transport what the (a) nature and (b) scale is of the most complex funding proposal of any scheme in the work his Department plans to carry out with the Welsh Department for Transport’s supported pool of local Assembly Government on electrification of commuter authority promoted major transport schemes. rail lines in the South Wales valleys in the period before the commencement of the next control period. [48110] Motor Vehicles: Insurance Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport will work Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with the Welsh Assembly Government to develop a (1) if he will conduct a promotional campaign aimed at business case for the electrification of the lines north of young drivers to make them aware of the requirement Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Coryton to hold valid motor insurance; and if he will make a and Rhymney and the lines west of Cardiff to Penarth statement; [50569] and Barry. 611W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 612W

Parking: Fees and Charges Railways: East Anglia

Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for how many residents of (a) Poole constituency and (b) Transport (1) what progress he has made in securing England appealed against penalty charge notices and funding for the four-tracking of the rail lines between were successful in the last 12 months for which figures Copper Mill Junction and Broxbourne set out in the are available. [50517] Greater Anglia Route Utilisation Strategy; [46526] (2) what recent (a) correspondence and (b) Norman Baker: The most recent report of the Traffic meetings he has had with the Mayor of London on the Penalty Tribunal available at: implementation of the Greater Anglia Rail Utilisation Strategy; [46532] www.trafficpenaltytribunal.gov.uk/downloads/ Annual_Statistics_of_the_Traffic_Penalty_Tribunal_0809.pdf (3) what recent (a) correspondence and (b) meetings he has had with Network Rail on the implementation of gives the figures for 2008-09 for councils in England the Greater Anglia Rail Utilisation Strategy; [46533] (outside London) with civil parking enforcement powers, including the borough of Poole. The Tribunal does not (4) what recent (a) correspondence and (b) compile statistics, for individual parliamentary meetings he has had with the National Express East constituencies. Anglia group on the implementation of the Greater Anglia Rail Utilisation Strategy; [46534] (5) what recent representations he has received from Railways: Construction hon. Members on the Greater Anglia Rail Utilisation Strategy. [46535]

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: Network Rail published the Greater Transport whether the arrangements for the public Anglia Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) in December consultation on High Speed 2 have been subjected to 2007. It has subsequently undertaken further analysis an equalities impact assessment. [44115] of the proposal for four-tracking of the rail lines between Copper Mill Junction and Broxbourne. This analysis is Mr Philip Hammond: My Department and HS2 Ltd included in its draft London and South East RUS have actively considered equality impacts when planning which is currently subject to consultation. The analysis the consultation, including ensuring that the consultation and recommendations of the RUS will inform the materials have been published in a usable and accessible Government’s next High Level Output Specification way to the widest possible audience, regardless of disability, covering rail investment from 2014. capability or technology. Public facing events have been The Department for Transport Ministers have not planned along the London to west midlands route at had recent correspondence or meetings with the Mayor around 30 locations and the venues were considered in of London specifically on the implementation of the terms of public transport provision and access for disabled Greater Anglia RUS. However, I did recently discuss and reduced mobility people, to ensure they were suitable. the Greater Anglia RUS with two hon. Members as HS2 Ltd is also speaking with councils about specific part of a more general meeting about Fenline services. measures to ensure the consultation reaches equality groups. Railways: Fares

Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Railways: Disability what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on any relationship between the levels of fare evasion on passenger rail services and the Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State opening hours of ticket offices at rail stations. [47993] for Transport if he will assess the adequacy of the assistance available for disabled passengers to board Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has not trains at unstaffed train stations. [48267] commissioned any evidence on the relationship between the levels of fare evasion on passenger rail services and Mrs Villiers [holding answer 24 March 2011]: Provision the opening hours of ticket offices, and is not aware of of assistance for disabled passengers is an operational any such research from third parties. However, prior to matter for train operating companies (TOC). TOCs refranchising the Department arranges for ticketless must commit to provide assistance at any station during travel surveys to be carried out in case incentives to scheduled train operating times or to provide an accessible address the problem need to be built into future contracts. service to take disabled passengers to the nearest or Railways: Franchises most convenient accessible station from where they can continue their journey. No additional charge should be levied for this facility. Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department next plans to review Each TOC’s Disabled Persons Protection Policy is rail operator franchise agreements. [49227] reviewed annually. The Department for Transport is working with the Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to the Government’s industry in implementing an upgrade to the current response to the Reforming Rail Franchising consultation Assisted Passenger Reservation Service, which we expect which can be found at: to be launched this summer. http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/2010-28/ 613W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 614W

New franchise agreements will be put in place for the Railways: Passengers forthcoming Greater Anglia and Intercity West Coast franchises. Further details on these, including timescales, Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for can be found in my written statement at: Transport what recent assessment he has made of http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/ trends in the cost to passengers of rail travel. [50016] villiers20110119 Mrs Villiers: The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) publishes a fares index in National Rail Trends. It is Railways: Infrastructure available from the ORR website at: http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.1863 Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate his Department has made of the likely Railways: Standards (a) cost of and (b) revenue arising from restructuring of the Anglia region’s track and signalling infrastructure. [49832] Mr Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what compensation was paid to rail passengers by each Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport has made of the train operating companies operating the delay no such assessment. The independent Office of Rail and pay scheme in each of the last two years for which Regulation is responsible for assessing the performance figures are available. [50823] of Network Rail in driving efficiencies on the rail network while delivering the Government’s High Level Output Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not Specification. hold this information in the form requested. Train companies pay compensation to passengers for delays and other matters arising from poor service Railways: Overcrowding under the terms of their Passenger’s Charters. The terms of each operator’s Passenger’s Charter are approved Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for under their respective franchise agreements. Transport what recent estimate he has made of levels of overcrowding on commuter rail services between Roads: Accidents Rochdale and Manchester. [50018] Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport does not how many road casualties were recorded in (a) Poole hold detailed passenger count information for every constituency and (b) the south-west in the last three station stop on individual rail services. The Department years for which figures are available. [50518] has not therefore made any estimates for the levels of overcrowding on commuter rail services between Rochdale Mike Penning: The information requested is given in and Manchester. the following table: Northern, the train operator who provides these services, Reported casualties from personal injury road accidents in (a) Poole may be able to provide more information. They can be constituency and (b) the south-west, 2007-09 contacted at the following address: Number of casualties Northern Rail Ltd (a) Poole1 (b) South-west region2 Northern House 2007 362 21,866 9 Rougier Street 2008 371 19,184 York YOI 6HZ 2009 323 18,117 1 Based on the 2010 parliamentary boundaries. Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 Former Government Office Region. Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member The data for year 2010 will be published at end of for Luton North of 9 June 2010, Official Report, column June 2011. 39W, on railways: overcrowding, what his policy is on managing overcrowding on passenger rail services; and Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for what consideration he has given to the merits of introducing Transport how many pedestrians were (a) injured and (a) targets and (b) incentives to encourage train operating (b) killed in road traffic accidents in Oxford street, companies to reduce overcrowding on such services. London, in each of the last five years. [51042] [50137]

Mrs Villiers: The Reforming Rail Franchising Mike Penning: The information requested is given in consultation closed on 18 October 2010 and a policy the following table: statement was released on 19 January 2011. The statement Reported pedestrian casualties resulting from personal injury road can be found on the Department for Transport’s website accidents: Oxford street, London, 2005-09 at Number of casualties Accident year (a) All injury severities (b) Killed http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/2010-28/ govresponse.pdf 2005 111 0 The revised Government policy on crowding can be 2006 93 2 found in pages 16 to 18. 2007 73 1 615W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 616W

Reported pedestrian casualties resulting from personal injury road Shipping: Oil accidents: Oxford street, London, 2005-09 Number of casualties Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Accident year (a) All injury severities (b) Killed Transport whether he expects the provisions of the 2008 64 1 order on ship-to-ship transfers outside harbour 2009 63 3 authority waters to enter into force (a) in general and Source: (b) in respect of waters off the Suffolk coast on 1 April Transport for London 2011; and if he will make a statement. [50379]

Roads: Snow and Ice Mike Penning [holding answer 1 April 2011]: I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement ″ Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for entitled Merchant Shipping (Ship-to-Ship Transfers) ″ Transport (1) how much from the sum announced in Regulations 2010 which I made on 30 March 2011, the 2011 Budget for costs of road maintenance arising Official Report, columns 26-28WS. from adverse weather conditions is to be paid to each highway authority; [49894] South West Trains: Rolling Stock (2) pursuant to the answer of 15 March 2011, Official Report, columns 284-85W, on roads: snow and Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for ice, whether he has informed local authorities of their Transport what discussions his Department has had allocations; and how much has been allocated to each with South West Trains on improving the provision of local authority. [49640] rolling stock on Portsmouth to London passenger rail services. [49716] Norman Baker: The Secretary of State wrote on 24 March to all English local highway authorities to inform Mrs Villiers [holding answer 31 March 2011]: As part them of their share of £200 million following the Budget of the commitment to provide extra railway carriages Statement on 23 March which announced we had doubled made by the Secretary of State on 25 November 2010, the funding being provided for repairing potholes. This the Department for Transport has recommenced work funding was paid to authorities on Monday 28 March with Stagecoach South Western Trains (SSWT) for the 2011. provision of additional peak capacity into London Waterloo. I refer to the following weblink which sets out how much each authority has been allocated from the £200 The day to day deployment of the available rolling million: stock remains the responsibility of the train operating company as they are required to plan to meet the http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/localauthorities/funding/ fundingstreams/extrafunds/xls/allocationsbyregion.xls capacity demands on the services that they operate under the terms of their franchise agreement. Scientific Advisers Speed Limits: Cameras Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the future of the role Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what revenue was collected through speed camera of chief scientific adviser to his Department. [50152] penalty charge notices in (a) Poole constituency and (b) the south-west in the last three years for which Norman Baker [holding answer 31 March 2011]: The figures are available. [50519] Department for Transport is considering how a future chief scientific adviser role would be most effectively Mike Penning: Following the ending of the National delivered as part of the Department’s reorganisation Safety Camera Funding Scheme in 2007, all fixed penalty process. income, whether or not the offence was detected by camera, goes to the Consolidated Fund. Sea Rescue Data on the number of fixed penalties issued and paid per year for all motoring offences and separately Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for on all speeding offences detected by camera are collected Transport what discussions he has had with representatives centrally and published as part of National Statistics. of the (a) fishing industry and (b) offshore oil and gas These are outlined in detail within Chapter 3 of the industry on proposals to reduce the number of coastguard Home Office Statistical Bulletin, “Police Powers and maritime rescue co-ordination centres. [44998] Procedures”. Sections 3.3 and 3.4 deal with fixed penalty notices generally and notices issued on the basis of Mike Penning: I have had no discussions with speed camera evidence respectively. Data available for representatives of the fishing industry or the offshore police force areas include in table 3.01 ″Speed Limit oil and gas industry specifically on the proposals to Offences″ which will include all detected offences, including reduce the number of coastguard maritime rescue those detected by enforcement cameras. co-ordination centres. The latest publication outlines data for the financial The consultation I launched on 16 December 2011 is year 2008-09 as well as making reference to historical an opportunity for everyone, including these industries, data. The next bulletin is due to be published in April to consider their views and respond to the proposals we 2011: have made. I would encourage them to do so. http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/stats-release.html 617W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 618W

Transport: Schools Mrs Villiers [holding answer 22 March 2011]: The application of European Rail Traffic Management System Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for ERTMS and in-cab signalling is unlikely to significantly Transport what progress has been made towards a change the present overall capacity of the West Coast review of school travel. [48864] Main Line. One advantage of ERTMS is to manage more effectively Mr Gibb: I have been asked to reply. train movements over junctions, where trains make conflicting movements without grade separation (ie without One of the coalition Government’s priorities is to flyovers or flyunders). Many of the key junctions are increase the supply of places in good schools and, in already grade separated on the West Coast route. ERTMS doing so, increase parental choice. Transport is a vital does not significantly improve the ability of trains to element in extending parental choice. Local authorities follow one another more closely. already spend almost £1 billion per annum on school transport. The Secretary of State has very recently The West Coast Main Line modernisation scheme, allocated a further £85 million over the next two financial completed in 2008, was designed to increase capacity years to local authorities to support low income families overall to an optimum level using conventional signalling. attend schools further from home than the statutory distance. Part of that allocation is to help those families David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for attend schools on the basis of a particular religion or Transport if he will take steps to ensure that the West belief. This has been communicated to local authorities Coast Mainline is available to different operators. and individual allocations will be made to local authorities [49558] very shortly. Mrs Villiers: Any operator wishing to operate on a Officials will also launch a review involving local commercial basis may apply to the Office of Rail Regulation authorities on how we can improve the efficiency and (ORR) for the necessary track access rights and to practice within local authority transport planning in Network Rail for train paths in the timetable. Further the coming years. information is available on the ORR website at: www.rail-reg.gov.uk Transport: Sustainable Development

Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE what consultation his Department undertook with representatives of the motorcycling industry when Agriculture: Environment Protection formulating its Local Transport White Paper, Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon: Making Sustainable Local Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Transport Happen. [50920] and Climate Change what support his Department plans to provide to agricultural businesses for the uptake Norman Baker: The Department for Transport did of low-carbon technology and energy-efficient equipment not specifically consult with representatives of the in each of the next four financial years. [50812] motorcycling industry when formulating its Local Transport White Paper, Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon: Making Gregory Barker: Many agricultural businesses are Sustainable Local Transport Happen, but is aware of its well placed to take up low-carbon technology and improve general views and took these into account in the formulation their energy efficiency. The Department does not target of the paper. The Paper cites, for example, the benefits support on particular business sectors but seeks to of the “Wheel to Work” initiative. encourage all business to take up the opportunities of The Department recognises that motorcycling is a the transition to a low-carbon economy including the mode of transport that many people find practical and incentives for investment in renewable energy technology. convenient, and that it has a useful part to play in the DECC will provide some funding for innovation over full range of transport policies, at national as well as the next four years focused on the innovation needs of local level. Where a local authority identifies the promotion particular technologies. We are currently reviewing our or facilitation of motorcycle use as part of a solution to funding priorities. the transport problem identified in their area, and this solution can be shown to meet the objectives of the Contracts for Difference Local Sustainable Transport Fund announced alongside the White Paper, I would be pleased to consider the Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for merits of the proposal alongside other bids. Energy and Climate Change what (a) modelling and (b) assumptions were considered for use to determine the Contracts of Difference proposed in the West Coast Railway Line consultation on Market Electricity Reform. [50619]

Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Charles Hendry: The modelling used was undertaken Transport what estimate his Department has made of by Redpoint Energy.Their report, including the assumptions the increased capacity that would be created on the used, were published alongside the Consultation Document West Coast Main Line through introduction of the and can be found on the DECC website at: European Rail Traffic Management System and in-cab http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/emr/ signalling technology. [48373] emr.aspx 619W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 620W

We will publish final proposals in the Electricity the existing low-carbon financing literature as well as Market Reform White Paper this summer. through consultation with industry experts. We will publish an updated assessment as part of the Impact Departmental Assets Assessment to the Electricity Market Reform White Paper this summer. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether receipts from the Energy Supply sale of assets owned by regional development agencies Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy are reflected in the spending plans of his Department and Climate Change if he will take steps to maintain for (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14. [47409] potential of small and medium-sized energy suppliers to (a) participate in and (b) benefit from his strategy Gregory Barker: The Department for Business, for ECO2012 and the Green New Deal. [50627] Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) will retain Gregory Barker: The Department has been working receipts from regional development agency (RDA) assets, closely with energy companies of different sizes, developing although a large part of these will be required to meet their proposed role to collect Green Deal payments RDA liabilities. DECC will not retain any receipts from from customers and exploring the potential opportunities RDA asset sales. for them as Green Deal providers, offering energy efficiency Departmental Contracts measures to households and businesses. The specific criteria that will determine which energy Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy suppliers are included as obligated parties under the and Climate Change what contracts his Department new energy company obligation (ECO) will be put and its associated public bodies signed with Lockheed forward as part of the public consultation planned for Martin in each of the last 10 years; and for what later this year. The proposals being developed will be purposes each such contract was let. [50696] informed by the recent consultation on whether to raise the customer account threshold for supplier involvement Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and in DECC’s current supplier obligations. We will be Climate Change and its associated bodies have let no publishing the Government’s response to that consultation contracts to Lockheed Martin since the Department shortly. was established in October 2008. Energy: Housing

Departmental Public Transport Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions his Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Department has had with industry on extending application and Climate Change how many of his ministerial team of the principle of the Green Deal scheme to the have been issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) building of new homes. [50535] monthly and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport and paid for by his Department for use while Gregory Barker: The Department for Communities travelling on government business. [50169] and Local Government has had initial discussions with industry on whether a green deal type approach for new Gregory Barker: None. homes would help them as a way of offsetting some of the upfront costs of zero carbon homes. The Government Electricity Market Reform look forward to further discussions with industry on this matter. Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how the modelling Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for assumptions underlying the Contracts of Difference Energy and Climate Change what mechanisms he has proposed in the consultation on Electricity Market considered to enable the principles of the Green Deal Reform were decided upon. [50617] to be applied to homes not yet built. [50536] Gregory Barker: The Department for Communities Charles Hendry: The assumptions underlying the and Local Government has undertaken some initial modelling were decided in consultation with the modellers work on how the principles of the Green Deal could be and Government analysts. We will publish final proposals applied to new build by capturing the energy cost in the Electricity Market Reform White Paper this benefits of current building standards over a previous summer. standard. Government have invited the house building industry to consider the key principles that could inform Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for the design of such a scheme, if it were to be developed, Energy and Climate Change what assessment has been and looks forward to receiving the industry’s views in undertaken to validate the assumption in the analysis due course. supporting the Electricity Market Reform consultation proposals that a reduction in earnings at risk will lead Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy to an equal increase in the level of debt that can be and Climate Change if he will take steps to reduce the raised. [50622] time taken for delegated nominating officers to approve large-scale domestic energy schemes on housing estates. Charles Hendry: The cost of capital reductions from [50714] the modelling underlying the Electricity Market Reform consultation document were tested through surveys of Robert Neill: I have been asked to reply. 621W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 622W

I understand that this question relates to the length of Pence per kWh time taken by local authorities in the determination of planning applications. Gas Electricity Local authorities often apply a scheme of delegation 2010 3.66 12.64 to allow officials to take decisions that would otherwise be referred to a council committee. This is considered a Dr Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy local matter, and the Department does not intervene in and Climate Change if he will bring forward proposals such schemes of delegation. to regulate the price of heating oil for (a) business and The statutory timescales for the determination of (b) domestic use. [51301] planning applications by local authorities are set out in the Town and Country Planning (Development Charles Hendry: The UK has an open and competitive Management Procedure) (England) Order 2010. Where heating oil market, where there is no natural monopoly. local authorities fail to make decisions within the statutory The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) monitors the heating timescales, applicants have it right of appeal against oil market, including prices, for any indications that non-determination, under section 78 of the Town and consumer or competition legislation has been breached. Country Planning Act 1990. The OFT considers all complaints and representations The Government are committed to introducing a carefully. number of measures to streamline the planning applications On 15 March the OFT launched their off-grid energy and related consents regimes. These will include a 12-month markets study concerning specifically the domestic market. guarantee for the processing of all planning applications, The OFT expects to publish its findings and conclusions including any appeals. Further information on this provision in October 2011, which will help to determine whether is set out in the Government’s ‘Plan for Growth’, published any changes are needed to the heating oil market. in March 2011. Fuel Poverty Fuel Oil: Prices Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has of the number of people over the age of 65 years and made of the effects of the UK’s oil refining capacity on resident in Clwyd South constituency who were living levels of fuel prices charged at the pump. [50427] in fuel poverty in the latest period for which figures are available. [50479]

Charles Hendry: Petrol and diesel are openly traded Gregory Barker: Data on households in fuel poverty commodities within the EU and internationally, and we in Wales are derived from the Living in Wales property believe this open market provides the best long-term survey, 2008 and are supplied by the Welsh Assembly guarantee of competitive prices for the consumer. There Government. In 2008, 332,000 households in Wales are a range of factors that can impact upon retail fuel were estimated to be fuel poor. This is equivalent to prices including crude oil costs, refinery capacity, stocks 26% of all households. Of those households where the levels, distribution costs, margins charged by retailers, household reference person (HRP) was aged 65 or over, tax and duty and exchange rates. UK retailers will have the proportion estimated to be fuel poor is 40% (or to continue to remain competitive in their pricing whether 139,000 households). the product they sell is refined in the UK or is imported. The survey was designed to allow analysis at an all Wales level only, so the Welsh Assembly Government Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for are unable to supply data at a parliamentary constituency Energy and Climate Change what the average cost was level as per the parliamentary question. The survey of a litre of domestic fuel delivered (a) through the results are also presented as the number of households grid and (b) off-grid in the latest period for which that are in fuel poverty and not the number of individuals figures are available. [50481] that are in fuel poverty. The household reference person is defined as the Charles Hendry: Off-grid fuels sold by the litre are person, in whose name the home is owned or rented. If domestic heating oils—either Standard Grade Burning it is jointly owned or rented the HRP is the person who Oil (SGBO) or Gas Oil—and Liquid Petroleum Gas earns the most. If there are equal incomes the HRP is (LPG). DECC does not currently have any prices for the eldest. LPG. The most recent prices published by DECC for heating oil are for February 2011: Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made Pence per litre of the number of people living in fuel poverty who SGBO Gas Oil used (a) heating oil, (b) liquid petroleum gas and (c) February 2011 55.60 64.19 other off-grid fuels as the primary means of heating their homes in the latest period for which figures are Domestic fuel delivered through the grid is either gas available. [50482] or electricity, neither of which are measured in litres. The most recent price data is average UK prices for Gregory Barker: Fuel poverty is measured at household calendar year 2010 measured in pence per kilowatt-hour level, not by number of people. The following table (p/kWh): summarises the number of fuel poor households by 623W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 624W main heating fuel in each of England, Scotland and Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for the most recent period for which data are Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made available. of the minimum number of oil refineries in the UK Number of fuel poor households necessary to ensure security of fuel supply. [50429] Thousand Main heating England Scotland Charles Hendry: The Government recognise that the fuel (2008) (2009) Wales (2008) retention of a refining sector in the UK offers benefits in terms of security of supply (balancing the risks Heating oil 236 77 67 between crude oil and refined product markets) as well LPG/bottled 67 124 13 as wider socio-economic benefits. It is Government’s gas role to create the best conditions to ensure that the Other (solid) 102 1—18 fuels UK’s demand for petroleum products continues to be met; at present, this is done through a balance of 1 Indicates a brace. indigenously manufactured products and imports. We Other off-grid fuels comprise a range of solid fuels, need to recognise the changes taking place in terms of including coal, smokeless fuel, anthracite and wood. refined product supply and demand, and that a mix of product refined in the UK and imports and exports will Greenhouse Gas Emissions play a continuing role in the UK’s downstream oil market. Industry and the market are best placed to Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy determine the appropriate number of UK-based refineries and Climate Change what his policy is on a target for and we have been encouraged by recent inward investment UK reductions of greenhouse gas emissions of 60 per into the UK refinery sector. cent. of 1990 levels by 2030. [50604] Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: The Climate Change Act 2008 requires Energy and Climate Change if he will place in the Government to set the level of the fourth carbon budget Library a copy of each of his Department’s internal covering the period 2023-27 in law not later than 30 studies on the future of oil refineries in the UK. June 2011. The Government are grateful to the Committee [50430] on Climate Change for their report published last December on the fourth carbon budget which included a Charles Hendry: In 2009, a study carried out by recommendation for an indicative target of 60% by Wood Mackenzie, on behalf of DECC, on the resilience 2030. Government expect to respond to the CCC’s of the downstream oil sector was completed and has recommendations after the Easter recess. been available on DECC’s website. Further work on the resilience of the sector to a variety of potential disruption Oil events was conducted by Deloitte LLP in 2010. I will place a copy of these reports in the Libraries of the House. A study on the competitiveness of the UK’s Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for refining sector is under way, and I will also place a copy Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has of this study in the Libraries of the House when complete. made of the effect of environmental legislation on (a) the competitiveness of and (b) levels of investment in oil refining. [50428] Paper

Charles Hendry: There are a range of factors that Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy determine competitiveness and levels of investment in and Climate Change if he will bring forward proposals oil refining. An assessment conducted for DECC in to ensure that the paper industry is not adversely 20091 concluded that low returns and weak demand affected by his policies on climate change and energy growth had led to a lack of discretionary investment in usage. [50859] UK downstream oil infrastructure with most investment being made to comply with safety and environmental Gregory Barker: As part of the Energy Intensive regulatory requirements. The main incentive to invest is Industry Strategy, the Department for Business, Innovation potential financial return, but the lack of demand growth and Skills and the Department of Energy and Climate and the competitive nature of the market constrain Change are looking at how to maximise abatement in these returns in the UK. Nevertheless, reducing regulation these sectors, while maintaining international is a key priority for the coalition Government, and we competitiveness. are working to eliminate the avoidable burdens of regulation and bureaucracy, and to improve European regulation As part of this work, we are looking at the cumulative and to reduce the burdens it imposes. We fully recognise effects of energy and climate change policies on energy the importance of a level playing field within the EU intensive users such as the paper industry. We aim to given the cost and operational challenges to oil refining publish the findings of this work by the summer. that environmental legislation can bring. We will also In Budget 2011, the Government announced that continue to encourage businesses to manage and use climate change agreements (CCAs) will be extended to natural resources in a sustainable manner and reduce 2023, as well as increasing the climate change levy waste, supporting a strong and sustainable green economy. discount on electricity for CCA participants from 65 to 1 Website as follows: 80 per cent from April 2013 to continue to support http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/ energy intensive businesses exposed to international resilience/downstream_oil/improving/improving.aspx competition. 625W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 626W

In addition, as outlined in the Plan for Growth, the Gregory Barker: The following table shows actual Government are introducing a new framework to cap solar PV installation figures under the Feed-in Tariff the impact of levy-funded support on energy bills, (FITs) scheme until 31 December 2010 and projections alongside scrapping plans for a new carbon capture and for 2010-11 and 2011-12. The comprehensive review of storage levy and instead fund the Coalition Commitments FITs will revisit uptake assumptions and update DECC to CCS demonstration from general taxation. projections.

