Monday Volume 543 16 April 2012 No. 288
HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)
Monday 16 April 2012
£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through The National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/our-services/parliamentary-licence-information.htm Enquiries to The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT
MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
(FORMED BY THE RT HON.DAVID CAMERON,MP,MAY 2010)
PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Caroline Spelman, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt Hon. Cheryl Gillan, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,OLYMPICS,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Strathclyde MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi
DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Innovation and Skills— SECRETARY OF STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Willetts, MP (Minister for Universities and Science) John Hayes, MP (Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) § Mark Prisk, MP The Rt Hon. Greg Clark, MP § Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint (Minister for Trade and Investment) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Norman Lamb, MP Edward Vaizey, MP § Baroness Wilcox Cabinet Office— MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND PAYMASTER GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Francis Maude, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Oliver Letwin, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES— Mark Harper, MP Nick Hurd, MP Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Greg Clark, MP § The Rt Hon. Grant Shapps, MP (Minister for Housing and Local Government) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Andrew Stunell, OBE, MP Robert Neill, MP Baroness Hanham, CBE ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.
Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,OLYMPICS,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— John Penrose, MP Hugh Robertson, MP (Minister for Sport and the Olympics) Edward Vaizey, MP § Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Nick Harvey, MP (Minister for the Armed Forces) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Gerald Howarth, MP The Rt Hon. Andrew Robathan, MP Peter Luff, MP Lord Astor of Hever, DL Duchy of Lancaster— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Strathclyde Education— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Sarah Teather, MP Nick Gibb, MP John Hayes, MP (Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Tim Loughton, MP Lord Hill of Oareford Energy and Climate Change— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Edward Davey, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Charles Hendry, MP Gregory Barker, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Lord Marland Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Caroline Spelman, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. James Paice, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Richard Benyon, MP Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE Foreign and Commonwealth Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Jeremy Browne, MP The Rt Hon. David Lidington, MP (Minister for Europe) The Rt Hon. Lord Howell of Guildford PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Henry Bellingham, MP Alistair Burt, MP Government Equalities Office— MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTER FOR EQUALITIES—Lynne Featherstone, MP § Health— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Paul Burstow, MP Simon Burns, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Anne Milton, MP Earl Howe Home Office— SECRETARY OF STATE AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTERS OF STATE— Damian Green, MP (Minister for Immigration) The Rt Hon. Nick Herbert, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § Lord Henley (Minister for Crime Prevention and Antisocial Behaviour Reduction) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lynne Featherstone, MP (Minister for Equalities) § James Brokenshire, MP HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont. iii
International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Alan Duncan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Stephen O’Brien, MP Justice— LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Lord McNally The Rt Hon. Nick Herbert, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Crispin Blunt, MP Jonathan Djanogly, MP Law Officers— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Dominic Grieve, QC, MP SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Edward Garnier, QC, MP ADVOCATE-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness, QC Leader of the House of Commons— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND LORD PRIVY SEAL—The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—David Heath, CBE, MP Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP MINISTER OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Hugo Swire, MP Privy Council Office— DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP Scotland Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Mundell, MP Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Justine Greening, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Norman Baker, MP Mike Penning, MP Treasury— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP FINANCIAL SECRETARY—Mark Hoban, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—David Gauke, MP ECONOMIC SECRETARY—Chloe Smith, MP COMMERCIAL SECRETARY—Lord Sassoon PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP LORDS COMMISSIONERS— Michael Fabricant, MP Angela Watkinson, MP Jeremy Wright, MP Brooks Newmark, MP James Duddridge, MP ASSISTANT WHIPS— Philip Dunne, MP Stephen Crabb, MP Robert Goodwill, MP Shailesh Vara, MP Bill Wiggin, MP Mark Hunter, MP Greg Hands, MP Jenny Willott, MP iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.
Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Cheryl Gillan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—David Jones, MP Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP Steve Webb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Maria Miller, MP Lord Freud Her Majesty’s Household— LORD CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The Earl of Dalhousie MASTER OF THE HORSE—Lord Vestey, KCVO TREASURER—The Rt Hon. John Randall, MP COMPTROLLER—The Rt Hon. Alistair Carmichael, MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS—The Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, DBE CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD—The Rt Hon. Lord Shutt of Greetland, OBE BARONESSES IN WAITING—Baroness Garden of Frognal, Baroness Northover, Baroness Rawlings, Baroness Stowell, Baroness Verma LORDS IN WAITING—Earl Attlee, Lord De Mauley, TD, Lord Wallace of Saltaire
§ Members of the Government listed under more than one Department
SECOND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONER, REPRESENTING CHURCH COMMISSIONERS—Tony Baldry, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS
THE SPEAKER—The Rt Hon. John Bercow, MP
CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Lindsay Hoyle, MP FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Nigel Evans, MP SECOND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt Hon. Dawn Primarolo, MP
PANEL OF CHAIRS Mr David Amess, MP, Hugh Bayley, MP, Mr Joe Benton, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, Mr Peter Bone, MP, Mr Graham Brady, MP, Annette Brooke, MP, Martin Caton, MP, Mr Christopher Chope, MP, Katy Clark, MP, Mr David Crausby, MP, Philip Davies, MP, Jim Dobbin, MP, Nadine Dorries, MP, Sir Roger Gale, MP, Mr James Gray, MP, Mr Mike Hancock, MP, Mr Dai Havard, MP, Mr Philip Hollobone, MP, Mr Jim Hood, MP, The Rt Hon. George Howarth, MP, Mr Edward Leigh, MP, Dr William McCrea, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Mrs Anne Main, MP, Sir Alan Meale, MP, Sandra Osborne, MP, Albert Owen, MP, Mrs Linda Riordan, MP, John Robertson, MP, Andrew Rosindell, MP, Mr Lee Scott, MP, Jim Sheridan, MP, Mr Gary Streeter, MP, Mr Andrew Turner, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Mr Mike Weir, MP, Hywel Williams, MP SECRETARY—Simon Patrick
HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Rt Hon. The Speaker (Chairman), Sir Paul Beresford, MP, Mr Frank Doran, MP, Ms Angela Eagle, MP, John Thurso, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION—Bob Twigger ASSISTANT SECRETARY—Joanna Dodd
ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATE AUDIT COMMITTEE Alex Jablonowski (Chairman), Ms Angela Eagle, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, John Thurso, MP, Stephen Brooker, Mark Clarke SECRETARY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE—Gosia McBride
LIAISON COMMITTEE The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Beith, MP (Chair), Mr Graham Allen, MP, The Rt Hon. James Arbuthnot, MP, Mr Adrian Bailey, MP, The Rt Hon. Kevin Barron, MP, Dame Anne Begg, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, The Rt Hon. Malcolm Bruce, MP, Mr William Cash, MP, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP, Mr Ian Davidson, MP, DavidTCDavies, MP, The Rt Hon. Stephen Dorrell, MP, Mrs Louise Ellman, MP, Natascha Engel, MP, Dr Hywel Francis, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst, MP, The Rt Hon. Margaret Hodge, MP, Mr Bernard Jenkin, MP, The Rt Hon. Greg Knight, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Andrew Miller, MP, Mr George Mudie, MP, Richard Ottaway, MP, Mr Laurence Robertson, MP, Mr Graham Stuart, MP, Mr Robert Syms, MP, John Thurso, MP, Mr Andrew Tyrie, MP, The Rt Hon. Keith Vaz, MP, Joan Walley, MP, Mr John Whittingdale, MP, Mr Tim Yeo, MP CLERKS—Andrew Kennon, Philippa Helme
MANAGEMENT BOARD Robert Rogers (Clerk of the House and Chief Executive), David Natzler (Clerk Assistant and Director General, Chamber and Committee Services), John Pullinger (Director General, Information Services), Andrew Walker (Director General, HR and Change), John Borley, CB (Director General, Facilities), Myfanwy Barrett (Director of Finance), Joan Miller (Director of Parliamentary ICT) (External Member), Alex Jablonowski (External Member) SECRETARY OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Matthew Hamlyn
SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Peter Barratt SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin
PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—John Lyon, CB PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY DIRECTOR—Peter Mason
16 April 2012
THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT
IN THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND [WHICH OPENED 18 MAY 2010]
SIXTY-FIRST YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 543 THIRTY-FOURTH VOLUME OF SESSION 2010-2012
and adoptive parents. Often in the past, however, a House of Commons major obstacle has been the lack of advice and information for families hoping to adopt. Will he update the House Monday 16 April 2012 on his plans to introduce a national gateway for adoption?
Tim Loughton: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s The House met at half-past Two o’clock comments. He has taken a great interest in this subject and brought constituents to meet me about it. He is PRAYERS right that part of the process is to ensure that the public are better informed about the virtues of becoming a foster parent or adoptive parent. For that reason, earlier [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] this year we set up a website, “Give a Child a Home”, on which there is all sorts of information. We will add to and improve that to encourage more people to come Oral Answers to Questions forward as prospective adopters. It is a big ask but a wonderfully fulfilling thing to do.
Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): Children placed for EDUCATION adoption often have very complex needs, and the love and care that adoptive parents offer is sometimes not The Secretary of State was asked— enough. What more can be done to support adopting parents to ensure successful adoption outcomes? Adoption Tim Loughton: The hon. Lady is right; she also has 1. Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): What steps he is great personal experience in this area. It is important that we ensure that more children for whom adoption is taking to speed up the adoption system. [102818] a likely destination are considered for it. Equally, though, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education we have to ensure that parents who come forward as (Tim Loughton): Earlier this year, the Government published prospective adopters are given proper training and support an adoption action plan aimed at reducing delays in before, during and after the adoption process. I am adoption by legislating to prevent local authorities from particularly keen to encourage adoption agencies to spending too long seeking a perfect adoptive match, by work on adoption support services—we are looking at accelerating the assessment process for prospective adopters social impact bonds with a specific focus on that—to and by making it easier for children to be fostered by ensure that that help is there and that the adoption is their likely eventual adopters in certain circumstances. permanent. We will also introduce an adoption scorecard to focus attention on the issues of timeliness linked to a tougher Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Adoption intervention regime. services in Northamptonshire were recently branded by Ofsted as inadequate and failing to meet national minimum Mark Pawsey: I compliment my hon. Friend on his standards. With only 68% of children being placed Department’s excellent work in bringing a new focus to within 12 months, Northamptonshire is 110th out of the adoption process in the interests of both children 142 local authorities. Will my hon. Friend ensure that 3 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 4 local authorities not doing the job properly are pursued The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong relentlessly until their systems are up to the appropriate Learning (Mr John Hayes): We are making a record national standards? investment of more than £7 billion in 2012-13 to fund a place in education or training for every 16 to 18-year-old Tim Loughton: The simple answer is absolutely yes. It in England who wants one. In addition, we are investing is frustrating that despite examples of good and best £126 million to provide a new programme of intensive practice in local authorities up and down the country in support for the most vulnerable 16 and 17-year-old a matter where speed is of the essence and where people NEETs. are focused entirely on the best outcomes for children, Dame Joan Ruddock: Will the Minister congratulate there are other local authorities—I fear that my hon. Lewisham council on its highly successful NEETs programme Friend’s is among them—where that is not the case. The and, in particular, the 150 successful apprenticeships, adoption scorecard will ensure that local authorities which stand in stark contrast to those exposed by the that are not pulling their weight or doing the best by “Panorama”programme in “The Great Apprentice Scandal”? children are named and shamed, and ensure that they What will he do to root out the very poor providers that get their act together and up their game, because it still exist in this country? should be in the best interests of the children. Mr Hayes: The right hon. Lady will know that this Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) Government have done more on apprenticeship standards (Lab): Ofsted’s latest report also stated that there was than any previous Government, including the one she little evidence that delays were caused by social workers supported. Minimum lengths for apprenticeships; statutory seeking the perfect match, which the Government have national standards; every level 2 apprenticeship moving so far focused on. Rather, Ofsted mentioned parties to to GCSE English and maths equivalent; tighter court proceedings demanding repeat assessments because frameworks—these are things that the last Government they lacked confidence in social workers’ reports. What could have done, but did not. Record growth, record are the Government doing to tackle the issues that are standards—she should be proud of that, as we are. really slowing up adoptions, rather than simply chasing easy headlines? Paul Blomfield: As the latest apprenticeship figures show, the Government are failing to make progress among 16 to 18-year-olds. Will the Minister therefore join me Tim Loughton: Given how much work we did before in congratulating Sheffield city council on its scheme the general election, and how much we have done since, for young people who are not in education, employment on the whole gamut of adoption, the hon. Lady will or training, which has created 100 new apprenticeships know that chasing easy headlines is the least of my this year and promises 100 more next year, and will he concerns. I am concerned about getting a better deal for urge other councils to follow that example? children who find themselves in the care system through no fault of their own. That means dealing with children’s Mr Hayes: The hon. Gentleman is a great authority services departments that are not treating adoption as a on these matters, and he is wise enough to know that he priority, dealing with the family justice system, which is needs to get his figures right if he is to quote them in the too slow and tardy, and ensuring that every step of the House. Although they are provisional, the latest data, way we are focused on getting the best outcomes for for the first two quarters, show that apprenticeships children who find themselves in the care system. That is for 16 to 18-year-olds continue to rise. That is not a not an easy headline; it is something that the Government surprise, given that over the last two years those young place a great priority on. apprenticeships have risen by over 30%. Doing the best by young people—that characterises all that this Government do. NEETs Alex Cunningham: At a time when nearly 12% of young people in the Stockton borough and 1 million 2. Dame Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): nationally are not in education, employment or training, What steps his Department is taking to reduce the surely removing the requirement for schools to provide number of young people not in education, employment vital work experience for their pupils is a regressive step. or training. [102819] Will the Government now do the right thing and reverse this bizarre policy? 5. Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): What steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of Mr Hayes: I agree with the hon. Gentleman: it is right young people not in education, employment or that we have work experience as one of the tools at our training. [102821] disposal, and I congratulate Stockton North, where the number of apprenticeships has risen by 76%. I know he will be very proud of that; however, he has been beaten 9. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What by the right hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of (Dame Joan Ruddock). As I think she said, in Deptford young people not in education, employment or apprenticeship numbers are up 106%. What a record! training. [102825] What progress! What a Minister! 13. Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): Lilian Greenwood: In my constituency, Nottingham What steps his Department is taking to reduce the city council has developed the employer hub, to ensure number of young people not in education, employment that public investment leads to job and training opportunities or training. [102829] for local people, especially the young unemployed. Should not 5 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 6 the Minister and the Education Secretary learn from Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): The explosion Nottingham city council and put the full weight of their of apprenticeship places is indeed welcome, but small Department behind calls for apprenticeship guarantees businesses in particular have difficulty taking on apprentices. in government procurement as a way of helping to What is my hon. Friend doing to help small businesses reduce those not in employment, education or training? to take them on?
Mr Hayes: The hon. Lady will know that I know Mr Hayes: My hon. Friend is right: Britain’s small Nottingham very well, having been a county councillor businesses are the backbone of our economy and of our there for 13 years, and I am well aware of the economic communities. In the light of that, we are reducing the profile of that city. I am also sure she will be aware that, bureaucracy associated with apprenticeships and, excitingly, together with the Minister for cities, my right hon. we are giving a special apprenticeship bonus of £1,500 Friend the Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark), to every small business that takes on a young apprentice. I launched a new initiative in Nottingham—city apprenticeship hubs, which combine the work of local Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): authorities with the work of the private sector and the The Minister mentioned the launch of the national work of government to boost apprenticeships in just the careers service. Will he tell the House whether the way she describes. proportion of 14 to 16-year-olds receiving face-to-face careers advice will be higher or lower this year compared Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con): Does the with last year? Minister agree that when it comes to apprenticeships, it is not only the quantity that is important, but also the Mr Hayes: The hon. Gentleman knows that we have quality? put in place new statutory guidance for schools which, for the first time, insists that they secure independent, Mr Hayes: Absolutely, and that is why this Government impartial careers advice and guidance. That is a massive have placed unprecedented emphasis on quality. I repeat— step forward and I know that he will want to welcome for the sake of clarity, Mr Speaker; no more than it. For my money, face-to-face guidance is an important that—that we have said that all apprenticeships should part of that. be on an employed basis. The last Government did not do that. They believed in programme-led apprenticeships Stephen Twigg: So it will be lower. Careers England —faux apprenticeships from a faux Government. described the much-delayed guidance to which the Minister has referred as “dismal”. Is not the reality that Government Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): Through the action has ended statutory work experience, closed the youth contracts and apprenticeship programmes, which Connexions service and left no guarantee of face-to-face the Minister has already mentioned, the Government careers advice? Is this not yet another example of this have demonstrated their commitment to tackling these Government kicking away the ladder of opportunity problems. Is the Minister working with Departments for young people in this country? across Government to ensure that those programmes Mr Hayes: The national careers service is the first reach into the most deprived urban neighbourhoods, all-age service, and the previous Government could and also isolated rural communities? have introduced such a service; there were calls for them to do so on many occasions. We estimate that its website Mr Hayes: My work across Government is constant— will get 20 million hits a year, and that its telephone almost endless. In particular, we are working closely helpline will get 1 million calls a year. I expect 700,000-plus with the Department for Work and Pensions. Of course, people to benefit from the face-to-face guidance that I am a Minister in two Departments—I am not just a the hon. Gentleman describes. New professional standards one-Department man, but a two-Department man—so will also be set out for the careers industry for the first the relationship between the Department for Business, time. That is progress by any measure, and he should Innovation and Skills, the Department for Education acknowledge that. and the DWP is critical to ensuring that our skills policy works across Departments. Regulatory Burden (Schools)
Mr Speaker: The Minister expresses himself, as always, 3. Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): What with the eloquence of Demosthenes, but I fancy that steps he is taking to reduce regulatory burdens on Demosthenes was somewhat briefer. schools. [102901]
Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): The Minister The Minister of State, Department for Education will be aware that good careers advice and guidance are (Mr Nick Gibb): The Government are committed to critical in tackling this problem. What are the Government reducing regulatory burdens on schools. We have already doing to ensure that such advice and guidance are removed a range of unnecessary duties via the Education embedded in local communities and available to all Act 2011 and, subject to parliamentary process, we will young people? remove further burdens in September. In addition to reducing regulations, we have cut the volume of guidance Mr Hayes: Mr Speaker, you will know that, over the issued to schools by more than half, removed the lengthy Easter break, while others were enjoying eggs and buns, self-evaluation form and the financial management standard I was launching the national careers service—a new, in schools, and introduced a streamlined inspection all-age service and the first ever in England. It will give framework. We have also made it clear that neither the impartial, informed, well-researched advice to people Department nor Ofsted expects teachers to produce on learning, education, training and jobs. written lesson plans for every lesson. 7 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 8
Mr Chope: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that Michael Gove: My hon. Friend makes a compelling response, but does he think it fair to describe his case, and I will recommend that the permanent secretary Department’s performance as meriting a capital alpha investigates it closely. for effort while it is still getting only a gamma minus for achievement? In particular, will he look again at the West Exe Technology College deregulation of admissions criteria, at the pupil numbers that schools can have, and at the whole issue of grammar 6. Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): What due schools and free schools that are still calling for more diligence his Department conducted on the governance freedoms? arrangements at West Exe technology college in Exeter when considering its application for academy status. Mr Gibb: That sounds like Greek to me! The Department [102822] deserves an A* for what it has achieved. We have already removed statutory burdens. Performance targets The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): have gone. Changes have been made to consultation on West Exe technology college received an academy order the school day, and it is no longer necessary to appoint because the school satisfied the Department’s published a school improvement partner or to prepare and publish criteria for conversion to academy status, but the a school profile. We have also abolished the absurd rule Department was alerted to matters that bear on the requiring parents to be given 24 hours’ notice of a school’s conversion. Concerns were raised specifically detention. We have abolished the requirement to join about staffing practices. The local authority is therefore behaviour and attendance partnerships, and we have auditing the school’s finances and the school’s conversion removed 20,000 pages of guidance from schools. We is on hold, pending the outcome of that work. have more than halved the guidance going to schools— Mr Bradshaw: The Secretary of State may recall my speaking personally to him in the corridor behind your Mr Speaker: Order. I am grateful to the Minister of Chair, Mr Speaker, a year ago. I said that the first State, but can I ask him not to keep swivelling round? school in my constituency to apply for academy status, The House cannot hear what he is trying to say, although and the one most impatient to do so, was the one whose we wish to do so—[Interruption.] We are grateful to leadership I had most concerns about. Yet the Department, him, for the time being. in its apparent due diligence, saw no reason not to give the school initial approval. Does that not show that the Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I do not object to due diligence process used by his Department is wholly regulation as much as the hon. Member for Christchurch inadequate? (Mr Chope) does, so may I suggest one additional regulatory burden for schools—that every school and Michael Gove: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman every child should have statutory and proper sex and for the care he shows in ensuring that every school in his relationship education? Notwithstanding the falls of constituency finds itself in the right position and has recent years, this country still has a five times higher the right status. When an academy order is granted, it is level of teenage pregnancy than Holland, and a quarter a rules-based process; if a school satisfies certain criteria, of this year’s terminations were by girls under 18. Please it is appropriate that an academy order be issued in let us move forward. most circumstances. Subsequently, however, a number of concerns—beyond those that the right hon. Gentleman Mr Gibb: I know that the hon. Gentleman is passionate rightly raised—are being investigated. At the conclusion about this subject. Sex education is compulsory in of that investigation, I will make sure that the right hon. schools, but we are reviewing the personal, social, health Gentleman, as the constituency Member, and others and economic education curriculum and how the subject are informed about the decision that is eventually taken. is taught to improve the teaching of PSHE. That is what will cover the issue that he raises. Academies and Free Schools
Departmental Relocation 8. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): What recent discussions he has had on academies and free schools in Newcastle upon Tyne Central 4. Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): If he will constituency. [102824] consider relocating his Department to Wellingborough. [102820] The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): My Department has a series of meetings with individuals The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): in Newcastle and elsewhere about the progress of academy As yet, my Department has no plans to relocate to and free school applications. Wellingborough, but we are anxious to make economies, so I am intrigued to hear more. Chi Onwurah: A free school is being proposed in Newcastle right next to an academy that was built only Mr Bone: The Department for Education employs three years ago. Additionally, primary and secondary more than 1,500 people in London and occupies five schools across the constituency are being forced to buildings worth more than £33 million. If the Secretary convert to academy status against the wishes of parents. of State relocated most of the work to Wellingborough, Now that the city council finds that it faces a legal bill he would work in a friendly and pleasant town, save a of hundreds of thousands of pounds for these conversions, small fortune in accommodation costs, yet would be will the Secretary of State assure me that the council tax only 50 minutes away from London. Why not take payers of Newcastle will not have to pay for the chaos it up? he is imposing on our educational system? 9 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 10
Michael Gove: The council tax payers of Newcastle Damian Hinds: As my hon. Friend says, far the most have already paid in the past for the failure of that local important factor in the quality of teaching is the presence authority to raise standards in schools to a level seen in of our dedicated teachers. Will he consider widening other local authorities, including Gateshead, for example. access to taster sessions for potential teachers, both to It is critical that we raise standards in Newcastle and we attract more good people to the profession and to give will do so by welcoming new educational providers, more people a chance to decide whether it is really for including those who propose free schools. We will certainly them before committing themselves to a BEd or a do so by tackling underperformance at primary level. PGCE? For far too long, the last Government tolerated primary schools that were generating children who left at the age Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend makes a very good point. of 11 incapable of reading, writing and adding up The Teaching Agency’s new school experience programme properly. I have no tolerance for that sort of nonsense, for people who are considering teaching maths, physics, which is why we are acting now. chemistry or a modern language at secondary level provides precisely the opportunities to which he refers. Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ It gives participants an opportunity to observe teaching Co-op) rose— and pastoral work, and to talk to teachers about day-to-day school life. More than 800 people have benefited from Mr Speaker: Hackney South and Shoreditch has the programme so far, and many more placements are much to commend it, but it is rather a long way from planned for the future. Newcastle upon Tyne Central, so we will leave that one for another day. Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): Last week I listened with interest to a Radio 4 programme about the Academies use of synthetic phonics in the teaching of reading in schools. It was clear that there was a fundamental difference between the philosophies relating to education 10. Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): What and teaching methods which had not yet been resolved. proportion of secondary schools have academy status Does the Minister accept that until we solve that problem, or are in the process of converting to academy status. we will not overcome our fundamental problems in [102826] education? The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): Mr Gibb: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. At present, we are fortunate in that more than 50% of Getting reading right in primary schools is fundamental secondary schools are either full academies or en route to children’s future education. That is why we have to converting to academy status. introduced match funding for primary schools—£3,000 per school for new training and materials—and why Mr Wilson: I congratulate my right hon. Friend on every six-year-old will undergo a phonic check this June that figure. I must tell him, however, that at a recent so that we can ensure that we spot the children who are council meeting in Reading, the Labour administration struggling with reading. We are determined to end the launched an outdated left-wing assault on the academies scandal of one in 10 boys leaving primary school with a programme. Given the clear benefits of academy status, reading age of seven or less. will he condemn that backward-looking element of the Labour party and reaffirm the Government’s commitment Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): to putting children first, not party-political dogma? We should celebrate and support the best teachers in our schools. Is the Minister aware of research by the Michael Gove: That is an excellent point. Now that Sutton Trust which shows that if a below-average teacher more than half the number of secondary schools are can be raised to the average, the impact on the lifetime either academies or en route to becoming academies, earnings of that teacher’s classroom can amount to those who attack the academies programme are attacking more than £250,000? The importance of teaching is the majority of state schools in the country. It is a pity critical not only to our society, to our culture and to that there are people in the Labour party who are social justice, but to the economy. What more can the enemies of state education at a time when so many great Minister do to improve the quality of teaching? head teachers are taking advantage of academy freedoms to raise standards for all. Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend, who is the Chairman of the Select Committee on Education, is absolutely right. Teaching Performance We are doing a huge amount to raise the bar both for entry to the teaching profession and for continuing 12. Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): What professional development. That is what is behind the steps he plans to take to improve the quality of whole teaching schools programme. Already 218 schools teaching. [102828] have been designated teaching schools, which promote peer-to-peer training. The Government are determined The Minister of State, Department for Education to restore the centre of academic life to our schools. (Mr Nick Gibb): Nothing has more impact on children’s achievement at school than the quality of the teaching Stephen Twigg (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab/Co-op): that they receive. We are raising the bar for new teachers, The quality of teaching is indeed the single most important helping existing teachers to improve, and, when teachers determinant of a school’s success, and it is vital that we cannot meet the required standards, making it easier for attract the very best teachers to the most challenging head teachers to tackle underperformance. schools. Schools already have significant flexibility when 11 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 12 it comes to pay. Does the Minister agree that regional Child Care pay would make it harder to attract the best teachers to the most challenging schools? 14. Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): What assessment he has made of the likely effects of changes Mr Gibb: I am surprised by the hon. Gentleman’s in tax credit eligibility on the supply of early years and question. We have asked the School Teachers Review out-of-school child care. [102830] Body to consider the issue—[Interruption.] Yes, those independent experts are examining the issue of regional pay. We will submit evidence to them, as will the trade The Minister of State, Department for Education unions, and they will report to the Government in (Sarah Teather): Eligibility for tax credits will change September. with the reduction of the earnings threshold and the increase of the minimum working hours for couples to 24 hours per week. These changes do not affect eligibility Mr Don Foster (Bath) (LD): Graduates with first-class for the child care element of working tax credit. The degrees in shortage subjects receive higher teacher training Department does not consider that the impact of these bursaries than those with second-class degrees. Is there changes on the supply of child care will be significant. any research evidence showing that those with a first-class degree are better teachers than those with a second-class degree? Kate Green: In my constituency, about 1,500 families have lost child tax credit and 465 families face the loss of working tax credit if they cannot find more hours. Mr Gibb: There is evidence that teacher subject Parents coming to my surgery have told me that they knowledge has a direct bearing on the attainment of may have to give up work and therefore their child care pupils. There is also a correlation between the degree places as a result. What will the Government do to classification and the propensity of trainees to finish monitor the impact of these changes on the child care their course. There is also evidence from around the markets, particularly in areas of high unemployment? world that the highest performing education jurisdictions are those that take their trainees from the top 10% or top quarter of graduates. Sarah Teather: As I have said, the change in hours should not have an impact on the child care element, because the hours remain the same in terms of the Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): The Minister will eligibility for the child care element of the tax credit. All have read the OECD’s recent report showing that teacher local authorities have a duty to ensure that sufficient status, pay and professional autonomy are key to teacher pre-school and after-school child care is available in success and the learning of pupils. The Prime Minister their areas. However, we are monitoring this situation tells us that we should follow the lead of countries with very closely and looking at capacity in disadvantaged excellent records in this regard, such as Finland and areas, as we are rolling out a significant increase in the South Korea. What is the Minister doing to increase amount of early years education available for two-year-olds. teacher pay and professional autonomy?
Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland Mr Gibb: The entire academies programme is built West) (Lab): According to the National Day Nurseries on the autonomy of the teaching profession; that is the Association insight report, 65% of nurseries reported essence of the programme. We want a well-rewarded decreased occupancy levels towards the end of 2011—when teaching profession in order to attract and retain the parents were feeling the impact of slashed child care tax best people, and we are determined to achieve that. Of credits—leaving more than one in 10 settings with course, because of the legacy left behind by the last occupancies of less than 50% and therefore at serious Government, which the hon. Lady supported, we are risk of closure or of having to increase prices for the having to take some very tough decisions right across remaining parents. As more than 1 million families are the public sector. Despite all the problems left by the counting on losing child tax credit or working tax credit previous Government, however, in education we have this month, what are the Government doing to ensure maintained spending on schools at flat cash per pupil, that all child care providers are not driven out of and in addition to that we have the pupil premium, business by falling occupancies? which amounts to a significant sum of money.
Sarah Teather: What has had the most impact, 21. [102838] Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): Will my hon. Friend give us a quick update on what the unfortunately, has been some people losing their jobs, Government are doing to attract talented individuals which inevitably affects the demand for child care in the from the armed forces into teaching? areas concerned. However, the most significant impact on the early years sector, and in particular the private providers, will come from the roll-out of the two-year-olds Mr Gibb: We have already allocated a number of offer, which I mentioned a few moments ago. That places in the graduate teaching programme for service amounts to a very substantial increase in the amount of leavers, and we are working with the Ministry of Defence money going through early years settings. A significant on schemes to encourage more service leavers into number of places will need to be created. There will be teaching through graduate and undergraduate processes. some areas that are under-occupied, of course, but The skills and experience members of the armed forces there will also be very significant demand for places for have are crucial to raising standards in our schools, and two-years-olds in some settings, and many in the sector we are determined to tap into those skills. are seeing this as a huge opportunity. 13 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 14
Rural Schools (Funding) approach, as was recently highlighted in the programme referred to a few moments ago. 15. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): The letter that I am holding was sent to me, and it What recent representations he has received on funding says: for schools in rural areas; and if he will make a “We warmly welcome the Government’s focus on Apprenticeships statement. [102832] and its…guarantee” on apprenticeship “quality”. It is signed by some of The Minister of State, Department for Education Britain’s leading companies and by the TUC. So business, (Mr Nick Gibb): The Government recently held two unions and the Government are coming together—only meetings with delegations to discuss education funding the Labour party is standing apart. and the issues faced by schools in rural areas. I met a delegation of hon. Members to discuss funding for Adoption rural areas following a debate in Westminster Hall on 8 February. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State 17. Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con): met the f40 group, which represents the lowest-funded What steps he is taking to speed up the adoption authorities in England, to discuss Government proposals system. [102834] on school funding reform. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education Miss McIntosh: May I thank my hon. Friend for that (Tim Loughton): As I said earlier, the Government have reply but point out that North Yorkshire is one of the published “An Action Plan for Adoption”, which aims lowest funded and most sparsely populated local authorities, to reduce delays in adoption by legislating to prevent and that it has the highest cost of fuel in the country so local authorities from spending too much time seeking there are tremendous problems in getting children to a perfect adoptive match; accelerating the assessment school at the moment? Will he please review this issue process for prospective adopters; and making it easier as a matter of extreme urgency? for children to be fostered by their likely eventual adopters in certain circumstances. We will also shortly introduce Mr Gibb: I understand my hon. Friend’s concerns an adoption scorecard to focus attention on the issue of about funding in North Yorkshire, which is ranked timeliness; this is linked to a tougher intervention regime. 114th out of 151 authorities, with its schools receiving £4,786 per pupil compared with the national average of Mark Lancaster: I commend the Government on the £5,082. The current system is unfair. It is opaque, which action they have taken to speed up the adoption process, is why the Government’s announcement at the end of but concerns remain about the level of support provided March begins the process of moving towards a fairer to families after that process. Will the Minister therefore system with reforms to the local formula. We intend, expand on the action the Government will be taking to ultimately, to move to a national funding formula, but support families once they have actually adopted? of course in the current economic climate, stability has to be a priority. Tim Loughton: My hon. Friend raises a very important point, which was covered slightly in my earlier answer. I Apprenticeships am concerned about getting good pre-adoption support, peri-adoption support and post-adoption support, because 16. Mike Weatherley (Hove) (Con): How many the worst thing that can happen is a breakdown in people aged 16 to 18 started an apprenticeship in (a) adoption. There is scant evidence about breakdown in Hove constituency, (b) the south-west and (c) England adoptions, but some of the highest-performing adoption in 2011. [102833] agencies in the country, be they local authority or independent, are those that invest in adoption support, The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong which means that adoptions do not break down. That Learning (Mr John Hayes): For the academic year 2010-11, results in not only a financial saving for that authority, final data for young people aged under 19 show that but, more importantly, a social gain for the child, who there were 110 apprenticeship starts in Hove constituency, gets a safe, stable and loving home—permanently. which is an increase of 8% on the 2009-10 figure; 15,720 apprenticeship starts in the south-east region, which is Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): I was also an increase of 8% on the 2009-10 figure; and recently contacted by some adoptive parents in my 131,700 apprenticeship starts in England, which is an constituency who unfortunately are experiencing a increase of more than 32% over the past two years. breakdown with one of their adopted children, many years after the child was adopted. They felt that they Mike Weatherley: I congratulate my hon. Friend on were not given enough information before the adoption, the outstanding progress he has made in promoting particularly about attachment issues. In the push to apprenticeships. The previous Government provided increase the speed of adoption, what will the Minister for so-called “apprenticeships”without even a requirement do to ensure that the preparation for adoptive parents is for apprentices to have a job. Will he reassure me that not too fast and that the right information is given to under this Government the requirement to be in proper enable them to deal with the issues when children are work will remain the core of our apprenticeship offering? placed?
Mr Hayes: One of the first things I did when I became Tim Loughton: The hon. Lady, too, is an expert on a Minister was to insist that apprentices should be this subject. In trying to provide better timeliness, rather employed, in order to end programme-led apprenticeships. than leaving a child in limbo in care when there is no They were the hallmark of the previous Government’s safe way back to their birth family, we will not sacrifice 15 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 16 quality. We will beef up the assessment process so that Michael Gove: With characteristic acuity, my hon. prospective adopters are given a clear insight into what Friend puts her finger on precisely the scale of the becoming an adoptive parent is all about. If they are up problem we inherited from the previous Government. for it, they should be helped and supported through the The system for funding sixth forms was dysfunctional, process as quickly as possible. It is necessary to ensure subjects that deserved better support, particularly that a suitable match is provided, which they are capable mathematics, were not receiving it and we needed change. of taking on, along with all the support that needs to go I am not in favour of a subject premium such as that with it. It is a false economy—financially and, more outlined by my hon. Friend, but I am in favour of the importantly for the child, socially—not to do that. approach outlined by Professor Alison Wolf in her report on improving vocational and technical education. Parental Choice (Schools) Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): The Young People’s 18. Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) Learning Agency and the Department for Education (Con): What steps he is taking to ensure that more have recently released data that reveal that in 2011-12 parents in (a) Sittingbourne and Sheppey constituency, sixth-form colleges received approximately £4,500 per (b) the south-east and (c) England are able to send their student whereas schools and academies received £5,600 per student. When will the Secretary of State act to children to their first choice of school. [102835] address this anomaly and discrepancy? The Minister of State, Department for Education (Mr Nick Gibb): The latest figures show that almost Michael Gove: We have already acted. The hon. 86% of parents in England were offered a place at their Gentleman was the distinguished principal of an first preference school starting in September 2012. That outstanding further education college, so I know that he compares with 83% for Kent, 87% for Medway and 85% will be pleased that we are equalising funding between for the south-east overall, but it still means that 74,000 all sixth-form institutions. Sixth-form colleges and further children have missed out on a place at their first choice education colleges do wonderful work. For too long, school, so the broad thrust of our education reforms is they have been Cinderellas, but under this Government to increase the supply of good school places. they are at last going to the ball.
Gordon Henderson: I am grateful for that answer. Will GCSE History my hon. Friend go further and encourage local authorities, when considering appeals for the 2012-13 intake, to 20. Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): How take into account the recently updated school admissions many schools did not offer GCSE history to pupils in code for 2012, which shows a commitment to prioritising 2011. [102837] previously looked-after children but will not come into force until 2013-14? The Minister of State, Department for Education Mr Gibb: My hon. Friend is right to say that we have (Mr Nick Gibb): In 2011, 57 mainstream maintained changed the admissions code so that not only looked-after secondary schools in England entered no pupils for a children but previously looked-after children—those full course GCSE or iGCSE in history or ancient history. who were in local authority care but who have subsequently We have introduced the English baccalaureate to encourage been adopted—are given priority in the admissions schools to increase opportunities for pupils to study process. The change is designed to help speed up the history as part of a core of key academic subjects and adoption system and recognises the difficulties that early evidence suggests that the measure is already those children have encountered in their early childhood. having a positive impact on pupils’ subject choices. Appeals are based on the admission arrangements in force at the time, and so for 2012 they will not include a Iain Stewart: I recently spent a day shadowing an priority for previously looked-after children. inspirational history teacher at the Hazeley academy in my constituency. If my hon. Friend would like to see a Funding Formula good example of a school offering history in its curriculum, may I urge him to visit the school? 19. Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): Mr Gibb: I would be delighted to return to my hon. What recent assessment he has made of the 16-to-19 Friend’s constituency to visit the Hazeley academy. I funding formula. [102836] agree that it is vital that the history curriculum should enable pupils to know and understand the key events of The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): our country’s history. It is one of the issues that the The system needs reform. curriculum review is destined to address, and I look forward to seeing inspirational history being taught at Elizabeth Truss: Schools are paid 12% more for offering the Hazeley academy. A-level media studies or psychology than for offering A-level maths or further maths. Given that we have the Vocational Education smallest proportion of students from 16 to 18 studying maths of any country in the OECD and given that maths is the subject in which we have the greatest 22. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): What teacher shortage, does the Secretary of State agree that steps he is taking to improve the quality of vocational we should have a subject premium for A-level maths? education in schools. [102839] 17 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 18
The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong make sure that every school in this country, in the Learning (Mr John Hayes): High-quality vocational maintained sector in particular, is so good and there is education is vital, underpinning economic growth, and such a good choice that all parents will want to send vocational qualifications must enjoy the same rigour as their children to the local school and will not feel it academic qualifications. If we are to build the status of necessary to home-educate their children. practical learning, it is critical that they do so, and that is why, alongside our focus on apprenticeships, we are Topical Questions incentivising schools to offer the best vocational qualifications to provide a high-quality and respected route into employment and further and higher education. T1. [102841] Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): If he will make a statement on his Julian Smith: Andrew Cummings, head teacher of departmental responsibilities. the excellent South Craven school in my constituency, is concerned that the current focus on purely academic The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): subjects is threatening that school’s focus and efforts on It is good news today for the Leader of the Opposition, vocational learning. I have tried to reassure him—can the right hon. Member for Doncaster North (Edward the Minister help? Miliband). In December 2009, Campsmount technology college in his constituency suffered significant fire damage, Mr Hayes: I know of the good work of that school, but today that school is reopening as a result of the and my hon. Friend has been a doughty champion of reforms we have put in place. The cost has been significantly that good work. He is right that good vocational education less than it would have been under the previous is as important as good academic learning. For too Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme long, we conned ourselves into believing that only through and the school is opening on an accelerated time scale— academic prowess could people gain a sense of worth proof once again that this coalition Government are and purpose. I believe it is time to elevate the practical; reforming in the interests of all children. this Government will do so. Luciana Berger: Labour’s education maintenance Mr Speaker: It is also important to me to reach the allowance helped thousands of students to meet the hon. Member for Chippenham (Duncan Hames). costs of further education but this Government have scrapped EMA, abandoning young people who are Home-educated Children desperate to fulfil their potential. In Liverpool, Labour’s mayoral candidate Joe Anderson has pledged to work 23. Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): What with local schools and colleges to introduce a city-wide support his Department provides to children who are EMA scheme. Will the Secretary of State back Labour’s home-educated; and if he will make a statement. plan and admit that his Government were wrong to scrap EMA? [102840]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove: It is always a pleasure to hear from the (Tim Loughton): Last but not least, parents who home- voice of the Mersey. I am delighted that the Labour educate their children have always taken on the full candidate for the Liverpool mayoralty, Mr Anderson, responsibility for their education and the Department has endorsed the extension of academy schools in Liverpool does not provide support for home-educated children. and I hope that the hon. Lady will join me in working to Local authorities have the discretion to provide support ensure that those schools transform outcomes for young for home-educated children with special educational people. Education maintenance allowance has been needs or to enable a young person to attend college or reformed by this Government and as a result of those access another education provider. Where they provide reforms we have seen—[HON.MEMBERS: “Scrapped!”] I significant support, they can claim funding through the am so sorry that Members take such a negative and dedicated schools grant. cynical view; it does not suit them. Education maintenance allowance has been replaced by a form of support Duncan Hames: As the Minister says, it has always for 16, 17 and 18-year-olds that is more effectively been so, but given that home-educating parents face a targeted and has seen them achieve even better. number of logistical challenges in putting children through exams, including with invigilation and coursework T5. [102845] Esther McVey (Wirral West) (Con): Will evaluation, it is of dismay to them that the cost of the Secretary of State join me in congratulating Kirtana entering a child for a single GCSE exam can be as much Valabhaneni from West Kirby grammar school for girls, as £115. Why is it that children who are educated at along with Danny Wheeler, Sam Mills, Asher Winterson, home do not have their exam entry fees paid for by the Gokhul Ramakrishnan and Cameron Douglas from Government when the Government do pay those fees Calday Grange grammar, on winning the BAE Systems for children who are educated at school? leadership award in this year’s Big Bang national awards? Will my right hon. Friend explain what the Government Tim Loughton: As I have said, my hon. Friend the are doing to encourage such budding scientists in schools Minister with responsibility for schools is looking at the and to promote future science jobs? whole system of home-educated children, and local authorities have the discretion to make those grants Michael Gove: It is fantastic news, and I am delighted where they think it is appropriate but it has never been that another female representative from a Merseyside the role of Government to provide that support to constituency is accentuating the positive, because there home-educated children. Perhaps the key to all this is to is a lot to celebrate in state schools on both sides of the 19 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 20
Mersey. We are supporting an emphasis on science, Michael Gove: It is one of the many causes of envy in technology, engineering and mathematics by paying my breast when I contemplate my hon. Friend to know more to high-quality graduates to teach those subjects. that he has the benefit of Mrs Bone’s advice at the breakfast table every day. All I can say is that T2. [102842] Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Northamptonshire has many, many attractions—chief Saddleworth) (Lab): There is overwhelming evidence of among them, of course, Mrs Bone—but the matter of the negative impact of poverty on children’s educational whether the Department should relocate is properly one attainment and, in turn, on their life chances and ultimately for the permanent secretary. how long they can expect to live. In my constituency, nearly 6,000 children are affected. With the assessment T3. [102843] Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) of the Institute for Fiscal Studies that child poverty is (Lab): Does the Secretary of State think that granting a set to increase under this Government, what is the licence to one of the Chuckle Brothers to set up a free Secretary of State’s estimate of the impact on the school was one of his better ideas, and now that it has educational attainment of those children? been rescinded how much did it actually cost to progress the project? The Minister of State, Department for Education (Sarah Teather): That is precisely why we have introduced Michael Gove: I am surprised that the hon. Lady is so the pupil premium: £2.5 billion targeted at the most opposed to northern comedians, given that her party disadvantaged children. It is also why we are rolling out has been such a fantastic platform for so many of them. 15 hours of early education for all two-year-olds. To It was not one of the Chuckle Brothers whom we pick up the points the hon. Lady mentioned, we know invited to open a free school in Rotherham, but the that high-quality education will make a real difference vice-principal of a very successful school in the north-east. to the life chances of those children. In the end, that lady decided to withdraw her application, but the fact that someone who is strong in the variety world wanted to back it is, to my mind, proof that T6. [102846] Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Has my right increasingly, when people from whatever background hon. Friend had the opportunity to read the report, look at the Government, there is a smile on their face as chaired by Priscilla Chadwick, on the future of Church they contemplate our achievements. of England schools? Does he agree that the recent changes in education introduced by the Government provide opportunities for the continuing involvement of T9. [102849] Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) the Church of England in education, particularly in (Con): I welcome the Secretary of State’s plans to give delivering distinctive and inclusive new academies? up Whitehall control over the A-level syllabus and empower our top universities to restore the gold standard. Does he agree that grade inflation under the Michael Gove: I absolutely agree. Education on both last Government fooled no one, and served to devalue sides of the border was driven in the first instance by the currency of our children’s education? the vigorous missionary activity of Churches, and we praise and cherish the role of the Church of England in Michael Gove: That is a very good point. The reforms making sure that children have an outstanding and that we hope to make to A-levels, in tandem with the inclusive education. I welcome the report, and I look work being done by higher education institutions, will, I forward to working with Bishop John Pritchard to hope, once more restore confidence in these valuable extend the role of the Church in the provision of schools. qualifications.
Ms Karen Buck (Westminster North) (Lab): How T4. [102844] Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): Some 75% many of the free schools currently planning to open in of UK schools contain asbestos, and more than 140 September, and seeking expressions of interest from teachers have died as a result of mesothelioma over the parents on that basis, have not yet signed contracts for past 10 years. Will the Secretary of State explain what specific premises? measures his Government have taken to avoid future asbestos-related deaths in our schools? Michael Gove: Of the free schools that are planning to open this September, more than half have agreed Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman makes a very sites, 21 are in negotiations about sites and four, including good point, and he has a strong record in campaigning one in the hon. Lady’s constituency, do not yet have on these issues. We want to make sure that everyone sites. That is significantly better progress than at this who teaches in schools built when building standards time last year, yet we went on to see every single free were lower has the support that they need. The changes school that was advertising that it would open opening that we have made to building regulations are intended in time. to ensure that schools built in future are fit-for-purpose and refurbished appropriately. I am happy to ensure T8. [102848] Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): that officials and Ministers in my Department liaise Earlier, I just failed to seduce the Secretary of State to with him to make sure that teachers and children are come to Wellingborough, but may I tempt him a little protected from unfit buildings. more? He would escape from the Westminster bubble and would be in the heart of England, surrounded by Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): Conservative councils and best of all—or nearly best of If the permanent secretary is considering moving the all—there would be no Liberals; but the real bonus would Department to Northamptonshire, may I recommend be that daily he would get the advice of Mrs Bone. Towcester or Brackley? We had a fabulous team win at Surely there could not be a better opportunity. the Chinese grand prix this weekend. 21 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 22
To come to my point, on adoption, does the Minister extremism unit—which exists specifically to ensure that agree that, given what we now know about the development those people who may come from a fundamentalist of a baby’s brain, it is absolutely essential that, wherever religious background or from an intolerant tradition possible, a baby gets the best chance of attaching to new are prevented from having access to public money. adoptive parents by being adopted before the age of Whether they are intending to set up a free school or to two? subvert the operation of an existing school, safeguards are in place. They can always be better, and I look The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education forward to working with the hon. Gentleman and everyone (Tim Loughton): My hon. Friend, who within and outside else in order to ensure that public money does not go the House is an expert on attachment, is absolutely into the wrong hands. right. That is why, for young children in the care system for whom there is clearly no safe way home to their Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): One in a Million free birth parents, getting a good-quality, strong, attachment school in Bradford is due to open in September and I in adoption as speedily as possible is absolutely essential, know that the people involved would very much like the so that they have a good chance of a safe, stable, healthy Secretary of State to come and open it, but before he upbringing with a loving family—something denied to does that, would he agree to meet me so that we can them by their birth parents. discuss the capital allocation to that school and make sure that when it opens in September in a part of T7. [102847] Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) Bradford where it is much needed, it opens with a (Lab/Co-op): In the constituencies of Newcastle upon chance of giving the students there the best possible Tyne Central and Hackney South and Shoreditch, and opportunities? in many other constituencies up and down the country, applications have been put in for free schools—bids for Michael Gove: My hon. Friend is one in a million and taxpayers’ money with which to run a school for I look forward to meeting him. I think there is an children. When will the Secretary of State publish the opportunity in the diary at 11 o’clock this Wednesday financial plans that those schools have submitted, or for us to have a cup of tea. I am committed to doing will he continue with the secrecy of the Department, everything I can to improve education in Bradford. It is which does not publish the plans until the schools are a great city and it has some great representatives. open? Michael Gove: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for Mrs Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): Thank you, asking her question, and particularly grateful for the Mr Speaker. I will be as quick as I can. Will the warm welcome that she showed me when I recently Secretary of State have a look at the 16-to-19 funding went to her constituency to visit the school of which formula as applied to Darlington college and make sure your chaplain, Mr Speaker, is such an effective chairman that it has been done correctly? of governors. All funding agreements for all free schools are published on the Department for Education website. Michael Gove: I will do everything in my power. Further information will be made available as funding agreements and other contracts are entered into. Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (LD): My colleagues in London are arguing that there James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): should be youth hubs across the city, open five days a I recently launched an apprenticeship challenge in my week and in the evenings and at weekends for young constituency, encouraging local businesses to provide people to receive advice and support. Whoever wins the 50 new apprenticeships by the Olympic games. What London elections and is elected to the Assembly, will can we do to break down barriers and get more apprentices Ministers support that proposal so that young people into small and medium-sized businesses? can have better services across the capital city? The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Tim Loughton: My right hon. Friend has been a great Learning (Mr John Hayes): My hon. Friend is doing a champion of some of these youth centres and he has great job in promoting apprenticeships in his constituency, one of the soon to be 63 myplace centres in his constituency, and the whole House will want to celebrate that fact. He which have been such successful hubs, and which I hope is right that small businesses sometimes perceive the will be open during the whole week and at weekends for risk of taking on apprentices as being greater than as long as there are young people who want to use larger firms do. We need to make the process much them—a policy that was started by the previous simpler and take out the bureaucracy. We have provided Government but without the funding that has been a toolkit and put financial incentives in place, but we secured by this Government to make sure that they all will go still further to ensure that in every village and open. town, every business has the chance to take on an apprentice. David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP): Further to the T10. [102850] Jim Dobbin (Heywood and Middleton) question about adoption, will the initiative by the (Lab/Co-op): It is important, when individuals and Government to speed up the process for potential parents groups apply to open a free school, that proper checks help older prospective parents? on them are made. Can the Secretary of State give me guarantees that those checks are in place? Tim Loughton: I hope it will help all prospective adopters who are capable of offering a good quality, Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman makes a good stable, loving family environment for that child. I have point. One of the things that we have done in the been trying to bust all the myths that people of a certain Department is to set up a specific unit—the preventing age or a certain weight or who happen to be smokers or 23 Oral Answers16 APRIL 2012 Oral Answers 24 not are instantly vetoed from being adopters. That is of radiation and is entirely ineffective in determining a absolutely not true. If people of a certain age think they child’s age. As the Minister responsible for safeguarding can offer a home to a child, I would encourage them and the welfare of children, will he tell the House what strongly to come forward and see if they are up for it. he is doing to ensure that this appalling trial ceases with immediate effect? Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): Last week I presented certificates to 12 young people in Tim Loughton: The hon. Lady is right to raise concerns. my constituency who had completed the Prince’s Trust As she knows, this is led by the Home Office but which, team programme, a programme designed to help those because of our concern about safeguarding children, not in education, employment or training gain the skills the Minister of State, Department for Education, my and the confidence to return to the world of work. Does hon. Friend the Member for Bognor Regis and my hon. Friend agree that such programmes are an Littlehampton (Mr Gibb) and I have held discussions invaluable tool in getting young people back to work? with the Minister for Immigration. It is essential that we have proper checks and controls on people coming into Mr Hayes: Absolutely. Third party organisations, this country, particularly for adults who are masquerading notably the Prince’s Trust, do an extremely good job in as children in order to come into this country, but that it providing such support and good quality information, should in no way be seen to be damaging to those opening up opportunities and giving people a sense of people. We have to achieve that balance. My hon. what they can achieve. I congratulate them and my hon. Friend and I are determined that we do that with the Friend for drawing their work to our attention. Home Office.
Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): The Government recently Several hon. Members rose— started X-raying children whose age is in dispute, despite an overwhelming body of medical evidence that this Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry to disappoint colleagues practice is unethical, exposes children to harmful doses but, as usual, demand outstrips supply. 25 16 APRIL 2012 26
Speaker’s Statement Points of Order
3.36 pm Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland 3.34 pm West) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. In Mr Speaker: I am pleased to be able to announce to yesterday’s The Independent on Sunday, the Deputy the House that, following fair and open competition, Prime Minister was quoted as saying that he wants to Her Majesty the Queen has graciously accepted my recruit 65,000 new early years workers by September recommendation that Mr Lawrence Ward be appointed 2013, including 2,000 in Birmingham alone. However, to the post of Serjeant at Arms with effect from 1 May. the Daily Mail has reported a Department for Education Mr Ward has been acting as Deputy Serjeant at Arms source as saying that the figure will be closer to 12,000 since the beginning of November 2011. across the country. Given that this is a significant policy matter, have you been informed that the Government intend to come to the House to set the record straight so that Members know whether the Deputy Prime Minister NEW MEMBER was right or wrong in what he told The Independent on The following Member made and subscribed the Sunday, and have you received an apology from Ministers Affirmation required by law: for once again announcing Government policy in the press before doing so in the House? George Galloway, for Bradford West. Mr Speaker: First, there are many ways in which the hon. Lady can continue to pursue this matter, but a point of order is not one of them. Secondly, she will understand that I do not want to act as umpire between competing reports in—I will not say the popular newspapers—what are apparently described as newspapers. I will leave those institutions to make their own observations. No Minister has apologised to me, but if I receive an apology in respect of this matter, I assure the hon. Lady that she will learn of it without delay.
Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. One of your principal responsibilities is to protect the freedom of speech and action of Members of this House. Accordingly, I draw your attention to an action taken by the Attorney-General for Northern Ireland who, on the last day before the recess, started proceedings against the right hon. Member for Neath (Mr Hain) for “scandalising the court”, a criminal action that was described in 1899 as “obsolete”. Our freedom to criticise the judiciary and the judicial process is fundamental to the operation of this House. Accordingly, have you received an application from the Attorney-General of the United Kingdom to come to the House and explain what he will do to protect our rights? If not, what will the Officials and Officers of the House, led by you, do to help us protect those rights ourselves?
Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his point of order. The answer to the first of his inquiries is that I have received no such approach. I shall seek to address the second of his concerns in what I say. I have listened carefully and respectfully to what he has said. These are extremely important matters and there are issues of devolved responsibility and, possibly, of whether the case is sub judice. I will reflect on what he has said and revert to him if necessary. In the meantime—I say this with great confidence—I know that he will draw on the skills and willingness to assist of the Table Office. I hope that that is helpful to him and to the House. 27 16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 28
Finance (No. 4) Bill Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): When the Government proposed VAT on pasties, did they feel [Relevant document: Uncorrected oral evidence taken they needed to do that to protect other VAT revenue on before the Treasury Committee on Monday 26 and Tuesday takeaways from European challenge? Is that what is in 27 March 2012, Budget 2012, HC 1910 i-iii.] the Chief Secretary’s mind? Second Reading Danny Alexander: No, that is not what is in our mind. It is one of a number of anomalies in the VAT system Mr Speaker: I explain for the benefit of the House that we addressed in the Budget, although it is not that the amendment has not been selected. actually a matter contained in the Bill. My right hon. Friend will be aware of the comments of, for example, the National Federation of Fish Friers, which makes 3.40 pm the point that small independent fish shops, of which there are thousands around the country located in the The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): constituency of every Member, have for many years I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. been charged VAT on sales whereas other retailers have This year’s Finance Bill is the next step in delivering not. We are seeking to correct that anomaly. the coalition Government’s core aims of returning this country to sustainable, shared prosperity, dealing with Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): Is the deficit, supporting the private sector, restoring economic the Chief Secretary now in a position—he was not in growth and clearing up the mess that the Labour party the early days after the announcement—to clarify matters made of the British economy. on hot food takeaways, particularly pasties and pies? If a product is freshly baked and hot, but then allowed to cool down, is it sold with VAT added or not? Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): Will the Chief Secretary give way? Danny Alexander: I will give the hon. Gentleman time to cool down, if he likes. He will know that a draft statutory instrument has been published, which goes Danny Alexander: I will take interventions, but I will into the matter in some detail, and the House may well make some progress first. have an opportunity to discuss it in due course. However, This Finance Bill sets out wide-ranging reforms to the basic answer is that food that is hot and taken away build a fairer, more efficient and simpler tax system that is taxed as hot takeaway food. It is as simple as that. supports families, rewards hard work, promotes business We will stick to our plans on the economy because and ensures that everyone pays their fair share. financial discipline is the essential pre-condition for economic growth, even though that requires difficult Ian Lucas: Will the Chief Secretary give way? and sometimes unpopular decisions, and helps provide confidence and the low and stable interest rates that businesses need to invest in growth and job creation. Danny Alexander: I will give way now. That confidence was shown at the weekend by the reaffirmation of this country’s triple A credit rating by Standard & Poor’s, the same agency that called it into Ian Lucas: On the question of fairness, why has the question when the right hon. Member for Morley and right hon. Gentleman allowed a VAT concession for Outwood (Ed Balls) was a member of the Cabinet. skiers going to the piste but refused my repeated request for a VAT concession for disabled people in wheelchairs We are committed to securing a recovery led by using taxi facilities run by charities such as Chariots, in private sector entrepreneurs, wealth creators and export my constituency? industries—the sort of growth that the Opposition failed to deliver in more than a decade in government. That is why we are going even further in the Bill to boost our Danny Alexander: I am not aware of the particular competitiveness and ensure that Britain is again one of issue that the hon. Gentleman mentions. He has not the best places in the world to do business, reversing our raised it directly with me before, but I am sure he has fall down the global competitiveness league tables that with my colleagues. I would be very happy to consider took place under the Labour Administration. it. The issue of cable-powered transport systems has been raised many times by the industry, and a good case Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): has been presented for the change. This is a Budget for jobs—it lowers corporation tax and takes some people out of tax altogether. That is why it is The Bill builds on the strong foundations that we particularly concerning that it proposes to introduce have secured in the past two years, safeguarding our 20% VAT on static caravans, which are mostly manufactured economic stability, creating a fairer, more efficient and in east Yorkshire and are deployed in coastal and rural simpler tax system and driving through reforms to communities throughout the country—the entire supply unleash the private sector enterprise and ambition that chain is in this country. The cost of the proposal in jobs is critical to our recovery. We will not achieve that by will be thousands, and I am grateful that the Government returning to the model of unsustainable debt, irresponsible are consulting on it. Does my right hon. Friend agree spending and over-reliance on one sector and one region. that Members of all parties are concerned? We need to We will not jeopardise the progress that we have get that right because the Budget will reverse the destruction made in tackling our debts. We will stick to our plans, of manufacturing that happened under the previous because it is fair that we tackle those debts today so that Government, and we do not want to make any inadvertent we do not burden our children tomorrow. errors. 29 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 30
Danny Alexander: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for kind of companies this country needs more of as the raising that point. I know that it is a matter of concern recovery continues. Those are significant steps to to several Members, particularly in his part of the encouraging new growth, galvanising new sectors, and country. The change is, again, intended to equalise the broadening access to finance for UK business, helping VAT system for caravans that are used for leisure purposes. to rebalance our economy away from its over-reliance There will certainly be an opportunity to consider the on one sector and one region. detail, and my hon. Friend will be free to make We are committed to supporting a private sector representations, along with, I am sure, colleagues from recovery right across the UK. Clause 44 introduces a his part of the country. We look forward to hearing new, enhanced capital allowance regime for businesses what he has to say. in seven enterprise zones in England, three in Scotland and one in Wales. Mr Stuart: Will my right hon. Friend give way again? Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): My Danny Alexander: No, I will make some progress, right hon. Friend might have noticed that most of the because, as my hon. Friend also said, and as the House enterprise zones are in urban areas. We have heard knows, the Government have already set out plans to about static caravans and churches, but there is growing reduce the main rate of corporation tax to 23%, but this concern about rural businesses, which are losing out by year’s Finance Bill goes even further for precisely the not being in areas that will benefit from the schemes reasons that he gave. that he is announcing. Clauses 5 and 6 will reduce the main rate of corporation tax to 22% by 2014—a headline rate that is dramatically Danny Alexander: I recognise my hon. Friend’s concern. lower than that of our competitors, the lowest in the G7 On churches, she will be aware that, as we said in the and the fourth lowest in the G20. Budget, we will increase the listed places of worship scheme by £5 million a year, precisely to enable churches Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): On that point, it is that have alterations to benefit from the scheme and not incredibly important that the Government are reducing to be adversely affected. However, our investment in the rate of corporation tax. That is great news for transport infrastructure and a number of local transport British business. However, British business pays corporation schemes, and the massive investment in broadband in tax. Should not we take proper action against multinationals rural areas—we are investing £520 million to ensure that rip off our country and do not pay proper taxes, that every part of the country has the latest superfast and ensure that they pay a fair share of tax, like every broadband—will make a major difference to rural British business, so that we have a level tax playing field economies. Along with the increases to the income tax for all companies? personal allowance, to which I shall turn in due course and which will particularly benefit rural areas, where Danny Alexander: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for incomes tend to be lower than in urban areas, there are his support for our measures on corporation tax. The many reasons why the rural economy will benefit fact that they have been welcomed not just by hon. significantly from the measures taken by this Government. Members, but by the CBI and a range of business Enterprise zones will help to promote growth in every organisations—and, indeed, that they have been shown part of the UK. to increase business investment—will help this country The Budget included an announcement of a package retain its international competitiveness, which declined of measures to ensure that we fulfil our potential to markedly when the Labour party was in government. extract the greatest possible amount of oil and gas from My hon. Friend is right that we must deal with tax our reserves in the North sea through a major package avoidance by companies, and there are a number of of tax changes. We will end the uncertainty on measures in the Bill that are precisely aimed at ensuring decommissioning tax relief that hangs over the industry that businesses pay their fair share of tax, which I am by entering into contracts with companies. We will also sure he would wish to support. Furthermore, through introduce new field allowances, including a £3 billion clause 180, we are introducing vital reforms to the new field allowance for large and deep fields, to open up controlled foreign companies rules, and, through clause 19, west of Shetland, the last area of the basin left to be a patent box to allow UK businesses to operate in an developed. Clause 184 gives the power to introduce new ever-more globalised world. Hopefully, we will encourage brownfield allowances as and when the industry can some of the businesses to which he refers to return to demonstrate the need for them in specific areas through the UK. The latter measure has already secured a major the information it shares with the Government through investment in this country by a major chemicals company. the new processes that we have established. Those measures together are a huge boost for investment in the North As well as creating the competitive conditions for sea. enterprise to thrive, we must ensure that businesses have the support they need to seize the opportunities in the We continue to support economic development in the recovery. That is why we are taking action in the Bill to devolved Administrations. Clause 189 devolves the power support the small businesses, the start-ups and the to the Northern Irish Assembly to set rates of air entrepreneurs that are critical to creating new jobs in passenger duty for direct long-haul flights from Northern the recovery. Clauses 39 and 40 increase the annual Ireland, which will help to protect the vital direct air investment limit for enterprise investment scheme and service to the US, supporting tourism and businesses in venture capital trusts to £5 million. In that spirit, through Northern Ireland. clause 28, we are introducing a new scheme—the seed The Government will not relent as we seek to restore enterprise investment scheme—to encourage further prosperity across the country. We are committed to investment in small, start-up companies, which are the promoting business enterprise, investment and exports 31 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 32
[Danny Alexander] Danny Alexander: I am glad that the hon. Gentleman at least recognises that we made clear in our election across all parts of the UK. Securing sustainable growth manifesto our ambition to raise the income tax personal and creating sustainable private sector jobs are the best allowance to £10,000. We have introduced the triple ways to support families and raise living standards in lock for pensions that provides for a more generous the long run. Of course, I understand that these remain uprating system, and some 5 million pensioners pay no tough times for many families across the country. That income tax at all. For those reasons, many pensioners is why the Bill reinforces our commitment to helping the will be better off. lowest-paid in the country while ensuring that those It is right that the richest in the country contribute a with the broadest shoulders continue to carry the heaviest fair and growing share to our collective effort to build a burden. balanced and sustainable economy. Clause 209 increases the bank levy to 0.105% from January 2013 to offset the Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) tax saving that the banks would otherwise have made (LD): Some of us have been frustrated in recent weeks from a reduced rate of corporation tax. That will ensure that that point has been obscured by bigger press reporting that UK banks continue to pay around £2.5 billion in of changes with much smaller consequences for the this new tax each and every year, which is more than Treasury. Will my right hon. Friend put on the record was raised in a single year by the previous Government’s the relevant impacts and costs, including the number of one-off bank payroll tax. people benefiting from the threshold changes compared Clause 211 introduces a new higher rate of stamp with the number benefiting from the other, much more duty land tax of 7% on properties worth more than marginal changes that matter little to most of our £2 million. That is why next year’s Finance Bill will cap constituents, including, I think, his? the use of tax reliefs that some wealthy people currently use to reduce their income tax rate to single figures. As Danny Alexander: My right hon. Friend is right that we made clear on page 59 of the Budget document, the single most significant measure in the Budget was however, we the largest ever increase in the income tax personal “will explore with philanthropists ways to ensure this new limit of allowance. I will dwell on that in detail in a moment but uncapped reliefs will not impact significantly on charities that his point— depend on large donations.” Our consultation on the detail will be published in the Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab) rose— summer.