Raytheon Radar Actual FITs model FITs model installations at projection projection 31 December 2010 2010-11 2011-12 Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he has Installations 14,500 20,500 55,000 made on the progress of the mitigation research MW — (50 to 90 MW) (135 to l75 MW) programme for the Raytheon radar. [51011] Note: 1. Installation numbers are rounded to the nearest 500. 2. MW estimates are rounded to the nearest 5 MW.Estimates are presented in a Charles Hendry: We have received an update from range; the lower end of the range is consistent with the final impact assessment, NATS, the UK en-route air navigation service provider February 2010, and the higher end of the range is consistent with the impact assessment accompanying the Fast-Track Review of FITs Consultation. The on the research and development work being conducted Fast-Track Review analysis includes a higher estimate of PV MW capacity than on behalf of DECC, the Crown Estate and the windfarm previously estimated in 2010, which takes account of a higher estimate of developer community with Raytheon. Indications are take-up from large-scale PV installations. Installation numbers (rounded to the nearest 500) are not significantly different in either estimate. encouraging that the technology could be an effective 3. Installations transferred from the RO onto the Exgen (9p/kWh) tariff are mitigation solution for NATS’ radars. Trials are due to excluded. Projections were made on a financial year basis. be completed later this year. Warm Home Discount Care Group Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he expects the mitigation Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for research programme for the Raytheon radar to be Energy and Climate Change how much he plans to completed by the target date of summer 2011. [51012] spend on the Warm Home Discount Care Group in the winter of 2011-12. [50265] Charles Hendry: Yes. Renewable Energy Gregory Barker: The Warm Home Discount scheme regulations set the overall spending target for all elements of the scheme at £250 million for the first scheme year, Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011-12. Subject to the approval by Parliament of data Energy and Climate Change what research his Department matching regulations, which will facilitate the identification (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effectiveness of the Core Group, we expect that suppliers will provide of auctions with multiple bidders in delivering sustained rebates to the Core Group worth up to £97 million. deployment of renewable electricity over the long-term to support the development of the model for Contracts Wave Power for Difference with auctions proposed by his Department in its consultation on Electricity Market Reform. Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy [50621] and Climate Change what recent discussions his Department has had with industry representatives on Charles Hendry: My officials are currently in the support for commercial-scale marine technology to process of assessing the responses we have received to produce energy from wave power. [51155] the Electricity Market Reform consultation which closed on 10 March 2011. A number of these dealt with Charles Hendry: The Department has regular discussions companies’ perceptions of the effectiveness of auctions with representatives of the wave power industry. Recent in the electricity generation market. meetings include: The proposals in the Electricity Market Reform The first Marine Energy Programme Board meeting held in consultation paper were based on analysis of a number Exeter last January, chaired by the Minister of State, Department of auctions/tenders carried out in the UK and of Energy and Climate Change, my hon. Friend the Member for internationally. My officials have carried out further Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker), and subsequently held working research on these schemes, speaking to Government groups. officials responsible for their design and companies A marine energy breakfast “round table”attended by the Minister who have participated in them. of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker), prior We have commissioned external research and advice to him speaking to the RenewableUK Wave and Tidal conference. in a number of areas of electricity market reform, including the effectiveness of different price discovery mechanisms. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Solar Power Local Authority Pay Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has 11. David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for made of the number of solar photovoltaic installations Communities and Local Government what steps his in 2010; and what estimate he has made of the likely Department is taking in respect of levels of pay of installation rate in 2011. [48930] senior staff in local authorities. [50350] 627W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 628W

Mr Pickles: Representations have been received from Information on the levels of precepts set by individual Members of Parliament, leaders of local authorities, parishes is not held centrally. trade union branches and the members of the public. Some taxpayers in the same council tax band in the Although a matter for individual councils, we expect unitary authorities of central Bedfordshire and Shropshire restraint and leadership to be shown locally when setting pay different levels of tax as these authorities have senior pay. We have introduced measures in the Localism decided to continue to set their basic amount of council Bill to increase local democratic accountability for decisions tax under Part 4 of the Local Government (Structural on senior pay. We have also been consulting on proposed Changes) (Finance) Regulations 2008, so as to equalise new transparency arrangements for local government, its council tax for all predecessor areas over more than including how public money is used in relations to two years. Information on these predecessor areas can senior pay. be found in table 6 of the statistical release ‘Council tax levels set by local authorities in England—2011-12’, at Business: Pendle this address: Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/xls/ Communities and Local Government how many 1870241.xls businesses in Pendle constituency received business rate Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for hardship relief in 2010. [50965] Communities and Local Government what steps he is Robert Neill: The information requested is not held taking to assist residents of local authority areas in centrally. meeting the cost of council tax bills. [50542] Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: The Government’s council tax freeze for Communities and Local Government how many 2011-12 has been a success with 100% take-up of the businesses in Pendle constituency were (a) eligible for scheme among eligible authorities across England. and (b) received small business rate relief in the last In addition, council tax benefit is available to those year for which figures are available. [50966] on low incomes who are having difficulty paying their council tax bills. Robert Neill: Pendle reported on their national non- domestic rates (NNDR1) budget form that 1,158 Departmental Contracts hereditaments received a discount from the small business rate relief scheme as at 31 December 2009. A further 55 Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for hereditaments paid only the small business rate multiplier Communities and Local Government what contracts without being granted a discount. Information on numbers his Department and its associated public bodies signed of businesses eligible for the relief is not held centrally. with Lockheed Martin in each of the last 10 years; and for what purposes each such contract was let. [50693] Compulsory Purchase Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Government was formed in May 2002 (as the Communities and Local Government what steps he has Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) and since that taken to establish and promulgate guidance on the time has let no contracts with Lockheed Martin. planning status of land acquired under compulsory Information on contracts awarded by the Department’s purchase orders in order to assess land value for associated public bodies is not held centrally and could compensation purposes. [50723] be provided only at disproportionate cost. Robert Neill: Guidance on the current system is contained Spending by my Department’s arm’s length bodies in Appendix P (“Land Compensation Act 1961— over £500 since 2008-09 is available online as part of Certificates of appropriate alternative development”) our broader transparency agenda. to Part 1 of the Memorandum to ODPM Circular 06/2004 “Compulsory Purchase and the Crichel Down Rules”. Departmental Flowers Council Tax Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Department spent on cut flowers through its integrated Communities and Local Government what facilities management contract with MITIE between information his Department holds on local authorities the date of initiation of the contract and 30 April 2010. which have different levels of council tax within their [50667] areas for those in the same council tax band. [50383] Robert Neill: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer Robert Neill [holding answer 1 April 2011]: Taxpayers I gave him on 1 February 2011, Official Report, in the same local authority and council tax band will columns 743-44W. pay different levels of council tax where the town or parish where they live charges a differing amount of Environment Protection: Planning Permission precept from another town or parish in that local authority. The Department has published local authority level Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for information for 2010-11 on local precepting authorities. Communities and Local Government what mechanisms This can be found at the following address: are in place to coordinate environmental planning between http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/xls/ communities in cases where protected woodland covers 1765849.xls more than one county and district area. [50468] 629W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 630W

Robert Neill: Local planning authorities already work Debriefs are currently taking place. Feedback from together on environmental issues both informally and exercise participants, who came from many diverse formally, for example on preparing joint local plans. organisations, is being collated. A final exercise report We are introducing a Duty to Co-operate in the and implementation plan is expected by the end of Localism Bill that will require local planning authorities September 2011. My Department will take forward any and public bodies to engage constructively, actively and findings relating to the fire and rescue service, working on an ongoing basis in preparing local plans. The duty with the sector as appropriate. will maximise effective working on development planning in relation to issues that cross administrative boundaries. The issues will depend on the circumstances that authorities Flood Control: Finance and their neighbours face but is likely to include environmental matters. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Authorities have the option of developing joint strategic Communities and Local Government what representations planning documents with statutory status. These documents he has received on the implications of the local levy for can address one or more strategic issues, for example flood defences for the holding of referendums under the climate change, energy, transport, infrastructure, that provisions of the Localism Bill. [51017] are particularly relevant to a group of authorities who may want to develop a strategy to address them together. Robert Neill: We have received certain representations about flood defence levies. We are currently considering Fire Services: Pensions what might be possible in terms of allowing communities to come together and make it clear they are happy to raise such a levy, while ensuring this does not amount to Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for a green light for excessive council tax increases. Communities and Local Government what assessment he has made of the potential effects on fire service pension schemes of the recommendations of the Housing Revenue Accounts Independent Public Sector Pensions Commission. [50277] Mr Spencer: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: The final report of the Independent Communities and Local Government what his policy is Public Service Pension Commission was published by on the retention of receipts from the sale of council Lord Hutton on 10 March 2011. The report set out 27 house sales in order to deliver services locally through recommendations to reform public service pensions so the housing revenue account business plan. [50322] that public service employees can have access to good quality, sustainable and affordable pensions, which are Andrew Stunell: Receipts derived from the sale of fair to both public sector workers and the taxpayer. tenanted homes to registered social landlords may be spent on any capital purpose (once outstanding liabilities These recommendations included a move to career have been met). All other receipts may be retained average pension schemes, the protection of accrued provided they are spent on affordable housing or rights, greater transparency and oversight, and the linking regeneration projects, except right to buy (and similar) of scheme retirement ages to the state pension age. For sales of existing council homes where 75% of the receipt the uniformed services, including firefighters, Lord Hutton must be surrendered to central Government. recommended that a retirement age of 60 would be more appropriate, inline with the current New Firefighters Pension Scheme (2006) rules. Local Enterprise Partnerships At the Budget the Chancellor accepted Lord Hutton’s recommendations as a basis for consultation with public Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for sector workers, trades unions and others, recognising Communities and Local Government (1) what that the position of the uniformed services will require mechanisms are in place to ensure environmental particularly careful consideration. The Government will concerns are taken into account in the development of then set out proposals in the autumn that are affordable, local enterprise partnerships; [50719] sustainable and fair to both the public sector work force and the taxpayer. (2) what mechanisms are in place to ensure social issues are taken into account in the development of local enterprise partnerships. [50720] Flood Control Robert Neill: Local enterprise partnerships are locally Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for led partnerships of business and civic leaders, coming Communities and Local Government what discussions together to provide clear vision and strategic leadership he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, to drive sustainable economic growth and job creation Food and Rural Affairs on the findings from Exercise in their area, as set out in the White Paper “Local Watermark national emergency flooding exercise that growth: realising every places potential”. We continue affect fire and rescue services. [50323] to take a non-prescriptive approach in order to give local areas the flexibility to fully reflect their economic Robert Neill: Exercise Watermark took place from 4 needs. As such it is for local areas to decide how to 10 March. It tested the country’s preparedness for a environmental concerns will be taken into account in national flood emergency. It is too soon to draw, or setting the priorities and continued work of their local discuss, any findings. enterprise partnership. 631W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 632W

Local Enterprise Partnerships: Cost-effectiveness consultation his Department conducted prior to the creation of the North East Economic Partnership. Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for [50228] Communities and Local Government what criteria he plans to use to assess value for money in the new local Robert Neill: The North East Economic Partnership enterprise partnership arrangements. [50230] is not a government body and Central Government has therefore not been consulted on its creation. Robert Neill: Local enterprise partnerships are not government bodies, and do not receive central Government funding in respect to their administrative costs. As locally led partnerships of business and civic leaders, they will not be subject to burdensome performance Local Government Finance: Kent monitoring regimes imposed by Whitehall. It will be for partnerships to determine how best to assess value for Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for money as part of any monitoring activities they undertake. Communities and Local Government how much funding Where partnerships receive support from Government his Department allocated to (a) Medway council and in relation to specific economic activities, there will be a (b) Tonbridge and Malling borough council in each of requirement to assess value for money in respect to the the last five years. [50046] public purse. Local Enterprise Partnerships: North East Robert Neill: The total grant funding allocated by the Department of Communities and Local Government Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for to Medway unitary authority and Tonbridge and Malling Communities and Local Government what public borough council is as follows:

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

Medway 215,307 77,170’ 80,761 88,756 104,348 Tonbridge and Malling 6,659 7,121 7.208 7,818 7,454

The definition of central Government grant used Robert Neill: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I here is the sum of: gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr formula grant (revenue support grant and redistributed non- Offord) on 28 March 2011, Official Report, column 7W. domestic rates); Local Government: Public Participation specific grants inside Aggregate External Finance (i.e. revenue grants paid for council’s core services) (only includes grants Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for from this Department); Communities and Local Government what information specific grants outside Aggregate External Finance (only includes his Department holds on the number of times people grants from this Department); have been removed by police from public galleries in Area Based Grant (from 2008-09); and meetings of local authorities in England in (a) 2008, (b) (c) [50375] ‘other grants’ provided by all Government Departments. 2009 and 2010. These figures are taken from revenue outturn forms Robert Neill: My Department does not bold the provided by authorities after the end of a financial year. requested information. Figures for formula grant, Area Based Grant and other I have, however, noted reports in the media and social grants are aggregated grants for all Government media recently of incidents where people had been Departments. ejected from council meetings for blogging, tweeting or Comparison across years may not be valid owing to filming, and given the importance of transparency and changing local authority responsibilities and changes to accountability in council decision-making, I wrote to funding methodology. For example, the large apparent principal local authorities on 23 February to encourage reduction in Medway’s funding between 2005-06 and councils to open up their meetings to members of the 2006-07 is due principally to the transfer of Dedicated public and to citizen journalists. School Grant (£153.092 million in 2006-07) from formula Non-domestic Rates: Rochdale grant to specific grants inside Aggregate External Finance (from another Department). Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) how many Local Government: Pay businesses in Rochdale received business rate hardship relief in 2010; [49999] (2) how many businesses in each region of England Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for received business rate hardship relief in 2010. [50001] Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking in respect of levels of pay to Robert Neill: The information requested is not held senior officials in local authorities. [50661] centrally. 633W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 634W

Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for Prince William: Marriage Communities and Local Government how many businesses in Rochdale were (a) eligible for and (b) received small business rate relief in the latest period Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for for which figures are available. [50000] Communities and Local Government what steps the Government is taking to reduce the administrative requirements for street parties planned to mark the Robert Neill: Rochdale metropolitan borough council Royal Wedding. [50541] reported on their national non-domestic rates (NNDR1) budget form that 1,864 hereditaments received a discount from the small business rate relief scheme as at 31 December Robert Neill: In August 2010 the Government published 2009. A further 128 hereditaments paid only the small a simple checklist to help residents work with their local business rate multiplier without being granted a discount. authorities to organise street parties and similar community Information on number of businesses eligible for the events. The checklist replaced a plethora of confusing relief is not held centrally. guidelines on food licences, road closures and insurance. I have placed a copy of the checklist in the Library of Planning Permission the House. In February 2011, working in conjunction with my Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Department, the Department for Transport removed Communities and Local Government what his policy is the national guidelines on “special event”traffic regulation on the provision of guidance and information on orders, making clear these were matters to be dealt with changes to the planning system to non-governmental locally and that central Government did not need to be organisations. [50666] involved. Ministers have continued to encourage local authorities Robert Neill: The Localism Bill contains a number of to be as helpful and flexible as possible in agreeing road changes to the planning system and this was published closures and not to levy unnecessary charges. in December 2010 with explanatory notes. The National Planning Policy Framework will set out the Government’s key economic, social and environmental Tenancy Agreements objectives and the planning policies to deliver them. The framework will combine all national planning policies Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for into one concise, easy to use document in a way that is Communities and Local Government what assessment much more accessible to business and communities. he has made of the likely effect of flexible tenancies on older people and the disabled. [50361] Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what mechanisms Andrew Stunell: We will protect the security and are in place to evaluate local authorities’ adaptation to rights of existing social tenants. At the same time, our the new planning system [50721] tenancy reforms will give greater flexibility to social landlords to support more vulnerable people who need Robert Neill: The Government are decentralising help, for as long as they need it, and ensure that the decisions on planning and housing matters to local system is fair. authorities who are perfectly capable of managing planning in their area. However, all plans are subject to an independent West Sussex County Council: Pay examination to test their soundness and all planning decisions are subject to appeal if applicants are unhappy with the decision. Mr Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will place in the Library a Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for copy of the underlying local wage data used by the last Communities and Local Government what steps he has administration as the basis of calculations of the area taken to ensure that local authorities are equipped with cost adjustment for West Sussex County Council, adequate resources to collect and collate data relevant anonymising data where necessary to facilitate disclosure. [50644] to planning. [50722]

Robert Neill: Local plans should be based on sound Robert Neill [holding answer 1 April 2011]: It is the evidence, but it is not the job of the Government to tell view of Ministers that data should be released, provided councils how to manage their responsibilities or prioritise that personally identifiable information would not be their resources. Evidence should be proportionate and released and legal obligations were met. I believe that relevant to the local area. disclosure would be in keeping with the new Government’s Subject to the review and reduction of data reporting transparency and free data agendas, and would be in burdens on local government, the Department will continue the public interest by promoting greater scrutiny and to produce official statistics which can contribute to the accountability of the local government finance settlement. evidence base used by local authorities to develop their Notwithstanding, the data referred to are the plans; these statistics include house building, affordable responsibility of the Office for National Statistics and housing supply, house prices, homelessness, household any release is governed by the Statistics and Registration projections, planning applications and land use change. Service Act 2007. 635W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 636W

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Mr Harper: No formal reports have been received by the Government on the conduct of the recent election Departmental Responsibilities of the mayor of the London borough of Tower Hamlets.

Mr Bone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what constitutional powers he would adopt were the Prime General Election 2010 Minister prevented from exercising his functions and duties. [51005] Bob Russell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the number of armed forces The Deputy Prime Minister: I refer my hon. Friend to personnel who exercised their right to vote in the May the recent answer given by the Leader of the House of 2010 general election (a) in person, (b) by post and Commons (Sir George Young) on 10 March 2011, (c) by proxy; and what proportion this represents of Official Report, column 1065. armed forces personnel on electoral rolls. [50107] Departmental Travel Mr Harper: No figures are kept on the number of armed forces personnel who choose to exercise their Maria Eagle: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) right to vote, whether in person, by post or by proxy. on what date he last travelled by ministerial car whilst Armed forces personnel may register either as service on government business; and how many times he has voters or as ‘ordinary’ voters, and may change the travelled by ministerial car to his constituency since nature of their registration over the course of their May 2010; [50094] career. The Ministry of Defence conducts regular surveys (2) on what date he last travelled by a public bus to monitor the level of registration among armed forces service whilst on government business; and how many personnel—in 2009, 76% of those who were registered times he has travelled by public bus services whilst on to vote were registered as ‘ordinary’ voters, rather than government business since his appointment; [50095] service voters. (3) on what date he last travelled by London Electoral registers do not record whether someone Underground services whilst on government business; who is not registered specifically as a service voter is a and how many times he has travelled by London member of the armed forces, and so, even were numbers Underground services whilst on government business held centrally of votes cast by those registered as service since his appointment; [50096] voters, no calculation of the percentage of armed forces personnel who have voted would be possible. Departmental Public Transport (4) whether he has been issued at public expense with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly and (ii) General Elections: Costs annual travelcard valid on London Underground for use when travelling on government business. [50097] Mr Ward: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of The Deputy Prime Minister: I travel making the most a general election held in 2015 under (a) the first past efficient and cost-effective arrangements, including by the post system and (b) the alternative vote system. public transport. My travel arrangements are in accordance [50799] with the arrangements for official travel as set out in the ministerial code. Mr Harper: Based on the information set out in the Parliamentary Elections (Returning Officers’ Charges) Departmental Travel Order 2010, the estimated cost of the conduct of the UK parliamentary election in Great Britain which was Maria Eagle: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how held under the first past the post system on 6 May 2010 much his Office has spent on Ministerial travel by (a) is £82.1 million. This figure takes into account the Ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) commercial reduced costs of holding the UK parliamentary election aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May 2010. on the same day as local government elections. The [50224] estimated cost of the 2010 UK parliamentary election in Northern Ireland was £2.5 million. The overall figures The Deputy Prime Minister: Details of overseas travel will be finalised once all claims from acting returning are published quarterly and can be found at: officers in Great Britain and the chief electoral officer www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk for Northern Ireland (who are statutorily responsible Within the UK, I travel making the most efficient and for running the poll) have been received and finalised. cost-effective arrangements, including by public transport. The estimated cost of holding a stand-alone UK My travel arrangements are in accordance with the parliamentary election across the whole of the UK arrangements for official travel as set out in the ministerial under the first past the post system is £92.1 million. code. The features of a general election using the alternative vote system would broadly be the same as under the Elections: Tower Hamlets existing system: for example, in terms of the provision of ballot papers and polling stations. However, it is not Mr Burley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what possible to quantify with certainty what the extra cost reports he has received on the conduct of the recent of counting votes under the alternative vote system election of the mayor of the London borough of Tower would be: this will be dependent to a significant extent Hamlets. [50668] on the preferences expressed by voters. 637W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 638W

Lobbying Mr Blunt: In the recent Green Paper “Breaking the Cycle”, we set out our intention to increase the range Graeme Morrice: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and availability of restorative justice approaches, and to what progress he has made in his consideration of the give victims a greater change of seeking reparation for Ministerial Code as it relates to commercial lobbying crime committed against them. activities. [50464] In total, we received approximately 1,200 responses and will be publishing our response to the consultation Mr Harper: The “Ministerial Code” published in in May. This will include consideration of the May 2010 was strengthened to make clear that on representations we received on the use of restorative leaving office, former Ministers will be prohibited from justice at different stages in the criminal justice system lobbying Government for two years. The code also and for different disposal types, where appropriate. makes clear that former Ministers must seek advice from the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments about any appointments or employment Court Orders they wish to take up within two years of leaving office, and that they must abide by the Committee’s advice. John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government are also committed to introducing a Justice how many court orders have been issued by each statutory register of lobbyists, and will publish a court division which prohibit parties from mentioning consultation paper on the form and content of a statutory the existence of proceedings to hon. Members in each register later this year. year since 2000. [50105]

Mr Djanogly: In order to protect the interests of justice in an individual case, the courts have power to JUSTICE prohibit disclosure of specific information to anyone Prosecutions: National Insurance Contributions other than the defendant’s legal advisers. However, the defendant is always at liberty to apply for the order to Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for be made in different terms (if he or she is represented at Justice how many (a) employers and (b) employees were the hearing), or subsequently for the terms of the order prosecuted for evading national insurance contributions to be amended (for example to permit disclosure to in the last 12 months for which figures are available. specific individuals or bodies or for specific purposes). [50039] The Ministry of Justice does not hold figures centrally on the number of court orders issued each year by court Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply. divisions which specifically prohibit parties from mentioning I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given on 28 the existence of proceedings to hon. Members. The February 2011, Official Report, column 36W. requested information could only be obtained through the examination of individual case files held at courts Bribery Act 2010 which would incur disproportionate cost. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what recent discussions he has had with (a) ministerial Departmental Contracts colleagues and (b) stakeholders on the timetable for publication of guidance on implementation of the Bribery Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Act 2010; and if he will make a statement; [50267] what contracts his Department and its associated (2) what timetable he has set for implementation of public bodies signed with Lockheed Martin in each of the Bribery Act 2010; if he will make it his policy to the last 10 years; and for what purposes each such bring the Act into force no later than May 2011; and if contract was let. [50700] he will make a statement. [50268] Mr Blunt: There have been no contracts awarded to Mr Djanogly: In his written statement of 30 March Lockheed Martin since the Ministry of Justice was 2011, Official Report, column 21WS, the Lord Chancellor formed in 2007. Prior to this date there are no centralised and Secretary of State for Justice, the right hon. and historical data available. learned Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), informed the House that he had that day published guidance Departmental Travel under the Bribery Act about commercial organisations preventing bribery and would allow a period of three Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice months for businesses to familiarise themselves with (1) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in this guidance before the Act comes into force on 1 July his Department last travelled by (i) London Underground 2011. It is not the constitutional practice to disclose and (ii) public bus services on Government business; details of ministerial discussions. The guidance itself how many times (A) he and (B) each other Minister in was the subject of extensive consultation outside his Department has travelled by each such form of Government but the timetable did not form part of the transport on Government business since May 2010; and consultation process. if he will make a statement; [50083] Community Orders: Shoplifting (2) how many of his ministerial team have been issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport what recent representations he has received on the use and paid for by his Department for use while travelling of restorative justice for shop theft offences. [50246] on Government business; [50180] 639W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 640W

(3) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister Information on the dates each Minister in MoJ last in his Department last used a ministerial car while used a ministerial car while travelling in an official travelling in an official capacity; and how many times (i) capacity and how many times each other Minister travelled he and (ii) each other Minister in his Department has to their constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010 travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car since is not held centrally and could be provided only at a May 2010; [50182] disproportionate cost. However, Ministers only have a (4) how much his Department has spent on ministerial ministerial car when they are travelling in an official travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) capacity with their red box. commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May A breakdown of ministerial travel expenditure is as 2010. [50215] follows: (a) Total cost of ministerial cars to date from May 2010 to Mr Djanogly: Since changes to the Government Car 29 March 2011 is £212,991. Service in September 2010, only the Lord Chancellor (b) Total cost of ministerial train fares from May 2010 to and Secretary of State for Justice, my right hon. and 29 March is £3,752.96. learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), had an allocated car, which other members of the (c) No cost has been incurred for ministerial travel by bus. ministerial team make use of where possible. No members (d) Total cost of ministerial use of commercial aircraft from of the ministerial team have been issued with an oyster May 2010 to 29 March is £14,356.39. card, monthly or annual travel card valid on London (e) No cost has been incurred for ministerial travel by private Transport and paid for by the Ministry of Justice. aircraft.

Table 1: Breakdown of travel by transport on Government business since May 2010 Date of travel by: Times travelled on: London Underground Public bus London Underground Public bus

Secretary of State Kenneth Clarke MP Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return Nil Return

Lord McNally 17 February 2011 Nil Return 1 Nil Return

Crispin Blunt MP 20 September 2010 (x2) Nil Return 16 Nil Return 28 September 2010 17 October 2010 18 October 2010 20 October 2010 21 October 2010 25 November 2010 6 January 2011 25 January 2011 (x2) 27 January 2011 9 March 2011 14 March 2011 17 March 2011 (x2)

Jonathan Djanogly MP 2 February 2011 Nil Return 1 Nil Return

Incapacity Benefit: Tribunals a hearing, over the period April 2010 to the end of February 2011, was 21.1 weeks. Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The functions of the Tribunals Service have now how many appeals concerning incapacity benefit claims transferred into Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals were awaiting listing by the Tribunals Service in the Service which was launched on 1 April 2011. This latest period for which figures are available; and what brings together Her Majesty’s Courts Service and the the average time was from the admission of an appeal Tribunals Service into one agency supporting the to the case being heard by a tribunal in the last year for administration of justice in both courts and tribunals. which figures are available. [50854] Legal Aid: Poole

Mr Djanogly: There are always a number of ‘live’ Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice appeals in the First-tier Tribunal—Social Security and how many people in Poole constituency received legal Child Support progressing through the stages of receipt, aid in each of the last five years. [50515] decision and promulgation. The number of incapacity appeals awaiting listing for a hearing as at 28 February Mr Djanogly: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) 2011, the latest date for which statistics have been is responsible for administering the legal aid scheme in published, was 8,600. The average time taken by the England and Wales. The LSC does not record the tribunal from receipt of an incapacity benefit appeal to number of people who receive legal aid, but instead 641W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 642W records the number of ‘acts of assistance’. One individual the accommodation of a (a) male offender, (b) female may receive a number of separate acts of assistance, offender and (c) female offender in a women’s and one act of assistance can help more than one person. rehabilitation centre in the last year for which figures We are re-examining the data in respect of all the Poole are available. [51004] constituency and I will write separately with this information. Mr Blunt: The average overall annual cost per prisoner Marriage of Convenience place in 2009- 10 was: Male: £39,719 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people have been prosecuted for Female: £56,415 offences in relation to sham marriages in each of the This includes prison related overheads met centrally last five years. [50675] by the National Offender Management Service. This is based on the cost of male and female prisons; where Mr Blunt: Defendants can be prosecuted under a there is a prison holding both male and female prisoners, variety of Acts for offences related to sham marriages, the data has been allocated to the major use as at 31 including the Perjury Act 1911, Immigration Act 1971, March 2010, so the figures do not provide the precise Identity Cards Act 2006, and the Fraud Act 2006. split between male and female prisoners. However it is not possible to identify from data collated The costs for women’s centres differ significantly centrally by the Ministry of Justice proceedings specifically across the country as the provision varies both in terms for sham marriages. of size and scope. Women’s community services support Offenders: Rehabilitation community options for the courts that provide alternatives to a woman being remanded or given short sentences. Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for These services cost less than prison; however these costs Justice how much funding he plans to allocate for should be set alongside probation costs for managing female offender rehabilitation centres in each year of community sentences and associated costs e.g. costs of approved premises, which has been estimated as £26,000 the comprehensive spending review period. [51003] per bed place annually. Mr Blunt: Funding for the Women’s Community Prison Service: Finance Projects was a one-off grant and ends in April 2011. It has always been the aim to demonstrate the effectiveness Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for of the projects in diverting women from custody who Justice pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for do not pose a risk to the community and embed them as Hyndburn of 29 March 2011, Official Report, columns part of local commissioning arrangements. 155-6, on prison service (resources), how much was The National Offender Management Service has spent in each (a) prison service establishment and (b) identified funding to sustain community projects that region in (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11; and what the are critical to diverting women away from custody and funding settlement is for 2011-12. [50906] crime and a further announcement will be made shortly. The Ministry of Justice will continue to encourage the Mr Blunt: The following table provides the National development of services for women in the criminal Offender Management Service’s resource spend classified justice system that address their complex problems. as Direct Resource Expenditure which represents costs met by each public and private establishments by region Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for (i) in 2009-10 and (ii) for 2010-11, the latest forecast Justice what the average cost to the public purse was of spend for financial year ending 2010-11.

NOMS prisons resource spend 2009-10 and 2010-11 £ million Forecast P11 Region Establishment name 2009-10 2010-11

North East Acklington 19.1 19.0 Castington 14.8 13.4 Deerbolt 15.1 14.2 Durham 23.0 22.2 Holme House 22.4 24.6 Kirklevington Grange 5.8 5.6 Low Newton 11.7 11.5 North East total 111.9 110.5

Wales Cardiff 16.2 16.1 Swansea 9.2 9.3 Usk 7.5 7.5 Wales total 32.9 32.9 Yorks and Humberside Askham Grange 3.6 3.1 Everthorpe 13.0 12.2 643W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 644W

NOMS prisons resource spend 2009-10 and 2010-11 £ million Forecast P11 Region Establishment name 2009-10 2010-11

Hull 21.7 20.6 Leeds 24.3 23.5 Lindholme 19.8 18.1 Moorland 21.0 20.4 New Hall 15.8 14.5 Northallerton 5.7 5.5 Wealstun 17.0 17.0 Wetherby 15.3 15.8 Yorks and Humberside total 157.3 152.0

North West Buckley Hall 9.4 9.7 Garth 20.6 20.0 Haverigg 14.4 13.7 Hindley 18.2 18.6 Kennet 11.7 10.8 Kirkham 13.5 12.7 Lancaster Castle 7.4 7.4 Lancaster Farms 16.9 15.3 Liverpool 26.1 26.0 Preston 19.6 18.5 Risley 21.6 20.7 Styal 15.3 14.1 Thorn Cross 8.8 8.5 Wymott 24.1 23.2 North West total 227.5 219.3

West Midlands Birmingham 29.7 29.9 Brinsford 16.3 15.5 Drake Hall 8.2 8.1 Featherstone 14.3 14.5 Hewell Cluster 28.4 28.3 Shrewsbury 8.7 8.6 Stafford 14.8 14.7 Stoke Heath 17.1 17.1 Swinfen Hall 14.8 14.7 Werrington 7.0 7.1 West Midlands total 159.2 158.5

East of England Bedford 11.9 11.7 Blundeston 13.2 12.5 Bullwood Hall 7.1 6.5 Bure 6.4 11.4 Chelmsford 17.7 17.5 Edmunds Hill 9.5 9.1 Highpoint 18.4 17.7 Hollesley Bay 6.9 6.9 Littlehey 16.1 22.4 Mount (The) 16.5 16.3 Norwich 16.6 16.1 Warren Hill 9.9 10.1 Wayland 17.8 18.0 East of England total 168.0 176.2 645W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 646W

NOMS prisons resource spend 2009-10 and 2010-11 £ million Forecast P11 Region Establishment name 2009-10 2010-11

East Midlands Ashwell 10.8 8.1 Foston Hall 10.0 9.1 Gartree 18.0 17.1 Glen Parva 18.3 17.6 Leicester 9.4 8.9 Lincoln 15.5 14.6 Morton Hall 8.6 7.9 North Sea Camp 5.9 6.0 Nottingham 17.9 22.0 Onley 17.5 16.0 Ranby 21.8 20.7 Stocken 15.4 15.4 Sudbury 9.1 7.8 Wellingborough 13.5 12.0 Whatton 18.2 17.1 East Midlands total 210.0 200.3

South West Bristol 15.5 15.4 Channings Wood 15.8 16.0 Dartmoor 15.3 15.7 Dorchester 7.8 7.3 Eastwood Park 11.2 11.4 Erlestoke 10.8 10.6 Exeter 13.1 12.9 Gloucester 9.2 9.0 Guys Marsh 12.2 11.6 Leyhill 10.4 10.3 Portland 15.6 15.0 Shepton Mallet 6.0 5.9 Verne (The) 11.5 11.3 South West total 154.5 152.4

London Brixton 20.6 21.3 Feltham 33.1 32.0 Holloway 21.4 19.2 Isis 2.7 12.3 Latchmere House 4.6 4.4 Pentonville 31.3 29.2 Wandsworth 36.2 34.1 Wormwood Scrubs 28.0 27.2 London total 177.9 179.8

High Security Belmarsh 39.9 39.8 Frankland 40.7 39.6 Full Sutton 29.4 29.0 Long Lartin 28.0 29.1 Manchester 35.3 36.1 Wakefield 29.3 29.4 Whitemoor 31.6 30.6 Woodhill 32.7 32.8 High Security total 266.9 266.6

South East Aylesbury 13.6 12.4 647W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 648W

NOMS prisons resource spend 2009-10 and 2010-11 £ million Forecast P11 Region Establishment name 2009-10 2010-11

Blantyre House 3.1 3.0 Bullingdon 22.5 21.2 Canterbury 7.5 7.3 Coldingley 14.0 14.2 Cookham Wood 8.9 9.5 Downview 10.6 | 9.9 East Sutton Park 2.8 2.7 Ford 8.6 7.8 Grendon and Springhill 15.1 9.4 Highdown 24.1 22.0 Huntercombe 13.5 12.9 Isle of Wight Cluster 39.8 39.6 Kingston 6.2 6.1 Lewes 16.3 15.7 Maidstone 12.1 11.4 Reading 9.0 8.2 Rochester 17.6 16.7 Send 8.7 8.4 Isle of Sheppey Cluster 50.7 51.9 Winchester 15.7 14.6 South East total 320.4 320.9

Private Parc 45.4 44.4 Doncaster 23.5 23.8 Wolds 9.3 9.2 Altcourse 46.4 47.9 Forest Bank 31.6 35.6 Dovegate 32.4 37.0 Peterborough 31.3 32.2 Bronzefield 24.4 26.8 Rye Hill 18.5 18.3 Lowdham Grange 20.2 26.2 Ashfield 23.1 25.3 Private total 306.2 326.7

Total 2,292.6 2,287.4 Notes: 1. Displayed figures are subject to rounding. 2. The term ‘Direct Resource Expenditure’ relates to the costs met locally by establishments. 3. YOI refers to Young Offender Institutions. 4. Data for Elmley, Standford Hill and Swaleside are reported under the Isle of Sheppey Cluster. Similarly, data for Blakenhurst, Brockhill and Hewell Grange are reported together as Hewell Cluster. Data for Parkhurst, Camphill and Albany are reported under the Isle of Wight cluster. 5. Dover, Haslar and Lindholme IND are not included as they are immigration removal centres operating under Detention Centre Rules 2001. 6. Private prisons and high security prisons are shown separately. 7. Prison service resources for 2010-11: The expenditure figures for financial year 2010-2011 are based on forecast as at end of February 2011. 8. Funding settlement for 2011-12: The NOMS total budget for financial year 2011-2012 for public Prisons is £1,870 million and private prisons £311 million. Budgets for individual establishments are still subject to adjustment before being issued.

Prison Service: Manpower in each (i) region and (ii) Prison Service establishment in 2011-12. [50907] Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Hyndburn of 29 March 2011, Official Report, Mr Blunt: Information on the complemented staffing columns 155-56, on prison service (resources), what the numbers are reported regularly by each establishment. complemented staffing numbers were in (a) 2009-10 The staffing requirements reported for 31 March 2009, and (b) 2010-11; and what estimates his Department 31 March 2010 and 31 December 2010 are shown in the has made of the change in complemented staffing numbers following tables. 649W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 650W

Staffing requirement by region, 2009-10 Establishment staffing requirement Region 31 March 2009 31 March 2010 31 December 2010

East Midlands 5,530 5,541 4,911 East of England 4,739 5,114 4,962 London 4,804 4,958 4,851 North East 3,763 3,735 3,632 North West 6,152 6,041 5,828 South East 8,838 8,736 8,341 South West 3,754 3,571 3,488 Wales 920 829 865 West Midlands 4,703 4,671 4,593 Yorkshire and Humberside 5,309 5,231 5,249 Total 48,512 48,426 46,720

Staffing requirement by region and establishment, 2009-10 Establishment staffing requirement Region Establishment 31 March 2009 31 March 2010 31 December 2010

East Midlands Ashwell 326 309 219 Foston Hall 328 318 251 Gartree 477 461 435 Glen Parva 528 529 479 Leicester 242 235 212 Lincoln 401 401 337 Morton Hall 225 217 196 North Sea Camp 150 145 122 Nottingham 417 616 566 Onley 440 434 390 Ranby 559 494 438 Stocken 418 398 372 Sudbury 208 203 183 Wellingborough 335 326 291 Whatton 478 457 420

East of England Bedford 276 279 265 Blundeston 308 311 288 Bullwood Hall 169 159 152 Bure 24 311 308 Chelmsford 437 419 409 Edmunds Hill 243 220 220 Highpoint 510 444 449 Hollesley Bay 161 154 144 Littlehey 323 610 594 Norwich 411 404 376 The Mount 357 342 341 Warren Hill 249 247 251 Wayland 463 423 417 Whitemoor 809 793 751

London Belmarsh 1033 989 961 Brixton 365 345 335 Feltham 788 772 734 Holloway 541 521 511 Isis 0 312 312 Latchmere House 84 83 81 Pentonville 652 607 606 Wandsworth 752 738 727 651W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 652W

Staffing requirement by region and establishment, 2009-10 Establishment staffing requirement Region Establishment 31 March 2009 31 March 2010 31 December 2010

Wormwood Scrubs 590 591 586 North East Frankland 997 1,016 988 Acklington 464 454 439 Castington 394 388 338 Deerbolt 363 350 343 Durham 614 547 526 Holme House 499 561 596 Kirklevington Grange 138 137 130 Low Newton 296 282 273

North West Manchester 922 929 880 Buckley Hall 199 195 198 Garth 533 504 482 Haverigg 322 330 329 Hindley 447 447 427 Kennet 294 289 271 Kirkham 235 231 204 Lancaster 164 167 159 Lancaster Farms 383 372 363 Liverpool 609 607 587 Preston 455 439 421 Risley 500 488 485 Styal 331 321 312 Thorn Cross 209 190 180 Wymott 551 532 530

South East Aylesbury 336 307 311 Blantyre House 67 67 65 Bullingdon 514 489 476 Canterbury 187 184 187 Coldingley 286 287 274 Cookham Wood 235 236 248 Dover 288 257 259 Downview 227 228 216 East Sutton Park 59 61 62 Ford 171 172 166 Grendon 320 316 293 Haslar 106 104 100 High Down 613 502 483 Huntercombe 303 309 225 Isle of Wight 941 911 876 Kingston 139 139 132 Lewes 376 358 365 Maidstone 294 297 281 Reading 226 205 198 Rochester 509 494 454 Send 193 200 191 Sheppey Cluster 1,301 1,467 1,370 Winchester 367 367 341 Woodhill 782 780 766

South West Bristol 374 366 369 653W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 654W

Staffing requirement by region and establishment, 2009-10 Establishment staffing requirement Region Establishment 31 March 2009 31 March 2010 31 December 2010

Channings Wood 371 349 343 Dartmoor 346 332 326 Dorchester 200 184 171 Eastwood Park 339 282 276 Erlestoke 262 258 259 Exeter 335 317 308 Gloucester 219 218 211 Guys Marsh 293 289 267 Leyhill 222 221 209 Portland 383 358 348 Shepton Mallet 144 139 140 The Verne 268 260 263

Wales Cardiff 457 421 440 Swansea 252 239 240 Usk/Prescoed 211 169 185

West Midlands Long Lartin 655 732 706 Birmingham 810 753 753 Brinsford 415 400 369 Drake Hall 189 177 181 Featherstone 349 331 333 Hewell 652 654 656 Shrewsbury 215 207 206 Stafford 388 380 367 Stoke Heath 474 455 455 Swinfen Hall 418 400 384 Werrington 140 182 184

Yorkshire and Humberside Full Sutton 786 788 762 Wakefield 773 765 741 Askham Grange 73 73 60 Everthorpe 316 300 283 Hull 504 489 492 Leeds 578 576 582 Lindholme 530 511 478 Moorland 507 499 497 New Hall 380 374 373 Northallerton 142 141 134 Wealstun 333 330 431 Wetherby 388 388 417 Total 48,512 48,426 46,720

The National Offender Management Service is currently number of redundancies among Prison Service staff in in the process of finalising budget allocations for 2011-12. each (i) region and (ii) Prison Service establishment in Once we have completed this process we will able to 2011-12. [50908] provide an indication of staff complements by (i) region and (ii) Prison Service establishment. Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Blunt: Information on the full-time equivalent Justice pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for staff in post by region and establishment, for 31 March Hyndburn of 29 March 2011, Official Report, columns 2009, 31 March 2010 and 31 December 2010 are shown 155-56, on prison service (resources), how many Prison in the following tables: Service staff were employed in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; and what estimate he has made of the likely 655W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 656W

Staff in post by region 2009-10 Full-time equivalent staff in post Region 31 March 2009 31 March 2010 31 December 2010

East Midlands 5,304 5,050 4,634 East of England 4,568 4,671 4,572 London 4,518 4,356 4,423 North East 3,641 3,551 3,495 North West 6,115 5,822 5,712 South East 8,321 7,990 7,791 South West 3,634 3,329 3,328 Wales 880 799 825 West Midlands 4,638 4,473 4,395 Yorkshire and Humberside 5,271 5,040 5,046 Total 46,889 45,079 44,220

Staff in post by region and establishment, 2009-10 Full-time equivalent staff in post Region Establishment 31 March 2009 31 March 2010 31 December 2010

East Midlands Ashwell 310 267 201 Foston Hall 296 283 251 Gartree 445 425 396 Glen Parva 481 444 445 Leicester 236 226 205 Lincoln 390 368 340 Morton Hall 223 209 176 North Sea Camp 145 133 119 Nottingham 403 508 531 Onley 399 400 352 Ranby 554 517 458 Stocken 409 360 349 Sudbury 207 190 166 Wellingborough 333 292 250 Whatton 472 428 395

East of England Bedford 272 241 239 Blundeston 309 282 270 Bullwood Hall 164 146 139 Bure 23 281 287 Chelmsford 405 381 371 Edmunds Hill 231 214 196 Highpoint 468 439 407 Hollesley Bay 147 141 132 Littlehey 329 499 523 Norwich 446 363 352 The Mount 344 329 315 Warren Hill 238 226 228 Wayland 443 391 389 Whitemoor 748 738 724

London Belmarsh 944 891 867 Brixton 353 333 320 Feltham 732 709 686 Holloway 507 476 442 Isis — 56 250 Latchmere House 82 79 78 Pentonville 603 588 558 Wandsworth 717 688 680 657W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 658W

Staff in post by region and establishment, 2009-10 Full-time equivalent staff in post Region Establishment 31 March 2009 31 March 2010 31 December 2010

Wormwood Scrubs 579 536 540

North East Frankland 950 961 932 Acklington 455 448 439 Castington 370 364 327 Deerbolt 361 329 327 Durham 585 542 527 Holme House 493 500 537 Kirklevington Grange 135 129 126 Low Newton 291 278 278

North West Manchester 865 845 835 Buckley Hall 215 197 216 Garth 519 481 487 Haverigg 319 312 301 Hindley 451 418 410 Kennet 291 276 261 Kirkham 232 224 217 Lancaster 174 162 160 Lancaster Farms 407 369 349 Liverpool 624 608 591 Preston 465 436 422 Risley 492 476 473 Styal 323 322 310 Thorn Cross 199 186 175 Wymott 539 510 507

South East Aylesbury 304 288 267 Blantyre House 68 65 66 Bullingdon 482 464 449 Canterbury 195 178 176 Coldingley 255 258 255 Cookham Wood 220 211 216 Dover 254 244 237 Downview 220 208 205 East Sutton Park 60 58 59 Ford 167 156 155 Grendon 318 307 287 Haslar 104 96 96 High Down 549 490 475 Huntercombe 276 272 234 Isle of Wight 924 858 835 Kingston 145 124 125 Lewes 357 342 333 Maidstone 296 280 270 Reading 203 177 181 Rochester 473 444 397 Send 177 173 181 Sheppey Cluster 1192 1224 1239 Winchester 353 339 322 Woodhill 731 734 733

South West Bristol 361 330 331 659W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 660W

Staff in post by region and establishment, 2009-10 Full-time equivalent staff in post Region Establishment 31 March 2009 31 March 2010 31 December 2010

Channings Wood 371 334 346 Dartmoor 335 310 306 Dorchester 196 172 167 Eastwood Park 290 259 253 Erlestoke 250 230 229 Exeter 328 288 284 Gloucester 207 203 200 Guys Marsh 281 269 281 Leyhill 210 191 193 Portland 386 363 355 Shepton Mallet 144 130 130 The Verne 273 248 253

Wales Cardiff 443 417 424 Swansea 245 220 228 Usk/Prescoed 192 162 173

West Midlands Long Lartin 674 683 669 Birmingham 782 735 706 Brinsford 398 386 368 Drake Hall 182 173 174 Featherstone 353 353 345 Hewell 647 610 611 Shrewsbury 218 202 201 Stafford 383 378 364 Stoke Heath 444 418 420 Swinfen Hall 386 364 357 Werrington 171 170 178

Yorkshire and Humberside Full Sutton 763 735 718 Wakefield 746 715 696 Askham Grange 75 74 62 Everthorpe 308 300 284 Hull 498 500 480 Leeds 602 555 575 Lindholme 525 476 467 Moorland 502 479 483 New Hall 385 366 353 Northallerton 141 128 130 Wealstun 349 355 399 Wetherby 377 357 401

Total 46,889 45,079 44,220

The National Offender Management Service is currently purchasing of McDonalds meals for prisoners by in the process of finalising budget allocations for 2011-12. Prison Service staff. [50389] Once we have completed this process we will able to provide an indication of staff complements by (a) region and (b) establishment and the number of staff above Mr Blunt: All prisons must have a local contingency natural wastage we will need to lose. plan in place to cover the provision of alternative catering arrangements in the event that normal facilities are lost. Prisoners: McDonalds Meals Plans may identify, for immediate short term purposes, local sources of ready prepared meals which may include Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State take away facilities. I am not aware, though, of any for Justice what reports he has received on the reports such as referred to by the hon. Member. 661W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 662W

Prisoners: Poole Reparation by Offenders: Finance

Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for how many convicted prisoners had a home address in Justice what the funding allocation was for restorative Poole constituency on the most recent date for which justice schemes in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; and figures are available. [50514] what level of funding he has allocated for such schemes in 2011-12. [50979] Mr Blunt: Information on a prisoner’s residence is provided by prisoners on reception into prison and Mr Blunt: The MoJ does not directly commission recorded on a central IT system. Addresses include a restorative justice services. A number of services are prisoner’s home address, an address to which they intend funded locally but we do not hold central information to return on discharge and next of kin and these figures on what these allocations amount to. To support are provided in the following table. professional standards for delivering restorative justice, the Ministry of Justice allocated £25,000 in 2009-10 and If no address is given, a prisoner’s committal court £75,000 in 2010-11 to the Restorative Justice Council address is used as a proxy for the area in which a (previously Consortium) to support their work in providing prisoner is resident. This is required for about 40% of quality assurance to restorative justice schemes through the prison population and these figures are also provided the dissemination of best practice, standards and in the following table. No address has been recorded accreditation. This includes the development of a new and no court information is available for around 3% of online national Trainers Register and new Practitioner prisoners, these figures are excluded from the answer. Register, due to be launched this year The following table shows the number of convicted As we set out in the recent Green Paper ‘Breaking the prisoners as at March 25 2011 who have a recorded Cycle’, we want to increase the range and availability of residential address or proxy, as described above in the restorative justice approaches. We will be publishing constituency area of Poole. our response to the consultation in May which will set out our approach to help deliver more effective restorative Number of prisoners practices. Recorded address 40 Proxy address 13 Trespass Total 53 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if The figures include convicted male and female prisoners, he will review the law on trespass; what recent adults, young offenders and juveniles that are held in representations he has received on the law on trespass; prisons and young offender institutions. and if he will make a statement. [50266]

Reoffenders Mr Blunt: We have received a number of representations from MPs and members of the public calling for the law on squatting to be strengthened. I also spoke in an Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Adjournment Debate in Westminster Hall on 30 March Justice what the reoffending rate was for (a) male 2011, Official Report, column 97WH, where the problems offenders, (b) female offenders and (c) female caused by squatters were discussed. As I mentioned offenders housed in a women’s rehabilitation centre in during that debate, we continue to look at the options the last year for which figures are available. [50978] for strengthening the law and will announce our plans soon. In the meantime we have published new guidance Mr Blunt: The one year re-conviction data cover all on the ‘Direct Gov’ website for property owners on adult offenders released from custody or commencing a evicting squatters from their properties. court order between January and March 2009. The following table shows the one year re-conviction Wills: Regulation rates for male and female adult offenders. Adult one-year re-conviction rates, 2009, by gender Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Re-conviction rate whether he has plans to bring forward proposals to Gender Number of offenders (%) regulate unqualified and uninsured will writers. [50877]

Males 49,104 40.1 Mr Djanogly: I have no plans to regulate will writers Females 7,512 34.5 at present. However, The Legal Services Act 2007 (LSA) Total 56,616 39.3 contains provisions which allow the Legal Services Board to recommend to me that a legal service such as will Further breakdowns of re-conviction data for female writing becomes a reserved legal activity, which would offenders housed in a women’s rehabilitation centre is then be regulated. not available. Since the Legal Services Board (LSB) is currently More information on the re-conviction rates is available investigating whether or not it would be in the interests from the Ministry of Justice website: of the legal consumer to regulate will writing, it is more http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ appropriate for me to await the outcome of that reoffendingofadults.htm investigation before making an assessment of next steps. 663W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 664W

CABINET OFFICE Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated April 2011: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I National Citizen Service Pilot Schemes have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many patients were (a) screened for (b) diagnosed with and (c) treated for cancer in (i) Bolton South East consistency and (ii) Bolton Mr Syms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office borough in each of the last five years. [50551] how many places on the National Citizen Service pilot The latest available figures for (b) newly diagnosed cases of schemes will be available in (a) Poole and (b) Dorset cancer (incidence) are for the year 2008. Please note that these in the summer of 2011. [50495] numbers may not be the same as the number of people diagnosed with cancer, because one person may be diagnosed with more than one cancer. Mr Hurd: No National Citizen Service pilots took place in 2001. The tables attached provide the number of newly diagnosed cases of cancer in (i) Bolton South East parliamentary consistency There are no NCS pilots planned in the areas of (Table 1) and (ii) Bolton metropolitan district (Table 2), for years Poole or Dorset in 2011, but there are 1,175 pilot places 2004 to 2008. spread across the south-west region. A list of the numbers The latest published figures on the incidence of cancer in planned in each geographical location is available in the England are available on the National Statistics website at: Libraries of the House. I have also written to every hon. www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_health/mb1-39/mb1- Member whose constituency is likely to overlap with a no39-2008.pdf local NCS pilot. ONS does not publish figures on the number of patients (a) There is also regional map of NCS 2011 pilot locations screened for and (c) treated for cancer. The NHS Information Centre (NHS-IC) publishes figures on the number of patients available at: invited to breast and cervical screening, for strategic health authorities www.direct.gov.uk/nationalcitizenservice and primary care trusts. The latest published figures can be found which provides contact details for every lead delivery on the NHS-IC website at: organisation. http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/screening Table 1: Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of cancer, Bolton Graeme Morrice: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet South East parliamentary constituency, 2004-081, 2, 3 Office how many expressions of interest in the Number of persons National Citizen Service pilot he has received from (a) 2004 449 individuals and (b) organisations. [50522] 2005 448 2006 448 Mr Hurd: Two hundred and fifty expressions of interest 2007 488 to deliver National Citizen Service pilots in summer 2008 449 2011 were received in the competitive commissioning process opened on 2 August 2010. All applications were Table 2: Registrations of newly diagnosed cases of cancer, Bolton received from organisations or consortia of organisations. metropolitan district, 2004-081, 2, 3 The process was not open to individuals. Number of persons A competitive commissioning for delivering National 2004 1,261 Citizen Service pilots planned for summer 2012 opened 2005 1,251 on 9 March 2011. The deadline for initial proposals is 5 2006 1,350 May 2011 and the process is only open to organisations 2007 1,325 or consortia (not individuals). Details of how to apply 2008 1,309 are available on the Cabinet Office and Department for 1 Cancer incidence is defined using International Classification of Education websites. Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes C00-C97 excluding code National Citizen Service 2011 pilots are now recruiting C44, non-melanoma skin cancer. 2 Based on boundaries as of 2011. 16-year-olds to take part and individuals to help run the 3 Newly diagnosed cases registered in each calendar year. activities as volunteers or paid staff. Anyone interested Census can visit www.direct.gov.uk/nationalcitizenservice David T. C. Davies: To ask the Minister for the or Cabinet Office what estimate the Office for National www.facebook.com/ncs Statistics has made of the cost to the public purse of (a) production and (b) dispatch of forms for the 2011 to find out if there is a pilot in their local area and get Census printed in both English and Welsh; and what contact details for the lead delivery organisation. the cost to the public purse was of postage for such forms sent to addresses in Wales. [50431] Cancer: Bolton Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Office how many patients were (a) screened for, (b) asked the authority to reply. diagnosed with and (c) treated for cancer in (i) Bolton Letter from Stephen Penneck: South East constituency and (ii) Bolton borough in As Director General for the Office for National Statistics each of the last five years. [50551] (ONS) I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what estimate the Office for National Statistics has made of the cost to the public purse of (a) production and (b) dispatch Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the of forms for the 2011 Census printed in both English and Welsh; responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have and what the cost to the public purse was of postage for such asked the authority to reply. forms sent to addresses in Wales. (50431) 665W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 666W

The printing of questionnaires, envelopes, information leaflets, ONS can then produce accurate population statistics for those guides to questions and other printed materials for the 2011 areas containing armed forces bases, showing the number of Census is all part of one large contract and it is not possible to people who actually live and use services in an area, rather than extract accurate figures specifically for the costs of printing just the number of people who record themselves as actually questionnaires due to the amount of set-up, development and living in such areas. storage costs within this larger cost. Therefore, armed forces personnel based in Colchester, will be The cost of printing all of the millions of questionnaires, recorded in the census population statistics as staying in Colchester, information leaflets, and envelopes etc, which is estimated to be whether or not they are deployed in Afghanistan. over one billion separate pieces of paper, is £18,057,000 at contract award. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Minister for the In Wales there were 3,811,400 questionnaires printed, half of Cabinet Office for what reasons Lockheed Martin were which were in English and half in Welsh in order to comply with contracted to gather UK Census data. [50578] ONS’s obligations under its own Welsh Language Scheme and the provisions of the Welsh Language Act. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the The cost for the delivery of questionnaires to households in responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Wales is part of a postal contract with Royal Mail. In Wales the asked the authority to reply. cost of delivering the questionnaire pack to households was 0.30p. Each questionnaire pack comprised both an English and a Letter from Stephen Penneck: Welsh Language questionnaire, return envelope and information As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) I leaflets. This came to a total of £434,763 which covered the have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking delivery of 1,418,677 questionnaire packs. for what reasons Lockheed Martin were contracted to gather UK The remaining questionnaires printed, but not delivered, are census data. (50578) either individual questionnaires, replacement questionnaires or ONS has a statutory duty to take the 2011 Census in England continuation questionnaires. These are available on request and and Wales and is legally responsible for gathering and processing will, if required, either be issued by census field staff in the course the data to create census statistics. of their duties or will be delivered separately from this initial Lockheed Martin UK was contracted to provide a range of round of deliveries. support services for the England and Wales census because it provided the best value for money, the best technical solution, Bob Russell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet and was compliant with the requirements as set out in the Office (1) what arrangements the Office for National procurement process. Statistics has to include in the 2011 census returns ONS carried out a fully compliant procurement in accordance members of HM armed forces normally resident in the with the requirements of European law and the European Union UK who were serving in Afghanistan on 27 March Procurement Directives, which have been incorporated into English 2011; [50507] law. (2) whether the total population of Colchester reckoned No employees of Lockheed Martin UK, or their US parent, in the 2011 census will include those members of the will have any access to personal census data. armed forces normally based at Merville Barracks, Community Development: Greater London Colchester, who are serving in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [50508] Mr Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans his Department has to provide Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the opportunities for the training of community organisers responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have in (a) the London borough of Bexley and (b) London. asked the authority to reply. [50850] Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated April 2011: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics Mr Hurd: The first community organisers to be trained (ONS) I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions in London will be placed in Camberwell and in Canning asking (i) what arrangements the Office for National Statistics Town, hosted in local VCS organisations. At the moment, has to include in the 2011 Census returns members of HM forces there are no plans to train and place community organisers normally resident in the UK who are serving in Afghanistan on 27 March 2011 (50507); and, (ii) whether the total population of in the London borough of Bexley. Colchester reckoned in the 2011 Census will include those members The initial approach of Locality (the delivery partner of HM armed forces normally based at Merville Barracks, Colchester, for the Community Organiser programme) is to work who are serving in Afghanistan. (50508) through its membership of community-led and owned Armed forces personnel based in the UK are counted as neighbourhood centres. These are willing to recruit, usually resident in the UK. This applies even if they are deployed support and sustain community organisers in their role. outside the UK, (for example serving in Afghanistan) on census However, involvement is not limited to Locality’s day, 27 March. Such people should be included on the questionnaire membership and any interested organisation can make sent to their permanent home in the UK, for example, their family home. Those members of the armed forces without a permanent an expression of interest through Locality’s website. address other than the military base where they are based, should The first tranche of 30 trainees will be hosted by be recorded as a resident at the base address. ‘kick-starter’ organisations in Cumbria, Hull, Manchester, In some situations this may mean that armed forces personnel Birmingham, east counties, Bristol, Cornwall and London. are recorded as being resident at the home of their parents, which may be in a different area of England and Wales from where they Community Relations are based. In these circumstances, those responsible for completing the questionnaire in respect of armed forces personnel are asked Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet in question 5 whether or not the person in question stays at another address for more than 30 days a year. They should tick Office what research his Department has (a) commissioned the ’yes’ box and record the address of the military base where and (b) evaluated on the effects of differing levels of that person is based. In question 6 they are then asked if the trust within a community on levels of (i) crime and (ii) address given in question 5 is an armed forces base. mental health disorders. [48303] 667W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 668W

Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office has not commissioned Public Expenditure research on the effects of differing levels of trust within communities on levels of crime or mental health problems. Stephen Mosley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what mechanisms have been put in place to Departmental Legal Costs enable members of the public to make suggestions to the Government in support of its Big Society agenda. Mr Nuttall: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet [50460] Office how much his Department spent on legal fees in Mr Hurd: Big Society is about shifting power away (a) 2009 and (b) 2010. [46528] from Whitehall to give the public greater control over their communities, by decentralising power, supporting Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office has spent the following community action and opening up public services. on legal fees: The Cabinet Office has invited wide input into policy 2009-10; £2,066,447 related to the Big Society, receiving around 500 responses 2010-11 (to end of February 2011): £2,642,005. to our consultation on supporting the VCSE sector: ‘Supporting a Stronger Civil Society’, through the ‘Sector Employment: Graduates Challenge’ which invited the voluntary sector’s ideas on spending reductions, and through our Green Paper on Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Giving which elicited around 400 responses. Office how many (a) graduate and (b) post-graduate The Government have explicitly invited comments on level jobs with starting salaries of £20,000 or more per how Big Society can be accelerated through the Department annum there were in each region in the most recent for Communities and Local Government ‘Barrier Busting’ year for which figures are available. [49294] website, and Departments also routinely consult on relevant policy issues such as the involvement of local Mr Willetts [holding answer 28 March 2011]:Ihave people in public health, and neighbourhood justice been asked to reply. panels. Information on the number of graduate jobs available per annum is not held by the Department. Public Sector Workers Information on the salaries of graduates six months Mr Syms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office after graduating is collected via the Destinations of whether he has received any expressions of interest in Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey.Graduates forming a mutual from any public sector workers in in employment are asked to declare their salary. Not all (a) Poole and (b) Dorset. [50497] graduates eligible to declare a salary do so: the response rate to this question is usually around 50%. Therefore, Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office has not directly received the following table shows the proportion of DLHE any expressions of interest from public sector workers respondents declaring a salary who were earning £20,000 interested in forming a mutual from Dorset or Poole. or more per annum, rather than the number. However, the Cabinet Office would of course be pleased The information presented in the table relates to all to engage with any interested parties in these areas. jobs which graduates are employed in, not specifically The Mutuals Information Service run by Local those defined as graduate level jobs. Partnerships, Employee Ownership Association and Proportion of UK domiciled graduates who studied full-time, entered full-time Co-operatives UK reports that they have received inquiries employment in the UK six months after graduating and declared a salary in the from two groups of public sector workers in this area. DLHE survey, who were earning £20,000 or more per annum: graduates in academic year 2008/09 Third Sector Percentage Region of Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet employment First degree Postgraduate Office how much his Department provided to each North East 50.3 81.2 charity it funds in each of the last five years; and how Yorkshire and the 42.4 81.8 much he has allocated for funding to each such charity Humber in each of the next five years. [48299] North West 44.2 82.7 East Midlands 46.0 84.2 Mr Hurd: Officials are currently looking at the best West Midlands 50.0 86.0 way for Departments to regularly report publicly on East 49.0 87.9 spending, both in terms of baseline levels and how these London 61.8 89.4 levels change through the spending period. South East 50.3 86.4 It is therefore not currently possible to provide this South West 46.5 80.8 information without the Department incurring Channel Islands and 72.1 87.5 disproportionate costs. Isle of Man Details of all new central Government contracts are England region 55.9 77.7 unknown now available online at Wales 44.6 77.8 www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk Scotland 57.3 80.1 Northern Ireland 41.5 66.1 Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Not known 58.6 75.9 Office how much his Department spent on encouraging All regions 50.9 84.4 people to volunteer in each of the last five years; and Source: how much he expects to spend in each of the next five DLHE survey Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). years. [48304] 669W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 670W

Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office annual report and Constituency Number of awards accounts contain details of the Department’s spending on programmes to encourage participation in society. Bradford West 2 The accounts for 2008 - 09 and 2009-10 are available on Bridgwater and West Somerset 1 the Cabinet Office website at Brighton, Kemptown 1 www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/plans-and-performance Brighton, Pavilion 1 Departmental expenditure by programme area is detailed Bristol East 4 in note 11, page 98. Bristol West 3 Data covering 2007-08 and 2006-07 are available in Bury North 2 previous Cabinet Office annual reports, which can be Bury St Edmunds 1 found on the National Archive of the Cabinet Office Camberwell and Peckham 1 website at Camborne and Redruth 1 Cambridge 1 http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100304041448/ Carshalton and Wallington 1 http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk Coventry, South 1 Budgets for the years 2011-12 to 2014-15 have not Croydon North 1 been finalised. Darlington 1 Training: Community Organisers Daventry 1 Derby North 1 Mr Syms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Doncaster Central 2 what opportunities his Department plans to make Dulwich and West Norwood 2 available for training community organisers in (a) Easington 1 Poole and (b) Dorset. [50498] Edmonton 1 Exeter 4 Mr Hurd: At the moment, there are no plans to train Filton and Bradley Stoke 1 and place Community Organisers in Poole and Dorset. Gloucester 3 Locality’s initial approach is to work through its Great Grimsby 1 membership of community-led and owned neighbourhood Great Yarmouth 2 centres, willing to recruit, support and sustain community Hackney North and Stoke 1 organisers in their role. Newington However, involvement is not limited to Locality’s Hackney South and Shoreditch 5 membership and any interested organisation can make Hammersmith 3 an expression of interest through Locality’s web site. Hampstead and Kilburn 1 Harborough 1 The first tranche of 30 trainees will be hosted by Harlow 1 ‘kick-starter’ organisations in Cumbria, Hull, Manchester, Harrogate and Knaresborough 1 Birmingham, east counties and London. In the south Hartlepool 4 west region, there are two further kick-starters in Bristol Holborn and St Pancras 4 and Penwith, Cornwall. Hove 1 Transition Fund Ipswich 1 Isle of Wight 1 Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Islington North 4 Office how many applications to the Transition Fund Islington South and Finsbury 4 from each parliamentary constituency have been (a) Kenilworth and Southam 1 successful and (b) unsuccessful to date. [50233] Kensington 1 Kettering 1 Mr Hurd: To date there have been 201 awards from Kingston Upon Hull North 1 the Transition Fund. We do not publish details of Leeds Central 2 unsuccessful applicants. A table of the breakdown of Leeds North West 1 successful awards by constituency has been placed in Leicester South 3 the Library of the House. Leicester West 2 Leigh 1 Constituency Number of awards Lewisham East 1 Barking 1 Lichfield 1 Barnsley Central 1 Lincoln 1 Bermondsey and Old Southwark 2 Liverpool, Riverside 1 Bethnal Green and Bow 3 Liverpool, Walton 1 Bexhill and Battle 1 Liverpool, West Derby 1 Birkenhead 2 Loughborough 3 Birmingham, Hall Green 2 Luton South 1 Birmingham, Hodge Hill 2 Manchester Central 1 Birmingham, Ladywood 4 Middlesbrough 3 Birmingham, Perry Barr 2 Morecambe and Lunesdale 1 Blackburn 1 Newark 1 Bolton South East 1 Newcastle upon Tyne Central 2 Bournemouth West 1 Newcastle upon Tyne East 2 Bradford East 1 North Cornwall 1 671W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 672W

Mr Hurd: There have been no Transition Fund awards Constituency Number of awards so far to charities in Poole. There were two Transition North East Somerset 1 Fund awards made in March to charities in Dorset. North Shropshire 1 Further details about these were published in the press North Tyneside 1 release issued on 22 March. These early awards will be Norwich South 1 followed by many more during April and May. Nottingham East 3 Nottingham North 1 Oldham East and Saddleworth 1 HEALTH Oldham West and Royton 1 Cancer: Drugs Oxford East 1 Pendle 2 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Plymouth Moor View 1 Health if he will issue guidance to strategic health Plymouth, Sutton and 2 authorities and clinical panels on steps to ensure timely Devonport access to the Cancer Drugs Fund by patients with a late Putney 1 diagnosis of cancer. [50589] Reading East 1 Paul Burstow: The Department published ‘Guidance Reigate 1 to support operation of the Cancer Drugs Fund in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner 1 2010-11’ on 23 March 2011. The guidance is intended Rushcliffe 1 primarily for strategic health authorities (SHAs) and Sedgefield 1 their clinically-led panels. Sheffield Central 3 Shrewsbury and Atcham 1 The guidance specifies that it is imperative that decisions Slough 1 affecting individuals’ treatment are made in a timely Somerton and Frome 1 fashion. SHAs should ensure that the process put in South Swindon 1 place supports timely decision-making for all cancer South West Devon 1 patients, bearing in mind the 31-day cancer treatment Southampton, Itchen 1 standard. St Helens South and Whiston 1 A copy of the guidance has been placed in the St Ives 1 Library. Stockton South 1 Clostridium Stourbridge 1 Stretford and Urmston 3 Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State Stroud 1 for Health what proportion of recurrences of Sutton Coldfield 2 clostridium difficile were due to re-infection rather than Telford 1 relapse in the latest period for which figures are Thirsk and Malton 1 available; and how such recurrences are recorded in Tonbridge and Malling 1 mandatory surveillance statistics. [50560] Tooting 2 Mr Simon Burns: The Health Protection Agency Torridge and West Devon 1 (HPA) does not routinely collect data on the proportion Tottenham 2 of Clostridium difficile infections that were as a result of Twickenham 1 re-infection rather than relapse. The HPA surveillance Tynemouth 1 system is only able to capture data on numbers of cases Vauxhall 2 diagnosed. In order to establish whether a particular Walthamstow 1 infection is a re-infection or a relapse, it is necessary to Warley 1 culture the organism (not a routine test) then perform Warwick and Leamington 1 strain typing (additional molecular test). This will give Waveney 1 some idea as to whether the infection is new or not. Wells 1 Welwyn Hatfield 1 Dental Services Wentworth and Dearne 1 Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health West Bromwich East 1 what his most recent estimate is of the cost to (a) the West Bromwich West 1 public purse and (b) dental practices of the Care West Dorset 1 Quality Commission registration process for dental Westminster North 2 practitioners. [51014] Winchester 1 Worcester 1 Mr Simon Burns: The Care Quality Commission Wycombe 1 estimates that the cost to them of registering primary Wythenshawe and Sale East 1 dental care providers in 2011-12 will be £15.8 million. York Central 1 These costs will be met by an estimated £8.1 million Grand total 201 paid in fees by primary dental care providers and £7.7 million of grant in aid provided by the Department. In addition, the Department has estimated that the Mr Syms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office cost to primary dental care providers of applying for whether any charities or voluntary groups in (a) Poole registration for the first time and complying with the and (b) Dorset have received support from the registration requirements would be a one-off cost of Transition Fund. [50496] between £4 million and £4.8 million. 673W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 674W

Departmental Consultants July 2008; to gather any further information on previous years, before the introduction of the database, would Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health involve a search within every departmental directorate whether he has hosted any meetings with representatives which would involve disproportionate cost. of Mandate Communications over the last six months; None of the Department’s associated public bodies and if he will make a statement. [50725] has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin in each of the last 10 years. Mr Simon Burns: No. Departmental Official Cars Departmental Contracts Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his what contracts his Department and its associated Department last used a ministerial car while travelling public bodies signed with Lockheed Martin in each of in an official capacity; and how many times (i) he and the last 10 years; and for what purposes each such (ii) each other Minister in his Department has travelled contract was let. [50698] to their constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010. [50195] Mr Simon Burns: A search of the Department’s central procurements database shows that no contracts have Mr Simon Burns: Data taken from ministerial diaries been entered into with Lockheed Martin up to 31 are set out in the following table. Data are up to and December 2010. The central database was introduced in including the 30 March 2011.

Last date travelled by ministerial Number of times a ministerial car was used to Minister Government car service pool car travel to constituency

Secretary of State 30 March 2011 12 Minister of State (Mr Simon Burns) 30 March 2011 154 Minister of State (Paul Burstow) 24 March 2011 29 Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Anne Milton) 30 March 2011 134 Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Earl Howe) 28 March 2011 1— 1 Does not have a constituency. Notes: 1. In line with the new Ministerial Code, Ministers at the Department gave up their allocated cars and drivers when existing contracts ended on 19 August 2010. 2. In line with the Ministerial code, Ministers are permitted the use of an official car for official business and for home to office journeys within a reasonable distance of London on the understanding that they would normally be carrying classified papers on which they would be working.

Departmental Public Transport Oyster cards paid for by the Department, under the prepay system, are used when Ministers are travelling Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on official business. Ministers regularly use their own (1) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in personal oyster cards to cover the cost of such journeys. his Department last travelled by (i) London Underground No monthly or annual travel cards are paid for by the and (ii) public bus services on government business; Department, but where Ministers have these and they how many times (A) he and (B) each other Minister in are valid on London transport, they use them to travel his Department has travelled by each such form of on official business. transport on government business since May 2010; and Departmental Travel if he will make a statement; [50086] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (2) how many of his ministerial team have been how much his Department has spent on ministerial issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May and paid for by his Department for use while travelling 2010. [50204] on government business. [50173] Mr Simon Burns: The information held on the Mr Simon Burns: All Ministers in the Department Department’s Business Management System shows that use public transport, where practical, while travelling invoices were processed from 1 May 2010 to 28 February on official Government business. However, the information 2011 for the amounts to the value shown in the following requested is not formally recorded. table:1

£

Ministerial car Bus and London Commercial air travel Private air travel Minister costs2 Train costs underground costs3 costs

Secretary of State 35,762 1,850 4— 2,610 0

Minister of State (Mr Simon Burns) 41,384 653 4— 3,603 0

Minister of State (Mr Paul Burstow) 25,853 314 4—00

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State 39,344 1,705 4— 336 0 (Anne Milton) 675W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 676W

£ Ministerial car Bus and London Commercial air travel Private air travel Minister costs2 Train costs underground costs3 costs

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Earl 28,069 726 4—00 Howe) 1 Data have been extracted from the categories listed above as defined on the Department’s Business Management System. Data are incomplete as spend categorised as general office expenditure can include ministerial train, bus and London underground costs, which cannot be readily identified on the system. 2 In line with the new Ministerial Code, Ministers at the Department gave up their allocated cars and drivers when existing contracts ended on 19 August 2010. 3 Includes both United Kingdom and overseas flight costs. 4 Unknown.

Exercise behalf of their populations, and whether provided by NHS foundation trusts, GP practices or other independent Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for providers. The Health and Social Care Bill proposes Health what his policy is on sporting and physical that commissioners would review services in consultation activity as a means of maintaining health; and whether with local partners and apply to Monitor to designate he is taking steps to reflect this position in health services as subject to additional regulation, where policies. [50423] withdrawal of those services would result in adverse impact on health and there are no alternative providers. Anne Milton: Promoting the benefits of regular Monitor would have an important role, as economic participation in physical activity remains central to the regulator, in supporting commissioners by imposing Government’s commitment to improve public health additional regulation to secure continued access to and well-being in England. The health benefits of physical designated services, including, as a last resort, by activity are significant. As well as assisting in the implementing a special administration regime to secure maintenance of a healthy weight, physical activity can continued provision of designated services in an insolvency. have a beneficial effect on up to 20 chronic diseases or In addition, the Bill proposes additional safeguards conditions, including a lower risk of coronary heart against foundation trust failure, for a transitional period, disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, mental health and in the form of additional powers for Monitor to intervene certain types of cancer. and direct foundation trusts at risk of failing and, where necessary, to remove members of the Board. The Public Health White Paper “Healthy Lives, Healthy People” sets out the Government’s strategy for public health in England. Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State The Government are also keen to maximise the for Health whether he plans to put in place any (a) opportunities to get the least active children and young criteria and (b) limits on performance-related people involved in sport and physical activity. Therefore, payments to GP consortia. [51020] the Department is investing up to £20 million to promote physical activity for children and young people through Mr Simon Burns: The Government have proposed Change4Life sports clubs and the School Games, in that general practitioner consortia that achieve high partnership with Department for Culture, Media and quality outcomes for patients within the resources available Sport and Department for Education. to them should receive a quality premium. The NHS Commissioning Board will be responsible for developing General Practitioners a commissioning outcomes framework that will enable the Board to hold consortia to account for the quality Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State of services they commission and promote continuous for Health what mechanisms he plans to put in place improvement in health care outcomes. This framework for (a) GP consortia and (b) foundation trusts at risk will also ensure that there are clear criteria for awarding of financial failure; and if he will make a statement. the quality premium. [51019] We are committed to ensuring that these arrangements create the right incentives for consortia to achieve high- Mr Simon Burns: The NHS Commissioning Board quality outcomes for patients and that there are appropriate will be responsible for assessment of the performance of limits on payments. general practitioner (GP) consortia. The Health and Social Care Bill will introduce clear powers to enable the NHS Commissioning Board to intervene where a Hospitals GP consortia is failing to discharge its functions or where there is a risk of it failing to do so. This includes a consortia’s duty to ensure that expenditure in any financial Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for year does not exceed their allocated budget. Health which hospital projects exceeding £50 million The powers set out in the Bill will be supported by (a) started and (b) were completed in each year since regulations that will set out the process for using the 1997. [50756] powers of intervention set out in the Bill. Guidance will be published on these areas by the Board so that there is Mr Simon Burns: The hospital building projects with a clear, transparent, rules-based approach to intervention. a capital value exceeding £50 million which started and Commissioners would have primary responsibility were completed in each year since 1997 are shown in the for ensuring the continuity of health care services, on following tables: 677W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 678W

Private finance initiative (PFI) schemes by financial close and operational (defined as first patient day) date Capital value Scheme Financial close Operational date (£ million)

North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 3 November 1997 10 April 2000 67 Dartford and Gravesham Hospital NHS Trust 30 July 1997 11 September 2000 94 South London NHS Trust (Queen Elizabeth) 1 July 1998 28 February 2001 96 County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (Dryburn) 31 March 1998 2 April 2001 61 Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust 31 July 1998 8 April 2001 65 University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust 8 June 1998 25 July2001 67 Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 9 January 1998 21 September 2001 158 Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust 31 March 1999 1 March 2002 64 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 1 February 1999 2 March 2002 54 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 18 March 1999 18 March 2002 87 King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 6 December 1999 7 October 2002 76 Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Swindon and Marlborough) 5 October 1999 3 December 2002 100 South London NHS Trust (Bromley) 19 November 1998 29 March 2003 118 West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 30 January 2001 16 May 2003 60 Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 27 April 2001 12 July 2003 55 South Tees Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 16 August 1999 1 August 2003 122 The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1 May 2001 1 April 2005 137 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 12 July 2000 12 June 2005 422 Wandsworth Teaching PCT 6 May 2004 10 March 2006 75 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 6 November 2003 19 March 2006 69 Avon and Western Wiltshire MH NHS Trust 1 March 2004 13 June 2006 83 Newham University Hospital NHS Trust 27 January 2004 8 July 2006 55 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (Blackburn) 9 July 2003 8 July 2006 110 University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust 27 November. 2002 10 July 2006 379 Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust 8 July 2004 27 November 2006 72 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 15 January 2004 6 December 2006 238 Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust 19 December 2003 13 January 2007 134 Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 27 October 2004 18 May 2007 76 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 15 October 2004 15 December 2007 265 Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 21 February 2006 23 August 2008 67 Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 27 April 2005 22 September 2008 299 St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust 1 June 2006 22 October 2008 338 Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust 13 December 2005 19 March 2009 129 Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 29 October 2005 7 April 2009 326 Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 12 September 2003 20 May 2009 312 Portsmouth Hospitals NHS trust 12 December 2005 15 June 2009 236 Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 14 December 2004 8 July 2009 512 Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust 12 December 2007 10 May 2010 75 Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust 3 November 2007 24 May 2010 169 North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 27 July 2007 1 June 2010 144 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 22 June 2007 7 June 2010 353 University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust/Birmingham and 8 June 2006 16 June 2010 627 Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 29 June 2007 15 November 2010 336 Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 6 December 2007 20 November 2010 148 Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 13 September 2007 22 November 2010 109 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust 26 March 2008 26 January 2011 304 North Bristol NHS Trust 25 February 2010 Quarter 1 2014 430 Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 5 September 2007 Quarter 4 2011 190 University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust 13 June 2007 Quarter 4 2012 375 Barts and the London NHS Trust 27 April 2006 Quarter 4 2013 1,000

Public capital funded schemes by tender award and operational (defined as first patient day) date Capital value Scheme Tender award Operational date (£ million)

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust 1 July 1997 27 July 2002 84 Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust 1 October 2003 1 September 2004 57 Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust 19 September 1998 31 October2005 50 Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 1 February 2004 31 July 2006 53 Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 31 January 2005 1 July 2007 59 Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 1 August 2006 6 February 2009 51 University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust 1 December 2006 26 March 2009 55 University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust/North Bristol NHS Trust 16 October 2006 12 May 2009 64 Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust 9 October 2006 Quarter 3 2011 75 679W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 680W

Hospitals: Abuse Anne Milton: The Department has no plans to review appropriateness of leprosy as a notifiable disease under Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. what his policy is on measures to prevent the A review was carried out in 2010 as part of work on mistreatment of elderly patients in hospital. [50511] development of the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010, laid before Parliament on 11 March Paul Burstow: The coalition Government are determined 2010, following public consultation. to make the national health service more patient-centred The Department has no particular plans to discuss and more responsive to the people it serves. We are with the Scottish Executive the health effects of the focusing on achieving outcomes that are among the best different approaches taken in Great Britain to notification in the world and putting patient safety at the heart of of leprosy. everything the NHS does. That is why the Health and Social Care Bill will create local HealthWatch organisations Midwives to give patients more power to ensure their feedback and complaints are heard and to hold their local services Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for to account. We will be publishing a White Paper on Health how many births per full-time equivalent NHS Adult Social Care which will also focus on quality midwife there were in (a) England and (b) each region outcomes and delivering care with dignity, respect and in 2010. [50471] compassion. In addition, following the recent ombudsman’s Anne Milton: Information on the number of births in report “Care and Compassion” the Department has 2010 is not yet available. The following table gives the commissioned, a series of unannounced inspections by ratio of births to midwives in 2009. the Care Quality Commission and on 15 February, the NHS chief executive, David Nicholson and the national Live births: Midwife (full-time clinical director for older people, David Oliver wrote to Strategic health authorities equivalents) ratio all NHS boards urging action in response to the report. Similarly, the chief nursing officer also raised the report North East 28.0 findings at her February meeting with strategic health North West 28.7 authority directors of nursing. Yorkshire and the Humber 32.2 East Midlands 38.1 Hospitals: Crimes of Violence West Midlands 31.8 East of England 39.0 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for London 34.2 Health what the policy of the NHS is on steps to South East Coast 34.0 protect staff from abusive patients. [50590] South Central 39.0 South West 30.0 Mr Simon Burns: Each national health service body England 33.2 has a duty to address the risks to staff and ensure their Source: safety.NHS Protect can assist employers through guidance Birth Statistics 2009, Office for National Statistics; NHS Workforce on assessing risks and acting to protect staff. Census 2009, NHS Information Centre NHS: Private Sector Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidents of violence towards NHS Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for staff were recorded in the last six months. [50593] Health what plans he has for the future role of private healthcare providers in the NHS following implementation Mr Simon Burns: The number of physical assaults of his proposed structural reforms. [50757] against staff reported by national health service bodies in England is collected annually. Mr Simon Burns: The Government are committed to Information on the number of reported physical assaults increasing the choice and control that patients have over against NHS staff in 2009-10 is contained in the document their care and treatment. Our policy is that any qualified ‘Tables showing number of reported physical assaults provider, including those from the private sector, that on NHS staff in 2009-10, broken down by NHS trust/PCT’, meets national health service standards and prices should which has been placed in the Library. be able to provide services to patients.

Leprosy NHS: Surveys

George Hollingbery: To ask the Secretary of State for Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when his Department last reviewed the Health what public opinion surveys are commissioned appropriateness of leprosy as a notifiable disease under by (a) his Department and (b) the NHS Information the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984; Centre; and if he will ensure the continuation of these [50143] surveys. [51018] (2) if he will discuss with the Scottish Executive the different health effects of the approaches taken in Mr Simon Burns: A list of public opinion surveys Great Britain to notification of leprosy; [50144] which are commissioned by the Department could be (3) whether he has any plans to review the position of provided only at disproportionate time and cost, as the leprosy as a notifiable disease. [50145] Department does not hold this information centrally. 681W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 682W

The NHS Information Centre commissions and funds Palliative Care: Finance the following surveys with the public: The Health Survey for England (HSE); and Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in Health if he will maintain funding for hospital England. chaplaincy as part of his Palliative Care Funding No decision about continuation of these surveys has Review. [50040] been taken. Paul Burstow: The Palliative Care Funding Review, The NHS Information Centre also commissions the which is independent of Government, is taking forward following surveys on behalf of other organisations. The work to review payment systems to support palliative costs of these surveys are met by the sponsoring care, including exploring options for per-patient funding. organisations. In the second phase of its work, the review has asked Adult Dental Health Survey 2009; for views on which core components of dedicated palliative Adult Psychiatric Morbidity in England, 2007: results of a care, including spiritual care, should be funded, wholly household survey; or partly, by the national health service as a statutory Autism Spectrum Disorders in adults living in households responsibility and which by society. This consultation throughout England; ended on 30 March. Estimating the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Conditions in Adults: extending the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey Ministers will consider the recommendations of the 2007 in England; review when they receive its final report, which is expected Attitudes to Mental Illness Survey 2011; this summer. Survey of Carers in Households 2009-10 England; and Prostate Cancer Infant Feeding Survey 2005 + 2010. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Nurseries: Schools (1) what steps he (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; and if he Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health will make a statement; [50298] what assessment he has made of the likely effect on the (2) what steps the NHS is taking to improve men’s provision of school nursery services of the proposals in awareness of prostate cancer; and if he will make a the Health and Social Care Bill. [50473] statement. [50299] Anne Milton: We are working on the development of Paul Burstow: Prostate cancer awareness month is the vision for school nursing to further strengthen the organised and promoted by the Prostate Cancer Charity. understanding of the contribution of school nurses to The Department works closely with the charity through the public health agenda. the Prostate Cancer Advisory Group (PCAG). No assessment has been made centrally. It is for local “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer”published commissioning organisations to decide how best to use on 12 January, recognised that more could be done to their funds to meet national and local priorities for raise awareness of prostate cancer. A copy has already improving health and to commission services accordingly. been placed in the Library. We will be working with This process provides the means for assessing local PCAG to see how we can raise awareness of prostate needs including the health needs of children and young cancer by increasing access to the Prostate Cancer Risk people and thus the commissioning of appropriate services Management Programme (PCRMP). Through the including school nursing services. PCRMP, men with no symptoms of the disease receive ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Our strategy for public information about prostate cancer, and advice about health in England’ describes moving to a system where the pros and cons of having a prostate cancer specific school nursing teams are leaders in local services for antigen test. children and young people in a structure that improves public health and protects against big public health Regulation threats. The paper reinforces the importance of school nursing as part of the public health work force securing Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the best health outcomes for children and young people which regulations have been identified for (a) adoption including delivery of the ‘Healthy Child Programme’. and (b) revocation by his Department under the Government’s one-in, one-out policy between May Nurses: Working Hours 2010 and May 2015. [50035]

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr Simon Burns: The coalition Government policy if he will undertake an impact assessment in respect of of one-in one-out was introduced from 1 October 2010 proposals to discontinue night sisters in NHS hospitals. and seeks to identify all regulations that have a direct [50860] impact on private sector and civil society organisations and assess the impact in cost and benefit terms. Anne Milton: There are no central proposals to The following regulations have been identified for discontinue the role of night sisters in national health adoption and revocation by the Department under the service hospitals. It is for local NHS organisations, who Government’s one-in, one-out policy between October are responsible for the number and skill mix of their 2010 and May 2015. The Department will continue as work force, to satisfy requirements on consulting local part of the flow of regulation, to identify additional partners and communities and to undertake the relevant outs, for the one-in, one-out regulatory management assessment of impact and equality analysis. system. 683W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 684W

Adoption Title of Measure In In force date

Health Act 2009 Extending Local Government Ombudsman remit to self-funded adult social care providers In October 2010 Care Quality Commission new system of regulating the sector through registration In October 2010 The Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) Regulations 2010 In January 2011 The Health Service Branded Medicines (Control of Prices and Supply of Information) Amendment In January 2011 Regulations 2010 Regulation of Sunbeds 2010 In April 2011 Amendments to the Primary Medical Services (Electronic Prescription Service Authorisation) Directions In April 2011 2008 IR(ME)R Amendment Regulations 2011 In April 2011 Prohibition on the sale of tobacco from vending machines In October 2011 Prohibition of the display of tobacco at point of sale In April 2012/April 2015