Danny Alexander: I shall finish my response to the Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con): Many previous intervention before gladly taking another one. charities, including the Suffolk Foundation, estimate By far the largest measure in the Budget was the that the cap on tax reliefs will lead to a 20% reduction in £3.5 billion tax cut for people on low and middle their charitable donations. Will the Chief Secretary incomes through the largest ever increase in the income consider exempting charitable donations to UK charities? tax personal allowance—a massive support to 24 million It would be comparatively inexpensive but terribly important working people across the country—and my right hon. to the charitable sector. Friend is absolutely right to draw attention to it. Danny Alexander: It is important that the House is Rachel Reeves: Will the Chief Secretary confirm the clear about what is being proposed. What we are proposing Institute for Fiscal Studies’ numbers showing that with is a limit, on what are currently uncapped tax reliefs, of the changes to the personal allowance and other changes— £50,000 or a quarter of someone’s income, whichever is for example, to tax credits—the average family with the higher; so someone earning £10 million a year can children will be £511 worse off from this month? still receive tax relief on donations of £2.5 million to charity each and every year. However, as I say, we will discuss this with philanthropists and charities—indeed, Danny Alexander: No, I will not confirm those figures. those discussions are ongoing. Some features of the According to my figures, 23 million individuals will be American system, for example, may be attractive, which better off as a result of the personal allowance change— we will certainly examine and consider as part of that [Interruption.] A number of families are affected by process. our tax credit changes but many more benefit from our income tax changes. The basic principle that the wealthiest in the land should pay a fair proportion of their income in income Mr Russell Brown rose— tax must be absolutely right, not least because last week we published data showing that last year some of the wealthiest people in the country had reduced their tax Danny Alexander: I will take one more intervention bills to below the basic rate of income tax. That is the from the hon. Gentleman, who has not cooled down. system that was in place when Labour was in power. I think Opposition Members should have a bit of humility Mr Brown: I assure the Chief Secretary that I have about that, because it means that some millionaires are cooled down—I do not take much cooling down. In the paying a lower rate of income tax than people earning run-up to the 2010 general election, he and his Liberal £20,000 a year. That is why it is fair that we cap tax colleagues made abundantly clear what they wanted to reliefs, and, in the same way, it is right that we cap do with personal allowances to take some people out of benefits. It is right and proper to ensure that the wealthiest paying income tax. Did they honestly expect to do that in the country should pay a fair share of their income in off the backs of pensioners? tax, and that is exactly what we will do. 33 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 34
Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): Can my Rachel Reeves: Will the right hon. Gentleman give right hon. Friend confirm that the measures in the way? Budget will raise five times more than changing the 50p rate? Danny Alexander: No, I want to make some progress, and the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Owen Smith) has Danny Alexander: My hon. Friend is absolutely right already intervened on this point. about that. The figures in the Budget book, certified by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, show Owen Smith: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? that in each and every year, money raised from the wealthiest in the land will dwarf by five times at least Danny Alexander: No, I am going to press on and the cost of reducing the 50p rate to 45p. In doing that, address the question of the 50p rate. When I have done we are also, for example, clamping down on the avoidance so, the hon. Gentleman and the hon. Lady will be free of stamp duty—something that was left as an open to intervene on me again. door by the previous Government. They seemed to be Before discussing the 50p rate, I will refer briefly to in favour of a tax system that encouraged avoidance, clause 8, which will remove child benefit from the rather than clamping down on avoidance, ensuring that highest earners. We will withdraw child benefit from everyone pays their fair share and thereby raising five those in households earning more than £50,000 in a way times as much money overall, which we can use, for that is gradual, so that only those earning more than example, to fund the massive cost of the substantial £60,000 will lose all their child benefit. The measure will reductions in income tax for people on low and middle help to ensure that the burden of deficit reduction is incomes in this country. fairly shared, and by implementing it as we propose, we Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): How does will deal with the anomalies that have been highlighted. the right hon. Gentleman square the policy that he has just enunciated with the objectives of the big society, Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): which the Prime Minister is so keen on? I perhaps have more sympathy than many of my colleagues with the idea of the charity tax that is being introduced. Danny Alexander: With this measure we are trying to Will my right hon. Friend confirm that, in regard to strike the right balance between having a proper system that tax and to child benefit, it is the Government’s of tax relief for charitable donations and ensuring that intention to try to restore those benefits once the deficit the wealthiest in this country pay a fair proportion of has been paid down and we no longer have to service a their income in tax. I would have thought that the hon. debt of £126 billion a year? Gentleman would support that measure rather than oppose it, particularly when he considers it in the context of Danny Alexander: I thank my hon. Friend for his the many other measures that we have taken to encourage support, but I cannot confirm that intention at this and support charities and voluntary organisations. For stage. We have a major ongoing problem with the example, we have introduced for the first time gift aid sustainability of our public finances. We set out in the on small donations received by small charities—from spending review last year, and reaffirmed in this year’s shaking tins on the street corner, holding coffee mornings Budget documentation, the need for further spending— and that sort of thing—which was not done when his party was in office. That will benefit thousands of small Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Will the right charities all around this country, and it is the sort of hon. Gentleman give way? thing that he should welcome. Likewise, Big Society Capital has been created to help charities and voluntary Danny Alexander: I am just responding to the previous organisations to raise funds. intervention, if the hon. Lady will just hold her horses for a second. Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab): Before the right hon. Gentleman moves off the 50p rate completely, can We confirmed in the Budget document the need for he explain to the House why the numbers revealed by further fiscal consolidation in the years 2015-16 and the Treasury this morning seem to show that at least 2016-17. We cannot simply promise to reverse measures, 75% of top-rate taxpayers were paying the full rate of although that is the policy of the Labour party, which tax? How can he explain to his hon. Friend the Member seems quite happy to return to its old habit of high for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt) that so little spending and introducing measures that would return money—the £100 million that is ostensibly in the Budget— this country to the mess that Labour has already put was being raised by the 50p rate? us in. Danny Alexander: First, the hon. Gentleman should Sheila Gilmore: Over the Easter recess, did the right study the figures based on the tax system from 2010-11, hon. Gentleman have a chance to reflect on the question under the tax rules put in place by his Government. that I asked him during the Budget debate? Why, having They show, for example, that 6% of those earning over listened to people’s concerns about child benefit, was he £10 million a year were paying tax at under 10%, that not prepared to make any concessions to the much poorer 3% were paying it at 10% to 20%, that 8% were paying it group of people who were going to lose their tax credits? at 20% to 30%, that 12% were paying it at 30% to 40%, and that 72% were paying it at above 40%. The figures Danny Alexander: I explained in the Budget debate do not say that they were paying at the 50% rate. The that reforms to tax credits were necessary to deal with fact is that the independent Office for Budget Responsibility the rapidly growing cost of a system that had started and the HMRC study, which I am sure the hon. Gentleman out costing £18 billion a year and was now costing has reflected on in great detail, show the most reliable, £30 billion. It will still cost about £30 billion, but that reasonable, central estimates. money will be more focused on those on lower incomes. 35 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 36
[Danny Alexander] Danny Alexander: I will, but then I am going to make some progress. When we first came into office, we inherited a tax credit system that could pay tax credits to people on £50,000 Julian Smith: The Yorkshire Post has recently established or £60,000 a year— that the police chief constables’ body ACPO—the Association of Chief Police Officers—has been paying Sheila Gilmore rose— money to ex-chiefs of police forces through special purpose companies. Will the Chief Secretary confirm Danny Alexander: Let me answer the hon. Lady’s that the rules on this process will be tightened up under point. Reform of the system was necessary. It was one Government proposals? of the hard decisions that we have had to make in dealing with the massive budget deficit and the huge Danny Alexander: I certainly can confirm that, and I mess that her party left the British economy in. Recognition shall bring some proposals before the House in due on her part that that has to be dealt with would be a course. The hon. Gentleman may recall that it was the welcome way in which to start her next intervention. case of the chief executive of the Student Loans Company Sheila Gilmore: This is a matter of fairness. I am not that brought this issue to light. We have conducted an talking about the tapering off of tax credits at the top investigation into this practice in and across government, end, although I might have a view on that as well. I am which has highlighted the fact that this process is far talking about the changes that came into force the week too widespread. As I say, I shall announce the details in before last, which are hitting the very lowest earners—people due course, but the hon. Gentleman can rest assured at the very bottom end, who will not benefit from the that the Government take this issue very seriously indeed. changed tax thresholds as they already earn too little to Debt buy-back measures announced last month will pay income tax. Has the right hon. Gentleman reflected raise more than £500 million from banks that tried to on why he is prepared to make concessions on child avoid paying their due tax. In addition, the introduction benefit to the much better off taxpayers when he is not of the UK-Switzerland agreement into legislation will prepared to reconsider the hit that some of the very help to ensure that we can tackle the tax loss from those lowest earners are taking? Those people might end up who put their money into Swiss banks to evade paying having to give up work as a result. tax. Through the anti-avoidance measures in this year’s Danny Alexander: I notice from the matters for debate Finance Bill, we are already increasing revenue over the selected by the hon. Lady’s Front-Bench colleagues for next five years by around £l billion and are protecting a the next two days’ consideration of the Bill that restoring further £10 billion that could have been lost. Going child benefit for this country’s highest earners and even further, we will consult on the potential for a multimillionaires is a major priority for her party. As general anti-avoidance rule—a new rule that will at last for the tax credit changes, in a system where we expect a put the Government one step ahead of the tax avoiders. lone parent to work 16 hours in two days a week to It is because of these far-reaching reforms that we will qualify for tax credits, it is reasonable to ask more from raise £500 million more each and every year from the a household that has two earners working 24 hours a wealthiest in our society. That is five times more than week in three days. I view that change as reasonable. we lose by cutting the ineffective and uncompetitive 50p tax rate. Several hon. Members rose— The 50p rate raised just a fraction of the amount that Danny Alexander: I shall return to the subject of tax the previous Government said it would raise, but by avoidance and I want to make some progress, as I know cutting the rate to 45p, the direct cost to the Exchequer many hon. Members wish to contribute to the debate. is only £100 million—a figure certified by the independent We are taking decisive action to clamp down on avoidance. Office for Budget Responsibility, which I thought the It is utterly abhorrent that a minority of the population Labour party welcomed, which described the figure as seek to avoid paying their full and fair share of tax, “central and reasonable”. Instead, the measures we distorting the tax system to the detriment of the vast have announced in the Budget will raise considerably majority who pay their fair share of taxes in full. more from the wealthy—five times more in total—allowing Whereas the previous Government allowed avoidance us to help millions of people on lower incomes to keep to grow and spread, we are putting a stop to it. more of their earnings through the largest ever increase In total, this Finance Bill contains 15 measures to in the income tax personal allowance. close loopholes and tackle avoidance. For example, clause 212 introduces a new stamp duty rate of 15% to Rachel Reeves: Figures released by the Treasury today deter those seeking to put their high-value property into show that of those people earning more than £10 million, a corporate structure to avoid tax—so-called enveloping. 72% pay the full top rate of tax, so can the right hon. In a future Finance Bill, we will put in place an annual Gentleman confirm that they will be receiving on average charge on properties that are enveloped in this way. sums amounting to tens of thousands and in some cases Residential properties should be within the stamp duty hundreds of thousands of pounds because of the cut in system, full stop. It is shocking that the previous the top rate of tax? Government did so little on this matter. We are not being so complacent about the tax position of the most Danny Alexander: As the report from Her Majesty’s expensive properties in the country. Customs and Excise, certified by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, showed, the cost of reducing Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Will the the rate was small, precisely because the tax did not right hon. Gentleman give way? yield the amounts we were promised by the previous 37 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 38
Government. Instead, by putting our measures in place—the £127 more than was planned by the last Government cap on uncapped tax reliefs, clamping down on stamp and which constitutes the largest ever cash increase. duty avoidance, the general anti-avoidance rule and Under our plans for age-related allowances, no pensioners many other measures I have mentioned—we will get will lose out in cash terms. Instead, given the huge more money from the wealthiest, who are precisely the increase in the personal allowance and the reduced people the hon. Lady talks about— difference between it and the age-related allowance, we will simplify the system. Those born before 6 April 1948 Rachel Reeves: Will the right hon. Gentleman give will benefit from the age-related allowance or the personal way? allowance, whichever is greater. That change will remove, in time, the complicated taper which the Public Accounts Danny Alexander: No, I want to make some progress. Committee called The hon. Lady has intervened twice on this subject, and “complex and hard to understand”. her colleagues intervened once, and they have not said This is a substantial Bill. It demonstrates the ambition anything new. that we need to secure a tax system and an economy that are built on fairness, that reward hard work, and that Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP) rose— restore our private sector’s competitiveness. Even with that scale of ambition, however, the Bill makes substantial Danny Alexander: I will give way to the representative progress in simplifying our tax system and living up to of the Scottish National party who might have new our commitment to improving the way in which the light to shed on this question. Government develop tax policy. More than 75% of the measures in the Bill were announced in the 2011 Budget, Stewart Hosie: As a result of the 5p tax cut, the next with more than 400 pages of legislation published for four years will see a loss of revenue yield amounting to consultation and more than 450 comments received in £350 million. About 10 minutes ago, the Chief Secretary return. Through that openness, transparency and himself said that the sustainability of the public finances consultation, we are committed to building a simple was a major ongoing issue. Why are the Government and stable tax system that is easy to understand and prepared to forgo £350 million over the next four years easy to comply with. That is why we are addressing a in order to deliver a millionaires’ tax cut? number of loopholes and anomalies in the VAT system— introducing an anti-forestalling charge in clause 195—and Danny Alexander: Very simply, for the reason that I why the Bill cuts large swathes of the tax code by have given several times today. We are raising five times implementing recommendations from the Office of Tax more from the same group of people, which helps us to Simplification. I thank John Whiting and his team for deliver the policy which we firmly believe is the best way their excellent work in that regard. to support working people on low and middle incomes The Government are taking decisive action to restore and help them to keep more of what they earn. our stability and return the country to prosperity. Our No. 1 priority remains dealing with the last Government’s Frank Dobson (Holborn and St Pancras) (Lab): Will legacy of crippling deficit and debt in a fair and sustainable the Chief Secretary give way? way. Through this Finance Bill, we are continuing to ensure that the richest carry the heaviest burden. We are Danny Alexander: No. I have been speaking for a long supporting businesses so that they can restore our global time, and I am going to make some progress now. competitiveness, and we are supporting hard-working families on low and middle incomes. I commend the Bill We have set ourselves the goal of raising the personal to the House. income tax-free allowance to £10,000. Clause 3 increases the personal allowance this year to £8,105. Together 4.19 pm with the previous increase, that will lift more than a million low-income earners out of income tax completely. Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab): This Finance Bill Moreover, we are going further and faster. In the Budget is so flawed, so unfair and so inadequate a response to we announced the largest ever increase in the amount the problems now facing the country that I am surprised that people can earn tax-free—an increase, from next that the Chief Secretary does not show a little more April, of £1,100 to £9,205. That tax cut will be worth embarrassment in presenting it to the House this afternoon. £3.5 billion every year to working families. It will benefit This Government are presiding over an economy beset more than 23 million people, and will be worth £220 in by rising unemployment, a slump in private sector cash terms and £170 in real terms to every basic rate investment and billions of pounds of unplanned extra taxpayer. That is the biggest income tax cut for a Government borrowing, yet he comes to this House generation. Taken with the previous increases, it means with a Finance Bill that does nothing for growth, nothing that this coalition Government will have halved the to get more young people back to work and nothing to income tax paid by someone who works full time on the help small businesses struggling to stay afloat, and minimum wage, and lifted 2 million people out of tax which instead asks millions of hard-pressed families altogether. We are living up to our commitment to and pensioners to pay more so that millionaires can pay support hard-working people and families across the less. country. It is less than two years since this Government took We are also reforming the age-related allowances office, yet they have already sent our economy into available to those born before 6 April 1948. We recognise reverse. Business and consumer confidence have drained that pensioners need additional help, which is why we away, and growth has sputtered and stalled with no net introduced the triple lock on pensions. The basic state increase in our national output over the past 15 months, pension will increase by 5.2% in April 2012, which is and with wages and incomes stagnant or falling even as 39 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 40
[Rachel Reeves] and cited the proverb “slow and steady wins the race”. the cost of food, fuel and fares rise and rise. The Office for National Statistics confirms that last year saw the Our economic performance did not have to be this sharpest annual fall in real disposable income for 35 years. way. We need only look across the Atlantic to see the The private sector has been unable to fill the gaping benefits of a more balanced approach to deficit reduction, hole left by deep and painful public sector cuts, and as a with the US now enjoying steady falls in unemployment result overall redundancies have been running at a rate and accelerating economic growth. Let me quote the of one a minute since this Government took office. opinion of Adam Posen of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. His forensic comparison Mr Redwood: What tax cut does the hon. Lady think of the US and UK experiences concluded: would do most to promote economic recovery? “Fiscal policy…played an important role as well. Cumulatively, the UK government tightened fiscal policy by 3% more than the US government did…and this had a material impact on consumption. Rachel Reeves: I believe that a temporary cut in VAT This was particularly the case because a large chunk of the fiscal back down to 17.5% and a national insurance holiday consolidation in 2010 and in 2011 took the form of a VAT for all small businesses taking on new workers are the increase, which has a high multiplier for households.” way to put the economy back on track to recovery. In other words, by hitting households as hard as they did, sapping confidence and sucking demand out of the Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): How would the hon. economy, the Chancellor and his ready accomplice, the Lady pay for those pledges, and how much they would Chief Secretary, have got the UK stuck in the slow lane cost? while other key players in the global economy are overtaking us. Rachel Reeves: This Government are borrowing an extra £150 billion because of the costs of their economic failure. The reality is that, with more people out of Mr Graham Stuart: On the subject of others overtaking work and therefore claiming benefits, and with fewer us, the hon. Lady will be aware that the right hon. businesses succeeding and paying taxes, this Government Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) are ending up borrowing more, because their risky became Finance Minister at roughly the same time as gamble with their economic policies has failed. the Finance Minister in Australia, but whereas at a Instead of continuing on the downward path begun certain point the right hon. Gentleman lost the plot and under the previous Government, total unemployment spent money that this country could not afford, Australia has mounted to new highs. It is now at the highest level paid down its national debt. Thus, when the financial since 1997. Some 2.67 million people are out of work. credit crunch came, Australia was able to stimulate its More than 1 million young people are out work. We economy, whereas this country had overspent in the have the highest level of youth unemployment on record. good times and was not able to do so. That is a cruel fate to be inflicting on people leaving school, college and university. Instead of going on to Rachel Reeves: Between 1997 and 2007 this country’s get a job or training, they are being left to rot on the debt ratio fell from 42.5% to 36% of GDP, so the debt dole queue. The truth is that—just as we on this side of burden fell; in 2007, our debt-to-GDP ratio was lower the House, along with numerous independent economists, than when we came to power in 1997. warned—the Government’s attempts to cut too far and too fast have choked off the economic recovery, squeezing What hope did the Chief Secretary and the Chancellor households and businesses and sending unemployment offer in this Budget for the future of our economy? The soaring, with the result that, as I said to the hon. answer is precious little. The Government’s own Office Member for Dover (Charlie Elphicke), the Government for Budget Responsibility predicts another year of low are now forced to borrow £150 billion more than they growth ahead; it predicts just 0.8% growth in 2012, had planned. followed by 2% growth in 2013. That is well below what was promised when the Government took office. According This lesson is being learned around the world, as to this morning’s forecasts from the Ernst and Young over-ambitious austerity plans founder. Last year the ITEM—Independent Treasury Economic Model—club, OECD warned credit rating agencies which press for even those dire outlooks now seem optimistic. Ernst rapid fiscal consolidation but and Young predicts just 0.4% growth for 2012, followed “react negatively later, when consolidation leads to lower growth— by 1.5% growth the year after. Meanwhile, on any which it often does.” prediction, including the Government’s, we will still Sure enough, Standard & Poor’s decision earlier this have at least 2 million unemployed people by the end of year to downgrade nine of the eurozone’s 17 member this Parliament. states was accompanied by the warning that Even those figures conceal deeper failures and more “fiscal austerity alone risks becoming self-defeating.” disturbing trends. Some may remember the Chancellor’s The International Monetary Fund’s sharp downward promise of a new economic model for Britain, based on revisions of its global growth forecasts—including for lower levels of borrowing, and higher levels of saving the UK—for 2012 was accompanied by a call to “reconsider and investment. In reality, the promised renaissance of the pace” of fiscal consolidation. Indeed, the IMF’s business investment has been repeatedly postponed. An chief economist has said: 8% increase in investment was promised for 2011, but “Substantial fiscal consolidation is needed, and debt levels investment actually fell by 2%. A further 10% increase must decrease. But it should be…a marathon rather than a was predicted for this year, but an increase of less than sprint” 1% is now forecast. The role of investment in driving 41 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 42 growth for future years has been significantly revised my question about the OECD study, which makes it down, too. Ernst and Young said this morning that very clear that if one is choosing between reducing VAT business spending and increasing the threshold and if the aim is to help “has picked up nicely in the US” people on lower incomes and to get money into the but that UK plcs remain “extremely reluctant” to invest. economy, one should go for the increase in the threshold. It continues: Rachel Reeves: That is just not true and it is not “Consequently, the economy is bleeding cash into company coffers at an alarming rate…This haemorrhage is sapping the accurate. A reduction in VAT helps people who do not strength of the economy, keeping it on the critical list.” pay income tax, which includes the poorest people, and benefits pensioners. The increase in the personal tax They are not my words, but those of the Ernst and threshold does not benefit pensioners one jot, nor people Young ITEM club. who are not earning enough to benefit from a change in Meanwhile, figures from the OBR reveal that the personal allowance. A cut in VAT helps all those people, Government have increasingly become reliant on household however, including the lowest paid who will not benefit consumption for their growth forecasts. That consumption from the changes to the tax threshold. The right hon. is not being financed by growth in real disposable Gentleman is just wrong. incomes, which, as I said, have stagnated and which the OBR confirms are set to stagnate for at least another Charlie Elphicke: The hon. Lady can correct me if I two years. The household consumption growth is being am wrong, but my reading of the IFS’s analysis is that it funded by a fall in savings every year from now until says that increasing the personal allowance just like that 2016 and by a rise in total personal debt of almost 50% would benefit the most well-off, but it does not take into over the next few years; it will reach a staggering total of account the fact that the threshold at the 40% rate is £2.12 trillion by the end of this Parliament. reduced down so that the most well-off do not benefit. That is a slight flaw, by my reading, in the IFS analysis. Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): If the hon. Lady is so doubtful about an increase in Rachel Reeves: The analysis of the measures in the consumption leading to economic growth, why does she Budget shows that the changes to the personal threshold advocate a cut in VAT, which would serve only one are not a progressive policy, as hon. Members seem to purpose: to increase consumption growth? be claiming. In fact, they benefit those dual income households on higher salaries much more than they Rachel Reeves: The point I am making is that the benefit the poorest people in society, many of whom do consumption growth forecast for this Parliament is not pay tax. Of course, the changes do not benefit being funded by increased indebtedness. A VAT reduction pensioners at all as they are seeing their tax allowance would boost the spending power of households without frozen. As a result, many pensioners will lose out by up their having to take on extra debt. With incomes stagnating to £83 whereas people who are coming up to retirement and, in many cases, falling, many families are resorting will lose out in the tune of more than £300 a year. to taking on more debt because they cannot afford to The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s new economic make ends meet—that is the point I am making. That is model—this idea that we will have a rebalanced economy why a reduction in VAT would help put money into the with lower borrowing, more saving and more investment— pockets of ordinary families, who are struggling so has failed to materialise. Indeed, the precise opposite is much with rising gas, electricity, train, bus and petrol predicted. Their plan has failed: the policies are hurting, prices. but they are not working. This Finance Bill, which was a chance for the Chancellor and the Chief Secretary to Simon Hughes: Has the hon. Lady seen the OECD learn the lessons and to start to repair some of the reports, which make it clear that raising tax thresholds damage that they have done, has been a huge missed is a far more effective way of getting money back into opportunity. the economy than changing VAT? Such an approach benefits poorer people much more, whereas VAT changes Julian Smith: Does the hon. Lady agree that at the benefit the rich just as much as the poor. moment business confidence is key? I was surprised that at the start of her speech she did not welcome Rachel Reeves: The right hon. Gentleman would do GlaxoSmithKline, Nissan, Sahaviriya, Jaguar and the well to look at the analysis by the Institute for Fiscal other international investors that have made a commitment Studies, which shows that the increase in the personal to Britain because of this Government’s policies. Is she tax allowance most benefits those who are in the second not pleased that those companies are bringing jobs and highest income decile. Increasing the income threshold investment to Britain? is not a progressive policy; in fact, pensioners do not benefit from it at all, and nor do people who are on such Rachel Reeves: The hon. Gentleman said that investment low incomes that they do not pay income tax— is coming to Britain, but business investment fell by [Interruption.] The right hon. Gentleman says something 2% last year, whereas a year ago the OBR predicted that from a sedentary position. I am happy to take another it would grow by 8%. The reality is that the economic intervention if he wants to dispute the analysis of the data show that investment is falling and the OBR says IFS. that nothing in the Budget will materially affect the economic forecast. The proof of the pudding is in the Simon Hughes: Of course some pensioners will not eating and the numbers show that things are moving in benefit, but some will. Some pensioners receive an the wrong direction. I find it incredibly out of touch for income on which they pay tax and the rise in the Government Members to try to speak about the economy threshold will benefit them. The hon. Lady has avoided as if it is booming and creating jobs and as if businesses 43 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 44
[Rachel Reeves] losing, the Chancellor and his Chief Secretary have turned from their failed experiment in expansionary are investing when all the economic data show just the fiscal contraction and resorted to the notorious Laffer opposite. Jobs are being shed and investment is falling, curve as their latest excuse for an economic policy rather than rising. which hits hard-working families and rewards those who are already very wealthy. It is the last refuge of a Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): Does my hon. Government who have lost any sense of purpose beyond Friend recognise that although the investments mentioned the protection of privilege. by the hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Those who are unfamiliar with the obscure corner of Smith) are welcome, increased growth in jobs will come esoteric economic theory that is the Laffer curve might from the small and medium-sized enterprise sector, like to take a lesson from the Business Secretary who where there is a complete depression in confidence and recently explained it. He said it was job growth? It is all very well to comment on the large investments, but the stimulation should come from those “an all purpose, but weak, rationale for cutting the taxes of rich people” small and medium-sized enterprises, and they do not feel at all confident. which has “been correctly dubbed ‘voodoo economics’.” Rachel Reeves: I thank my right hon. Friend for that Indeed, he told his party conference—perhaps some intervention. It is good to hear from a Member who is a hon. Members on the Government Benches remember little more in touch with the realities facing businesses this—that some people believe up and down the country. As she points out, many “that if taxes on the wealthy are cut, new revenue will miraculously small businesses are being starved of cash because the appear. I think their reasoning is this: all those British billionaires Project Merlin agreements for bank lending were not who demonstrate their patriotism by hiding from the taxman in worth the paper they were written on, and at the same Monaco or some Caribbean bolt hole will rush back to pay more time the Government have done nothing in this Budget tax but at a lower rate.” to help small businesses. The Opposition have proposed As he said to his conference, “Pull the other one!” a national insurance holiday for all small businesses Perhaps we should instead take a lesson from the taking on new workers. That would go a long way Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, who towards trying to relieve some of the pressure on the warned: small businesses that are struggling so much right now. The Opposition hope to see measures in the Finance “We should remember that in 1981, President Reagan based Bill and the Budget to get the economy moving again, most of his policies on the drawing of the Laffer curve done on a serviette…President Reagan used that as the basis for his policy to give hard-pressed businesses and hard-working families of slashing taxes, and the United States Treasury went into huge a break and to give young people who are looking for deficit…The evidence to support the Laffer curve is weak.”—[Official work some hope for the future. We would be cutting Report, Standing Committee B, 4 May 1999; c. 66.] national insurance contributions for small businesses I agree, but those lessons are now being forgotten and taking on new workers, we would be cutting bills for we have the same old Tories dusting down the same old hard-pressed families by reversing the Chancellor’s badly trickle-down economic theories. It did not work in the timed VAT increase, and we would be funding new jobs 1980s and it will not work today either. People will see it for young people and new investment in affordable for what it is: out of touch and the same old Tories. house building by taxing excessive bank bonuses. Hon. Members do not have to take our word for Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): The hon. it—the damning judgment of the Government’s own Lady talks about the protection of privilege but this Office for Budget Responsibility should really worry Government are increasing stamp duty on homes worth Members on the Government Benches. Box 3.1 on more than £2 million. Does she support that change or page 46 of its latest economic and fiscal outlook, headed would she repeal it? “The economic effects of policy measures”, says that the only policy measure with a measurable economic Rachel Reeves: I support cracking down on tax avoidance, effect is the cut in corporation tax, which it says will but let us stick with the policy of cutting the 50p rate. lead to an The Office for Budget Responsibility shows that 300,000 “increase in the level of GDP of 0.1 per cent by the end of the people who are currently paying the 50p tax rate will forecast period.” get, on average, a tax cut next year of £10,000. For So in the whole Budget there is just one measure that 14,000 millionaires, there will be an average tax cut next will have any impact on growth whatever, and that is an year of £40,000. That much we know. What we do not impact of 0.1% in around five years’ time. Beyond that, know is whether people putting their money in Monaco the OBR says in its policy costings document: or a Caribbean bolt hole, as the Business Secretary “We have made no other material adjustments to the economy described, will indeed rush back to the British Isles to forecast as a result of Budget 2012 policy announcements.” pay the 45p rate of tax. If they do, perhaps some money When it comes down to it, the measures in the Bill will come in, but if they do not, we will lose out to the will do nothing to change the gloomy growth forecasts, tune of £3 billion. The reality is that the stamp duty nothing to ease the squeeze on living standards and changes will affect only the people who are moving family budgets, nothing to get businesses investing at home, so the vast majority of millionaires who are the rate required to regain our place in the global happy in their mansions will not be affected by the economy, and nothing to create the new job opportunities changes. In fact, numbers published by the Treasury that are so desperately needed by today’s younger this morning show that tax avoidance measures will generation. No, instead of taking serious steps that bring in around £300,000, but the changes to the top might help to make up the ground our economy is rate of tax will cost £3 billion. That is not fair; it is not 45 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 46 the right priority to give millionaires a tax cut while then compensate the rich by giving them a tax cut worth asking millions of ordinary hard-pressed working families £3 billion. If the right hon. Gentleman really wants to to pay more. cut down on tax avoidance and ensure that the wealthy Once upon a time, some people argued that the Prime pay more, I hope he will join us in the Lobby to vote Minister needed a clause IV moment to fully detoxify against a tax cut for the richest in society. the tainted Tory brand, but the Government have gone The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David one step further; they have got themselves a clause 1 Gauke): The hon. Lady will be aware that in last year’s moment. Clause 1 of the Bill confirms once and for all Budget, there was a measure to tackle tax avoidance that the Tory party will never be for the many, but through disguised remuneration. She will also be aware always for the few. Nothing could more clearly demonstrate that her party voted against the measure in a Finance the Government’s perverse priorities than the fact that Bill last year. Does she regret that? when ordinary families are going through the toughest times in living memory, part 1, chapter 1, clause 1 of the Rachel Reeves: In Budget 2011, there was £1.1 billion- Finance Bill gives a £3 billion tax cut to the richest 1% worth of tax avoidance measures, which is less than half of the population, and the rest of the Bill is peppered the amount spent on such measures in Labour Budgets. with dubious means for making other far less fortunate We want more wealthy people to pay their fair share, people in our society pay for it. but nothing in the Budget ensures that. The Government need to tackle tax avoidance, but they should not Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) compensate for that by giving a tax cut to the wealthiest (PC): The House has already divided on the 50p rate in society. and the Labour party abstained. Was that a deliberate The Chief Secretary to the Treasury said about the abstention? 50p rate: Rachel Reeves: The Labour party voted against the “The idea that we are going to shift our focus to the wealthiest entire Finance Bill, including the cut in the 50p rate. On in the country at a time when everyone is under pressure is just in cloud cuckoo land”, Wednesday and Thursday, we will have an opportunity to vote on the tax cut for the wealthiest 1%, and I hope but it turns out that the Liberal Democrats have joined that Members on both sides of the House will join us in their Conservative coalition partners in cloud cuckoo the Lobby to vote against a tax cut for the very wealthiest land. I hope that the Chief Secretary is enjoying himself in society at a time when ordinary families are being there, but I am sure he had hoped to cover his humiliating asked to pay more. climbdown by pointing to the benefits to lower and middle-income earners from the increase in the personal Simon Hughes rose— allowance. However, as I said in my intervention on him, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has made it clear Rachel Reeves: I look forward to hearing how the that the gains from the policy are cancelled out many right hon. Gentleman will be voting later this week. times over by the losses suffered by ordinary families as a result of the Government’s tax hikes, benefit cuts and Simon Hughes: The hon. Lady was not a Member in tax credit changes. The Government are giving with one the last Parliament, and she used a phrase that I find a hand and taking much, much, more from ordinary bit rich. The Labour Government regularly failed to families, pensioners and young people with the other. close the loopholes to deal with tax evasion and tax The cover story that the wealthy will pay more in avoidance, and only in their last weeks in office put other ways is unravelling day by day. We have already income tax rates up to 50p in the pound, yet the hon. seen that in the House this afternoon. The cost of the Lady now comes to the House saying that she would cut to the top rate of income tax is 10 times higher than prefer not to change the top rate of tax even though it the amount of money raised by the cap on tax reliefs. I might be far less effective than a range of measures that hope we all agree that more must be done to reduce would make the wealthy pay five times more. Does she genuine tax avoidance, but that should be a standard want the wealthy to pay more? If so, is she willing to feature of every Budget and every Finance Bill. I direct support measures that would deliver that? the Chief Secretary to slide 9 of the assessment that the Institute for Fiscal Studies has made of the Budget. It Rachel Reeves: I want the wealthy to pay their fair shows that between 2002 and 2009, the Labour Government share in the deficit reduction, which is why I shall be reduced tax avoidance by over £12 billion, while this voting this week against a cut in the taxes for 14,000 Budget reduces tax avoidance by a mere £800 million—less millionaires. Figures from the Institute for Fiscal than Labour’s annual average, and less than all but two Studies show that in Budget 2002—a Labour Budget— other Budgets in the past decade. That is before one anti-avoidance measures were worth £1.7 billion. In takes into account the fact that included in the Government’s Budget 2003—a Labour Budget—there were £1.7 billion definition of tax avoidance is tax relief for donations to of tax avoidance measures. In Budget 2004, £1.7 billion- charities including UNICEF,Macmillan Cancer Support, worth of tax avoidance measures—I could go on. The the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Oxfam and point is that in the Budget this year—a Conservative many others. The fact that the Government cannot tell Budget, with a little bit of help from the Liberal the difference between that and real tax avoidance shows Democrats—tax avoidance measures are worth £0.8 how incompetent and out of touch they are. billion, lower than in all but two of the last 10 years. The idea that it is a tax avoidance Budget just does not Mrs McGuire: Does my hon. Friend agree that it stand up in the statistics. The Institute for Fiscal Studies might have been more appropriate for the Chancellor to knows it, so perhaps Members on the Government discuss with the charity commissioners whether bogus Benches should look at those numbers. Of course we charities were taking part in tax evasion schemes than should cut down on tax avoidance, but we should not to have come up with an ill-considered tax proposal? 47 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 48
Rachel Reeves: I thank my right hon. Friend for that with “expansionary fiscal contraction” and “we’re all in intervention. She is absolutely right: instead of the this together”, the latest casualty from the Conservative Government making up policy as they go along, without lexicon is the big society. bothering to talk to anybody who is affected by it, they should have consulted the Charity Commission and the Christopher Pincher: Earlier the hon. Lady was extolling charities affected. The Press Association reports that the virtues of the United States. She will know that even the Government are doing a U-turn; perhaps we will get the US, which is possibly the most philanthropic society clarification on that from the Chief Secretary to the in the world, has a cap in place on philanthropic donations, Treasury, if he is bothering to listen to anything that is so is she opposed to the principle of what the Government being said this afternoon. Will he confirm what the PA are doing, or does she accept that there is a role for a says—that there is a U-turn on charities tax relief? The cap? fact is that nobody knows: the Government and the Prime Minister do not seem to know what is happening Rachel Reeves: In the US there is much more generous with their own policy, and we have had no clarification tax relief for legacies, for example, so it is a very in the House this afternoon. different tax system. In many ways it is more generous than the system in this country. What I would like to see Charlie Elphicke rose— is policy being made in the proper way, which is by consulting the people who will be affected by it—consulting Rachel Reeves: Perhaps the hon. Gentleman has a the charities, which stand to lose tens and perhaps clue what is going on with the Government’s policy on hundreds of millions of pounds and which do such charities tax relief. good work. Like the Red Cross, they say that their ability to do their work will be hampered by the changes in tax relief. That consultation should have happened Charlie Elphicke: It is clear that we should crack before, rather than after, the Government’s policies down on tax avoidance, but I want to know whether the were announced and the financial changes to Treasury hon. Lady is serious about doing so. Will she condemn revenues were introduced. the tax avoidance of people such as Ken Livingstone, or Calling people who give to charities tax dodgers, as is this just more crocodile tears from the Labour party? this Government imply, and referring to charities as dodgy, when those charities include Macmillan, Red Rachel Reeves: We are serious about cracking down Cross, UNICEF and Oxfam, is unhelpful. If the on tax avoidance, but tax avoidance is not the same as Government truly want to increase giving, the language giving donations to UNICEF, Macmillan nurses, the should be tempered and people who try to do the right Red Cross, the National Trust and thousands of charities thing and support worthwhile causes should be encouraged, in this country that rely on the money they get to do not insulted, for what they do. their important work, often supporting some of the Because the Government have been so keen to gloss most vulnerable people in society. If the Government over the real revenue-raising measures in the Bill, it is cannot tell the difference between tax avoidance and right that we take time this week to examine and evaluate doing the right thing and supporting valuable charity them. This week Labour will give Members an opportunity work, it shows the extent to which they have lost their to debate and vote on specific aspects of the Budget. We grip on reality. will give Members an opportunity to explore the effects of extending VAT, as has been mentioned by hon. Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North) (Con): Members this afternoon, and putting VAT up to 20% Does the hon. Lady agree that before people give money on the price of haircuts, hot snacks, and caravan holidays, to charity, they must also fund their obligation to although not on the price of ski lifts. VAT has been society? They must do that first, before they start funding increased on the regular purchases of millions of ordinary charity. families and is a heavy blow to many small businesses, manufacturers, retail employers and churches caught Rachel Reeves: If the hon. Gentleman extended that out by these changes. logic, there would be no tax relief for giving to charities. I am not sure if that is what the Government are Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): proposing. People who give money to charities should My hon. Friend mentioned the lack of consultation be supported. We have heard a lot from the Prime with business. Businesses want to plan and are trying to Minister about the big society, but all those words grow, but the sudden imposition of VAT on the caravan about philanthropy and giving seem to have gone out of manufacturing industry is causing real problems and the window. It would be interesting to know whether potentially the loss of thousands of jobs. the Chief Secretary thinks he has performed a U-turn this afternoon in the Chamber, as is being reported. Rachel Reeves: My hon. Friend speaks from her As the British Red Cross said, “Not only is such a knowledge of her constituency in Hull and of the East measure at odds with the Government’s own announced Riding of Yorkshire, which will be particularly affected agenda of increasing and facilitating philanthropy, it by changes to the caravan tax. would reduce our ability to achieve our charitable objectives I was in Leicester on Thursday last week with my and reduce our help to people in a crisis.” Is that really hon. Friend the Member for Leicester South (Jonathan what the Government intended when they announced Ashworth), speaking to small businesses which will be these changes to tax relief in the Budget? Indeed, after affected by the changes to VAT on hot snacks. Many the performance of the Exchequer Secretary to the businesses are worried, about both the additional tax Treasury on the radio this morning, it seems that, along they will have to pay and the additional bureaucracy of 49 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 50 form-filling. As hon. Members said, it is not at all clear more than doubled in the past year. Our amendment at which point VAT will stop being charged. What will open the way for the funding of a guaranteed job temperature does the food have to be, or by how much for every young person who is out of work for more must it have cooled down before the tax rate goes to than a year—a job that they would have to take up. 0% from 20%? That is the kind of measure that our country is crying We will also have a chance this week to debate and out for. It would change the lives of thousands of young vote on important tax simplification measures. Given people and transform the prospects for our economy. It the generous decision of the Chancellor to simplify the could easily be funded by raising new resources from tax arrangements of 4.4 million pensioners, I am surprised the banking sector, which still squanders billions on that they are not more grateful. That tax simplification bonuses while doing little to support British businesses will cost pensioners £83 a year on average and will cost and families. We will therefore offer Members a chance hundreds of thousands of people who are coming up to vote for the reinstatement of the tax on bank bonuses for retirement next year up to £322 a year. to fund the creation of 100,000 new jobs for young people and the construction of 25,000 new affordable The Chief Secretary referred to the Office of Tax homes. Simplification. Its tax director has registered his concern about the changes to the tax allowance for pensioners and has said that the Government’s claim that they were Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): If the 50p only following its recommendations tax rate was such a painless revenue raiser, why did the “was not 100 per cent accurate”. Labour Government take 13 years to implement it? Meanwhile, Age UK was moved to write to the Chancellor about the change to tax allowances for Rachel Reeves: As the Chancellor once said, we are pensioners. It stated: all in it together, and if we have a deficit to reduce it is right that those with the broadest shoulders bear a little “Age UK supports the OTS review of pensioner taxation and was very pleased to have been invited to be represented on the more of the burden. That was why the former Chancellor consultative committee. However given the OTS was set up with increased the top rate of tax to 50p. This Government the aim of providing” have reduced it and are instead asking millions of the Chancellor ordinary families and pensioners to pay more so that millionaires can pay less. That is their priority; the “with independent expert advice on simplification we are very Opposition’s priorities are very different. surprised and disappointed that” he has Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): Is it not true, “announced a change to simplify the system without waiting for though, that the Labour Government were running a that advice.” deficit before the recession? Why could the tax rate not Contrary to coalition spin, this tax simplification will have been raised then, to contribute to reducing it? hit not those with big pension pots, but people with personal or occupational pensions that pay around Rachel Reeves: The hon. Gentleman was not in the £5,000 a year. It will hit people who worked in ordinary House earlier when it was mentioned that between 1997 jobs for modest salaries, and who made sacrifices during and 2007, the debt-to-GDP ratio fell from 42.5% to their working lives to put away just enough to give 36%. The debt burden fell in the first 10 years of the themselves a small pension, which means that they do Labour Government. I was not in the House in the last not need to depend on means-tested benefits in retirement. Parliament, but I wonder whether any Members can It is simply not true that they have been insulated from remember the Liberal Democrats asking for lower the effects of the current economic climate and other Government spending then. I do not remember it, but changes to taxation. Pensioners have been hit hard by perhaps the hon. Gentleman could enlighten me about VAT, quantitative easing, cuts to services that they rely when he opposed Labour’s spending on schools and on—not least the national health service—and massive hospitals in Bradford and elsewhere. increases in the heating and electricity bills for their homes. Older people deserve better than this mean-minded, penny-pinching measure. If Government Members agree, Mr Russell Brown: My hon. Friend has hit the nail on they will have a chance to vote down the granny tax the head. Government Members talk about the Labour later this week. Government’s overspending, but I cannot recall a single It tells people all they need to know about this occasion in the time I have been in the House when any Government’s priorities and the balance of power in the of them talked about not wanting a hospital or school coalition that when the Deputy Prime Minister said built in their constituency.They were four-square behind us. that he would agree to cut the 50p rate if it was paid for by a mansion tax and the Opposition said that we Rachel Reeves: My understanding is that the Government would support a mansion tax if it was used to relieve parties matched us on spending and often called for the pressure on ordinary hard-working families, the additional spending, but the Liberal Democrats have Chancellor forgot the mansion tax, cut the 50p rate changed their mind so often that it is sometimes difficult anyway and paid for it with a raid on pensioners’ to keep up. incomes and a raid on charities. The fiscal challenges that this country faces are real, Finally, we will offer the Chancellor a last chance to and we need to deal with the deficit and get our debt on make good the great omission of the Bill—its failure to a downward path, but the choice before us is how to do offer a shred of hope to the 1 million young people who that and on whose backs. The Opposition’s priorities are desperate to find work and its failure to do anything are to get unemployment down, to get our economy about the fact that long-term youth unemployment has growing and businesses investing so that we can reduce 51 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 52
[Rachel Reeves] history. The Government are still borrowing, even this year, £1 in every £5 that they spend. However, more the welfare bill and bring in more tax revenue, and to than half the deficit reduction was predicated on annual ensure that the biggest burdens of deficit reduction are compound growth through the Parliament of 2.7% to borne by those with the broadest shoulders. 2.9%, and it is clear that, for the first half of the Parliament, we shall struggle to achieve growth of even Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): one third of that figure. I thank my hon. Friend for referring to Labour’s idea of increasing jobs for the young through a tax on bankers’ Rather than respond to that deteriorating situation bonuses. Does she agree that that would make a huge by imposing more savings, we have taken the path of difference to young people such as those in my constituency, ever more debt, courtesy of the Bank of England’s where long-term youth unemployment has risen by quantitative easing programme. In my view, the real more than 200% in the past year, and send a message to purpose and impact of the UK’s central bank intervention all young people that Westminster and politicians across has not been to ease the path of investment borrowing the country were on their side in these tough times? for small business, which is perhaps what it should be. Instead, it has mopped up the substantial proportion of Rachel Reeves: My hon. Friend speaks on behalf of gilts that are being issued. That is where the Mr Micawber the thousands of young people in Feltham and Heston principle particularly comes into play. The Bank of who have been hit hard by the Government’s policies. England’s actions will not be sustainable in the longer The Opposition think it would be much fairer to tax term without a very real risk of inflation. I suspect that bank bonuses at 50% and use that money to create jobs global conditions in the years ahead may make it much and opportunities for young people, but the priority of more difficult to finance our current levels of deficit. the Chancellor and his friend the Chief Secretary is a That is one reason why we need to get the deficit down tax cut for the richest 1%, paid for by ordinary families, as quickly as we can. hard-pressed pensioners, struggling small businesses, Before the Budget, I firmly believed that our focus charities and young people. All that pain is not even should rest on some radical supply-side reform to ensure getting the deficit down. The Government are borrowing that we get the growth that we need. That would apply £150 billion more than planned—the cost of their failed partly to the tax system, but also to employment legislation, economic experiment. with forensic attention paid to the impact of high Members of all parties have an opportunity tonight marginal rates of income tax and the disincentives that to dissociate themselves from this disgrace of a Finance have crept into the system as a result of both the Bill. We have given the Government a chance, and we poverty trap for the low paid and the removal of reliefs have also given them a choice. If the Bill goes through for higher rate payers. unamended, it will go down as one of the most flawed and unfair Finance Bills in history—one that makes I was pleased that a small part of my desire was millions pay more so that millionaires can pay less, realised: some progress has obviously been made on based on a Budget that gives a £40,000 tax cut to 14,000 taking people out of tax entirely through the increase in millionaires while ordinary households fall further into the threshold for the basic rate of income tax and the debt and our economy falls further behind. It was not reduction in the top rate tax from 50% to 45%, which is the Budget that Britain needed, and this Finance Bill particularly important for entrepreneurs. should be sent back to the drawing board. The Opposition I was also personally delighted that, after three years will vote against it, and I urge those with a proper sense of campaigning alongside the local animation industry of our country’s priorities to join us in the Lobby in my constituency, the Chancellor announced the tonight and vote down the Bill. Government’s intention to introduce a tax credit for televised animation and video games. I congratulate 5.4 pm him and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on securing a I want to make a brief contribution to this important bright future in the UK for Peppa Pig, Olive the Ostrich debate. The phrase that comes to mind is “something and their animated brethren. Finally, we have the level will turn up”. It is one of the classic stratagems of last playing field that our creative industries deserve, and resort in politics and perhaps life in general. I suspect the tax credit will help raise the quality of children’s that the Treasury’s handling of the UK’s economy owes television and retain valuable intellectual property in rather more than it might be willing to admit to the this country. That is the key reason why I agreed to lead Mr Micawber principle. After all, time often alleviates the parliamentary charge on the matter. It is also fantastic and sometimes even eliminates what seem like intractably news for the vibrant sector in my central London difficult problems. In stark contrast to the first Thatcher constituency and beyond. Government, who front-loaded much of the economic However, rather less progress has been made on pain, the modern-day Treasury, while espousing a tough arguably the more urgent and important supply-side austerity message, has adopted a more pragmatic, steady- reform: legislation on employment rights. Once more, as-she-goes path. the glad, confident morning of June 2010’s Budget has Despite the protestations of the hon. Member for given way to starker reality. It is worth recalling that, at Leeds West (Rachel Reeves), we must get one thing that point, the increasingly discredited Office for Budget straight: there is zero veracity in Labour’s contention Responsibility predicted that unemployment would peak that the Government are cutting too far, too fast. In the in 2010-11. We now know that it is likely to rise further past 12 months, the UK Government’s current spending in the next two years and remain stubbornly high for the has totalled some £613.5 billion—the highest figure in foreseeable future. Yet the UK continues to gold-plate 53 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 54 continental employment legislation and grant ever more Mark Field: My point was along the lines of that one. generous paternity and maternity rights. Little wonder One difficulty occurs if all our trading nations are going that employers are so reluctant to take on more staff. through austerity; austerity can be done only by one I disagree with the analysis of the hon. Member for country in such a group. We need to focus attention on Leeds West about the position in the US. It is instructive growth. Indeed, the last words of a speech I made in the to witness how the US has shown signs of turning the House almost two years ago, after the June 2010 Budget, economic corner. In simple terms, it is easier to hire, but were that we have talked about and made the right case also to fire staff there. That allows flexibility and supports for austerity, but we needed attention on growth—I fear a rapid readjustment economically. that there has been too little. I agree with the hon. Member for Leeds West in her Julian Smith: Does my hon. Friend agree that that analysis and on trying to assist small and medium-sized does not just apply to the US? Recently, Italy and enterprises by allowing them to take on extra employees Germany have exempted their small and medium-sized over the next two tax years without paying further firms from many of the burdens of employment law. national insurance. Better still, we could extend a national insurance holiday to all employees under the age of 25. That opportunity was missed both in the Budget and in Mark Field: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, the Bill. particularly in respect of the German model for the micro-sized businesses that are in the growth phase. I wish to touch on three specific concerns that I There is no doubt in my mind that our recovery phase strongly hope will be dealt with in Committee in the will commence only when we are able to have that sort weeks ahead. I confess that I am a little uneasy at the of readjustment. prospect of the general anti-avoidance provisions and powers that are heralded in the Bill and to which the Chief Secretary referred. Senior coalition Ministers Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): We interchange the terms “avoidance” and “evasion” in a heard those arguments in the 1980s and they have been rather casual way, which should be of concern to more looked at many times. Does the hon. Gentleman not than merely the tax advisory community. Individuals know that there is no connection whatever between and businesses in a free society are, and should be, economic growth, and the economic competence of a entitled to organise their affairs in such a way as to country, and employment protection? minimise their tax liability. I have no problem with that. Although I sympathise with the Treasury, which is Mark Field: I am making a comparison over the forced virtually continuously to update its rules and limited phase of the past two or three years. Why have regulations, any general powers on avoidance should we seen the recovery in the USA, to which I referred, keep retrospection to an absolute minimum, and should and recovery and economic stability in Germany? Given be used only in extreme cases of what is regarded as the fiscal stimulus, there is not all that much between so-called aggressive anti-avoidance. Moreover, it is surely the countries, but those employment rights measures incumbent on the Treasury, if it moves in that direction, have the impact of allowing recovery among small and to ensure a comprehensive pre-clearance regime to allow medium-sized enterprises. companies and their advisers to road-test their proposed taxation schemes with senior HMRC officials. Katy Clark: Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the I appreciate that banks have few friends—I represent USA has pursued different economic policies from the UK? the City of London and am perhaps one of the few It has not pursued the policies of austerity that the left—but the treatment meted out by the Treasury to Government and other countries in Europe have pursued. Barclays bank in February set a very unfortunate precedent, There is no connection between attempts to restrict not least because in recent weeks the Treasury has trade union and employment rights and growth. sought to lecture the Indian Government on the undesirability of retrospective tax. Barclays bank had Mark Field: The important thing that the hon. Lady sought and obtained clearance for its £500 million tax needs to recognise is that there is a distinction, as I said minimisation scheme. It was overturned in a blaze of in the early part of my speech, between the rhetoric and publicity. If we are to raise the substantial levels of the reality of austerity. We have not really had much in taxation that UK Governments of all stripes need, the way of fiscal tightening in this country. We are still given the electorate’s addiction to public spending, we borrowing and living miles beyond our means—this is a should be wary of anti-business rhetoric, which will lesson, I am afraid, for the entire political class—and give further encouragement to globally mobile institutions we will face a huge problem. We continue to pass that wishing to leave these shores. Being open for business burden on to our children and grandchildren, not in depends on certainty in commercial practice, not simply any meaningful way for investment, but for today’s verbal assurances. consumption, which is not sustainable. Julian Smith: Will my hon. Friend update the House Ed Balls (Morley and Outwood) (Lab/Co-op): I think on what contribution the financial sector makes to the I agree with hon. Gentleman on that point. As I understand tax take of UK plc? it, he is saying that he agrees with the point made earlier in the year by—I believe—Standard & Poor’s, which Mark Field: I am not sure I can, to be honest, but said that austerity by itself does not work and can suffice it to say it is a significant amount. I can appreciate, become self-defeating if it leads to higher unemployment, though, that in these difficult times it is hard to make slower growth, and therefore to higher spending, fewer the case for the huge bonuses in the banking sector, taxes, and therefore higher deficits. Is that his point? other than to say that it is a globally competitive industry. 55 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 56