Revocation Title of Measure Out In force date

Care Standards Act 2001 and associated National Minimum Standards Out October 2010 Private and Voluntary Healthcare (England) Regulations 2001 Out October 2010

Ritalin: Children Methylphenidate Hydrochloride prescriptions dispensed in the community in England Thousand Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Prescription items Health (1) how many children in households receiving Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Of which: Ritalin working-age benefits have been prescribed Ritalin in each year from 1997 to 2010; [51038] 2009 610.2 20.2 (2) how many children were prescribed Ritalin to Notes: 1. Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) Data treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in each Prescription information is taken from the PCA system, supplied by year from 1997 to 2010. [51039] the Prescription Services Division of the NHS Business Services Authority, and is based on a full analysis of all prescriptions dispensed Anne Milton: The Information Centre Prescribing in the community i.e. by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing Team has advised that this information is not available doctors for items personally administered in England. Also included for children’s prescriptions. They have however provided are prescriptions written in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and information on the numbers of all Ritalin prescriptions the Isle of Man but dispensed in England. The data do not cover dispensed in the community as follows: drugs dispensed in hospitals, including mental health trusts, or private prescriptions. Ritalin is a branded version of the drug Methylphenidate 2. Prescribers are general practitioners, hospital doctors, dentists and Hydrochloride. The following table shows the total non-medical prescribers such as nurses and pharmacists. number of items dispensed for Methylphenidate 3. Prescription Items Hydrochloride overall (including Ritalin) and for Ritalin Prescriptions are written on a prescription form. Each single item written on the form is counted as a prescription item. separately for individuals of all ages. 4. British National Formulary Classifications Methylphenidate Hydrochloride prescriptions dispensed in the The PCA system uses the therapeutic classifications defined in the community in England BNF. No information on why a drug is prescribed is available and since drugs can be prescribed to treat more than one condition it is Thousand impossible to separate the different conditions that a drug was prescribed for. Prescription items Source: Prescription Cost Analysis Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Of which: Ritalin

1997 92.1 92.1 Social Services 1998 126.6 126.6 1999 158.0 157.9 Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for improvement of the social care 2000 186.2 181.3 system. [50510] 2001 208.5 180.6 Paul Burstow: “A Vision for Adult Social Care: Capable 2002 254.0 161.8 Communities and Active Citizens” published on 16 2003 314.5 124.5 November 2010, set the context for the future direction of adult social care in England. A copy has already 2004 359.1 67.8 been placed in the Library. 2005 389.2 30.7 It said that services should be more personalised, 2006 456.9 26.5 with personal budgets, preferably as a direct payment, provided to all eligible people, by April 2003. Services 2007 535.3 25.5 should be more focused on prevention, delivering the 2008 573.4 22.8 best outcomes for people. 685W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 686W

We know that urgent reform of the social care funding Free sight tests are available to people aged 60 and system is needed to provide much more control to over and other disadvantaged groups. The uptake of individuals and their carers, and to reduce the insecurity NHS sight tests is steadily rising. that they and their families face. We are looking to improve clinical outcomes further That is why we have established an independent through changes being proposed by the Health and commission to make recommendations on how to achieve Social Care Bill currently before Parliament. an affordable and sustainable funding system for adult social care in England. The Commission on the Funding of Care and Support BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS is due to report in July. More information about the commission’s work can be found online at: Arts: Research www.dilnotcommission.dh.gov.uk It is our intention to bring together the conclusions Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Law Commission and the Commission on the Business, Innovation and Skills what his Department’s Funding of Care and Support into a White Paper by strategic research priorities are in respect of the Arts the end of the year, with subsequent legislation establishing and Humanities Research Council. [50925] a sustainable legal and financial framework for care and support. Mr Willetts: The Department does not have any strategic research priorities in respect of the Arts and Strokes: Health Services Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The AHRC’s delivery plan, published in December 2010, was agreed Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in discussion with the Department. This sets out their what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the strategic research priority areas. A copy of the delivery introduction of GP-led commissioning on waiting plan is available on the AHRC website at: times to access post-stroke therapy services. [50420] http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/About/Policy/Documents/ DeliveryPlan2011.pdf Mr Simon Burns: The move to general practitioner-led commissioning will improve the fit between service Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for provision and patients’ needs. This should be reflected Business, Innovation and Skills in respect of which in a better balance in the provision of acute and post-acute Arts and Humanities Research Council projects his care. Department has allocated funding since May 2010. [50926] Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the Mr Willetts: The Department provides funding to the introduction of GP-led commissioning on the research councils. It is for the research councils, rather development of stroke care networks. [50421] than Government, to allocate funds to individual projects. Employment Agencies: EU Law Mr Simon Burns: The stroke clinical networks and the central team that supports them continue to be funded in 2011-12. During 2011-12 consideration is Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for being given to where the functions undertaken by these Business, Innovation and Skills if he will review the networks will best fit into the new arrangements. implementation of the Agency Worker Regulations and their effect on labour market flexibility one year Visual Impairment after they enter into force. [49384]

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davey: A review of the Agency Workers Directive Health what plans his Department has to achieve the will be carried out by the European Commission, in World Health Organisation standard of eliminating consultation with member states and social partners at avoidable blindness by 2020. [50652] Community level, by 5 December 2013. In addition this Department will be regularly monitoring the impact of Mr Simon Burns: In the United Kingdom, we support the Agency Workers Regulations in the UK and will the aim of eliminating avoidable sight loss by 2020. have conducted a Post-Implementation Review by Effective screening is already in place for diabetic December 2013. The main source of information for retinopathy. Between December 2009 and December the formal evaluation and ongoing monitoring is likely 2010, 98.1% of people with diabetes were offered screening to be the Labour Force Survey/Annual Population Survey for diabetic retinopathy. but other surveys and research may also be relevant carried out by government or other bodies. The national health service has invested significant resources in improving cataract services. European Regional Development Fund: Local Enterprise The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Partnerships (NICE) has published technology appraisal guidance on the use of Lucentis for the treatment of wet age-related Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for macular degeneration and has recommended its use as Business, Innovation and Skills what role local enterprise a clinically and cost-effective use of NHS resources for partnerships will play in applications for funding from patients meeting specific clinical criteria. Primary care the European Regional Development Fund. [50229] trusts are legally required to make funding available for Lucentis in line with NICE’s guidance. Robert Neill: I have been asked to reply. 687W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 688W

All ERDF programmes are overseen by programme Higher Education: Admissions monitoring committees. These committees provide strategic leadership and management for ERDF programmes, Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for and the detailed approval of projects is typically undertaken Business, Innovation and Skills what research his by a range of appointed sub-committees. Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the proportion of students graduating from (i) Oxford Programme monitoring committees will transition to and (ii) Cambridge University who attended (A) local management committees from 1 July 2011, to independent, (B) state, (C) grammar and (D) comprehensive ensure that ERDF governance arrangements reflect the schools and obtained first class honours degrees in the coalition Government’s Localism agenda. There will be last 20 years. [49468] representation from local enterprise partnerships on local management committees. Mr Willetts: The Department has not commissioned any analysis of its own on the proportion of graduates Heat Pumps from Oxford and Cambridge by school type achieving first class degrees. Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for I am aware of research published in the British Business, Innovation and Skills if he will ask the Educational Research Journal, 35.5, (pp781-807 2009) United Kingdom Accreditation Service to accredit the by Tom Ogg, Anna Zimdars and Anthony Heath on the leakage rates of fluorocarbons from heat pumps effects of Schooling on degree performance: a comparison supplied by the heat pump industry. [50291] of the predictive validity of aptitude testing and secondary Mr Willetts: I am sure that the United Kingdom school grades at Oxford university. This article examined Accreditation Service would be happy to consider the cause of school type effects upon gaining a first accrediting a laboratory, inspection body or certification class degree at Oxford university whereby for a given body if one came forward to apply for accreditation in level of secondary school performance, private school respect of the conformity assessment of heat pumps. students perform less well at degree level. Figures on the school background of high achieving Higher Education students at Oxford and Cambridge universities can be secured from the HESA Information Service Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for www.hesa.ac.uk Business, Innovation and Skills if he will bring forward proposals to amend the rules governing the validation Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, of higher education qualifications in order to allow Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the more organisations to validate such qualifications; and number of undergraduate places that will be available at universities in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13; what recent if he will make a statement. [50436] discussions he has had with universities about university Mr Willetts: Higher education institutions with degree places; and if he will make a statement. [50281] awarding powers (DAPs) are responsible for awarding Mr Willetts: We expect student numbers in England their own degrees and other higher education qualifications, to remain broadly constant over the spending review and can validate qualifications delivered by other providers period. without DAPs. As I have made clear in recent public I have regular discussions with higher education speeches, the Government are committed to opening up institutions and their representative bodies about the market for the delivery of higher education to new developments in Government policy in their area including and alternative providers. For example, we have said on student numbers. We will bring forward proposals that we will allow non-teaching bodies to offer external for a more flexible and responsive way of controlling degrees. We will set out our proposals in more detail in student numbers in the forthcoming Higher Education the forthcoming Higher Education White Paper. White Paper. Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to Innovation and Skills what responsibilities the Director increase the proportion of higher education courses of Fair Access has to assess a higher education institution’s delivered in further education colleges. [50437] access agreement with reference to specific courses deemed most likely to encourage social mobility. [50855] Mr Willetts: The Government see an important role for further education colleges delivering higher education Mr Willetts: Our guidance to the Director of Fair courses in a reformed HE system. The Government’s Access, published on 10February, said that: funding reforms, including the extension of loans to “... evidence has shown that certain courses, particularly those part-time students and enabling student choice to drive that lead to professional careers, tend to offer the greatest financial higher education funding, should benefit further education benefit to students. Securing fair access to these courses is an important component of promoting greater social mobility. We colleges which can offer an attractive proposition to hope that institutions will make particular reference to these prospective students. courses in their Access Agreements, and may wish to target their The forthcoming Higher Education White Paper will outreach and other activities, such as foundation years, to where set out reforms to help higher education become more they can have greatest impact on access and social mobility.” dynamic and responsive to demand. This includes making Legislation requires the Director to “have regard to” it easier for a more diverse range of providers, including the guidance issued to him by the Secretary of State. further education colleges, to compete and allowing Assessment of access agreements is a matter for the non-teaching bodies to apply to offer external degrees, Director of Fair Access and he has issued his own giving further education colleges more choice in their guidance to institutions consistent with that from provision of degree courses. Government. 689W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 690W

Higher Education: Anti-Semitism Mr Prisk: The Government are supporting manufacturing by creating the economic stability that Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, will give businesses the confidence they need to plan Innovation and Skills if he will make representations to and invest. We are doing this by creating a more supportive higher education authorities about invitations to speakers tax environment, cutting through red tape and unnecessary with a history of promoting anti-Semitism to speak on regulation, increasing access to finance, and focusing on campuses; and if he will make a statement. [50269] training and apprenticeships. Manufacturers will also benefit from a package of measures announced as part Mr Willetts: Decisions about external speakers must of Budget 2011 to promote growth in manufacturing, rest with universities themselves. In this area universities such as changes to capital allowances, helping firms to are bound by the law both in protecting freedom of commercialise technology, developing new degree-equivalent speech on campus, even if that free expression is higher level apprenticeships, and increased funding for controversial, and protecting students and staff against the Green Investment Bank. harassment or violence. The Government would expect The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills institutions to tackle these issues vigorously when they Ministers and officials have regular meetings with the arise and they have access to guidance from both Confederation of British Industry including bilaterals Government and the sector itself on promoting good and roundtables at which numerous issues are discussed, campus relations, which draw out the considerations including manufacturing. institutions need to give to free expression on campus and to addressing illegal behaviour. Institutions also take advice about external speakers from their local Members: Correspondence police forces when needed. The Department is active in the wider Government review of the Prevent Strategy Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for which is considering approaches to tackling extremism Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects to and supporting integration in universities and elsewhere. reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Thurrock There is no place for racism of any form, such as of 8 December 2010 on strengthening the integrity of anti-Semitism, in higher education. Universities have drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. [41393] the primary responsibility for ensuring that their students are not subject to threatening or abusive behaviour on Mr Prisk: I replied to the letter from my hon. Friend campus and have access to a strong legislative framework 2 March 2011. and guidance to help them deal effectively with instances of intolerance, racism and harassment in their institutions. Mercosur: EU Action Local Enterprise Partnerships Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Business, Innovation and Skills if he will discuss with Innovation and Skills what proportion of England was (a) the European Commission, (b) Members of the covered by a local enterprise partnership on the most European Parliament and (c) his EU counterparts the recent date for which figures are available; and what environmental and social effects of the proposed EU steps he is taking to support such partnerships in increasing free trade agreement with Mercosur. [50027] economic growth and job creation in their areas. [50566] Mr Davey: The UK supports the inclusion of sustainable Mr Prisk: To date 32 partnerships have been approved. development chapters, covering environmental and social These represent: issues, in all free trade agreements. Negotiations with 1.8 million or 90% of all businesses (active enterprises) in Mercosur on sustainable development have not begun. England Once they do, the UK will discuss environmental and 21 million employees (employee jobs figures) or 91 % of all social issues with the European Commission, EU employees in England and; counterparts and Members of the European Parliament. A population of 47 million or 90% of England’s population. The Government will work with local enterprise Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for partnerships to ensure that activities which are nationally Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made led are dovetailed as closely as possible with locally-led an assessment of the likely effects of implementation of delivery. These include policies for promoting trade and the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement on future securing inward investment; investing in research and levels of illegal logging in the Amazon. [50133] development and innovation; nurturing high growth sectors; ensuring business improvement for businesses Mr Davey: The European Commission’s sustainability with high growth potential; and increasing access to impact assessment, available at: venture capital. http://ec.europa.eu/trade/analysis/sustainability-impact- Manufacturing Industries assessments/assessments/#study-10 assesses that the free trade agreement (FTA) will have a Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, limited effect on the trade of timber and timber products Innovation and Skills what recent steps he has taken to between Mercosur and the EU, but also notes that support British manufacturing industry; what recent illegal logging could increase if not accompanied by discussions (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department appropriate measures. For this reason, the UK will and (c) officials in his Department have had with the encourage the European Commission to use the FTA to Confederation of British Industry on this matter; and if strengthen co-operation with Mercosur on forest law he will make a statement. [50310] enforcement and governance. 691W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 692W

Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries When borrowers move abroad, whether temporarily or because they live in another country, they must give Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for the SLC information about their location and earnings. Business, Innovation and Skills what representations he The SLC will determine whether the borrower should has made at EU level on the need for a European Code be making repayments and, if so, gives them a monthly of Conduct to be adopted by (a) car manufacturers repayment schedule under the terms of the contract of and (b) franchised dealers under the Block Exemption the loan. The SLC will convert their income into pounds Regulation; and if he will make a statement. [50376] sterling and will tell the borrower the amount they will need to pay each month. Mr Prisk: I have made no representations at European Where borrowers move overseas and do not notify level on this issue. the SLC, they may be charged penalties which will be added to the outstanding loan amount. They may also Overseas Students: Loans have to pay the costs of any trace agents employed by the SLC. In some circumstances, they may have to repay the full outstanding amount in a single payment. Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for Effective collection of student loans across the EU is Business, Innovation and Skills (1) how many children underpinned by EC regulation 44/2001, which allows the of Turkish workers who have received help with tuition SLC to obtain judgements in UK courts which can be fees since 2006 have not made scheduled repayments in enforced by courts in other EU countries. Borrowers each of the last five years; [49088] who choose to disregard their obligation will be pursued (2) how many students from other EU member states by the SLC and, where appropriate, court orders will be have received living cost support from the Student sought. Loans Company in each of the last five years; [49089] (3) pursuant to the answer of 9 March, Official Regional Development Agencies: Assets Report, column 1180W, on overseas students: loans, how many Swiss national students did not make a Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, scheduled student loan repayment in each of the last Innovation and Skills what discussions (a) he and (b) five years; [49090] his officials have had with the chief executive of each regional development agency (RDA) on their proposals (4) how much the Student Loans Company is owed for the disposal of assets held by each such RDA. in arrears by students from (a) EEA countries, (b) [50901] Switzerland and (c) Turkey; [49092] (5) how much is owed by former students from EEA Mr Prisk: The Department is working closely with countries to the Student Loans Company (a) in total the RDAs. Officials have regular contact with chief and (b) arising from repayments due but not made in executives, and their staff, to discuss issues including each year since 2007. [49117] their proposals for the disposal of assets. RDAs are also represented on the assets and liabilities working group Mr Willetts: Information about awards of tuition fee that has been established to consider general policy and maintenance loans and about repayments which issues arising from asset disposal and which developed separately identifies children of Turkish workers, Swiss the principles to guide the disposal of assets: national students or students from the European economic http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/economic-development/ area (EEA) is not readily available in the format requested. docs/s/11-727-statement-rda-assets-and-liabilities.pdf Generally, living cost support is not available to those Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for students coming from the European Union to study in Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings (a) he England. An exception is made for individuals who are and (b) his officials have had with (i) Ministers and (ii) exercising their rights under EC law to work in the UK, officials in the (A) the Department for Communities specified family members of those individuals, EC nationals and Local Government and (B) HM Treasury on the who have lived in the UK and islands for three years options for the disposal of the assets owned by the prior to the start of the course, children of Swiss regional development agencies; and on what dates such nationals and children of Turkish workers in the UK. meetings took place. [50905] Individuals must satisfy certain residency criteria before being considered eligible for the package of maintenance Mr Prisk: The Department is working closely with support. Department for Communities and Local Government and HM Treasury. Officials have regular contact with Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for these Departments to discuss issues including RDA Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer proposals for the disposal of assets. of 9 March 2011, Official Report, column 1180W, on HM Treasury and the Department for Communities overseas students: loans, what procedures are in place and Local Government are also represented on the to recoup the outstanding debt of those former assets and liabilities working group that has been established students from European Economic Area countries who to consider general policy issues arising from asset disposal. are in arrears. [49417] Research: Finance Mr Willetts: Student loans in England are only available to those who meet the relevant residence requirements. Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for The Student Loans Company (SLC) applies the same Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department procedures to all borrowers who move overseas after plans to take to clarify the Haldane principle in relation leaving their course. to academic research. [50924] 693W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 694W

Mr Willetts: A clarification of the Haldane principle Mr Gibb: There will be no overall additional cost to was published alongside the science and research funding the public purse. Where local authorities have identified allocations on 20 December 2010, available at: the need for a new school they must provide the site and http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/ any associated capital. cmhansrd/cm101220/wmstext/101220m0001.htm This came after consultation with senior figures in the Children in Care science and research community. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Small Businesses: Recruitment Education what the average length of placement for looked after children was in each local authority area Mr Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, in each of the last three years. [48499] Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to encourage small businesses to employ staff. [50538] Tim Loughton: The information requested, is shown in the following table. Mr Prisk: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to The average has been calculated as the mean length my hon. Friend the Member for Southend West (Mr of each placement for those children who were looked Amess) on 31 March 2011, Official Report, column after at some point during the year. Where a placement 482W. started before the beginning of the year, the complete length of that placement has been counted. Where a Students: Loans placement started during the year and continued beyond the end of the year, the length of the placement has only Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, been calculated to the 31 March of that year. Innovation and Skills (1) what assessment he has made Average length of placements for children looked after during the year ending 31 of the effect on the number of women studying part-time March, by local authority1. Years ending 31 March 2008 to 2010. Coverage: of his decision that the liability to repay student loans England commences prior to the completion of the course; Days [51009] 2008 2009 2010 (2) for what reasons he has determined that part-time England 510 512 506 students should be liable to begin repaying their student loans before they have completed their course. [51010] North East 494 482 464 Darlington 449 468 447 Mr Willetts: Part-time students will become liable to Durham 416 359 335 repay from the April following the third anniversary of Gateshead 539 549 502 the start date of their course. This date has been chosen Hartlepool 370 382 412 as it is consistent with the repayment date that will Middlesbrough 477 439 455 typically apply to former full-time students. At that Newcastle upon Tyne 575 527 514 point the interest that will accrue on the loan will be North Tyneside 428 425 401 dependent on income of the borrower, rather than Northumberland 527 643 673 being set at the retail price index (RPI) + 3%; those Redcar and Cleveland 465 489 395 earning less than £21,000 will then accrue interest at the South Tyneside 496 472 450 rate of RPI. But no one is expected to repay until they Stockton-on-Tees 413 425 406 earn more than £21,000. Sunderland 630 612 625 This balances the needs of the student with those of the taxpayer, as it secures repayments from part-time North West 569 573 562 students who earn more than £21,000 at the earliest Blackburn with Darwen 560 616 581 reasonable opportunity while also affording protection Blackpool 458 420 411 to low-earning graduates. Bolton 433 410 379 Because the earnings threshold at which repayments Bury 599 570 524 start will be raised to £21,000, low earners, including Cheshire2 481 469 — many part-time workers, will be more likely to fall Cheshire East2 — — 433 below this higher threshold. The new system will particularly Cheshire West and — — 440 2 benefit those who take time out to have a family and the Chester lowest earners, both men and women, will pay less Cumbria 594 636 564 under the new system, than they would currently. Halton 619 683 766 Knowsley 529 620 622 Lancashire 553 569 571 Liverpool 722 624 614 Manchester 590 628 619 EDUCATION Oldham 535 571 583 Rochdale 479 505 523 Academies Salford 685 775 676 Sefton 517 508 470 Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for St Helens 597 605 642 Education what estimate he has made of the likely cost Stockport 582 627 601 to the public purse of implementing the presumption Tameside 562 558 606 that all new schools will open as academies. [37963] Trafford 462 521 607 695W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 696W

Average length of placements for children looked after during the year ending 31 Average length of placements for children looked after during the year ending 31 March, by local authority1. Years ending 31 March 2008 to 2010. Coverage: March, by local authority1. Years ending 31 March 2008 to 2010. Coverage: England England Days Days 2008 2009 2010 2008 2009 2010

Warrington 515 465 448 Wigan 566 524 558 London 473 469 466 Wirral 627 627 677

Inner London 510 504 493 Yorkshire and the Humber 531 556 567 Camden 534 519 539 Barnsley 655 576 671 City Of London 489 484 467 Bradford 600 652 728 Hackney 631 635 758 Calderdale 468 457 615 Hammersmith and 582 572 542 Doncaster 409 385 400 Fulham East Riding of Yorkshire 520 568 516 Haringey 456 442 419 Kingston upon Hull, City 482 530 501 Islington 560 599 594 of Kensington and Chelsea 393 387 352 Kirklees 442 464 479 Lambeth 486 518 507 Leeds 661 680 641 Lewisham 502 467 438 North East Lincolnshire 422 518 518 Newham 513 487 483 North Lincolnshire 497 491 454 Southwark 550 534 499 North Yorkshire 597 659 640 Tower Hamlets 416 420 415 Rotherham 324 412 459 Wandsworth 531 526 554 Sheffield 490 534 527 Westminster 461 489 479 Wakefield 688 637 621 York 397 390 450 Outer London 443 441 444 Barking and Dagenham 397 302 357 East Midlands 488 493 479 Barnet 614 575 577 Derby 589 580 575 Bexley 436 448 474 Derbyshire 456 476 467 Brent 400 391 442 Leicester 580 548 491 Bromley 597 567 477 Leicestershire 433 425 430 Croydon 384 428 425 Lincolnshire 540 597 595 Ealing 472 487 452 Northamptonshire 394 359 391 Enfield 499 484 434 Nottingham 463 503 462 Greenwich 430 465 424 Nottinghamshire 509 524 485 Harrow 476 389 395 Rutland 356 466 334 Havering 446 439 ¦ 428 Hillingdon 431 471 551 West Midlands 510 515 511 Hounslow 458 482 460 Birmingham 528 527 542 Kingston upon Thames 433 381 415 Coventry 514 491 524 Merton 406 346 372 Dudley 544 588 571 Redbridge 337 347 395 Herefordshire 692 650 674 Richmond upon Thames 527 515 445 Sandwell 611 637 625 Sutton 403 371 360 Shropshire 379 415 421 Waltham Forest 498 490 488 Solihull 414 357 382 Staffordshire 460 460 446 South East 491 478 472 Stoke-on-Trent 417 464 431 Bracknell Forest 370 410 324 Telford and Wrekin 474 512 492 Brighton and Hove 451 409 410 Walsall 592 627 636 Buckinghamshire 645 556 497 Warwickshire 442 456 457 East Sussex 652 638 622 Wolverhampton 557 589 487 Hampshire 445 457 472 Worcestershire 543 507 481 Isle of Wight 535 570 574 Kent 452 414 437 East of England 547 555 553 Medway Towns 594 626 566 Bedfordshire2 766 661 — Milton Keynes 405 432 364 Bedford Borough2 — — 582 Oxfordshire 496 537 494 Central Bedfordshire2 — — 595 Cambridgeshire 510 500 548 Portsmouth 626 570 552 Essex 481 529 553 Reading 442 485 460 Hertfordshire 619 552 486 Slough 447 342 328 Luton 547 566 653 Southampton 368 346 427 Norfolk 567 575 583 Surrey 507 485 496 Peterborough 554 614 636 West Berkshire 694 711 573 Southend-on-Sea 547 624 612 West Sussex 520 526 480 Suffolk 527 531 535 Windsor and Maidenhead 453 381 317 Thurrock 447 521 473 Wokingham 393 416 482 697W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 698W

Average length of placements for children looked after during the year ending 31 Children’s Commissioner March, by local authority1. Years ending 31 March 2008 to 2010. Coverage: England Days Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 2008 2009 2010 (1) what plans he has for the future of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England; [49889] (2) what the cost to the public purse of the Office of South West 467 462 457 the Children’s Commissioner for England was in each Bath and North East 501 581 551 Somerset of the last three years. [49890] Bournemouth 488 493 520 Bristol, City of 487 525 563 Sarah Teather [holding answer 31 March 2011]: On Cornwall 397 327 333 6 December 2010, the Government published the Devon 498 494 411 report of an independent review of the Office of the Dorset 517 543 524 Children’s Commissioner carried out by John Dunford. Gloucestershire 606 459 535 In the accompanying written ministerial statement, Isles of Scilly 0 0 0 the Government accepted all of John Dunford’s North Somerset 410 397 413 recommendations in principle, notably that a new Office Plymouth 465 512 440 of the Children’s Commissioner for England should be Poole 545 546 504 established, with a role to promote and protect the Somerset 351 357 363 rights of children in relation to the UN Convention on South Gloucestershire 484 469 417 the Rights of the Child. A copy of John Dunford’s Swindon 393 467 550 report and the written ministerial statement can be Torbay 409 442 479 found at: Wiltshire 509 502 470 http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a0069886/ 1 Figures exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short-term review-of-the-office-of-%20children’s-commissioner-for- placements. england 2 In 2009, Cheshire local authority split into Cheshire East and Cheshire West The Government will consult on detailed proposals and Chester. Similarly, Bedfordshire LA split into Bedford borough and Central Bedfordshire. in relation to the review, prior to the introduction of Source: draft legislation. SSDA 903 The existing Office of the Children’s Commissioner Children: Disability for England has claimed grant in aid (to the nearest £1,000) for each of the last three financial years as Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for follows: Education with reference to his Department’s 2009/10: £2,670,000 announcement of 11 December 2010 on short breaks 2008/09: £2,907,000 for disabled children, whether the funding proposed for 2007/08: £2,663,000 short breaks for families with disabled children in England will have a consequential effect on the funding for Cookery: Curriculum services for families with disabled children living in Scotland. [49486] Ben Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has for the future teaching of Sarah Teather: Using the Barnett formula, Scotland, cookery in schools. [49695] Wales and Northern Ireland have received a population- based proportion of the education budget and are now Mr Gibb: On 20 January, the Secretary of State for able to decide what services they provide in terms of Education announced that we are conducting a review short breaks. of the National Curriculum at both primary and secondary levels. This review will include consideration of the Children: Poverty status of design and technology (including cookery).

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Contracts Education what discussions his Department has had with the End Child Poverty coalition on the proposed Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for pupil premium. [21474] Education what contracts his Department and its associated public bodies signed with Lockheed Martin Sarah Teather: I know of no discussions between my in each of the last 10 years; and for what purposes each Department and the End Child Poverty coalition group such contract was let. [50692] specifically on the Pupil Premium. The coalition is made up of more than 150 organisations Tim Loughton: The Department’s financial records and 10 of these responded separately to our consultation show that the Department did not make any payments on school funding for 2011-12, which set out proposals to Lockheed Martin over each of the last 10 years. The for the operation of the Pupil Premium. Consultation Department does not hold any contract information for ended on 18 October and we announced our decisions this company on its central database. on 13 December 2010. Details of the funding settlement Similarly the public bodies associated with the can found at: Department have confirmed that their financial records http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/ show that they did not make any payments to Lockheed financialmanagement/schoolsrevenuefunding/ Martin over each of the last 10 years and do not hold settlement2012pupilpremium any contract information with this company. 699W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 700W

Departmental Flowers performance management framework (PMF) to ensure efficient use of funds (costs per call handled or other Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for mechanism used, utility, outcomes etc.). Education how much his Department spent on flowers For Government funded contact centres the costs in 2009-10. [50571] involved are largely variable (for instance depending on the number of calls received) and are worked out based Tim Loughton: The Department spent £569.99 on on the projected demand for a service. There is also flowers in 2009-10. some element of fixed cost. Likely demand is calculated by looking at existing levels of demand and adding a Departmental Interpreters contingency for any additional demand likely to be generated by increased marketing activity.For new services Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education where we have no historical data or where we need to for which services provided by (a) his Department and estimate additional demand, predictions will be made (b) its associated public bodies, interpreters provide based on activity levels for similar projects. services in a language or languages other than English; Funding for these services will therefore vary by year how many interpreters are employed or subcontracted based on demand levels and any efficiency savings gained. for each non-English language; and what estimate he This ensures value for money. has made of the cost to the public purse of interpretation costs incurred in the latest period for which figures are However for help lines outside of COI alternative costing models exist which may be based on a fixed available. [42889] price which can be independent of demand (and this Tim Loughton: The information is as follows: can often lead to insufficient or too much capacity and an inflexibility) or through grants (if the service is (a) During the financial year 2010-11 the Department has spent provided by the 3rd sector—which can also lead to approximately £14,000 on translation services, through a single service provider with whom we have a framework contract. This similar inflexibility). In-house services will most likely information has been drawn from our finance system, using have a fixed budget but may well request more resource information on payments made to the supplier. if a period of intense demand is expected. To obtain full details behind each of these transactions could Departmental Travel be achieved only at disproportionate cost, but information recorded onto the finance system shows translations into Welsh, and translations from Spanish, Russian and Turkish. Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) To obtain the detailed information from our non-departmental Education how much his Department spent on international public bodies could be achieved only at disproportionate cost. travel in the financial year 2009-10. [50561]

Departmental Public Bodies Tim Loughton: The total amount spent on international travel in financial year 2009-10 was £42,639. The provisional Tessa Jowell: To ask the Secretary of State for comparative figure for 2010-11 is £24,728. Education what estimate his Department has made of the level of savings which will accrue from the abolition Discretionary Learner Support Fund of the School Food Trust. [48630] Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Sarah Teather: The Government’s aim is not abolition Education whether an announcement will be made of the School Food Trust, but rather that it will cease to before 31 March 2011 on the amount of funding his be an NDPB while continuing as a company and charity. Department expects to make available in the Learner The Trust is exploring how it might best move to Support fund for 16 to 19 year olds in 2011-12; what become a community interest company to run alongside rules govern the operation of the fund; and whether the charity. The Department is committed to the college principals and school heads will have complete Government’s ambitions to reform public bodies, improve discretion as to how this fund is used. [49595] transparency and accountability, streamline services and reduce costs. Mr Gibb: On 28 March we announced a new £180 million bursary scheme which, from September 2011, Departmental Telephone Services will be targeted towards those young people who most need support to enable them to continue their education Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for and training post-16, together with transitional Education what criteria his Department uses to arrangements to help some of those who are presently determine the allocation of funding to advice lines in receipt of EMA. We are currently consulting on our operated by his Department. [45386] proposals.

Tim Loughton: The decision to fund a service is Education dependent on whether a contact centre is the most appropriate response mechanism for our target audience Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for (contact centres/help lines rarely just answer calls, but Education what proportion of children of each ethnicity can receive e-mail, SMS, web form or paper responses) achieved A* to C grades in English, mathematics, one and meets the objectives for the work concerned. Therefore language, two sciences and either history or geography the decision to use a contact centre would be taken by in each year since 2008. [47270] policy and communications professionals based on the audience and desired objectives. Regardless of the model Mr Gibb: The information requested is shown in the chosen, each service records appropriate data using a following tables: 701W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 702W

Achievements at GCSE for pupils1 at the end of Key Stage 4 by ethnicity, years: 2007/08 to 2009/10 (amended)2, coverage: England, maintained schools (including Academies and CTCs) Percentage of pupils achieving A* -C grades in: English3 Mathematics Language4 2007/08 2008/09 2009/106 2007/08 2008/09 2009/106 2007/08 2008/09 2009/106

White 60.1 61.9 66.2 56.0 58.3 62.2 26.2 27.0 26.9 White British 60.2 62.2 66.5 56.0 58.3 62.3 25.5 26.1 26.0 Irish 67. 69.2 74.3 62.8 63. 69.3 33.8 31.6 35.6 Traveller of Irish Heritage7 15.6 13.2 29.3 13.8 18.2 24.4 3.7 5.0 3.3 Gypsy/Roma7 14.4 15.0 16.5 11.4 12.6 13.5 4.8 4.5 4.9 Any Other White 55.5 56.0 60.4 56.5 59.0 61.2 48.5 50.5 48.7 Background Mixed 61.2 64.2 68.0 53.9 58.2 61.9 28.7 29.8 30.6 White and Black Caribbean 53.5 57.1 61.8 44.6 49.2 52.4 18.5 18.9 19.3 White and Black African 61.5 63.7 68.8 53.4 58.1 62.7 30.6 31.7 33.0 White and Asian 70.6 73.2 75.5 64.5 69.1 72.6 37.9 39.2 39.4 Any Other Mixed 64.2 66.9 70.0 58.3 61.7 65.3 34.1 35.8 36.4 Background Asian 60.4 62.5 67.5 60.5 62.6 66.7 35.4 35.6 34.8 Indian 73.5 75.3 79.5 73.2 74.9 7B.3 44.0 45.5 44.6 Pakistani 51.0 53.7 60.3 49.5 52.4 57.5 29.3 28.6 28.0 Bangladeshi 55.9 59.3 64.6 54.8 57.1 63.0 27.7 28.3 26.0 Any Other Asian 59.0 60.5 64.0 65.6 68.1 69.9 39.5 39.6 41.0 Background Black 54.4 57.8 62.7 49.6 53.3 57.1 23.4 24.4 24.3 Black Caribbean 52.7 54.7 59.9 43.9 47.5 50.7 16.0 16.7 17.3 Black African 55.6 60.1 65.0 53.7 57.7 61.6 28.5 29.1 2B.2 Any Other Black 53.9 55.7 59.9 47.7 49.8 53.5 22.6 24.8 26.1 Background Chinese 72.3 74.6 77.4 87.2 867 90.9 65.1 67.1 68.5 Any Other Ethnic Group 52.4 54.3 60.1 56.9 58.5 62.8 48.1 48.6 46.8

Unclassified8 55.7 60.4 64.3 51.2 57.7 60.3 26.0 29.3 29.3

All pupils 59.8 61.8 66.2 56.1 58.5 62.4 27.1 28.0 27.9

Percentage of pupils achieving A* -C grades in: At least two sciences5 Either History or Geography 2007/08 2008/09 2009/106 2007/08 2008/09 2009/106

White 46.0 46.4 47.7 32.0 32.1 32.6 White British 46.1 46.5 47.9 32.0 32.2 32.7 Irish 52. 51.9 56.5 42.1 41.7 45.9 Traveller of Irish Heritage7 8.3 9.9 13.6 4.6 5.0 8.9 Gypsy/Roma7 6.6 6.8 6.4 4.1 4.7 3.4 Any Other White Background 42.7 42.6 43.3 30.4 29.5 29.4 Mixed 43.8 45.5 46.5 28.3 2S.2 29.8 White and Black Caribbean 35.4 36.8 36.0 20.1 21.5 21.1 White and Black African 43.3 44.8 45.8 28.0 28.1 23.0 White and Asian 53.9 56.5 56.7 38.2 40.3 39.4 Any Other Mixed Background 47.6 48.9 50.7 31.8 31.5 33.7 Asian 46.6 48.1 49.6 29.8 30.1 29.9 Indian 60.3 61.5 64.4 40.0 41.2 40.5 Pakistani 36.4 38.6 39.3 22.8 23.0 23.5 Bangladeshi 37.9 40.9 43.3 22.4 22.8 24.1 Any Other Asian Background 50.6 50.8 51.4 31.7 31.7 30.5 Black 35.1 37.3 37.9 20.9 21.9 22.0 Black Caribbean 31.8 32.4 32.6 17.0 17.5 17.8 Black African 37.8 40.9 41.6 23.9 25.1 25.0 Any Other Black Background 33.1 34.9 35.1 18.7 19.7 19.8 Chinese 69.0 69.7 70.9 46.3 45.1 46.5 Any Other Ethnic Group 40.8 41.5 43.4 25.1 25.0 24.8 Unclassified8 41.3 45.7 45.3 29.0 32.2 32.2 703W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 704W

Percentage of pupils achieving A* -C grades in: At least two sciences5 Either History or Geography 2007/08 2008/09 2009/106 2007/08 2008/09 2009/106

All pupils 45.5 46.1 47.4 31.2 31.5 31.8 1 Number of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 in each academic year. 2 2007/08 and 2008/09 figures are based on final data. 2009/10 figures are amended. 3 Highest grade achieved in English, English Studies or English Language. 4 Covers the following GCSE languages: French, German, Spanish, Danish, Dutch. Italian, Modem Greek, Portuguese, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gujarali, Hindi, Japanese, Modern Hebrew, Panjabi, Polish, Russian, Turkish, Urdu, Persian. 5 The two sciences can be either: i. Double science GCSE or ii. GCSE Science (Core or Applied) plus GCSE Additional Science or Applied Additional Science or GCSE Land and Environment or iii. At least two of the following subjects: Physics GCSE, Chemistry GCSE and Biological Science GCSE. 6 In 2010 iGCSEs, accredited at time of publication, have been counted as GCSE equivalents and also as English and mathematics GCSEs. 7 Due to small numbers of pupils from those ethnic groups, small changes may not be significant and year-on-year comparisons should be treated with caution. 8 Includes pupils for whom ethnicity or first language was not obtained, refused or could not be determined. Source: National Pupil Database

Education Maintenance Allowance: Medway and invited schools to submit their comments by the end of the year. We have included the English Baccalaureate Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for measure in the performance tables to make information Education how many children received education about schools’ performance more widely available in maintenance allowance in the (a) Medway council and line with the coalition Government’s commitment to (b) Tonbridge and Malling borough council area in the improve transparency. Our aim is to provide parents latest period for which figures are available. [50045] with more information on schools and, in the process, stimulate debate on what schools should be teaching. Mr Gibb: This is a matter for the Young People’s We have not set any targets for the English Baccalaureate Learning Agency (YPLA) who operate the education and are not using it as an accountability measure. maintenance allowance for the Department for Education Free School Meals and manage the Capita contract. Peter Lauener, the YPLA’s chief executive, has written to the hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford with the information requested Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for and a copy of his reply has been placed in the House Education how many children received free school Libraries. meals in each ward in the (a) Medway council and (b) Letter from Peter Lauener, dated 30 March 2011: Tonbridge and Malling borough council area in the latest period for which figures are available. [50043] I am writing in response to your Parliamentary Question PQ50045 that asked: Mr Gibb: Information about the number of resident “How many children received education maintenance allowance school pupils eligible for free school meals in each ward in the (a) Medway Council and (b) Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council area in the latest period for which figures are in Medway and Tonbridge and Malling is provided in available.” the following table. Information on the number of young people who have received Number and percentage of resident pupils1 eligible for free school meals2 in each EMA is available for upper tier local authorities but not by ward3 in (a) Medway and (b) Tonbridge and Malling in January 2010 constituency, local authority ward or council level. Resident pupils1 eligible for free school meals2 EMA take-up is defined as young people who have received Number Percentage one or more EMA payments in the academic year. Medway 5,030 13.4 The table below shows local authority take-up as at 28 February Chatham Central 550 21.5 2011. Cuxton and Halling 40 4.6 Gillingham North 660 24.9 Take-up Gillingham South 440 17.8 Medway 3,213 Hempstead and 20 1.7 Wigmore Kent 15,270 Lordswood and 160 11.8 EMA take-up data showing the number of young people who Capstone have received one or more EMA payments during 2004/05, 2005/06, Luton and Wayfield 440 20.4 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10 is available on the YPLA Peninsula 160 8.5 website, at the following address: Princes Park 230 13.4 http://ema.ypla.gov.uk/resources/research/takeup/ Rainham Central 90 5.1 Rainham North 150 13.3 English Baccalaureate Rainham South 180 9.2 River 110 11.8 Rochester East 230 16.8 Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Rochester South and 110 6.2 Education what consultation he undertook with Horsted schools prior to introducing the English Baccalaureate Rochester West 140 12.8 into performance tables. [34608] Strood North 250 11.8 Strood Rural 180 8.6 Mr Gibb [holding answer 18 January 2011]: We Strood South 390 17.1 announced our intention to introduce the English Twydall 290 15 Baccalaureate in the Schools White Paper in November Walderslade 150 10.6 705W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 706W

Number and percentage of resident pupils1 eligible for free school meals2 in each Number and percentage of resident pupils1 eligible for free school meals2 in each ward3 in (a) Medway and (b) Tonbridge and Malling in January 2010 ward3 in Pendle in January 2010 Resident pupils1 eligible for free school meals2 Number of resident Percentage of resident 1 1 Number Percentage pupils eligible for free pupils eligible for free school meals2, 4 school meals2 Watling 100 7.2 Clover Hill 200 25.5 Coates 90 11.6 Tonbridge and Malling 1,550 9.5 Craven 70 10.9 Aylesford 70 10 Earby 100 12.6 Blue Bell Hill and 10 1.4 Foulridge 10 4.5 Walderslade Higham and Pendleside 5— 5— Borough Green and 50 5.7 Long Mill Horsfield 140 23.2 Burham, Eccles and 60 9.8 Marsden 90 18.6 Wouldham Old Laund Booth 10 4.6 Cage Green 50 8.4 Reedley 120 14.6 Castle 20 3.2 Southfield 240 26.6 Ditton 60 8.3 Vivary Bridge 210 23.7 Downs 20 5.4 Walverden 150 22.0 East Malling 210 26.5 Waterside 200 27.7 East Peckham and 30 6.7 Whitefield 170 22.9 Golden Green 1 Includes full time and part time pupils, including boarders, who are sole or Hadlow, Mereworth 90 16.2 dual registrations, attending maintained nursery, primary, middle deemed and West Peckham primary, secondary and middle deemed secondary schools, city technology Higham 70 7.5 colleges, academies and al special schools. 2 Pupils eligible for free school meals who have full time attendance and are Hildenborough 30 4.2 aged 15 or under, or pupils who have part time attendance and are aged Ightham 10 2.2 between 5 and 15. 3 Judd 60 8.4 Census Area Statistic (CAS) Wards. 4 Numbers in this table have been rounded to the nearest 10. Kings Hill 70 5 5 Figures suppressed to protect confidentiality. Larkfield North 30 5.7 Source: Larkfield South 60 9.6 School Census (Final) Medway 80 13.2 Snodland East 130 20 Further Education: Free School Meals Snodland West 70 9.9 Trench 140 24.1 Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Vauxhall 60 9.1 Education what plans he has to ensure 16 to 18-year-olds Wateringbury 10 1.6 in full-time education in a further education or sixth West Malling and 40 5.9 form college have access to a free lunch. [37176] Leybourne Wrotham 40 17.3 Mr Gibb: Free school meals are currently available to 1 Includes full-time and part-time pupils, including boarders, who are sole or pupils in a school sixth form, including those who are dual registrations, attending maintained nursery, primary, middle deemed primary, secondary and middle deemed secondary schools. City technology 19 or over, as long as they began their course of study colleges, academies and all special schools. before attaining the age of 18. 2 Pupils eligible for free school meals who have full-time attendance and are aged 15 or under, or pupils who have part-time attendance and are aged The Department has registered concern that similar between five and 15. funding is not available for pupils studying in further 3 Census area statistic (CAS) wards. Source: education or sixth form colleges but currently has no School Census (Final). plans to extend free school meal eligibility. Free School Meals: Pendle Borough Council GCSE Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children received free school Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education meals in each ward in the Pendle borough council area how many children achieved five or more A* to C GCSEs in each year since 1997, where those GCSEs in the last year for which figures are available. [50967] included (a) English language, (b) mathematics, (c) a (d) Mr Gibb: Information about the number of resident modern foreign language, history or geography and (e) [32388] school pupils eligible for free school meals in each ward a science; and if he will make a statement. in Pendle is provided in the following table. Mr Gibb: The information available is provided in the Number and percentage of resident pupils1 eligible for free school meals2 in each ward3 in Pendle in January 2010 following table: Number of resident Percentage of resident Children who achieved five or more A* to C GCSEs where those GCSEs included pupils1 eligible for free pupils1 eligible for free English language, mathematics, history or geography, a modern foreign language school meals2, 4 school meals2 and a science, for the period 2007-10 Number Pendle 2,390 19.0 Barrowford 50 8.6 2007 109,532 Blacko and Higherford 5— 5— 2008 105,310 Boulsworth 30 5.0 2009 105,411 Bradley 330 28.4 2010 106,108 Brierfield 190 24.1 707W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 708W

Figures are based on pupils at the end of Key Stage 4. Sci: Horticulture 2010 figures include only full and double award GCSEs Science: Physical and iGCSEs. Sci: Psychology Further years can be provided only at disproportionate Robotics cost but we are committed to producing a time series for Science: Rural English Baccalaureate in the future. The figures above Science in Society are not identical to the subjects included in the English Baccalaureate. The 2010 published data can be found at Sci for Public Und the following link: Sci: Technology http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000985/ Science: Zoology index.shtml Sci: Meteorology For clarity, the composition of the subject groups Engineering Sci comprised is as follows: Science: Other English Modern Foreign Language English Welsh language English language Welsh (2nd language) Maths Welsh literature Mathematics Irish Mathematics (FSMQ) Danish Maths (Mechanics) Mathematics (Pure) Dutch Maths (Discrete) French Mathematics (Applied) German Maths (Statistics) Italian Maths (Pure and applied) Modern Greek Maths (Pure and decsn) Portuguese Maths (Pure and stats) Spanish Stats and decsn. maths Arabic Maths (Pure and mechs) Bengali Maths (Further) Chinese Additional maths Gujarati Mathematical stds. Hindi Science Japanese Biology Modern Hebrew Biology: Human Biology: Social Panjabi Biology: Human and Soc Polish Chemistry Russian Physics Turkish Science (Core) Urdu Science SA Persian Science: Additional Czech Sci: Dual Award A Swedish Env and Land Science Other languages Sci: Dual Award B Source: Science Double Awd School and College Performance Tables. Sci: Double Awd B Sci: Biol and Chem GCSE: Free Schools Meals Sci: Biol and Phys Sci: Chem and Phys Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Aeronautics Education how many and what proportion of children Sci: Agricultural gained five or more A* to C grades at GCSE including Sci: Agric and Hortic English and mathematics in each year since GCSEs Science: Applied were introduced; and how many of those were (a) eligible and (b) ineligible for free school meals in each Science: Astronomy such year. [50737] Botany Sci: Electronics Mr Gibb [holding answer 1 April 2011]: The figures Sci: Environmental requested are given in the following table for 2005/06 to Science: Geology 2009/10. 709W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 710W

Achievements at GCSE and equivalent for pupils1 at the end of key stage 4 by free school meal eligibility, 2005/06 to 2009/102, 3, England, maintained schools (including academies and CTSs) All pupils FSM Non-FSM Unclassified4

2005/06 Number of eligible pupils1 594,134 78,087 514,516 1,531 Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades Number 261,336 15,320 245,508 508 including English and mathematics Percentage 44.0 19.6 47.7 33.2 2006/07 Number of eligible pupils1 600,659 76,566 521,826 2.267 Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades Number 274,823 16,385 257,649 789 including English and mathematics Percentage 45.8 21.4 49.4 34.8 2007/08 Number of eligible pupils1 598,102 74,760 522,304 1,038 Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades Number 288,158 17,814 269,933 41 including English and mathematics Percentage 48.2 23.8 51.7 39.6 2008/09 Number of eligible pupils1 578,840 74,419 504,377 44 Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades Number 293,443 19,778 273,640 25 including English and mathematics Percentage 50.7 26.6 54.3 56.8 2009/10 Number of eligible pupils1 578,275 77,408 500,811 56 Pupils achieving 5+ A*-C grades Number 316,941 23,937 292,985 19 including English and mathematics Percentage 54.8 30.9 58.5 33.9 1 Number of pupils at the end of key stage 4 in each academic year. 2 Figures for 2005/06 to 2008/09 are based on final data, 2009/10 figures are based on provisional data. 3 In 2010, iGCSEs, accredited at time of publication, have been counted as GCSE equivalents and also as English and mathematics GCSEs. 4 Includes pupils for whom free school meal eligibility could not be determined. Source: National Pupil Database.

“Five GCSEs including English and mathematics” Tim Loughton: [holding answer 28 March 2011]: The was not recorded on the national pupil database before Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Schools (Lord Hill) 2003/04. Figures for 2003/04 and 2004/05 could not be replied to my hon. Friend on 29 March 2011. calculated without exceeding disproportionate costs.

Ofsted: Expenditure History: Education Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Education how much Ofsted has spent on its learning what assessment he has made of the conclusions and and skills division in each of the last five years; and recommendations of the March 2011 Ofsted survey of what proportion of that expenditure was on on-site history in schools in respect of the use in schools of set inspections. [17915] textbooks. [49940]

Mr Gibb: As part of our review of the national Mr Gibb: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM chief curriculum, which is under way, we will be considering inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to my hon. ways in which we can stimulate the market to produce Friend and a copy of her reply has been placed in the high quality text books and other resources to support House Libraries. the new curriculum. The Government believe, however, Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 22 October 2010: that teachers should be free to use their professional Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as judgment when determining which resources they should Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for response. use in the classroom to meet the needs of their pupils. Ofsted does not and has not had a learning and skills division. However, the table below sets out: i) the total cost of learning and skills inspections (operational Members: Correspondence costs plus overheads) for the financial years 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/2010; Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education ii) the overall operational cost of learning and skills inspections when he plans to respond to the letters from the hon. excluding overheads for the financial years 2007/08, 2008/09 and Member for Basildon and Billericay of 31 January and 2009/2010. We are taking operational costs of inspections (direct 21 February 2011 on his constituent Ms K. Evans. and indirect costs) to equate here to ‘expenditure on site inspections’; [49357] iii) the proportion of total costs that is operational cost. 711W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 712W

A copy of this reply has been sent to Nick Gibb MP, Minister Overall costs of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both as defined Houses. above 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 i) (£) 25,327,000 23,623,000 20,736,000 Pupil Exclusions: Berkshire ii) (£) 19,048,000 16,952,000 14,210,000 iii) (%) 75.2 71.8 68.5 Alok Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Education This covers inspection of further education colleges, sixth form how many pupils were excluded permanently from schools colleges, work-based learning providers, teacher training providers, in (a) Berkshire, (b) Reading and (c) Reading West adult and community learning providers, next step adult information, advice and guidance providers, Department for Work and Pensions constituency in each of the last five years. [49829] contracted employment providers, ‘learndirect’ provision and training and education provided by prisons and probation trusts. Mr Gibb: The requested information is shown in the Ofsted does not hold comparable data for the previous financial tables. years 2005/06 and 2006/07 since this period preceded the merger between Ofsted and the Adult Learning Inspectorate which transferred Berkshire was reorganised in 1998, so information the functions of inspecting adult learning, skills and employment has been provided for the six local authorities Berkshire to Ofsted from April 2007. was divided into.

Maintained primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1, 2, number of permanent exclusions3, 4, 2004/05 to 2008/09 Maintained primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1, 2, 5 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Number of Percentage of Number of Percentage of Number of Percentage of permanent school permanent school permanent school exclusions population6 exclusions population6 exclusions population6

Bracknell Forest 40 0.28 30 0.19 30 0.17 Windsor and Maidenhead 30 0.17 20 0.10 40 0.20 West Berkshire 30 0.12 50 0.21 40 0.17 Reading 30 0.16 20 0.15 10 0.08 Slough 10 0.05 10 0.05 20 0.08 Wokingham 40 0.17 40 0.19 30 0.14 Reading West 30 0.16 20 0.16 20 0.12

2007/08 2008/09 Number of permanent Percentage of school Number of permanent Percentage of school exclusions population6 exclusions population6

Bracknell Forest 30 0.19 30 0.18 Windsor and Maidenhead 20 0.10 20 0.10 West Berkshire 30 0.12 7— 7— Reading 10 0.07 10 0.05 Slough 7— 7— 10 0.02 Wokingham 30 0.13 30 0.11 Reading West 20 0.12 10 0.04 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. 3 Figures are as confirmed by local authorities as part of the data checking exercise. 4 Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. 5 Includes city technology colleges and academies (including all-through academies). 6 The number of permanent exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of pupils (excluding dually registered pupils). 7 Less than 5, or a percentage based on less than 5. Source: School Census

Schools Comparative figures for 2009/10 show that the Department issued 48 e-mails to all local authorities, Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for 47 to small groups of schools for operational purposes Education how many written communications his and 33 to all schools informing them of major policy issues. Department has sent to (a) local education authorities Schools: Benwell and (b) schools since 1 June 2010. [50454] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Loughton [holding answer 1 April 2011]: The Education what plans his Department has to support Department’s primary method of written communication schools in the Benwell and Scotswood area of Newcastle. to schools and local authorities is by official e-mail. [50705] Since 1 June 2010, the Department has issued 29 such Mr Gibb: The Secretary of State has written to all e-mails to all local authorities, eight to small groups of local authorities, including Newcastle city council asking schools for operational purposes and nine to all schools them to produce a school improvement plan for informing them of major policy issues. underperforming schools in their area by 15 April 2011. 713W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 714W

Schools: Drugs and social outcomes. The report, which is being completed by the National Centre for Social Research, will draw Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for on data from the Longitudinal Study of Young People Education what his policy is on introducing pilot in England and will be published shortly. voluntary drug testing programmes in secondary A report ‘Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services for schools; and if he will make a statement. [50058] Young People—A Cost Benefit Analysis’ published in February 2011 looked at the costs associated with poor Sarah Teather [holding answer 31 March 2011]: There educational and employment outcomes due to young are no plans to introduce such a programme nationally. people’s drug and alcohol use. Headteachers are already entitled to develop voluntary The full report can be accessed at: approaches within their schools and departmental advice http://education.gov.uk/publications/standard/ is set out in ‘Drugs: Guidance for Schools’ published in publicationDetail/Page1/DFE-RR087 2004 and available at: As part of developing the national Drug Strategy published www.education.gov.uk/publications in December 2010, officials from the Department evaluated This document is currently being simplified and updated a broad range of research evidence on the effects of in line with our commitments to reduce bureaucracy in early drug use on educational and social outcomes and schools. However, the advice on drug testing is unlikely on the effectiveness of programmes designed to prevent to change substantially based on currently available drug use among young people. evidence. Schools: Sports Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment his Department has made Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for of the likely effects of the use of skunk cannabis on the Education what progress has been made in returning academic performance of adolescents; and if he will funding to school sport partnerships following the make a statement. [50069] initial withdrawal of that funding in October 2010. [51002] Sarah Teather [holding answer 31 March 2011]: Early cannabis use is associated with increased risk of Tim Loughton: Funding of £47 million was paid to disengagement from school and, ultimately, poor academic school sport partnerships in February this year. This performance. This effect is found in both international will fund their work up to the end of the summer term research papers and in the annual survey “Smoking 2011. This is in addition to £71 million paid to partnerships Drinking and Drug Use Amongst Young People in in October last year. England”(SDD) funded by the Department for Education, Ring-fenced funding for school sport partnerships Home Office and NHS Information Centre. will not continue beyond the summer term 2011. Instead, The most recent SDD report found that pupils who the Secretary of State is making available £65 million of had truanted or been excluded from school were far new funding for schools to enable them to provide more more likely to report regular drug use (14% compared opportunities for competitive sport. This funding will with 1% of pupils who had not truanted or been excluded). cover the school years 2011/12 and 2012/13 and will pay Cannabis is the most common drug used among the for one day a week of a secondary PE teacher’s time to SDD sample. be spent out of the classroom, encouraging greater However, it is often not possible to identify a simple take-up of competitive sport in primary schools and causal relationship between cannabis use and educational securing a fixture network for schools to increase the attainment. It is most likely that these behaviours are amount of intra- and inter-school competition. Further interrelated with drug use increasing the risk of exclusion details of this funding will be sent to schools soon. or disengagement from school which in turn increases In addition, at the Sports Colleges Conference in the risk of drug or alcohol misuse. Telford in February, the Secretary of State for Culture, No specific assessment has been made of the impact Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the of particular types of cannabis. Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), announced outline plans for a network of School Games Organisers Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for from September 2011. These organisers will be funded Education what research his Department has (a) by the Department of Health and Sport England for commissioned and (b) evaluated on any potential link three days a week to help schools sign up for the between academic underperformance and the use of nationwide School Games. Further details on the funding drugs; and if he will make a statement. [50070] for these organiser posts, their precise roles, and how schools can apply for them have been sent to schools. Sarah Teather [holding answer 31 March 2011]: There Taken together, I believe this package of funding will are clear links between early drug use and poor educational enable schools to maximise the opportunities for competitive outcomes. The Department for Education currently sport that they can provide for their pupils. funds a proportion of the annual survey ‘Smoking Drinking and Drug Use Among YoungPeople in England’ Schools: Standards which provides detailed information on patterns of reported drug use among pupils aged 11 to 15. Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Over the past year the Department has also Education when he expects to announce the allocation commissioned an analysis of the relationships between of the National Challenge programme funding for different risk factors, including drug use, on educational local authorities. [39937] 715W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 716W