[Mark Field] non-natural persons—in other words, companies. Although I support the essence of the proposal, it might have the Financial services will be a big industry going forward. unintended consequence of stalling development, Growth in Asia is adding 20 million or 25 million particularly in central London. I appreciate that high-end people a year to the ranks of the global middle class in property developers might not necessarily be seen as India, China and South Korea. These will be the customers deserving of particular Government acknowledgement, and consumers, not least because of the cultural reasons but there is no doubt that the property development for saving, of the financial services industry in the industry in and around central London generates significant future. That is one reason, in the midst of trying to tax revenues and creates jobs. Not only are the profits rebalance our economy, as the Chief Secretary mentioned, taxable here but significant amounts of irrecoverable we should not lose sight of our global competitive VAT are often incurred on redevelopment projects. advantage. In the financial services industry, in particular, Developers will generate SDLT revenue by buying and our global advantage is looked upon jealously in France, reselling redeveloped properties. Germany and other European countries. They often In the Budget press release, it was noted that the 15% feel that some of the anti-banking rhetoric coming SDLT charge would not apply to developers because through will be entirely self-defeating. they tended to use companies for limited liability rather than tax avoidance reasons, but when the draft legislation Mrs McGuire: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? was published, the relief for developers was limited to bona fide developers who had been carrying on a residential Mark Field: If the right hon. Lady will forgive me, I property development business for at least two years. would like to make some progress because others want The two-year requirement may seem eminently sensible to get in. as a means of ensuring that short-life development The provisions in clause 8 on the high-income child companies are not established by individuals who ultimately benefit change to income tax will doubtless be the wish simply to use the property in question. Nevertheless, subject of extensive controversy. In spite of the misgivings I fear that the qualifying period will discriminate against I have expressed since the scheme was proposed in new property development businesses, which cannot October 2010—in particular, that it seems to act as a show the requisite track record. Indeed, all new entrants penalty on aspiration and families in which one parent into the market are likely to be priced out because their stays at home to rear children—I accept the overriding acquisition costs have suddenly become 8% higher than need to reduce the vast fiscal deficit. However, the those of their competitors. We therefore risk creating an tapering of the change to income tax for those earning uneven market—indeed, a market against newcomers. between £50,000 and £60,000 a year will result in marginal The 15% charge is also likely to be an issue for tax rates of 65% for families with three or more children. experienced developers. The scarcity of bank finance Conservatives such as me believe in promoting incentives, for development properties at the moment means that but it is difficult to reconcile the proposition that those much of the finance for high-end residential property earning more than £150,000 are deemed to require a development is coming from equity investors, who are highest marginal rate of 45%—a proposition that, I bridging the significant funding gap that now exists. hasten to add, I fully support—with the proposal that The requirements of equity investors will often mean earners with several children at the level affected by that stand-alone special purpose vehicles are established clause 8 must apparently settle for paying marginal for individual projects, so once again, the statutory test rates of up to 20 percentage points higher. I fear that will not be met. If HMRC wants to consider an alternative the controversy in middle Britain about these child policing arrangement and seeks to avoid creating a dual benefit changes will continue to resonate strongly in the market, it might consider imposing a second charge—either months ahead. another 7% or the balance of the 15%—if the property is used before being sold on by a developer with SDLT. Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): I think Alternatively, there could be a time-based charge, so that my hon. Friend and I share similar views on this. that if the property has not been sold after, say, three Does he accept that if, for example, we were to take all years, the second charge comes into play. people earning more than £60,000, regardless of whether It is perhaps understandable that this afternoon I they have children, and charge them £1,000 a year, the have dwelt on some of my concerns about the Bill. yield would be £2 billion in 2013-14—far more than the Nevertheless, I appreciate the acutely troubled state of yield from this complicated tax targeted at those with the public finances. The Chief Secretary was absolutely children rather than those without them? right when he said that it was important that we should not pass on the costs of this generation’s excessive Mark Field: I worry that too much of this tinkering consumption to our children and grandchildren. I therefore will be counter-productive in any event and that the reiterate my support for the deficit reduction plan that tapering of the child benefit system will be hugely the coalition set out almost two years ago. I trust that expensive. Many people do not know whether they will the Bill will progress swiftly and smoothly to the statute earn between £50,000 and £60,000. They might work on book. a consultancy basis or spend a few months a year unemployed or travelling. Trying to unravel all that will 5.21 pm be incredibly difficult. Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab): It regularly I wish to make a few provisional passing comments seems to be my lot to follow the hon. Member for Cities on clauses 211 to 213 and 224 relating to the Chancellor’s of London and Westminster (Mark Field). Perhaps that decision to impose a 15% stamp duty land tax on is appropriate in some respects, as he represents a acquisitions of £2 million and residential properties by constituency at the other end of the spectrum from 57 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 58 mine. He made a typically thoughtful speech, although of the major employers in my constituency will be he set out a couple of priorities that I would not share, affected by them. I have also received quite a lot of and that he would not expect me to share—namely correspondence from individual constituents on that supporting the banking industry, for example through matter. the tax system. I am concerned about the impact that the working However, one thing that I take issue with is the hon. tax credit changes will have on my constituents, in Gentleman’s assertion about the rights of people in conjunction with the other changes to the benefit system employment in this country compared with those elsewhere. that are already taking place. To qualify for working tax When I speak to employers, as I am sure we all do in our credit, couples with children will now have to work at constituencies, one of the questions I often ask is: “To least 24 hours a week between them, instead of 16, with what extent do employment laws have on impact on one of the couple working at least 16 hours a week. you? Do you feel they put you at a disadvantage?” There are exceptions for people with a disability or Sometimes they will say, “Yes, they do,” but at the incapacity. There is also an issue with the backdating of margin, if at all. If I ask employers to list their hierarchy the entitlement to tax credit. It will now be one month, of concerns, they put employment rights very low down, instead of three months. A further concern is that the while concerns about our macro-economic direction main elements of the tax credit have been frozen for and the way the economy is being run are very much at 2012-13. the top. I am unable to give the House any statistics to show how those changes will directly affect my constituents, Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): Does my right hon. but it is clear that changes to tax credits impact most Friend agree that what employers dislike is duplication heavily—indeed, entirely—on those on low incomes. of the various forms they have to fill in? The vast That is another contrast between the situation experienced majority of employers are supportive of clear employment by the hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster law, which helps both employees and employers. and me. It is estimated that, nationally, 212,000 working couples with children who earn less than £17,000 a year Mr Howarth: My hon. Friend is precisely right. I will lose all their working tax credit. Unless those worked in industry on the shop floor prior to the people are able to find someone who will employ them introduction of health and safety legislation. On another for an extra eight hours a week, that could equate to a occasion—this is not the appropriate time—I might, if I loss of £3,870 a year. That will be a substantial loss for get the opportunity, describe the conditions in which the many families in my constituency who will be affected people worked in a lot of factories in those times. Often by the change. We must also take into account other they were almost Dickensian. things that have been going on. Low-income families are already disproportionately affected by rising fuel Mark Field: No one is suggesting that we should try costs and rising food bills, for example, and these changes to encourage some sort of sweatshop regime; but equally, will only add to those pressures. during these difficult economic times, there is a tendency Child benefit has been frozen for another two years, for businesses—particularly small and medium-sized until April 2014. Before the Budget, there was a lot of enterprises—to batten down the hatches. We want to negative publicity about the plans to withdraw child encourage them to take the risk—“Yes, let’s take on an benefit from families with a higher-rate taxpayer in the extra employee. Maybe some more business is coming household. The hon. Member for Cities of London and through”; “Okay, but will we be able to expand in three Westminster referred to that in his speech. In the Budget, or six months’ time?”; “Let’s try and take employees however, the Chancellor backtracked a little. From on.”The difficulty for small and medium-sized enterprises January 2013 there will be no loss of child benefit until is not the idea of employment rights, but that the at least one parent earns £50,000, after which the benefit difficulties and costs of taking on new employees— will be gradually reclaimed through increasing the take particularly young employees—become so overwhelming up to £60,000. Beyond that, people stop getting the that there is a massive disincentive so to do. benefit at all. That will be a very complex system to administer, and my major concern is how it will affect Mr Howarth: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for people in my constituency. If the benefit had been having rebalanced his view slightly, but I still think that raised in line with inflation, a couple with one child he is wrong. When I talk to employers about the difficulties would have received £88 a year more in child benefit or they have in recruiting, they tell me that they have two £145 a year for two children in 2012-13, but now they priorities, particularly in regard to young people. The will simply not get that. first is that the young people should have the right skill The latest Department for Work and Pensions figures set and should be capable of doing the job without show that in Knowsley 21,185 families were in receipt of needing too much training from the employer. The child benefit, with 35,725 children between them. That second, which is harder to pin down, is about attitude. is a substantial number of people who will be adversely Employers are looking for people who are disciplined affected by these changes in my constituency alone. It is enough to turn up at the right time and not to take days inevitable that I should comment on that, as it is totally off on a whim. Such considerations come ahead of the unacceptable for those families. I fear that one consequence concerns that the hon. Gentleman has described. will be—perversely perhaps, or even unintentionally—that I want to talk briefly about the cumulative effect that some families that manage to convince the Jobcentre the measures in the Budget will have on the people in Plus people that they are genuinely unemployed, might Knowsley whom I represent. I also want to cover the decide that they will be better off if they are not proposals for minimum unit pricing for alcohol, as one working. 59 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 60
Mr Chope: Does the right hon. Gentleman realise That is clearly true: it will affect everyone. The company that something like £100 million will be spent on adds: administering the new child benefit arrangements—a “It will hit people on the lowest incomes hardest.” figure very similar to the total amount that the Treasury That, too, is clearly true. thinks could be saved by putting a cap on charitable donations tax relief? Thirdly, Halewood says: “Minimum unit pricing is likely to be illegal under European Law. It is inconsistent with the operation of the free market for Mr Howarth: The hon. Gentleman makes a useful the state to intervene on price.” point. I said that the system would be complex to The company is not alone in that view. The Economic administer, and complex things cost more, so the hon. Secretary to the Treasury has said: Gentleman is right to say that. I had not intended to cover the point, but he is also right to express concerns, “the Scottish Government have recently introduced a Bill that as did my Front-Bench colleague, my hon. Friend the seeks to bring in a 45p per unit minimum price… we believe that it could be incompatible with article 34 of the treaty of the functioning Member for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves), about the of the European Union… That is the position.”—[Official Report, effect of these changes on charities. I happily endorse 14 December 2011; Vol. 537, c. 341WH.] the sentiment behind the hon. Gentleman’s comments.. So it is not just companies with an interest in the matter I mentioned the maximum pension credit, which is that believe that minimum pricing is likely to be problematic being cut by £1.98 a week for single pensioners and in terms of European law. In December last year, the £3.36 a week for couples. The threshold at which people Government thought the same. qualify for pension credit has increased by 8.4% to Fourthly, Halewood says: £111.80 for single pensioners and £178.35 for couples. That means that 27,500 pensioners in Knowsley could “The UK alcohol industry already pays some of the highest rates of alcohol tax in Europe. The Budget delivered a 5% increase be affected by these changes. One important characteristic in duty.” of the previous Government—I do not think it is open to dispute—is that the lot of pensioners steadily increased Finally, it says: during the period in which they were in office. What we “The drinks industry is committed to helping to tackle alcohol seem to be confronted with here is the potential for misuse. It is delivering a range of initiatives to encourage responsible pensioners to get poorer and poorer, as happened under drinking, such as through the Public Health Responsibility Deal.” previous Conservative Governments. That is a real concern That is the case being put by the industry, and by in my constituency. These changes, taken in conjunction some of my constituents. Personally, I have an open with other changes to the benefit system, will mean real mind on the introduction of minimum unit pricing. I hardship in my constituency, which is one of the poorest recognise that problematic drinking exists throughout in the country. the country—not just in urban areas, but in every constituency—and that there is a growing problem of Let me say a few words about minimum unit pricing young people drinking too much, too often, and ending for alcoholic beverages. I shall quote a constituent who up with serious health problems as a result. If I could be wrote to me. I shall not name them, as I do not have convinced that these measures would address that permission to do so. My constituent wrote: adequately, I could be persuaded to support them, but I “The reality is that minimum pricing will affect those less do need to be convinced. well-off and have little impact on those with a poor relationship with alcohol. It will enrich retailers without creating jobs, reduce investment and damage producers leading to the loss of jobs. The Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): I cannot agree with the treasury will recover less duty and tax from the sector as a whole.” right hon. Gentleman about minimum pricing, because I think there is a lot of evidence to suggest that the most I will give my view in a few minutes, but I think that responsible drinking goes on in our public houses. when people write to Members of Parliament expressing Although the alcohol manufacturers may have some such concerns, it is important for us to raise and address reservations about minimum pricing, does the right the issues. hon. Gentleman agree that low charging by supermarkets, I have also received some briefing from a company in whereby our young people buy alcohol in them and get my constituency, Halewood International. It employs tanked up before going out, is detrimental both to our 500 people in the north-west of England, most of society in general and to our pub industry, which I am whom are in my constituency. It produces some products sure all Members cherish and are keen to see survive? of which Members may have heard—one is Crabbie’s Ginger Beer, which is a very popular drink; another is Mr Howarth: The hon. Lady makes an effective point. Red Square Vodka—and, as well as producing some I am tempted to enter into a debate about what has important brands, it distributes brands for a large number happened to the pub industry over the last decade, but I of other companies. doubt whether that would be in order. I will say, however, Halewood has made a number of points, to which I that people’s habits have changed, including in respect hope Ministers will consider responding. First, it says: of the places they go to for entertainment. That is particularly the case for young people. Many of them “Alcohol consumption has declined since 2004 and more people are drinking responsibly.” no longer go to pubs for entertainment. Some of the new places they go to serve alcohol, but others do not. I think that there is evidence to support that assertion. More is going on here than the hon. Lady suggests, Secondly, it says: therefore. She is right, however, that some young people “There is no evidence that minimum pricing will reduce alcohol buy alcohol from supermarkets and drink it at home, so misuse. It will affect all consumers and punish the majority who that they are already half-filled up, as it were, when they drink responsibly.” later go out to a nightclub. One of the reasons they do 61 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 62 so is that the drink prices in nightclubs are so expensive. For example, a single parent earning £60,000 a year I hasten to add, however, that I am not an expert on will lose all their child benefit, whereas next door there young people’s drinking habits. may be two people each earning £40,000 and they will retain their child benefit. Constituents say to me—perhaps Diana Johnson: Will my right hon. Friend give way? this happens to you, too, Madam Deputy Speaker—that they resent the fact that the house next door is almost Mr Howarth: I fear that I am at risk of straying into a identical to theirs and yet is in a different band for separate debate, but I shall give way. community charge or, as it is now called—[Interruption.] It is not the poll tax; it is the council tax. If they resent a Diana Johnson: Minimum alcohol pricing alone is difference of £100 or £200 in their council tax compared not a magic bullet. A range of other policies must be with that of their next-door neighbour, how resentful pursued, too, including making personal, social, health will they be when they find that they are losing child and economic education mandatory in schools so that benefit, which could run into thousands of pounds per young people learn about what happens to them if they annum, as a result of being a single-income family drink too much. earning more than £60,000, whereas the people next door, who are earning a lot more, are retaining their Mr Howarth: I am sure my hon. Friend is right, and, child benefit? Obviously, such people would not have as I have said, I have an open mind on the subject. the same costs associated with earning their income as a single parent family, who would normally have to rely I fear, however, that if the alcohol products that on child care to enable them to make their income high young people take home to drink before going to a enough to pay the full amount—more than £60,000. So nightclub—or wherever—are no longer available to buy I do not see how this new system will ever be fair or be in supermarkets or other licensed retail establishments, seen to be fair by the people who will be affected by it. there will be an increase in the sale of illegal products on the streets, and that is also a fear that I have in Today the Government are launching their consultation respect of minimum unit pricing. We have already seen paper on plain packaging for tobacco products. Some this happening to some extent in respect of tobacco wags are saying that that is promoted by the Treasury, products. Also, such products that are illegally imported because it will give the Treasury more room on the back and then sold on the streets are not subject to quality of the fag packet to write down its latest policy controls. announcements. I do not know whether or not that is correct, but the proposals in clause 8 and schedule 1 If we do not get the education messages mentioned smack of policies conceived if not on the back of a fag by my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull packet, certainly on the back of an envelope. We know North (Diana Johnson) right, young people will drink now that the proposal to take child benefit away from anyway, but they will not be able to afford the products higher-rate tax payers was made at the Conservative on offer in supermarkets and other licensed retail party conference in 2010, at very short notice. It was establishments. Instead, they will buy products off the then decided by the Chancellor that it would not be back of a white van outside the park on a Friday night. possible to take child benefit away from those with That is a big fear of mine, and I have yet to hear a children aged between 16 and 18. satisfactory response to it. I fear that the overall impact of this Bill will be far Jacob Rees-Mogg: Does my hon. Friend agree that, worse on the people of Knowsley than on the people of in principle, it is right that we should not tax people the Cities of London and Westminster. I hope the highly then to give them back universal benefits? Does Government give more thought to the effect these measures he agree that we want to get away from a system where will have on poorer pensioners, people on low incomes everyone gets benefits and then has to pay more tax just and those struggling to bring up children on a relatively to get them? low income. They are important members of our society. If we do not offer them the right level of support, I fear Mr Chope: I agree with my hon. Friend that there is a for the future. lot to be said for simplification and stopping the churning effect. The late Lord Joseph was a great campaigner on 5.44 pm these issues, and other Conservatives in the past have campaigned to simplify the tax system, which is the Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): It is a avowed intent of this Government. I also think it right pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Knowsley to recognise in the tax system that when people have (Mr Howarth). So far, this has been a low-key debate, equivalent incomes, those with children have higher but I suspect that when the people directly affected by costs than those without children. If we are to recognise the Bill receive their tax demands, they will write to us families in the tax system, one way is to have what used in large numbers. to be a child allowance, which is now incorporated into I will concentrate my remarks on clause 8 and schedule 1, the child benefit. which relate to the higher rate child benefit charge. I If parents have higher costs, why should they start to raised this issue in an Adjournment debate. I am grateful pay tax at the same level of income as somebody who is to the Exchequer Secretary, whom I am pleased to see in not a parent and does not have those higher costs? That his place, as the Government have given some ground is where I disagree with the Government on this policy, and have responded to some of the concerns expressed which I do not think is fair or consistent. When it has in that debate and more widely, but I remain concerned been justified by the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of that we will find ourselves with a lot of aggrieved the Exchequer and the Exchequer Secretary, they have constituents who will not be persuaded that the proposals argued that it is wrong that people who earn £20,000 or in the Bill are fair and equitable. £30,000 a year pay for the child benefit of people like 63 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 64
[Mr Chope] I certainly went into the general election thinking that we would preserve child benefit as part of the universal my hon. Friend the Member for North East Somerset benefit system in the same way as we would preserve the (Jacob Rees-Mogg). The answer to that is that neither universal benefits that are applicable to so many of my my hon. Friend nor other people are being subsidised in constituents, as my hon. Friend points out. that way by other taxpayers, because, as the Exchequer My belief was reinforced on 22 June 2010, when the Secretary confirmed in a written answer to me just before Chancellor said in his Budget speech in this House that the recess, somebody would have to have 10 children and “we have decided to freeze child benefit for the next three years. be on the threshold of higher-rate tax before they started This is a tough decision, but I believe that it strikes the right to receive more child benefit than they were paying out balance between keeping intact this popular universal benefit, in tax. The Government deploy a specious argument while ensuring that everyone across the income scale makes a when they say that someone on £20,000 or £30,000 a contribution to helping our country reduce its debts.”—[Official year is paying for my hon. Friend’s child benefit. Report, 22 June 2010; Vol. 512, c. 173.] Mark Field: I think my hon. Friend and I agree that At that stage, everybody thought that that was the end one of the most important tasks for any Government is of it. We would retain child benefit, but freeze it for to get the huge deficit down. One of the single biggest three years, The yield to the Exchequer of freezing child costs is the cost of welfare, which this year, for the very benefit in 2013-14 is no less than £1 billion. Looking first time, will go through an aggregate £200 billion back, I think that that was also the point at which the mark. Does he not accept that reconsidering the universality Chancellor should have said that he was going to freeze of certain benefits would be a sensible way to get the the age-related allowances. If had that been presented deficit down? Although I do not disagree with elements in the same context, with those in receipt of child of what he has said about the workings of clause 8, benefit having their benefit frozen at the same time as consideration of removing universality from relatively those in receipt of age-related allowances had theirs well-off people, not just for this benefit but for others, frozen, I do not think that there would have been a row would be a desirable way forward. about it as there has been this time. That is the background, so how were we able to end Mr Chope: My hon. Friend makes a good point. As I up with the Government effectively launching an attack said at a press conference organised by the Child Poverty on hard-working families with children? The Government Action Group, there is a strong intellectual case for have got themselves into a mess because they have not saying that we should revisit universal benefits. What is complied with their own policy of properly discussing happening here, however, is that one particular universal the issues in advance of introducing measures. An interesting benefit—child benefit—is under attack whereas others document, “Tax policy making: a new approach”, was are not. Will we say next that if somebody with wealthy produced immediately after the election. It was issued parents presents themselves at a hospital, their parents by the Treasury in June 2010 and in the preface, my should have to pay a charge? Are we going to start hon. Friend the Exchequer Secretary said: saying that free dental treatment for children should not “I want a new approach to tax policy making; a more considered be available to the children of better-off families? Are approach. Consultation on” we going to remove a whole load of other universal benefits? If we are thinking of going down that route, tax we should have a big public discussion and a public “design and scrutiny of draft legislative proposals should be the debate. We should put all the universal benefits into the cornerstones of this approach.” melting pot and decide whether we think there would be a big benefit if the number of universal benefits were Mr Ward: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that his reduced or eliminated and whether, as a result, the call for a wider debate is necessary because universal overall levels of tax could be reduced. benefits are often not universally claimed? That adds another complication to the issues that he raises. I know Mark Field: I know that my hon. Friend is a very of two schools in areas of equal deprivation. The percentage brave man and I recall that Christchurch is the constituency of free school meals at one is 25% whereas at the other with the largest number of pensioners. Does he think it is 53%, yet the levels of deprivation are equal in both that the universal benefits of the television licence allowance areas. The issue is very complicated. and the winter fuel allowance should not necessarily go to the wealthiest of his pensioner constituents? Mr Chope: It is complicated, particularly as free Mr Chope: My hon. Friend gives me the opportunity school meals are obviously not a universal benefit. to hide behind the manifesto commitments made by the Child benefit has a 96% or 97% take-up rate, and the Conservative party and the Prime Minister. I was going Government’s proposals in the Finance Bill are designed to refer later to some of the background, but, prompted to reduce that take-up rate. A number of people might by that intervention, I will perhaps say the following. opt out of receiving child benefit, so it will no longer be When the Prime Minister was Leader of the Opposition, a universal benefit. As the hon. Gentleman says, if we he said: want a debate about universal benefits, let us have one, “I want the next Government to be the most family friendly but let us do so in the context of a Green Paper, some Government we’ve ever had in this country”. draft legislative proposals and so on. On 5 March 2010, he told a public meeting in Bolton In December 2010, in response to the consultation on that he would not change child benefit. On 6 October the issue of a new approach to tax policy making, my 2009, six months or so earlier, the then shadow Chancellor, hon. Friend the Exchequer Secretary said: now the Chancellor of the Exchequer, told the Conservative “This new approach is vital to the Government’s aim of party conference: restoring the UK tax system’s reputation for predictability, stability “We will preserve child benefit”. and simplicity.” 65 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 66
There it is: simplicity.We are now talking about employing, with children to make a greater contribution towards on my estimate, between 500 and 1,000 extra staff in deficit reduction than those on equivalent earnings without order to claw back child benefit to the extent of £1.5 billion children? I have asked that question a number of times from 1.2 million households. How complicated and in the House but I have never had a satisfactory answer. complex is that? One has only to look at the detailed I want to put forward an alternative proposal in this figures produced by the Treasury in connection with the public forum. There are about 2 million people earning Budget and to read the report of the Institute for Fiscal more than £60,000 a year in this country. I have here Studies to realise that it is incredibly complicated. That some figures from a response to a parliamentary question is why my right hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin that was asked on 27 February 2012, column 63W, and Harpenden (Mr Lilley) said in the media not long which gave the number of taxpayers in 2010-11 in ago that when he was a Treasury Minister, he was asked detailed income bands. The figures suggest that there to consider this issue on a number of occasions by were about 1.85 million taxpayers with incomes of Treasury officials and he always reached the conclusion more than £60,000 in 2011. The Library note that I have that one could do something with child benefit but not says that the information in HMRC table 2.5 and on the in a way that was fair and equitable. The Government rate at which people’s incomes are increasing suggests have come up with a proposal that is not fair and that there will be around 2 million taxpayers with equitable. incomes over £60,000 in 2011-12. Those are the people I We know that the Government are relying on getting thought the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the £1.5 billion in income from the measure and I realise Exchequer had in mind when they said that those on that it is very difficult at this stage, when the Budget and higher incomes should make a larger contribution to the sums have been done, to move amendments that are deficit reduction. in order to try to show how an equivalent sum could be All those people—the best part of 2 million taxpayers— raised in an alternative way. If the money was not all could each be charged £1,000. That would generate being raised from the people being targeted at the £2 billion and at a stroke we would be free of interfering moment and there was a proposal to increase the with the universal child benefit and would be free of contributions of some other people, such an amendment being accused of picking on people with children rather would be calling for an increase in tax and so could not than people without children. It would remove at a be tabled by a humble Back Bencher under the Standing stroke the need to employ all the extra civil servants Orders of the House. Notwithstanding that, however, I needed to administer a system that will be very complex, hope to refer briefly to another way in which an equivalent particularly in relation to those earning between £50,000 amount of money could be raised by the Exchequer, and £60,000 a year. It would also remove the administrative which would be much fairer and simpler and which burden of having to introduce into the tax system might find favour with a surprisingly large number of definitions of couples living together—that is already a people if put out to consultation. nightmare in the benefit system, so why introduce it Let me conclude my comments on the lack of advance into the tax system? I do not think the measures have consultation on the child benefit measures. I think that been thought through, but rather than being negative some draft clauses should have been published and about them, I am saying to my hon. Friend the Minister discussed. The Government had been thinking about that I hope the Government will reconsider this issue the measures since October 2010 and, contrary to what between now and Report and perhaps consult on the they had said they would do, they did not produce any possibility of asking, “Why don’t all those people earning draft clauses for consultation, so we are effectively left over £60,000 a year make a contribution of £1,000 and to scrutinise a Bill that was published during the recess. thereby collectively generate £2 billion in income for the We have had two weekends to look at it and this Treasury in the next financial year?” Incidentally, that Thursday we will have to decide on all the amendments would also remove the need to interfere with age-related on child benefit in what will probably be, at most, a allowances because the yield would be slightly larger. three-hour debate, under the timetable motion that the I do not have any personal interest in this issue now Government seek to impose on the House. because my two children are past the age at which they I urge my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, when he enabled their parents to qualify for child benefit, but if considers next year’s Budget, to revisit his proposals for we were to bring this down to Members of the House, I having a better system with a lot more consultation. ask why a colleague of mine with one, two, three or four With such a consultation, I do not think we would be in children on a parliamentary salary should be forced to our present difficulties with the VAT on static caravans, forfeit child benefit or have a child benefit charge, which the removal of the pensioner age-related allowance, the may run to several thousand pounds a year, placed capping of tax relief on charity donations and so on. upon them while I, who no longer have the responsibility The Chancellor and his Treasury team must be pretty of having children in school, do not make a contribution. concerned about the adverse publicity that has followed It just does not seem fair to me. There is a fairer way to the Budget, but all those difficulties could have been do this. avoided if the team had been a bit more trusting of their When I originally raised my idea with the Chancellor fellow parliamentarians and had shared information on of the Exchequer he said, “Who wants to start increasing these measures before the final decisions were made. the higher rate of tax?” but we do not need to do that The consequence of the proposals on child benefit is because, fortunately, the Treasury has come forward that 1.2 million of the 7.9 million families receiving with a form of introducing an arbitrary extra charge—a child benefit will lose out. Some 70% of those families fixed sum, which is effectively a tax—that comes into will lose the full amount whereas others in the band play as soon as somebody’s income passes a particular between £50,000 and £60,000 will lose some if not all of threshold, which would be £60,000 in this case. That would their child benefit. Why do the Government want taxpayers enable us to avoid a situation in which 670,000 households 67 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 68
[Mr Chope] America had the same deficit problem as Britain after the worldwide slump, but President Obama stuck with a family income of more than £60,000 will retain to the plan that we were pursuing when we were in some or all of their child benefit while single-parent government: supporting the economy until recovery households on £60,000 will lose everything. I do not was secure. The US is growing, as we can all see, and have the figures to hand but there are tens of thousands unemployment is falling—the opposite of what is happening of single-parent households. here. As we have no growth and so many more people Given the additional disincentives that will result are out of work—on the dole rather than paying taxes—the from the introduction of the measure, I hope that Chancellor’s deficit reduction plan is not working. In Treasury Ministers will think again about the wisdom fact, as has been recognised on both sides of the House, of what they plan to do. There could be perverse the Government are set to borrow an extra £150 billion consequences as people try to avoid the charges. There to pay for that economic failure. could be all sorts of hard luck stories. A person earning The sole Scottish National party Member who was in £60,000 or £70,000 might take pity on a widow with the Chamber has left his place for the time being. Much several children and go to live in her house. They would was said in the ’80s and ’90s about the abundant revenues then find that they had to pay, because they were that were accumulated in this country from North sea earning more than £60,000 and living with someone oil and gas, but it was clear even in those heady days who was in receipt of child benefit. Is that really the sort that they were being used up in economic failure. We are of message the Government want to send? I do not seeing a repeat of the mistakes of the late ’80s and the think it is. We want to keep the tax system simple. We early ’90s; we are paying a heavy price for economic want to promote the importance of families with children failure. That is why to a certain extent it is difficult to and recognise their extra responsibilities, not penalise oppose some public sector pay restraint when others are them in the tax system. losing their jobs, but in tough times, it is even more important to do things fairly. We should freeze wages 6.10 pm for top-paid public sector workers to fund bigger pay rises for those on the lowest incomes, because if they Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): I have more money in their pocket, they will spend it in want to look at what the Bill does for the economy, the our high streets, which will give a glimmer of hope to country and the people of our nations. What does it SMEs. mean in terms of jobs, growth and fairness? Ministers simply have not listened, but that is no After the global recession, there needed to be tough surprise. Only last week, the right hon. Member for decisions on tax and spending and how best we pay the Haltemprice and Howden (Mr Davis) wrote that with deficit down. As was indicated earlier, much has been every passing day the Government seem more and more said about the previous Government spending in an out of touch with people on modest and middle incomes. excessive manner, but when my party was in government, They are not just out of touch; they are already showing those who now find themselves on the Government signs of increasing incompetence. Over the last couple Benches said nothing at all about programmes for new of weeks, we have seen half-hearted attempts at U-turns— schools and hospitals. That was not excessive spending; going back and wishing to consult and reconsider. The it was all needed after years of lack of investment, and next few days will really test this Government and this it was welcomed with open arms. Members now on the Chancellor and his Treasury team. Government Benches went to official openings, and applauded what was happening in their back yards, yet We all witnessed the Government’s incompetence suddenly it has become “excessive spending” by the when we read in our newspapers, heard on our radios Government who were in power at the time. and saw on our televisions that they had caused panic at filling stations the length and breadth of the country. The 50p top tax rate on the richest was introduced by The Government’s economic policies are failing. Working the previous Government, and it is why we set out the families are paying the price, and it is a heavy price. We difficult cuts that would be required to police, education all live in hope of a change of heart. Unless there is one, and welfare budgets. However, by raising taxes and next year pensioners will be hit hard, as millions are cutting spending too far and too fast, this Tory-led asked to pay more so that millionaires can pay less. Government have choked off the country’s economic The Budget does nothing to give Britain the jobs and recovery and put hundreds of thousands more people growth we desperately need now, and nothing to support out of work. families and pensioners on modest and middle incomes. As I have said on many occasions in the House, my Instead, it will do the opposite. This month, families are constituency is a rural one. The two biggest employers starting to find out what the Government’s decisions are the national health service and local government, so will mean for their budgets. As my Front-Bench colleagues in the private sector my constituency depends on small have pointed out, according to independent experts the and medium-sized enterprises. This afternoon, we have changes coming into effect this month will leave a heard what SMEs are looking for. Yes, they want to be family with children worse off by an average of £511 a able to employ an extra pair of hands—if the work is year. To many of us in this place, £10 a week may not there—and people have said that should be made easier seem a lot, but it is to a family merely getting by. for them. I am not about making life difficult for SMEs, but I can tell Members who are still in the Chamber that Nick de Bois (Enfield North) (Con): The hon. Gentleman SMEs are looking for a bit of optimism. They want to would do well to reflect on one thing that would really see the optimism that, when the national minimum hurt families: it would be far more devastating if the wage was introduced, allowed them to invest and employ Government did not stick to their policies, and there additional hands; it was a sign of growth or green was an increase of 1% or more to the interest rate, and shoots—call it what we may. to mortgage rates. Does he agree? 69 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 70
Mr Brown: Only in certain respects. The hon. Gentleman We will ask MPs from other parties to join us. We will talks about mortgage interest rates; I am sure that he also vote to stop the £3 billion tax cut for the richest. We does not need me to remind him that not every household will call for a tax on bank bonuses to fund a guaranteed has a mortgage. Some families are finding it difficult to job for every young person who is out of work for more pay their rent, let alone a mortgage. That is why I make than 12 months—a job that they should have to take the point that £10 a week would make a real difference up, and that they will relish the challenge of taking up, to many families. given the opportunity. I shall soon conclude, because my points about VAT Sheila Gilmore: Does my hon. Friend agree that have already been made, but I did mention, in the three many families are experiencing increases in mortgage or four-day debate that followed the Budget towards the rates? Increases have recently been announced, despite end of March, the issue of VAT on caravans. I said that what the hon. Member for Enfield North (Nick de Bois) I did not know how many caravan parks I had in my says. People are feeling the pain. constituency, but I guessed that in no part of my constituency would a person be more than 8, 10 or Mr Brown: I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention. 12 miles from a caravan park. There are 58 sites in my There is no doubt that there are myriad different experiences constituency. The VAT will have an impact on those out there in our communities, towns, cities and villages. businesses, and a considerable number of them have To keep their jobs, people are deciding to take pay cuts contacted me already. It is my intention to meet them to or to work fewer hours, and that is tragic, because when discuss how much of an impact the measure is having. that happens, household income is affected. That will We have talked about hard-working families; the plea have a greater impact on some families than on others. to families is that they should enjoy a staycation this A point was made about the working tax credit. I summer—in other words, they should holiday here in have spoken to welfare rights services in my constituency, the United Kingdom. That is the right thing to do. and to Citizens Advice, and only now—since the end of After October, unless there is a change of heart, there last week, and in the two or three weeks ahead—are we will be an increase in the cost of holidays for hard-working all beginning to see the impact. It had not really dawned families on many of the sites that I am talking about. It on people how much of an impact there would be. I will is not just my constituency that is affected; I know from undoubtedly see some of the 400 families in my constituency my discussions with Government Members that it is a who will lose all their tax credits. They do not have a serious issue for the tourism sector the length and hope of moving from 16 hours’ work per week, for a breadth of the UK. couple, to 24 hours’ work a week. I just mentioned that Let me say for the third and perhaps final time that I some families are working fewer hours to keep their job. hope that there will be a change of heart, because we The work is not there. For those families, the loss is are heading in the wrong direction. There is far too potentially in excess of £70 per week. In many cases—this much pain in the country at the moment. There is more has been mentioned to me by two constituents whom I to come—I recognise that—but it is not being shared have met—people feel that they would be better off fairly. quitting work and living off benefits. That is not to say that benefits are excessive in this country—anything 6.27 pm but. People are struggling to make ends meet. How does that square with the idea, which I hope all of us in this David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): It is good to follow House agree on, that work pays? Some families are the hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway (Mr Brown), saying, “It’s a waste of time working; I would be better who makes an important point about staycations. I off on benefits, because I am about to lose my tax recommend coming to Macclesfield for a staycation. credits.” Nestled beneath the Peak district, and enjoying tremendous views over the Cheshire plain, it is a great place to be. It There are key Budget decisions that it is not too late even beats Retford; the hon. Member for Bassetlaw to stop. The £3 billion tax rises for pensioners—the (John Mann) will know that. so-called granny tax that the Chancellor announced last month—does not kick in until next year. That is why I John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): But Macclesfield is say to Government Members that, to a certain extent, I about to be relegated. live in hope that there will be a change of heart over the next few days. Then there is the £3 billion handout that David Rutley: Let’s keep football out of this. Coming the Chancellor announced for people earning more back to the Finance (No. 4) Bill, it is tremendous to than £150,000, when he cut the 50p top rate of income have the opportunity to speak in this important debate. tax. That is a tax cut of more than £40,000 for 14,000 Now that we are nearly halfway through this Parliament, millionaires, all on the back of pensioners and working it is important to think about our direction of travel. It families. How out of touch are the Prime Minister and is clear that under this Government, Britain has returned the Chancellor if they think that millions of pensioners to economic credibility, and is laying the foundation for who have worked hard all their life should have to pay private sector and business-led recovery. Despite views more tax next year, so that millionaires can pay less? It to the contrary among those on the Opposition Benches, does not square. Ministers boast that the state pension my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is increasing, but when we look at it in more detail, we has been proved right to chart the course that he did at see that it is only keeping up with inflation. the beginning of the Parliament. He was right not just What is happening in the Budget is not fair or right. to tackle the deficit head on, but to put the private That is why, as my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds sector at the heart of the growth agenda, where it needs West (Rachel Reeves) said, Labour will hold a vote in to be. It is a consistent theme that came through loud the House on Thursday to try to defeat the granny tax. and clear in the emergency Budget and the 2011 Budget. 71 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 72
[David Rutley] the Chancellor— “has sent a powerful signal to companies to invest, do business Now, in the 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill, it continues to be and create jobs in the UK.” pivotal, and at the centre of what the Government are The IOD goes further and says: trying to achieve. “The reduction of Corporation Tax faster than planned is a There are a number of important proposed tax changes, positive step in the right direction”. which we have heard discussed by hon. Members, but I want to focus on the measures that have been designed These are important signals and key messages from the to support British businesses, which are critical to economic business community showing support for what the recovery. First and foremost, I welcome the Government’s Government are doing in this important area. move to accelerate the commitment to having the lowest Although the debate today is rightly focused primarily corporation tax in the G7. It is strange that no Opposition on the tax-related aspects of the Budget, I shall spend a Members took any time to mention that, because that is few minutes considering the supply-side reforms which where we will create new jobs. Having corporation tax will also have important impacts on the economy. That at 22% by 2014 will give us real competitive advantage is why it is right to acknowledge the work that is being in attracting the investment that we need for sustainable done by the Government in reducing the regulatory economic growth. This Government’s plans are bold burdens faced by our businesses. As Ronald Reagan and ambitious, bringing the effective rate of corporation once said: tax to a level below that of developed countries such as “It’s hard when you’re up to your armpits in alligators to France, where it is currently 36.1%, Germany, where the remember you came here to drain the swamp”, rate is 30 to 33% and Canada, where the rate is 25% to but this Government have not forgotten, and are taking 31%. I understand that even the Republican party in the action to drain that swamp. United States proposes an effective rate of 25%. The measures set out in clause 5 will help us to increase The UK has more than 21,000 regulations on its business investment and will help us on our trajectory. I books, and the Institute of Directors has calculated that understand that the forecast by the Treasury suggests the cost of those regulations is approaching £112 billion £3.4 billion of extra investment by British businesses, a year. These figures clearly demonstrate that we will which is vital for the country. benefit from an approach to deregulation that is every Through the Finance Bill the Government have bit as ambitious as the Government’s deficit reduction recognised the vital roles that innovation will play in helping initiatives and their tax reform strategies that will create to strengthen the economy. That is clearly demonstrated the optimal conditions for growth. That is far better by the Government’s corporate tax road map, which and more constructive than the demands from the came out in November 2010, with the introduction of Opposition for yet more Government spending. the patent box, which features in clause 19 and schedule 2, The size of the prize is huge. Cutting the regulatory and by the above the line research and development tax burden on businesses by just 10% would save British credit, both of which will come into effect in April 2012. businesses about £11 billion a year. That is the equivalent Such tax measures complement the work that the of cutting corporation tax and the small profit rate by a Government are doing to support vital innovative businesses staggering eight percentage points. Even by the standards and industries, such as pharmaceuticals. The recently of the benefits provided by the Bill, that is a hugely launched life science strategy will also help industry in positive contribution to business. That is why the the UK to tackle global challenges that are being faced Government are pressing ahead with their deregulatory in the pharmaceutical sector and will help us to keep agenda. The one-in, one-out rule has helped to stem the this important skilled work force in the UK, just as I am flow of new regulations, and the red tape challenge is working with AstraZeneca to do in Macclesfield. tackling the stock of old regulations. Reforms of health The Budget sets out important steps to help the small and safety regulations will help to free British businesses and medium-sized enterprise sector. The SMEs will be from a culture that is damaging the well-being of our the vital engines for growth in the sector, as many of us economy. on the Government Benches are aware. The Budget’s Churchill once said: £20 billion national loan guarantee scheme will help to “If you have ten thousand regulations you destroy all respect reduce the cost of credit for SMEs, which 60% of small for the law” , firms believe is unaffordable, and will provide an opportunity for small firms to motor ahead. Both the and, just as relevant today, destroy a nation’s Federation of Small Businesses and the British Chambers competitiveness. Working together, the Government and of Commerce have welcomed this important and ambitious the private sector should continue to seize the opportunity scheme. and put the deregulatory agenda in a higher gear. This The reforms of corporation tax and of corporate tax approach will be critical to complement the important more generally have been welcomed by business. The work set out for businesses in the Bill. forecasts suggest that they will save business £6 billion a Representing the Ribble Valley, Mr Deputy Speaker, year by 2015. That is money that will be better invested you will be aware that many of the pro-business policies by businesses in new initiatives, enabling them to get on in the Bill will help to rebalance the economy in the with the job of creating the work that many of us on country and across the regions, including the north-west. both sides of the House are keen to see come to fruition. We have become too dependent on the public sector to That is why the Budget has been welcomed by so many create jobs, and we must change that, as we are doing. business groups and by the business community. Despite much grumbling from the Opposition, there is The CBI says that evidence of success. We see important progress at Jaguar “by seizing the opportunity to make sure our corporate tax Land Rover, where 1,000 jobs are being created at system is more internationally competitive, he”— Halewood by a 24-hour production line, one of the few 73 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 74
24-hour facilities in Europe. BAE Systems has been (RachelReeves). I will come back to that later. The hon. named a key contractor for the F-35 joint strike fighter, Member for Macclesfield mentioned business investment, which will bring about £30 billion to the UK economy which is important. The £20 billion scheme introduced and safeguard 25,000 jobs, many of which are based in by the Government is very welcome. I will also come to the north-west, near Mr Deputy Speaker’s constituency. that later. We have seen other positive news in recent weeks. In The hon. Gentleman also mentioned Ronald Reagan. Crewe, near Macclesfield, thanks to a £3 million regional That was the second mention of him today. The hon. growth fund investment, Bentley has announced that it Gentleman talked about him in relation to alligators will create 500 extra new jobs. All these steps show that and cleaning the swamp. Earlier, my hon. Friend the private sector jobs are being created. As a result, more Member for Leeds West referred to the Laffer curve, employers in the north-west are feeling more optimistic which was written on a napkin. It suggests that if one about job-creation opportunities. According to a March reduces taxation, one will get growth. It was pointed 2012 Manpower survey, 6% more employers in the out on the Floor of the House that that does not really north-west say that they intend to hire this quarter than happen. Nevertheless, it is one of those myths that are in the last quarter, which is welcome news for the region. in the system and that will stay there. We have heard much from the Opposition about job The hon. Gentleman mentioned cutting the regulatory creation. My concern as I look at their policies is that, burden. I agree with that. When I was in opposition yet again, they are calling for more jobs to be created by before, a Minister came to a meeting and showed us the the public sector, which are not sustainable. The jobs regulations that the former Government had introduced that the Government seek to create are sustainable. and those that the Conservative Government of the They are based on a private sector-led recovery. As I time had introduced. The second pile was twice as high. listen to the arguments from the Opposition, it is ever A great amount of what the Government do increases more clear to me that the previous Government were red tape and the regulatory burden. We are therefore overspent, overdrawn and over-awed by the challenge happy that there is an attack on red tape. that they had helped to create. It has been left to this The hon. Gentleman also mentioned Winston Churchill. Government to clear up that mess. This has been a day of famous names being thrown As we approach the halfway point in this Parliament, around the House. I will entertain the hon. Gentleman we can take stock of the progress that is being made to by telling him something that I imagine he does not back business. Important strides have been taken to know. The allowance that the Government are abolishing tackle the deficit, to address supply-side constraints and with their granny tax was brought in by Winston Churchill in this, as in previous Finance Bills, to create a truly in 1925. That fact is little known, but my mind is full of competitive corporate tax environment. Such changes useless and irrelevant information that I wish to share are much needed. That is why I add my support to the with the House. When Churchill made his Budget speech Bill today. on that day, he used a whisky flask to replenish himself and, as he pointed out, to replenish the Treasury. The hon. Gentleman is therefore in good company in discussing 6.38 pm these matters. The hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr Chope), Sir Stuart Bell (Middlesbrough) (Lab): It is a pleasure who is still in the Chamber and following the debate to follow the hon. Member for Macclesfield (David with great interest, made a number of important and Rutley), who made a number of important points. The significant points. He contradicted the hon. Member first of those was that the recovery being sought by the for Cities of London and Westminster (Mark Field) on Government is a private sector-led recovery. We would the issue of child benefit. The hon. Member for North all say amen to that, but what concerns us on the East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg) also spoke about Opposition Benches is the imbalance being created universal benefits. The hon. Member for Christchurch, between a private sector-led recovery and the social who describes himself as a humble Back Bencher, although model that we have espoused and continue to espouse. we would not necessarily agree with that term, said that The Government are somewhat unbalanced when they there is a debate to be had about universal benefits. He attack the welfare state while at the same time seeking mentioned fairness and asked where the fairness is in the recovery. the system. People who have children receive child benefit The hon. Gentleman said that Opposition Members and those who do not have children do not. The word have not referred to corporation tax. Actually, I referred “fairness” is in vogue; it is the great word. It is used by to it when the Chief Secretary to the Treasury wound Opposition Members and by Government Members. up the Budget debate, because he omitted to say that the However, unless fairness is linked to values, we have no reduction in corporation tax to 22% would not come idea what it means and what it should come to. There is into effect until 2014. He amended that today and no great appetite among Opposition Members for attacking stated that that is the case. The Opposition welcome universal benefits. that, but we wonder whether the benefit of the corporation I congratulate the hon. Member for Christchurch tax reduction will go into shareholder dividends rather because for a short while he was Chancellor of the than into growth. Although growth is a major topic in Exchequer—not for a day, not for a week, but for the this debate, the Government have yet to say how a few minutes in which he made his speech and gave his measure that will come into effect in 2014, which by my own proposals. I predict that over the years, universal reckoning is two years off, will help growth. benefits will be whittled away. We are already seeing it. We have heard a lot about growth and, in particular, They will become lower and lower. As I tell taxi drivers about national insurance holidays, which were mentioned when I talk to them about child benefit, free television by my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds West licences for the over-75s and the winter fuel payment, 75 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 76
[Sir Stuart Bell] Ernst and Young also states: “Ernst & Young’s Eurozone Forecast, Spring edition suggests in the years to come people will look at us in amazement after a fall of 0.4% in 2012, Eurozone GDP is expected to grow by and say, “Did you really have those benefits in the about 1% in 2013 and some 2% a year in 2015-16. This year, past?” That is the way things are going. economic conditions will test policy-makers’ commitment and ability to preserve the Eurozone in its current form, with large My hon. Friend the Member for Leeds West talked amounts of public and private sector debt to be re-financed, about VAT and my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries tighter credit conditions, job losses and further fiscal austerity.” and Galloway (Mr Brown) talked about the VAT on In these debates, we have been spared an attack on the caravans. I would like to talk about the sad event of the eurozone and a declaration that the eurozone is responsible 5% VAT rate on church repairs ending. The Chancellor for our low growth. The eurozone sorted itself out in called it an anomaly. When I was the Second Church December. Estates Commissioner, the Church of England worked long and hard to persuade the then Chancellor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath Mr Gauke indicated dissent. (Mr Brown), on this matter. The former Archbishop of Canterbury took him across to Lambeth palace and Sir Stuart Bell: The Minister shakes his head, but offered him a cup of tea or coffee—not the celebrated Italy and Spain were able to raise finance on the markets whisky of Winston Churchill. On the back of that, the at a reasonable rate. Since then, a firewall of something then Chancellor understood the importance of the heritage like £720 billion has been put in place. Does the Minister and fabric of our churches, and agreed effectively to really want the eurozone and the euro economies to fail, reduce the rate of VAT to 5% for three years. When he given that 60% of our trade is with Europe? He is still became Prime Minister, he made the change for the shaking his head, so I invite him to intervene. duration of his Government. It is a matter of regret to the Church that the rate has now been called an anomaly Mr Gauke: I do not want the eurozone to fail, but this and will no longer exist. That is a great pity for the is not the week for us to be complacent. Church and will create problems in maintaining its fabric. Sir Stuart Bell: I was able to drink my glass of water My hon. Friend the Member for Leeds West made a during that intervention, so it was appropriately timed. very fine speech. When she was taking interventions, I presume that the Minister is referring to Spain, which she handled with great capacity and knowledge, where the yields have reached 6% on the open market. there was confusion among Conservative Members about That is not the yield that investors are asking for on new tax avoidance and tax evasion. Tax avoidance is legal, issues, so he should settle down a bit—there is no crisis whereas tax evasion is not. I had the feeling that there in the eurozone and the euro this week. was obfuscation among Conservative Members about A lot has been said about growth in the small and the taxation regime for contributions to charity. The medium-sized enterprise community. My hon. Friend clear view is developing that the Chancellor will consider the Member for Leeds West, the hon. Member for that matter again, which we respect and welcome. I will Cities of London and Westminster, my hon. Friend the give my age away when I say that in the first Finance Member for Dumfries and Galloway and the hon. Bill on which I sat, which was in 1983, there was a Member for Macclesfield all referred to it. We, and the measure that would have liquidated the co-operative SME community, welcome the credit easing scheme insurance company. It would have wiped it out. We took that the Chancellor has introduced, which will enable the matter to Lord Lawson, who considered it and the Government to help the banks lend it a further removed the measure from the Bill. We welcome the £20 million at 1% less interest than usual bank loans. fact that the Government are looking at this issue and I am sure that they will take into account, among other I note that although the hon. Member for Chichester representations, the statement made by the Archbishop (Mr Tyrie) welcomed that credit easing in his contribution of Canterbury. to the Budget debate, he feared that the money would not go beyond the banks’ balance sheets. My concern is My hon. Friend the Member for Leeds West talked that it will not go up to the Tees valley and other local about the Ernst and Young ITEM Club and mentioned economies. It has always been a matter of regret to a number of facts from its report today. My hon. Friend those of us in the north-east that when the Government the Member for Dumfries and Galloway and the hon. came into office, they chose to treat all regions equally, Members for Cities of London and Westminster and failing to understand the vast discrepancy between the for Macclesfield also mentioned it. Its spring forecast south-east and the old industrial heartlands of the makes it clear that this year we can expect 0.4% growth: north-east. “ITEM says that what the economy needs now is for UK companies to invest their substantial cash reserves. The strong The hon. Member for Macclesfield referred to the recovery in the UK is partly due to buoyant business spending, investment in Jaguar. I congratulate the Prime Minister whereas in the UK investment has fallen to 12% below its 2008 on announcing when he was in Tokyo that a new Nissan level”. model would be manufactured in Sunderland, which That is important and serious. There is a lack of investment followed a similar announcement about another model. and companies prefer to hold their money under the Yesterday, we saw the unique event of a blast furnace bed because of the Bank of England’s concepts of that had closed two years ago, which everybody said moral hazard and too big to fail, and because of the could not be reignited, being reignited under the auspices Basel accords, which have a higher capital requirement. of a new Thai investor who put £4 billion into buying The banks are therefore reluctant to lend and, of course, the plant and £2 billion into getting the furnace going. companies are reluctant to borrow. That is an important What does it tell us about the global economy that a and significant fact that we have to deal with. Thai investor can come over and invest that money in 77 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 78 the north-east, and that steel slabs will be put on ships encourage new technological industries and reduce the and sent right across the world to Thailand? We ought deficit while simultaneously promoting growth will consign to remember that when we criticise the global economy not just one generation but multiple generations to and its impact on our own economy. long-term economic hardship and its consequences. As a consequence of the Budget, the local enterprise The international economic waters make steering such partnerships in the north-east will receive £10 million of a delicate course difficult, and we should appreciate additional funding for the Growing Places fund, to that everything that the Government do, including in unblock local projects. The hon. Member for Cities of the Bill, is hugely shaped and constrained by international London and Westminster mentioned that investment. factors. A quick glance at Greece and the eurozone We in the north-east, and certainly on Teesside, also provides a daunting reminder of the long-term economic welcome the manner in which our local enterprise zone troubles awaiting our continent. has developed and is succeeding, which is a great tribute The general thrust of the Government’s financial to our local community’s belief that there is a future policy to date has been entirely sensible—to reduce the for us. deficit while promoting and freeing the private sector. I have no interest in being negative about the north-east Sadly, that careful approach has pleased few. For some, and manufacturing, but as the Business Secretary has the idea of any reduction in public spending is completely said, manufacturing has dropped from 18% to 10% as a unacceptable, while for others the Government have share of our economy. He has also declared that he is a failed to front-load the cuts enough or cut deeply enough. social democrat, and we welcome him to the fold. He Indeed, following the Budget a few weeks ago, a number must be disappointed, as we are, that the Budget does of media outlets have portrayed their concern, frustration not go far enough or fast enough to increase jobs and and anger. The focus has largely been on the Government’s growth and offset the pace of the Chancellor’s deficit proposals to reform child benefit and personal allowances, reduction. The hon. Member for Cities of London and including those of pensioners, and on the politically Westminster made that point ably. questionable crackdown on Cornish pasties. I turn to the essence of the debate and of the Lost in the wave of negative press cuttings were some Government’s proposals, which my hon. Friend the of the positive steps that the Chancellor outlined, which Member for Dumfries and Galloway and the hon. should be highlighted and celebrated, particularly by Member for Cities of London and Westminster touched pro-business Government Members. I truly believe that upon—how to achieve growth at a time of steep deficit cutting the main rate of corporation tax to 24% from reduction. The Government could not even carry through 1 April 2012, as outlined in clause 5, and then to 22% their own deficit reduction programme for 2015, and over the next three years, sends out a clear signal that they have had to extend it to 2017. My hon. Friend the Britain is open for business once again. Member for Leeds West made the point, which the hon. Throughout the new Labour years, Britain’s lead on Member for Cities of London and Westminster took corporation tax was sadly lost. In 1997, we had the up, that public expenditure is still rising. That cannot be 10th lowest main rate among the 27 EU nations. By the gainsaid. 2010 election, we had the 20th lowest. The Government’s The hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster corporation tax reforms and other measures will give us said that we could not live beyond our means. That the most competitive tax system in the G20. reminded me of Oscar Wilde, who said when he was in I will be completely honest: I have always been happy Paris: to nail my colours to the mast and declare, as I do “I am dying beyond my means.” again, that I passionately believe in a low tax economy. Let us hope that the Budget will prove to be more on the Low tax economies are attractive places in which to set upturn than the Oscar Wilde downturn. up, relocate and expand a business. A competitive and vibrant private sector is essential for job creation, economic The Opposition welcome any measure that helps growth and, by extension, delivering a higher tax take. manufacturing, reduces red tape and gives our people Ensuring that Britain can offer such incentives to businesses optimism and confidence. That word was used in an around the world will mean that we remain the No. 1 intervention earlier, and we want confidence, but we are place in which to do business, and the Chancellor not entirely convinced that this Budget will give it. should receive a great deal of credit for putting us on such a pathway, despite the wider constraints of the 6.55 pm budget deficit. Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): It is a real privilege Thus far, I have focused on the wider economy and to be called in such an important Second Reading the creation of a private sector-led recovery through debate and to follow the hon. Member for Middlesbrough providing incentives and tax reliefs. However, I would (Sir Stuart Bell). also like to consider individual households, as the same principle can and should be applied to them. As several As the coalition made clear upon its formation back hon. Members have said, times are incredibly tough and in 2010, the overriding priority of the Government and households face real pressures. I confess that I would the House must be the economy. We have heard many have liked some news in the Budget about fuel duty, comments this afternoon about the difficult financial particularly given the importance of fuel prices in rural legacy inherited from the previous Administration, but areas such as my constituency of York Outer and across as we consider this wide-ranging Finance Bill, the focus north Yorkshire. Yet I recognise that fuel duty will have of my contribution will be on not the past but the future. been frozen for 16 months, thanks to the Government’s In such turbulent and difficult times, we must govern actions in the 2011 Budget and autumn statement, and not only for today but, perhaps more crucially, for that they also introduced the fuel stabiliser. We must future generations. Failure to ensure economic recovery, be realistic. Under the current financial conditions, 79 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 80
[Julian Sturdy] have some resonance across the House: rural areas are particularly affected by high fuel prices and that has an the Government can do only so much in each area. impact on the rural economies. I ask the Exchequer Altogether, we have done more in two years on fuel than Secretary to keep the matter constantly under consideration the previous Government did in 13. whenever he looks at increasing fuel prices.
John Mann: Does the hon. Gentleman know that Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): My hon. when the Government came in, unleaded petrol was Friend makes a good case for reducing fuel duty, especially 119p a litre? How much is it now and how much will it in rural areas. However, I also recognise that the Chancellor be after the next increase in October? has only so much money and that taking people who earn up to £9,000 out of tax will help many lower-paid Julian Sturdy: I was going on to say that we must workers in many rural areas. That will help. We must be realistic. However, if we had continued over the two concentrate our finance on where we can put it to best years with the rises that the previous Government use. introduced, fuel would have cost between 9p and 11p a litre more than it does today. Having said that, I still Julian Sturdy: I agree. Raising tax thresholds will be hope that the 3p rise planned in August will be kept under hugely helpful, and I will speak about that later. My review because we must not forget the impact of high hon. Friend is right that the number of people we will fuel prices on rural areas and the wider rural economies. take out of tax has sadly been a little lost in the press and media coverage of the Budget. We must champion and emphasise that policy. John Mann: Some of my family originate from Copmanthorpe in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency, I want to consider another controversial issue at a and petrol is sold there. Today, petrol in his constituency, household level, which several hon. Members have already mine and Mr Deputy Speaker’s is around 143p or 144p mentioned: the child benefit reforms in clause 8. In the a litre, and it is going up. So, 119p and 143p or 144p—how early consultation on the proposals, I wrote to Her much more is petrol since the Chancellor took office? Majesty’s Treasury, asking for them to be reviewed. The amendments in the Budget are clearly positive Julian Sturdy: I hope that some of the hon. Gentleman’s developments, which brought some fairness back to the friends might support me in Copmanthorpe—you never policy.My concern now is about how it will be implemented know. He is right that many rural garages in my constituency and whether the costs of administering the reduction in and throughout north Yorkshire are struggling. Independent child benefit will be worth the benefits. I hope that more forecourts are struggling even more than the supermarket light will be shed on that in due course. I would also like chains. Fuel prices have gone up, but that is due to the to put on record again my support for transferable tax higher oil prices, which have escalated dramatically over allowances as a way of increasing fairness in the system. the past two years. As I said, if we had not stopped the I believe that Ministers are still examining that, and I previous Government’s tax increases on fuel in the past hope that it will get due consideration. 18 months, fuel prices would have been 9p to 11p higher My hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton and Honiton than they are. The impact on rural areas and hard-working (Neil Parish) briefly raised the personal tax allowance families across the country would have been huge. changes that the Government have made. Again, I commend the Government for raising personal tax Nia Griffith: Has the hon. Gentleman asked the allowances faster to ensure that more of the lowest paid Chief Secretary why a rebate seems to be available in are lifted out of paying tax altogether. That is an some parts of the highlands and islands of Scotland, excellent policy and a very Conservative principle. but not in Yorkshire or Wales? The controversy about the so-called granny tax in clause 4 is understandable. I have great sympathy with Julian Sturdy: Obviously, as a north Yorkshire MP those who are unhappy about the changes, but I must who represents a rural constituency, I understand the make a couple of points. We live in extreme times. The impact of fuel prices on rural areas and economies, and largest budget deficit since the second world war requires the Government must consider that. However, as I said, a strong Government to make decisions that they would the Government have to consider the wider impact not choose to take in other circumstances. Opposition when they make such decisions. They would like to do Members can attempt to make political hay out of such many things, and I would like them to do a lot of things—I decisions, but they were not charged with the responsibility would like the 3p rise not to come in in August, and I of cleaning up the current mess. With an increasing hope that it will be kept under review if oil prices state pension, the triple-lock guarantee and the protection continue to rise—but they have to take a balanced view. of key benefits such as free eye tests, prescriptions, TV licences and bus travel, pensioners remain at the top of David Rutley: Is my hon. Friend aware that every the priority list when it comes to protecting individuals penny reduction in the fuel duty allowance costs half a from the full impact of the economic crisis. billion pounds? I wonder whether the hon. Member for In summary, the Bill contains a great deal of positive, Bassetlaw (John Mann) and other Opposition Members forward-thinking and private sector-encouraging policies. can tell us how they would fund such changes in fuel duty. It deals with the difficult but necessary financial decisions and judgments, which will be truly appreciated and Julian Sturdy: My hon. Friend is right that any cut in tested only in the fullness of time, and yet the message is fuel duty or reduction in potential rises that are coming almost more powerful than the contents. The Bill is down the line has a huge impact on the Treasury’s unashamedly proactive in building a more competitive finances, and the money always has to be found elsewhere. international economy. For that reason alone, I hope However, I go back to my original point, which will hon. Members give it full backing tonight. 81 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 82
7.10 pm which should concern us all, and that “inbound tourism” Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): Before I begin and importing my remarks on the Bill, may I make one small comment “is a major employer of young people, but international visitors on the contribution of the hon. Member for Leeds West are being turned off the UK because of the exorbitant level of (Rachel Reeves), who was a little critical in her speech APD…which is by far the highest air travel tax in the world.” of the VAT change to ski tolls? Will the hon. Member We are not all in it together, and so much for Britain for Pontypridd (Owen Smith) gently remind her that the being open for business, as the hon. Member for York systems in Glenshee, Glencoe, the Lecht, Aonach Mor Outer (Julian Sturdy) claimed. and Cairngorm are important parts of the Scottish Let us analyse what the Government are planning for winter economy? I am sure she did not intend in any APD. The £2.2 billion the Treasury collected last year is way shape or form to be critical of the many jobs they almost twice as much as every other European country provide for young people, or of the tens of thousands of combined. A family of four travelling to Spain will pay working class Scots who loyally use their local ski a total of £52 in tax. If they travel to Florida, they pay systems every winter. £260, and if they fly to Australia, they pay £368. That is why the Airport Operators Association chief executive Owen Smith: Of course my hon. Friend the Member said that his organisation will be campaigning against for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves) was not in any way the rise as the Bill progresses through the Commons. challenging the importance of those jobs. She was The Scottish National party intends to move amendments juxtaposing the Chancellor’s decision to introduce a tax to cancel the rises and, more importantly, to devolve air break in that industry and a tax increase in the caravan passenger duty to Scotland and Wales. park industry, in which there is another important set of jobs. Air connectivity is crucial to the economy. The increase in APD is unhelpful and unwelcome, and will hit the Stewart Hosie: Indeed—the caravan sector has my tourism industry and needlessly jeopardise the recovery sympathy and support in attempting to change that of the economy as a whole, but the key problem in the decision. Bill is the complete failure, as the hon. Member for York Outer said, to tackle the rising price of fuel. Let us There are many other reasons for opposing the Bill, be under no illusion about the significance of that. The and I shall highlight a number of them. One key reason Forum of Private Business has said that more than one is the introduction of the plans to reduce the 50p tax third of its members cited transport costs—predominantly rate to 45p for those earning more than £150,000 a the price of fuel—as their main cost pressure. When year—some of us have already managed to vote against they were asked what would help to improve the business the measure, but I shall say no more about that tonight. climate in the UK, they said that their main priority was According to the Government’s numbers in the 2012 not regulation, but reducing the cost of fuel duty. They Budget book, the measure will mean that the Government were incredibly blunt in their reaction to the Budget forgo £360 million over the forecast period. It is quite upon which this Finance Bill is based, saying: something when a Government are prepared to sanction the loss of revenue yield when the deficit, debt and “Businesses and consumers just can’t afford to keep paying out borrowing forecasts are worse than the forecasts in the more and more for their fuel. There is a serious risk that economic recovery in the UK is strangled at birth if the Government doesn’t previous Budget. act, and act fast.” The changes to age-related allowances for older people— We hope the Government listen to the Forum of the granny tax—will impact on about 40% of pensioners, Private Business, because the economic plan they are which is another a reason to oppose the Bill. The following simply is not working. They are following a measure will affect those who are above the basic state path that is failing. Much as I like the hon. Member for pension and pension credit level, but below the £30,000 Macclesfield (David Rutley), who is not in his place, I a year level—people on that level will not benefit anyway. do not recognise the positive progress he said he had That will leave some 4.41 million people worse off than seen in the economy. We can see that the Government’s they would otherwise have been. plan is failing because, in the 2011 Budget, the deficit The Budget and the Bill are full of wrong-headed was forecast to be £90 billion for 2011-12 and it is now decisions, not least the Government’s determination to £98 billion. The 2011 Budget forecast for 2011-12 was increase air passenger duty. Let us look at what they that the net borrowing requirement would be £122 billion, have done. In the Budget, the Chancellor announced but it is now £126 billion. National debt, on the treaty that APD will rise by 8%, or double the rate of inflation calculation, was due to peak at 87.2% of gross domestic and confirmed that it will rise again in April 2013 in line product, or £1.25 trillion, in 2013-14, but on the same with inflation, ignoring the fact that Scottish, Welsh calculation, it is now expected to peak at 92.7% of and English people, who live on an island, already pay GDP, or £1.365 trillion, in 2014-15. the highest aviation duty in any country in Europe. That means that even the Chancellor’s fiscal rules—that It is therefore no wonder that Scottish airport bosses the structural current deficit should be in balance and united prior to the Budget in calling for the Chancellor that debt is falling as a share of GDP in the final year of to rethink the planned hike in APD and give the Scottish the forecast—are under pressure, because both objectives operators what they called “a fighting chance”to compete are highly dependent on GDP growth, which, according against European rivals. Their joint statement says: to the OBR, is dependent on incredible rates of business “At a time when the Government talks about creating jobs and investment, as other hon. Members have said. In 2010, growth, its blinkered insistence on further increases in APD the Government suggested that business investment achieves precisely the opposite had to grow by between 6.7% and 10.6% a year every It goes on to say: year from 2011, but by the time of the OBR November “Youth unemployment is at record levels”, 2011 outlook, growth in business investment had turned 83 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 84
[Stewart Hosie] are no better. Their plan for a stabiliser is no such thing: it will see fuel rise by inflation when the oil price is high negative for 2011 and the forecasts had been changed to and by inflation plus—an escalator—when the price is suggest business investment growth from 2012 to 2016 low. A real fuel duty stabiliser would see the rate of duty of between 7.7% and 12.6% a year. The Government fall when the price rises, precisely because the UK have now changed that again—they expect business growth Government are already getting VAT on the North sea at heroic levels of between 6.4% and 10.1% a year windfall to pay for it. between 2013 and 2016. No doubt the failure properly to address this issue is Nobody wants growth in business investment more why the Federation of Small Businesses has expressed than I do. If we can power the economy in that way, it its disappointment that the Chancellor will be fantastic, but there is precisely no evidence that it “did not announce a cut in the level of Fuel Duty”. is happening. Indeed, the downgrade of a previous high It is why the Licensed Taxi Drivers Federation has said: estimate tells us that it is unlikely. That should be a concern to all hon. Members, because it makes a negative “rising fuel costs are creating detrimental factors” rate of central Government consumption at the same and leading to businesses being unable time more dangerous. There is nothing to offset the lack “to invest in businesses as they’d like to.” of growth in the whole economy as a result of lower- It is why bodies as diverse as the Scottish Grocers’ than-expected business investment, but that is precisely Federation, the National Farmers Union of Scotland the risk that the Chancellor has put into his plans. and the Road Haulage Association, among many others, The Chancellor’s 2011 Budget showed that between all recognise that rising fuel prices are inhibiting economic 2012 and 2015 there would be a fall in Government growth and are calling for Government action to deal consumption and expenditure of 1.2%, 1.8%, 2.4% and with it. 1.8% a year. This Budget’s figures and the Finance Bill The costs are being borne across business and society. that delivers it are no better. They show falls of between The NFUS has told me that it is 1.3% and 2.6% from 2013 through 2016. At a time when “very concerned about the rising cost of fuel and its effect on there is no guarantee of growth in business investment, rural businesses and communities. This is being felt most acutely it strikes us as particularly foolish to continue down the in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, where public transport path of reductions in central Government consumption is severely limited and fuel prices are among the highest in the and expenditure. The key point is that any Chancellor UK.” getting his sums wrong on growth will deliver an economy I say to the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann) that has a serious impact on real people, on public that if unleaded or diesel was only £1.45 a litre in some expenditure for the services that communities rely upon of these communities, the constituents there would be and on the Government’s ability to grow the economy absolutely delighted. out of its current stagnation. The NFUS accepts, as we all do, In those three areas, because the UK Government’s “that the global price of oil is beyond the Government’s control, policy is wrong and is not working, real people are however MPs could help to address this critical problem through paying the price. But that should come as no surprise. introducing a fuel duty regulator to cushion the blow of soaring The Government inherited £73 billion of cuts and tax oil prices. Such a mechanism would benefit not only the farming rises every year from 2014 to 2015 onwards. That was a community, but also Scotland’s rural economy as a whole. Transport balance of £52 billion in cuts and £21 billion in tax rises. is at the core of the rural economy, where there is far less scope to use public transport than in urban areas.” That increased to £113 billion of cuts and tax rises every year from 2014 to 2015 in the 2010 Budget, and The NFUS makes a key point: went further with cuts and tax rises of £128 billion “The cost of transporting the inputs of feed, fertiliser and fuel every year from 2015 to 2016. As the Red Book made is so high, as is the cost of delivering produce to the market, that clear, this Finance Bill now sets us on a path of fiscal it is putting Scotland’s already fragile rural communities at a competitive disadvantage with other EU producers. Rural businesses consolidation—cuts and tax rises—of £155 billion every could play a vital role in…economic recovery and high fuel duty year from 2015 to 2016. And of course the proportion is holding them back”. of cuts to tax rises is no longer 3:2 but 4:1. Yet despite I would have thought that if the Government recognised brutally cutting so much money from the public services anything, they would recognise the drag on growth and on which people depend, they have still managed to recovery that all these trade bodies and others recognise deliver a tax cut for millionaires. In essence, that makes in their day-to-day lives. So we need to take action, and this a Tory Budget, a shameful Budget and one, of we need to take it now. As the NFUS has said, we course, that we must resist by opposing the Bill. cannot mitigate all price rises because they occur for a But the Government have been honest. The 2011 variety of reasons, but we need to militate against the Budget told us that every single population quintile worse rises, particularly when they are driven by the would see a reduction in its net income. So they are at barrel price of oil. least clear about the impact of their polices. This year’s That was the same fundamental point made by the Budget Book and Finance Bill have delivered no help. Scottish Grocers Federation, which also appreciated Indeed, the Budget Book told us again that every single population quintile would still be worse off. “that the rising cost of fuel cannot indefinitely be reduced”, As I said earlier, however, of everything that ought to but which would have been done but was not, the failure to act on fuel “support any measure which would provide more stability and was the most disgraceful. My criticisms of the previous predictability in fuel prices.” Government are well known. I criticised the fuel duty It continued: escalator and their refusal to act on and outright opposition “The rising cost of fuel, along with other significant increases to measures to introduce a regulator. But this Government in overheads including energy prices”— 85 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 86 again, the fuel dependents— There is a serious point to make, which is that I do “continue to erode the viability of many small and medium sized not think this debate is about charities; rather, I think it retailers in Scotland… Government should be doing everything it is about whether, in a sophisticated society such as ours, can to support small and medium sized businesses which are where 40%-plus of gross national product is spent by fundamental to economic growth and employment. And that is the Government, certain individuals should have the why we are certain that the Government should introduce a freedom to decide, for whatever reason, quite legally, proper Fuel Duty Regulator - to smooth out spikes - provide that they will not pay any tax at all. Although we are certainty - allow for investment - And most importantly remove this drag on recovery.” talking about charities—that is what the recent debate has been about—society has to make a decision on that The FSB spoke for everybody when it said it was question. Is it acceptable, under any circumstances, for “disappointed that the Chancellor has not announced a cut in the people obeying the law and earning money—a lot of level of fuel duty and that the rise deferred to August is still to go money—to say, for what might be a perfectly good ahead. This will still hit small businesses and households hard reason, “I’m opting out of paying tax on my income,” and so we need to see a long term solution to address high and in this case because they are giving to charity? volatile fuel prices. We remain concerned that the Government’s Fair Fuel Stabiliser will not trigger an actual reduction in the I think back to my 20s, when I started work. People price paid at the pumps.” had many different options to avoid paying tax. Pensions Nor will it because it was never designed to do so. That were uncapped, so self-employed people could go through is why businesses such as those in the taxi trade, which their whole lives and pay as much as they wanted into are not in control of their own prices—they cannot set pension funds, cutting their taxes on their salaries in their own fees or fares because they are set by local exactly the same way. At one time, there were many authorities—have to take this hit on the chin. As the investment schemes where the amount of money and taxi industry said, that is leading to many detrimental the conditions attached were almost open-ended, so factors: profit margins cut, people unable to invest in that people could legitimately avoid paying tax. There their businesses in the way they would like to, drivers are quite a lot of schemes where Governments—not just having to put in extra hours and take-home pay for this coalition Government, but previous Governments— families reduced. have decided, for whatever reason, to cap the amount of tax deductibility that is allowed. I know that this is not The taxi industry supports our position on the a popular argument, but I would argue that charities, introduction of a fuel duty regulator, but the Government charitable donations and philanthropy should be no argue that this cannot be done and that there is no yield exception to the general rule that everybody earning to fund a cut in fuel duty. They have made that case money in a society such as ours should pay some tax. several times. But how much worse is it without a regulator in place and businesses of all sorts being forced to take these hits—hits that are a drag on economic John Mann indicated assent. recovery? The Forum of Private Business has said: Richard Harrington: I am delighted that the hon. “The pips are squeaking, and everybody is feeling the pain.” Gentleman agrees with me. It had to happen sooner or And by goodness they are. Yet action could have been later in my political career, and I am delighted that it taken. Businesses and consumers cannot afford to keep should be today. paying out more and more for their fuel. There is a serious risk that economic recovery in the UK will be Most of us in this House and in the country generally strangled at birth if the Government do not act and act regard the charitable sector as part of all the wonderful fast. organisations that we deal with in our constituencies. In Watford we have the Peace Hospice, which is probably With those remarks on fuel and the absence of certain one of the most important hospices in the south of measures in the Bill, plus my other remarks, I hope that England, along with homeless charities and Mencap. I have put our opposition on the record. We hope to Indeed, we have many good charities, so it is difficult to return, with appropriate amendments at the appropriate be the person standing here today and even putting the stages, to issues such as the 50p tax cut, changes to thought in donors’ minds that there may be circumstances age-related tax allowances, APD and, most importantly, where what they want to give cannot be a tax deductible the failure to deal with the fuel issue. donation. However, people should be aware that the tax aspect is not the predominant reason for philanthropy—that is my experience. If it is, there is something wrong. 7.28 pm Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): I intend to address John Mann: I totally support the hon. Gentleman my remarks not to the Finance Bill generally, but to the and the Chancellor on this specific matter. Does he not part relating to charities. When I put in to speak, I did find it rather disturbing that one or two individuals are not realise that would become one of the great cause saying that they will refuse to give to charity if the célèbres of the Budget debate. I feel I have some experience money has come out of their own pocket, rather than in this field, having in a previous life spent three years as being tax deductible? chairman of fundraising for one of the country’s largest children’s charities. Indeed, it got to the stage where Richard Harrington: I agree very much with what the people whom I had known for years would cross to the hon. Gentleman says, but when it comes to it, that other side of the street rather than say good morning to aspect is not such a defining factor as those statements me, in the certain knowledge that I would get them for a would suggest. We must remember that this country is philanthropic donation. In fact, it was very good experience very good at philanthropy. Among the developed nations, for speaking in the Chamber, as I seem to have the same we are the third highest in the world, after the United effect on people in this place. States and Israel, in terms of the amount per head of 87 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 88
[Richard Harrington] remember where the tax saved would have gone, because were those organisations private, it would be perfectly GNP that we give to philanthropic organisations. I do reasonable to regard many of them—be they schools or not accept that that is just because of the tax breaks; I things like that—as charities. That point should not be think it is because of a tradition in this country. Trade forgotten. unions and working people are involved in it, wealthy It is perfectly reasonable to say that Governments people are involved in it, and business people are involved have to think beyond comfortable, cuddly philanthropy, in it, just as Victorian philanthropists were once involved. compared with nasty, horrible public expenditure. All in all, we have huge tradition of philanthropy. Governments have to decide on the balance. We have to We are very proud of that tradition, but we have to remember the fundamental point: is it right that people remember that it is very easy to set up a charity. Even should earn a lot of money and pay no tax at all? There today, the forms are simple to fill in. Within 24 hours it are ways round this problem, and I am sure that the is possible to set up a charity, which is then basically a Government will be looking at that in the consultation conduit for almost any form of tax-deductible donation. on the details. Indeed, I would suggest that they might Many charities are very good organisations—I would look at “lifelong gifts”—how much money people give be the last person to suggest that there was a predominance in their lives. If someone has a windfall of £1 million, it of fraud, negligence or dishonest behaviour. However, a might be a wonderful for them they to say for that year, lot of charities are charitable to some people, who “I’m going to give that £1 million to a charity—I won’t might think the causes are excellent—for example, I pay any tax, but it’s going to useful causes,” but should could set up a charity to research the history of Watford, they be allowed to do that every year? Should that be which I might think was an excellent cause, and it may their normal way of doing things? Some people may well pass the Charity Commissioner’s barriers to becoming say, “It’s wonderful, because they’re very philanthropic.” a registered charity, albeit not in any dishonest way, Others, if they look it objectively, may say, “Well, each because it would be educational or whatever—whereas year the state is losing out on £450,000,” or whatever a lot of other people might not regard such organisations the marginal rate happens to be. as very charitable at all. It strikes me as very strange I believe that society has to make a decision on whether that any such organisation can be set up and, provided people should be able to opt out of the tax system, for it has proper directors and an office—it can also be whatever reason. I believe strongly in philanthropic somebody’s house—all of a sudden it can become a giving, in charities and in tradition, but, as with everything charity to which basically any amount of money can be else, there has to be a compromise. It is unacceptable donated. Such a charity could be based abroad, or it that people, irrespective of their income, should be able could be for a very narrow sector in this country. to choose not to pay tax using a variety of avoidance methods, one of which might be charitable giving. It seems strange that there is a perception that giving money to a charity is a great thing almost by definition, I found it strange to hear the hon. Member for Leeds but paying tax is not, yet after all, what does tax pay West (Rachel Reeves) criticising the proposals on charitable for? It pays for the NHS and education—indeed, it pays donations. She should consider whether it is right that the majority of the money going to many organisations some multimillionaires pay no tax at all, and that some that are perceived as being charitable organisations. For people should be able to choose what good causes to example, many years ago, when my late father was support. Should people be able to choose to support, chairman of Mencap—it was then called the National say, the National Theatre, the opera and Christian Aid, Society for Mentally Handicapped Children, although while choosing not to support the national health service, obviously the organisation has developed a lot since education and social services? I ask the Opposition to then—5% of its money came from Government sources consider that point before being so critical of the and 95% came from sponsored walks, charitable donations, Government’s desire to make tax fair for all and to rich people, poor people, tins outside shops, or whatever ensure that very wealthy people no longer pay no tax it was. Now it is almost the other way round; in fact, at all. many registered charities depend more on money from the taxpayer than on individuals giving. It seems strange 7.41 pm that the media can say that if the Chancellor of the Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): It is a Exchequer wants money for the big public pot, some of pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Watford (Richard which may come from philanthropic giving, one thing is Harrington). He made an interesting speech on an issue automatically good, almost by definition, and one thing that we shall no doubt hear a great deal about in the is automatically bad. near future. As we all know, there is a shortage of public funds, The Finance Bill and the Budget are a huge wasted and we cannot—or we choose not to—borrow any opportunity. So much needs to be done now, with more more money. I shall not get into those arguments, but I than 1 million young people out of work and a think there is a consensus that public expenditure is manufacturing base that is continuing to decline. We fairly high by any traditional standards. The Chancellor are continuing not to see the growth figures that we is taking a lot of different measures to try to fill a gap. need if we want even to start talking about paying back The gap was filled by borrowing, and perhaps it will the deficit. Many of the contributions from the Government now be filled rather less than it was by that means—that Benches today have shown yet again that the Government’s is what we think will happen. Nevertheless, there is policies are simply not going to get us out of this mess. always a gap between what a Government such as this I believe that the Government’s position is ideologically —or, in fact, any Government in recent memory—want driven. Many of their Members would believe in their to spend and what they can raise. Before the public policies irrespective of the economic position that we decide who to criticise, it is important that they should were in—for example, the comments about the need to 89 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 90 get rid of employment protections in the workplace and come easily. The incomes of the richest people in this to get rid of red tape would be made irrespective of country have increased by about 20% over the past two whether we had 10% growth or negative growth in this years, but the incomes and living standards of most country. The debates that we are having here are similar people, including the poorest people, are going down. to those taking place across Europe, the United States The Finance Bill does nothing to address any of and the west generally. We face massive challenges, but those issues. It does nothing to address the inequalities the answers being provided by Opposition Members, in wealth in this country. The Government’s policies from whatever political party, are very different from simply exacerbate problems that we already have. The those coming from Government Members. Bill will do nothing to bring about the essential increase in jobs and growth that we need. We will start to pay off Jonathan Edwards: Does the hon. Lady agree that the deficit only when the economy starts to grow, but what we are hearing from the Government Benches the Government are taking money out of the economy proves that the political right never lets a good crisis go and out of communities such as North Ayrshire, which to waste? Following the downturn in the economy, the is disproportionately reliant on the public sector because Government are looking for further erosions of workers’ the manufacturing sector that we relied on in previous rights, which is extremely worrying and typical of right-wing decades no longer exists. We are seeing money being politics. taken out through cuts in the welfare sector and the welfare state, and through cuts in benefits and tax Katy Clark: When we look at history, we see that, credits. The measures that are now being implemented during economic crises, those on the right argue for are taking money out of the pockets of some of the policies that they would not get away with in other people who need it most. circumstances. We have seen that happen time and I say to the Government that we need policies that again. Perhaps the most comparable economic situation will stimulate growth. They should use every financial is that of the 1930s, and history shows that the policies lever at their disposal for that purpose, rather than that worked then were not those of tax cuts, of huge introduce tax cuts for the wealthy in the form of a rate public spending cuts or of rolling back the state; they reduction from 50p to 45p, and a cut in corporation tax, were the kind of Keynesian policies to which many which is an ideologically driven measure that will have Opposition Members are now sympathetic. no impact on jobs and growth. My hon. Friend the The policies of austerity that we are seeing not only Member for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves) mentioned here but across Europe are simply not working. We the figures from Ernst and Young which suggest that require very different policies from those in the Finance the Government’s measures could lead to negligible Bill and those being implemented across a range of growth of 0.1% and have all sorts of other ramifications. Government measures. My party’s Front Bench has The Government have talked about being a Government already mentioned the figures from the Institute for for families and about us all being in this together, but Fiscal Studies, which show that the average family is the reality is that the Finance Bill, like many of the losing between £530 and £551 a year as a result of the other measures that they are introducing in this place, measures being brought in now. The changes to tax week in, week out, will simply make Britain a less fair credits being implemented are a central plank of the country, a less equal country, in which the gap between policies that will take away money from not only the rich and poor, and between north and south, will become poorest people, but those on modest incomes as well. greater as time goes on. Furthermore, this Budget will My right hon. Friend the Member for Knowsley not help the country to start to reverse its industrial (Mr Howarth) has already talked about the impact of decline. For much of my adult political life, I have been the measures on his constituents. My constituents too able to talk about us being the fourth richest country in are coming to see me to talk about these issues. For the world; now we are the seventh richest, as we have example, last week a nurse came to see me: she works 16 failed to keep up with other countries that are advancing, hours a week, her husband is retired, and she has a failed to value our industrial base and failed to value 13-year-old child, and she is losing £3,700 a year as a our manufacturing. The Bill will do nothing to address result of the changes to tax credits. She works 16 hours any of these things. Frankly, this Government should a week at Crosshouse hospital, and she has asked to be ashamed of coming forward with these proposals at increase her hours to 24 a week, but the hospital has not this time. To a large extent, they are a political fix agreed to that. That is the reality of the situation for the between two political parties in coalition, and they will many families who are going to be affected by the tax do nothing to address the real problems that our credit changes, including more than 11,000 families in constituents are facing. Scotland alone. Unfortunately, in the present economic circumstances, many employers will not be in a position 7.51 pm to offer more hours, even if they wish to do so. That is Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Everything just one example of the way in which the Government’s that the hon. Member for North Ayrshire and Arran changes are affecting people. (Katy Clark) says would be fair enough if what this As I have said, I believe that the Budget is a missed Government were doing were any different from what a opportunity. We have heard about the Government’s Labour Government would have been doing at precisely radical proposals for deficit reduction, and indeed we this time. The public sometimes lose track of the reality are seeing the impact of those policies in all our of the situation that we are in. We politicians talk in constituencies. We are seeing what were considered to terms of billions or—perhaps soon—trillions of pounds, be essential public services being cut. We are seeing but a constituent put it to me like this, offering a better services being taken away that individuals and communities way of describing our situation. It is as if we were fought for, generation after generation, and that did not somebody who had an income of £50,000, who had 91 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 92
[Mr Edward Leigh] get very excited because tax on whisky or the basic rate of tax was going to go up or down by 1p—but such knocked up a credit card debt of another £50,000, and levels of complexity have been loaded on to the whole who had promised to repay £4,000 of it but was actually tax process that it has become virtually impossible for repaying only £2,000. We are in a dire financial situation. any Chancellor to come out on Budget day with any I suggest that whoever were in government at this time coherent proposal that is not in succeeding days unpicked would be doing much the same. In fact, I suggest that and trashed because of the hundreds of pages of small what the Government are doing is the bare minimum print. If the structure is fundamentally flawed—it is, I necessary to maintain market confidence. think, the longest tax code in the world apart from We have had a lot of debate about the ratings agency, India, and one of the most complex in the world—it is and I am sure that the Labour party is gearing up to virtually impossible for any Chancellor to get a grip on tease the Government if there is any decline in our it. I have never made any secret of my personal belief rating score, yet if we did anything less than what we are that we have to be prepared to be radical. We cannot doing to address this deficit, we would be in dire trouble just try to improve the structure; we have to go back to with the markets, and I have no doubt that interest rates first steps and argue what we really believe in. What I would eventually have to rise, with all the consequences really believe in is a much flatter—ideally, flat—rate we know about for businesses and for ordinary mortgage of tax. payers. I therefore do not accept this apocalyptic view I have recently read an excellent book written by one of the Government’s proposals. As I say, the Government of our colleagues, my hon. Friend the Member for are doing the bare minimum necessary to maintain Stone (Mr Cash), about the 19th century statesman market confidence. John Bright. He was wholly uninterested in politics, but I do not accept either the argument put forward by was a substantial statesman, who continually argued in the hon. Member for North Ayrshire and Arran that terms of retrenchment, sound public services and a there is some sort of right-wing plot—that we have been sound financial system. He said: waiting for years for this crisis in order to take a stab at “Better teach the people something good for the future than Keynesian politics and that, really, all we are interested resign oneself to work institutions already in existence”. in is a slash and burn of the public services. It is hardly a I suspect that too many politicians—I do not blame slash and burn, given the sort of figures we are talking those on the Treasury Bench, as I know what they are about. In fact, Government spending is as high as it has paid to do—are fundamentally doing what John Bright ever been. All we are doing is trying to get to some sort did not want to do, which is resign themselves to work of grip with the deficit. institutions already in existence. I think that the purpose of politics, certainly for those on the Back Benches, is to Personally, I have always argued that the economy would try as John Bright said to try to teach the people benefit from deregulation and from simplification something good for the future. particularly of the tax system, leaving aside the total size of the public sector. I would have thought that Members I believe that this idea of a much simplified tax on both sides of the House could accept that what is system or a flatter and ultimately a flat rate of tax, needed is simplification. How, then, are we going to get it? which has always been dismissed as an idea of the radical right, is of increasing interest to those on the I spoke in the Budget debate at about 6 o’clock. Such left. Why? We have heard a great deal about tax avoidance, is the complexity of the modern Budget process that it and the more complex the tax system, the easier it is to is difficult for people to get a handle on what is going on avoid it. Every time we try to deal with the problem, we as it is being enunciated by the Chancellor of the create more loopholes and more difficulties, making it Exchequer. I was teased by one of the Whips because, easier for the rich to avoid paying tax. With a much apparently, precisely as I stood to say that it was a flatter—ideally, flat—rate of taxes, there is no possibility courageous Budget, coincidentally all the press started for avoidance. The TUC claims—I am sure it is right; it turning against the Government—and it has been pretty is not known to be a particularly right-wing organisation— bad ever since. I say that it is courageous because the that tax avoidance results in a loss to the Treasury of Chancellor has started to take some difficult decisions £13 billion a year from individuals and £12 billion a to simplify the tax system. We have heard a good speech year from corporations. about charitable giving. So much of the so-called bad publicity that the Government have attracted over the To make another left-wing point, some politicians Easter break—whether it be over the so-called granny have recently had a bad press; they have been standing tax or charitable giving or child benefit or all the other for various public offices or arriving in this House with problematic areas—shows that the Chancellor is beginning good incomes outside politics, but instead of paying tax to try to address these appallingly difficult structural like the rest of us at the basic and then higher rates, they problems. have put their money into private companies in order to pay much lower rates. Some politicians in America who There has been a lot of talk about the Titanic this have huge incomes, including some bidding to become week—nobody should worry, as I am not going to President, have had a very bad press, as we found that repeat the tired old cliché about deck chairs—and I they paid minimal rates of taxation. Why is this? It is think that the whole structure of the ship is wrong when because the tax codes in both countries are so complex it comes to the tax system. The ship is unbelievably that the rich and the powerful can always avoid paying badly built, and it is gradually sinking under us. What I tax. They cannot do that, however, under a much simplified have found in listening to 28 successive Budgets in this tax system. Chamber is that the tax system has become progressively more complex. It was possible 25, 30 or 35 years ago for Charlie Elphicke: Does my hon. Friend not think that a Chancellor to come across as providing a reasonably politicians should give a lead? It is not just Ken Livingstone coherent lecture in his Budget statement—we all used to who has been egregiously avoiding paying tax. It is clear 93 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 94 from the Register of Members’ Financial Interests that benefits in their direction so that they have very high some Labour Members have been routing their funds marginal tax rates—as high as 73% in the case of those into private service companies. Should that not be stopped; who increase their earnings if they earn less than £10,000— should not politicians set an example? but to take them out of tax altogether. Let me say to my Liberal friends that the one good thing that they have Mr Leigh: I do not want to ruin my argument and I done in recent years is to present that argument, and I do not want to lose any support that I might have from think that they have made their case. An extraordinary my friends on the Opposition Benches by recommending burden has been placed on people on lower incomes, a tax on particular Labour politicians. The trouble is who have been taxed far too much far too early. that there is always a huge temptation for anyone with a I believe that my idea of a flat rate of tax is not such a high income—a politician, an entertainer or a business radical or bad idea but one that could appeal across the man—to listen to the advice provided by chartered spectrum, and I urge my hon. Friends on the Treasury accountants. They will say, quite rightly, “Oh dear, why Bench to consider it carefully. Otherwise, every time the is a successful chap like you”—a successful chap like, Chancellor seeks to tamper with the screws and the for instance, my hon. Friend the Member for Dover bolts on the Titanic to ensure that those watertight (Charlie Elphicke), who doubtless has a very large compartments do not just reach halfway up the forward income—“paying all this tax, when you could be setting decks but reach the top so that the thing does not sink, up a small company and paying about 11%?” he will produce a Budget that sounds good on the first In the past I have argued for a much flatter, ideally day but will be unpicked and unpicked. flat, rate of tax throughout earned income, but now I will be even more radical, and suggest that there is an I think that, rather like John Bright, the Chancellor increasing case for transposing that to small company needs to see that shining light on the horizon. He needs income. I am not privileged to serve on the Treasury to say “This is my strategy, this is my philosophy, this is Bench, and I do not have teams of civil servants to what I want to do. I want to say to the British people advise me. I constantly come up with ideas such as this that ultimately I will take pretty much the same share of during Finance Bill debates, and I can produce figures, the cake as has been taken in recent years.” We all know but I do not know whether they are correct. I have been that, for all Mrs Thatcher’s reputation for being such a told that a flat-rate tax of 22% with a £15,000 allowance right-wing radical Prime Minister, it was only after would result in a reduction of £63 billion in tax revenue many years that, by an almost infinitesimal margin, she in the first year. Although I believe that the extraordinary gradually reduced the extent of the state’s take from savings that would be made through the ending of tax ordinary people. It may be impossible for the Chancellor avoidance might well enable us to claw that back, there to make a great deal of difference in those terms, but he is no point in my simply going to the Library and then can say “This is my strategy. I want to be upfront and coming up with figures. fair to the British people, so that they know exactly where they stand. If you have an income of £300,000, I I see that the Minister is busily scribbling down every will take a third of it: I will take £100,000. If you have one of my pearls of wisdom at this precise moment. It an income of £100,000, I will take £33,000—and so on would be really nice if, rather than just saying at 10 or across the spectrum.” Then there will not be all the 10.30 tonight “I thank my hon. Friend the Member for hillocks and valleys and clawbacks and allowances and Gainsborough for making such an interesting speech”, churning of benefits and taxation. he wrote to me in the next week or two, when he has the necessary leisure, telling me—on the basis of the Treasury I am, in a sense, sympathetic to the philosophy behind model—how much of the cost of avoidance could be what the Chancellor has been trying to do with child saved through the adoption of a much flatter, or ideally benefit. Why should middle-income earners pay tax at a a flat, rate of taxation, under which it would increasingly certain level and then be handed it back in child benefit? not be worth people’s while to try to shift their income I agree with the Chancellor that that is absurd. However, from one pot to another. Is that, in fact, such a radical he got himself into a dreadful mess by taking the idea? Has it been tried out anywhere else? Well, of appalling step that meant that the moment there was course it has. one higher-rate taxpayer in a family, all that family’s child benefit vanished. I thought that that was very As I have said, the size of the UK tax code has more unfair on a family in which one person worked and than doubled since 1997. The present situation is absurd. another, usually the wife or female partner, wanted to The Chancellor is doing his best, but whereas 15% of stay at home and look after the children. I am not taxpayers will pay a higher rate in 2012, only 3% paid it suggesting that such an arrangement is better or worse in 1978. Graphs showing the rise and fall in people’s than the other form of family life, but I believe that it is incomes according to whether they have one child or simply unfair, which is why I have argued for a marriage more feature extraordinarily sudden and tremendous tax allowance. blips because of the child benefit clawback from people who earn more than £50,000 a year, of which I have I will do a deal with the Chancellor. I will give up my been very critical. I do not know whether this is correct, campaign against his reduction in child benefit and my but I have been told that a family with three children campaign against his continued failure to introduce a and an income of between £50,000 and £60,000 faces an marriage tax allowance, despite what he said in his additional effective marginal tax rate of 24%, on top of manifesto, if he will say to me “I will get rid of all these income tax and national insurance. I cannot believe that allowances, and introduce a greatly simplified tax system the Chancellor wanted to impose such a sudden, steep which is fair and equitable for all classes of people.” burden of taxation on middle-income taxpayers. I agree that there should not be a tax system that Many Members favour helping people on very low distorts people’s choices. I agree that any attempt to incomes. I happen to believe that the best way of helping influence behaviour through the tax system, whether it poor people is not to churn more and more tax and affects marriage, children, mortgage tax relief—as in 95 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 96
[Mr Leigh] The confusion over the caravan tax is similar to that over the pasty tax. It is also similar to the confusion the old days—or, now, charitable giving, will produce over the charity tax measures. Before the election, the perverse incentives. It will cause people to adjust their Government talked a lot about wanting to encourage behaviour to reduce their tax bills rather than doing charitable giving, and there are provisions in the Finance what is right, and I want people to do what they feel to Bill to offset charitable giving against inheritance tax. be right. I want the state to be open, fair and upfront However, the proposals to limit tax relief on charitable about what it is going to take, and I want the Chancellor giving that were also announced in the Budget and that to come to the House and say in his next Budget “This are contained in the Finance Bill appear to contradict is my strategy, and this is my belief.” those earlier statements. I accept that—bravely, courageously, with great difficulty, First, I want to outline some of the arguments in and in the face of an enormous amount of bad publicity respect of imposing VAT on caravans. I listened with over the last three weeks—the Chancellor has taken the great interest to what the Chief Secretary said in his first essential steps towards getting rid of those allowances, opening remarks about simplifying tax regimes and and I am prepared to stand by him. I am prepared to be ironing out anomalies. We all support that, of course, unpopular over the granny tax, because I can see where but we must ensure that there is proper and full consultation he was coming from. The Chancellor considered it absurd in advance of any changes being implemented. My for people to be paid that allowance. Although it was main concern is the effect on the ability of businesses to apparently very popular, when there was talk of abolishing plan accurately for the future and decide what they need it, no one remembered that it had been introduced by to do—what investments they need to make, and how Winston Churchill in 1925. I am prepared to be unpopular many employees they need in their company. Investors by supporting the Chancellor on all those issues if he is need confidence, but a key point that comes up time and prepared to enunciate his philosophy of creating a fairer again is that companies do not currently have the required and simpler tax system. That is a fair deal, I think. levels of confidence for the economy to grow. Recently, the Government have made similar mistakes 8.8 pm that have dented business confidence, such as the solar Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): It power feed-in tariff debacle. As a result of that mistake, is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Gainsborough we in Hull have already seen Carillion restructure. We (Mr Leigh), who made a valiant effort to persuade the will lose jobs, and Hull cannot afford to lose any jobs. House that the proposal for a flat tax was something on which the left and the right could agree. It will be The caravan industry has spent three years working interesting to see how Ministers respond to the challenges hard to recover from the problems resulting from the with which he presented them. 2008-09 global downturn, when Hull lost more than 1,500 jobs in the industry. Now we have this hammer I intend to concentrate on an issue that greatly concerns blow set for October, when thousands more in the my constituents and local businesses. I have already caravan sector may lose their jobs. If tax changes are to raised it in the House several times, and on the day of be made, it would be sensible to give greater warning the Budget, when I was flicking through the accompanying and to give the industry time to adapt. Instead, the documents, I saw the announcement that VAT would be Government appear to be kicking people when they are levied on static caravans. I have noted what the Treasury down, just as the caravan industry was getting back on has said about the effect, and the more I have looked its feet. Most particularly, this is happening in Yorkshire, into it over the past couple of weeks, the worse it has and it will have an effect on the entire region. Ministers appeared to be for my constituents and local businesses. talk a lot about the need to rebalance the economy in The VAT on static caravans policy is part of the muddled respect of the public and the private sectors and the approach that runs through the Budget. The Government south-east and the rest of the country, yet this measure are giving mixed messages: they say they want growth, will have a disproportionately negative impact on the yet they introduce policies that impede growth. There north and Yorkshire. are also many unintended consequences that Ministers and civil servants have not properly thought through, Secondly, these changes will not do much to simplify and that is particularly true of the VAT on static caravans the system. Indeed, we could end up with more anomalies policy. being created, as with the pasty tax. The taxing of sales The caravan tax announcement came completely out of static caravans was considered at length and rejected of the blue. It is currently subject to a belated consultation when VAT was first introduced in the UK in 1973. that will end very shortly, on 4 May. My understanding There has not been a proper opportunity to review that is that it is to be implemented in October. The effects of decision and to investigate whether the situation has this proposal must be properly scrutinised and debated changed in the intervening years. fully. I am therefore disappointed that the consultation Thirdly, what if the changes damage businesses and period is so brief. cost private sector jobs, which are supposed to be My Front-Bench colleagues have tabled an amendment powering recovery, growth and deficit reduction? Over to the proposed tax, which I hope will be selected 90% of the UK’s caravan firms are in east Yorkshire, during our deliberations on the Bill. In common with and they still employ some 6,000 people despite the many Members on both sides of the House, I oppose contraction in the 2008 global downturn. The industry the Government’s proposals on this issue. The caravan supports a further 15,000 to 20,000 jobs through its tax was not leaked in the announcements before the supply chain. The Treasury forecasts that the caravan Budget at the end of March. Like the granny tax, it was tax will cause a 30% cut in demand. According to the news that was kept back, but which has subsequently industry, that will result in up to 3,000 jobs being lost caused a lot of problems for the Government. from caravan firms and their supply chain. 97 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 98
The situation could get even worse. We are currently today, expressing concerns about what will happen to facing almost 900 jobs going at BAE Systems in Brough, its 820 workers, 100 of whom are young workers under and our area already has high levels of unemployment. the age of 25. On 5 April, along with the hon. Member We have already seen jobs go at Warmsure, too, and at for Beverley and Holderness (Mr Stuart), the right hon. Comet and P&O in Hull, and many jobs are going in Member for Haltemprice and Howden, the hon. Member the public services as well. for Brigg and Goole (Andrew Percy) and my hon. My constituency of Kingston upon Hull North and Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull East (Karl the neighbouring constituency of Kingston upon Hull Turner), I met representatives of caravan firms in the East are already in the UK top 10 for having the most Hull and East Riding area, and the information we jobseekers chasing each job. The number of NEETs—those received about the damage that this tax could do was not in education, employment or training—is soaring devastating. Some 44 employees of Normandy Holiday as the quality and quantity of jobs, apprenticeships and Homes in my constituency have written to me saying: training opportunities have declined. In my constituency, “We are concerned that the proposed VAT increase on caravan unemployment now stands at about 13% for those aged holiday homes that was announced in the Budget last month will between 16 and 64. have a detrimental effect on the business. We have already had a number of short time working weeks in this tax year and we are The next few years already looked like being tough concerned that if the level of orders falls, the company may be for jobs in Hull, but by introducing this measure, the forced to make people redundant or cease trading.” Government are making the situation much worse. The In addition, I have received letters from people involved Government’s “rebalancing” rhetoric that we hear so in the supply chain to the caravan industry, one of much does not hold water. which came from six workers at 3Core group, which Fourthly, what if the economic damage caused by the supplies Normandy Holiday Homes. The letter said caravan tax leads to the Treasury losing revenue overall? that the caravan tax would have a “detrimental” impact The Treasury’s own impact assessment shows that the on them, too. In addition to letters from caravan firms tax will lead to a 30% cut in demand for static caravans. and their direct suppliers, I, like other right hon. and Consequent job losses on the scale predicted by the hon. Members, have received an e-mail from May Reader industry will result in tax revenue being lost and welfare of Heathland Beach holiday park in Norfolk. She says: costs increasing. As the right hon. Member for Haltemprice “We, as a family, have been running our Holiday Park for and Howden (Mr Davis) said in this House on 26 March, 40 years and I personally am Chairman of our local Conservative the Chancellor’s own Red Book states that the total Association and I am very distressed that it is a Conservative annual revenue raised from this measure will be £40 Government that is about to ruin a lifetime’s work.” million, but the cost in unemployment from losing 30% That shows the negative impact that the caravan tax of business, as forecast by the Treasury, will be up to would have on the UK holiday and tourism industry, at £45 million. The caravan tax would therefore actually a time when, as many hon. Members have said, there is lose revenue overall. That is a crazy policy. That point a push to get people to holiday in this country and there was brushed aside by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury is a vogue for staycations. in his winding-up speech on the Budget. To be fair, some Conservative Members are joining The justification for cutting the 50p rate of tax was Labour Members in opposing this particular tax; I that it does not raise much money, but according to the know that the right hon. Member for Haltemprice and Treasury’s own figures the caravan tax will lose revenue Howden and the hon. Member for Beverley and Holderness overall. The Government also cut corporation tax on are planning to meet the Chancellor on Wednesday. It is the basis that that is good for jobs and growth. By the being reported on the wires that the Prime Minister is same logic, how can the caravan tax be good for jobs willing to think again on the charity relief tax plan, so I and growth in my constituency and the wider region? hope that he is also willing to think again about the caravan tax. I am also interested to learn what the response will I realise that the Chancellor is as likely to have had a be from the Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, to caravan holiday recently as he is to have eaten a pasty or whom the National Caravan Council wrote about this played bingo, but there is no excuse for introducing a issue on 12 April. So far we have seen the Liberal Democrats, damaging tax that will cost thousands of private sector yet again, defending the Treasury view to the hilt. jobs in the caravan industry and its suppliers, especially as the private sector is precisely where Ministers claim In conclusion, my constituents just want the chance our growth will come from. This measure will lose the to work, to trade, to earn a living and to spend money Treasury revenue, harm the aspirations of many people locally in east Yorkshire. That is all those workers and saving up for a holiday home, and damage the wider business people want. They are not asking for a state UK holiday industry. subsidy. They are just asking for their industry to be allowed to carry on trading without being seriously Fifthly, is the caravan tax fair? Given that the Budget harmed by this new tax. That is in the regional interest did not put VAT on the second homes of the wealthy and in the national interest, and I hope that the Minister and did not contain a mansion tax, how is it fair to tax will think again. As I said at the start of my speech, the second homes of those who are not so wealthy and Labour has tabled amendments on this issue and I hope often save for many years to be able to buy a static that we will have a chance to stop the caravan tax on caravan to use on their weekends and holidays? The Wednesday through the amendment to the Finance Bill Chancellor’s rhetoric is that he is trying to build a tiger tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd economy, but it seems more like just a fat cat economy. (Owen Smith), the shadow Exchequer Secretary. If the Along with my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool Chancellor does not change his mind, I ask hon. Members South (Mr Marsden), I visited Willerby Holiday Homes to back this amendment. Let us kill this caravan tax Ltd in east Hull on 26 March to hear its serious concerns before it kills thousands more jobs in Hull and the East about this measure. I have also received a letter, dated Riding of Yorkshire. 99 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 100
8.23 pm introduction of yet another scheme to encourage entrepreneurial activity, the seed enterprise investment Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): I wish to scheme. It is a five-year scheme to support small business make only a short speech in support of giving this Bill a start-ups. As the Member of Parliament for Bristol Second Reading, because I made a speech on the broad West, I particularly welcome the announcement in the thrust of the Budget on Budget day itself and because, Budget of a consultation in order to proceed to giving once again, I have been the lucky winner of the Liberal tax credits to the television industry, and, in particular, Democrat Whips Office lucky dip competition and will for animation, on the same basis as those for the film be serving on the Committee. I therefore have many industry. I met Aardman Animations Ltd, which is days ahead of me going through the Bill’s detailed based in my constituency, last week and I understand provisions, both in this Chamber and on the Committee that discussions between the Treasury—with my hon. corridor upstairs. Friend the Exchequer Secretary and his colleagues—and One Budget highlight of a month ago for Liberal the animation industry are progressing well. I look Democrats was the largest rise in history of the income forward to the Finance Bill 2013 and to the full provisions tax threshold. My hon. Friend the Member for for that tax credit to support important British business Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) mentioned John Bright, and being introduced in a year’s time. I am sure that John Bright would have approved of that simplification of the tax system, as it would have Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con): Given disproportionately benefited the thousands of factory the hon. Gentleman’s interest in small businesses, does workers that he represented in Birmingham. Other he welcome, as I do, the new provision for a cash-based highlights of the Budget were the introduction of effective tax return that will make it much simpler for small wealth taxes and anti-avoidance measures, and, in order businesses with turnovers of less than £77,000? Simplifying to make the United Kingdom more competitive the tax return and making it cash-based is a real step internationally, the two reductions in corporation tax forward for the smallest businesses. scheduled for the next couple of financial years. Taken together, those measures in the Budget involve billions of pounds, but since the Budget we have heard Stephen Williams: Yes. I welcome my hon. Friend’s much about the pasty tax, the granny tax, the church intervention. When I met representatives of the Federation tax and the charities tax. Now we hear from the hon. of Small Businesses, they were particularly keen that Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson) that measure should be introduced in the Budget and about the caravan tax. I had not heard about that they are no doubt very pleased that the Government before, but no doubt we will take much interest in it as have responded to their representations and those made the Finance Bill progresses. Even though all those measures by hon. Members, such as my hon. Friend, on its behalf. and all those controversies are important in their own The anti-avoidance measures in the Budget and the right, the focus on them suggests that the broad thrust Bill are also very much welcomed by the Liberal Democrats, of the Budget—rewarding work, taxing wealth effectively particularly the consultation on introducing a general and making the United Kingdom economy more anti-avoidance and anti-abuse role based on the paper competitive—was right and that the Chancellor and prepared for the Treasury by Graham Aaronson. We Chief Secretary struck the right Budget judgment. will need to wait until the next Finance Bill to see how All those measures will, of course, be discussed during that pans out. There are also specific anti-avoidance consideration of this Bill, which is another behemoth of measures in the Bill, such as those to tackle the use of a Bill. Every year we hear that the Treasury has produced envelope schemes by corporate bodies and unincorporated another mammoth Bill and this one seems to be a bit of bodies to acquire properties while avoiding stamp duty. a record, as it contains 225 substantive clauses and That abuse was overlooked for far too long by the 38 schedules. We can all look forward to dealing with previous Administration and I am delighted that the them over the next few weeks. coalition Government are tackling it head on. Clause 1—it is rightly clause 1—is the Bill’s most Other more controversial potential abuses are being important, because it announces the increase in the tackled in the Bill through the limits on tax reliefs that personal income tax threshold that took place on 6 April, individuals are able to claim. Before the Budget, the while we were on recess, raising the threshold to £8,105. Deputy Prime Minister talked about a tycoon tax. We know from the Budget statement that in a year’s Across the Atlantic, President Obama has been talking time that threshold will be raised to £9,205. Cumulatively, about a minimum rate of tax, such as 30%, that US since the general election, we will have raised 2 million citizens should be expected to pay, and Warren Buffett people out of the income tax net altogether and provided has been making very similar points. We have many a tax cut in cash terms of more than £500 to more than reliefs available in our tax code in this country to 20 million basic rate taxpayers. We also know that there encourage enterprise, such as the enterprise management is to be a proposed stamp duty charge on properties incentive scheme, the enterprise investment scheme and worth more than £2 million. As the hon. Member for the venture capital schemes of which, in my life before Kingston upon Hull North said, we do not have a 2005, I used to help many businesses and entrepreneurs mansion tax, but we do have a mansion duty—a new to take advantage. stamp duty charge on properties worth more than The Bill provides another relief, the seed enterprise £2 million. This was indeed a Budget that gave a tax investment relief, but all the reliefs available at the break for the millions while taxing effectively the wealth moment are capped. They are limited as regards both of millionaires. time and the amount that can be put into them, and In business terms, the Liberal Democrats very much therefore the amount of tax relief—whether it is on welcome the fact that corporation tax will be cut this income tax or capital gains tax—that a wealthy individual year to 24% and next year to 23%. We also welcome the might be able to obtain. That leaves various uncapped 101 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 102 reliefs that are available under our tax code for income Charlie Elphicke: There is one thing that troubles me. tax losses, loan interest and, of course, philanthropy, The average income in my constituency is below which is where a lot of the controversy has come about £20,000 a year, so if one of my constituents gives to in recent weeks. charity they are able to tag along the taxpayer to the From the outset, it is right to say that the extension of tune of the basic rate. Is it not a basic unfairness that restrictions and caps on reliefs, whether they are on gifts someone who pays tax at 50% is able to drag along the to charity or loss reliefs, is entirely logical. When restrictions taxman and the public finances to double the amount are imposed on existing reliefs, such as gift aid, the that a constituent of mine on an ordinary income is Government and the Treasury must take greater care able to? That seems an unfair aspect in the way the than when they are imposing reliefs from the outset for relief system has worked in recent years. a new scheme, such as the seed scheme. The Government and the Chancellor have already said that they intend to Stephen Williams: I welcome my hon. Friend’s work very closely with the charitable sector on the addressing the fact that the tax system should be fair in introduction of the restriction on gift aid, and I hope how different individuals get relief for an activity that that that will lead to a measure that meets the Government’s is to be encouraged. Perhaps the relief on pension objectives of protecting our tax base while ensuring that contributions ought to be seen in the same light but I philanthropy can continue. think that would be controversial among many of his colleagues. I suppose that the basic principle of gift aid It is important, however, to say that, contrary to relief, tax relief and what can be recovered by a charity much of the coverage that we have read about and that relates to one’s net income and the money that one no constituents have written to us about, the restriction on longer has. It therefore has to be grossed up by the rate reliefs is not the same as the abolition of reliefs. The of tax that has already been taken off one’s income phrase “charities tax”, which has been bandied around before one chose to give that money to someone else. the Chamber this afternoon, has left hanging in the air That is the basic underlying logic. the implication that the Government are somehow withdrawing tax relief from philanthropic activities Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): My problem is that altogether. That is simply not true. An individual will I do not quite understand how it works so perhaps my still be able to donate and receive tax relief on the hon. Friend will correct me. If a philanthropist gives a higher of £50,000 or a quarter of their annual income. huge amount of money to a charity, does that mean Some of us might dream of this, given the salaries that that he or she chooses who they give the money to and we are on, but if we had an annual income of £1 million, that the only loser is the Exchequer because it does not we could still donate £250,000 to charity while receiving get tax on that? It is difficult but I rather like the fact full tax relief. I understand from figures that I have seen that a philanthropist can give all that money and from the Charities Aid Foundation that the median choose what happens to his or her money and that the donation that our constituents make is about £11 a Exchequer is the only loser. Am I wrong or is that his year, so very few people will be affected by what the understanding? Government have proposed. It is right that such details should be closely considered by the Treasury and by all Stephen Williams: I intended to give a speech on the of us, as parliamentarians, to ensure that they work. Bill this evening rather than a broad-ranging tutorial There are various things that the Government could on how the tax system works, but yes my hon. Friend is do. The limits are annual and perhaps they could consider broadly correct. The basic premise of philanthropy is rolling up the annual limits. If you, Mr Deputy Speaker, that one chooses of one’s own free will to whom one were to win £1 million on the lottery, you would not be gives one’s money, but one gives from one’s net income able to donate an amount to charity under the Bill’s and the money available—that is all one has to make provisions while getting tax relief and while, more that donation. The gift aid system therefore works so importantly, the charity got the gift aid matching relief, that the tax that has been deducted from that income too. That would be an absurd anomaly and I am sure already is put back in place and the charity receives that it was not intentional. that benefit. I wish to make a second suggestion about how this Jacob Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend talks about someone restriction could be addressed. Perhaps a better way of winning £1 million on the national lottery but a £1 million looking at it would be to exempt large gifts to certain win on the national lottery is not taxable; one ought not institutions such as universities. My right hon. Friend to get tax relief on a gain that is not taxable. the Business Secretary has rightly expressed concern about the effect on the alumni fundraising programmes Stephen Williams: I am trying to think whether my of our universities. The Russell group universities are hon. Friend has caught me out on a provision, but I am particularly active in raising funds from members of not sure that he has. The reason there has to be a their alumni such as myself, although I do not think I £50,000 limit on relief is that most people who give would be caught by these provisions. Gifts to other large amounts of money do so out of their accumulated institutions such as Cancer Research UK and national wealth and their asset base, which may have come from institutions and museums such as the National Gallery a lottery win or from an inheritance. It is likely to be a could also be exempted. Perhaps we need to look again one-off event in their life when they receive a large at the Charities Act 2006 and the public benefit test to amount of money and philanthropically decide to give see which activities and donations are generally of a much of it away. It would be absurd if the charity was philanthropic nature and which may fall into the grey not able to claim higher rate income tax relief if the area. It may be an individual’s personal choice to individual who received that one-off legacy or windfall donate to a particular cause but that cause might not gain was not able to claim gift relief. be something of wider public benefit that deserves tax 103 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 104
[Stephen Williams] money given away to those at the top end of the scale, and there is no guarantee at all about what they will do relief. Whatever system we come up with, whether it is with their money. They could choose to do all manner what is proposed in a dry sense in the Finance Bill or of things with it and it may never come back into our one that takes on board the suggestions that I and economy. The money may go abroad or be stashed away others will no doubt make as the Bill progresses, it must somewhere, but it will not immediately feed back into support genuine philanthropic activity. the economy. The Budget proposals present a serious My final point is on the rather obscure clause 180, problem from an economic and a fairness point of view. which it will probably take us some time to reach in Committee. It relates to controlled foreign companies Bob Stewart: Does the hon. Lady agree that, from the and how the UK is changing the taxation basis for point of view of fairness, it is a really good thing to companies with activities abroad. The primary duty of increase the tax threshold for those people who pay the UK Government, and indeed of Members of the little tax? That was well done in this Budget, and it will House of Commons, is to safeguard United Kingdom be better next year. Surely that will help the lowest-paid taxpayers, and we must always think about that whenever in our society. we debate these issues, but we also have a duty to make Nia Griffith: The difficulty with raising the personal sure that our Government’s policies are joined up. At a tax allowance is, first, that those on very low incomes—those time when despite decreases in budgets elsewhere we are who will have their disability living allowance or housing increasing the budget of the Department for International benefit cut—do not even pay tax. Secondly, those much Development, it would be perverse if DFID had to give higher up the scale will benefit from the increased developing countries more support because of the adverse personal allowance. It is often dual-income families, effects of the tax changes we are making in this country. quite high up the scale, who benefit from the personal We cannot address all those aspects now, and we shall allowance being pushed up. It is a very expensive way of look at them again in Committee, but I hope we can helping people who are in the position that the hon. find a way of measuring their effects and supporting Gentleman sets out. overseas tax authorities more effectively to collect their tax liabilities so that they are not adversely affected by Although people criticised the tax credit system, the changes we are making to our basis for taxation. whole point of it was that it maximised the amount of benefit that went to the people who really needed it. The I said that I wanted to make a short speech. We have irony is that when we were in government, we were often long debates ahead of us over several days, both in the accused of introducing stealth taxes, but look at the Chamber and in Committee. When the dust has settled amount of indirect taxation now. What people have on the Budget and it passes into the annals of history, supposedly been given back through the direct taxation despite everything that hon. Members have rightly system—that is, through their personal allowance—has mentioned today—whether pasties or caravans—I think already been taken off them through the 20% VAT rate. it will be remembered for the huge increase in personal That is the type of “stealth tax”—the same goes for fuel allowances that raised millions of people out of taxation and so forth—that people resent. They are actually and provided a broad cut in income tax for millions saying that they are paying more tax than before. Even more. That is the radical measure in the Budget; it is the increased personal allowance will not make up the something I am very proud of and it is why I shall difference. support the Bill this evening. The Government propose making a very expensive move that is not properly targeted, and that is worrying, 8.42 pm because the money will not feed back into the economy as quickly as it would if it were targeted at those who Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): I rise to say a few of the really need it and would want to spend it straight away. things I was unable to say just before the recess because The first problem is that the money is going to the my speech was limited to about three minutes. I shall wrong place. make up for it this evening. Secondly, we seem to have no growth strategy at all. It is important to put the Budget in context. No We are lucky that some of our manufacturers are able Budget can be considered without the context in which to export because they are selling to markets in countries it is to be carried out. My major concern is that it does where there are stimulus packages, or strategies to stimulate not address the problems we are facing. Of course, we growth. The fact remains that if we were relying solely have a deficit and we need to reduce it, but we can do on the home market, our manufacturing would be in a that only if we make money and there seems to be no dire condition. strategy to get the economy going. The Government do With growth flatlining and unemployment rising, the not even seem to know where to feed money into the Government, far from bringing the deficit down, are economy, and seem to be wasting money by giving it facing the fact that they will have to borrow an additional away in the wrong places and not using it to do things £150 billion simply to pay people who are out of work. that would stimulate the economy. What is the point of that, when we could be paying Let us look at what has happened to date. Since the them to do constructive things such as build council emergency Budget of 2010, and subsequent measures, houses or schools? Through employment in manufacturing, the Government have already planned to take a huge they could be learning skills that they could use later. amount out of the economy, much of it from people on That would keep the skills base going. One of the big low or modest incomes—the very people who by necessity problems when there is mass unemployment and a have immediate spending on the essentials of life simply massive drop in the number of people in an industry, to keep their families fed and warm. What seems to whether it is coal mining or building, is that we lose a have happened in the Budget is that we are seeing generation of skills. 105 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 106