Mr Gibb [holding answer 11 February 2011]: The Third Sector final National Challenge programme funding allocation will be paid to local authorities at the end of March Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011 as part of the Standards Fund grant. Local authorities Education what steps his Department has taken to have already been notified of their allocations for 2010-11. support the big society initiative. [42641]

Schools: Sun Protection Sarah Teather: The big society is more than a collection of policies—it is an approach which is at the heart of Mrs Siân C. James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Government’s reforms across all policy areas with Education (1) what information his Department holds the aim of localising power and opening up public on the number of schools with a sun protection policy; services and encouraging social action. Each Department [48973] has a range of specific programmes which will contribute (2) what guidance his Department issues to schools to growing the big society. These policies are co-ordinated on reducing the exposure of children to harmful levels across Government through meetings at official and of sunlight; [48974] ministerial level, including the Informal Ministerial Group (3) what consideration he has given to the merits of on the Big Society and Localism, which shares ideas requiring mandatory use of sunblock in schools in and supports progress on cross-cutting issues relating to order to prevent the development of malignant melanomas. the big society. [48976] The Department for Education has several programmes aimed at achieving the big society goals of catalysing Mr Gibb: The Department for Education holds no social action, decentralising power and opening up information on the number of schools with a sun protection public services. These include Free Schools, where we policy; has not issued departmental advice on reducing are working with local groups who have submitted the exposure of children to harmful levels of sunlight; proposals and are on track for the first Free Schools to and has no plans to require, in law, the use of sun block be opened in September 2011, and the National Citizen in schools. Service where we are working closely with the Cabinet Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has a specific section Office with the first pilots starting in summer 2011. on their website dedicated to schools: http://www.sunsmart.org.uk/schools/ University Technical Colleges where teachers can download guidelines on developing sun protection policies, as well as advice on incorporating Mr Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education sun protection into the school curriculum and various whether it is his policy that all university technical (a) (b) SunSmart posters and other resources. There are also colleges will enrol children aged 11 to 18 years, other sources of advice and guidance to the public on be established in partnership with a university and a (c) sun protection such as the Health Protection Agency further education or sixth form college and offer a webpage at: curriculum which consists of a maximum of 20 per cent. of vocational education. [49735] http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/Radiation/Understanding Radiation/InformationSheets/info_SunsensePoster/ Mr Gibb: The Department is committed to setting up and a Directgov webpage specifically aimed at young technical academies, including at least 24 university people at: technical colleges (UTCs). http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/ The Department welcomes proposals across the age HealthAndRelationships/KeepingHealthy/DG_10036860 range for new technical academies. UTCs have a 14 to The Department expects head teachers to have a 19 age range and are sponsored by a local university. common sense approach, using the advice and guidance Further education colleges and other educational available, when dealing with sun protection in their schools. institutions may also work in partnership with UTCs. Teachers: Training In her report, Professor Alison Wolf recommended an academic core to the pre-16 curriculum. Where technical academies or UTCs cover pre-16 education, Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for they will provide this academic core, alongside technical Education what plans he has for the future of (a) studies, through a longer day and year. The Department teacher training and (b) the balance between academic has not specified how technical academies or UTCs and practical teacher training. [41381] should split students’ time between academic and vocational or technical studies. Mr Gibb: The Schools White Paper, The Importance of Teaching signalled our plans for the future of teacher Work Experience training including raising standards for new entrants, for example by providing the funding to more than Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for double the size of Teach First, and ensuring that appropriate Education what assessment he has made of the potential and relevant training is available for both new graduates effects of the transition from the YoungPeople’s Learning and career changers. We will publish for consultation Agency to the Education Funding Agency on access by our detailed proposals for the funding of initial teacher school pupils to work experience in Autumn 2011; and training later this year. if he will make a statement. [40804] The White Paper reaffirms our commitment to ensure that more teacher training is on the job and practical. Mr Gibb [holding answer 14 February 2011]: Subject Universities will continue to play an important role in to the successful passage of the Education Bill currently training teachers, in partnership with schools. before Parliament, the new Education Funding Agency 717W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 718W will take over the Young People’s Learning Agency’s Departmental Travel funding responsibilities from 1 April 2012. In these circumstances, the proposed transition will not impact Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for on access by school pupils to work experience in autumn International Development how much his Department 2011. has spent on ministerial travel by (a) ministerial car, (b) train, (c) bus, (d) commercial aircraft and (e) private aircraft since May 2010. [50206] INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mr Duncan: Details of overseas travel by Ministers Burma: Politics and Government between 13 May and 30 September 2010 are available Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for on the Department for International Development’s International Development whether his Department (DFID’s) website. Details of overseas travel between has assessed the humanitarian needs of ethnic Kachin 1 October and 30 December 2010 will be published on people relocated to the Myitsone Aung Mye Thar the website shortly. DFID is unable to provide details of model village in Kachin state, Burma. [50552] ministerial travel in the UK without incurring disproportionate cost. All travel is undertaken in accordance Mr Duncan: We are aware of many cases in Burma with the Ministerial Code. where people have been displaced as a result of conflict or to make way for development projects. Humanitarian Ivory Coast: Overseas Aid needs are vast right across the country. The Department for International Development (DFID) is expanding its Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for programme of assistance to the Burmese people significantly International Development what humanitarian aid his over the next four years, focusing on health, education, Department is providing to the people of the Ivory livelihoods of rural families, civil society and people Coast. [50863] affected by conflict. Our aid is provided through the United Nations, non-governmental organisations and Mr O’Brien: In response to the humanitarian crisis in civil society rather than the Burmese central Government. Ivory Coast, the UK has swiftly responded to the growing needs of its people. The British Government Departmental Official Cars announced last week an urgent emergency aid package totalling £8 million to help tens of thousands of people Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for in Ivory Coast affected by fierce fighting and violence. International Development on what date (a) he and In addition the British Government have announced a (b) each other Minister in his Department last used a further £8 million to Liberia to help with the refugee ministerial car while travelling in an official capacity; influx from the Ivory Coast. The UK also committed and how many times (i) he and (ii) each other Minister £1 million to Liberia for Ivorian refugees back in February. in his Department has travelled to their constituency in a ministerial car since May 2010. [50197] The new funds provided by Britain to Ivory Coast and Liberia is planned to provide food, shelter, water Mr Duncan: The Department for International and sanitation, treatment for malnutrition and basic Development (DFID) does not hold a central record of services for over 90,000 people. all journeys undertaken by Ministers and the mode of transport used. All travel is undertaken in accordance Japan: Humanitarian Aid with the ministerial code. The Secretary of State, Parliamentary Under-Secretary-of State and I last travelled Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for in a ministerial car on 4 April 2011. International Development what recent estimate he has made of the level of humanitarian aid to Japan provided Departmental Public Transport by his Department following the earthquake of March Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011; and if he will make a statement. [50247] International Development (1) on what date (a) he and (b) each other Minister in his Department last Mr Andrew Mitchell: Japan is well equipped to deal travelled by (i) London Underground and (ii) public with disasters, but the scale of the devastation caused bus services on Government business; how many times by the recent earthquake and tsunami was unprecedented. (A) he and (B) each other Minister in his Department In response, 134 countries including the UK offered has travelled by each such form of transport on humanitarian assistance. However, the decision as to government business since May 2010; and if he will which offers of assistance to accept correctly sits with the Government of Japan, who are best placed to make a statement; [50084] co-ordinate the relief effort in conjunction with local (2) how many of his ministerial team have been partners. They have been doing a tremendous job in issued with (a) an Oyster card and (b) a (i) monthly very difficult circumstances. and (ii) annual travel card valid on London Transport and paid for by his Department for use while travelling As a highly developed country, the gaps in humanitarian on Government business. [50175] need that cannot be met by Japan itself are very specific. In addition to the request for the UK to send a search Mr Duncan: The Department for International and rescue team, Japan asked the Department for Development (DFID) does not hold a central record of International Development to deliver 100 tonnes of all journeys undertaken by Ministers and the mode of bottled water to Ibariki prefecture so that it could be transport used. All travel is undertaken in accordance mixed with baby food. This is being used to protect with the ministerial code. Ministers have not been issued infants from absorbing potentially damaging levels of with Oyster or other travel cards, but do walk or cycle radiation leaked into water supplies from the stricken when possible. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. 719W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 720W

Mali: Development Aid committed to spend as a result of each international conference on (a) climate change and (b) poverty in John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the last 10 years; and how much such funding has been International Development what recent steps his spent in each case. [50072] Department has taken to support (a) diversified lending and investment, (b) debt relief and (c) the achievement Mr Duncan: This information can be provided only at of the millennium development goals in Mali. [50280] disproportionate cost. The coalition Government are clear that the UK will no longer make international Mr O’Brien: The Department for International promises in monetary terms. What matters is not the Development (DFID) supports Mali to achieve the amount of money spent but the results delivered for millennium development goals through our contributions poor people. That is why the Deputy Prime Minister, to multilateral development organisations, including my right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hallam the UN, World Bank and European Commission. In (Mr Clegg) and the Secretary of State for International 2008-09, the UK’s share of multilateral spending in Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Mali was £38.67 million. The Global Poverty Action Fund, Sutton Coldfield (Mr Mitchell) made commitments launched in October 2010, is open to applications from such as saving the lives of at least 50,000 women in civil society organisations to work in the bottom 50 countries pregnancy and childbirth, a quarter of a million newborn on the Human Development Index, including Mali. babies and enable 10 million couples to access modern methods of family planning, at the Millennium DFID was an early supporter of the heavily indebted Development Goals summit in New York last September. poor countries (HIPC) Initiative. On reaching completion point in 2003 Mali received debt relief totalling $0.9 Palestinians: Overseas Aid billion through HIPC and $2 billion through the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). The UK Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for provided an additional £2.09 million in debt relief to International Development how much aid his Mali in 2006-07. Although Mali’s risk of debt distress is Department has provided to Gaza in each of the last low, we encourage the Government of Mali to maintain five years. [50895] sound debt and fiscal policies and to promote growth and economic diversification in line with IMF guidance. Mr Duncan: It is not possible to fully disaggregate Mali: Food UK aid to Gaza from our total support to the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). For example, our financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA), via a World John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Bank Trust Fund, helps pay for basic services and International Development what assessment his salaries of public sector workers in both Gaza and the Department has made of changes in the adequacy of West Bank. In addition, our support to the UN Relief food supply in Mali since 2010. [50279] and Works Agency (UNRWA) helps provide basic services, such as education, healthcare and social services, to Mr O’Brien: Following a good harvest in late 2010, Palestinian refugees across the OPTs and the Middle food availability forecasts across Mali are positive, with East. the majority of poor households being food secure. However, as the lean season approaches, food availability The UK does not provide any support, either directly in the east of the country is likely to deteriorate. or indirectly, to the de facto authorities in Gaza. Under European Union and British legislation it is illegal to The Department for International Development (DFID) provide financial assistance to Hamas. will closely monitor the situation as it develops. The following table shows, for each of the last five Overseas Aid financial years, how much aid the UK provided to the PA, UNRWA, OPTs-wide projects that included a Gaza Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for component, and humanitarian aid and funding for International Development how much funding the UK early recovery work to Gaza.

UK aid intervention 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07

Financial assistance to £30 million through £38.5 million through £23.5 million through £38.45 million £11.875 million the Palestinian World Bank Trust World Bank Trust World Bank Trust (£3 million through through Temporary Authority (benefitting Fund Fund Fund Temporary International both Gaza and the west International Mechanism bank) Mechanism; £15.45 million through PEGASE; £20 million through World Bank Trust Fund)

Financial assistance to £27 million core £19.93 million core £19 million core £15.6 million core £15 million core UNRWA (unless funding funding plus £5 million funding funding funding otherwise stated, this is specifically for core funding spent education in Gaza across the OPTs Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan 721W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 722W

UK aid intervention 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07

Projects across the £1.47 million £1.07 million £0.63 million — £51,000 OPTs with Gaza component

Humanitarian aid and £5.2 million £11.9 million £13.3 million £3 million £0.23 million early recovery work (Gaza only)

TREASURY the legislation does not impact on responsible and sustainable remuneration structures where there is no Banks tax avoidance motive. Legislation in the 2011 Finance Bill will not apply to Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer genuine deferrals of remuneration, subject to a five year if he will make a oral statement to the House after the limit. Taking account of genuine deferral will ensure Easter Recess on the interim findings of the consistent treatment with existing rules applying to Independent Commission on Banking. [50131] rewards that are paid directly to the employee by the employer, but with the additional safeguard of the five Mr Hoban [holding answer 31 March 2011]: The year time limit. Government have no plans for a debate on the interim Arrangements which are motivated by tax avoidance report of the Independent Commission on Banking. will be charged immediately to the full rate of tax under The Government welcome the progress that the the new law. Commission has made and look forward to receiving its No such estimates are available in relation to the final recommendations in September 2011. exemptions mentioned in the hon. Member’s questions.

Banks: Corporate Hospitality Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to paragraph 16 of Project Merlin - Mrs Main: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Banks’ Statement, whether the chief executive of each what discussions he has had with banking institutions banking institution will forfeit their right to (a) a in which the Government has a stake on planned bonus and (b) an annual increase in base salary if the expenditure on corporate hospitality in (a) 2011 and relevant lending targets are not met. [50161] (b) 2012. [50853] Mr Hoban: The banks have stated a capacity and Mr Hoban: The Chancellor of the Exchequer meets willingness to lend £190 billion of new credit to business chief executives of UK banking institutions on a range in 2011, up from £179 billion actual lending in 2010. If of issues. It is not the Government’s practice to provide demand exceeds this, the banks will lend more. £76 details of all such meetings and discussions. billion of this new lending capacity will be to small and medium-sized enterprises. Banks: Incentives These lending commitments will be part of the performance metrics of each bank’s chief executive. If a bank does not meet the commitment, its chief executive Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) will not receive the maximum pay and bonus as a result. if he will estimate the number of individuals likely to benefit from the exemption whereby trusts established Child Tax Credit by firms for the payment of bonuses in the banking industry may defer paying tax on such bonuses for Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if between three to five years in each of the next four he will estimate the savings to his Department from the financial years; [50020] reduction in sums payable under the childcare element (2) what his policy is on continuing the ability of of working tax credit in each of the next four financial trusts established to pay bonuses by firms in the years. [50127] banking industry to defer paying tax on such bonuses for between three and five years; [50124] Justine Greening: The latest estimate of the savings to (3) if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of HMRC from the reduction in sums payable under the the exemption whereby trusts established to pay child care element of working tax credit was published bonuses by firms in the banking industry may defer in chapter 2 (p.44) of the Budget 2011 document, available paying tax on such bonuses for between three and five at years. [50125] http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2011budget_chapter2.pdf

Mr Hoban: As part of the Government’s commitment Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if to tackle tax avoidance, Finance Bill 2011 includes he will assess the likely effect on annual incomes of legislation to target arrangements involving intermediary households to which the childcare element of working vehicles, including trusts, put in place by employers to tax credit is to be reduced of circumstances where one disguise remuneration or avoid restrictions on pensions spouse or partner is required to reduce their hours of tax relief. The Government have consulted widely and employment in order to provide additional childcare in have given very careful consideration to ensuring that person. [50135] 723W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 724W

Justine Greening: The reduction of child care support Financial Services to 70% from 80% is part of a range of reforms to the tax credits system announced at the spending review. There Jonathan Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the are interactions between the measures so estimating the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the impact of just one measure does not give a clear indication level of exposure of companies regulated by the of the full impact on households. Financial Services Authority to defaults relating to (a) The Government published estimates of the distributional government debt within the euro-zone, (b) household impact of the whole package of announced tax and lending, (c) commercial property, (d) US residential benefit measures which can be found at: and commercial property and (e) emerging markets; http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sr2010_annexb.pdf and if he will make a statement. [50248] Departmental Contracts Mr Hoban: The Treasury works closely with the Bank of England and the FSA to monitor and manage risks Tessa Munt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to financial stability, including those posed by exposure what contracts his Department and its associated to specific default risks. The authorities consider a wide public bodies signed with Lockheed Martin in each of range of scenarios and make contingency plans accordingly. the last 10 years; and for what purposes each such In addition, the FSA stress tests institutions regularly contract was let. [50702] to ensure they have sufficient capital to withstand severe financial and economic shocks. More details on the Justine Greening: HM Treasury Group (including FSA stress testing process are available on the FSA HM Treasury, the UK Debt Management Office, and website: the Asset Protection Agency) has not held any contracts with Lockheed Martin since financial year 2002-03. As http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/About/What/International/ a result of change in the Department’s finance and stress_testing/index.shtml accounting systems, information for previous years could A description of the FSA stress scenarios is provided be provided only at disproportionate cost. in the ″Prudential Risk Outlook″, published in March 2011 by the FSA. Departmental Official Hospitality Jonathan Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Chris Bryant: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures are in place to assess Exchequer (1) what recent (a) representations he has whether the banks participating in Project Merlin meet received from and (b) discussions he has had with the their commitment on levels of new credit to be made Central Europe Trust; [49781] available to business in 2011; and what steps he plans to (2) on how many occasions he has met Lord Lawson take if these commitments are not met. [50312] of Blaby in the course of his official duties since his appointment. [49857] Mr Hoban: The Bank of England will publish quarterly data on the banks’ total new lending to businesses Justine Greening [holding answers 29 March 2011]: A under the Project Merlin definition. The Government list of Treasury Ministers’ meetings with outside interest will consider the banks’ performance against the groups is published quarterly on the Treasury website: commitment in due course. http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ministerial_meetings.htm Treasury Ministers and officials meet representatives FirstBuy Programme from a wide range of organisations and individuals in the public and private sector as part of the process of Jonathan Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the policy development and implementation. As was the Exchequer what discussions he has had with (a) case with previous Administrations, it is not the mortgage providers and (b) the Council for Mortgage Government’s practice to provide details of all such Lenders on the FirstBuy programme; and if he will meetings. make a statement. [50120] Economic Situation Grant Shapps: I have been asked to reply. Jonathan Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the The Council of Mortgage Lenders has welcomed the Exchequer what steps he plans to take to rebalance the FirstBuy programme announced by the Chancellor in Welsh economy. [50313] the Budget. My Officials meet with the council and lenders on a regular basis. Danny Alexander: The Government set out in the FirstBuy will be delivered by the Homes and Budget and in their Plan for Growth the steps they Communities Agency who have had initial discussions intend to take to rebalance the UK economy, including with over 50 retail lenders regarding the scheme and the Welsh economy. Measures that will benefit Wales further meetings will follow. include reducing corporation tax and tax simplification; support for SMEs including increasing finance for new start-ups and business growth; support for investment Fuels: Prices including the Green Investment Bank, reforms to UKTI, and sectoral support; and a more educated workforce Alun Cairns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer including additional work experience placements. In what reports he has received of petrol stations which devolved areas of policy it is for the Welsh Assembly have not reduced the price of fuel following his Budget Government to determine its own policies and priorities. Statement on 23 March 2011. [51008] 725W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 726W

Justine Greening: Based on established practice the a number of reforms to the planning regime to help Government’s expectation is that retailers should pass ensure that we increase rates of house building. This on duty changes to their customers. The Government will be crucial to improving housing affordability over routinely monitor pump price data and are taking note the medium term. of other evidence. Housing: Valuation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Mr Betts: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if what research his Department has undertaken on he will assess the effects on economic growth of the measures to evaluate for the purposes of taxation the adoption of the recommendation of the Committee on monetary value of domestic properties. [50819] Climate Change that the UK should aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent. of 1990 levels Mr Gauke: No such research has been undertaken. by 2030. [50605] Aggregate information on the value of domestic properties is available for England from tables published Justine Greening: The Government are currently by the Department of Communities and Local considering the recommendations in Committee on Climate Government. Change’s report on the level of the fourth carbon budget Income Tax (2023-27). Government are required by the Climate Change Act to set the level of the fourth carbon budget Mr Raab: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by June, taking into account a range of issues including what proportion of income tax revenue was derived economic and fiscal impacts. The Committee on Climate from the (a) first, (b) second and (c) third quartile of Change assessed the cost of implementing their earners in (i) 1997-98 and (ii) 1998-99. [43795] recommendations, and concluded they would be less than 1% of GDP in 2025. This is in line with previous Mr Gauke [holding answer 3 March 2011]: Estimated assessments of the cost of tackling climate change. proportions of income tax liabilities accounted for by individuals in the first, second and third quartiles of Homeowners taxpayers by total income in 1997-98 and 1998-99 are provided as follows: Jonathan Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has assessed the merits of Percentage bringing forward proposals to assist homeowners who Taxpayer quartile by total Share of income tax Share of income tax are unable to move house due to (a) the state of the income liabilities 1997-98 liabilities 1998-99 property market and (b) difficulty in securing lending; 1 3.3 2.8 and if he will make a statement. [50119] 2 9.7 9.4 3 19.6 19.0 Mr Hoban: The Government recognise the importance of a sustainable mortgage market to support a stable These figures are based on the 1997-98 and 1998-99 housing market. Survey of Personal Incomes. The Government are determined that creditworthy Similar estimates for 1999-2000 to 2007-08, and borrowers looking to buy a home or move should have projections to 2010-11 are available on the HMRC access to affordable mortgages. Our tough action on the website: deficit will help keep market interest rates low. The http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/table2-4.pdf Government are also working with the Financial Services An error has been identified in the written answer Authority (FSA), the Bank of England and international provided on 15 February 2011, Official Report, columns authorities to maintain stability in the financial system. 691-92W,to a related question, providing the percentage This will help ensure banks and building societies have of income tax derived from the (a) top 1%, (b) top 5%, access to the funds they need to lend. (c) top 10%, (d) top 25%, (e) lowest 50%, (f) lowest 25%, Budget 2011 included a number of measures to encourage and (g) lowest 10%, of earners in 1998-99. investment in the housing market and to assist first-time A corrected version of the information requested is buyers. The Government’s Plan for Growth also set out provided in the following table.

Table 2.4: Shares of total income (before and after tax) and income tax for percentile groups, 1999-2000 to 2010-11, Taxpayers only Percentage Lowest Lower Higher Highest Percentile Groups (ranged on total income before tax) 1% 5% 10% 25% 50% 50% 25% 10% 5% 1%

Share of total income Before tax 1999-2000 0.2 1.3 2.8 8.9 23.8 76.2 53.4 32.9 23.3 11.0 2000-01 0.2 1.2 2.7 8.5 23.2 76.8 54.1 33.7 24.0 11.5 2001-02 0.2 1.2 2.7 8.6 23.4 76.6 53.9 33.4 23.7 11.1 2002-03 0.2 1.2 2.7 8.6 23.5 76.5 53.7 33.1 23.3 10.8 2003-04 0.2 1.2 2.7 8.5 23.3 76.7 53.9 33.3 23.6 11.0 2004-05 0.2 1.2 2.7 8.4 22.9 77.1 54.4 33.6 23.8 11.3 727W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 728W

Table 2.4: Shares of total income (before and after tax) and income tax for percentile groups, 1999-2000 to 2010-11, Taxpayers only Percentage Lowest Lower Higher Highest Percentile Groups (ranged on total income before tax) 1% 5% 10% 25% 50% 50% 25% 10% 5% 1%

2005-06 0.2 1.2 2.6 8.3 22.4 77.6 55.3 34.8 25.1 12.2 2006-07 0.2 1.2 2.6 8.2 22.2 77.8 55.8 35.5 25.8 12.9 2007-08 0.2 1.1 2.5 8.1 22.1 77.9 56.1 36.0 26.4 13.4 2008-091 0.2 1.2 2.7 8.6 22.8 77.2 55.4 35.6 26.1 13.3 2009-101 0.2 1.3 2.8 8.8 23.1 76.9 55.1 35.2 25.8 13.1 2010-111 0.2 1.3 2.8 8.8 23.1 76.9 54.8 34.8 25.2 12.4

After tax 1999-2000 0.3 1.5 3.4 10.2 26.4 73.6 50.0 29.3 19.9 8.8 2000-01 0.3 1.5 3.2 9.9 25.8 74.2 50.6 29.8 20.4 9.2 2001-02 0.3 1.5 3.2 9.9 26.0 74.0 50.3 29.5 20.0 8.9 2002-03 0.3 1.5 3.2 10.0 26.1 73.9 50.1 29.2 19.7 8.6 2003-04 0.3 1.4 3.2 9.8 25.9 74.1 50.4 29.5 20.1 8.9 2004-05 0.3 1.4 3.2 9.8 25.5 74.5 50.8 29.7 20.3 9.1 2005-05 0.3 1.4 3.1 9.6 25.1 74.9 51.7 30.8 21.3 9.9 2006-07 0.3 1.4 3.1 9.6 24.9 75.1 52.1 31.4 22.0 10.5 2007-08 0.2 1.4 3.1 9.5 24.8 75.2 52.4 31.8 22.5 10.9 2008-091 03 1.5 3.2 9.9 25.3 74.7 51.9 31.4 22.1 10.7 2009-101 0.3 1.5 3.3 10.1 25.6 74.4 51.5 31.2 21.9 10.5 2010-111 0.3 1.5 3.3 10.2 25.8 74.2 50.9 30.1 20.7 9.2

Share of total tax 1999-2000 — 0.1 0.3 2.4 11.6 88.4 69.5 50.3 39.6 21.3 2000-01 — 0.1 0.3 2.2 11.3 88.7 70.3 51.5 40.7 22.2 2001-02 — 0.1 0.3 2.2 11.1 88.9 70.8 51.9 40.8 21.8 2002-03 — 0.1 0.3 2.2 11.1 88.9 70.5 51.5 40.2 21.0 2003-04 — 0.1 0.3 2.2 11.2 88.8 70.1 50.9 39.8 20.8 2004-05 — 0.1 0.3 2.1 10.8 89.2 70.7 51.4 40.3 21.4 2005-06 — 0.1 0.3 2.1 10.6 89.4 71.5 52.9 41.9 22.7 2006-07 — 0.1 0.3 2.1 10.5 89.5 71.8 53.5 42.6 23.5 2007-08 — 0.1 0.3 2.1 10.4 89.6 72.2 54.3 43.4 24.4 2008-091 — 0.1 0.6 2.8 11.4 88.6 71.7 54.6 44.0 24.9 2009-101 — 0.1 0.6 2.8 11.4 88.6 71.5 54.3 44.0 25.1 2010-111 — 0.1 0.5 2.6 11.0 89.0 72.3 55.5 45.3 26.6 “—” = Negligible. 1 Projected estimates based upon the 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes using economic assumptions consistent with the OBR’s November 2010 economic and fiscal outlook. These projections fall outside the scope of National Statistics. Source: Survey of Personal Incomes

Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gauke [holding answer 3 March 2011]: There are what plans he has to retain the 50p rate of income tax many circumstances in which an income tax repayment on incomes over £150,000 for the duration of the may arise. Overpayments of income tax are normally current Parliament. [50130] processed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as soon as entitlement has been established. Information Mr Gauke: The Government believe the 50% rate across income tax on the average length of time taken would do lasting damage to the UK economy if it were to process a repayment is not available. to become permanent. The Chancellor has asked HMRC to assess the revenue raised by this measure after self- HMRC seek to strike a balance between good customer assessment data for the 2010-11 tax year are available. service, by ensuring customers receive the repayments to which they are entitled as quickly as possible, and Income Tax: Overpayments effectively protecting the Exchequer from fraud. Once entitlement has been established, the great majority of Michael Fallon: To ask the Chancellor of the repayments are issued without significant delay.Additional Exchequer (1) what was the average length of time security checks may mean that a small minority of taken by HM Revenue and Customs to complete a repayments could take a little longer to be issued while repayment to an individual who had made an income HMRC ensure that they are not fraudulent and are tax overpayment in each of the last 10 years; [43805] correct. HMRC is sorry that, particularly at peak times, (2) if he will take steps to reduce the time taken for this may mean that legitimate repayments may be delayed HM Revenue and Customs to make repayments to and understand the difficulties this can cause their individuals who have made income tax overpayments. customers. [43808] 729W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 730W

Over the last few years HMRC have made significant Mr Syms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer changes to procedures to speed up the issue of legitimate what steps he is taking to support savers. [50513] repayments and reduce any delays. Most PAYE overpayments are identified on the Mr Hoban: The Government are committed to creating reconciliation of a tax year and payable orders are conditions for higher savings over the longer term. In issued shortly after the overpayment has been calculated. particular, the Government aim to encourage more For the first time with the new national insurance and lower and middle income households to start saving PAYE system, HMRC is now able to undertake most and save more, especially for the long term and retirement. reconciliations automatically, rather than having to work Government support should be fair and sustainable, these cases manually. focused on those who traditionally have saved least. As a result HMRC has completed 98% of PAYE The Government want a saving system based on reconciliations for tax years 2008-09 and 2009-10 where freedom, fairness and responsibility, as well as ensuring they have received all the information. This has enabled lasting affordability and measurable effectiveness. These repayments for 2008-09 and 2009-10 tax years to be principles will guide the Government’s aims of rewarding made much more quickly than was possible under the saving, supporting pensions, and helping vulnerable previous PAYE system and NPS will support further households. processing improvement year on year. A number of measures have been announced which will take the first steps in meeting these aims, such as Income Tax: Poole the indexation of annual subscription limits for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), meaning that savers will be able to pay an extra £480 into their ISAs in 2011-12. To Mr Syms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer ensure parents can save tax free for their children, the what estimate he has made of the number of people on Government are developing a Junior ISA which will be (a) (b) low incomes in the UK and Poole constituency launched in autumn this year. The Government are also who will no longer pay income tax following introducing from spring 2011 a national financial advice implementation of his decision to increase the personal service and a free financial “healthcheck”, delivered by income tax allowance. [50512] the Money Advice Service (formerly the Consumer Financial Education Body). This new service will help Mr Gauke: The increase in the personal allowance by people take responsibility for their finances and encourage £630 for those aged under 65 is estimated to remove the them to think about savings and protection. In addition 260,000 lowest income taxpayers out of income tax to this the Government have given individuals more altogether in 2012-13. In combination with the £1,000 choice over the use of their pension savings to provide a increase in the personal allowance in 2011-12, the increases retirement income by removing the effective requirement in the personal allowance announced by this Government to purchase an annuity by age 75. will remove an estimated 1.1 million individuals out of income tax altogether by 2012-13. The Government have also confirmed that employers will have a new duty to automatically enrol qualifying These estimates are based on the 2007-08 Survey of employees into a minimum quality pension scheme Personal Incomes data projected to 2011-12 and 2012-13 from 2012. The Government believe this behavioural in line with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March device can make a real difference; as a result around 2011 forecast assumptions. 4-8 million might start saving or saving more into a Reliable estimates are not available at parliamentary workplace pension scheme. The Government are also constituency level, due to small survey sample sizes and establishing the National Employment Savings Trust significant uncertainties in projections for small geographical (NEST) to provide a low cost pension scheme for individuals areas. not currently served by the market.