People do not want to sit about doing nothing. The it is money that people do not have to spend and overwhelming majority of people whom I meet who therefore money that is not circulating. That will have a cannot find a job are very frustrated at not being able to devastating effect on our high streets where we are find work. They are looking for anything and everything. already seeing many well known retailers closing shops. It is often older workers in their 50s and early 60s who We are lucky in Wales that we had a rescuer for Peacocks. particularly suffer. They feel that time and again, they My hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Owen turn up for an interview only to be told that they are too Smith) has its headquarters in his patch and it has been old and cannot be taken on. We want the opportunity taken over. None the less, more than half the stores are for all people—young and old—to get back to work. closing, including two in my own town. That is just one Let me give an example of the type of money being example. I could list dozens of retailers, as I am sure all taken out of the economy, so that we can see the real hon. Members could, in towns up and down the UK, problem. In Wales alone, some £6.3 billion will be taken each of which tells the same story: nobody has any out of the economy over the next three years. We are money to spend. talking about a very small population of not even It is vital that we consider which way round we should 3 million people. The money is coming directly out of be working in order to get money back into the economy, the Welsh economy. It is coming from the VAT increase, rather than taking it out. We start with the situation in the loss of jobs in the public sector, and, significantly, which money is being dragged out of the economy. most of all, from cuts to the tax credit system and to a What do we do to try and stimulate the economy? We wide range of allowances, including the disability living could create jobs. One of the things that Labour suggested allowance, housing benefit, and council tax benefit. It is is a repeat of the bankers’ bonus tax. We could use the coming from a whole range of moneys that were put in money to create jobs for young people and to stimulate to help people who struggle to pay particular bills—people the housing industry and other building projects, such who really could not make ends meet without the money. as schools or roads. If we did that, we would be repeating As was mentioned, many of the people affected by a tax which raised a lot more than this Government the housing benefit changes will either find themselves seem to be prepared to raise from their banker friends. homeless or simply have to use money that they would Their present tax proposals would raise a limited amount normally use for food and heating to pay the rent. from the bankers. Believe me, on the doorsteps people say that they still want to see the banks paying their fair Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): Does my hon. Friend share to put right the problems that they put us into in agree that part of the problem is that people in that the first place. situation have not realised that they are going to be We are lucky in Wales that we have a Labour short of money to pay their rent? As they try desperately Welsh Government. Welsh Government Ministers are to keep up with rent payments while their benefit payments implementing policies specifically to create jobs. We are going down, they will find themselves in an awful have spoken about creating jobs through a bankers’ position, facing debt and having to move home as well? bonus tax. The Welsh Government are creating 4,000 jobs with the limited finances that they have. It is Nia Griffith: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The specifically a young person’s jobs programme, with an frightening thing is that we have not seen anything yet. emphasis on the private sector because we recognise The cuts in the public sector jobs are just beginning to that a much greater emphasis on the private sector is bite, but the cuts in the tax credit system and in the needed. We recognise that we are too dependent on the housing benefit system are loaded towards the next two public sector. or three years. The worst thing happening this year was the terrible cut in tax credits on 6 April, with some Anne Marie Morris: May I take it, therefore, that the of the least well-off people losing £4,000 per year hon. Lady welcomes the new scheme in this Budget that because they cannot get extra hours. We know perfectly will enable young people to apply for loans to start up well that getting extra hours is extremely difficult. businesses, in the same way as they can to go to university? By contrast, our Chancellor lowered the number of hours from 30 to 27 at one point, after the 2008 economic Nia Griffith: I certainly applaud measures to give crisis, in order to help people who could not claim young people the opportunity to take out loans to start working tax credit because they could not get enough up businesses, but even people with immense experience hours. We made the reverse decision because we recognised are finding it incredibly difficult to do that. There is just that people were desperate for hours. I met many people not the right climate at the moment to start a business. I who were desperate for any sort of work. would like to see more stimulus for the economy so that The Government’s policy is very damaging but, as my people who want to establish start-ups have a viable hon. Friend pointed out, the vast majority of cuts are chance of making a success of them. At the moment, it still to come. The effect on Wales of the tax credit cuts is is terribly difficult for anybody to sell anything to that £17 million went last year, £148 million will go next anyone or to persuade anyone to part with their money, year, £188 million the following year, £219 million the which is the essence of getting a business going. following year and £222 million the year after that. In Wales, we are trying to create jobs for young Each year the savings are greater, and with every saving people; we are also investing money in infrastructure there is a bigger cut in people’s income. The same is projects, again within the limitations of the Welsh budget. happening with housing benefit and all the reforms to The Welsh Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology the universal credit that are coming in. and Science is providing grants and loans to companies Those cuts represent a tragedy for each individual to help them to expand and get their businesses going, family, but more importantly for the whole economy—that because we are having so much difficulty with the banks. is money being taken out of the economy. In other words, For example, in my constituency, Tallent Automotive 107 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 108
[Nia Griffith] The Government completely messed that scheme up and destroyed the industry’s confidence by incompetently has received money to keep workers in work, which changing the rules before the consultation was finished. people are very pleased about, and EBS Automation, a They did not scale the scheme down in a sensible way, as very enterprising engineering firm, has received money the industry had asked. People in the industry accepted to expand, which means new jobs for young people in a that the tariff would change over time, but they could high-skilled field. Those are the sorts of programme not stomach being treated like idiots. The Government that I would like to see from the UK Government. What just said, “We’re going to change all this,” even though the Welsh Government can do affects only a small part people had invested a lot of money. Some people had of the economy in Wales. I would like to see the same spent £3,000 on a course learning how to convert from kind of stimulus across the UK. First and foremost, my being an ordinary central heating plumber to a solar concern is about the lack of a coherent growth strategy. panel installer. Some firms had expanded for the purpose, Consumer confidence remains low. Many people fear and firms in my constituency are laying people off that they may lose their job or have their hours cut. because of the ridiculous changes. People have been hit hard by rising prices, which have What other scheme do the Government have in mind been compounded by the VAT rise. Obviously, people to get people to unlock their savings for an excellent on low and modest incomes have little spare income to investment that is environmentally friendly and provides put by, so their money goes straight back into the local local jobs? We have not seen such a scheme in the economy. That contrasts with the money given away to Budget. We have made some suggestions, but it seems millionaires at the top, who do not have to do anything that the Chancellor has ignored them. For example, we with it immediately and do not know what they will do suggested a cut in VAT on repairs and improvements to with it. They know that there is no benefit to them from houses. With the construction industry on its knees, putting it back into the local economy. that would have enabled plumbers, carpenters, electricians, plasterers and so on to find extra work, and people would Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): What have been encouraged to take on home improvements. does the hon. Lady say to the 810,000 people in the What did the Chancellor do? The exact reverse. He eastern region who are better off because their tax slapped additional VAT on alterations to listed buildings. allowance has been altered? Those are low-paid working people who have had a stimulus and are spending the Mr George Howarth: I fully support my hon. Friend’s money locally as a result of the measures in the Budget. point about a cut in VAT on home repairs. Does she accept that because of the high level of VAT, many Nia Griffith: If the hon. Gentleman had been listening repairs are now being undertaken in the black economy? earlier, he would have heard me explain that those If we could bring VAT down to a level that people could people have already lost that money through the VAT afford, that might have a positive effect on revenue. increase. That is a stealth tax and a regressive tax, which always affects the least well-off the most. Many of the people who will get a little more in their pay packet Nia Griffith: That is extremely worrying, because because they will pay a little less tax when the personal there is not much point in having VAT on anything if it allowance goes up will find that because of other taxes is not collected. Groups in my constituency that want to that have been implemented, they have lost that money do up listed buildings, such the Cwrt farm project, with already. Sadly, those people will not do so well. which I have been involved, and the Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust, which I chair, care for all manner of The personal allowance helps people nearly all the buildings in the town. The fact that they will have to pay way up the income scale, particularly those in two-income much more VAT means that they will spend the same families. Frankly, although it is an expensive measure, it amount of money—the amount that they have raised, is not a well targeted one. As I mentioned, I would have or that individuals have available to give them—but liked to keep the tax credits system, which helped those have less work done. Less of that money will be spent who really needed it and took account of people’s on wages for local people, so less money will be circulating different circumstances because it was based on the in the local economy. Rather than finding ways of household income. stimulating the amount of work being done, the There is nothing to incentivise people to put their Government seem to be trying to close everything down money back into the local economy and nothing to and provide fewer and fewer opportunities for anybody encourage people to unlock their savings and help the to make money. economy. We had the car scrappage scheme, so that people who were planning to buy a car that would last Practically everywhere I have gone in Llanelli over them for the next 10 or 12 years would bring the purchase the past four weeks, I have met people struck by the fact forward by a year or two to take part in the scheme. We that pensioners are being punished and millionaires are did the same thing with the replacement of boilers. getting away with a tax break. That has incensed everybody Those schemes were introduced specifically to get the from all walks of life. economy going. What have this Government done? They have thrown out of the window the one such Charlie Elphicke: Can the hon. Lady tell the House scheme that they did have, which was the solar panels exactly how many pensioners in her constituency who scheme, under which people were unlocking £10,000, earn more than £10,000 a year will be affected? £15,000 or £20,000 of their savings and spending it immediately in the local economy. Even if the panels Nia Griffith: I can certainly tell the hon. Gentleman were not made locally, all the fitting work to install the that over the whole country, 4.4 million pensioners who solar panels was done by skilled plumbers and craftsmen, earn between £10,000 and £29,000 will be affected, so the money went directly into the local economy. including a huge number in my constituency. 109 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 110
People are incensed—not just pensioners but their The Budget has the wrong priorities. We do not seem friends and relatives. They say, “This is how it’s been to be getting the economy going and we are not putting since the 1920s, and the change came from nowhere”. money where it needs to go. Instead, we seem to be Older people like to plan; they tend to be careful and giving it away frivolously and stupidly. The money that like to know what will happen. In a Budget that was is used for tax cuts for the wealthy should be put into leaked and leaked, this change was just pulled out of a stimulating the economy so that everybody can have a hat like some dreadful spotted rabbit. People were appalled, share of the wealth. given all the emphasis that had been put on other measures that might be in the Budget. 9.8 pm Pensioners have to face that on top of losing their winter fuel allowance, which was a universal benefit and Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): It is a pleasure to very useful for all manner of pensioners. We are talking follow the detailed and forensic speech of the hon. about pensioners who have put by a little money and Member for Llanelli (Nia Griffith). However, unlike made some provision for their old age. They feel aggrieved her, I support the Finance Bill, and hope that it will go because they have tried to do the right thing. They have further, particularly on business and the reductions in been hit by the VAT rises. They have been lucky that it corporation tax. By 2014, corporation tax will be 22%—the has been a mild winter this year, but they all tell me, lowest rate in the G7. I strongly believe that if the rate is “Look at my electricity and gas bills.” What are the cut, the take is increased. However, in cutting the rate, Government doing to control energy prices? Absolutely we also need to take firm action to stop tax avoidance nothing. Prices have gone through the roof even though and to have a new tax compact. A low rate means great the weather has been milder than last year, and pensioners responsibility, and a greater responsibility to pay the tax are struggling to pay those bills. Then there is the fiasco that is due. We need business to pay a fair share of taxes, at the petrol pumps. People had already been hit by especially multinationals that are located not here in the mid-March with very high petrol and diesel prices, UK, but overseas. For too many years, they have failed when suddenly the Government inflamed the situation to pay their fair share. by telling everyone to rush out and panic buy. Of course, Let me give some numbers. In 1997-98, income tax everyone now faces even higher, inflated prices at the raised £77 billion a year; in 2008-09, it raised £153 billion petrol pump. a year. In other words, income tax receipts doubled. Let Pensioners have been hit time and again. For those us look at corporation tax. In 1997-98, corporation tax on a fixed income when interest rates are low, the raised £30 billion; in 2008-09, it raised £43 billion, an rampant inflation that we have experienced is particularly increase of just a third. How can it be that income tax hurtful. Again, pensioners have been badly affected. All receipts doubled in the same period that corporation in all, there is a feeling that the Budget takes from the tax receipts went up by only a third? The rate during the wrong people. It takes from people who spend their period was largely unchanged. The answer is that the money locally, tend to be careful with their money, and Labour Government allowed massive, egregious and have saved. They spend a certain amount on their unacceptable tax avoidance for a decade on an industrial grandchildren, but they will have less money to do scale. That is a disgusting record in government. that—all to fund the cut in the 50p tax rate for those There was a massive change during that period. With who earn more than £150,000. For some people who the rise of the internet, tax bases were threatened, but earn millions, it will mean that they are not just hundreds the Labour Government were asleep at the wheel and but thousands and tens of thousands of pounds better failed to reform our tax system, and to understand and off. That is extremely unfair. take into account the new technologies and the new The people I meet ask why that is happening and why threats to our tax bases. we are not all in it together. They ask why the 50p rate is Let us look at this massive and inexcusable tax avoidance not kept so that there is a fairer distribution of taxes by multinationals. Who am I talking about? I shall give across society. a few examples. In the last financial year, it is estimated that Apple had earnings of about £6 billion in the UK. Mr Stewart Jackson: I must remind the hon. Lady Apple has an operating margin of some 33%, meaning about the deficit. The previous Labour Government ran that profit in the UK would be roughly £2 billion. Tax a structural and a cyclical deficit before the financial attributable to UK profits should be roughly £500 million, crisis. Between 2000 and 2010, they increased public but how much tax did Apple pay? It paid £10 million—not expenditure in real terms by 53%, yet managed to £500 million. That is unacceptable. double youth unemployment. The hon. Lady extols the virtue of Keynesian economics and growth management, Let us take the case of Amazon. In 2010, Amazon but we have to deal with the deficit, and that is why we had revenues attributable to the UK of £2.8 billion. It is must make such difficult decisions. estimated that it should have paid some £35 million in tax on profits of some £125 million. How much tax did Nia Griffith: The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly Amazon pay? The answer is nothing. well that, until 2008, we were reducing the national debt. Obviously, when a world crisis occurs, a stimulus must Bob Stewart: So we are going to sort this, are we? Will be provided. By the time we left government in 2010, it be sorted as soon as possible so that it does not the economy was beginning to pick up. It has flatlined happen again? We must ensure that it does not happen since. We gave the Government the opportunity on a again. plate to try to get things going, but they squandered it and have put us back behind the starting posts. We are Charlie Elphicke: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for now in a truly difficult situation because getting things anticipating the next part of my speech, but let me first going again will be much harder. give some more examples. 111 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 112
[Charlie Elphicke] Owen Smith: I am following the hon. Gentleman’s argument with great interest. Will he confirm whether Google revenues in the UK were £2.15 billion in he plans to vote with his Government on the controlled 2010. Estimated UK profit was £700 million. How foreign companies changes that will give a reduction of much tax should have been paid? Google should have about £1 billion a year to UK-based multinationals? paid around £180 million, but how much did it pay? It declared a loss of £22 million. Charlie Elphicke: The hon. Gentleman will know, Jacob Rees-Mogg: Did those companies pay the tax first, that that means that we will get more tax in the required by law? UK and, secondly, that we already have a 0.7% commitment to the international aid budget. If he wants to pledge—a Charlie Elphicke: My hon. Friend makes a fair point. spending commitment from Labour of £1 billion or The companies would answer that they did pay the tax so—to extend that commitment, let him do so. I am required by law, but my response is like the one given by sure that the shadow Chancellor would be fascinated. their lordships in, I believe, the Aberdeen case some years ago. Their lordships said that a man is under no Owen Smith rose— obligation to allow the taxman to put a greater shovel in his stores than he must by law, but my argument is that tax law should allow the taxman to put his shovel into Charlie Elphicke: Is the hon. Gentleman making that stores so that people pay a fair and just share of commitment—yes or no? taxation. Owen Smith: No, I am explaining to the hon. Gentleman Jacob Rees-Mogg: Can we be clear that the problem that the Finance Bill, supported by the Chancellor, is the law and not the avoidance—the avoidance is legal, contains a measure on changes to the controlled foreign but the law may be wrong? companies legislation that will reduce the revenues to the Exchequer by £1 billion per year—companies in the Charlie Elphicke: The law requires change. The avoidance UK avoiding tax. Is he in favour of that? might be legal, but HMRC is understood to be investigating a number of those companies. Because of taxpayer confidentiality, we will not know for sure until such Charlie Elphicke: Aid charities have made the case time as a case comes before a court. that corporations headquartered in the UK should be Let us take the case of eBay. Tax of some £50 million paying more tax overseas. That is not our job. Our job is should have been paid on UK profits before avoidance, to secure our own tax base in the UK. That is what I but eBay actually paid £3.4 million. Facebook should want to focus on, and it is what the previous Government have paid £14 million, but actually paid £400,000. That totally failed to do over many, many years. If we put a level of avoidance is unacceptable. This poisoned legacy— stop to it and raise the due amount of tax from companies the total failure to reform our tax system—left to us by not resident in the UK with anti-avoidance measures the previous Labour Government is unacceptable. I and proper tax reform, we could have lower fuel duties might, if I am generous, put it down to their obsession for hard-pressed families and a lower basic rate of with pursuing the prawn cocktail circuit for so many tax—and goodness knows we could even pay down years, in the fear that if they took on business and some more of the debt that the previous Government ensured that it paid its fair share of tax, they would be shockingly, disgracefully saddled this country with. less friendly with business and have less credibility. I hope that the anti-avoidance measures in the Bill will be widened in the following way: the first principle Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): I totally agree with every is that business tax rates should be low, simple and word that the hon. Gentleman has said so far. Does he attractive. Britain should be open for business, but open share my concern that companies operating in developing for business on a level playing field for national and countries should consider how they pay tax through international companies. Businesses should have a social transfer payments? Developing countries pay more—suffer responsibility to pay a fair share of tax. Some object to worse—through not getting those payments from the idea of morality in the tax system, but this is an companies that extract their wealth than we get from issue of corporate social responsibility. Tax avoidance our ability to tax. should be dealt with firmly and rules changed to stop the avoidance. I shall come to specific measures in a Charlie Elphicke: I thank my hon. Friend for her moment. point. My point, in this case, is that we should widen For many years, the European Union has consistently the anti-avoidance measures in the Bill for our own UK and systematically sought to undermine our tax base in territory to ensure that taxes are paid on trading profits its pursuit of a common corporation tax base. We need made here. I am not making a case for an extension by the EU to support member states in protecting tax proxy of the UK’s substantial international aid budget, revenues rather than undermining them with so-called which is 0.7% of gross domestic product. If one wants anti-discrimination rules. to make the case that it should be more than 0.7%, as ActionAid does, I am sure that they will make it, but I do not want to focus on that issue. I am much more Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Could the hon. interested in securing our own tax base so that we can Gentleman enlighten the House as to his view of the get our deficit down by widening the tax avoidance patent box? The Chancellor first mentioned it in last measures in the Bill and extending them to a wider and year’s Budget—I think—although it was Lord Mandelson greater reform. who introduced the concept in the first place. 113 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 114
Charlie Elphicke: It is common ground on both sides need the European Union to be our partner in ensuring of the House to support the patent box; in fact, I seem that all companies pay a fair share of tax, not just in the to recall the Labour party scrabbling to take the credit UK but across the EU. We need the European Union to for the Chancellor’s implementing it. step up to the plate in these difficult times and fulfil its Let me come to the next part of my list. Every responsibility to help re-secure national tax bases—rather multinational should be required to publish an effective than undermining them—not just for our nation, but rate of tax paid on UK revenues—from UK sources, for all nations across Europe, which are pretty much all from UK territory and from its UK trade. No Government running deficits. contract should be awarded to any company that does Finally, the principle that I am following is that not pay a fair share of tax in the UK. We need to get business should pay a fair share of tax. This is about tough on multinationals that have taken us on a free social justice as much as change and reform of the law. ride by using conduits such as Ireland, Luxembourg, The fundamental deal in the tax compact is this: “A the Netherlands or other European jurisdictions for too lower rate of corporation tax and lower business taxes, long. As a former tax lawyer—a poacher turned gamekeeper but no playing the system. Take corporate social —I hope that the House will allow me to put forward responsibility to include taxation. Pay up and help us some proposals for how to change things. The first is to grow the economy and repair our deficit.” reform the branch tax rules. Amazon will claim not to be here at all—“We’re in Luxembourg,” it will say—yet it fulfils its obligations here and trades here. The truth is 9.24 pm that Amazon does business here. In the internet age, we Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): It is a pleasure to need to widen the branch tax rules to deem a branch for follow the hon. Member for Dover (Charlie Elphicke). I UK-source profits to be in a UK territory. I hope that am always interested to hear people say that they are a Treasury Ministers will consider that. poacher turned gamekeeper, because I always want to Then let us look at restrictions on deductions such as know what they did when they were a poacher. The interest, royalties or management charges—all sorts of hon. Gentleman laudably admitted that he was a tax costs that are loaded on to companies and declared as lawyer, and it would be interesting to know whether, in deductible items, but then end up mysteriously in Ireland, giving people professional advice, he ever recommended Luxembourg or one of these other countries. That method that they set up tax-efficient systems for managing their is routinely used to depress UK profits. We should taxes. I point out to him that, in more than 15 years in pursue substance over form. We should employ “look- this House, I never once heard a Conservative Member through” rules, so that no deduction should be allowed ask the Labour Government to do anything about tax unless tax is actually paid somewhere else. Companies avoidance rules. There is too much piety among will claim, “Oh, we’re using the Luxembourg tax treaty,” Government Members as they try to suggest that we but we have to ask whether the tax is actually paid—that wilfully ignored the matter of tax avoidance. I hope the is, is it repatriated to the states where it is actually paid? hon. Gentleman will reflect on what his party was doing Invariably, the answer is no. We need far stronger and during those 15 years, while he was being a poacher, not tougher “follow-through” rules, to follow through the a gamekeeper. money chain and see whether genuine deductions have been made or whether companies are just using a money Barry Gardiner: If my right hon. Friend looks at all box offshore to rip off not just our system, but the states the Budget measures put through by the Labour in their home jurisdictions. Often, they do just that. Government, she will see that the average figure achieved Next, we should look at how the rules on personal by each measure to clamp down on tax avoidance was service companies can be tightened up. As I said in an £1.8 billion. The most that this Government have managed intervention on my hon. Friend the Member for is £0.8 billion. Gainsborough (Mr Leigh), politicians should be setting an example. Indeed, there are too many Members of Mrs McGuire: My hon. Friend the Member for Leeds Parliament with personal service companies—lately on West (Rachel Reeves) dealt ably with that point earlier the Opposition Benches, I have to say—who have not today, and I am delighted that my hon. Friend the been behaving properly, but who should behave properly Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) has echoed and pay a fair share of tax. When Ken Livingstone is her comments. not weeping crocodile tears, he is busy talking about how everyone else should pay tax but him. That is Lorely Burt: Will the right hon. Lady give way? unacceptable. We need some truth, some reality and some leadership in our tax system. We should not just Mrs McGuire: I want to make some progress. lecture everyone else, but act differently ourselves. We The test of a Budget is not the easy headlines on the have had too much acting and too many actors; we need day of the announcements, but how quickly and radically more reality, more substance, and more honesty and it unravels in the days and weeks after the initial statement. straighforwardness with the electorate. In the case of the 2012 Budget, we did not have to wait We also need to reform the European Union or long. It was full of political symbolism but it had little renegotiate the procurement and discrimination rules, substance. The Chancellor said: so that we can properly secure our tax base. The way the “We will…consult on the introduction of a large annual charge European Union has systematically colluded with on…£2 million residential properties”.—[Official Report, 21 March multinationals to undermine our tax base—costing us 2012; Vol. 542, c. 804.] even more money than we already have to give it every That was no doubt a sop to the Business Secretary, but year, in a big fat cheque that we write out for membership the reality is that only 3,000 houses a year, at most, will of that organisation—is nothing short of a scandal. We be covered by the charge, and it will be easy to avoid. 115 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 116
[Mrs McGuire] person eligible to pay tax who also receives housing or council tax benefit, the Department for Work and Pensions A property valued at £2,000,010 might be made available will claw back some £187 of the £220 notional annual at a bargain price of £1,999,999.99. A gentleman such gain. The Citizens Advice chief executive, Gillian Guy, as the hon. Member for Dover could drive a coach and said: horses through such an arrangement. It was a policy “Raising the personal tax allowance is an empty gesture for that sounded good on the day but it will be no more struggling families on low wages who get housing and council tax than warm words when it comes to raising revenue or benefits. For these families, the weekly gain is less than the price catching those who seek to avoid paying tax. of a loaf of bread”. In the name of simplification, the Chancellor launched Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): The his £3 billion tax raid on pensioners over the next four right hon. Lady accuses Conservative Members of not years. The freeze in the personal allowance for pensioners saying anything about tax avoidance, yet I have been will see 4.4 million pensioners who pay income tax going on about the issue of high-value houses for losing an average of £83 a year from next April. People several years. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor also who turn 65 after next year will, of course, lose most—up mentioned it before the election. Yes, perhaps we should to £322 a year. The additional age allowance was introduced go further than the figure of £2 million and, yes, perhaps in the 1920s in recognition of the fact that those who the measures on capital gains should go further than have retired do not have the same capacity to increase just covering companies, but the Labour Government their income. It is to the undying shame of the current did absolutely nothing on those issues. Chief Secretary—a man for whom I once had some respect when he was a Liberal spokesperson on welfare Mrs McGuire: The problem is that the measure was issues—that he came forward today to try to justify paraded as a bit of camouflage for the reduction in tax taking money from those pensioners who have no other for those earning more than £150,000 a year. On the one means of increasing their income, telling them that he hand, the Chancellor was reducing tax for the wealthiest, was doing it in the interest of simplification. but he was also going to attempt to clobber them. This policy did not come from the heart; it was part of the Charlie Elphicke: Will the right hon. Lady give way? camouflage being used in the Budget. Mrs McGuire: I would love to give way to the hon. There has also been a general sleight of hand over Gentleman. taxation. The Chancellor recently stated that he was “shocked” by how little the wealthy paid in taxes, yet this Budget gives a tax cut to the 14,000 people who Charlie Elphicke: I do hope the right hon. Lady will earn £1 million a year or more. That will give them forgive me for breaking into her ad hominem attacks on about £40,000 each year, while the average family with just about every Government Member, but I point out children earning just £20,000 will lose £253 a year from to her that no pensioner loses any money whatever this April. That is on top of the VAT rise, which is under these proposals because of the increase in the costing the average family £450 a year. Furthermore, basic state pension that the Government have put in another 678,000 people of all ages who are currently place. paying the basic rate of income tax might feel pretty aggrieved when they wake up to discover that they have Mrs McGuire: Frankly, the increase in the state pension been catapulted into the 40p income tax rate, not because came about because inflation was at 5.2% in September they are earning massively more but because the Chancellor and the Government could not get out of it. I do not has not raised the threshold in line with inflation— know whether the hon. Gentleman worked for Grant [Interruption.] I do not know whether I am interrupting Thornton when he was a tax accountant, but Mike a kind of confab of the horizontal speaking to the Warburton of Grant Thornton said: vertical on the other side of the Chamber, but I will “The Chancellor is allowing age allowances to wither on the continue, having drawn attention to the significant noise vine. He is effectively phasing them out but there is always a price coming from the other side. to pay for simplicity.” The Treasury forecasts suggest that there will be The burden will fall on pensioners with below average 5.7 million higher rate taxpayers by the end of this incomes. Those are not our words, but those of an Parliament. That is nearly double the 3.1 million at the eminent firm of chartered accountants. time of the last general election and treble the number when Labour came to power in 1997. Of course the Charlie Elphicke: Will the right hon. Lady give way? whole increase in personal allowance that has been paraded here today is outweighed by the VAT rises, the Mrs McGuire: No, I have been generous enough with changes to tax credits and the higher petrol duties. As the hon. Gentleman. my hon. Friend the shadow Chief Secretary demonstrated Also hidden in the statement was the announcement earlier, the average family with children will be worse that there would be a further cut in the DWP’s welfare off—not on the basis of our figures, but on the basis of budget. I do not know how many people heard the those of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. The Chief Chancellor slide over the fact that there was going to be Secretary’s answer to my hon. Friend was both evasive a £10 billion cut in the DWP budget. He did not say and complacent. where it was coming from; it was left hanging in the air. According to Citizens Advice, poorer families that He made a passing reference to his colleague, the Secretary get housing and council tax benefits will be just £33 a of State for Work and Pensions, and to what a wonderful year better off when the tax threshold rises because as job he would do in cutting £10 billion. Where is that their income goes up, their benefits go down. For every £10 billion going to come from? Will Ministers cut the 117 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 118 carer’s allowance? Will they make further reductions in to do to stimulate growth. A Budget worked out by an housing benefit for those in work as well as those who out-of-touch Chancellor is now being finessed daily as are out of work? Will there be a further erosion of it unravels in the light of scrutiny and analysis. In other support for disabled people, including disabled children? words, this Budget was a lost opportunity. Will the Treasury freeze state pensions? Ten billion pounds will not come out of thin air. It will have to be 9.39 pm paid for, but so far we have been given no details, or even a broad-brush indication of where it will come from. Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): It is a great pleasure to have this opportunity to speak in My hon. Friend the Member for Llanelli (Nia Griffith) favour of the Finance Bill, which shows the wisdom of made some valuable points about the stimulation of the Government on the key point of reducing the growth. It is worth comparing what the present Government deficit. That was what the Government came into office have done with some of the steps taken by our Government to do. They set out a course to do that, and they are when we were faced with a recession—a global recession, following it bravely and boldly. It is the essential part of not a recession manufactured in this country. [Interruption.] the policy the Government are pursuing. Did I hear a voice from somewhere? Nia Griffith: Why, therefore, has £150 billion had to Lorely Burt: I was reflecting, perhaps a little more be borrowed, and how can the hon. Gentleman measure vocally than I should have from a sedentary position, that as a success? on the suggestion that the recession was not of the right hon. Lady’s making, and was not fuelled by debt or Jacob Rees-Mogg: Very simply, because £150 billion anything else of that kind. She seemed to be entirely extra has not got to be borrowed. Forecasts of what confident that her party had played no part in the may happen are fundamentally unreliable. In a large creation of the circumstances in which we now find economy, no efforts to forecast a small percentage of ourselves, although the former Chief Secretary left the growth that there may or may not be have been successful. message “There is no money”. In the history of economic forecasts both in this country and across the world, there is one thing of which we can Mrs McGuire: I almost wish that I had not heard the always be certain: that they are wrong and that the comment that the hon. Lady made from a sedentary outcome will be different. This extra £150 billion that is position. What I said was that it was a global recession proposed is based on a theoretical level of growth that that we faced in 2007-08, not—as the Government was never going to be achieved, and that was never able would have us believe—a recession that had been to be achieved. manufactured in this country. It spread across the whole of the western world, and I hope that the hon. Lady will Owen Smith: Does the hon. Gentleman therefore reflect on her comments. agree that it is equally uncertain that the revenue to be As my hon. Friend the Member for Llanelli pointed lost as a result of the change in the 50p rate will be just out, during that dire time the car industry was helped £100 million, as his Treasury colleagues contend? by the scrappage scheme, there were changes in stamp Jacob Rees-Mogg: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman duty and reductions in VAT, there was a future jobs for making that point, because I think the reduction fund, payment of tax was deferred for small businesses, from 50p to 45p will, in fact, raise revenue. I think the and there were changes in mortgage support for those estimates are far too unambitious and that, actually, who became unemployed. The purpose of all that was there will be an opportunity for the Government to go to ensure that people stayed in their jobs, or, if they further in future. I am extremely encouraged that the faced unemployment, were given the support that would Treasury is producing reports on what is the best level enable them to obtain other jobs. This, however, was a of higher rate tax. Budget of ill-considered consequences. We have a granny tax that will make some pensioners poorer. We have a On that point, the Government have yet again been charities tax that is so badly thought out that Conservative right, brave and bold. It is, of course, marginally politically Back Benchers are holding up their hands in horror. We embarrassing in an age of austerity, when we are all in it now have a panicked consultation. We have tax proposals together, to cut the higher rate of tax, but it is right to that may ruin the caravan industry, which involves do so if that raises more tax for the country—it is right manufacturers in the north of England. Hairdressers if that allows the Government to spend on the priorities face paying VAT on their chairs that they hire for their that both they and the British people have. Yes, there salons. We have tax proposals that cannot be implemented. may be unpleasant headlines and we may be mobbed up by the hon. Ladies and hon. Gentlemen on the Opposition One of the Treasury Ministers must explain to me Benches, but it was the right thing to do. Time will show what an “ambient temperature” is when it comes to that the 45p rate will end up raising more revenue, assessing the imposition of VAT on savouries, which is because rich people can leave the country and not pay almost impossible to implement. Is a pasty or a steak tax, can decline drawing dividends from their companies bake or a pie cooling down after it has been baked liable and not pay tax, and can postpone taking revenue and for VAT, or is one warmed up so that it can be sold also not pay tax. It has been shown time and again that liable for VAT? That is a nonsense of a policy, and I reducing rates results in higher rates of total income. hope that Minister will reflect on it as well. The Government were right to introduce this measure, The Budget on 21 March was a weak attempt to therefore. highlight the coalition’s mantra that “we’re all in this together”, but has shown that nothing could be further Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) (Con): Does my from the truth. It was the Budget of a complacent and hon. Friend agree that those who do not look at these cynical Chancellor who feels that he has nothing more dynamic effects of tax changes will always over-estimate 119 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 120
[Matthew Hancock] whether Jaffa cakes were cakes or biscuits, and whether, as a cake, they were exempt or whether, as a biscuit, the amount that a tax rise will generate, and therefore they had VAT paid on them. will always leave the nation’s finances in a mess, as amply demonstrated by the Labour party’s record? Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab): I wonder whether the hon. Gentleman would mind reflecting on the situation Jacob Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend is absolutely spot-on, of the Greggs Foundation, in the north-east of England, because every single socialist Government this country which puts significant money, through charitable donations, has ever had have always left the country in a financial into youth services and children’s breakfast clubs. If the mess, as they believe that by squeezing the rich until the pasty tax hits home and Greggs’ profits fall—we have pips squeak they can get more revenue, when history already seen a significant reduction in the share price—those shows that they cannot. charitable donations may dry up. Is that a concern of The success of the Government’s fiscal plan is shown his? day in, day out by the bond market. Interest rates on our 10-year gilts are just about 2%. When we look Jacob Rees-Mogg: That is rather contorted logic. abroad—when we look to the continent—we see how Saying that one aspect of the activities of a big and quickly those rates can deteriorate for countries in thriving business has a slightly higher rate of tax and so which the markets lose confidence. The greatest tribute the business will suddenly not be able to give any money to this Government’s economic policy is what has been to charity is a leap in logic so great that it can be ignored happening in the bond market. in this case. However, I did wish to discuss the point about charitable giving, because that is one of the We must thank our Liberal friends for another great biggest sticks that has been used to bash this Finance measure in this Finance Bill: the raising of thresholds. Bill and the Budget with. That has, quite rightly, been adopted by Conservatives. It is sensible that people should not pay tax when they are on benefits. The higher the threshold can be raised Charlie Elphicke: Does my hon. Friend agree that it is so that we avoid this merry-go-round of tax and benefits, odd that fish and chips should be subject to VAT but the better. pasties should not? The sausage and egg McMuffin that I sometimes enjoy is subject to VAT, as is my Domino’s pizza and the Indian takeaway I enjoy from the Milaad Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): I thank my hon. Friend Tandoori in Deal, but sausage rolls are not. Is that for making that point about thresholds. Does he share situation not unfair, as it subsidises pasties and sausage my pleasure in the fact that the majority of people rolls? benefiting from that threshold being raised are women, many of them working part time? Jacob Rees-Mogg: I agree with my hon. Friend that VAT is a tax of immense complexity. However, it is an Jacob Rees-Mogg: That is a tremendously important essential tax for the revenue-raising that this country point, because we have heard some complaints that needs and it has to include in it things that all of us like couples, where both are working, are particular beneficiaries. and would rather not be taxed. Equally, it will include But I think that that is great; I think that where the things that some of us do not like, do not particularly husband and wife are both going out to work, one of wish to eat and do not mind how heavily taxed they are. them is a relatively low earner and the whole family If I am put the question, I would choose a sausage roll income benefits, that is good for men, women and over a pasty, but I know that others have different views. probably their children, too. So this is absolutely the I also want to mention briefly the freezing of the right policy. threshold about which the right hon. Member for Stirling In addition, we have cut corporation tax, a pro-business (Mrs McGuire) spoke interestingly.Again, the Government policy. We saw how well Ireland did by cutting corporation were right. Because the big step is being taken to raise tax—[[HON.MEMBERS: “It went bust!”] The reason Ireland thresholds altogether, it makes absolute sense, at no went bust was not its low corporation tax. The reason cash cost to any current pensioner, to freeze this level Ireland went bust was because it joined the euro, a and allow it to even out so that we have one threshold. policy of which a lot of Labour Members were all in Every time we have variance in tax levels, be they rates favour. Ireland’s corporation tax was behind it becoming or thresholds, we simply employ more people at Her a very successful economy and attracting companies to Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, we have a more expensive go there to do business. We want to do the same and I cost of collection and we fail to achieve the objective of am glad that the Government have so much ambition to simplicity across the tax system. continue reducing corporation tax, to the benefit of the This has been a great Budget and I wish to finish by nation. speaking briefly about this terrible question of tax When we look at these great and bold things that avoidance. I agreed with my hon. Friend the Member have been done—getting the deficit under control, lowering for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) when he cited that notable the top rate of tax, raising thresholds and lowering judge with his phrase about allowing the taxman to take corporation tax—we see that big, important measures the biggest shovel. If people avoid tax, that is legal have been taken. Yet what is the Budget criticised for? because we, as Parliament, have allowed them to do so. What is the Finance Bill criticised for? The answer is The following clauses in part 1 of the Bill allow legal tax pasties. I have to say that the VAT levels charged are avoidance: 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40 and 44. All required to raise revenue and they include all sorts of those clauses in the first 50 allow tax avoidance of funny things and they exclude some odd ones, too. which the Government approve. We will all approve of Many of us will remember all the fuss there was about some of them, because they allow MPs £30,000 tax free 121 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 122 when they leave Parliament, allow cars that must be for economic recovery to business. The problem is that made secure because people are at risk to be tax free the OBR does not expect business to step up to the plate and allow people in particular situations and circumstances any time soon, so it appears that nobody will be responsible to pay less tax than they would in normal circumstances. for the recovery. This is what the OBR had to say in its The enterprise initiatives under clauses 38, 39 and 40 allow March report: investment that the Government want to encourage. “Relative to our November EFO” Those are all examples of tax avoidance that is liked by report, the Government. “we have made a further downward revision to business investment, We have to be fair to taxpayers. We can only expect as we believe that non-financial companies’ balance sheets may be them to follow the law of the land as it is written—the weaker than official statistics suggest. Set against this, we expect a black letter law of the land. We cannot expect taxpayers boost to the level of business investment of 1 per cent from the to look at their affairs and say that the Government corporation tax rate cut announced in the Budget.” might like them, if they are feeling kind, to pay more The reduction in the forecast for business investment tax than they are being asked for. None of us has an for 2012-13 is 6.9% off the November forecast and the obligation to do that and it is wrong and dangerous to increase that is expected this year in business investment elide tax avoidance and tax evasion. is only 0.7%, so it appears that business will not be stepping up to the plate. Barry Gardiner: Does the hon. Gentleman therefore We have heard a lot about corporation tax and disagree with the Chancellor, who said on Budget day Opposition Members have been accused of not being that he wanted the approach to be applied not simply interested in that, but when one looks at the detail, one according to the black letter of the law, as the hon. sees that the corporation tax cut that people have made Gentleman puts it, but according to the spirit of the law? so much of is expected to lead to an increase of only Jacob Rees-Mogg: I do not believe that the law has a 1% in business investment over the whole forecast period. spirit; that is unduly philosophical for my view of tax If a reduction in corporation tax is so important to the law. Tax law is what Parliament passes and I have grave Government, it seems a rather modest step. In striving doubts about a general anti-avoidance principle. I do above all to create what he feels is a fiscally neutral not think that we can reasonably expect people to pay Budget the Chancellor is constraining his Government’s tax on the basis of what Parliament might want, as they apparent remedies to our economic situation. We have can only do it on the basis of what Parliament has seen the same thing with the national loan guarantee passed into law. To undermine that is to undermine the scheme and the credit easing we were promised in rule of law on which we all depend, and it is fundamentally November which was finally announced to be alive and unjust to elide tax avoidance and tax evasion. kicking the day before the Budget. That is really an acknowledgement that previous measures to encourage Although I know that I have unlimited time and that business to invest have not worked. people are gathering for the excitement that the winding-up speeches hold in store, let me reiterate that this is a great What does the OBR say? It says: Budget and a good Finance Bill. The criticisms have “Under current funding market conditions, the Government been fundamentally trivial but the basic point is that we guarantee on the first tranche should lead to lower funding costs and some additional net lending. The scale of the initial tranche is will have—as Tories always have and as they always not large enough to have a material impact on our aggregate have had when they have come in after Labour business investment forecast”. Governments—sound money. It goes on to say that the “benefits associated with further tranches are less certain.” 9.52 pm Again, one of the tools that the Government say they Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): After that have to aid economic recovery appears to be exceptionally version of what the Budget holds, it is worth quoting modest, so it is not surprising that the OBR does not another, as today’s editorial in The Times was not expect a recovery in growth to the historical average nearly as enthusiastic as the hon. Member for North before 2014. East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg). In its words: The rise of the tax threshold is something that the “When the Budget speech is still leading the news three weeks Liberal Democrats are very proud of. They waved their after delivery, something has gone awry.” Order Papers frantically at the time of the Budget. It is rather strange, because in the beginning people thought that so much had been spun out to the press in Lorely Burt: Yes, we did. advance that there could not be much controversy left. It all seemed to have been massaged and put out in Sheila Gilmore: And we heard a great deal about it advance, so people would not be too surprised. Three from the hon. Member for Bristol West (Stephen Williams). weeks after the Budget, however, as The Times I would be more interested in listening to their view on says, something has gone awry. Clearly, that view is not this if they acknowledged how many other measures shared by the hon. Gentleman who has just spoken, but have not helped many of the low-paid. Raising the tax it is widely held throughout this country. Behind all the threshold is not in itself a bad thing—[Interruption.]—but jokes about pasties, granny tax, stamp duty and caravans, when people have suffered other losses, the net effect is the biggest thing that has gone awry is the fact that not what the hon. Member for Solihull (Lorely Burt) there is very little in this Budget to help grow the appears, from a sedentary position, to think it is. Someone economy. That is the serious part of all this. who is now out of tax as a result of this year’s tax This morning—I think it must have been on the threshold increase will find that it is not worth as much “Today” programme—I heard the commentator say to them as they might have thought because while they that the Government have handed over the responsibility are gaining with one hand they are losing with the 123 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 124
[Sheila Gilmore] even the new jobs supposedly created over the past two years—most of which were created in 2010—are part-time other. If they are entitled to housing benefit or council and do not give them a higher standard of living. I urge tax benefit, they will get less because of the changes in Government Members to rethink their support for the tax so the net effect will be that they receive less. Over Budget and to vote with us tonight. the period since 2010, families in particular have taken a big hit with more than £500 a year being lost through 10.3 pm changes in tax credit and other benefits. The hon. Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) Member for Solihull laughs and perhaps she does not (PC): I intend to make only a short speech, concentrating care about that because the tax threshold seems to be on fuel prices. Plaid Cymru has been consistent in such an important mantra for her party but it is not calling for a fuel duty regulator to prevent unexpected enough if at the same time people are suffering losses. If spikes in prices that cost users at the pump and are then we want to talk about the real position for families, pocketed by the Treasury. particularly those with children, we have to look at the whole picture. Those who face the loss of tax credits Figures for November 2011 from the Office for National this year know exactly what that means for their families. Statistics showed that the poorest 20% of households As I said earlier, I am very disappointed that the spend twice as much of their disposable income—nearly Government were willing to listen to some critics, and 4%—on petrol duty as the richest 20%, who pay less make changes for those on the higher rate of tax who than 2%. We already know that rural families spend are about to lose child benefit, but were not prepared to hundreds of pounds more on petrol than urban families, look at the much bigger working tax credit losses that so constituents in rural Wales, where there are lower will be suffered by people on much lower rates. If they incomes, are being hit by a double whammy. were listening, they should have made the change for Since 2005, Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National both, not simply for those on higher rates of tax. party have called for a fuel duty regulator, through We have heard a lot about tax simplification—indeed, which an advance estimate of UK tax returns would be it was the reason for the so-called granny tax—but it made. If prices rose faster than expected, a price cap appeared to go out of the window when it came to child would be introduced, so there would be no windfall tax benefit changes for higher rate taxpayers. The Finance for the Government. In 2005 and 2008, Labour voted Bill will give us a complicated set of arrangements that against our amendments, while the Conservatives and will involve making decisions about whether two people Liberal Democrats abstained. In 2011, it was the other are a couple, whether or not they are regarded as living way round. At least this place is consistent, no matter together and when a relationship has sufficient permanency who is in government. The Federation of Small Businesses to affect the provisions. All those issues are extremely has published proposals for a stability mechanism in the complicated and, as even some Government Members last few weeks; the Treasury should at least look at it. have said, they will involve employing more people to work them out. As we said, there will be administration Mr Russell Brown: The hon. Gentleman has mentioned costs. dates when proposals were put forward. There was one year, 2006, I think—it may have been 2007—when no When the changes were announced with a great flourish proposal came from anyone for a fuel duty regulator. at the Tory conference, we pointed out the anomalies, Why was that? difficulties and expense that would arise. I suspect that there will be further changes yet, because there is no Jonathan Edwards: I have admitted that we proposed point in pretending that the measure is not difficult. amendments in 2005, 2008 and 2011. The hon. Gentleman On the higher tax rate issue, it was far too soon to is right that we did not do it every year, but every time jump to the conclusion that the 50p rate was not bringing we made the proposal, the voting record of each of the in the revenues one might have hoped for. It was hardly unionist parties has been consistent. given the opportunity to start. In effect, people on high The 1p off fuel duty announced last year was not a incomes were using a form of blackmail on the rest of regulator in the way that the Treasury suggested, and us: “If you put up taxes, we’ll find ways of avoiding the 3p increase in August is most certainly not either. In them.” What did the Government do? They rolled over the continuing poor economic circumstances, I would and said, “Oh all right then, we’ll lower the rate of tax.” rather the proposed fuel duty rise in August was cancelled, If low-paid workers or people who lost their working so that businesses did not have to face that extra cost in tax credit when they could not find enough hours these tough times. Families could use that money for decided that sensible tax planning for them would be to their own benefit; that would help them and the wider stop work, because they would better off, they would be economy. As my hon. Friend the Member for Dundee regarded as people who would rather stay at home East (Stewart Hosie) said, that would be one way of watching daytime television than work hard. There is removing a serious drag on economic recovery. one rule for one set of people and one rule for another. I hardly need explain that my party and I are in Tax avoidance should be tackled, but it is not a good favour of maintaining the 50p tax rate for those who sign when at the first whimper from higher rate taxpayers— earn more than £3,000 a week. Indeed, unlike the the first effort to avoid the tax—the Government say, overwhelming majority of the official Opposition—there “Okay, we’ll change the tax rate for you.” That is what are two honourable exceptions—I put my disagreement the Government stand for. It has been clear in this and with the policy on record in the vote on 26 March. It previous Budgets that there is gross inequality in the cannot be right for the Government to offer a tax cut to way people are treated. People at the bottom who have those who earn the most while announcing a £10 billion been suffering from the changes in tax and benefits and cut to the welfare budget. Clearly, we are not all in this are struggling to keep their heads above water find that together. 125 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 126
Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con) rose— John Mann: I suspect that the reason was that he had not worked out the cost of fuel since he has been Jonathan Edwards: I will not give way; I am sure that Chancellor—the cost of filling up his own vehicle, like the Front Benchers want to get on with their summing the rest of the country, rather than having a chauffeur-driven up. car taking him around. This is the point of the Budget. The point of any Budget is that it is about—[HON. My party and I do not support the freezing or scrapping MEMBERS: “Give way!”] There seem to be a few appendixes of age-related thresholds—the so-called granny tax—or grumbling on the Government Benches. I recommend the introduction of means-tested child support benefits, that hon. Members get those fixed before the next whether we have a cliff-edge or a taper. The point of spending review, because the cuts that are coming to the universal child benefit is that everybody with a child health service and to local government have hardly receives the benefit, irrespective of their income, because begun. They are coming this year, and the Budget was it costs additional money to raise a child. the Chancellor’s opportunity to alleviate the situation Schedule 23 of the Bill allows Northern Ireland the with growth. According to him, growth was 2.5% last right to vary air passenger duty on long-haul flights, but year, came down to 0.7% and this week came down does not provide the same for Wales and Scotland. That further to 0.4%. We cannot grow our way out of a appears to be an ad hoc arrangement. As my party has recession with growth figures like that. noted consistently, what is good for one part of the That is the bit of economics that I could have explained British state is good for other parts. For that reason, I to the Chancellor if he had chosen to come and use my have tabled an amendment to the schedule that will give bucket and spade and carry on digging. All that lot Wales the same powers as Northern Ireland. I look know that he is no longer fit to be leader of their party. forward to debating the issue on Wednesday—and to Although they understand why, they are reluctant to having the support of the official Opposition, in view of say so. A Budget is about values. I do not care about the the position taken by the leader of the Labour party in Chancellor’s background, where he comes from, what the Assembly. he eats or what car he has, but it is crucial that he The Budget continues the UK’s inequalities and the understands, and he and his mate the Prime Minister do transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich. We cannot not get it. They are not in touch with the British people. accept a Budget that offers no prospect of growth, and That is what is fundamentally wrong with the Budget. a Finance Bill that reinforces inequality. The leadership of the Government and of the Conservative party is out of touch with the British 10.8 pm people, and that is undermining their confidence in the Chancellor. That is why this Budget has been such a John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): What a shambles! What catastrophe for him—picking on those with children, a catastrophe! I refer not to this debate, but to the career picking on pensioners, and failing to grow the economy. prospects of the Chancellor. He went into the Budget as When the Chancellor took office, petrol was 119p a the man destined, in his eyes and others’, to be the next litre. He has already increased tax on petrol more than leader of the Conservative party, and he departs from it any other Chancellor in British history, and has seen the with a shambles around him. largest increase in petrol prices of any Chancellor in I thought a bit of sympathy would be in order and I British history, and he has been in office only two years. wanted to demonstrate to the Chancellor the impact of There is more to come on tax. On top of that, there is his Budget, so the week before Easter, I offered him the doubtless more to come on prices. How is the normal, opportunity to visit a caravan in Chapel St Leonards. I average British family struggling in this recession, trying was prepared to bring in some cheap lagers—the type to make ends meet, wanting to use their car—how are that I know he likes—from the supermarket, and to they to get on when they have a Prime Minister and a cook him one of his favourites: the sausage sandwich. Chancellor who do not understand the lives of the There has been a lot of concentration on the pasty, but British people? That is their problem, and that is the the humble sausage sandwich, never before taxed in this damage that this Budget does to our people. country, is now to attract VAT when provided at outlets across the country. The Minister is shaking his head—he 10.14 pm does not know the proposals in the Budget. The sausage sandwich cooked hot by the bakers across the country Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab): What a pleasure it is and cooling down below the ambient temperature is to follow that barnstorming speech by my hon. Friend VAT-able under the Government’s proposals. the Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann), which is one of many powerful speeches that we have heard from Opposition Members. There have also been some interesting Mr Ward rose— speeches from Government Members, which I will come to in a moment. John Mann: I awaited the Chancellor’s response to People used to say that Budgets from Tory Chancellors, my offer. Was it the brown sauce, was it the red sauce or and Tory Chancellors themselves, were cruel but competent. was it no sauce at all? That was taxed with VAT at the After this Budget, they do not say that any longer. last Budget. [HON.MEMBERS: “Give way!”] The Chancellor Opposition Members do not say it and nor do Government had the opportunity. The caravans in Lincolnshire that Members. We have heard quite a bit of criticism of the people rely on for their English holidays are to be taxed Budget, but little praise for it. Over the past few weeks, as well, for the first time. The Chancellor chose not to as the chicanery at the heart of the Chancellor’s Budget respond. has been exposed, line by line, clause by clause, in the newspapers and in this House, the scales have fallen Mr Ward: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? from the eyes of people across this country, and especially 127 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 128
[Owen Smith] economics editor Robert Peston said today. He pointed out that more than 73% of people earning more than from the eyes of the people who were kidded into voting £250,000 had been paying the 40p and 50p rates. Even Conservative at the last election; from the eyes of the among people earning between £5 million and £10 million, people who thought that the Chancellor was an astute 70% or 80% paid the full rate. What does that mean? political strategist and a smart steward for the economy; According to the economics editor of the BBC, it from the eyes of the people who thought that the NHS “implies that many tens of thousands of people were (and are) was safe in the hands of the Conservatives; from the paying the 50% tax rate, and were unable to dodge it. To state the eyes of the people who bought the balderdash about the bloomin’ obvious, all of those people were given a very lovely tax big society; and from the eyes of voters in my constituency cut in the budget.” and constituencies like it across the country who heard It must surely have occurred to a competent Chancellor that, apparently, we were all in it together. that he would be exposed by such analysis. That myth has been wholly debunked over the past Jacob Rees-Mogg: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? couple of weeks, and in the speeches of my right hon. Friend the Member for Knowsley (Mr Howarth), my Owen Smith: I will in a moment, because the hon. hon. Friends the Members for Dumfries and Galloway Gentleman has some interesting perspectives on the (Mr Brown), for Middlesbrough (Sir Stuart Bell), for value of the 50p rate. Kingston upon Hull North (Diana Johnson) and for One would have thought that a competent Chancellor, Llanelli (Nia Griffith), my right hon. Friend the Member or perhaps some of his Ministers, would have spotted for Stirling (Mrs McGuire), my hon. Friend the Member that if such data were put into the public domain, some for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) and, of course, my of us might realise not only that the 50p rate garnered hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw, we have heard it £1 billion in the last year, as has now been confirmed, exposed once more today. They have exposed the black but that it was going to bring us £3 billion to £4 billion a hole at the heart of the Bill where there ought to be year steadily, not the £100 million figure that the measures for growth. The price for that black hole will Government are suggesting using smoke and mirrors. be paid for by working people across this country. They have exposed the ludicrous, unthought-through, ill-judged Jacob Rees-Mogg: Even though the economics editor measures, whether on pasties or caravans, that have of the BBC says it, it does not necessarily mean it is so. been rightly and roundly mocked in the press. The hon. Gentleman does not know what income people Government Members have also made significant would have been able to draw but decided not to because and challenging speeches. The hon. Member for Cities it would be liable to the 50p rate. People with large of London and Westminster (Mark Field), with his incomes can decide not to take them. All that is known characteristic candour, pointed out the lack of growth is that they paid the right rate on the income that measures in the Bill and bemoaned the fact that the they took. Chancellor has not done more to deliver growth and to stop the economy flatlining. The hon. Member for Owen Smith: All that we know is what is written on Christchurch (Mr Chope) exposed the perversity at the page 52 of the review by Her Majesty’s Revenue and heart of the changes in clause 8, which relate to child Customs of the 50p rate, in table A2. It states in black benefit. The hon. Member for York Outer (Julian Sturdy) and white that £3 billion a year will be forgone as a gave a particularly good dissection of the madness of result of the changes, not the £100 million figure that is the pasty tax and the caravan tax. Those Government arrived at with smoke and mirrors about the taxable Members know that they no longer have a Chancellor income elasticity calculation that Treasury Ministers whom they can trust to run the economy or to take signed off. What does the Office for Budget Responsibility charge of their party in the future, because in this say about that? As the hon. Gentleman said, it says that Budget he presided over a slow-motion car crash. there is huge uncertainty about that calculation. We contend that we should rely on the absolute numbers, as With the tax on pasties, grannygate, the conservatory revealed this morning—that £1 billion was raised from tax, VAT on vans and the charity charge, this is not a the 50p rate last year, not the nonsense £100 million Budget to boost growth or a Budget for any particular figure. sector of our economy, except for the headline writers. They are the ones who have been waving their Order That situation reveals the priorities of the Government, Papers and who continue to celebrate this Budget—the who are taking £3 billion from pensioners. On average, gift that keeps on giving. £83 is being taken from them, and £285 is being taken from those turning 65 this year, to pay for a tax cut of Only this morning, we heard the Exchequer Secretary an average of £40,000 for 14,000 millionaires. That is trying to justify the proposed changes on charitable the Government’s priority.We cannot pretend to understand giving and the 25% cap on tax relief. He did so by it, but it is unfortunately the priority that working revealing that a handful of people in this country who people will pay for. earn more than £1 million and more than £10 million succeed in dodging paying their tax. There is no news in Lorely Burt: The hon. Gentleman talks about the that. One would have thought that a competent Government 50p tax rate, which his party’s Government introduced. who understood what they were doing would have I cannot remember how many days before the general realised that the flipside of that argument was to reveal election at which the coalition Government came into that more than 75% of higher rate taxpayers—those office that that happened—was it 48 days? May I invite paying 40% and 50%—do pay all of their taxes. him to speculate as to why the former Prime Minister Members do not need to believe my words about had 13 years in government but brought in the 50p tax that, or even examine the Treasury’s own analysis that rate only such a short time before his Government left reveals it. They simply need to read what the BBC’s office? 129 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 130
Owen Smith: Perhaps the hon. Lady could remind us Mr Gauke: The provision on cable cars applies not whether it was 48 days before the election, or just before only in Aviemore, but in, for example, the Isle of Wight that, when her party talked about the VAT bombshell and London. I confess that it does not apply in South that it would stop when it came into government. Was it West Hertfordshire or in Wrexham, but it applies in 48 days? I am not sure. We have made the argument places around the country. It is worth pointing out that, about why we introduced the 50p rate, and we do not by and large, public transport is exempt from VAT, and intend to make it once more. the provision brings cable cars into line with that. The reality is that the Government are entirely out of Let me consider fairness. We inherited a personal touch. Both Government parties—the one down there allowance of £6,475, and the Bill increases that to below the Gangway and the one up here opposite me £8,105. Next year, there will be a further increase of —are completely out of touch with the reality of working £1,100. The Government are taking 2 million people people in this country. [Interruption.] The Chief Secretary out of income tax, providing a tax cut for 24 million tells me from a sedentary position to answer the question. people and are well on course to meeting our target of a I have answered it, and I will answer it again on Wednesday personal allowance of £10,000. when we debate the 50p rate. It was introduced in a Let me turn now to the controversial issue of age-related period of recession to ensure that the people with the allowances. We must look at the changes in the context broadest shoulders paid the most. We would have stuck of the £275 increase in the state pension. Labour Members by that decision and not, in the midst of a continuing tend to say, “That is simply because of inflation,” but let period of austerity, asked the most vulnerable to pay. me remind the House that the plans we inherited from That is a desperately bad choice. the previous Labour Government were for the state If there was ever any doubt that the Government pension to increase in line with average earnings. That were out of touch, hon. Members should have come in would have meant an increase of £127 less than our earlier and listened to the Chief Secretary, a Liberal increase, so the Government have increased it more Democrat, parrot the Government line on working than Labour would have done. family tax credits that all people need to do is go out there and earn a little bit more by working an extra Owen Smith: Will the Exchequer Secretary confirm—we eight hours a week. Let me put him and the Chancellor, asked one of his colleagues to confirm this earlier—that, who is sitting next to him, in touch with the reality for on average, families in Britain, taking into account all working people in this country. In my constituency of the changes, will be £511 worse off, as suggested by the Pontypridd, Mr Chancellor, a new supermarket is opening. Institute for Fiscal Studies? It will create 200 jobs. A fortnight ago, 2,500 people queued 600 yards down the main road and across a bus station to try to secure jobs in a supermarket. Those Mr Gauke: We inherited the biggest deficit in our people need a Chancellor who will deliver growth and history and have taken measures—through both spending jobs. They need a Government who give a damn about and taxes—to reduce it. The fact is that the measures we working people. That is why we needed a Budget for have taken on the personal allowance will result in, for growth. We did not get it and that is why the Opposition example, a tax cut of £170 a year for every basic rate will vote against this bad Budget. taxpayer in the country.
10.26 pm Owen Smith: Will the Minister give way?
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Mr Gauke: No. I am going to make more progress. Gauke): We have had a wide-ranging debate, and I thank the 20 Back Benchers who contributed. Many of Returning to the age-related allowance, it will remain the speeches touched on the three great challenges that the case that those receiving employment income above we face in our economy: how to reduce the deficit, how the retirement age will not pay national insurance to ensure that we do it fairly, and how to ensure that the contributions. We have heard nothing this evening about UK can be competitive and grow strongly. However, the why the Opposition believe as a matter of principle that first point was tackled exclusively by Government Members. those under the age of 65 should have a lower personal Labour Members still show no recognition of the previous allowance than those over the age of 65. Given that the Government’s disastrous legacy or the fact that it is not personal allowance has increased so substantially, it is credible to advocate that the way to reduce borrowing is reasonable and sensible to simplify the tax system and to borrow yet more. A structural deficit of the size we have one generous personal allowance, regardless of age. faced meant that difficult measures on spending cuts We have taken decisions to remove anomalies in the and tax rises were necessary, but Labour Members VAT system, but VAT is a broad-based tax and it is continue to oppose almost every effective measure to neither fair nor economically justifiable for similar or reduce the deficit. That is why the country continues identical products to be treated in different ways on the not to trust the Labour party on the economy. basis of arbitrary distinctions. The same approach should The Bill is consistent with our determination to return apply to mobile caravans as to static, non-residential our public finances to a position of respectability. caravans, and to a hot pie served in a fish and shop and one served in a bakery. Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): If the Government believe Labour Members argue that removing those anomalies that it is not right to give tax concessions, why have they will hit living standards, but may I put those measures given skiers in Aviemore in the Chief Secretary’s in context? Next year, basic rate taxpayers will get a constituency a discount on VAT, which the Exchequer £170 income tax cut. That will be sufficient to pay VAT Secretary says that the country can ill afford? on 1,300 Greggs hot sausage rolls. I confess that those 131 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 132
[Mr Gauke] The Bill is good for growth. It encourages investment. It attracts entrepreneurs. It tackles avoidance. It helps consuming more than 1,300 Greggs hot sausage rolls—that those on low incomes. It asks the better-off to pay more. is 26 a week—will lose under the Budget, but I suspect And it provides for a significant restructuring of our tax that that is the least of their worries. code. It takes difficult steps but delivers real change. We are taking a tough decision on child benefit, but it Those changes will improve the tax system and the is right that those earning £20,000 or £30,000 should economy as a whole. I commend the Bill to the House. not pay taxes to fund child benefit for the families of Question put, That the Bill be now read a Second those who earn substantially more. Each of those policies time. has produced opposition, and whenever there is opposition to a difficult decision, along comes the Labour party. It The House divided: Ayes 319, Noes 245. opposes each and every measure, however logical or fair Division No. 507] [10.37 pm it may be. Labour agrees with every interest group that comes along and says, “Don’t tax us,” or “Keep spending AYES on this.” The Labour party is the party that likes to say Adams, Nigel Coffey, Dr Thérèse yes, just as it did in government. Is it any wonder that it Aldous, Peter Collins, Damian left the public finances in such a mess? Alexander, rh Danny Colvile, Oliver There is one tax increase that Labour has supported: Amess, Mr David Cox, Mr Geoffrey the increase in the additional rate of income tax to 50p, Andrew, Stuart Crabb, Stephen Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Crockart, Mike which the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Owen Smith) Bacon, Mr Richard Crouch, Tracey spent so much time on. What is the effect of the Baker, Norman Davey, rh Mr Edward 50p rate? We have the assessment of HMRC. What has Baldry, Tony Davies, David T. C. the 50p rate achieved? More people work overseas; total Baldwin, Harriett (Monmouth) income has fallen by between £2.9 billion and £4.4 billion; Barclay, Stephen Davies, Glyn and GDP is between 0.2% and 0.3% lower. All of that is Barker, Gregory Davies, Philip from the HMRC assessment. Baron, Mr John Davis, rh Mr David Barwell, Gavin de Bois, Nick Owen Smith: Will the Exchequer Secretary confirm Bebb, Guto Dinenage, Caroline that the HMRC report on the 50p rate stated on no Beith, rh Sir Alan Djanogly, Mr Jonathan fewer than three separate occasions that the calculation Bellingham, Mr Henry Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen was highly uncertain and that table A2, which contains Benyon, Richard Doyle-Price, Jackie absolute numbers, shows that the loss will be £3 billion Beresford, Sir Paul Drax, Richard rising to £4 billion over the spending period? Berry, Jake Duddridge, James Bingham, Andrew Duncan, rh Mr Alan Mr Gauke: Both HMRC and the OBR have made a Binley, Mr Brian Ellis, Michael central estimate, and that is what we have used. I am Birtwistle, Gordon Ellison, Jane sorry it does not fit into Labour’s ideology, but the Blackman, Bob Ellwood, Mr Tobias Blackwood, Nicola Elphicke, Charlie reality is that HMRC’s assessment is that the 50p rate Boles, Nick Eustice, George raised less than half the expected amount and might Bottomley, Sir Peter Evans, Graham even have cost the Exchequer. The OBR’s assessment is Bradley, Karen Evans, Jonathan that it is a reasonable and central estimate. Brady, Mr Graham Evennett, Mr David It takes a special kind of incompetence to produce a Brake, rh Tom Fabricant, Michael policy that sends a terrible signal to our competitors, Bray, Angie Fallon, Michael drives higher earners out of the country, damages GDP and Brazier, Mr Julian Farron, Tim fails to raise revenue. There are better ways of raising Bridgen, Andrew Field, Mark revenue from the wealthy—for instance, by addressing Brine, Steve Foster, rh Mr Don SDLT avoidance, raising the SDLT rate on properties Brokenshire, James Fox,rhDrLiam Browne, Mr Jeremy Francois, rh Mr Mark worth more than £2 million and capping reliefs to Bruce, Fiona Freeman, George ensure that the wealthy cannot opt out of income tax. Bruce, rh Malcolm Freer, Mike Both sides of the House want to raise more money from Buckland, Mr Robert Fullbrook, Lorraine wealthy people. The reality is that we are better at doing Burley, Mr Aidan Garnier, Mark it. Burns, Conor Gauke, Mr David We will get more money out of the rich as a proportion Burns, rh Mr Simon George, Andrew of income tax each and every year than the previous Burrowes, Mr David Gibb, Mr Nick Government managed in 13 years in any year. We will Burstow, Paul Gilbert, Stephen not only end our having the least competitive higher Burt, Alistair Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl rate of income tax in the G20 but provide for a corporate Burt, Lorely Glen, John tax regime that becomes increasingly competitive—the Byles, Dan Goldsmith, Zac Cable, rh Vince Goodwill, Mr Robert main rate will fall to 22% in 2014. We are updating our Cairns, Alun Graham, Richard controlled foreign companies regime ensuring that Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Gray, Mr James companies choose to locate here, not move away. We are Carmichael, Neil Grayling, rh Chris implementing the patent box, which is already resulting Carswell, Mr Douglas Green, Damian in additional investment in the UK, as announced by Cash, Mr William Greening, rh Justine GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, and we have more Chope, Mr Christopher Grieve, rh Mr Dominic generous arrangements for enterprise investment schemes Clark, rh Greg Griffiths, Andrew and venture capital trusts, and a new enterprise investment Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Gummer, Ben scheme. Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Gyimah, Mr Sam 133 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 134
Halfon, Robert McCartney, Karl Smith, Julian Vickers, Martin Hames, Duncan McIntosh, Miss Anne Smith, Sir Robert Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Hammond, rh Mr Philip McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Soames, rh Nicholas Walker, Mr Charles Hammond, Stephen McPartland, Stephen Soubry, Anna Walker, Mr Robin Hancock, Matthew McVey, Esther Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Wallace, Mr Ben Hancock, Mr Mike Mensch, Louise Spencer, Mr Mark Walter, Mr Robert Hands, Greg Menzies, Mark Stephenson, Andrew Ward, Mr David Harper, Mr Mark Mercer, Patrick Stevenson, John Watkinson, Angela Harrington, Richard Metcalfe, Stephen Stewart, Bob Weatherley, Mike Harris, Rebecca Miller, Maria Stewart, Iain Webb, Steve Hart, Simon Mills, Nigel Stewart, Rory Wharton, James Harvey, Nick Milton, Anne Streeter, Mr Gary Wheeler, Heather Hayes, Mr John Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Stride, Mel White, Chris Heald, Oliver Moore, rh Michael Stuart, Mr Graham Whittaker, Craig Heath, Mr David Mordaunt, Penny Stunell, Andrew Whittingdale, Mr John Heaton-Harris, Chris Morgan, Nicky Sturdy, Julian Wiggin, Bill Hemming, John Morris, Anne Marie Swales, Ian Willetts, rh Mr David Henderson, Gordon Morris, David Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Williams, Mr Mark Hendry, Charles Morris, James Swinson, Jo Williams, Roger Herbert, rh Nick Mosley, Stephen Swire, rh Mr Hugo Williams, Stephen Hinds, Damian Mowat, David Syms, Mr Robert Williamson, Gavin Hoban, Mr Mark Murray, Sheryll Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Willott, Jenny Hollingbery, George Murrison, Dr Andrew Teather, Sarah Wilson, Mr Rob Hollobone, Mr Philip Neill, Robert Thurso, John Wollaston, Dr Sarah Holloway, Mr Adam Newmark, Mr Brooks Timpson, Mr Edward Wright, Jeremy Hopkins, Kris Newton, Sarah Tomlinson, Justin Wright, Simon Horwood, Martin Nokes, Caroline Tredinnick, David Yeo, Mr Tim Howell, John Norman, Jesse Truss, Elizabeth Young, rh Sir George Hughes, rh Simon Nuttall, Mr David Turner, Mr Andrew Zahawi, Nadhim Huhne, rh Chris Offord, Mr Matthew Tyrie, Mr Andrew Huppert, Dr Julian Ollerenshaw, Eric Uppal, Paul Tellers for the Ayes: Hurd, Mr Nick Opperman, Guy Vaizey, Mr Edward Mr Philip Dunne and Jackson, Mr Stewart Osborne, rh Mr George Vara, Mr Shailesh Mark Hunter James, Margot Paice, rh Mr James Javid, Sajid Parish, Neil NOES Jenkin, Mr Bernard Patel, Priti Johnson, Gareth Pawsey, Mark Abrahams, Debbie Chapman, Mrs Jenny Johnson, Joseph Penning, Mike Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Clark, Katy Jones, Andrew Penrose, John Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Clarke, rh Mr Tom Jones, Mr Marcus Percy, Andrew Alexander, Heidi Clwyd, rh Ann Kawczynski, Daniel Perry, Claire Ali, Rushanara Coaker, Vernon Kelly, Chris Phillips, Stephen Allen, Mr Graham Coffey, Ann Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Pickles, rh Mr Eric Anderson, Mr David Connarty, Michael Kirby, Simon Pincher, Christopher Ashworth, Jonathan Cooper, Rosie Knight, rh Mr Greg Poulter, Dr Daniel Austin, Ian Cooper, rh Yvette Kwarteng, Kwasi Prisk, Mr Mark Bailey, Mr Adrian Corbyn, Jeremy Laing, Mrs Eleanor Pritchard, Mark Bain, Mr William Crausby, Mr David Lamb, Norman Pugh, John Balls, rh Ed Creagh, Mary Lancaster, Mark Raab, Mr Dominic Banks, Gordon Creasy, Stella Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Randall, rh Mr John Barron, rh Mr Kevin Cruddas, Jon Laws, rh Mr David Reckless, Mark Bell, Sir Stuart Cryer, John Leadsom, Andrea Redwood, rh Mr John Benn, rh Hilary Cunningham, Alex Lee, Jessica Rees-Mogg, Jacob Berger, Luciana Cunningham, Mr Jim Lee, Dr Phillip Reid, Mr Alan Betts, Mr Clive Cunningham, Tony Leech, Mr John Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Blackman-Woods, Roberta Curran, Margaret Lefroy, Jeremy Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Blears, rh Hazel Dakin, Nic Leigh, Mr Edward Robertson, Mr Laurence Blenkinsop, Tom Danczuk, Simon Leslie, Charlotte Rogerson, Dan Blomfield, Paul Darling, rh Mr Alistair Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Rosindell, Andrew Blunkett, rh Mr David David, Mr Wayne Lewis, Brandon Ruffley, Mr David Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Davidson, Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Rutley, David Brennan, Kevin Davies, Geraint Lidington, rh Mr David Sanders, Mr Adrian Brown, Lyn De Piero, Gloria Lilley, rh Mr Peter Sandys, Laura Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Denham, rh Mr John Lloyd, Stephen Scott, Mr Lee Brown, Mr Russell Dobbin, Jim Lopresti, Jack Selous, Andrew Bryant, Chris Dobson, rh Frank Lord, Jonathan Shapps, rh Grant Buck, Ms Karen Docherty, Thomas Loughton, Tim Sharma, Alok Burden, Richard Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Luff, Peter Shelbrooke, Alec Burnham, rh Andy Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Macleod, Mary Shepherd, Mr Richard Byrne, rh Mr Liam Doran, Mr Frank Main, Mrs Anne Skidmore, Chris Campbell, Mr Alan Dowd, Jim Maynard, Paul Smith, Miss Chloe Campbell, Mr Ronnie Doyle, Gemma McCartney, Jason Smith, Henry Caton, Martin Dromey, Jack 135 Finance (No. 4) Bill16 APRIL 2012 Finance (No. 4) Bill 136
Dugher, Michael MacShane, rh Mr Denis Smith, Nick Watson, Mr Tom Durkan, Mark Mactaggart, Fiona Smith, Owen Watts, Mr Dave Eagle, Ms Angela Mahmood, Shabana Spellar, rh Mr John Weir, Mr Mike Eagle, Maria Malhotra, Seema Straw, rh Mr Jack Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Edwards, Jonathan Mann, John Stringer, Graham Whitehead, Dr Alan Efford, Clive Marsden, Mr Gordon Stuart, Ms Gisela Williamson, Chris Elliott, Julie McCabe, Steve Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Wilson, Phil Ellman, Mrs Louise McCann, Mr Michael Tami, Mark Winnick, Mr David Esterson, Bill McCarthy, Kerry Thomas, Mr Gareth Winterton, rh Ms Evans, Chris McClymont, Gregg Thornberry, Emily Rosie Farrelly, Paul McCrea, Dr William Timms, rh Stephen Wishart, Pete Field, rh Mr Frank McDonagh, Siobhain Trickett, Jon Woodcock, John Fitzpatrick, Jim McDonnell, John Turner, Karl Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Flello, Robert McFadden, rh Mr Pat Twigg, Derek Wright, David Flint, rh Caroline McGovern, Jim Twigg, Stephen Wright, Mr Iain Francis, Dr Hywel McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Umunna, Mr Chuka Gapes, Mike McKechin, Ann Vaz, rh Keith Tellers for the Noes: Gardiner, Barry McKenzie, Mr Iain Vaz, Valerie Yvonne Fovargue and Gilmore, Sheila McKinnell, Catherine Walley, Joan Susan Elan Jones Glass, Pat Meacher, rh Mr Michael Glindon, Mrs Mary Meale, Sir Alan Question accordingly agreed to. Godsiff, Mr Roger Mearns, Ian Goggins, rh Paul Michael, rh Alun Bill read a Second time. Greatrex, Tom Miliband, rh David Green, Kate Miliband, rh Edward Greenwood, Lilian Miller, Andrew FINANCE (NO. 4) BILL (PROGRAMME) Griffith, Nia Mitchell, Austin Gwynne, Andrew Morden, Jessica Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order Hain, rh Mr Peter Morrice, Graeme No. 83A), Hamilton, Mr David (Livingston) That the following provisions shall apply to the Finance (No. 4) Hamilton, Fabian Morris, Grahame M. Bill: Hanson, rh Mr David (Easington) Committal Harman, rh Ms Harriet Mudie, Mr George 1. The following shall be committed to a Committee of the Harris, Mr Tom Munn, Meg whole House— Havard, Mr Dai Murphy, rh Paul Healey, rh John Murray, Ian (a) Clauses 1, 4, 8, 189 and 209; Hendrick, Mark Nandy, Lisa (b) Schedules 1, 23 and 33; Hepburn, Mr Stephen Nash, Pamela (c) any new Clauses and any new Schedules, first appearing on Heyes, David O’Donnell, Fiona the Order Paper not later than Tuesday 17 April 2012 and relating Hillier, Meg Onwurah, Chi to value added tax. Hilling, Julie Osborne, Sandra 2. The remainder of the Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Hodge, rh Margaret Owen, Albert Committee. Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Paisley, Ian Proceedings in Committee Hoey, Kate Pearce, Teresa Hopkins, Kelvin Perkins, Toby 3.–(1) Proceedings in Committee of the whole House shall be Hosie, Stewart Phillipson, Bridget completed in two days. Howarth, rh Mr George Pound, Stephen (2) Those proceedings shall be taken on each of those days as Hunt, Tristram Qureshi, Yasmin shown in the first column of the following table and in the order Irranca-Davies, Huw Raynsford, rh Mr so shown. Jackson, Glenda Nick (3) Each part of the proceedings shall (so far as not previously James, Mrs Siân C. Reeves, Rachel concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the time specified in Jamieson, Cathy Reynolds, Emma relation to it in the second column of the Table. Jarvis, Dan Reynolds, Jonathan (4) Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall Johnson, rh Alan Riordan, Mrs Linda not apply to proceedings in Committee of the whole House. Johnson, Diana Robertson, Angus Jones, Graham Robertson, John TABLE Jones, Helen Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Jowell, rh Tessa Rotheram, Steve Proceedings Time for conclusion of proceedings Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Roy, Mr Frank First day Keeley, Barbara Roy, Lindsay Clause 1 Three hours after the commencement Kendall, Liz Ruddock, rh Dame of proceedings on the Bill Khan, rh Sadiq Joan Clause 209 and Schedule 33 Five hours after the commencement of Lammy, rh Mr David Seabeck, Alison proceedings on the Bill Lavery, Ian Sharma, Mr Virendra New Clauses or new Seven hours after the commencement Leslie, Chris Sheerman, Mr Barry Schedules first appearing of proceedings on the Bill Lewis, Mr Ivan Sheridan, Jim on the Order paper not later Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Shuker, Gavin than Tuesday 17 April 2012 Long, Naomi Simpson, David and relating to value added tax. Love, Mr Andrew Skinner, Mr Dennis Lucas, Caroline Slaughter, Mr Andy Clause 189 and Schedule 23 Eight and a quarter hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Lucas, Ian Smith, rh Mr Andrew Bill. MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Smith, Angela 137 16 APRIL 2012 Business without Debate 138
Bruce, Fiona Grayling, rh Chris TABLE Bruce, rh Malcolm Green, Damian Second day Buckland, Mr Robert Greening, rh Justine Burley, Mr Aidan Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Clause 4 Three hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Bill. Burns, Conor Griffiths, Andrew Burns, rh Mr Simon Gummer, Ben Clause 8 and Schedule 1 At 6.00 pm on the second day. Burrowes, Mr David Gyimah, Mr Sam 4.–(1) Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as Burstow, Paul Halfon, Robert not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Tuesday Burt, Alistair Hames, Duncan 26 June 2012. Burt, Lorely Hammond, rh Mr Philip (2) The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on Byles, Dan Hammond, Stephen the first day on which it meets. Cable, rh Vince Hancock, Matthew 5. When the provisions of the Bill considered, respectively, by Cairns, Alun Hancock, Mr Mike the Committee of the whole House and by the Public Bill Committee Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Harper, Mr Mark have been reported to the House, the Bill shall be proceeded with Carmichael, Neil Harrington, Richard as if it had been reported as a whole to the House from the Public Carswell, Mr Douglas Harris, Rebecca Bill Committee. Cash, Mr William Hart, Simon Consideration and Third Reading Chope, Mr Christopher Harvey, Nick Clark, rh Greg Hayes, Mr John 6. Proceedings on Consideration and on Third Reading shall Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Heald, Oliver be completed in two days. Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Heath, Mr David 7. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall Coffey, Dr Thérèse Heaton-Harris, Chris not apply to proceedings on Consideration and Third Reading.— Collins, Damian Hemming, John (Angela Watkinson.) Colvile, Oliver Henderson, Gordon Question agreed to. Cox, Mr Geoffrey Hendry, Charles Crabb, Stephen Herbert, rh Nick Crockart, Mike Hinds, Damian Business without Debate Crouch, Tracey Hoban, Mr Mark Davey, rh Mr Edward Hollingbery, George DEFERRED DIVISIONS Davies, David T. C. Hollobone, Mr Philip (Monmouth) Holloway, Mr Adam Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Davies, Glyn Hopkins, Kris Order No. 41A(3)), Davies, Philip Horwood, Martin That, at this day’s sitting, Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred Davis, rh Mr David Howell, John divisions) shall not apply to the Carry Over Motion in the name de Bois, Nick Hughes, rh Simon of Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer relating to the Finance Dinenage, Caroline Huhne, rh Chris (No. 4) Bill.—(Angela Watkinson.) Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Huppert, Dr Julian Question agreed to. Doran, Mr Frank Hurd, Mr Nick Doyle-Price, Jackie Jackson, Mr Stewart Drax, Richard James, Margot FINANCE (NO. 4) BILL (CARRY OVER) Duddridge, James Javid, Sajid Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jenkin, Mr Bernard Order No. 80A(1)(a)), Dunne, Mr Philip Johnson, Gareth Ellis, Michael Johnson, Joseph That if, at the conclusion of this Session of Parliament, Ellison, Jane Jones, Andrew proceedings on the Finance (No. 4) Bill have not been Ellwood, Mr Tobias Jones, Mr Marcus completed, they shall be resumed in the next Session.— Elphicke, Charlie Kawczynski, Daniel (Angela Watkinson.) Eustice, George Kelly, Chris Evans, Graham Kennedy, rh Mr Charles The House divided: Ayes 319, Noes 241. Evans, Jonathan Kirby, Simon Division No. 508] [10.53 pm Evennett, Mr David Knight, rh Mr Greg Fabricant, Michael Kwarteng, Kwasi AYES Fallon, Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Adams, Nigel Berry, Jake Farron, Tim Lamb, Norman Field, Mark Lancaster, Mark Aldous, Peter Bingham, Andrew Foster, rh Mr Don Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Alexander, rh Danny Binley, Mr Brian Fox,rhDrLiam Laws, rh Mr David Amess, Mr David Birtwistle, Gordon Andrew, Stuart Francois, rh Mr Mark Leadsom, Andrea Blackman, Bob Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Freeman, George Lee, Jessica Bacon, Mr Richard Blackwood, Nicola Freer, Mike Lee, Dr Phillip Baker, Norman Boles, Nick Fullbrook, Lorraine Leech, Mr John Baldry, Tony Bottomley, Sir Peter Garnier, Mark Lefroy, Jeremy Baldwin, Harriett Bradley, Karen Gauke, Mr David Leigh, Mr Edward Barclay, Stephen Brady, Mr Graham George, Andrew Leslie, Charlotte Gibb, Mr Nick Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Barker, Gregory Brake, rh Tom Baron, Mr John Gilbert, Stephen Lewis, Brandon Bray, Angie Barwell, Gavin Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Bebb, Guto Brazier, Mr Julian Glen, John Lidington, rh Mr David Beith, rh Sir Alan Bridgen, Andrew Goldsmith, Zac Lilley, rh Mr Peter Bellingham, Mr Henry Brine, Steve Goodwill, Mr Robert Lloyd, Stephen Benyon, Richard Brokenshire, James Graham, Richard Lopresti, Jack Beresford, Sir Paul Browne, Mr Jeremy Gray, Mr James Lord, Jonathan 139 Business without Debate16 APRIL 2012 Business without Debate 140
Loughton, Tim Sharma, Alok NOES Luff, Peter Shelbrooke, Alec Abrahams, Debbie Dromey, Jack Macleod, Mary Shepherd, Mr Richard Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Dugher, Michael Main, Mrs Anne Skidmore, Chris Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Durkan, Mark Maynard, Paul Smith, Miss Chloe Alexander, Heidi Eagle, Ms Angela McCartney, Jason Smith, Henry Ali, Rushanara Eagle, Maria McCartney, Karl Smith, Julian Allen, Mr Graham Edwards, Jonathan McIntosh, Miss Anne Smith, Sir Robert Anderson, Mr David Efford, Clive McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Soames, rh Nicholas Ashworth, Jonathan Elliott, Julie McPartland, Stephen Soubry, Anna Austin, Ian Ellman, Mrs Louise McVey, Esther Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Bailey, Mr Adrian Esterson, Bill Mensch, Louise Spencer, Mr Mark Bain, Mr William Evans, Chris Menzies, Mark Stephenson, Andrew Balls, rh Ed Farrelly, Paul Mercer, Patrick Stevenson, John Banks, Gordon Field, rh Mr Frank Metcalfe, Stephen Stewart, Bob Barron, rh Mr Kevin Fitzpatrick, Jim Miller, Maria Stewart, Iain Bell, Sir Stuart Flello, Robert Mills, Nigel Stewart, Rory Benn, rh Hilary Flint, rh Caroline Milton, Anne Streeter, Mr Gary Berger, Luciana Francis, Dr Hywel Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Stride, Mel Betts, Mr Clive Gapes, Mike Moore, rh Michael Stuart, Mr Graham Blackman-Woods, Roberta Gardiner, Barry Mordaunt, Penny Stunell, Andrew Blears, rh Hazel Gilmore, Sheila Morgan, Nicky Sturdy, Julian Blenkinsop, Tom Glass, Pat Morris, Anne Marie Swales, Ian Blomfield, Paul Glindon, Mrs Mary Morris, David Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Blunkett, rh Mr David Godsiff, Mr Roger Morris, James Swinson, Jo Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Goggins, rh Paul Mosley, Stephen Swire, rh Mr Hugo Brennan, Kevin Greatrex, Tom Mowat, David Syms, Mr Robert Brown, Lyn Green, Kate Murray, Sheryll Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Greenwood, Lilian Murrison, Dr Andrew Teather, Sarah Brown, Mr Russell Griffith, Nia Neill, Robert Thurso, John Bryant, Chris Gwynne, Andrew Newmark, Mr Brooks Timpson, Mr Edward Buck, Ms Karen Hamilton, Mr David Newton, Sarah Tomlinson, Justin Burden, Richard Hamilton, Fabian Nokes, Caroline Tredinnick, David Burnham, rh Andy Hanson, rh Mr David Norman, Jesse Truss, Elizabeth Byrne, rh Mr Liam Harman, rh Ms Harriet Nuttall, Mr David Turner, Mr Andrew Campbell, Mr Alan Harris, Mr Tom Offord, Mr Matthew Tyrie, Mr Andrew Campbell, Mr Ronnie Havard, Mr Dai Ollerenshaw, Eric Uppal, Paul Caton, Martin Healey, rh John Opperman, Guy Vaizey, Mr Edward Chapman, Mrs Jenny Hendrick, Mark Osborne, rh Mr George Vara, Mr Shailesh Clark, Katy Hepburn, Mr Stephen Paice, rh Mr James Vickers, Martin Clarke, rh Mr Tom Heyes, David Parish, Neil Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Clwyd, rh Ann Hillier, Meg Patel, Priti Walker, Mr Charles Coaker, Vernon Hilling, Julie Pawsey, Mark Walker, Mr Robin Coffey, Ann Hodge, rh Margaret Penning, Mike Wallace, Mr Ben Connarty, Michael Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Penrose, John Walter, Mr Robert Cooper, Rosie Hoey, Kate Percy, Andrew Ward, Mr David Cooper, rh Yvette Hopkins, Kelvin Perry, Claire Watkinson, Angela Corbyn, Jeremy Hosie, Stewart Phillips, Stephen Weatherley, Mike Crausby, Mr David Howarth, rh Mr George Pickles, rh Mr Eric Webb, Steve Creagh, Mary Hunt, Tristram Pincher, Christopher Wharton, James Creasy, Stella Irranca-Davies, Huw Poulter, Dr Daniel Wheeler, Heather Cruddas, Jon James, Mrs Siân C. Prisk, Mr Mark White, Chris Cryer, John Jamieson, Cathy Pritchard, Mark Whittaker, Craig Cunningham, Alex Jarvis, Dan Pugh, John Whittingdale, Mr John Cunningham, Mr Jim Johnson, rh Alan Raab, Mr Dominic Wiggin, Bill Cunningham, Tony Johnson, Diana Randall, rh Mr John Willetts, rh Mr David Curran, Margaret Jones, Graham Reckless, Mark Williams, Mr Mark Dakin, Nic Jones, Helen Redwood, rh Mr John Williams, Roger Danczuk, Simon Jowell, rh Tessa Rees-Mogg, Jacob Williams, Stephen Darling, rh Mr Alistair Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Reid, Mr Alan David, Mr Wayne Keeley, Barbara Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Williamson, Gavin Willott, Jenny Davidson, Mr Ian Kendall, Liz Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Davies, Geraint Khan, rh Sadiq Wilson, Mr Rob Robertson, Mr Laurence De Piero, Gloria Lammy, rh Mr David Wollaston, Dr Sarah Rogerson, Dan Denham, rh Mr John Lavery, Ian Wright, Jeremy Rosindell, Andrew Dobbin, Jim Leslie, Chris Wright, Simon Ruffley, Mr David Dobson, rh Frank Lewis, Mr Ivan Rutley, David Yeo, Mr Tim Docherty, Thomas Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Sanders, Mr Adrian Young, rh Sir George Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. Long, Naomi Sandys, Laura Zahawi, Nadhim Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Love, Mr Andrew Scott, Mr Lee Tellers for the Ayes: Doran, Mr Frank Lucas, Caroline Selous, Andrew Greg Hands and Dowd, Jim Lucas, Ian Shapps, rh Grant Mark Hunter Doyle, Gemma MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan 141 Business without Debate 16 APRIL 2012 142
Mahmood, Shabana Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Midland Main Line Malhotra, Seema Rotheram, Steve Mann, John Roy, Mr Frank Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Marsden, Mr Gordon Roy, Lindsay do now adjourn.—(Angela Watkinson.) McCabe, Steve Ruddock, rh Dame Joan McCann, Mr Michael Seabeck, Alison McCarthy, Kerry Sharma, Mr Virendra 11.7 pm McClymont, Gregg Sheerman, Mr Barry Nicky Morgan (Loughborough) (Con): Thank you, McCrea, Dr William Sheridan, Jim Mr Deputy Speaker, for allowing time for this debate. McDonagh, Siobhain Shuker, Gavin The issue of the upgrade and electrification of the McDonnell, John Simpson, David midland main line has rumbled on for a number of McFadden, rh Mr Pat Skinner, Mr Dennis years, and I am delighted to have an opportunity to McGovern, Jim Slaughter, Mr Andy McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Smith, rh Mr Andrew raise it with my right hon. Friend the Minister of State McKechin, Ann Smith, Angela in a little more detail than is usually possible in departmental McKenzie, Mr Iain Smith, Nick questions. The subject is particularly topical, given that McKinnell, Catherine Smith, Owen the Prime Minister travelled on an East Midlands train Meacher, rh Mr Michael Spellar, rh Mr John via the midland main line up to the east midlands today. Meale, Sir Alan Straw, rh Mr Jack As can be seen from the number of MPs from both Mearns, Ian Stringer, Graham sides of the House who are still here at this late hour, Michael, rh Alun Stuart, Ms Gisela although it is perhaps not as late as some of us had Miliband, rh David Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry anticipated, and as is demonstrated by those such as my Miliband, rh Edward Tami, Mark hon. Friend the Member for Mid Derbyshire (Pauline Miller, Andrew Thomas, Mr Gareth Mitchell, Austin Thornberry, Emily Latham) who cannot be here tonight but who have sent Morden, Jessica Timms, rh Stephen messages of support, this subject is of interest to MPs Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Trickett, Jon across the midlands. The Minister will be aware of the Morris, Grahame M. Turner, Karl letter from Members representing 20 seats in the midlands (Easington) Twigg, Derek that I recently sent her, outlining our support for the Mudie, Mr George Twigg, Stephen upgrade and electrification of the midland main line. I Munn, Meg Umunna, Mr Chuka am sure that I speak for a number of hon. Members Murphy, rh Paul Vaz, rh Keith when I say that we all know this train line extremely Murray, Ian Vaz, Valerie well. Nandy, Lisa Walley, Joan Nash, Pamela Watson, Mr Tom Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): I am O’Donnell, Fiona Watts, Mr Dave delighted that the hon. Lady has secured this debate, as Onwurah, Chi Weir, Mr Mike Osborne, Sandra Whiteford, Dr Eilidh many hon. Members feel strongly about this subject. Owen, Albert Whitehead, Dr Alan Does she agree that this is about not only cutting Paisley, Ian Williamson, Chris journey times, but saving money in the running of the Pearce, Teresa Wilson, Phil railway each year? I believe that the relevant figure is Perkins, Toby Winnick, Mr David about £60 million. Phillipson, Bridget Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Pound, Stephen Wishart, Pete Nicky Morgan: I thank the hon. Gentleman very Qureshi, Yasmin Woodcock, John much for his intervention. He rightly says that there are Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Woodward, rh Mr Shaun many benefits to this—I shall set out five key ones later Reeves, Rachel Wright, David in my speech—and that cutting the running costs of the Reynolds, Emma Wright, Mr Iain railway on an annual basis is one of the main benefits Reynolds, Jonathan that the upgrade and electrification would bring. Riordan, Mrs Linda Tellers for the Noes: Robertson, Angus Yvonne Fovargue and Robertson, John Susan Elan Jones Sir Alan Meale (Mansfield) (Lab): I congratulate the hon. Lady on securing the debate. This issue is not just about saving money, however, but about unfairness. Question accordingly agreed to. More than £12 billion is being invested in the railways and only £200 million in the midland main line. Is that E-TABLING OF WRITTEN QUESTIONS one of her findings? Resolved, That this House approves the recommendations relating to Nicky Morgan: It is indeed. I am not sure how long written parliamentary questions contained in paragraphs 7 and 8 the hon. Gentleman has been a Member of the House—I of the Eighth Report of the Procedure Committee, on E-tabling suspect that he has been a Member longer than I of parliamentary questions for written answer, HC 1823.—(Angela have—but he is absolutely right. The midlands are Watkinson.) sometimes too good at standing back and letting other regions get investment, which is why it is time for the midland main line to get the investment it so badly needs. I know that the debate is also being watched outside the House by a good number of supporters of the upgrade works and electrification. I am grateful to all those who have been so generous with their thoughts and suggestions in helping me to prepare for the debate. 143 Midland Main Line16 APRIL 2012 Midland Main Line 144
[Nicky Morgan] As I have said, the route utilisation strategy identified the midland main line as a route for which there was In particular, I want to thank East Midlands Councils, likely to be a strong business case for extending the the Association of Train Operating Companies, Network electrification of the line to the north as far as Sheffield. Rail, the CBI in the east midlands, LANRAC—the The decision to proceed with High Speed 2 has not Leicestershire and Northamptonshire rail action affected that business case. What are we looking for, committee—the Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum and therefore? First, the upgrade works, which comprise the Rail Freight Group. Indeed, as Jim Bamford of major re-signalling schemes around Derby and Leicester, Nottinghamshire county council has said to me: a number of line speed improvements—my right hon. “I think it is a real strength of the campaign that all the key Friend the Minister might be aware, as I was not, that players—Network Rail, East Midland Trains, and a wide range of 125-mph trains have never yet travelled at 125 mph on local stakeholders—have such a united view on the need for a the bit of the midland main line that we are debating complementary package of upgrade works followed by electrification”. because the track was not improved at the time they Although I realise that my right hon. Friend the were launched to allow them to do so—and longer Minister is unable to announce tonight that the midland trains. After the upgrade works, we would like to see main line is to receive the investment we all hope for, I electrification for the Bedford to Sheffield part of the hope that she will at least be left in no doubt about the line via Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby, Leicester, strength of support both inside and outside the Chamber Derby, Nottingham and Chesterfield—as I wrote that, I for the upgrade and electrification works. thought that I was beginning to sound like one of the In the time available, I thought it would be most train announcers. helpful if I set out briefly what we as midlands MPs are Why do I and so many others believe the midland all looking for and why. main line’s time has come? First, there is expected to be a huge growth in passenger demand on the midland Meg Munn (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab/Co-op): I feel main line that has been identified in the east midlands bound to point out that some of us are northerners, too. route utilisation strategy. I can tell the House, just from The line goes a little further. my own observations, that the line continues to get busier and busier. Already 13.2 million passengers travel Nicky Morgan: I take the hon. Lady’s point. She is on the midland main line each year. That is more than absolutely right and I stand corrected. double the number who travelled on the line at the time of privatisation and the number keeps growing. Network The initial industry plan for England and Wales sets Rail estimates that by 2020 the numbers travelling from out how the rail industry can deliver a more efficient the east midlands to London will have increased by 27% and better value railway and how our railways can play and that the numbers travelling from Nottingham to a key role in driving sustainable economic growth. The Birmingham will have increased by 42%. plan examines the key choices and options facing funders in specifying the future outputs of the railway and the Secondly, these upgrade and electrification works are level of funding required. Those choices will inform the an essential component of establishing an integrated development of the Government’s high-level output long distance rail network alongside High Speed 2. specification and statement of funds available for control Those banging the drum for the midland main line have period 5, which runs from 2014 to 2019. The spending waited while the Government have assessed High Speed 2. statement is due to published in July 2012. Now that it is going ahead we believe the improvements to the midland main line must happen too. The initial industry plan identifies providing additional capacity on long distance services operating on the Thirdly, the midland main line connects four of England’s midland main line as a key investment choice. The largest cities and one of the fastest-growing areas in electrification network route utilisation strategy identified England to London and vice versa. the midland main line as a route for which there was likely to be a strong business case for extending the Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): I electrification of the line to the north as far as Sheffield. thank my hon. Friend for securing the debate and I should like to add weight to her arguments. Economically, Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): I congratulate my constituency is one of the fastest growing in the the hon. Lady on securing the debate and on taking country despite the fact that not one of 2,000 railway great care to talk about the upgrade and electrification stations is located in my constituency. My constituents of the line. Does she agree that there has been a problem already have to travel to get on to the railway line and with the debate in that it often uses the shorthand of they should not be further handicapped by journey electrification when upgrading the line is critical to times that are longer than they need to be. I want these reducing journey times and is also the smaller part of improvements to the midland main line and so do my the cost package? constituents.
Nicky Morgan: I thank the hon. Gentleman for those Nicky Morgan: I thank my hon. Friend and neighbour points and he is absolutely right. That was one thing for making those points. He is absolutely right and I am that I discovered in researching my speech. When I going to come on to freight, which is also a very applied for the debate, the title covered only electrification important part of the growing economy within his but in the course of preparing for it I understood that constituency. the two go hand in hand. We must have the upgrade works first in order to have electrification. The work Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab): The hon. must be done that way around and I thank the hon. Lady is speaking incredibly eloquently and I am happy Gentleman for making that so clear. to support the argument she is making. If the House 145 Midland Main Line16 APRIL 2012 Midland Main Line 146 will indulge me, may I also thank the Minister for meeting main line and we know how important it is. He is me and my right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester absolutely right about freight and the importance of East (Keith Vaz) recently? Further to the point that the getting it off the road and on to rail. That is why we hon. Member for North West Leicestershire (Andrew need to have the upgrade and electrification works. Bridgen) made, I saw some statistics recently that suggested Network Rail has told me that it estimates that by 2020 that the conurbations that the midland main line serves freight usage on the line will have increased by 50%. are likely to grow by about 800,000 people over the next Electric trains are quieter and emit less carbon dioxide 20 years or so. There is clearly a demand for this service per vehicle mile. It is estimated that electrification of the and it is also clear that there will be huge economic route from Bedford to Sheffield would slash carbon benefits. An upgrade of the midland main line would emissions by up to 12,000 tonnes. bring huge benefits to Leicester, for example, and also, I imagine, to Loughborough. Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): I add my congratulations to my hon. Friend on securing this Nicky Morgan: I thank the hon. Gentleman. He is important debate. Does she agree that the one disadvantage absolutely right; that is why the time for investment in for the east midlands is that people can get to London the midland main line has definitely come. so much faster by driving to Tamworth and taking the Reducing journey times between our cities and London west coast main line, or over to Grantham or Newark to will help our businesses to access markets and improve take the east coast main line? If we could get east the effectiveness of our labour markets. An independent midland main line trains up to the right speed, we could report prepared for East Midlands Councils and the lose all those wasted car journeys too. South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive estimated that upgrading and electrifying the midland main line would generate £450 million-worth of wider economic Nicky Morgan: My hon. Friend is absolutely right benefits in terms of higher business productivity. This, about the case for getting people out of their cars and of course, includes the creation of hundreds of jobs on to rail. It is not just about freight; passengers are through construction activities and the refurbishment incredibly important. It says something about the midlands. works on the trains as well as encouraging more businesses The time for investment has very much come. The to relocate and invest around the midland main line midlands are a growing and important area of our corridor as journey times reduce. The main constraint economy and need this investment. on time taken to complete a journey is the speed limits that have to be put in place if the track does not allow Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con): I add my trains to travel at their top speeds. We can all appreciate congratulations to my hon. Friend on securing the the benefits of saying to employees and customers that debate. I am delighted that the Minister with us today a journey from London to Leicester is only 60 minutes knows so much about what is going on in Derby. This is rather than well over an hour. an excellent opportunity for us again to think about Fourthly, the Government are rightly focused on investing in the area. We hope that a technology centre reducing costs, which ultimately helps us to tackle the will come to Derby and there are other important deficit and the national debt. Electrification significantly investments, such as Bombardier, and innovative reduces the costs of rolling stock, energy, track access electrification arrangements for trains. They are of the and maintenance. As I have said, the latest estimates moment and time is of the essence. Congratulations. suggest that electrifying the line from Bedford to Sheffield would save up to £60 million every year in industry Nicky Morgan: I thank my hon. Friend. On behalf of costs. That means that within 10 years of completion my hon. Friend and other Derbyshire MPs, may I the electrification of the line between Bedford and mention today’s front page of the Derby Telegraph?I Sheffield will have paid for itself and will continue to understand the Prime Minister was presented with it. reduce the cost of rail to the taxpayer year on year. The paper made it very clear that people in Derby and Fifthly, as a letter from the Rail Freight Group to my Derbyshire, led by their Members of Parliament, are right hon. Friend the Minister said, very much behind electrification. I congratulate all the “the East Midlands area is a growing hub for logistics activities, campaigners who have so ably supported the debate this and there are a number of active proposals for rail linked distribution evening. along the route...Such facilities are essential for rail freight growth, In conclusion, let me draw all the factors together. and also to economic prosperity and job creation in the region.” The Government are rightly focused on doing everything we can to grow our economy. Successful businesses in Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The hon. Lady is the midlands are critical to ensuring our nation’s economic absolutely right about the importance of logistics to the growth. The Government have also rightly signalled east midlands. Chesterfield and junction 29A—Skinner’s their commitment to investing in our national infrastructure. junction as it is known colloquially in the area—plays Here is a project of enhancements, upgrade works and an important part in making sure that our road network electrification that will cost a significant amount, but is successful but our rail network falls behind. My which will cut the cost of running the railway by up to constituents absolutely recognise the economic benefits £60 million each year. The project will be good for of improving our logistics capacity through the businesses and our regional economies in so many electrification and upgrade of the midland main line. different ways, and the midlands has waited patiently for it for a very long time. We have the slowest speeds to Nicky Morgan: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his and from London of any inter-city route. Nottingham remarks. He and I have often met on East Midlands and Sheffield are the last two of the eight core cities Trains services so we are personal users of the midland with no electrified line in place or promised. 147 Midland Main Line16 APRIL 2012 Midland Main Line 148
[Nicky Morgan] agree that it is absolutely essential that the Government do everything in their power to ensure that the trains Transport Ministers, including my right hon. Friend, that run on the midland main line—and indeed on have clearly stated the Government’s commitment to every railway line in the country—are, wherever possible, electrification. I ask that she now gives the midland built in British factories, and preferably in the Derby main line top priority as the Government decide on the factory of Bombardier? spending priorities for control period 5. My constituents and I, Members on both sides of the House and many Mrs Villiers: The hon. Gentleman knows that I have people in the midlands and the north await the July a very high regard for the Bombardier operation in announcement with great interest. Derby, and he will appreciate that we are bound by European rules on the procurement of rolling stock. 11.22 pm The Government appreciate the economic benefits that investment in transport can bring in general. That The Minister of State, Department for Transport is why we have given priority to investment in our rail (Mrs Theresa Villiers): Like others, I congratulate my network, even when budgets are limited by the pressing hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Nicky need to deal with the deficit. As well as going ahead Morgan) on securing the debate and on an excellent with high-speed rail, we have embarked on a major speech. I welcome the strong interest shown in the programme of rail improvements on a scale larger than debate by the presence of so many hon. Members from anything attempted since the Victorian era. That programme up and down the length of the route. plays a significant role in two of our important priorities: My hon. Friend put the case for electrification of the promoting economic growth and cutting carbon. It is midland main line with cogency and clarity and I pay also vital that we get the cost of running the railways tribute to the campaign that she, so many of the groups down, so that we can respond to concerns about fares. she mentioned and so many of the Members in the Where there is a strong business case, and subject to Chamber have been leading on that important issue. I affordability, the Government support the progressive welcome the interest of the Derby Telegraph,apaper electrification of the rail network as a way to reduce the with which I am very familiar—for all sorts of reasons. cost of running the railways, boost the economy, increase I have received many representations from Members passenger comfort, and reduce carbon. As we have who are attending the debate and from other groups heard from my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough, and colleagues. I particularly mention the representations electric trains cost less in fuel and maintenance than received by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury, their diesel equivalents; they are quieter; they are lighter, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales which saves on wear and tear to the track; and they emit (Mr McLoughlin). less carbon dioxide. That is why the Government have already committed to an extensive programme of rail Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): Does my right hon. electrification, which includes the Great Western main Friend agree that we are seeing a complete outbreak of line from London to Oxford, Newbury, Bristol and cross-party support for the project? She identifies Members Cardiff, and lines in the north-west, including from representing cities and towns—for example, Beeston Liverpool to Manchester and from Blackpool to and Attenborough in my constituency—all of which Manchester. Indeed, Mr Deputy Speaker, your constituency will benefit if the scheme goes ahead. I do not know is set to benefit from the changes. Subject to confirmation whether she has seen a paper written by Jim Bamford of the business case, the line from Manchester across from Nottinghamshire county council—my hon. Friend the Pennines to Leeds and York is also due to be the Member for Loughborough (Nicky Morgan) referred electrified. to him. He sets out the excellent economic case for electrification and the improvement of the line not just As my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough for the good people of greater Nottingham but for and others have rightly emphasised, the midland main those throughout the whole of the east midlands right line plays a major role in supporting the economies of up to south Yorkshire. the east midlands and south Yorkshire. Most inter-city services on the line are provided by modern, high- Mrs Villiers: My hon. Friend is entirely correct. There performance, diesel Meridian trains. The line also benefits is significant cross-party support, and there is a range from the recent investment in new stations at Corby and of interesting research and evidence on the potential East Midlands Parkway, and from the £800 million benefits of electrification of the midland main line, transformation of St Pancras. The Government have much of which I have seen directly. As I think the hon. committed to further improvements by 2014. Network Member for Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth) Rail is due to complete a £69 million investment to mentioned, in February, I met MPs to discuss the deliver an eight-minute improvement in journey times proposals, along with the deputy mayor of Leicester. for passengers between London and Sheffield. In the This debate provides a welcome opportunity for the longer term, the economies of the east midlands and House to reflect on an important subject for the regions south Yorkshire will benefit from the second phase of concerned. High Speed 2, with journey times slashed and rail capacity dramatically increased. Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): I, too, We recognise that there is a good case, on economic congratulate the hon. Member for Loughborough (Nicky and financial grounds, for further investment in the Morgan) on securing the debate. I think that the case midland main line over and above what we are already for the electrification and upgrade of the midland main committed to. The scale of what can be delivered depends line is unanswerable, and I hope that we will hear some on what is affordable, and on a careful and fair assessment reassuring words from the Minister this evening. Does she of competing priorities elsewhere on the rail network. 149 Midland Main Line16 APRIL 2012 Midland Main Line 150
The report commissioned by East Midlands Councils of the midland main line would do. We also need to and South Yorkshire passenger transport executive entitled ensure that the Government’s finances are not overstretched “The Case for Upgrading and Electrifying the Midland during difficult times. Main Line” is very impressive. It highlights significant potential economic, environmental and financial benefits Sir Alan Meale: I refer again to the point that I raised from electrification and the other upgrades to which my earlier—£12.2 billion was spent on the networks, but hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough referred. only £200 million of it went in the east midlands. That is not fair. We demand and we need the extra investment. The Government recognise that the electrification of the midland main line could help spread the benefits of Mrs Villiers: I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that HS2, because it would enable through-running of services we are committed to continuing investment in our rail between the new high-speed network and the midland network. We are committed to a major programme of main line. This is something that we will consider as we electrification. The previous Government managed only prepare our response to the advice of HS2 Ltd on about 15 or 20 miles of electrification in 20 years, so we phase 2 of the project to complete the Y network to are making progress on that. Although I cannot prejudge Manchester and Leeds. This potential benefit and the the outcome of the deliberations, I can assure my hon. others mentioned today, including the important points Friend, the hon. Member for Mansfield (Sir Alan Meale) made by my hon. Friend about freight and the potential and everyone else attending the debate this evening that benefits to freight from an electrified midland main line, we recognise the benefits that electrifying and upgrading will all be taken into account in our decisions on the the midland main line would bring. We are aware of the forthcoming HLOS statement. strength of the business case. We are very much aware of the strength of the support for this important upgrade As my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough to the rail network. That is why we are working closely set out, electrification of the midland main line and with Network Rail to ensure that we have the most various other upgrades to the line are included in Network up-to-date information to inform our decisions on the Rail’s initial industry plan for possible delivery in the midland main line project and whether we can include it period between 2014 and 2019. This document and the in the HLOS programme for CP5. priorities that it sets out will play an important role in forthcoming decisions on which projects can be funded Meg Munn: Can the Minister tell us what role the in the CP5 rail period to 2019. I welcome the decision reduction in emissions will play in the decision? by the rail industry to prioritise electrification of the midland main line in the IIP. The Government are Mrs Villiers: It is important to take into account the currently considering how much funding will be available potential environmental benefits of any project in all in total for rail investment in the five-year period up to areas of government, and I acknowledge that electrification 2019 and how it should be allocated. We will announce of the midland main line would have a positive impact our decisions by July. in reducing carbon emissions. We will take that into Although the business case for midland main line account. electrification does indeed look impressive, as I have The hard work of my hon. Friend the Member for acknowledged at the Dispatch Box before now, there Loughborough, many of the other MPs who are here, can be no doubt that the project would be complex and the local authorities, the stakeholders and the local challenging, and it would be expensive to deliver. Network newspapers on this issue has given momentum to the Rail has estimated the capital cost of electrification campaign to electrify and upgrade the midland main alone to be just over £530 million, not including the line. I congratulate them all on that. We will continue to other improvements mentioned in the debate. Major listen with care to the views of all who promote this engineering work would be required. Just to make room project when we make decisions on which rail projects for the overhead wires, more than 50 bridges would can be prioritised and afforded in the next railway have to be rebuilt. control period. This debate has provided more useful and valuable input into that decision-making process. I So, alongside midland main line electrification and am grateful to all Members who have contributed. I will upgrades, we will need to assess the case for improvements take very seriously the representations made in this on other routes to determine which projects are given debate and the numerous representations that I and the priority. The initial industry plan contains proposals for Department have received on the benefits to be gained rail improvements likely to cost about £4.5 billion in environmentally and economically from electrifying and total during the CP5 control period. This is on top of upgrading the midland main line. £5 billion for projects already committed for the period, Question put and agreed to. so we will need to strike a balance and make choices. Of course we want to fund projects which promote economic 11.35 pm growth and improve efficiency, as we believe electrification House adjourned.
1WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 2WS
8. Reduce overhead costs per non-overhead staff full-time Written Ministerial equivalent by 2% in cash terms from the 2011-12 financial year (excluding technical laboratory costs). The corporate plan period referred to is the financial Statements years 2012-13 to 2014-15.
Monday 16 April 2012 TREASURY
BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Financial Services Compensation Scheme
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark National Measurement Office (Performance Targets) Hoban): HM Treasury and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) have agreed revised terms on the loans made by HM Treasury to the FSCS in The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David 2008-09 in relation to the resolutions of Bradford and Willetts): I have tasked the National Measurement Office Bingley plc, Heritable Bank plc, Landsbanki Islands, (NMO) to provide policy support to Ministers on Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander Ltd, and London measurement issues and a measurement infrastructure Scottish Bank plc. The amount outstanding under these which enables innovation and growth, promotes trade facilities is as follows: Bradford and Bingley £15.65 billion; and facilitates fair competition and the protection of Landsbanki £1billion; Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander consumers, health and the environment. £954 million; Heritable £149 million; and London Scottish I have agreed with the NMO that their objectives for £187 million. 2012-15 will be to: With effect from 1 April 2012, the interest rate on these loans is 12-month LIBOR plus 100 basis points. 1. Increase economic growth, innovation and social impact through a world class scientific measurement infrastructure. This rate is subject to a floor equal to the Government’s own cost of borrowing as represented by the gilt rate 2. Promote competition and fair trading by providing a over an equivalent duration to the projected repayment modern legal measurement regime. period on the relevant loan. 3. Provide good value for money metrology services. FSCS and HM Treasury have agreed the period of 4. Protect the interests of the public, business and the the loans will reflect the expected timetable for FSCS to environment by enforcing relevant legislation. realise assets from the estates of Bradford and Bingley The agency will also be expected to ensure that and the other failed banks. FSCS expects to receive full professional, value for money corporate services are repayment of the debt owed to it by Bradford and provided to support delivery of the above objectives, Bingley as the residual assets of the bank are wound up. inform good decision making and enhance its reputation The estates of the other failed banks might not repay in in a robust control environment. full the principal owed by FSCS to HM Treasury. In support of these objectives I have set as specific Where this occurs FSCS expects to levy the deposit ministerial targets the following for 2012-13: taking sector for the balance of the principal on these 1. Improve performance of the NMS programmes over this loans. corporate plan period as measured by the value scorecard There will be an annual cap on the amount of interest developed for this purpose (to be determined by a scorecard the industry will have to pay through FSCS levies. This technique across all programmes developed to provide a cap will be set on the advice of the Financial Services basis for measuring this improvement). Authority (FSA) (and in due course the Prudential 2. Amend the Hallmarking Act to permit UK assay offices Regulatory Authority (PRA)) and will take into account to operate overseas by October 2012. other FSCS and similar commitments. Any interest 3. Support business by ensuring 94% of meter examiner charges exceeding the annual cap will be capitalised and appointments, manufacturer authorisations/consents and repaid from levies on deposit-takers. modifications to meter approval and decisions are made FSCS and HM Treasury have agreed that the terms within five business days of receipt of all necessary documentation. of the agreements will be reviewed every three years in the light of market conditions and of actual repayments 4. Customer satisfaction is improved within certification from the estates of the failed banks. services as shown by an increase of 5% in “very satisfied” customers for the last calendar year survey. 5. Achieve an increase in income of 5% for certification services from the 2011-12 financial year. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 6. Generate a positive 3:1 net contribution to consumers and the environment as well as the low-carbon economy through the activities of the enforcement authority (to be measured Department’s Work (Easter Recess) by comparing the cost base against the value of products made compliant, withdrawn from the market or affected by a formal business improvement plan). The Secretary of State for Communities and Local 7. Reduce non-ring-fenced administration costs by 14% in Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to update cash terms over this corporate plan period (using as a hon. Members on the main items of business undertaken baseline the original forecast for 2010-11, the level of reduction by my Department since the House rose for Easter is the same as that planned for BIS). recess on 27 March 2012. 3WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 4WS
Turning round Troubled Families Following the positive reception to Portas pilots across We are taking ambitious steps to turn around the the country we announced our intention to launch lives of 120,000 problem households by 2015, enabling another round of pilots to trial recommendations in the them to play a positive role in their local community. Portas review. On 28 March, my Department announced a unique On the same date, the Department announced that payment by results scheme that will deliver up to £4,000 up to £1 million would go to support local people, per family to local authorities which get children back businesses and councils to develop and agree high street into school, reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour, neighbourhood plans that make sure locally led sustainable put adults on a path back to work and bring down the development puts the town centre first. £9 billion annual costs spent on dealing with these On 4 April, the Department wrote to local councils to households. This is part of the Government’s £448 million urge them to take advantage of the Government measures three-year programme to help local authorities get to available to help businesses grow and prosper. This grips with whole families and deal with their problems coincided with the opening of applications for the business at the root cause. rates deferral scheme which gives thousands of local My Department has also reached an agreement with business the opportunity to delay paying some of this the Department for Work and Pensions which, while year’s rates bill for up to three years-worth potentially strictly protecting confidentiality, will allow job centres £600 million if all English firms took up the offer. to share data with local councils in order to identify Empowering local communities their troubled families. The Government are determined to put local people, Promoting local growth businesses and councils back in control with the choices The Government are determined to see locally driven and chances to shape the future of their local area. and sustainable economic growth. New infrastructure The Localism Act is driving this power shift, wiping plays an important part in supporting the development away unpopular bureaucratic interferences and cutting of new homes, creating long-term jobs and reinvigorating red tape that locked out communities, slowed progress the local economy. and stifled innovation. Commencement orders over the On 29 March, the Government confirmed that course of this Easter recess period have introduced £420 million will be available to help communities deliver more key measures from the Localism Act 2011, including vital local infrastructure projects. Through the Growing the general power of competence. Councils can now Places fund an additional £270 million has been allocated innovate and legally do anything an individual could do to local enterprise partnerships. This money will be unless specifically prohibited by law. It gives councils used to get the infrastructure in place to build new more freedom to work together, act creatively and homes, create jobs and get stalled projects moving again. innovatively to improve services, drive down costs and Up to £150 million will be available through tax increment enhance their local area. In addition, this should give financing “Type 2” for large-scale infrastructure projects councils who wish to do so the power to continue in core cities. holding formal prayers. The general power of competence On 11 April, my Department announced that every now applies to eligible parish councils. This gives those enterprise zone can now offer immediate tax breaks to parish councils the power to hold prayers again during businesses as soon as they move on to the site. The meetings if they wish. This should send out a strong discount provides up to 100% relief to new businesses signal that the Government will take whatever steps are for five years. Central Government are meeting the necessary to defend the freedom to pray. costs. On 31 March, the bureaucratic and ineffective Standards On 13 April, the Department launched a technical Board for England was formally abolished, freeing up consultation on proposed changes to streamline the local councils from having to investigate trivial complaints. guidance that underpins the Planning Act 2008. This Local authorities will be able to draw up their own will reduce bureaucracy and increase flexibility in the codes of conduct to uphold high standards in public permit granting process, making the regime clearer and life. On 11 April, my Department published an illustrative easier to use. A full scale review of the major infrastructure code of conduct providing a helpful example to local planning regime will take place in 2014, once a sufficient councils. number of applications have passed through the system. Clauses in the Localism Act, which came into effect Standing up for local shops and local firms on 1 April, formally abolished the Infrastructure Planning High streets and local businesses are at the heart of Commission, returning decision making to the Secretary our communities and their success is vital to the prosperity of State. The basic elements of the major infrastructure and growth of the local area. regime will remain unchanged and will continue to On 30 March, my Department issued the formal deliver major benefits such as the statutory time scales Government response to the Mary Portas high street that bring certainty to developers. review, accepting many of the recommendations and As highlighted in the Department’s recent “Creating offering a further package of support. The Department the conditions for integration” paper, the Government announced plans for a £10 million high street innovation are strongly supporting people to play an active part in fund to bring empty shops and offices back into use; society and celebrate what is good about their local a £1 million future high street X-fund, which will be area. On 6 April, the Department announced financial awarded in a year’s time to the locations which deliver support for a nationwide community music day, to take the most creative and effective schemes to revitalise place on 9 September, the final day of the Paralympic their high streets; and a £500,000 fund for business games. This support will allow organisers Superact and improvement districts, to help town centres access loans Making Music, to expand and enhance their existing for their set-up costs. annual bandstand marathon day. 5WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 6WS
Supporting home ownership and affordable housing prevent the build up of new data burdens on local On 2 April, my Department announced a new-look government throughout the year. Councils will not have Energy Performance Certificate that will give homebuyers to provide anything that is not on the list, and any new clearer information about the energy efficiency of their requirements would be subject to the new burdens homes. Alongside the recommendations for improvements, principle. the new certificates will indicate to the consumer whether Delivering weekly rubbish collections they can be funded through the Green Deal. Buyers will In February, my Department launched a new fund to also be able to compare the energy performance of their work with local councils to help improve or reinstate home with that of similar properties, as the National weekly rubbish collections. The fund will inject up to Energy Performance Certificate Register is opened up £250 million of extra central funding into projects that to public use for the first time. will help to improve local waste and recycling services, On 3 April, the Department announced that the develop infrastructure, and reward recycling. Over 180 reinvigorated Right to Buy scheme was now formally in initial expressions of interest have been sent in, surpassing force, providing up to £75,000 in discounts to social expectations. The Government will now be working housing tenants, to help people on to the housing with councils to make sure quality outline bids are ladder, promote opportunity, and boost social mobility submitted by the May deadline. for the nation’s social tenants. Ensuring fairness for Park Home residents For the first time, councils will sign an agreement with Government for using the receipts from sales to On 16 April the Department published a consultation build new affordable homes in their area, ensuring there on reforms to park homes and caravan site licensing. is no reduction in the number of affordable homes. The These reforms will give a better deal to the many receipts are expected to meet up to 30% of the costs, thousands of mainly older householders in this sector mirroring the highly successful funding model used for by increasing their rights, removing the opportunity for the affordable homes programme, which has exceeded exploitation by unscrupulous site operators and giving expectations and will deliver 170,000 new affordable local authorities and the courts the power to hold bad homes by 2015. operators to account. On 4 April, the Government published a consultation These reforms will put the park home sector on a seeking views on how to encourage more private investment sustainable footing for the long term, allowing site into the social housing sector through real estate investment operators to run good businesses, offer a decent service trusts. The current Finance Bill is introducing a series of to residents and ensure that home owners can live measures to support entry to and investment in real peacefully in their homes knowing that the law protects estate investment trusts. This consultation will build on them from abuse. these measures considering potential further changes to Copies of the associated documents have been placed real estate investment trusts to support the establishment in the Library of the House. of more of these in the social housing sector. Although the numbers of empty homes has fallen to its lowest level since 2004, there are still 720,000 homes sitting empty across the country—with 280,000 left CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT vacant for six months or more. On 11 April, my Department announced the appointment of architect and TV presenter George Clarke as empty homes adviser to explore the best ways to bring empty homes back into use for Legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games families in need of stable, secure homes. Tackling inequalities for Gypsy and Traveller communities In November 2010 my Department set up a ministerial The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh working group, to examine the challenges faced by Robertson): In December 2010 the Government set out Gypsy and Traveller communities. On 4 April, the their plans for the legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Department published a report containing 28 measures Paralympic games in the document “Plans for the Legacy from across Government that will improve outcomes from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games” which for Gypsies and Travellers in education, health, I published under cover of a written ministerial statement. accommodation, employment and in the criminal justice I undertook to provide updates. My Department has system. recently published “Beyond 2012—London 2012 Legacy Cutting red tape Story” which tells the emerging story of the legacy from the 2012 games. I have placed copies in the Libraries of Cracking down on pointless bureaucracy and freeing both Houses. councils from regulatory burdens is a top priority. Last year the Government introduced the “single data list”—a This document sets out some legacy achievements in comprehensive list of required data collection as a way a number of areas. These reflect the depth and breadth to reduce the burden of top down demands. of the legacy reaching across the country, which Jacques Since summer 2010 the Government have ended Rogge, the President of the International Olympic 56 separate data collections placed on local government Committee refers to in “Beyond 2012” as a “legacy and seriously scaled back a further 19. This builds on blueprint for future Games hosts”. Some of the legacy decisions to end over 4,700 local government targets. achievements are listed below. On 11 April, the Department published the new Sport 2012-13 list which shows a reduction in demands from Government’s changes to the national lottery shares, coupled 193 data collections last year to 156 this year. We are with increased tickets sales, should mean £560 million more also putting in place a rigorous “real time” gateway to in lottery income for sport over the next five years. 7WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 8WS
Over 12,000 schools across England are signed up for the 200 business Ministers and global chief executive officers are school games with the first national finals on the Olympic expected at the global investment conference in July 2012. park in May 2012. 3,500 meetings between UK companies and potential overseas £1 billion is to be invested in youth sport over the next five buyers are expected to be initiated by the British business years through the new Youth Sport Strategy, which will embassy. include an additional £100 million investment in sports 4 million extra visitors are expected to visit the UK from facilities. 2011 to 2015. 6,000 community sports clubs are to be created by local £2 billion additional spend by visitors to the UK is expected schools, as well as better sports facilities and more professional in the four years after the games. support for colleges and universities. 90 million people will see the GREAT campaign adverts 60% of Government money provided to national sports across 14 key cities worldwide: Beijing, Berlin, Los Angeles, bodies is to be focused on the key 14 to 25 age group, with a Melbourne, Mumbai, New Delhi, New York, Paris, Rio de new payment-by-results system providing added rigour. Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto. Up to 1,000 local sports venues are to be upgraded under the 70% of the population in each of the target cities will see the £135 million Places People Play programme, which also advertising on billboards, TV or in the cinema. includes £30 million to support a regional network of major 12,000 additional tourism jobs are expected to be created sport and leisure centres. through increased domestic tourism over three years. 100,000 adults will participate in multiple Olympic or Paralympic £500 million additional money is expected to be spent by sports under a nationwide “Gold Challenge” programme by British tourists as a result of the VisitEngland campaign the end of 2012. which is built around a unique 20.12% discount offer. 200,000 Londoners are expected to benefit from the London People Mayor’s participation programme, with more than 10% of these previously inactive. Mayoral programmes are also 95% of people will be within easy reach of the Olympic upgrading facilities and encouraging more people to become torch relay during its 8,000 mile journey. coaches. Approximately 70,000 volunteers will have been chosen as 118 major sporting events will have been staged in the UK Games Makers to help in the staging of the Olympic and from 2007 to 2012, covering 41 out of 46 Olympic and Paralympic events. There are 2,000 roles for Young Games Paralympic sports. Makers aged 16 to18. 30,000+ elite international athletes have competed in these 40% of applicants for Games Maker roles say that London events (2007-2009), with 27,000 officials and volunteers 2012 has inspired them to volunteer for the first time. supporting them. 8,000 Team London Ambassadors will guide visitors across the capital during the games, with similar programmes in These events are providing a £105 million boost to place in other Olympic and Paralympic cities. the economy, with major events staged in 35 towns and 2,000+ community projects have officially been inspired by cities across the country over the last five years. the Olympics and Paralympics. Beyond 2012 the UK will continue to reap the benefits 24,000 schools form the Get Set network, which is teaching that come from hosting major events, including the millions of children about the Olympic and Paralympic Rugby League World Cup (2013), Commonwealth Games values. (2014), Rugby Union World Cup (2015), World Athletics 14 million people have taken part in or attended Cultural Championships at the Olympic Stadium (2017), and Olympiad performances. Cricket World Cup (2019). 1,000 events across the UK will form part of the London Across the world the UK’s international sports legacy 2012 Festival, providing 10 million opportunities to enjoy programme, International Inspiration, has reached more the best cultural performances from the UK and abroad. than 12 million young people in 20 countries through 4 Paralympic flames will be lit in UK capital cities that will sport activities and engagement with partner Governments be united at Stoke Mandeville. and their agencies. 8,000 inspirational torchbearers will carry the Olympic flame during the 70 days it will spend travelling across the UK. Growth £2 million worth of commissions for the Cultural Olympiad A £3 billion economic boost is expected through the GREAT have come through the Unlimited Fund, the UK’s largest campaign to drive trade, investment and tourism. arts programme for disabled and deaf people. 98% of the £6 billion worth of Olympic park contracts have There will be 150 hours of Channel 4 coverage for the gone to UK-based companies—two thirds of them small or Paralympic games, aiming to double the TV audience compared medium-sized enterprises. to the 2008 games in Beijing. 10,000+ business opportunities have been made available via 200 disabled athletes will compete across eight disability CompeteFor, the brokerage service set up for the games and sports at the National School Games finals, with all participating now used for many other major projects. schools including opportunities for disabled people in their 94% of the £1 billion worth of LOCOG contracts have gone competitions. to UK businesses, equating to over £900 million. East London £30 million is to be invested in the UK’s first ever National 46,000 people worked on the Olympic park during construction, Sports and Exercise Medicine Centre of Excellence to promote a fifth of them from local communities. sport and physical activity within healthcare. 20% of the London 2012 workforce has been recruited from 50 industry events are being led by the Olympic Delivery the six Olympic host boroughs, with 13% previously unemployed Authority throughout 2012 to share lessons of the games and 7% registered disabled. with professionals across the construction sector. 10,000 people are now employed at the new Westfield Stratford £2.3 billion worth of contracts are on offer in Rio and Sochi shopping centre, at least 2,000 of whom are local people who over the next four years, with some London 2012 contractors were previously unemployed. already on board. 1 in 5 jobs in East London are now in the creative industries. £1 billion of extra business for UK firms is expected from East London also boasts the largest cluster of artists and games-related trade campaigns. arts organisations of any capital city in the world. 9WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 10WS
300 companies are now based in East London’s thriving likely to become “not in education, employment or “Tech City” which has grown from just 15 companies in the training” (NEET) when they leave school and easily fall three years leading up to the games. into antisocial behaviour and crime. 6,000 jobs could be created in the environmental technology On 4 April last year I announced the appointment of sector as a result of the Green Enterprise District set up in East London. Charlie Taylor, a head teacher with a track record in radically improving behaviour in some of the most £200 million has been spent on upgrading Stratford regional station, with new lifts, staircases, re-opened subway, wider troubled schools, as the Government’s expert adviser on platforms and a new mezzanine entrance. behaviour. I am pleased to inform the House that he has The Docklands light railway has been extended by 2.6 km, agreed to serve in this role for another year. with a new branch to Stratford International and three new On 1 September I asked Charlie Taylor to review and stations opened. report on school attendance and alternative provision. Capacity of the Jubilee line has been increased by 33% with He has now published his report on school attendance, upgrades to signalling and additional trains running at peak which I would like to bring to the attention of the House. times. I have responded and welcomed his recommendations. 220 buildings were knocked down to make way for the Olympic park, with 98.5% of demolition waste being recycled. The recommendations should lead to attendance problems being addressed at an earlier stage before bad 2.3 million cubic metres of soil were excavated and cleansed of industrial pollutants as part of the most ambitious soil habits become ingrained. Starting early with the attendance clean-up operation ever seen in the UK. of younger children at primary school should reduce The accident frequency rate of 0.16 for the Olympic park is the number who develop truancy problems when older. well below the industry average and below the national The range of school absence data will be improved to average for all workplaces. help teachers to pick up and deal with poor attendance 4,000 recycling bins and composting bins will be placed patterns across the age-range. throughout the venues and park to help meet the commitment Having sent a strong message that attendance is to no landfill waste during the games. important, we must equip schools to tackle the minority £10 million is being invested in upgrading pedestrian and of parents who do not heed that message. I agree that cycling routes to Olympic venues, with more than 60 projects the current penalty notice scheme should be simplified. promoting greener travel inspired by London 2012. Today, the Government have made changes to the 14 million is the target for the number of sustainably sourced Education (Penalty Notices) (England) Regulations 2007 meals provided during the games, setting new standards for to increase the amounts stated on the notices from this supply chain management. September. The Government will explore ways to make There will be 45 hectares of wildlife habitat on the Olympic payment of penalty notices swift and certain. park, including reedbeds, grasslands, ponds and woodlands, with 525 bird boxes and 150 bat boxes. We will also take steps to implement the other 120,000 plants from 250 species from around the world will recommendations in the report as early as we can. be planted in the London 2012 garden, helping to showcase Copies of Charlie Taylor’s report, and my response British horticulture. to him, are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses. 350,000 wetland plants will be planted as part of the UK’s largest ever urban river and wetland planting, creating a new haven for wildlife. A new postcode—E20—has been created to serve the five FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE neighbourhoods being created across Queen Elizabeth Olympic park. British Embassy (Bamako) 11 schools and nurseries and three health centres will serve local communities across the park. 10,000 jobs are expected to be created on the Olympic park The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth alone—all of them within an inviting parkland setting. Affairs (Mr William Hague): We have temporarily withdrawn diplomatic staff from our embassy in Bamako and suspended all in-country services given the instability EDUCATION in Mali and the possibility of a swift deterioration in security. Consular assistance is being provided by the British embassy in Senegal. British nationals requiring Pupil Behaviour urgent consular assistance can also contact the embassy of any EU member state in Bamako. We are keeping the decision under review and will reopen the embassy The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): when the situation stabilises. The Government are determined to help teachers address The UK is deeply concerned by recent political instability the poor attendance and bad behaviour of some pupils, in Mali. We condemn any actions that undermine which disproportionately affect the chances of democratic rule and welcome the Economic Community disadvantaged children. of West African States-led efforts which are returning The poor attendance or lateness of a number of pupils the country to constitutional, civilian rule. We continue can disrupt their own education and that of other to work with our international partners in the UN and pupils. Quickly these children begin to fall behind their in other multilateral forums to ensure that recent progress peers and often they never fully catch up with gaps in is maintained, including the holding of elections. their skills or knowledge. Overtime these pupils become As I said to the House on 11 May 2011, there disillusioned with education and by year 10 and year 11 will be no strategic shrinkage of Britain’s overseas they are lost to the system. These pupils are the most network. I am committed to extending the Foreign and 11WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 12WS
Commonwealth Office’s global reach and strengthening Standardised packaging for tobacco refers to measures its influence. The temporary withdrawal of diplomatic that may be taken to restrict or prohibit the use of staff and the suspension of services at our embassy in logos, colours, brand images or promotional information Bamako does not signify a move away from this on packaging other than brand names and product commitment. It in no way reduces the UK’s commitment names that are displayed in a standard colour and font to active diplomacy in Mali and the wider Sahel region. style. Standardised packaging is sometimes referred to as “plain packaging”. The Government have an open mind at this stage about introducing standardised packaging. Through HEALTH the consultation, we want to understand whether there is evidence to demonstrate that the standardised packaging Consultation on Standardised Packaging of tobacco products would have an additional public of Tobacco Products health benefit, over and above existing tobacco control initiatives. The consultation asks whether standardised packaging could improve public health by: The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley): reducing the appeal of tobacco products to consumers; The Government have today published a consultation increasing the effectiveness of health warnings on the packaging on the standardised packaging of tobacco products. of tobacco products; The consultation is being undertaken, with the agreement reducing the ability of tobacco packaging to mislead consumers of the devolved Administrations, on a UK-wide basis. about the harmful effects of smoking; and In March 2011, the Government published “Healthy having a positive effect on smoking-related attitudes, beliefs, Lives, Healthy People: A Tobacco Control Plan for intentions and behaviours, particularly among children and young people. England”which set out how our comprehensive, evidence- based programme of tobacco control will be delivered, Through the consultation, we are also interested in within the context of the new public health system, over exploring whether there might be other implications if the next five years. The tobacco control plan included a standardised packaging requirements were introduced, commitment to consult on options to reduce the including any potential effect on the illicit tobacco promotional impact of tobacco packaging, including market. standardised packaging. The consultation will be open for responses from Smoking remains one of the most significant challenges 16 April to 10 July 2012. Any person, business or to public health across the United Kingdom and is the organisation with an interest is encouraged to respond. primary cause of preventable death, accounting each Consultation on the standardised packaging of tobacco year for over 100,000 deaths in the United Kingdom. products has been placed in the Library. Copies are One in two long-term smokers will die prematurely available to hon. Members from the Vote Office and from a smoking disease. Smoking harms those around noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office .The consultation smokers too. The Royal College of Physicians estimate document is available from and consultation responses that about 2 million children currently live in a household can be submitted online at: http://consultations.dh.gov.uk. where they are exposed to cigarette smoke. Any decisions to take further policy action on tobacco Treating smoking diseases is costly. In England, around packaging will be taken only after full consideration is 5% of all hospital admissions among adults aged 35 given to consultation responses, evidence and other and over are attributable to smoking. relevant information. Reducing the uptake of smoking by children and young people is a key public health goal. Most smokers take up smoking regularly before they turn 18 years old. In England alone, an estimated 330,000 young people JUSTICE under the age of 16 try smoking for the first time each year. Ex Gratia Payments to Victims of Overseas Terrorism Most smokers say they want to quit. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but smokers who quit for good can quickly reduce their risk of smoking diseases and live The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice longer, whatever their age. (Mr Crispin Blunt): I am announcing today the launch The United Kingdom is recognised across the world of an ex gratia scheme to make payments to victims of for having comprehensive, evidence-based tobacco control terrorism who were injured overseas on or after 1 January policies. But we need to do more to stop young people 2002 and who continue to have an ongoing disability as taking up smoking and to help those smokers who want a direct result of the injuries they sustained. From today to quit. victims will be able to apply for a payment under this scheme. Health and well-being in our communities would be significantly improved in the long term if smoking rates The aim of the ex gratia scheme is to demonstrate were substantially reduced. Between 2007 and 2010, the solidarity with those in our community who have been rates of smoking in England remained static. While affected by terrorist incidents overseas, taking into account smoking rates have more recently started to decline the nature of terrorist attacks as a political statement again, we need to secure significant further reductions if and attack on our society. we are to meet the national ambitions we set out in We believe it is proportionate and necessary for the “Healthy Lives, Healthy People: A Tobacco Control scheme to focus limited resources on those who have a Plan for England”. clear and sufficient connection to the UK. Therefore, 13WS Written Ministerial Statements16 APRIL 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 14WS payments will be made to British, EU and EEA victims The Government believe that the wider significance with a minimum of three years residence in the UK of these proposals for external competence mean that it immediately prior to a terrorist attack that is designated is in the UK’s interests to participate fully in these for the purposes of the ex gratia scheme. negotiations, including having the ability to vote. These Responsibility for the designation of terrorist attacks proposals must be agreed by unanimity within the for the purposes of the ex gratia scheme falls to the Council. Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Secretary has designated the following incidents: Bombings in Bali, Indonesia on 12 October 2002; NORTHERN IRELAND Bombings in Kusadasi, Turkey on 16 July 2005; Parliamentary Written Question (Correction) Attacks in tourist sites in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt 23 July 2005; Bombings in Dahab, Egypt 24 April 2006; The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr Hugo Bombings in Marmaris, Turkey 27 August 2006; Swire): I regret that the answer given to the hon. Member Attacks in Mumbai, India 26 November 2008. for Gedling (Vernon Coaker) on 19 March, Official Later this year we intend to lay before Parliament a Report, column 444W, contained an error. The answer separate statutory scheme for compensating future victims stated that matters relating to the Serious Organised of overseas terrorism, made under the Crime and Security Crime Agency’s work in Northern Ireland fall under the Act 2010. That scheme will commence shortly after responsibility of the devolved Administration in Northern parliamentary approval has been received. Ireland. This was inaccurate: although the Serious Organised 1980 Hague Convention on Child Abduction Crime Agency (SOCA) is a reserved body under schedule 3 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, it operates as a UK-wide body covering a mix of devolved and reserved matters. The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Kenneth Clarke): The Government have decided SOCA is accountable to the Home Secretary. But in to opt in to the European Commission’s proposals for Northern Ireland (as in Scotland), responsibility for the acceptance by the member states, in the interests of policing and criminal justice are devolved matters. SOCA’s the EU, of the accession of Albania, Andorra, Armenia, strategic priorities (set by the Home Secretary after Gabon, Morocco, the Russian Federation, Seychelles consultation with devolved Ministers) sets out the need and Singapore to the 1980 Hague convention on the for SOCA to work collaboratively with devolved civil aspects of international child abduction. Governments and law enforcement agencies in Scotland and Northern Ireland. All EU member states are party to the successful 1980 Hague convention which is the primary civil law In Northern Ireland, the Organised Crime Task Force international instrument that provides a mechanism to (OCTF) published its first organised crime strategy in seek the prompt return of wrongfully removed or retained February 2012. The strategy, which complements the children to their country of habitual residence. When a OCTF annual report and threat assessment, addresses country wishes to accede to the convention it is necessary the specific local priorities agreed by the OCTF partners for an existing contracting state to accept that country’s to tackle organised crime in Northern Ireland. SOCA accession before the convention can apply between them. will ensure its activities are consistent with partner It is the European Commission’s view that there is agency actions to confront organised crime in Northern exclusive competence on the EU for all matters relating Ireland through continued membership of the OCTF to the 1980 convention and that therefore member and its various sub-groups. SOCA is accountable to the states must now be authorised by the EU to accept police ombudsman for Northern Ireland under the accessions by third countries and must do so collectively terms of a memorandum of understanding which has through Council decisions. been in place since 2010. Although not anticipated in the proposals, the The correct answer is as follows: Government believe that the UK opt in under the Mr Swire: Some matters relating to the Serious Organised protocol to title V of the treaty on the functioning of Crime Agency’s work in Northern Ireland fall under the the European Union applies and it has therefore asserted responsibility of the devolved Administration in Northern its right to choose whether to opt in and has decided it Ireland. SOCA is a reserved body under schedule 3 of is in the UK’s best interests to do so. the Northern Ireland Act 1998, although it operates as The Government have taken this decision a UK-wide body covering a mix of devolved and reserved notwithstanding the fact that it disputes the Commission’s matters SOCA is accountable to the Home Secretary. claim to exclusive competence and it is still determining My officials are working closely with their counterparts whether each of the countries seeking to accede to the in the Home Office on the current proposals in relation convention will be able to operate the convention effectively. to the National Crime Agency.