Individual Savings Accounts Inheritance Tax: Tax Allowances

Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the effects on the long-term value of he will assess the potential effects on the portion of a holdings in individual savings accounts of the policy to deceased’s estate which is exempt from inheritance tax link personal tax allowances to the consumer price of the policy to link personal tax allowances to the index measure of inflation. [50021] consumer price index measure of inflation. [50025]

Mr Hoban: The long-term value of holdings in individual Mr Gauke: The inheritance tax threshold is frozen savings accounts (ISAs) is affected by a variety of until the end of March 2015 and a CPI switch will take factors including fluctuations in asset prices, average effect from April 2015. The impact of the measure on dividend yields, average interest rates and households’ individual estates is uncertain as the exact thresholds propensity to save. No detailed analysis of the precise will ultimately depend upon the inflation rates nearer effects of using the CPI inflation measure on ISA the time. The current estimate of the impact is summarised holdings in general is available but the effect is thought in the following table. to be relatively small. Final costing, National Accounts basis(£m) Further information is contained in the published IHT, CPI from April 2015 Tax information and Impact Note (A31) of the Overview of Tax Legislation and Rates document to be found at: 2011-12 0 http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ 2012-13 0 2011budget_taxation_overview.pdf 2013-14 0 731W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 732W

Final costing, National Accounts basis(£m) (a) 20% is £7 billion, IHT, CPI from April 2015 (b) 30% is £4 billion, 2014-15 1— (c) 35% is £2.5 billion. 2015-16 20 This is on an accruals basis and excludes behavioural 1 Negligible. effects. It takes into account the new restrictions on tax Members: Correspondence relief on pension contributions to registered pension schemes that will mean the annual allowance reduces to £50,000 from the 2011-12 tax year and the lifetime Mr Arbuthnot: To ask the Chancellor of the allowance reduces to £1.5 million from 2012-13. Exchequer when he plans to reply to the letters from the hon. Member for North East Hampshire of 21 July, 11 October and 20 December 2010 on his constituent, Post Office: Bank Services Mr Harris, Treasury reference 3/13766/2010. [50024] Kate Hoey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Hoban: I have replied to the right hon. Member. pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2011, Official Report, column 884W, on the Post Office: bank National Insurance Contributions: New Businesses services, from whom research was commissioned on exploring the options for all customers to have the Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer opportunity to benefit from direct debit discounts; and how many businesses had qualified for the national when he plans to publish such research. [50321] insurance contribution holiday for new firms on the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will Mr Hoban: The Financial Inclusion Taskforce make a statement. [48529] commissioned research from Social Finance to explore the commercial viability of a new financial product (a Mr Gauke [holding answer 23 March 2011]: By 28 ‘jam jar’account) designed to meet the needs of low-income March 2011, HMRC had received 2,892 successful consumers by supporting positive financial management, applications for the regional NICs holiday from new smoothing expenditure and enabling access to better businesses. A regional breakdown of the figures can be value services and products, such as direct debits. The found in a recently released FOI answer: research will be published on the HM Treasury website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/freedom/nic-holiday.htm by 15 April 2011. National Insurance: Income Tax Public Expenditure Dr Whiteford: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Exchequer what the implications of combining he will assess the potential effects of recent trends in national insurance and income tax will be for the inflation on the value of spending allocations to income tax powers contained in the provisions of the Government Departments in each year of the Scotland Bill. [50109] comprehensive spending review period. [49286] Mr Gauke: In Budget 2011 the Government announced Danny Alexander: In line with usual practice, their intention to consult on potential reforms to integrate departmental expenditure limits for the years 2011-12 the operation of income tax and national insurance to 2014-15 were set in cash terms in the 2010 spending contributions (NICs). review. Settlements were based on the best forecast of In doing so, the Government have been clear that inflation at the time, produced by the independent income tax and NICs will remain separate. This reflects Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), and forecasts the important role NICs play in providing entitlement of inflation are always subject to change. to contributory benefits and the potential impacts on the rest of the income tax system from a full merger. Revenue and Customs: Security Any change in this area will involve a wide range of policy and implementation issues, and require extensive consultation to get it right. The Government will start Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Chancellor of the this consultative process later this year by publishing an Exchequer how many security incidents were recorded initial consultation document on the options, stages by the Security and Business Continuity Directorate in and timing of reform. Wider issues, such as the interaction HM Revenue and Customs in each year since 2007. with the proposals in the Scotland Bill, will be taken [51015] into account in considering the options brought forward for consultation. Mr Gauke: We provide information about security incidents reported centrally within HMRC for the Resource Pensions: Tax Allowances Account and the Annual Information Risk Return to Cabinet Office. Mr Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the revenue yield of restricting Total pensions tax relief to (a) 20, (b) 30 and (c) 35 per 2007-08 211 cent.; and if he will make a statement. [49433] 2008-09 171 2009-10 88 Mr Gauke: HMRC estimate the yield of restricting 2010-11 46 tax relief in 2011-12 to: 733W Written Answers4 APRIL 2011 Written Answers 734W

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Chancellor of the stages and timing of reforms to integrate the operation Exchequer how many staff were employed in the of income tax and national insurance contributions Security and Business Continuity Directorate in HM (NICs). Revenue and Customs in each year since 2007. [51016] The Government will not extend NICs to individuals above state pension age or to other forms of income Mr Gauke: HMRC’s Security and Business Continuity such as pensions, savings and dividends. function has undergone significant organisational change since 2007. The number of staff employed in HMRC’s Taxation: Oil Security and Business Continuity core function for each financial year since 2007 was: Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent estimate is of the level of revenue Number accruing to the Exchequer from taxation on oil production companies in (a) the last four financial 2007-08 73 years and (b) the next four financial years. [49719] 2008-09 79 2009-10 75 Danny Alexander: Government revenues to 2009-10 2010-11 61 from UK oil and gas production are published as National Statistics on the HMRC website, in Table 11.11, The figure quoted in respect of 2007-08 is on the at the following link: basis of full-time equivalent staff in post, rounded to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/corporate_tax/table11_11.pdf the nearest whole number, as at 6 December 2007. The figures for 2008-09 to 2010-11 represent the average A forecast of UK oil and gas revenues to 2015-16 was number of full-time equivalent staff in post for each published at Budget 2011 by the Office for Budget year, rounded to the nearest whole number. Responsibility, in Table C.3 on page 92, at the following link: Tax Allowances http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2011budget_annexc.pdf Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if with reference to Budget 2011, HC 836, whether he has he will assess the potential effects on capital gains tax assessed the likely extent of fluctuation in the level of allowances of the policy to link personal tax revenue accruing from the tax on oil production levied allowances to the consumer price index measure of on companies operating within the UK in the next four inflation. [50022] financial years. [50316]

Mr Gauke: A full assessment of the impact was made Justine Greening: The Office for Budget Responsibility as part of the Budget decision making process and is published its “Economic and fiscal outlook” on 23 available in the published Tax Information and Impact March 2011. Selected tables from the report are at Note (A35) of the Overview of Tax Legislation and annex C of the Budget 2011 report This includes a Rates document. forecast of UK oil and gas revenues from corporation http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ tax and petroleum revenue tax, in table C.3 on page 92, 2011budget_taxation_overview.pdf at the following link: http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2011budget_annexc.pdf Taxation The “Economic and fiscal outlook” discusses the UK oil and gas revenues forecast on page 110, and the Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer impact of oil prices on the fiscal forecast in box 4.1 on what arrangements he plans to put in place to ensure page 111. A link to the full report is as follows: that persons of pensionable age do not incur additional http://cdn.budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/ tax liabilities arising from any merger of income tax economic_and_fiscal_outlook_23032011.pdf and national insurance; and what estimate he has made of the transitional costs which would arise from VAT: Training managing such arrangements. [50101] Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Gauke: I refer the hon. Member to paragraph Exchequer how much revenue he expects to accrue to 1.77 of the Budget 2011 document available at: the Exchequer in each year from value added tax on pilot training. [50470] http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/2011budget_complete.pdf The Government will publish an initial consultation Mr Gauke: No such estimate has been made. The document later this year to consult on the options, information is not available.

11MC Ministerial Corrections4 APRIL 2011 Ministerial Corrections 12MC Ministerial Corrections NORTHERN IRELAND Air Passenger Duty The following is the answer given by the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office, the right hon. Member Monday 4 April 2011 for East Devon (Mr Swire) relating to a question from the hon. Member for Belfast East (Naomi Long) during Northern Ireland Question Time on 23 March 2011.

3. Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): What COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT assessment he has made of the likely effects of changes in air passenger duty on business travel between Northern Ireland and London. [47494] Unpublished Research Reports: Immigration, the Economy and Regeneration The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Hugo Swire): I have had meetings with the Northern Ireland The following is an extract from a written ministerial Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and with statement on ‘Unpublished Research Reports: Immigration, my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury the Economy and Regeneration’ given by the Minister for to discuss air passenger duty. My Treasury colleagues Housing and Local Government, the right hon. Member fully understand the issues involved. The rates that took for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps) on 1 March 2011. effect last November were, of course, set and legislated (ix) Modelling and forecasting county court claims and orders for for by the previous Government. mortgage repossessions. This report by Professor John Muellbauer and Janine Aron Naomi Long: I thank the Minister for his answer. He was commissioned jointly by the former National Housing and will be aware that, in addition to air passenger duty, Planning Advice Unit and the UK Spatial Economic Centre. Heathrow and Gatwick intend to levy passenger landing The study explores the determinants of mortgage possession court orders as well as forecasting court orders on a regional charges for regional flights, which will compound the basis for England and Wales from 2011 to 2015. It observed problem. Will he confirm that this matter is at the top of that the recent house price and credit boom of 2006-08 had his agenda, so that we can ensure that Northern Ireland increased the proportion of households with overstretched businesses have access to the capital? budgets and over-extended debt relative to their assets. The most important determinant of court claims and orders was Mr Swire: Indeed; these things have been discussed at found to be the debt to income ratio. This report was commissioned ministerial level. I am glad that my right hon. Friend the in 2009 at a cost of £30,366. Chief Secretary to the Treasury is here to listen to the [Official Report, 1 March 2011, Vol. 524, c. 19-21WS.] hon. Lady’s comments. We take this matter very seriously. A lot of the issues to do with Gatwick and Heathrow Letter of correction from Mr Grant Shapps: are commercial matters that are more properly dealt An error has been identified in the written ministerial with by BAA. statement given on 1 March 2011. The penultimate [Official Report, 23 March 2011, Vol. 525, c. 934.] sentence in the text in the section on the research project Letter of correction from Mr Hugo Swire: on mortgage repossessions should have referred to the debt service ratio, as the most important determinant of An error has been identified in the oral answer given court claims, and not the debt to income ratio. on 23 March 2011. It has come to our attention that commercial matters at Gatwick airport are not the The correct text should have read: responsibility of BAA, who recently sold the airport to (ix) Modelling and forecasting county court claims and orders for a consortium, with the largest shareholder being Global mortgage repossessions. Infrastructure Partners. This report by Professor John Muellbauer and Janine Aron The correct answer should have been: was commissioned jointly by the former National Housing and Planning Advice Unit and the UK Spatial Economic Centre. The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Hugo The study explores the determinants of mortgage possession Swire): Indeed; these things have been discussed at court orders as well as forecasting court orders on a regional ministerial level. I am glad that my right hon. Friend the basis for England and Wales from 2011 to 2015. It observed Chief Secretary to the Treasury is here to listen to the that the recent house price and credit boom of 2006-08 had hon. Lady’s comments. We take this matter very seriously. increased the proportion of households with overstretched budgets and over-extended debt relative to their assets. The A lot of the issues to do with Gatwick and Heathrow most important determinant of court claims and orders was are commercial matters that are more properly dealt found to be the debt service ratio. This report was commissioned with by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and BAA in 2009 at a cost of £30,366. respectively.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 4 April 2011

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 723 COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— Community and Voluntary Sectors ...... 726 continued Community Housing ...... 729 Local Government (Employment) ...... 733 Council Tax ...... 735 Local Government Funding (Services)...... 723 Council Tax ...... 736 New Homes Bonus...... 724 Efficiency Savings ...... 737 New Social Housing...... 737 Government Funding (Distribution)...... 727 Section 106 Revenue...... 735 Green Spaces ...... 732 Shared Ownership Schemes ...... 738 Home Ownership...... 729 Social Housing...... 732 Leisure Facilities ...... 734 Topical Questions ...... 739 Local Authority Executive Pay...... 734 Unauthorised Development...... 731 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 4 April 2011

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 46WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— New Homes Bonus Final Allocations (Year 1) ...... 46WS continued FCO Services (Performance Targets 2011-12) ...... 49WS DEFENCE...... 47WS TREASURY ...... 45WS Armed Forces Redundancy Process ...... 47WS Corporate Capital Gains Degrouping Charges (Simplification) ...... 45WS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 47WS Office for Budget Responsibility ...... 45WS UK Oil and Gas (Regulation) ...... 47WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 49WS Disability Living Allowance Reform ...... 49WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 48WS Afghanistan: Monthly Progress Report February WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 50WS 2011 ...... 48WS State Pension Reform...... 50WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 4 April 2011

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 584W CABINET OFFICE—continued Departmental Official Cars ...... 584W Census ...... 664W Departmental Public Transport ...... 585W Community Development: Greater London ...... 666W Departmental Travel ...... 585W Community Relations ...... 666W Human Trafficking: Prostitution...... 585W Departmental Legal Costs ...... 667W Public Order...... 586W Employment: Graduates ...... 667W National Citizen Service Pilot Schemes...... 663W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 686W Public Expenditure...... 668W Arts: Research...... 686W Public Sector Workers...... 668W Employment Agencies: EU Law ...... 686W Third Sector...... 668W European Regional Development Fund: Local Training: Community Organisers...... 669W Enterprise Partnerships...... 686W Transition Fund ...... 669W Heat Pumps ...... 687W Higher Education...... 687W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 626W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 688W Business: Pendle...... 627W Higher Education: Anti-Semitism...... 689W Compulsory Purchase ...... 627W Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 689W Council Tax ...... 627W Manufacturing Industries ...... 689W Departmental Contracts ...... 628W Members: Correspondence ...... 690W Departmental Flowers ...... 628W Mercosur: EU Action ...... 690W Environment Protection: Planning Permission...... 628W Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries...... 691W Fire Services: Pensions ...... 629W Overseas Students: Loans ...... 691W Flood Control...... 629W Regional Development Agencies: Assets...... 692W Flood Control: Finance ...... 630W Research: Finance...... 692W Housing Revenue Accounts ...... 630W Small Businesses: Recruitment...... 693W Local Authority Pay ...... 626W Students: Loans ...... 693W Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 630W CABINET OFFICE...... 663W Local Enterprise Partnerships: Cost-effectiveness .. 631W Cancer: Bolton...... 663W Local Enterprise Partnerships: North East ...... 631W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— EDUCATION—continued continued Teachers: Training...... 715W Local Government Finance: Kent...... 632W Third Sector...... 716W Local Government: Pay ...... 631W University Technical Colleges ...... 716W Local Government: Public Participation...... 632W Work Experience...... 716W Non-domestic Rates: Rochdale ...... 632W Planning Permission ...... 633W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 618W Prince William: Marriage...... 634W Agriculture: Environment Protection...... 618W Tenancy Agreements...... 634W Contracts for Difference...... 618W West Sussex County Council: Pay ...... 634W Departmental Assets...... 619W Departmental Contracts ...... 619W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 578W Departmental Public Transport ...... 619W BBC: Northern Ireland ...... 578W Electricity Market Reform ...... 619W Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 578W Energy: Housing ...... 620W Museums and Galleries: Finance ...... 578W Energy Supply...... 620W Sports: Clubs ...... 578W Fuel Oil: Prices...... 621W Sports: Schools ...... 579W Fuel Poverty...... 622W Television: Licensing ...... 579W Greenhouse Gas Emissions...... 623W Theatre: Tickets ...... 579W Oil...... 623W Paper...... 624W DEFENCE...... 568W Raytheon Radar...... 625W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 568W Renewable Energy...... 625W Air Force: Manpower...... 568W Solar Power...... 625W Infrastructure Security and Resilience Advisory Warm Home Discount Care Group ...... 626W Council ...... 568W Wave Power...... 626W Military Aircraft: France ...... 568W Storm Shadow Missile ...... 569W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Strategic Defence and Security Review ...... 569W AFFAIRS...... 579W Environment ...... 579W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 635W Foxes: Urban Areas ...... 580W Departmental Public Transport ...... 635W Hydrofluorocarbons ...... 580W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 635W Sewers ...... 580W Departmental Travel ...... 635W Water Charges: South West...... 580W Departmental Travel ...... 635W Water: Meters ...... 582W Elections: Tower Hamlets...... 635W Water Supply: Billing ...... 581W General Election 2010...... 636W General Elections: Costs ...... 636W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 569W Lobbying...... 637W British Antarctic Territory ...... 569W Cote d’Ivoire: Politics and Government ...... 569W EDUCATION...... 693W Cote d’Ivoire: United Nations...... 570W Academies...... 693W Former Ministers ...... 570W Children: Disability...... 697W Iran: Politics and Government ...... 570W Children in Care...... 694W Iran: Radar ...... 571W Children: Poverty ...... 697W Israel: Embassies...... 571W Children’s Commissioner...... 698W Israel: Overseas Aid ...... 572W Cookery: Curriculum...... 698W Israel: Science ...... 572W Departmental Contracts ...... 698W Israel: Terrorism...... 572W Departmental Flowers ...... 699W Libya: Foreign Nationals ...... 573W Departmental Interpreters ...... 699W Middle East: Health Services ...... 573W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 699W Nightingale Island: Oil...... 573W Departmental Telephone Services ...... 699W Palestinians: Politics and Government ...... 574W Departmental Travel ...... 700W Somaliland...... 576W Discretionary Learner Support Fund...... 700W Syria: Politics and Government...... 576W Education ...... 700W Turks and Caicos Islands ...... 576W Education Maintenance Allowance: Medway ...... 703W Western Sahara: United Nations...... 576W English Baccalaureate ...... 703W Free School Meals...... 704W HEALTH...... 672W Free School Meals: Pendle Borough Council ...... 705W Cancer: Drugs...... 672W Further Education: Free School Meals ...... 706W Clostridium...... 672W GCSE ...... 706W Dental Services ...... 672W GCSE: Free Schools Meals ...... 708W Departmental Consultants...... 673W History: Education...... 709W Departmental Contracts ...... 673W Members: Correspondence ...... 709W Departmental Official Cars...... 674W Ofsted: Expenditure ...... 710W Departmental Public Transport ...... 673W Pupil Exclusions: Berkshire...... 712W Departmental Travel ...... 674W Schools ...... 711W Exercise...... 675W Schools: Benwell ...... 712W General Practitioners ...... 675W Schools: Drugs...... 713W Hospitals...... 676W Schools: Sports ...... 714W Hospitals: Abuse...... 679W Schools: Standards...... 714W Hospitals: Crimes of Violence...... 679W Schools: Sun Protection ...... 715W Leprosy...... 679W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued SCOTLAND...... 565W Midwives...... 680W Departmental Official Cars ...... 565W NHS: Private Sector...... 680W Departmental Public Transport ...... 565W NHS: Surveys ...... 680W Departmental Travel ...... 565W Nurseries: Schools...... 681W Nurses: Working Hours ...... 681W TRANSPORT ...... 606W Palliative Care: Finance ...... 682W Commission for Integrated Transport...... 606W Prostate Cancer...... 682W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 606W Regulation ...... 682W Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee.. 607W Ritalin: Children ...... 683W Driving Tests: Motorcycles ...... 607W Social Services...... 684W East Coast Railway Line: Timetables ...... 608W Strokes: Health Services...... 685W Large Goods Vehicles ...... 608W Visual Impairment ...... 685W Legislation ...... 608W LEK Partnership...... 608W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 586W London Underground...... 609W Antisocial Behaviour Orders ...... 586W London-Norwich Railway Line ...... 609W Cannabis...... 586W Mersey Gateway Project...... 609W Crimes of Violence...... 587W Motor Vehicles: Insurance ...... 609W Criminal Records Bureau: Poole ...... 588W Network Rail ...... 610W DNA: Databases...... 588W Network Rail: Electrification ...... 610W Domestic Violence ...... 590W Parking: Fees and Charges...... 611W Drugs...... 591W Railways: Construction...... 611W Fraud: Elections...... 591W Railways: Disability ...... 611W Homicide ...... 591W Railways: East Anglia ...... 612W Metropolitan Police Authority: Finance ...... 592W Railways: Fares ...... 612W Police: Forensic Science...... 593W Railways: Franchises ...... 612W Police: Olympic Games 2012...... 593W Railways: Infrastructure...... 613W Remand in Custody ...... 593W Railways: Overcrowding...... 613W Railways: Passengers...... 614W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 566W Railways: Standards...... 614W Motions: Audio Recordings ...... 566W Roads: Accidents ...... 614W Security: Parliament...... 566W Roads: Snow and Ice...... 615W Scientific Advisers...... 615W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 717W Sea Rescue ...... 615W Burma: Politics and Government ...... 717W Shipping: Oil...... 616W Departmental Official Cars...... 717W South West Trains: Rolling Stock...... 616W Departmental Public Transport ...... 717W Speed Limits: Cameras...... 616W Departmental Travel ...... 718W Transport: Schools ...... 617W Ivory Coast: Overseas Aid ...... 718W Transport: Sustainable Development ...... 617W Japan: Humanitarian Aid ...... 718W West Coast Railway Line ...... 617W Mali: Development Aid ...... 719W Mali: Food...... 719W TREASURY ...... 721W Overseas Aid...... 719W Banks...... 721W Palestinians: Overseas Aid ...... 720W Banks: Corporate Hospitality ...... 721W Banks: Incentives ...... 721W JUSTICE...... 637W Child Tax Credit ...... 722W Bribery Act 2010...... 637W Departmental Contracts ...... 723W Community Orders: Shoplifting...... 637W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 723W Court Orders...... 638W Economic Situation...... 723W Departmental Contracts ...... 638W Financial Services ...... 724W Departmental Travel ...... 638W FirstBuy Programme...... 724W Incapacity Benefit: Tribunals ...... 639W Fuels: Prices...... 724W Legal Aid: Poole ...... 640W Greenhouse Gas Emissions...... 725W Marriage of Convenience...... 641W Homeowners...... 725W Offenders: Rehabilitation ...... 641W Housing: Valuation ...... 726W Prison Service: Finance...... 642W Income Tax ...... 726W Prison Service: Manpower ...... 647W Income Tax: Overpayments...... 727W Prisoners: McDonalds Meals ...... 659W Income Tax: Poole ...... 729W Prisoners: Poole ...... 661W Individual Savings Accounts ...... 729W Prosecutions: National Insurance Contributions... 637W Inheritance Tax: Tax Allowances ...... 730W Reoffenders...... 661W Members: Correspondence ...... 731W Reparation by Offenders: Finance...... 662W National Insurance Contributions: New Trespass ...... 662W Businesses ...... 731W Wills: Regulation...... 662W National Insurance: Income Tax...... 731W Pensions: Tax Allowances ...... 731W LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 577W Post Office: Bank Services...... 732W Departmental Travel ...... 577W Public Expenditure...... 732W Revenue and Customs: Security ...... 732W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 583W Tax Allowances...... 733W Departmental Public Transport ...... 583W Taxation...... 733W Departmental Travel ...... 584W Taxation: Oil...... 734W Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued VAT: Training ...... 734W Disability Living Allowance...... 596W Housing Benefit: Blaenau Gwent...... 596W WALES...... 582W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Wolverhampton...... 597W Departmental Mobile Phones ...... 582W Mortgages: Wolverhampton...... 597W Departmental Official Cars...... 582W Remploy: Social Enterprises...... 598W Departmental Public Transport ...... 582W Ritalin: Children ...... 598W Departmental Training ...... 583W Social Security Benefits...... 599W Departmental Travel ...... 583W Social Security Benefits: Disability...... 599W Legislative Competence Order Process...... 583W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 599W Swimming Pools...... 600W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 594W Third Sector...... 600W Children: Poverty ...... 594W Unemployment: Wales ...... 601W Departmental Procurement...... 594W Universal Credit...... 601W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 594W Winter Fuel Payments...... 603W Departmental Theft ...... 596W Work Capacity Assessment ...... 606W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Monday 4 April 2011

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 11MC NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 12MC Unpublished Research Reports: Immigration, the Air Passenger Duty ...... 12MC Economy and Regeneration...... 11MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Monday 11 April 2011

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Members may obtain excerpts of their Speeches from the Official Report (within one month from the date of publication), on application to the Stationery Office, c/o the Editor of the Official Report, House of Commons, from whom the terms and conditions of reprinting may be ascertained. Application forms are available at the Vote Office.

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CONTENTS

Monday 4 April 2011

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 723] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Armed Forces Redundancies [Col. 745] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Robathan)

Africa and the Middle East [Col. 751] Statement—(Mr Hague)

NHS Reform [Col. 767] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

Murder of PC Ronan Kerr [Col. 786] Statement—(Mr Paterson)

State Pension Reform [Col. 795] Statement—(Steve Webb)

Opposition Day [14th allotted day] Government Reductions in Policing [Col. 807] Motion—(Yvette Cooper)—on a Division, negatived Amendment—(Mrs May)—on a Division, agreed to Motion, as amended, agreed to

Bradley Manning [Col. 868] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 45WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 565W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 11MC]