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states—Finland, Spain and Malta—have included Written Answers to broadband in their national USO. The UK’s position is that the time is not right to introduce a broadband USO Questions as it may constrain private investment in networks. The current non-regulatory approach to delivering universal broadband is considered the most effective means of Monday 16 April 2012 stimulating commercial investment while minimising costs to the public purse.
Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment Arts Council he has made of the likelihood that all Broadband Delivery UK’s superfast broadband funding will be allocated to BT; and if he will make a statement. Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, [102601] Olympics, Media and Sport on how many occasions he met the chief executive of the Arts Council in (a) 2010, Mr Vaizey: Local authorities and the devolved (b) 2011 and (c) 2012 to date. [102707] Administrations have been allocated funding from the Rural Broadband Delivery Programme and will be Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, responsible for supplier selection under their respective Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for procurements. BT are bidding for the eight projects South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), and I have met the chief currently in procurement, and are one of the suppliers executive of Arts Council England on a regular basis bidding to be included on the Broadband Delivery from 2010 to the present, and will continue to do so. Framework which we expect will be used for most of Bed and Breakfast Accommodation the remaining procurements for the rural programme. City authorities will be allocated funding from Urban Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Broadband Fund and will be responsible for the supplier Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he selection under their respective procurements. has made of the number of (a) bed and breakfast establishments, (b) bed and breakfast rooms, (c) paid Broadband: Rural Areas lodging establishments and (d) paid lodging rooms in each parliamentary constituency or local authority Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, area. [103017] Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the provision of John Penrose: This Department is not able to provide broadband in rural areas. [102291] the information in the precise categories requested. However, VisitEngland’s ″England Accommodation Stock Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Audit″ which was published in 2010 includes data at Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for regional and county levels and is available at: South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), recently reported and www.visitengland.org/Images/ discussed with the Prime Minister at Cabinet the progress Stock%20Audit%20final_tcm30-26756.pdf toward the Government’s broadband objectives. The http://www.visitengland.org/Images/ Secretary of State has also had discussions with other Stock%20Audit%20final_tcm30-26756.pdf Ministers, including Ministers in devolved Administrations, Broadband on specific broadband issues. Civil Servants: Codes of Practice Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport with reference to the 2012 Budget, which smaller cities will receive the Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, new funding for super-connected cities; how such cities Olympics, Media and Sport how many investigations have been or will be selected; and how he proposes the into breaches by civil servants of the Civil Service Code funding will be divided between the cities. [102236] of Conduct occurred in his Department in each month from May 2010 to March 2012. [103159] Mr Vaizey: The Department will publish the eligibility and selection criteria by the end of April including how John Penrose: There have been no breaches of the funds will be allocated. Civil Service Code in this Department from May 2010 to March 2012, and therefore no investigations have Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for been conducted. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the merits of introducing a universal Cultural Heritage: Armed Conflict service obligation for broadband provision. [102292] Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vaizey: The merits of introducing a broadband Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent universal service obligation (USO) were considered in assessment he has made of the adequacy of protection the context of the Commission’s public consultation on of cultural property in areas of conflict; and if he will universal service principles and its third periodic review bring forward legislative proposals based on the draft of the scope of universal service. Only three member Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Bill 2008. [102319] 3W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 4W
John Penrose: Although this Department has not Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, made a recent assessment of the adequacy of protection Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for of cultural property in areas of conflict, I am aware that South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has had no discussions evaluation and assessment to help ensure effective respect with Ofcom on this specific issue. The matter raised is and protection of cultural property are an integral part an operational one for the independent regulator, the of military operations. The Government are committed Office of Communications (Ofcom). to introducing legislation to ratify the 1954 Hague Ofcom’s second consultation on the combined auction Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property and of 800 MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum closed on 22 March. accede to its two protocols as soon as parliamentary In that consultation Ofcom recognised that holders of time allows, taking account of all our legislative priorities. 1800 MHz spectrum might not be able to serve some of the hardest to reach locations (in urban as well as rural Domestic Visits areas) but considered that this was unlikely to materially affect the ability of those operators to be credible national wholesalers. Ofcom has received over 40 responses Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for to this consultation which it is currently analysing. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many visits Ofcom intends to decide on these issues and publish a he has made to each English region since May 2010. statement in July. [102197] John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, John Penrose: The number of events and visits in Olympics, Media and Sport with reference to Ofcom’s regions outside of London the Secretary of State has consultation on the 4G spectrum auction, whether all taken in an official capacity since May 2010 can be of the hard to serve areas described will be covered by found in the following table: the Mobile Infrastructure Project. [102426] Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Region Number of visits Mr Vaizey: The primary objective of the Mobile Infrastructure Project is to address the so-called “not-spots” East Midlands 3 by extending mobile coverage beyond the existing voice East England 5 footprint. This is achieved through building new North East England 3 infrastructure which will host mobile services. Where North West England 7 possible, we are doing so having regard to enabling South East England 10 future use of these sites for other technologies such as South West England 4 4G services. West Midlands 9 Yorkshire & the Humber 2 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the comparative merits of using spectrum in Email the (a) 800 MHz and (b) 1800 MHz bands for extending (i) outdoor and (ii) indoor coverage in mobile broadband Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, not spots. [102427] Olympics, Media and Sport what his policy is on the period for which emails sent and received by (a) Ministers, Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, (b) officials and (c) special advisers in his Department Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for are retained; and whether such emails are recoverable South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has made no assessment from the IT systems in his Department after that period. of these issues. The matter raised is an operational one [102941] for the independent regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom). Ofcom’s second consultation on the combined John Penrose: The Department has an electronic auction of 800 MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum closed on records management system, which allows staff to store 22 March, in that consultation Ofcom set out its refined emails which require keeping as part of the official analysis of the relative technical capabilities of spectrum record. Information stored in this system is managed in at different frequencies, including its ability to provide line with National Archive standards. E-mail folders for coverage both outdoors and indoors. Ofcom has received individuals—whether staff, Ministers or Special Advisers— over 40 responses to this consultation which it is currently are not part of the permanent record, and are constrained analysing. Ofcom intends to decide on these issues and by size limits. When those limits are reached e-mails are publish a statement in July. either deleted or saved to the records management system. Using an additional system, we keep a copy of Museums and Galleries all e-mails received and sent since 2008. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Mobile Phones: Radio Frequencies Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of (a) publicly and (b) charitably funded (i) art galleries, (ii) museums and (iii) archives which (A) John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, closed and (B) opened in each local authority area in Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions he has each of the last five years. [102505] had with Ofcom on its conclusion in its 4G spectrum auction consultation that those mobile operators without Mr Vaizey: This Department’s strategic body Arts low frequency spectrum will not be able to provide Council England (ACE) continues to monitor the effects coverage in hard to reach areas. [102425] of the local authority budget decisions on arts and 5W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 6W cultural organisations. However, ACE does not hold The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), information on venues that they do not regularly fund, a private organisation operating independently of or those funded through charitable giving. Government, published their London 2012 Employment No galleries funded by ACE have closed in the last and Skills Strategy in September 2010 five years. The galleries that have opened are: Towner http://www.london2012.com/documents/locog-hr/2012- (museum and art gallery), Eastbourne; Turner employmentskills-2-web1-2-.pdf Contemporary, Margate; Nottingham Contemporary; LOCOG workforce opportunities will be communicated Hepworth, Wakefield; and Firstsite, Colchester. and advertised across London and the rest of the UK; No museum service funded via renaissance funded working with Adecco and key stakeholders to ensure hub museums has closed in the last five years. Information that they reach out to all community groups. on closures of independent, local authority or charitably LOCOG roles are open for all to apply to and contracting funded museums is not held centrally. opportunities advertised are open to organisations throughout the UK. In addition, LOCOG has held a series of visits across the UK to promote the social, Olympic Games 2012 sporting, economic and community engagement opportunities of the games. The London 2012 games support the Government’s Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Plan for Growth, by providing opportunities for business Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment across the UK; enabling UK businesses to maximise (a) (b) he has made of the effects on the economy and opportunities for export; and helping to boost the number business of the London 2012 Olympics. [102485] of visitors to the UK. In order to assess the benefits to the UK, the Department Hugh Robertson: The new £130 million tourism campaign has commissioned a meta-evaluation of the impacts to showcase Great Britain in 2012 aims to deliver an and legacy of the London 2012 games. The meta- additional 4.6 million visitors, £2.7 billion of extra evaluation will estimate the impact of the 2012 games spend and the creation of about 60,000 job opportunities. on gross value added (GVA) and employment in the The UK is already benefiting from the games, with 98% nations and regions, and in London. An initial pre-games of the £6 billion-worth of contracts for the ‘big build’ evaluation will be published in autumn 2012 and an and 90% of the £1 billion-worth of contracts for staging initial post-games evaluation in summer 2013. the games going to UK businesses. If we add to that the £1 billion boost to British business that is expected Radio Frequencies through trade and investment, it amounts to a strong legacy from the games for the UK economy and British Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for business. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions The Department has commissioned a consortium, he has had with the Weightless Special Interest Group led by Grant Thornton, to undertake a comprehensive on developing standards for white space spectrum meta-evaluation of the impacts and legacy of the games. usage. [102206] The initial report will be published in the autumn and a further report in summer 2013. Mr Vaizey: Neither I nor my officials have met with the Weightless Special Interest Group. However, Ofcom, Mr Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, the independent spectrum regulator, has had contact Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he has taken to with the Weightless Special Interest Group by virtue of encourage the recruitment of staff for the London the fact that an Ofcom official attended a meeting of Olympic Games from Northern Ireland. [102635] the group in 2011. Ofcom have also had contact with the Weightless Special Interest Group members at various Hugh Robertson: The Olympic Delivery Authority UK stakeholder and international events. (ODA) published its Employment and Skills Strategy in Ofcom is in the process of developing regulations to February 2008 enable white space devices to operate in the Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) TV band without causing harmful http://www.london2012.com/documents/oda-publications/ employment-and-skills-strategy-feb-08-low-res.pdf interference to existing services. Existing services include digital terrestrial television and wireless microphones Its goal has been to promote sustainable employment used in programme making and special events. Ofcom opportunities and to boost skill levels both locally is working with stakeholders to finalise the necessary within London and across the UK, to encourage skill regulations which we aim to be in place by the end of development within the construction industry and to 2012. improve coordination between employers, recruiters and training organisations. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for The ODA’s construction programme is almost complete. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what his policy is However, during the main construction phase, the ODA on spectrum white spaces and use of the 600 MHz worked with Construction Skills, Job Centre Plus, band. [102599] Developers, Contractors and other partners to ensure that job opportunities were open and accessible to all, Mr Vaizey: The matter raised is an operational one with information about job opportunities widely advertised, for the independent regulator, the Office of Communications including on the London 2012 website. All ODA job (Ofcom). Ofcom has published a consultation ‘Securing opportunities are open and available to all residents of long term benefits from scarce spectrum resources: a the UK, including Northern Ireland. strategy for UHF bands IV and V’ on 29 March 2012, 7W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 8W which outlines a number of options for this spectrum. Mr Vaizey: Ofcom is currently working on a statement Ofcom will be considering next steps for the 600 MHz and a further consultation on text relay, which will be band in light of responses to this consultation. Officials published this spring. in this Department will continue to engage with Ofcom to understand how best this spectrum could be made Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for available. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what progress has been made on the formation of a video relay sub-group Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for of the e-Accessibility Forum; and when it will hold its Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment first meeting. [103040] he has made of the effect of the decision by Apple not to support European 4G frequencies on its new iPad on Mr Vaizey: Several organisations such as the (a) 4G take up and (b) spectrum congestion. [103061] Mobile Broadband Association, BT, Positive Signs, Telecommunications Advisory Group, PhoneAbility, UK Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Council on Deafness along with video relay service Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for providers such as Sorenson, Sign on Screen, Significan’t South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has made no such and Sign Solutions have expressed interest in video assessments of the effect of Apple’s, decision not to relay sub-group. The initial membership is expected to support European 4G frequencies on its new iPad at be finalised in April, after which the sub-group can this time. We expect smartphone and tablet usage to be decide the date of its first meeting. major drivers of 4G take up. New products will be released at an increasing rate as more 4G networks become operational. Unsolicited Text Messages
Alec Shelbrooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Telecommunications: Hearing Impairment Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what regulations cover the practice of some companies of sending Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for unsolicited text messages for which recipients are Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport with which charged at high rates; and what steps he is taking to telecommunications companies he has held discussions end this practice. [102487] on deaf people’s access to telecommunications; and which companies have responded to his request for Mr Vaizey: Consumers are protected from unsolicited cost-effective solutions to meet the needs of deaf people. text messages through the Privacy and Electronic [103038] Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003, which requires prior consent, unless the number has previously been Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, provided in the context of a purchase of a product or Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for service. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), held a round table has responsibility for enforcement of the regulations meeting with telecoms providers on video relay services and considers complaints about breaches. The ICO is (VRS) in September 2011. The meeting focused on able to issue a fine of up to £500,000 for the most access to telecommunications services in the UK for serious breaches of the PECR. hearing impaired users, in context of the Ofcom’s review A charge should not be incurred for the receipt of of relay services in the UK. unsolicited text messages. Consumers are advised to The meeting was attended by BT, Kingston contact the company concerned and their mobile service Communications, Everything Everywhere, O2, Vodafone, provider to register a complaint. 3, Talk Talk, Virgin Media and BSkyB. Additionally, PhonepayPlus regulates “reverse charged” Ofcom’s consultation proposed significant improvements text messaging, for services such as downloading ringtones, to help meet the needs of hearing impaired users, news and sports alerts, which are classified as premium particularly through the proposals for next generation rate services and are charged at a higher rate than text relay (NGTR) that would provide an enhanced text standard calls. Therefore, if a consumer has inadvertently relay service available 24/7, enabling support for two-way signed up to such a service, they can register a complaint simultaneous communication and allowing mainstream with PhonepayPlus. equipment to be used. The Secretary of State is keen that businesses and Vodafone Group telecommunication companies also provide VRS for their disabled customers. BT is currently running a trial for its disabled customers and the Secretary of State Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, hopes that others will also follow suit. The Secretary of Olympics, Media and Sport (1) how many contracts State is pleased that Ofcom will also consult on specific Vodafone has been awarded by his Department in the proposals for VRS in the summer as this will help to last 12 months; [103225] progress work in this area. (2) what contracts his Department has with Vodafone. [103226] Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when Ofcom will John Penrose: The Department has one contract with publish the results of its consultation on relay services. Vodafone, for mobile phones. This was awarded in [103039] April 2011. 9W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 10W
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Damian Green: The following table contains the number Olympics, Media and Sport how many times the Permanent of Sri Lankan nationals (main applicants) who have Secretary in his Department has met Vodafone been granted asylum in each of the last 10 years. representatives in the last 12 months. [103227] Grants of asylum, HP, DL or ELR at initial decision for main applicants, Sri Lankan nationals John Penrose: In the last 12 months, the Permanent Grants of: Secretary, Jonathan Stephens, has met the CEO and Total senior executives of Vodafone UK once. grants Asylum HP DL ELR
2002 615 338 n/a n/a 277 2003 117 18 0 44 55 HOME DEPARTMENT 2004 98 10 1 87 n/a Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse 2005 64 6 0 58 n/a 2006 62 5 0 57 n/a 2007 124 67 2 55 n/a Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home 2008 206 146 1 59 n/a Department when she decided to make a Statement to 2009 190 133 1 56 n/a the House on her Alcohol Strategy. [102313] 2010 228 186 0 42 n/a James Brokenshire: It was always planned that a 2011 324 291 0 33 n/a n/a = Not applicable. statement would be made to the House on the Government’s Notes Alcohol Strategy after the Budget on 21 March 2012, 1. Data from 2010 onwards are provisional figures. Official Report, columns 793-808. The Easter recess 2. Initial decisions do not necessarily relate to applications made in meant that a number of important announcements had the same period and exclude the outcome of appeals or other subsequent to be made in a limited number of days. decisions. 3. Humanitarian protection (HP) and Discretionary leave (DL) replaced Alcoholic Drinks: Prices exceptional leave to remain (ELR) from 1 April 2003. The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home statistics on the number of asylum applications and Department whether her Department’s proposal to ban initial decisions. These are available in tables as.01—as.02 multi-buy discounts for the purchase of alcoholic beverages of asylum excel tables volume 1 of the quarterly will be applied to discounts for wine bought by the case. Immigration Statistics. The latest release “Immigration [102160] Statistics October—December 2011” is available in the Library of the House and from the Home Office Science, James Brokenshire [holding answer 27 March 2012]: research and statistics website at: The Government will consult on a proposed multi-buy http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research- discount in the forthcoming months. The consultation statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/ will consider the types of promotions that could be subject to a ban. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many refused asylum seekers Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the have been removed with escorts to Sri Lanka in each Home Department what assessment her Department month since May 2010. [103071] has made of the possible effects of introducing minimum pricing of alcoholic drinks on levels of illegal Damian Green: This information is not held in a drug use among (a) under 25-year-olds and (b) all age format compatible with National Statistics protocols. groups. [102509] However, published statistics are available on a quarterly and annual basis which report on removals to Sri Lanka James Brokenshire: The Government will consider a broken down by quarter. This publication is available range of issues during the public consultation on minimum from the Library of the House and from the Home unit pricing in the forthcoming months. Office Science, Research and Statistics website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ Home Department what estimate she has made of the immigration-q4-2011/ proportion of (a) all alcohol, (b) beer, (c) cider, (d) British Nationality vodka, (e) whisky and (f) wine sold in the off-trade in England and Wales that will rise in price as a result of a 40 pence minimum unit price. [102727] Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times the Immigration, James Brokenshire: The Government will produce an Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 has been used to impact assessment on minimum unit pricing prior to deprive a person of British citizenship; and how many introducing legislation. such people were British-born citizens. [102921] Asylum: Sri Lanka Damian Green: Section 56 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 which relates to deprivation Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for of British citizenship, came into force on 16 June 2006. the Home Department how many Sri Lankan nationals Since that date 15 individuals have been deprived of have been granted asylum in each of the last 10 years. their British citizenship. Of these, five had been British [102133] since birth. 11W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 12W
This information has been provided from local Removals and voluntary departures1 to Sri Lanka2, May 2010 to management information and is not a National Statistic. December 20113 As such it should be treated as provisional and therefore Number of departures subject to change. September 42 October 56 Crime Prevention November 62 December 54 Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will list each completed 2011 Joint Investigation Team that UK authorities have participated in since they became available including January 58 (a) the names of the other participants, (b) its February 57 purpose and (c) its duration in each year; and if she March 81 will make a statement. [103060] April 41 May 48 Damian Green: The specific data requested are not June 75 centrally held. However, from information provided by July 48 Eurojust, which supports the establishment and operation August 75 of EU joint investigation teams, the UK has been September 105 involved in 15 joint investigation teams since 2009. October 84 Joint investigation teams have proved a valuable means November 88 of enhancing practical co-operation between EU member December 105 states in addressing cross-border crime. Total 1,262 1 Removals and voluntary departures recorded on the system as at the dates on which the data extracts were taken. Crime: Drugs 2 Destination as recorded on source database. 3 Provisional figures. Figures will under record due to data cleansing Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the and data matching exercises that take place after the extracts are Home Department what proportion of crime was taken. drug-related in the latest period for which figures are The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual available. [102012] statistics on the number of persons removed or departed voluntarily from the UK within Immigration Statistics. James Brokenshire: There were 232,060 drug offences The data on removals and voluntary departures by recorded by the police in England and Wales in the 12 country of destination are available in the latest release, months to September 2011. This accounts for 6% of Immigration Statistics, October to December 2011, tables total recorded crime (4,052,866 offences). rv.06 and rv.06.q, from the Library of the House and Police recorded crime data collected centrally do not from the Home Office Science, research and statistics identify whether other offences are drug-related. web pages at: Questions are asked on the British crime survey (BCS) http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research- as to whether victims perceived an offender to be under statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/ the influence of drugs. Latest figures published for violent crime from the 2010-11 BCS suggest that in 20% of violent incidents, Domestic Visits victims perceived the offender to be under the influence of drugs. Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visits she has made to Deportation: Sri Lanka each English region since May 2010. [102191]
Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been deported Damian Green: The following table shows the number to Sri Lanka (a) in total and (b) in each month since of visits the Secretary of State for the Home Department, May 2010. [102544] my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has made to each English region since May Damian Green: The following table provides the available 2010: information on the total number of all nationals who were removed or departed voluntarily from the UK to Region Number of visits Sri Lanka in each month since May 2010. East Midlands 2 Removals and voluntary departures1 to Sri Lanka2, May 2010 to East of England 6 December 20113 Greater London 25 Number of departures North East England 0 North West England 3 2010 South East England 3 May 41 South West England 0 June 54 West Midlands 2 July 34 Yorkshire and the Humber 1 August 54 13W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 14W
Email Non-asylum passengers, nationals of Sri Lanka, initially refused entry to the UK Of these: refused at Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Total refusals juxtaposed controls Home Department what her policy is on the period for which emails sent and received by (a) Ministers, (b) 2008 263 102 officials and (c) special advisers in her Department are 2009 246 63 retained; and whether such emails are recoverable from 20102 259 51 the IT systems in her Department after that period. 20112 178 36 [102959] 1 Not available. 2 Provisional figures. Damian Green: Emails will be accessible on the Home The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual Office’s main IT system for as long as they are held by statistics on the number of persons initially refused an individual user. This applies equally to Ministers, entry to the United Kingdom. Data on those initially officials and special advisers. Where appropriate, emails refused entry are available in tables be.08 to be.08q of are retained on the Department’s corporate file plan, the Before Entry Excel tables from the Library of the which is subject to normal retention and disposal schedules. House and from the Home Office Science, research and Once deleted, emails might still be retrievable from statistics webpages at: the system for up to 30 days. In exceptional cases, http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research- emails may be restored from back-up records. These are statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/ usually held for up to six months, but do not constitute a complete record of data held over that period. Exports: Metals Entry Clearances: Domestic Service Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of scrap metal Home Department what consultation she has held with containers leaving the UK are checked at UK ports. (a) non-governmental organisations and (b) other [96775] interested parties on protection for migrant domestic workers; how many responses to the consultation Richard Benyon: I have been asked to reply on behalf Employment Related Settlement, Tier 5 and Overseas of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Domestic Workers her Department received; and how Affairs. many responses to the consultation Employment Under the ″green list″ control system for shipments Related Settlement, Tier 5 and Overseas Domestic of non-hazardous waste the Environment Agency is not Workers answered yes to question 28 on the removal of provided with the details of the tonnage of scrap metal the right to change employer for migrant domestic exports from England and Wales. However, it estimates workers. [102040] the total amount of ferrous scrap exported is approximately 8 million tonnes a year. Damian Green: The Government’s consultation on The Environment Agency has not inspected any scrap Employment-related settlement, Tier 5 and Overseas metal exports from England and Wales since 2009. Its Domestic Workers was published on 9 June 2011 and intelligence-led approach to tackling waste crime means closed for comment on 9 September 2011. 12,499 responses that containers are only inspected when there is reason were received, 9,328 to question 28. to suspect that the contents are being shipped in 36% responded yes to that question, 43% no and 21% contravention of the regulations. The Environment Agency had no opinion. In addition to the written consultation, has no intelligence to suggest that scrap metal has been I and my officials have had meetings with Kalayaan, being exported illegally since this date and has therefore Oxfam and members of the other House. not targeted these containers. Entry Clearances: Sri Lanka Foreign Workers: Doctors Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Sri Lankan nationals Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for have been refused entry to the UK in each of the last the Home Department how many doctors from outside 10 years. [102134] of the EU have emigrated to Havering in each of the last five years. [102123] Damian Green: The following table provides the total number of Sri Lankan nationals who were initially Damian Green: Statistics on the destination of people refused entry to the UK in each year from 2004 to 2011. arriving in the UK are not collated by the UK Border Data for earlier years are not available. Agency. Non-asylum passengers, nationals of Sri Lanka, initially refused entry to the UK G4S: Public Expenditure Of these: refused at Total refusals juxtaposed controls John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2004 178 1— the Home Department what she estimates will be the 2005 207 93 cost to the public purse of G4S providing services to 2006 155 72 (a) the West Midlands and (b) Surrey police forces. 2007 191 57 [99154] 15W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 16W
Nick Herbert [holding answer 12 March 2012]: The James Brokenshire: I expect the Advisory Council on procurement notice sets out the potential range of the the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to complete its review by contract as between £300 million and £3.5 billion—subject the end of March 2013, if not sooner, as indicated in to the forces’ and police authorities’ decisions on the the Secretary of State for the Home Department’s final scope for implementation and the number of forces commissioning letter to the ACMD which sets out the that choose to join. It is intended that this investment Government’s priorities for inclusion in their 2012-13 should deliver improvements to services and considerable work programme. I anticipate that the ACMD will savings to the taxpayer. respond to the commissioning letter shortly. The commissioning letter is available at: Human Trafficking Ministerial Group http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/alcohol-drugs/ drugs/hs-acmd-priorities-2012-2013?view=Html Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans she has to ensure Leena Homes that the first report of the Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking will be debated in Parliament. Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home [102311] Department what the total monetary value is of the contracts her Department has held with Leena Homes Damian Green: The Government will publish the since 2007. [101734] report and look to have it debated in Parliament, subject to the availability of parliamentary time. Damian Green: The Home Office has held one contract with Leena Homes since 2007, the value of which is Immigrants: Detainees £4,349,269. Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department how many contracts her Department has Home Department how long on average people were held with Leena Homes since 2007. [101735] held in short-term holding facilities in Northern Ireland following their illegal entry into the UK in the Damian Green: Since 2007, the Home Office has held latest period for which figures are available. [102434] one contract with Leena Homes. Damian Green: During the period 11 July 2011 to 22 March 2012, 347 people were detained for a total of Licensing Laws 1,272 days in short-term holding facilities in Northern Ireland. Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for the The average period of detention is therefore 3.67 days. Home Department how many alcohol licences have been revoked in Brigg and Goole constituency due to Note: the sale of alcohol to children since the implementation All figures quoted are management information which has been of the Licensing Act 2003. [102153] subject to internal quality checks. This information is provisional and therefore subject to change. James Brokenshire [holding answer 27 March 2012]: The Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Immigration: Bexleyheath Licensing Statistical Bulletin collects the number of licences revoked, but does not indicate why they were Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the revoked. Licences may be revoked following a review by Home Department if she will estimate the number of the licensing authority for a number of reasons, including foreign nationals in Bexleyheath and Crayford persistent selling of alcohol to children. However, the constituency pursuing applications of any kind with persistent sale of alcohol to children is a specific criminal the UK Border Agency who do not have access to offence under section 147A of the Licensing Act 2003. public funds; and how many such foreign nationals are Data specifically for Brigg and Goole constituency children. [102125] are not collected centrally. However, the constituency falls within the combined licensing authority area of Damian Green: Constituency level data are not held East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. From in a format compatible with National Statistics protocols. 2007-08 to 2009-10, there were neither premises licences However the UK Border Agency publishes immigration revoked, club premises certificates withdrawn, nor premises statistics on a quarterly and annual basis. The latest licences suspended by a court. For 2006-07, these authorities published statistics on asylum and non asylum applications did not supply the Department for Culture, Media and can be found here: Sport (DCMS) with this information. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ Manpower immigration-q4-2011/ Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Ketamine Home Department how many people were employed in interim posts by (a) her Department and (b) a Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Non-Ministerial Department or arm’s length body Home Department when she expects the Advisory controlled by her Department through (i) Penna Council on the Misuse of Drugs to complete its review Consulting, (ii) Reed Personnel Services and (iii) into ketamine. [102183] Capita Resourcing Ltd (trading as Veredus) at the 17W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 18W latest date for which figures are available; and how Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for many such people (A) had been in post for over a year the Home Department when she intends to answer the and (B) worked full-time at that date. [101588] letter sent to the Minister for Immigration by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton on 20 February Damian Green [holding answer 23 March 2012]: The with regard to Mr Ali Baba Akbhari. [102717] number of people employed in interim posts through (i) Penna Consulting, (ii) Reed Personnel Services and Damian Green: I refer the right hon. Member to my (iii) Capita Resourcing Ltd by the Home Department letter of 14 March 2012. and its agencies as at 28 February 2012 is listed in the following table. Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she intends to answer Number of current the letter sent to her by the right hon. Member for contractors as at 28 Manchester, Gorton on 21 February with regard to February 2012 Ms Isatou Jagne. [102718] In post for (a) over one Supplier Department (b) ALBs year Full-time Damian Green: I refer the right hon. Member to my letter of 27 March 2012. Capita/ 38 911 Veredus Migration Advisory Committee Reed Specialist 01 10 Recruitment Penna 0 2 2 2 Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects the triennial review of the Migration Advisory Committee to be Mass Media completed. [103082]
Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: The Secretary of State for the Home Home Department what media monitoring services her Department, my right hon. Friend Member for Maidenhead Department has purchased in each of the last five (Mrs May), announced on 27 March 2012, Official years. [100897] Report, columns 128-9WS, that she will announce the findings of the review later this year. An exact date has Damian Green: Media monitoring services have been not yet been set. provided to the Department and its agencies by five Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 companies in the past five years. The following table includes the names of the companies contracted for these services. We have reduced spend from £496,280 in Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2007-08 to £249,758 in 2011-12. Home Department if she will take steps to bring forward proposals to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act Service 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 1971 to permit senior nurses to (a) carry and (b) prescribe controlled drugs. [102420] Press Precise Precise Precise Precise Precise cuttings James Brokenshire: The statutory instrument Durrants implementing changes to enable nurse independent prescribers, together with pharmacist independent PA Press Press Press Press Press preservers, to prescribe all controlled drugs listed in Association Association Association Association Association schedules 2 to 5 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 within their competence, was laid in Parliament on Media Media Media Media Media Media 30 March. The instrument also authorises nurse and monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit pharmacist independent prescribers to possess, supply, (Cabinet (Cabinet (Cabinet (Cabinet (Cabinet offer to supply, administer and requisition the specified Office) Office) Office) Office) Office) drugs. The changes will come into effect on 23 April. TNS TNS TNS Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner The contract for press cuttings changed in 2011-12 from Precise to Durrants. This was due to a cross- Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the government exercise led by the Cabinet Office. Home Department what assessment she has made of the merits of relocating the Office of the Immigration Members: Correspondence Services Commissioner. [102054]
Damian Green: The role and purpose of the Office of Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) was the Home Department when she plans to answer the reviewed in 2011 as part of the wider Public Bodies letter from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Review, and it was concluded that the regulation of Gorton of 13 February 2012 with regard to Mr M Ali. immigration advice and services was best delivered by [102076] retaining the OISC. As part of that process the Home Office carried out a preliminary assessment of options Damian Green: I refer the right hon. Member to my for the OISC and considered the potential savings associated letter of 26 March 2012. with relocating the OISC outside London. The assessment 19W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 20W carried out identified that there were potential savings Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20101 from relocating, but as a high proportion of the businesses Full-time equivalents regulated by the OISC are in London and the South Police force BCU Police officers East the additional costs created by the move would not Langbaurgh (Redcar 240 make relocation a cost-effective proposal. The additional and Cleveland) expenditure incurred by the OISC staff undertaking Middlesbrough 314 audits of businesses and carrying out other activities associated with the regulation of immigration advisers Stockton 287 would offset any savings made. Central Services 686 The lease on the OISC’s central London offices expires Total 1,724 in September 2013 and a new location for the OISC is being identified because of this. The Home Office is Cumbria Barrow and Kendal 303 working with the OISC to identify cheaper premises Carlisle and Penrith 300 and reduce accommodation costs. The new premises Workington and 298 will be in the London area and there are no plans to Whitehaven relocate to a different area of the country. Central Services 337 Total 1,238 Police: Manpower
Derbyshire Alfreton 296 Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Buxton 255 Home Department how many police officers there were in each basic command unit in each police force area Chesterfield 341 in England and Wales on (a) 31 March 2010 and (b) Derby 471 31 March 2011. [102328] Central Services 711 Total 2,074 Nick Herbert: The latest available information shows the full-time equivalent number of police officer strength by basic command unit, as at 31 March 2010 and Devon and Cornwall Cornwall and the 753 Isles of Scilly 31 March 2011, within each police force area in England and Wales. These figures can be seen within the tables. Devon 1,221 Plymouth 562 Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20101 Central Services 1,019 Full-time equivalents Police force BCU Police officers Total 3,556
Avon and Somerset Bath and North East 226 Somerset Dorset Bournemouth and 481 Poole Bristol 933 Dorset County 420 North Somerset 238 Central Services 585 Somerset East 287 Total 1,486 Somerset West 316 South Gloucester 282 Durham North Durham 560 Central Services 1,018 South Durham 538 Total 3,301 Central Services 409 Total 1,507 Bedfordshire Bedfordshire County 451 Luton 350 Essex Essex Central 545 Central Services 446 Essex Eastern 435 Total 1,246 Essex South Eastern 502 Essex South Western 563 Cambridgeshire Central 308 Northern 315 Essex Western 438 Southern 353 Stansted Airport 93 Central Services 496 Central Services 1,029 Total 1,471 Total 3,606
Cheshire Eastern Cheshire 494 Gloucestershire Cheltenham and 273 Northern Cheshire 515 Tewkesbury Cotswold and 243 Western Cheshire 481 Stroud Central Services 666 Forest and 324 Total 2,155 Gloucester Central Services 469 Cleveland Hartlepool 198 Total 1,309 21W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 22W
Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20101 Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20101 Full-time equivalents Full-time equivalents Police force BCU Police officers Police force BCU Police officers
Lancashire Northern 426 Greater Manchester Bolton 527 Lancashire Southern 477 Bury 323 Lancashire Western 522 Metropolitan 541 Pennine 560 North Manchester 734 Central Services 717 Oldham 440 Total 3,649 Rochdale 426 Salford 580 Leicestershire Leicestershire City 734 South Manchester 435 North Leicestershire 424 Stockport 477 South Leicestershire 385 Tameside 420 Central Services 774 Trafford 411 Total 2,317 Wigan 457 Manchester Airport 121 Lincolnshire East Lincolnshire 266 Central Services 2,256 South Lincolnshire 234 Total 8,148 West Lincolnshire 358 Central Services 349 Hampshire Central Hants 599 Total 1,206 Isle of Wight 217 North and East 564 London, City of City of London 308 Hampshire Police Portsmouth 398 Central Services 544 Southampton 485 Total 852 West Hampshire 501 Central Services 983 Merseyside Knowsley 397 Total 3,748 North Liverpool 866 Sefton 477 Hertfordshire Hertfordshire 480 South Liverpool 491 Central St Helens 351 Hertfordshire 558 Wirral 587 Eastern Hertfordshire 456 Central Services 1,348 Western Total 4,516 Central Services 636 Total 2,130 Metropolitan Police Barking and 448 Dagenham Humberside East Riding of 382 Barnet 596 Yorkshire Bexley 406 Kingston upon Hull 575 Brent 712 North East 240 Bromley 524 Lincolnshire North Lincolnshire 281 Camden 889 Central Services 579 City of Westminster 1,656 Total 2,058 Croydon 755 Ealing 728 Kent East Kent 445 Enfield 601 Medway 419 Greenwich 711 Mid Kent 441 Hackney 784 North Kent 391 Hammersmith and 600 South Kent 516 Fulham West Kent 413 Haringey 734 Central Services 1,160 Harrow 404 Total 3,787 Havering 395 Hillingdon 526 Lancashire Lancashire Central 378 Hounslow 540 Lancashire Eastern 570 Islington 719 23W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 24W
Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20101 Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20101 Full-time equivalents Full-time equivalents Police force BCU Police officers Police force BCU Police officers
Kensington and 579 Chelsea South Yorkshire Barnsley 361 Kingston upon 337 Doncaster 478 Thames Lambeth 1,042 Rotherham 362 Lewisham 691 Sheffield 925 Merton 396 Central Services 827 Newham 826 Total 2,953 Redbridge 502 Richmond upon 335 Staffordshire Chase 381 Thames North Staffordshire 277 Southwark 964 Stoke on Trent 529 Sutton 356 Trent Valley 388 Tower Hamlets 829 Central Services 586 Waltham Forest 578 Total 2,160 Wandsworth 619 Heathrow 461 Suffolk Suffolk Eastern 471 Central Services 12,126 Suffolk Western 335 Total 33,367 Central Services 440 Total 1,246 Norfolk Norfolk County 898 Central Services 765 Surrey East Surrey 424 Total 1,662 North Surrey 370 West Surrey 520 Northamptonshire Northants North 440 Central Services 576 Northants West 510 Total 1,890 Central Services 393 Total 1,343 Sussex Brighton and Hove 484 East Sussex 691 Northumbria Gateshead 427 North Downs 402 Newcastle 819 West Downs 532 North Tyneside 367 Gatwick 252 Northumberland 556 Central Services 853 South Tyneside 326 Total 3,213 Sunderland 632 Central Services 1,060 Thames Valley Berkshire East 670 Berkshire West 677 Total 4,187 Buckinghamshire 628 Milton Keynes 406 North Yorkshire North Yorkshire 399 Central Oxfordshire 908 North Yorkshire 361 Central Services 1,145 Eastern Total 4,434 North Yorkshire 376 Western Central Services 350 Warwickshire Warwickshire 460 Central Services 513 Total 1,486 Total 973
Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire 305 Area A West Mercia Hereford 265 Nottinghamshire 292 North 468 Area B Worcestershire Nottinghamshire 763 Shropshire 390 Area C South 406 Nottinghamshire 328 Worcestershire Area D Telford and the 317 Central Services 721 Wrekin Total 2,409 Central Services 546 25W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 26W
Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20101 Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20101 Full-time equivalents Full-time equivalents Police force BCU Police officers Police force BCU Police officers
Total 2,391 North Wales North Wales Central 338 West Midlands Solihull 404 North Wales Eastern 423 West Midlands D1 392 North Wales 356 West Midlands D2 337 Western West Midlands D3 399 Central Services 473 West Midlands E1 336 Total 1,590 West Midlands E2 300 West Midlands E3 313 South Wales Bridgend 188 West Midlands F1 374 South Wales Eastern 645 West Midlands F2 304 South Wales 450 Northern West Midlands F3 335 Neath and Port 192 West Midlands G1 346 Talbot West Midlands G2 324 Swansea 391 West Midlands H1 305 Vale of Glamorgan 171 West Midlands H2 334 Central Services 1,112 West Midlands J1 298 Total 3,148 West Midlands J2 258 West Midlands K1 335 Total of 43 forces 143,734 West Midlands K2 384 1 These figures are based on full-time equivalents that have been West Midlands M1 309 rounded to the nearest whole number, due to rounding there may be an apparent discrepancy between totals and the sums of constituent West Midlands M2 252 items. Figures include those officers on career breaks. West Midlands M3 265 Central Services 1,721 Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20111 Total 8,626 Full-time equivalents Police force BCU Police officers
West Yorkshire Airedale and North 417 Avon and Somerset Bath and North East 231 Bradford Somerset Bradford South 558 Bristol 964 Calderdale 365 North Somerset 237 City and Holbeck 467 Somerset East 291 Kirklees 663 Somerset West 310 North East Leeds 545 South Gloucester 280 North West Leeds 523 Central Services 897 Wakefield 583 Total 3,210 Central Services 1,638 Total 5,759 Bedfordshire Bedfordshire County 421 Luton 306 Central Services 487 Wiltshire Swindon 281 Total 1,214 Wiltshire County 467 Central Services 433 Cambridgeshire Central 300 Total 1,181 Northern 305 Southern 329 Dyfed-Powys Carmarthenshire 350 Central Services 464 Ceredigion 156 Total 1,398 Pembrokeshire 246 Powys 261 Cheshire Eastern Cheshire 479 Central Services 183 Northern Cheshire 512 Total 1,195 Western Cheshire 492 Central Services 596 Gwent Gwent Police BCU 1,437 Total 2,079 Central Services 0 Total 1,437 Cleveland Hartlepool 194 27W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 28W
Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20111 Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20111 Full-time equivalents Full-time equivalents Police force BCU Police officers Police force BCU Police officers
Langbaurgh (Redcar 235 Bury 314 and Cleveland) Manchester Airport 103 Middlesbrough 308 Metropolitan 525 Stockton 285 North Manchester 709 Central Services 633 Oldham 423 Total 1,655 Rochdale 421 Salford 556 Cumbria Barrow and Kendal 292 South Manchester 422 Carlisle and Penrith 283 Stockport 452 Workington and 286 Whitehaven Tameside 408 Central Services 319 Trafford 403 Total 1,180 Wigan 459 Central Services 2,081 Derbyshire Buxton (B Division) 251 Total 7,791 Chesterfield (C 475 Division) Hampshire Central Hants 579 Derby (D Division) 620 Isle of Wight 213 Central Services 674 North and East 545 Total 2,021 Hampshire Portsmouth 401 Devon and Cornwall Cornwall and the 720 Southampton 484 Isles of Scilly Western Hampshire 498 Devon 1,169 Central Services 937 Plymouth 545 Total 3,658 Central Services 1,003 Total 3,436 Hertfordshire Hertfordshire LPU 1,591 Central Services 457 Dorset2 Bournemouth and — Total 2,048 Poole Dorset County — Central Services — Humberside East Riding of 372 Yorkshire Total 1,452 Kingston upon Hull 545 North East 266 Durham North Durham 537 Lincolnshire South Durham 516 North Lincolnshire 236 Central Services 378 Central Services 534 Total 1,431 Total 1,952
Essex Essex Central 521 Kent East Kent 458 Essex Eastern 435 Medway 422 Essex South Eastern 491 Mid Kent 443 Essex South Western 567 North Kent 395 Essex Western 423 South Kent 526 Stansted Airport 91 West Kent 425 Central Services 1,049 Central Services 999 Total 3,577 Total 3,668
Gloucestershire Cheltenham and 251 Tewkesbury Lancashire Lancashire Central 359 Cotswold and Stroud 216 Lancashire Eastern 544 Forest and Gloucs 303 Lancashire Northern 389 Central Services 492 Lancashire Southern 452 Total 1,262 Lancashire Western 490 Pennine 520 Greater Manchester Bolton 515 Central Services 694 29W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 30W
Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20111 Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20111 Full-time equivalents Full-time equivalents Police force BCU Police officers Police force BCU Police officers
Total 3,448 Merton 392 Newham 805 Leicestershire Leics City 574 Redbridge 486 North Leics 352 Richmond upon 307 South Leicestershire 292 Thames Southwark 933 Central Services 993 Sutton 344 Total 2,211 Tower Hamlets 793 Waltham Forest 556 Lincolnshire East Lincolnshire 257 South Lincolnshire 250 Wandsworth 608 West Lincolnshire 362 Heathrow 435 Central Services 333 Central Services 11,907 Total 1,202 Total 32,441
London, City of City of London 317 Norfolk Norfolk County 1,091 Police Central Services 507 Central Services 561 Total 1,598 Total 878 Northamptonshire Northants North 0 Merseyside Knowsley 384 Northants West 0 North Liverpool 840 Central Services 1,306 Sefton 470 Total 1,306 South Liverpool 470 St Helens 334 Northumbria Gateshead 413 Wirral 569 Newcastle 800 Central Services 1,230 North Tyneside 353 Total 4,297 Northumberland 544 South Tyneside 319 Metropolitan Police Barking and 443 Sunderland 627 Dagenham Central Services 1,047 Barnet 585 Total 4,102 Bexley 400 Brent 682 Bromley 511 North Yorkshire North Yorkshire 1,369 County Camden 831 Central Services 90 City of Westminster 1,586 Total 1,458 Croydon 736 Ealing 697 Nottinghamshire Nottingham City 739 Enfield 580 Nottinghamshire 310 Greenwich 669 Area A Hackney 771 Nottinghamshire 283 Area B Hammersmith and 574 Nottinghamshire 331 Fulham Area D Haringey 708 Central Services 656 Harrow 392 Total 2,319 Havering 387 Hillingdon 540 South Yorkshire Barnsley 360 Hounslow 522 Doncaster 472 Islington 713 Rotherham 356 Kensington and 565 Sheffield 927 Chelsea Central Services 774 Kingston upon 321 Thames Total 2,888 Lambeth 1,004 Lewisham 657 Staffordshire Chase 356 31W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 32W
Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20111 Police officer strength by basic command unit, 31 March 20111 Full-time equivalents Full-time equivalents Police force BCU Police officers Police force BCU Police officers
North Staffordshire 259 Solihull 325 Stoke on Trent 491 Walsall 484 Trent Valley 361 Wolverhampton 508 Central Services 612 Central Services 2,907 Total 2,079 Total 8,149
Suffolk Suffolk County 806 West Yorkshire Airedale and North 390 Central Services 438 Bradford Total 1,244 Bradford South 515 Calderdale 345
Surrey Surrey County 1,639 City and Holbeck 448 Central Services 246 Kirklees 621 Total 1,885 North East Leeds 530 North West Leeds 488 Sussex Brighton and Hove 450 Wakefield 554 East Sussex 685 Central Services 1,645 North Downs 400 Total 5,537 West Downs 536 Gatwick 224 Wiltshire Swindon 259 Central Services 807 Wiltshire County 435 Total 3,102 Central Services 405 Total 1,099 Thames Valley Berkshire East 654 Berkshire West 689 Dyfed-Powys Carmarthenshire 330 Buckinghamshire 618 Ceredigion 146 Milton Keynes 398 Pembrokeshire 220 Oxfordshire 920 Powys 250 Central Services 1,096 Central Services 212 Total 4,375 Total 1,157
Warwickshire Warwickshire Police 443 Gwent Gwent Police BCU 1,501 BCU Central Services 0 Central Services 476 Total 1,501 Total 919 North Wales North Wales Central 330 West Mercia Hereford (E 232 North Wales Eastern 405 Division) North Wales Western 330 North Worcestershire 425 Central Services 464 (D Division) Shropshire (F 353 Total 1,529 Division) South Worcestershire 381 South Wales South Wales Central 371 (C Division) South Wales Eastern 648 Telford and the 286 Wrekin (G Division) South Wales 449 Northern Central Services 575 South Wales Western 580 Total 2,251 Central Services 1,051 Total 3,100 West Midlands Birmingham East 689 Birmingham North 390 Total of 43 forces 139,109 Birmingham South 599 1 These figures are based on full-time equivalents that have been Birmingham West 633 rounded to the nearest whole number, due to rounding there may be and Central an apparent discrepancy between totals and the sums of constituent Coventry 600 items. Figures include those officers on career breaks or maternity/paternity Dudley 449 leave. 2 As the force was restructured and BCUs redefined part way through Sandwell 565 the period this data is not available. 33W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 34W
Police: Voluntary Organisations Theft: Metals
Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the for the Home Department what assessment she has Home Department whether itinerant dealers will be made of the effect of changes in police funding on the exempt from legislation to ban the cash trade in scrap relationship the police have with the voluntary sector metal. [100395] and the NHS. [100087] James Brokenshire [holding answer 19 March 2012]: Nick Herbert [holding answer 15 March 2012]: The All scrap metal dealers, whether or not they are itinerant, Home Office is working closely with the Department of will be prohibited from using cash. Health to ensure that partnership working continues between the NHS and the police. Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Home Office has also provided £10 million through Home Department what assessment she has made of the Communication Action Against Crime: Innovation the efficacy of current border arrangements for (a) Fund to support local crime reduction projects and detecting and (b) seizing stolen scrap metal passing strengthen relationships between the voluntary sector through UK border controls. [97099] and the police. Damian Green: Border Force is the lead law enforcement Proceeds of Crime: EU Action body at the border with a unique position in protecting the United Kingdom from criminal activity, terrorism Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home threats, revenue, customs and immigration offending, Department whether the UK has fully enacted the while facilitating legitimate travellers and trade. Its targeting provisions of EU Council Framework Decision 2005/212/JHA; operation works closely with other law enforcement and what assessment her Department has made of its agencies to inform detection at the border including effectiveness in dealing with the confiscation of crime- stolen goods. In the event of detection the matter is related proceeds. [101928] referred to the relevant agency for appropriate action.
James Brokenshire [holding answer 26 March 2012]: Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the In respect of serious, habitual criminals, the Proceeds of Home Department how many itinerant collectors were Crime Act 2002 has an effective scheme for the confiscation, operating in the UK in the last three years; how many not only of the proceeds of an instant conviction, but of these (a) were registered under the Scrap Metal also the entire illegitimate wealth derived from crime. Dealers Act 1964 (SMDA), (b) had record keeping This accords with the extended confiscation regime set exemptions under section 3.1 of the SMDA and (c) down by this framework decision. Extended confiscation had applied for and maintained a waste carrier’s is an important aspect of our asset recovery regime and licence in that period; and how many inspections of the Government continually review all tools available to itinerants’ records maintained either under section 2 or them for seizing the proceeds of crime. section 3 of the SMDA have been carried out by the relevant authorities in the last three years. [101385] Procurement James Brokenshire [holding answer 26 March 2012]: There is no accurate information available on the total Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the number of itinerant collectors operating in the UK. Home Department how many contracts her Department Information relating to both the registration under the had with (a) Capita and (b) Serco in the last 12 months. Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 and section 3(1) orders [103167] for itinerant collectors, is held and maintained by the relevant local authorities rather than centrally. Damian Green: The Home Department including its executive agencies held three contracts with Capita and While the Environment Agency maintains a central eight contracts with Serco in the last 12 months. record of Waste Carrier Licence applications, the information cannot be broken down to identify itinerant collectors against other businesses. Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons itinerant the Home Department when she expects to implement collectors are exempted from a proposed ban on cash proposals for reform of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act payments for scrap metal. [102164] 1964. [102163] James Brokenshire: The only exemption will be for James Brokenshire: The Government amendment to those itinerant collectors who have registered with their the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders local authority and also been granted an order under Bill to tackle metal theft is still subject to parliamentary Section 3(1) of the 1964 Scrap Metal Dealers Act. The scrutiny. Section 3(1) order was intended to spare very small We continue to consider steps for broader reform of local businesses from some of the record-keeping the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964. The proposals will requirements the Act places on larger dealers, and can be implemented as soon as practicable following Royal be granted only by the local authority in consultation Assent. with the chief police officer. As enforcement of the new 35W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 36W offence of cash payment will be reliant on those record- Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the keeping requirements, including the additional requirement Home Department what contracts her Department has inserted by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment with Vodafone. [103199] of Offenders Bill, it is appropriate that those who are currently exempt from those requirements are also exempt Damian Green: The Home Department including its from the new offence. However, by definition these executive agencies holds one contract with Vodafone for itinerant collectors have no capacity to process scrap the provision of mobile voice and data telecommunications metal, and will need to sell whatever they collect to a services. dealer who is subject to the new offence. We will work with the Local Government Association Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the and Association of Chief Police Officers on advice for Home Department how many times the Permanent local authorities and police forces on enforcement of Secretary in her Department has met Vodafone the requirements of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act and representatives in the last 12 months. [103200] the criteria for issuing any new Section 3(1) orders. Damian Green: Home Office Ministers and officials Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for have meetings with a wide variety of international the Home Department if she will bring forward the partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the date for the completion of the review of the offence of public and private sectors, as part of the process of buying scrap metal for cash. [102165] policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous administrations, it is not the Government’s James Brokenshire: We will review the impact of the practice to provide details of all such meetings. proposed new offence after five years, in line with current guidance on new regulation. In the interim, we will be monitoring the effectiveness of this measure as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce metal theft and ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS strengthen the licensing regime for scrap metal dealers. As part of this we will be reviewing the Scrap Metal Agriculture: Storage Dealers Act 1964. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she Home Department if she will publish the risk assessment expects to provide grant aid in the event that the prepared by her Department in respect of the decision storage of silage, slurry and fuel oil derogation is to exclude itinerant metal dealers from its proposed ban removed. [102253] on cash trade in scrap metal. [102719] Richard Benyon: The Government’s consultation on James Brokenshire: All scrap metal dealers, whether implementation of the Nitrates Directive and possible or not they are itinerant, will be prohibited from using changes to the Protection of Water (Slurry, Silage and cash. Agricultural Fuel Oil) Regulations 2010 closed on 16 March. Responses are now being analysed, and the Tigers Government’s response is expected to be published in late May. Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for It is the Government’s long-standing policy not to the Home Department what discussions she has had subsidise businesses to comply with legal requirements. with Interpol about the communication of nominal However, under the Capital Allowances Act 2001, criminal intelligence at international level to facilitate agricultural businesses are entitled to make use of the enforcement operations against the illegal trade in tiger annual investment allowance. This enables businesses to products in source and transit countries. [103139] claim full tax relief, up to £25,000 of capital expenditure, on most plant and machinery expenditure in the year it James Brokenshire: The National Wildlife Crime Unit is incurred, and this includes capital works on silage works closely with the Serious Organised Crime Agency and slurry stores. in respect of sharing intelligence relating to international In addition, assistance is available for the construction investigations into the illegal trade in tiger parts and of some storage-related infrastructure. Where it operates, derivatives. Intelligence is passed via the National Central grants of 50% of the capital costs of a wide range of Bureaux to Interpol and where appropriate to overseas works, up to a limit of £10,000, are available under the partners in line with agreed protocols. Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative. Eligible works include ancillary structures, such as roofs over silage Vodafone Group and slurry stores, but not construction of the stores themselves. Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the There are also grants of up to £25,000 available Home Department how many contracts Vodafone has under the Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme. been awarded by her Department in the last 12 months. Similar to the Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative, [103198] these grants are not available for construction of storage itself, but can be used for ancillary works such as covers Damian Green: The Home Office including its executive for slurry stores which, by keeping out rainwater, can agencies has awarded one contract to Vodafone in the reduce the cost of the store by reducing the volume of last 12 months. storage needed. 37W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 38W
Air Pollution: Greater London solutions to mitigate these risks. The introduction of portable incubators, put in place this month, is one Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for method of ensuring that sample deterioration is kept to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment a minimum. she has made of the Mayor of London’s compliance AHVLA is working in collaboration with the incubator with the requirement to issue pollution alerts. [100484] manufacturer and designers of a custom-made flight case, so that the end product is safe, effective and Richard Benyon: The legal requirement to issue pollution resilient in routine use. AHVLA will continue to monitor alerts rests with the Secretary of State (under regulation the use of the incubators when they are in use to ensure 21 of the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010) that they provide the same temperature and the same rather than the Mayor of London. The Secretary of atmosphere as a static laboratory incubator. State has a duty to inform the public by means of radio, A large proportion of samples received by AHVLA television, newspapers or the internet if information (approximately 50% across the network) are already thresholds for sulphur dioxide nitrogen dioxide and transported by mail. It should also be noted that the ozone (as set out in schedule 5 to the regulations) are majority of samples tested at the surveillance centres at exceeded. The Secretary of State provides online the university of London and Liverpool, are received by information to the public on current and forecasted air post and since October 2010, the majority of samples quality at: tested arising from post-mortems carried out at AHVLA http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk Thirsk regional laboratory have been tested by AHVLA at all times, and this meets the requirements of this Newcastle regional laboratory. duty. In addition, a freephone service is available. DEFRA has also undertaken to issue a press release Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State when the first ozone episode occurs each year. This is to for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which tests draw attention to the online information services available will be retained at post-mortem Animal Health and and remind the public of where to find more details. Veterinary Laboratories Agency sites. [102258] The decision on whether to issue a press notice is reviewed each year. Mr Paice: The following tests which will be retained alongside post-mortems are: In addition to this, the Mayor of London has voluntarily promoted a pioneering new airTEXT service whereby Smear—staining and microscopic examination (includes Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, Q Fever and people living in London can get free text, email or Brucella); voicemail alerts of elevated levels about air pollution. Anthrax diagnosis; Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency Detection of acid alcohol fast bacilli (mycobacteria); Wet preparation—microscopic exam for motile protozoa; Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Worm count—sample is sent to a remote lab either pre- or Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment post-sieving for quantitative count and ID of parasites; and she has made of the effect of the closure of Animal Worm egg count. Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency facilities on the economies of local rural areas. [102256] Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control Mr Paice: No formal impact assessment was carried Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State out. Closure of some of Animal Health and Veterinary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what scientific Laboratories Agency’s facilities was purely an operational evidence she has received that a vaccination would delivery issue which, as such, did not require policy or reduce or eliminate the transmission of tuberculosis regulatory change. from badgers to cattle. [102327] The reorganisation will enable savings of approximately £2.5 million per annum. Mr Paice: While we would expect badger vaccination to result in reduced transmission of TB to cattle, we Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for currently have no direct experimental evidence on this. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Computer modelling has indicated that sustained badger answer of 19 December 2011, Official Report, column vaccination campaigns could be beneficial in lowering 899W, on Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories TB incidence in cattle and that vaccination could be Agency (AHVLA); what assessment she has made of used in combination with culling to increase the benefits the effect of the closure of AHVLA facilities on the in terms of cattle incidence compared to culling alone. transport of animal samples; and what assessment she While such models can contribute to our understanding has made of the risk that transport times will cause of the benefits vaccination could provide, the results sample deterioration. [102257] vary depending on the assumptions used and cannot be considered conclusive, and there is no guarantee that Mr Paice: AHVLA has confirmed that it will continue these results will be realised. to deliver the whole range of testing currently required and that such tests will continue to be performed to the ISO17025 quality standard. AHVLA also understands Catering the concerns of those using the service about deterioration in transport of those samples collected from post-mortem Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for material at sites which will no longer have laboratory Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her testing facilities. AHVLA will continue to investigate Department spent on complimentary refreshments for 39W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 40W
(a) staff and (b) visitors in the latest period for which Departmental Responsibilities figures are available. [101438] Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: To provide this information would Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans incur disproportionate costs. to publish an updated list of ministerial meetings. [102558]
Civil Servants: Codes of Practice Richard Benyon: An updated list of ministerial meetings has been published, and is available on DEFRA’s Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for transparency webpage: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/ministers/ investigations into breaches by civil servants of the Civil transparency/ Service Code of Conduct occurred in her Department in each month from May 2010 to March 2012. [103158] Fisheries: Hartlepool
Richard Benyon: During the period between May Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 and March 2012 there have not been any investigations Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take into breaches of the Civil Service Code of Conduct by steps to ensure that the inshore under 10 metre fleet civil servants employed by core DEFRA. in Hartlepool is able to obtain additional foundation quota of appropriate species; and if she will make a statement. [103066] Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Richard Benyon: Work is currently under way to reform the fisheries management arrangements in England, Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for with the long-term aim of securing a more profitable, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy sustainable and unified fishing industry, and specifically is on the renegotiation of the Gothenburg Protocol on seeking to tackle some of the difficulties currently facing long-range transboundary air pollution. [102058] the English under-10 metre fleet. Three voluntary pilot quota management groups are Richard Benyon: The United Nations Economic to go ahead to test the impact of a more local approach Commission for Europe Gothenburg Protocol is one of to quota management for the under-10 metre fleet. the few international instruments through which These will be based in the ports of Lowestoft, West transboundary air pollution from beyond EU borders Mersea and Ramsgate. The proposed Hartlepool group can be addressed. For the protocol to be effective it decided not to go forward with the quota management needs to be ratified and then implemented by non-EU approach but are considering working together for parties, and to date this has not happened. The key EU marketing and development purposes with the continued aim for the renegotiation of the Gothenburg Protocol is support of a coastal liaison officer, appointed for the therefore to reduce the environmental and human health period of the pilot projects with European fisheries impacts of transboundary air pollution by agreeing a fund funding. protocol that can be widely ratified by all parties. The The results from the pilots will contribute to decisions UK fully supports this approach. on the final reform package. To ensure a higher utilisation of the UK’s annual quota allocation, the under-10 metre pool will be boosted Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 this year by a realignment of quota which has been consistently unused by English producer organisations Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for at the end of every one of the four years from 2007-10. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring We will make a permanent transfer of the fixed quota forward the 2026 deadline set out in the Countryside allocations (FQAs) associated with this quota to the and Rights of Way Act 2000. [102320] under-10 metre pool from 2013. Richard Benyon: In ‘The Natural Choice: securing the Flowers value of nature’, the Government’s natural environment White Paper, we announced plans to consult on simplifying Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for and streamlining the processes for recording and making Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her changes to public rights of way, based on proposals Department spent on (a) cut flowers and (b) pot made by Natural England’s Stakeholder Working Group plants between May 2010 and February 2012. [101437] on unrecorded rights of way in its report, ‘Stepping Forward’. Richard Benyon: The total expenditure incurred by Proposal one of the ‘Stepping Forward’ report makes the Department on internal flowers and pot plants it clear that bringing into force the 2026 cut-off is an across all core-DEFRA buildings between May 2010 integral part of the wider package of recommendations and February 2012 is as follows: from the group and that pre-1949 rights of way should be extinguished if they are unrecorded at the cut-off £ date, subject to the group’s other recommendations. (a) Cut flowers 2,917.20 We intend to issue a consultation document, including (b) Pot plants 59,035.02 this and the group’s other proposals, shortly. 41W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 42W
This includes supply, maintenance and replacement. Infrastructure and Environment Unit The expenditure was part of the facilities management contract which commenced on 1 April 2009 for a period Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for of 15 years. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans DEFRA will no longer incur this cost as the contractor to establish the Major Infrastructure and Environment has agreed to remove this service from the contract for Unit; and what additional resources will be made available the remaining term. to support the new unit. [102302]
Food: Labelling Richard Benyon: The Major Infrastructure and Environment Unit will be established in April 2012. It is expected to have up to eight staff from DEFRA and Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for other parts of Government. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the animal welfare standards of red The terms of reference for the unit are available on tractor food labelling in comparison with (a) the Soil the DEFRA website. Association Organic Standard, (b) RSPCA Freedom Food and (c) other food labelling systems. [102255] Low Emission Zones: Greater London
Mr Paice: None. Food assurance schemes are voluntary Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for arrangements through which consumers and businesses Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many along the food chain are provided with assurance that fines have been levied for breaches of the Euro 4 food has been produced to certain standards. Scheme emission standard in London’s Low Emission Zone in standards are set by the appropriate ownership body, as 2012 to date; [100481] are the requirements for monitoring compliance. (2) what steps she is taking in response to breaches of emission requirements under the Low Emission Zone Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Business in London; [100480] (3) how many fines have been levied for breaches of Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Euro 3 emission standard for light duty vehicles in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she London in 2012 to date. [100482] expects a decision will be reached on her Department’s preferred option for the measuring and reporting of Richard Benyon: The London Low Emission Zone greenhouse gas emissions by UK companies before the (LEZ) is the responsibility of the Mayor of London Rio+20 summit in June 2012; whether she plans to and is enforced by Transport for London (TfL). It is the discuss company reporting at Rio+20; and if she will world’s largest city-wide LEZ and the Mayor has recently make a statement. [103079] made compliance requirements more rigorous as part of broader strategy to improve air quality in London. Richard Benyon: The Secretary of State for Environment, Other measures include investment in hybrid buses, Food and Rural Affairs, the right hon. Member for retiring the oldest most polluting taxis, delivering record Meriden (Mrs Spelman), will make a statement when a investment in cycling and provision of charging points decision has been reached which I would expect to be for electric vehicles via Source London. With financial before the Rio +20 summit. support from the Government, the Mayor has also The Secretary of State will be discussing company trialled a range of innovative measures, including the reporting at Rio +20, as one of our priorities is to use of dust suppressants and green infrastructure, through improve sustainability reporting by companies. his Clean Air Fund. TfL has issued over 21,500 Penalty Charge Notices to Horse Passports non-compliant vehicle operators since the scheme began in 2008. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for 90% of affected vehicles observed driving in London Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans now meet the required standard of Euro 4 for particulate to publish the outcome of her Department’s review of matter, and 98% meet the required standard of Euro 3. the horse passport scheme; and if she will make a statement. [102430] National Farmers Union Mr Paice: DEFRA has recently concluded its review of the National Equine Database (NED) (the UK’s Mr Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for central register of horse passports issued by passport Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when (a) she issuing organisations). As a result, an invitation to and (b) her Ministers last met representatives of the tender for a UK-wide central equine database has been National Farmers Union; and what was discussed. issued, which is due to close on 20 April; the terms are [101727] broadly similar to the current NED contract, which expires at the end of September 2012. Following an Mr Paice: The Secretary of State for Environment, assessment of all bids, including a cost-benefit analysis, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the a decision will be taken later this year on whether to Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), last met with, and continue to operate a central equine database. In the addressed, representatives of the National Farmers Union meantime, NED continues to operate and data remains at their annual conference on 21 February, where discussions available to enforcement bodies such as local authorities. took place on a range of farming issues. 43W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 44W
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Packaging: Recycling Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for South East Cambridgeshire (Mr Paice), Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for met with the President of the NFU on 26 March as part Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress of the Green Food Project Steering Group where they she has made on setting requirements for product packaging discussed sustainable food production. to ensure that all component parts of packaging can be The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food recycled. [99817] and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Richard Benyon), met with NFU Vice-President Richard Benyon: As part of the Waste Review, the Gwyn Jones and Andrew Clark on 1 February to discuss Government committed to increase the percentage of biodiversity. recycled content used in packaging and to make packaging The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department more recyclable. The Waste and Resources Action for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my noble Programme (WRAP), on behalf of Government, is Friend Lord Taylor of Holbeach, met with NFU Vice working with industry to continue to improve the President Adam Quinney at the Adapting to Climate recyclability of certain types of packaging, for example Change High Level Representatives meeting on 22 March. by changing the additives used to colour milk bottle caps so that they don’t affect the colour of the recycled Nitrate Vulnerable Zones material and can be more easily used in new milk bottles. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Although the composition of packaging is primarily Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment a business decision for the maker of the product, and she has made of the effect on the regulatory burden on is based on a consideration of various issues such as farmers of changes in nitrate-vulnerable zones. [102252] functionality, price, weight and health and safety, WRAP has developed guides to help producers make sustainable Mr Paice: The current Action Programme for the choices when specifying packaging formats. implementation of the nitrates directive in England for the period 2008 to 2012 was accompanied by a regulatory The UK operates a system of Producer Responsibility impact assessment that included assessments of the which makes producers of packaging responsible for regulatory burden on farmers. ensuring that a proportion of the packaging they produce is recovered and recycled. In 2010 the UK recovered DEFRA is currently undertaking a review of the over 67% and recycled 60% of the 10.8 m tonnes of Action Programme that will operate from 1 January packaging placed on the UK market. 2013 until December 2016. This review, which commenced on 16 December 2011, included a full public consultation Procurement and was accompanied by an impact assessment. The consultation was informed by the findings from the Task Force on Farming Regulation, which had made Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for recommendations on how DEFRA may reduce the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion regulatory burden. of contracts issued by (a) her Department and (b) DEFRA has undertaken a specific industry focused agencies for which she is responsible were rewarded to workshop aimed at developing further the practical small and medium-sized enterprises in the latest period responses received from the consultation. DEFRA is for which figures are available. [100370] now working through the range of views in order to develop a Government response, which is expected in Richard Benyon: This information is not held centrally late May. in this format (i.e. according to company size) and could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate Organic Food costs. However, as part of the Government’s transparency requirements, DEFRA and its agencies are currently Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State working with the Cabinet Office to improve the data for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to held on the status of each of our suppliers. the answer of 19 March 2012, Official Report, column 550W, on organic food: families, what assessment she Rural Areas: Finance has made of the factors underlying declines in (a) organic food sales and (b) organically-farmed land in Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State the UK. [102254] for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which measures announced in Budget 2012 will directly Mr Paice: A number of factors may contribute to the benefit rural areas; and if she will make a statement. decline in organic food sales in the UK. These include: [102243] consumers making savings on household spending; reduced supermarket shelf space for organic products which Richard Benyon: The Government believe that the results in reduced choice and availability; and lack of Budget will benefit all parts of the country, including investment by retailers in own-label organic ranges. rural areas, by promoting economic growth and helping Similarly, a number of factors may contribute to the businesses. Specific measures, such as the new approach decline in organically farmed land. These include: a to taxing small businesses and the extension of mobile reduction in the overall market for organic produce coverage to 60,000 rural homes will be of direct benefit following the economic downturn; a fall in the premium to rural areas. In addition, the locations of the five that some farmers receive for organic produce; and a Rural Growth Network pilots, which will share funding rise in the cost of organic inputs, such as feed. of £15 million, were announced as part of the Budget. 45W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 46W
These will test different mechanisms by which Local Mr Paice: The portable incubators were put in place Enterprise Partnerships and local authorities can support in late March 2012 and this is one method of ensuring sustainable economic growth in rural areas. that deterioration of samples destined for a number of Each of these complement other measures arising different types of testing is kept to a minimum. The from last year’s Rural Economy Growth Review such as introduction of portable incubators will not impact on the £60 million Rural Economy Grant fund, launched the £2.4 million per annum staff cost savings due to the in February 2012, to enable transformational business reorganisation of the Animal Health and Veterinary growth in rural areas, including rural tourism. Laboratories Agency (AHVLA). The AHVLA detected Schmallenberg so quickly because Rural Areas: Housing of its strong European and international links. The Agency’s scientific expertise is centralised at its main research site in Weybridge and a critical part of its Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for surveillance capability in this case was the strong Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion relationships that it has with veterinarians through species of rural England is served by rural housing enablers groups. None of these elements are affected by the funded by her Department. [102065] current changes to laboratory testing. These measures will continue to ensure the robustness of testing and the Richard Benyon: DEFRA has not funded the rural AHVLA is confident there will be no decline in the housing enablers (RHEs) since 2008. From April 2005 quality of service, including the ability to test for emerging to March 2008, DEFRA part-funded this scheme to diseases such as Schmallenberg. allow a smooth transition to local authorities and other funding sources after the Countryside Agency withdrew Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for from this area of work. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the risk of direct transmission of the The vision for the long-term funding of RHEs was Schmallenberg virus between animals. [102249] that they should be supported at a local level by the same local authorities and housing associations whose Mr Paice: Schmallenberg virus is similar to some rural delivery they exist to support. This reflects the other animal disease pathogens, such as Akabane and Government’s desire to enable decisions about priorities Shamonda viruses, which are transmitted by vectors to be taken at the local level in response to local needs. such as midges, mosquitoes and ticks. There is evidence from other viruses of this type that after infection, Rural Areas: Mobile Phones animals develop strong immunity and are unlikely to be infectious. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for her Department plans to take to ensure that the Budget Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment 2012 target to provide mobile telephone coverage to she has made of the likelihood of other countries 60,000 rural households is achieved. [102241] placing import restrictions on British livestock products due to the Schmallenberg virus. [102250]
Mr Vaizey: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Mr Paice: The EU remains our major trading partner the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport. and there are no restrictions in place within EU trade. In October 2011, the Government announced There are currently 18 countries outside the EU who £150 million in capital expenditure to improve mobile have asked for additional measures or put in place bans coverage and quality—known as the Mobile Infrastructure on export of live ruminants and products of animal Project. This project is being run by Broadband Delivery origin from countries affected by Schmallenberg virus UK (BDUK) within this Department. The budget or from the EU as a whole. The extent of these bans and announcement follows on from that initial announcement. the impact on UK exports is variable and the UK is This Department is working with other Government working closely with industry, the Commission and Departments, including the Department for Environment, other EU member states to address the issues. In particular, Food and Rural Affairs, with Ofcom and with industry the EU Commission is hosting a seminar for countries to develop the most effective solution to extend mobile outside the EU to explain what is known about the coverage to 60,000 rural homes and along at least science and epidemiology of the disease. DEFRA is 10 key roads. We are also engaging with the Devolved sending two experts. Administrations to ensure that local interests are taken Third Sector into consideration. We expect to begin the procurement by spring 2012, and the project to be completed by 2015. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding her Department gave to (a) the Stephen Lawrence Schmallenberg Virus Trust, (b) Magic Breakfast, (c) Barnados and (d) the Children’s Society in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; and if Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for she will make a statement. [100528] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the cost effectiveness of mobile incubators Richard Benyon: There have been no DEFRA payments in the diagnosis of (a) Schmallenberg virus and (b) to any of the four entities in either of the periods other animal diseases. [102248] 2010-11 or 2011-12. 47W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 48W
Tigers: Conservation Water Companies
Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate reports the Convention on International Trade in she has made of the cumulative total spent by water Endangered Species has received on the phasing out of companies on complying with EU water directives since tiger farms following the decision taken at the privatisation of the industry. [101687] Conference of the Parties in 2008. [103138] Richard Benyon: Ofwat is the economic regulator of Richard Benyon: Two reports have been submitted to the water and sewerage companies in England and the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade Wales. It estimates that the cumulative total of new in Endangered Species (CITES) with information on water and sewerage investment driven by the need to the phasing out of tiger farms. Both were supplied by meet the standards in EU Directives in the period from China in 2009. privatisation in 1989 to 2010-11 is approximately £18.5 billion. This consists of £13.2 billion on the sewerage service (including £9.4 billion on complying with the Vodafone Group Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and £2.6 billion on complying with the Bathing Waters Directive) and Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for £5.3 billion on the water service (including £1.6 billion Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many on compliance with pesticide and nitrates standards). contracts Vodafone has been awarded by her Department in the last 12 months; [103204] Wind Power: Electricity (2) what contracts her Department has with Vodafone. [103205] Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for how long the Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA has a single contract three wind turbines erected at Lion House, Alnwick, with Vodafone under the Government Procurement have been inoperative; how many kilowatt-hours of Services framework arrangement RM526/L1 for Mobile electricity the turbines have generated since they were Solutions II. The current arrangement was entered into installed; what steps have been taken to bring the turbines on 1 July 2011 and will expire on 30 June 2013. back into use; and when she expects the turbines will be back in operation. [101709]
Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: On 23 September 2011 DEFRA Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times acted on advice received and suspended the operation the Permanent Secretary in her Department has met of the Proven P35 wind turbines due to engineering Vodafone representatives in the last 12 months. [103206] health and safety faults reported on this model. The turbines have since been inoperative. Richard Benyon: DEFRA’s Permanent Secretary has Since that time extensive testing of the Proven P35 not met with any Vodafone representative in the last 12 model has been conducted by the National Engineering months. The Permanent Secretary’s meetings with external Laboratory and as a result a potential solution has been organisations are published quarterly online at: developed to facilitate the reinstatement of the P35 www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/about/who/management wind turbine model. We are in dialogue with the company that propose to reinstate and maintain the P35 model Water nationally and are hopeful that a specific date for repair will be known soon. Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for The kilowatt-hours of electricity generated since Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment installation are shown in the following table: her Department has made of the potential of using the inland waterway and canal network to move water to Wind (kWh) areas of the country affected by drought. [101692] 2010 April 0 Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency, water May 0 companies and British Waterways have participated in June 0 recent Drought Summit meetings to co-ordinate actions July 0 in response to the drought. August 0 River and other waterways can play their part in September 0 transfers of water to improve resilience to drought. October 415 However, the environmental impacts of proposed projects November 3,224 must be carefully assessed as they can be significant and December 1,624 proposals should be cost effective against alternative options to manage the supply-demand balance. 2011 The Government, Ofwat and the Environment Agency January 2,533 are taking action to ensure that options for trading and February 3,643 transfer of water are taken forward where they are March 1,847 sustainable and cost effective for consumers. 49W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 50W
Irish Language Wind (kWh)
April 2,377 Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern May 3,264 Ireland what assessment his Department has made of June 1,120 the recommendation of the Council of Europe Advisory July 379 Committee’s Third Report that the UK Government August 925 should develop comprehensive legislation on the Irish September 1,988 language in Northern Ireland to protect and implement more effectively the language rights of persons belonging October 0 to the Irish-speaking community. [102468] November 0 December 0 Mr Swire: Policy relating to regional and minority languages in Northern Ireland, including legislation on 2012 the Irish language, is in the main a devolved matter January 0 for the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive. The February 0 Government recognise the importance of respect, March 0 understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, and are committed to working with the devolved Administration to support the protection and development of the Irish language in those policy areas which remain non-transferred, such as broadcasting. I have met, and NORTHERN IRELAND will happily continue to meet, Irish language organisations to discuss language issues within our sphere of responsibility. Boston College
Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State WALES for Northern Ireland whether he has held discussions with the US Secretary of State regarding the Police Stations: Gwent Government’s request to subpoena recordings from the Boston college oral history project. [102545] Paul Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment she has made of the effects of closure Mr Paterson: I have not held discussions with the US of police stations in Gwent. [101968] Secretary of State regarding the request to subpoena Mrs Gillan: I understand that Gwent police force has recordings from the Boston college oral history project. redesigned the way that its communities can access services in order to best meet people’s busy and changing Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State lifestyles. The force’s plans for new service provision for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had and accessibility are intended to match community with the (a) Police Service of Northern Ireland and needs and are part of an ongoing programme to deliver (b) the Northern Ireland Department of Justice on the an efficient and accessible 21st century police force. Government’s request to subpoena recordings from Decisions about the most effective use of available the Boston college oral history project (i) prior to and resources, including the numbers and operating hours (ii) subsequent to that request being made. [102546] of police stations, are a matter for the chief constable and police authority to take locally. The Government Mr Paterson: I have not had discussions with either however are clear that they want to see police officers the Police Service of Northern Ireland or the Northern on the streets, preventing and cutting crime, rather than Ireland Department of Justice on the request to subpoena behind their desks. Policing today reaches people through recordings from the Boston college oral history project. many means, not just police stations. My Department is not routinely informed of such requests for mutual legal assistance. In line with the Government’s bilateral treaty with the United States on mutual legal assistance, all requests for assistance are HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION transmitted via the Home Office. Theft
Departmental Responsibilities Keith Vaz: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Commons Commission, how many cases of theft from Northern Ireland on what dates he has met with the the Parliamentary Estate were reported in each year Secretary of State for the Home Department to discuss since 2010; and what items were reported stolen in each (a) drug classification, (b) the Serious and Organised case. [102182] Crime Agency, (c) explosives, (d) security, (e) extradition and (f) immigration in the last 12 months. [103012] John Thurso: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the responses given on 8 June 2011, Official Report, columns 338-9W. Mr Paterson: I have regular meetings with the Secretary In 2011, between June and December, there were 23 of State for the Home Department, my right hon. reported thefts and in 2012 there have been 13 reported Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), covering thefts up to 22 March. a variety of topics on areas of mutual concern. The following table shows the items reported stolen: 51W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 52W
Service Inspectorate’s review of the Serious Fraud Items reported stolen Number Office led by Chief Inspector Michael Fuller. [102379] 2011 June to Laptop 5 December The Solicitor-General: It is not the standard practice Cash and bank card 1 of HMCPSI to identify publicly the names or qualifications Mobile telephone 2 of employees or individuals appointed to work on its inspections. iPad 2 Correspondence 1 Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how Computer 1 many and what proportion of senior civil servants in Medal 1 the Serious Fraud Office were from an ethnic minority background in March (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) Passport 1 2012. [102428] Bicycle 1 Hard drive 2 The Attorney-General: The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) Souvenir 1 collects diversity data in line with the “Best practice Beer casks (4) 1 guidance on monitoring equality and diversity in employment” and the “National Statistics Code of Bicycle repair kit 1 Practice”. This requires that all diversity data is collected Bag 2 on the understanding that it will be used anonymously Floral arrangement 1 and no statistics will be published where a number might be less than five. This ensures the anonymity of 2012 up to Trolley and consignment of books 1 the data and protects staff confidentiality. 22 March During the years covered by the question SFO have Spectacles 1 employed relatively few individuals graded at SCS, and Champagne 1 are therefore unable to disclose the information requested for the reason mentioned above. BlackBerry device 1 Laptop 5 The Office for National Statistics routinely publishes data on the civil service and this includes data on Printer 1 ethnicity. The latest available figures can be found at: Photos. 1 http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/pse/civil-service-statistics/2011/ Watch 1 stb---civil-service-statistics-2011.html Cash 1 Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General for what reasons there are no plans to publish the findings and recommendations of the Crown Prosecution ATTORNEY-GENERAL Service Inspectorate’s review of the Serious Fraud Office. [102429] Religious Practice The Solicitor-General: The HMCPSI inspection of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is an internal management Hilary Benn: To ask the Attorney-General what the report and intended to provide information to the Law Government position is on the discrimination cases of Officers and the new SFO Director in order to assist Nadia Eweida and Shirley Chaplin currently before the them in setting the strategy and direction for the SFO in European Court of Human Rights. [102096] the coming months and years.
Lynne Featherstone: I have been asked to reply on Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General when behalf of the Government Equalities Office. he expects the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate’s In October 2011 the Government, at the request of review of the Serious Fraud Office to be completed. the European Court of Human Rights, submitted its [102432] written observations on the admissibility and merits of the applications that had been previously made to the The Solicitor-General: HMCPSI is intending to provide Court by Nadia Eweida and Shirley Chaplin. These a report of their inspection to the Law Officers and applications concern the applicants’ wish to wear a the new Director of the Serious Fraud Office by the end cross or crucifix at work. of May. The applicants claim that domestic law has breached their human rights, a claim which the Government deny. TRANSPORT The Court will consider the applications in due course and the Government will consider their findings carefully Aviation when they are made. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Serious Fraud Office Transport what recent steps she has taken to improve the frequency of flights to Brazil, India and China; and Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what assessment she has made of the effect of the what the (a) names and (b) qualifications are of the volume of flights to such countries on levels of UK people appointed to work on the Crown Prosecution exports. [102566] 53W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 54W
Mrs Villiers: The Department held negotiations with Mrs Villiers: The Civil Aviation Authority receives Brazil in 2011, with India in 2010 and with China in reports of the extension of flight duty periods by an 2011. Our aim is to maintain close aviation relations aircraft commander when the extension exceeds a specified with important markets and to remove government-level threshold. This information is not collated centrally. restrictions as far as is possible within the context of a bilateral or EU-level agreement. While uptake of routes Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for is a commercial matter for airlines, the Air Services Transport what steps her Department is taking to Agreements with these countries all provide considerably protect commercial pilots from fatigue. [102583] more frequencies than the airlines currently use. The Department has recently analysed whether air Mrs Villiers: I refer the right hon. Member to the services at Heathrow adequately serve important countries answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huddersfield for UK exports. It found a correlation between air (Mr Sheerman), on 21 November 2011, Official Report, services and exports but not a causal link; they are column 98W. interrelated factors and the existence of one will influence the other. Bus Services: Concessions
Aviation: Exhaust Emissions Naomi Long: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with the devolved Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Administrations on the provision in the Concessionary Transport what work her Department has undertaken Bus Travel Act 2007 that allows bus passes issued in any on the possible effect of the EU Emissions Trading part of the UK to be used throughout the UK since System Scheme on the volume of traffic at UK May 2010; and what plans she has to discuss this issue airports. [102666] with the devolved Administrations. [103013]
Mrs Villiers: The UK conducted an impact assessment Norman Baker: None. The Concessionary Bus Travel in 2010 which indicated that the overall reduction in Act 2007 contains a power to allow, through future UK terminal passenger demand caused by the inclusion regulations, for mutual recognition of bus passes across of aviation in the EU ETS could be approximately 3% the UK. Although discussions have taken place at official in the period up to 2020. level with the devolved Administrations there are no plans to introduce mutual recognition of concessionary bus passes throughout the UK. Aviation: Working Hours Civil Aviation Bill Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average flying hours were per (a) week, (b) month and (c) year for a commercial pilot in Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the latest period for which figures are available. Transport what discussions (a) she, (b) Ministers and [102579] (c) officials in her Department have had with Belfast International airport and Belfast George Best airport Mrs Villiers: Neither the Department nor the Civil on the Civil Aviation Bill. [102567] Aviation Authority holds information on average flying hours for commercial pilots. Mrs Villiers: Since the Civil Aviation Bill was published in draft on 23 November 2011 for pre-legislative scrutiny, Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministers in the Department for Transport have not Transport what recent assessment her Department has had any discussions with either George Best Belfast made of the European Aviation Safety Agency City airport or Belfast International airport on the Civil Aviation Bill. evaluation of flight time limitations. [102580] However, since the publication of the Civil Aviation Mrs Villiers: I refer the right hon. Member to the Bill on 23 November 2011 in draft for pre-legislative evidence I gave in February 2012 to the Transport scrutiny, DFT officials have provided updates to George Committee inquiry into flight time limitations. Best Belfast City airport and Belfast International airport on the progress of the Bill, both before and after its Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for introduction into Parliament on 19 January 2012. Transport what the average Flight Duty Period was for (a) UK pilots and (b) pilots in other EU countries in Dee Harbour the latest period for which figures are available. [102581] Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport by what date she expects to finalise proposals for the Mrs Villiers: Neither the Department nor the Civil Dee Harbour Revision Order. [102559] Aviation Authority holds information on average flight duty periods for pilots in the UK or in other countries. Mike Penning: This is complex case as there is an outstanding application for an overlapping and conflicting Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for harbour revision order from another harbour authority, Transport what information her Department holds on Mostyn Docks. There has also been a long exchange of the frequency with which the Flight Duty Period is post-inquiry correspondence. We continue to consider extended for UK pilots. [102582] whether we can proceed on the basis of the evidence 55W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 56W considered at that inquiry or whether we need to conduct Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties further consultation. The intention is for a decision to be made this year. Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Gospel Oak-Barking Railway Line Transport how much was collected in road tax payments in respect of each category of vehicles in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011. [102751] Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with the Mayor Mike Penning: The information requested is not available. of London and Network Rail on the proposal to However, information is available showing how road electrify the Barking to Gospel Oak section of the tax was collected and is shown in the following table. London Overground system. [102370] The information in the table is taken from the Agency’s Annual Report and Accounts. Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine £ million Greening), has had no such discussions. VED collected by Heathrow Airport: Air Pollution channel 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Post Office 3,232 3,059 2,846 Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Services Network 381 353 345 Transport what assessment she has made of the Electronic Vehicle 1,752 2,148 2,421 compatibility of a third runway at Heathrow with the Licensing recommendations of the Committee on Climate Change Motor Manufacturing 305 251 257 in its report on Meeting the UK aviation target: options Fleet Operators 120 128 109 for reducing emissions to 2050, published in December Telephone Relicensing 1 4 5 2009. [102660] Amounts refunded (248) (201) (201) Total 5,543 5,742 5,782 Mrs Villiers: We have made no such assessment. London Airports Motor Vehicles: Freight
Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Transport what her policy is on the development of an what meetings (a) Ministers and (b) officials from her airport in the Thames estuary. [102649] Department have had with the European Commission on EU directive 96/53 and the prohibition of cross-border Mrs Villiers: We issued a scoping document last year transport of long and heavy vehicles; and what seeking views and evidence on strategic issues relating representations her Department has received on EU to aviation policy.We received approximately 600 responses directive 96/53. [102674] and some parties put forward proposals for a new airport in the Thames estuary. Mike Penning: Ministers and officials have regular We will consult on our draft Aviation Policy Framework contacts with colleagues at the European Commission this summer. Alongside this consultation, we will publish on a range of transport issues. a separate call for evidence on the options for ensuring The Department has received representations from that we maintain the UK’s status as an international Freight on Rail about the European Commission’s long- hub for aviation. term intentions on cross-border transport. We will consider a range of suggestions on how to maintain the UK’s hub connectivity in a cost-effective Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport and sustainable way, with the exception of a third (1) what assessment her Department made of the road runway at Heathrow. safety implications of cross-border transport of long and heavy vehicles; [102675] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what assessment her Department has made of the Transport if she will publish the draft aviation framework (a) level of carbon emissions and (b) modal shift from ahead of a call for evidence on maintaining the UK’s rail implications of cross-border transport of long and aviation hub status. [102661] heavy vehicles. [102676]
Mrs Villiers: We intend to consult in the summer on a Mike Penning: None. Cross-border operations of these draft sustainable framework for UK aviation. Alongside vehicles are not permitted under European law. The this we intend to publish a call for evidence on maintaining Government have made clear that longer and heavier effective UK hub airport connectivity. vehicles such as megatrucks or ‘super lorries’ will not be permitted on the UK’s roads for the foreseeable future. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what her policy is on (a) retaining runway alternation and (b) the introduction of mixed mode Official Cars operations at Heathrow. [102662] Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Mrs Villiers: I refer my hon. Friend to my written how much has been spent on providing a Government statement of 7 September 2010, Official Report, columns car for the Leader of the Opposition since May 2010. 13-14WS. [101748] 57W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 58W
Mike Penning: The charge to the taxpayer for the result of the track electrified between May 1997 and provision of a Government car to the Leader of the May 2010. [102606] Official Opposition for the period May 2010 to March 2011 was £55,355.59. The estimated cost for the financial Mrs Villiers: The Department has not made such an year 2011-12 will be £57,671.15. estimate because we do not have the necessary modelling The Cabinet Office re-charges the Labour party 25% tools to quantify the carbon impact of electrification of the total cost paid to GDCA. This is consistent with over this time period. Furthermore, as there was very the practice for the previous Leader of the Official little new rail electrification between 1997 and 2010, the Opposition. annual carbon savings will be minimal. The above amounts exclude VAT. Nigel Mills: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport The charge for 2010-11 is the actual charge, less the pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Cambridge 25% re-charge. The cost for the previous financial year of 6 March 2012, Official Report, column 635W, on is based on actual costs from April 2011 to February electrification, what estimate she makes of the annual 2012, and the expected cost for March 2012. The Labour saving in carbon emissions that will be achieved as a party has only been re-charged for six months of costs result of the Government’s proposals to electrify railway so far this year. The re-charge for the last six months of tracks. [102607] the year will be made at the end of the financial year (31 March 2012). Mrs Villiers: The Department estimates that the electrification of the Great Western Main Line and Railway Stations: Islington routes in the north-west of England will, once operational, deliver annual emission savings of around 0.2 million Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for tonnes of carbon dioxide. Transport what recent discussions she has held with Network Rail and the Mayor of London on step-free Railways: North West access to Finsbury Park and Highbury and Islington stations. [102371] Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what funding her Department committed Norman Baker: No recent ministerial discussions have to the Northern Hub rail project prior to May 2010; been held with Network Rail or the Mayor of London [103104] about accessibility at Finsbury Park or Highbury and Islington. (2) how much her Department spent on the Northern Hub rail project in each year between 2005 and 2010; The mainline areas of both stations are included in [103105] the Department’s Access for All programme which provides an accessible route into the station and to all platforms. (3) how many track miles of the Northern Hub rail The work at Highbury and Islington was completed in project were completed between 2005 and 2010. October 2010 at a cost of £1.3 million. Finsbury Park is [103106] due to start on site in late spring 2013 and take around 12 months, costing approximately £5 million. Mrs Villiers: In relation to the Northern Hub, no expenditure or funding commitments were made by the Accessibility on the London underground network, Department for Transport and no track works were including funding decisions, is a matter for Transport completed between 2005 and May 2010. for London and the Mayor. Roads: Repairs and Maintenance Railways: Electrification Sir Alan Meale: To ask the Secretary of State for Nigel Mills: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Transport (1) what estimate she has made of the cost of pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Cambridge maintaining the UK’s road infrastructure in each year of 6 March 2012, Official Report, column 635W, on from 2009 to 2011 inclusive; [102749] electrification, how many miles of track the Government plans to electrify in (a) Wales, (b) the north-east, (c) (2) how much central Government spent on the north-west, (d) Yorkshire and the Humber, (e) the improving the road network in each year from 2009 to west midlands, (f) the east midlands, (g) the east of 2011 inclusive. [102750] England, (h) the south-west, (i) the south-east and (j) London. [102605] Norman Baker: The Department for Transport is responsible for the strategic road network which is Mrs Villiers: Under the Government’s committed managed by the Highways Agency on the Secretary of electrification schemes, Network Rail plans to electrify State for Transport’s behalf. The remaining roads are over 600 single track miles as part of the Great Western the responsibility of local highway authorities under main line scheme of which over 100 single track miles the Highways Act 1980. For roads in Scotland, Wales are in Wales. Over 180 single track miles will be electrified and Northern Ireland these are the responsibility of the as part of the north-west scheme. respective devolved Administrations. We have therefore made no estimate of the cost of maintaining the UK’s Nigel Mills: To ask the Secretary of State for road infrastructure. Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member Highways Agency spending on improving the strategic for Cambridge of 6 March 2012, Official Report, road network in each year from 2009 to 2011 (including column 635W, on electrification, what estimate she smaller schemes and technology improvements) was as makes of the annual saving in carbon emissions as a follows: 59W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 60W
to franchise operators. This position is set out in paragraphs Spend on improving road network (£ million) 4.65 to 4.67 of the Department’s publication on reforming our railways. 2008-09 1,022 2009-10 1,109 2010-11 1,204 Shipping: Recruitment
For roads in London capital funding is a matter for Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport the Mayor and Transport for London. what estimate she has made of the total number of new The Department for Transport has published information training roles for UK ratings created by shipping companies on its website regarding how much local transport (a) outside and (b) inside the tonnage tax scheme in capital funding has been allocated for Integrated Transport each year since 2000-01. [102669] and Highways Maintenance Block grants for the financial years, 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11: Mike Penning: The Department for Transport does http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/integrated-transport- not collate information on the number of training roles block-and-highways-maintenance/ for UK ratings. I hope that the ratings apprenticeships These tables provide information on what each local programme recently launched by the Merchant Navy authority (including integrated transport authorities, Training Board will enhance UK ratings’ training and shire counties and unitary authorities) has been allocated. further allow new entrants and existing ratings to meet This funding can be used to improve local roads that the maritime industry’s needs for skilled support staff. they manage if they so wish. In addition, the Department also provided capital Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for funding for a series of local major schemes, costing over Transport what the rate of recruitment is of UK £5 million, in 2008-09 to 2010-11. The following table ratings in the maritime sector; what assessment she has details the funding allocated to local authorities in made of the likelihood of a deficit in UK ratings in the England for local major schemes which are either maritime sector by 2021 based on current recruitment categorised as a road scheme, or have an element that rates; and whether she has made a recent estimate of includes a road or improvement to the road: the extent of any such future deficit. [102927]
Capital funding for road schemes (£ million) Mike Penning: In the written ministerial statement I made on 23 January 2012, Official Report, column 2008-09 278 5WS, I announced the outcome of the independent 2009-10 287 review which I commissioned into the economic requirement 2010-11 265 for trained seafarers in the UK. The report found that overall supply and demand for deck and engineer ratings Revenue funding for highway maintenance is provided at sea should be broadly in balance over the next through the Communities and Local Government Revenue decade. Support Grant (RSG). RSG is an unhypothecated grant The report identified a need to develop the next provided to local authorities to enable them to carry out generation of UK ratings for the short-sea, coastal and their functions, and local authorities can choose to offshore (including renewables) sectors. In announcing spend this on any services for which they have responsibility, a budget of £12 million a year for the support for as per local spending priorities. maritime training scheme for the remainder of this Parliament, I made clear that support would be made available for ratings training and ratings to officer conversion Rolling Stock: Procurement training.
Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assumptions about the (a) procurement and (b) Taxis deployment of rolling stock were made in relation to (i) her Department’s press release of 26 November 2010 and (ii) paragraph 1.17 of her Department’s publication Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for on reforming our railways. [102565] Transport how much her Department spent on taxis for (a) Ministers and (b) civil servants between August Mrs Villiers: As the press release of 26 November 2011 and January 2012. [101410] 2010 explained, franchised train operators are free to introduce extra carriages at any time at their own expense. Norman Baker: The Department for Transport does However, if the train operator does not feel it can not record taxi expenses for Ministers and civil servants recover the additional costs of running the extra carriages separately. Total figures for the central Department and from passenger revenues they are unlikely to introduce five of its agencies are included in the following table. them. This was why the Government intervened with The Department’s remaining two agencies (Maritime additional funding at the time, in order to increase and Coastguard Agency and Vehicle and Operator Services capacity and reduce overcrowding. Agency) do not record taxi fares separately from other The Government are committed to a less prescriptive travel costs, and the information could be provided only approach to the specification of rail franchises, with at disproportionate cost. Highways Agency did not decisions such as rolling stock provision devolved primarily record taxi fares separately prior to 2010-11. 61W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 62W
Norman Baker: The Department for Transport uses £ the contract for Mobile Services centrally let to Vodafone Half-year August 2011 by the Government Procurement Services team in the Financial Financial to January Cabinet Office. year 2009-10 year 2010-11 2012
Department for 121,815 84,740 38,292 Transport DEFENCE (Central) Driving Standards 15,859 12,986 5,142 Afghanistan Agency Driver and Vehicle 38,018 26,398 13,200 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Licensing Agency Defence (1) on how many occasions a charter plane Government Car 000has been used to transport service personnel to and Despatch Afghanistan since May 2010; [100760] Agency Highways Agency 0 45,384 20,478 (2) how much he has spent on chartering planes to Afghanistan (a) in total and (b) to replace flights in Vehicle 1,558 9,603 2,927 Certification military transport aircraft since May 2010. [100761] Agency Nick Harvey [holding answer 19 March 2012]: The The table shows that the coalition Government have routine use of commercial charter flights to carry personnel significantly reduced expenditure on taxis since May on a return journey basis between the UK and the 2010. Middle East began in December 2008. Since then, a total of £128 million has been spent transferring personnel in this way. For force protection reasons, chartered Transport for London aircraft are not permitted to fly to Afghanistan and this leg of the journey is carried out using military C-17 or Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for TriStar aircraft. This enables the Department to maximise Transport (1) whether she has considered bringing the numbers of movements to and from the operational forward proposals to change Transport for London’s theatre, making optimum use of the force protected remit to include responsibility for the South East; military fleet. [102084] Since May 2010, 345 chartered flights have been used (2) whether she has received bids from Transport for to transport UK armed forces personnel to and from London for overground rail services in the London the Middle East. area; and what assessment she has made of the potential Between 1 May 2010 and 31 December 2011 (the last effects of the awarding of any such contracts on commuters full month for which figures are available) the total from Sittingbourne and Sheppey constituency. [102085] expenditure on chartered flights for the transportation of personnel and freight between the UK and the Mrs Villiers: The Government are currently conducting Middle East was £215 million. a public consultation to assess whether a more decentralised approach to franchise specification and procurement Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for could potentially deliver benefits in relation to some rail Defence how many supply and re-supply operations services. there have been to Afghanistan since (a) operations The consultation document can be found on the began and (b) January 2011; and what the cost of Department’s website at: those operations was in each period. [101836] http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-10/ Nick Harvey: [holding answer 26 March 2012]: It will The consultation will close on 28 June 2012. Submissions take time to compile the information held by the Ministry made as part of the consultation will be considered in of Defence about the number of movements to transport due course. supplies to and from Afghanistan. I will write to the hon. Member once the information Vodafone Group has been collated. Substantive answer from Nick Harvey to Stephen Barclay: Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport I undertook to write to you in response to your Parliamentary how many contracts Vodafone has been awarded by her Question answered on 27 March 2012 (Official Report, column Department in the last 12 months. [103195] 1048W) about supply and re-supply operations to Afghanistan. I said that I would write to you once the requested information had been compiled. This task has now been completed. Norman Baker: The Department for Transport (including We have defined ‘supply and re-supply operations’ to mean the its agencies) has let two contracts to Vodafone via the forward movement of freight through the available Lines of Government Procurement Services framework agreement Communications (LOCs) between the UK and Afghanistan. in the last 12 months. Re-supply operations are not discrete events (with the exception The contracts were awarded by the Driver and Vehicle of a small number of deliberate operations to deliver equipment Licensing Agency and the Vehicle Certification Agency. by sea to Cyprus and then by air to Afghanistan) and MOD continuously replenishes Afghanistan through daily and weekly deliveries using other LOCs. In order to provide comparable Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for indicative cost data and a single unit of measure, a standard Transport what contracts her Department has with industry measurement of a Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) Vodafone. [103196] is used by the MOD. 63W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 64W
The TEU is an inexact unit of cargo volume used to describe Individual crew member records are supervised to ensure the capacity of container ships and is based on the volume of a they do not exceed approved limits unless an extension 6.1m long, 2.44m wide container, a standard-sized metal box is authorised. which can be easily transferred between different modes of transportation, such as ships, trains and trucks. The average The authorisation to extend flight crew duty periods MOD loading of these containers is 10 tonnes. Whilst there is of is delegated to squadron, station, group or air officer course in month variability the 10 tonne figure has remained commanding level dependent on the length of extension consistent over the last few years. This enables collated weight required and the operational circumstances for the statistics for Air and Surface LOCs to be translated into an extension. Consequently, the information is not held equivalent comprehensible unit of measure. centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate Information on the number and cost of TEU movements cost. between 2001 (when operations began) and 2008 can only be provided at disproportionate cost. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010, 9,892 TEUs Defence what assessment his Department has made of were moved to Afghanistan at an indicative cost of £166 million. the European Aviation Safety Agency evaluation of Between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011 (the last full flight time limitations. [102213] month for which figures are available) 4,440 TEUs were moved to Afghanistan at an indicative cost of £82 million. Nick Harvey [holding answer 27 March 2012]: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has made no independent Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment of the European Aviation Safety Agency Defence (1) how much is being saved from the Reserve regulations on flight time limitations. However, NATO in each year of this Parliament from operations in Standardisation Agreement 3527—Aircrew Fatigue Afghanistan; and from where such savings are being Management, under which military flights operate, is found in each year; [102764] reviewed annually and takes account of relevant civil (2) how he plans to save £2.4 billion from the Reserve regulations. from operations in Afghanistan. [102765] Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether RAF personnel are subject to European Mr Philip Hammond: The changes to the forecast flight time limitations. [102214] claim by the Ministry of Defence on the Special Reserve were set out in Budget 2012 (HC1853) published on Mr Robathan [holding answer 27 March 2012]: No. 21 March 2012, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement in Defence what the average flying hours for RAF the Budget reflects a change in the MOD’s and Treasury’s personnel are. [102215] assumptions about the likely cost of operations in Afghanistan, reflecting changes in the nature of UK Mr Robathan [holding answer 27 March 2012]: The operations as transition progresses and recent information is not held in the format requested and announcements regarding the draw-down of forces from could be provided only at disproportionate cost, as it Afghanistan in future years. would require manual searches of individual crew member These changes enabled the release of a proportion of records. the Special Reserve, and allowed the Chancellor to Aircraft Carriers provide further funding to improve military housing, to increase the council tax rebate for thousands of deployed Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for military personnel, and to improve welfare provision Defence at the time of the Strategic Defence and Security for the families of personnel on operations. Review, what the estimated unit cost was of the carrier The MOD’s ability to claim funds from the Reserve variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. [101178] has not changed as a result of the Budget. The MOD will continue to claim all of the net additional costs of Peter Luff: I am withholding the information as operations from the Reserve. publication at this time would prejudice the commercial interests of Ministry of Defence. Air Force: Working Hours Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what contracts have been signed for the Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and (b) Defence (1) what the average flight duty period for arrester hook equipment to be installed on the Queen RAF personnel is; and what assessment he has made of Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers; [102512] how this compares to other NATO countries; [102212] (2) what long lead items have been purchased for the (2) how many times the flight duty period was (a) Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and (b) extended in the last 12 months. [102216] arrester hook equipment; and what the cost to the public purse was of any such purchases. [102517] Mr Robathan [holding answer 27 March 2012]: No assessment has been made of the average flight crew Peter Luff: We have not placed any contracts for the duty hours across all RAF aircraft fleets or how the set purchase of aircraft launch and recovery equipment, be maximum periods compare with those set in other that the electro-magnetic aircraft launch system or advanced NATO countries. The maximum permissible duty periods arrestor gear. The arrestor hook is an integral part of vary depending on the type of aircraft and role undertaken. the F-35C aircraft, not the carrier. 65W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 66W
Ammunition: Scotland payments service personnel and families pay in lieu of council tax when overseas when considering an application Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for for a second home discount. The Ministry of Defence Defence how many (a) service and (b) civilian personnel (MOD) does not keep records of the number of service were employed at UK munitions centres at (i) Crombie, personnel who own, rent or let their private properties; (ii) Beith and (iii) Glen Douglas in each of the last 10 and I am therefore unable to provide an estimate of years. [101995] those who are liable for council tax. For those service personnel deployed on operations Mr Robathan: Records are no longer held for civilian overseas, the MOD’s council tax relief (CTR) scheme is personnel prior to 2004 or for military personnel prior available. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right to 2007. hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), No service personnel have been employed at the announced on 21 March 2012, Official Report, column Defence Munitions (DM) Centres at Crombie, Beith 796, that the CTR payment is to be doubled to just and Glen Douglas since 2007. Details of civilian personnel under £600 for a typical six-month tour. This will employed since 2004 are contained in the following directly benefit some 9,500 members of the armed table: forces each year. Given the current financial position, the Government wish to focus CTR on those who are DM Glen serving on operations overseas. Year 1 DM Crombie DM Beith Douglas Armed Forces: Training 20042 115 236 75 2005 210 394 143 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006 199 391 136 Defence how many people from other countries have 2007 170 380 133 completed (a) the Principal Warfare Officers Course, 2008 141 363 130 (b) the International Joint Operational Planners 2009 119 333 125 Course and (c) international staff courses in each of 2010 107 322 121 the last five years; and from which countries they came. 2011 101 305 118 [101994] 2012 84 281 109 1 As at 1 January. 2 Details of industrial civilian personnel employed Nick Harvey: There are several versions of the Principal were not recorded on the Ministry of Defence’s personnel data Warfare Officers (PWO) Course: the Royal Navy’s PWO recording system until March 2004. Therefore, the figures provided Course, the International PWO Course A and the for 2004 are incomplete and are for non-industrial civilian personnel International PWO Course B. There is also the International only. Joint Operational Planners (IJOP) Course and the Joint Armed Forces: Cadets Operational Planners (JOP) Course. Each of these courses may be attended by foreign nationals, as long as the Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence course criteria are met. what assessment he has made of the likely effects of The number of people from other countries who have changes to home-to-duty allowance conditions on air completed the relevant courses in each of the last five cadet volunteers; and if he will make a statement. years is as follows: [102011] 2007-08 Mr Robathan: The rate of the personal contribution Number which Service personnel who live in public accommodation, Royal Navy PWO Course A and adult cadet volunteers, are required to make towards New Zealand 1 the cost of home-to-duty travel, will now remain at Germany 2 three miles for each journey undertaken. Therefore, no Total 3 such assessment has been made.
Armed Forces: Council Tax International PWO Course A Brunei 2 Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Greece 2 (1) what estimate he has made of the number of Malaysia 3 military families posted overseas who do not receive a Pakistan 1 50 per cent. discount in council tax as a result of Singapore 1 leaving their UK home unoccupied; and if he will make Total 9 a statement; [101911] (2) what consideration he has given to applying the 50 International PWO Course B per cent. discount in council tax to all military families posted overseas; and if he will make a statement. Ghana 1 [101913] Greece 2 Qatar 1 Mr Robathan: Council tax discounts in respect of Oman 1 private properties being unoccupied while a member of Total 5 the armed forces is serving overseas are a matter for local authorities. However, as part of the commitment IJOP Course in the Armed Forces Covenant, the Government will Chile 2 encourage local authorities to be more aware of the 67W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 68W
2007-08 2009-10 Number Number
Denmark 2 Pakistan 1 Netherlands 4 Singapore 1 Poland 2 Total 7 Saudi Arabia 2 Singapore 2 International PWO Course B South Africa 2 Chile 1 United Arab Emirates 1 Greece 2 Total 17 Iraq 2 Nigeria 2 JOP Course Trinidad and Tobago 1 Denmark 3 Total 8 France 9 Netherlands 10 IJOP Course Norway 5 Chile 1 Total 27 Netherlands 2 2008-09 Saudi Arabia 4 Number Senegal 4 Royal Navy PWO Course A United Arab Emirates 3 Total 14 New Zealand 3 Total 3 JOP Course International PWO Course A Denmark 1 Brunei 2 France 2 Greece 2 Netherlands 2 Pakistan 1 Norway 1 Total 5 Sweden 1 Total 7 International PWO Course B 2010-11 Chile 1 Number Ghana 1 Greece 1 Royal Navy PWO Course A Trinidad and Tobago 2 Germany 1 Total 5 New Zealand 5 Total 6 IJOP Course Bahrain 7 International PWO Course A Ghana 1 Brunei 2 Norway 2 Greece 1 Saudi Arabia 2 Kuwait 1 Total 12 Pakistan 1 Singapore 1 JOP Course South Africa 2 Denmark 1 Total 8 France 2 Netherlands 9 International PWO Course B Total 12 Ireland 2 2009-10 Kuwait 2 Number Nigeria 5 Poland 1 Royal Navy PWO Course A Turkey 2 New Zealand 3 Total 12 Germany 1 Total 4 IJOP Course France 1 International PWO Course A Denmark 1 Brunei 2 Netherlands 3 Greece 1 Oman 4 Malaysia 2 Singapore 11 69W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 70W
2010-11 Peter Luff: I am withholding the information as its Number disclosure would prejudice commercial interests. Moreover, the publication of the contract is exempt under the Total 20 Government’s Transparency Agenda due to the war-like nature of the equipment being procured. JOP Course The contract with General Dynamics UK is not a France 1 cost-plus contract, but is a mix of firm and fixed prices. Netherlands 2 Norway 1 Bahrain Total 4 Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011-12 Defence whether (a) officials and (b) members of the Number armed forces assisted in the training of Bahraini security Royal Navy PWO Course A forces in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. [99555] New Zealand 3 Total 3 Nick Harvey: Members of the armed forces have provided training—including in the UK—as part of a longstanding programme of security co-operation and International PWO Course A assistance. This training includes elements which enhance Brunei 2 an individual’s understanding of the control and Chile 1 employment of security forces in accordance with the Kuwait 3 rule of law. Malaysia 4 Pakistan 1 Blue Force Property Singapore 1 Total 12 Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 73W, on Blue Force Property, International PWO Course B whether the Ministry of Defence Police launched a Estonia 1 formal investigation into the Blue Forces property Kuwait 9 management company based at Colchester; whether he Nigeria 2 has considered the findings of the review undertaken Poland 2 by insolvency practitioners FRP Advisory into the Total 14 liquidation of the Blue Forces group; and whether his Department is providing (a) financial and (b) other IJOP Course assistance to current and former members of the Belgium 3 armed forces who lost money as a result of the collapse India 4 of Blue Forces; and if he will make a statement. [103251] Norway 2 Oman 2 Mr Robathan: Jurisdiction for any investigation into Saudi Arabia 2 the financial practices of Blue Forces is a matter for Sri Lanka 1 Essex police. The MOD Police is not involved in this United Arab Emirates 2 process. Total 16 As we were not in a financial relationship with Blues Forces, there is no requirement for the MOD to consider JOP Course the findings of the insolvency practitioners. This is a Netherlands 2 matter for the creditors, some of whom are service Norway 1 personnel, and have acted in a private capacity. Total 3 As I said in an answer on 7 March 2011, Official Information related to international staff courses is Report, column 807W, we have issued advice through not held centrally and could be provided only at the chain of command for those service personnel who disproportionate cost. may be affected. However the MOD cannot provide any financial assistance to serving or former members of HM armed forces who have lost money as a result of a Armoured Fighting Vehicles private company going into liquidation. Serving personnel who believe they may be affected should consult their chain of command. Former service personnel can contact Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence their local Citizens Advice Bureau or the insolvency (1) if he will publish the terms and conditions of the practitioners. contract awarded to General Dynamics for the production of the Scout fighting vehicle; and if he will make a Canada statement; [101914] (2) whether the contract awarded to General Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Dynamics for the production of the Scout fighting Defence (1) whether the Canadian government has vehicle is a cost-plus contract; and if he will make a asked for compensation with regard to the submarines statement. [101915] purchased in 1998; [99868] 71W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 72W
(2) whether the Canadian armed forces has asked for Peter Luff: The Government recognises that to meet assistance with regard to submarines purchased in our defence requirements, we need thriving, innovative, 1998. [99869] and highly efficient suppliers. A healthy and competitive industry in the UK makes a significant contribution to Peter Luff: The records providing detailed background developing and sustaining key defence and security to this topic are stored in archives and need to be capabilities, as well as contributing to export-led growth retrieved in order to provide a full answer to the hon. and a re-balanced economy. Member. I will write to the hon. Member in due course. That is why, in our recently published White Paper Substantive answer from Peter Luff to Mike Hancock: ‘National Security Through Technology’ (Cm 8278), In my written answer to your Parliamentary Questions on 20 the Government have set out a number of measures to March 2012 (Official Report, column 584W), I promised to write support UK-based suppliers, including supporting to you regarding the Upholder Class submarines (subsequently responsible defence and security exports and ensuring renamed the Victoria Class) purchased in 1998 by the Canadian that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who Government. Officials have carried out a review of the records on are often vital elements of the supply-chain, are able to this matter, most of which had been archived given their age, and fulfil their potential. I am now in a position to provide you with a substantive answer. I can confirm that in 2002 and 2004 the Canadian Government asked for compensation to be paid for the submarines due to Defence Equipment: Internet concerns about their condition and ability to meet the Canadian requirements. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) did not pay any Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for compensation; however, an amendment to the contract was agreed Defence what assessment he has made of the ability of where the cost of the final submarine was reduced by £2 million as an act of good faith and without liability. the Ministry of Defence Police to identify and investigate incidents of (a) respirators and (b) other armed forces The MOD holds annual meetings with the Canadian Department of National Defence to discuss any issues of mutual interest equipment being available for purchase on the internet. arising from the operation of the Victoria Class submarines. [103107] Outside these meetings, requests for information or assistance, in the form of technical advice on through life support, are occasionally Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence Police currently received from either the Canadian Government or Babcock uses proactive intelligence-led initiatives to identify and International Ltd, the contractor that maintains the submarines. detect thefts of armed forces equipment, and those Both the annual meetings and individual requests are handled as involved in the unlawful disposal of stolen Defence routine business under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding for the exchange of technical information. property, by monitoring internet trading sites and other markets, and then taking appropriate law enforcement action. Conflict Prevention Defence Equipment: Theft Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent steps his Department has taken to support conflict prevention; and if he will make a Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for statement. [102126] Defence what steps his Department is taking to prevent theft of its equipment. [103108] Mr Gerald Howarth: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 March 2012, Official Report, column Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD), 956W, to the right hon. Member for Bermondsey and working with the MOD Police and the Service Police Old Southwark (Simon Hughes). have actively promoted a number of crime reduction initiatives, which encourage the safeguarding of MOD property. Defence Examples include an ongoing proactive initiative targeted on the sale of MOD equipment which should not Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for lawfully be available in the public domain; the establishment Defence what the value of the defence sector is to the of a Defence Irregularity Reporting Cell, which is the economy; how many people are employed in the central pan-MOD point to which all suspicions of industry; what proportion of the industry operates in irregularity, including fraud, theft, corruption involving each region; and what the industry spent on its supply personnel, contractors or other bodies, should be reported. chains in the UK in 2011. [101981] Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence produce the Defence how many incidents of theft from his Department ‘UK Defence Statistics (UKDS)’ which are published have been referred to the Ministry of Defence Police for annually. These include estimates of MOD spend with investigation in the latest period for which figures are industry and commerce in the UK, and the information available. [103110] can be found in Table 1.10. We no longer collect any analysis data relating to Mr Robathan: A total of 361 reported suspicions national and regional employment. were referred to the Ministry of Defence Police in financial year 2011-12 up to 30 March 2012. Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for support the defence industry and its domestic supply Defence how many incidents of theft of his Department’s chain. [101985] equipment there were in the fiscal year 2011-12. [103239] 73W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 74W
Mr Robathan: There have been 310 thefts of Ministry last five years; and what further spending has been of Defence equipment in the fiscal year 2011-12 (inclusive allocated to this system. [101189] 30 March 2012). Peter Luff: The information requested on expenditure Departmental Public Expenditure in each of the last five years is presented in the following table: David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on new Financial year Total spend (£ million) [73120] furnishings in the last year. 2007-08 62 2008-09 60 Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence’s expenditure 2009-10 64 on free standing furniture in the last two financial years was £10.045 million in 2011-12 and £19.225 million in 2010-11 74 2010-11. This includes expenditure on furniture for Forecast 2011-12 80 bases and service accommodation. Details of future spending on the Sentry Airborne Diamond Jubilee 2012: Medals Early Warning and Control System are currently being finalised as part of the Department’s Planning Round 2012. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will award the Queen’s diamond jubilee medal to Territorial Army personnel who have served Explosives: Large Goods Vehicles over five continuous years but not qualified for the 2012 bounty. [102415] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the security of transport arrangements Mr Robathan: Medals are traditionally awarded for for the purpose of identification of explosives and royal jubilees to recognise and reward the service and projectile ammunition carried by lorries. [101544] dedication of key front line services and in particular to those who are exposed regularly to difficult, often emergency Peter Luff: Statutory Instrument (SI) 1348—The Carriage situations and who potentially risk their lives. of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure The Culture Secretary’s announcement on 28 June Equipment Regulations—details the security and the 2012 stated that members of the armed forces (regular marking and labelling requirements for the transport of and reserves) who have completed five full calendar ammunition by road. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) years of service, and are serving on 6 February 2012, policy for the transport of dangerous goods by road will be presented with a medal to mark Her Majesty the and rail is contained in Joint Service Publication (JSP) Queen’s diamond jubilee. These two criteria are consistent 800 Volume 4B—Transport of Dangerous Goods by with the approach adopted for earlier jubilee medals, Road, Rail and Sea. JSP 800 incorporates the requirements such as the golden jubilee in 2002. of SI 1348 and includes additional security measures for the transport of those goods that have been assessed Reserve forces are eligible to receive this medal providing by MOD security to be attractive to criminal and terrorist they hold five Certificates of Efficiency that do not have organisations. to represent consecutive years. However, the latest certificate must reflect financial year 2011-12. There are no plans Each transport operation, including those conducted to change this important principle. by approved contractors, is assessed in accordance with the extant security alert state and conducted in accordance Early Retirement with these requirements. MOD policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains in line with legislation and all units and establishments involved in the transport of Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for dangerous goods are audited to ensure compliance. Defence how many holders of letters of Airworthiness Delegation left his Department under early release or early retirement schemes in each of the last three years; London Olympics 2012 and which team such staff worked for. [100594] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Nick Harvey [holding answer 19 March 2012]: Five how many invitations to attend events at the London holders of Letters of Airworthiness Authority left the 2012 Olympics (a) he, (b) other Ministers in his Department under early release or voluntary redundancy Department and (c) senior officials in his Department in 2011. None left in 2010 or in 2012 to date. have accepted; and if he will make a statement. [93636] Of the five individuals who left in 2011, two worked in the UK Military Flying Training System Project Mr Philip Hammond: No invitations to attend events Team and one in each of the Aircrew Equipment and at the London 2012 Olympics have been accepted by the Survival Project Team, Merlin Helicopter Project Team Secretary of State or other Defence Ministers. Information and Lynx Helicopter Project Team. on whether senior officials have accepted invitations to attend events at the London Olympics is not held centrally, Early Warning Systems and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Details of hospitality received by Ministers and Special Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Advisers and the most senior officials are published on Defence how much his Department has spent on the a quarterly basis and will be available for July-September Airborne Warning and Control System in each of the 2012 in due course. 75W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 76W
Military Bases: Edinburgh 2007-08 Number
Mr Darling: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Chile 181 (1) when he expects to announce his decision on whether Estonia 35 (a) Redford Barracks and (b) Dreghorn Barracks in France 90 Edinburgh are to be vacated or disposed of; [102501] Germany 1499 (2) on which dates valuations of (a) Redford Barracks Greece 259 and (b) Dreghorn Barracks in Edinburgh have been Netherlands 705 made since 2007. [102538] Poland 200 Portugal 182 Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence is currently South Africa 100 undertaking work to determine the potential capacity Sweden 66 of the estate including options for maximising its use Turkey 206 and disposing of sites no longer required. This work is Total 3523 progressing alongside other studies such as Army 2020 and the resulting plans for the estate will be announced 2008-09 in due course. Number Valuations of the sites were produced by GVA in Belgium 156 September 2007 and March 2011. GVA are currently Chile 181 assessing the sites and will report shortly. Estonia 29 Germany 955 Missile Technology Control Regime Greece 87 Netherlands 526 Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Portugal 182 Defence if he will review the range and payload criteria South Africa 120 currently established in the Missile Technology Control United States 346 Regime. [102372] Total 2582 2009-10 Nick Harvey: The Missile Technology Control Regime Number (MTCR) is an important part of the international counter proliferation architecture and the UK and other Australia 377 regime partners continuously review the guidelines and Belgium 156 annexes. Estonia 35 Germany 1151 Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Greece 87 Defence whether he proposes to amend the Missile Netherlands 204 Technology Control Regime in the light of the development Portugal 156 of unmanned aerial vehicles. [102373] Sweden 123 Trinidad and Tobago 25 Nick Harvey: The Missile Technology Control Regime United States 358 (MTCR) is an important part of the international Total 2672 counter proliferation architecture and the UK and other 2010-11 regime partners continuously review the guidelines and Number annexes. The UK recognises the distinction between unmanned air systems (UAS) and cruise and ballistic Germany 1535 missiles and discusses the effects of developments in Netherlands 645 UAS with regime partners. However, the MTCR works Portugal 182 on a consensus basis and thus each of the 34 member Sweden 86 states has to be in agreement before changes to the Total 2448 guidelines can be implemented. 2011-12 Navy: Training Number Algeria 80 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Australia 69 Defence how many people from other countries have Germany 2031 completed flag officer sea training in each of the last Netherlands 266 five years; and from which countries they came. Sweden 292 [101993] United States 278 Total 3016 Nick Harvey: Royal Navy records indicate that a total number of 14,241 people from other countries that have Procurement completed flag officer sea training in the last five years. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for The breakdown of this figure for each financial year Defence what proportion of contracts issued by (a) his is as follows: Department and (b) agencies for which he is responsible 77W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 78W were awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises in The assessment phase of the programme to replace the latest period for which figures are available. [100361] the Vanguard class submarines started in February 2011 and will continue through to Main Gate approval in Peter Luff [holding answer 19 March 2012]: The 2016. As noted in the parliamentary report ‘The United percentage of contracts awarded to small and medium Kingdom’s Future Nuclear Deterrent: The Submarine enterprises as a proportion of overall number of contracts, Initial Gate’, published in May 2011, we expect to for the latest period for which figures are available, is as spend £3 billion on the assessment phase. follows: I am withholding further information on expenditure during the CSR period at this time, as this would be Percentage of Latest period for likely to prejudice commercial interests and the development contracts awarded which figures are of Government policy. Department or agency (%) available
MOD 40 April to September Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011 Defence whether the Trident Alternatives Review being Defence Science and 32 April 2011 to conducted by his Department will consider alternative Technology February 2012 basing locations for the nuclear deterrent fleet. [102637] Laboratory Defence Support 54 January to December Nick Harvey: It will not. Group 2011 UK Hydrographic 45 April 2011 to As a separate point of clarification, the Trident Office February 2012 Alternatives Review is led by officials in the Cabinet Office under my oversight, with support from the Ministry of Defence and other Departments. Theft Veterans Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2012, Official Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Report, column 421W, on departmental theft, (a) how what recent assessment he has made of the long-term many of the thefts were investigated by (i) local police outcomes for disabled and traumatised veterans; and if and (ii) military police and (b) how many of these he will make a statement. [102651] investigations resulted in (i) prosecution and (ii) conviction; and if he will make a statement. [103041] Mr Robathan: The Government continue to monitor closely the arrangements for veterans whose physical Mr Robathan: A total of 13 cases of theft have been and mental injuries are such that they will need long-term investigated by local police ie Home Office Police Services. support and assistance. The Ministry of Defence works This number includes nine cases investigated by Home with other Government Departments, devolved Office Police Services, one jointly investigated by Home Administrations and voluntary sector organisations to Office Police and Ministry of Defence Police and three ensure that the needs and circumstances of these veterans cases investigated by Overseas Police. are known, with the aim of improving their access to A total of 73 cases were investigated by Service Police services and to assist with their transition to civilian life. ie Royal Navy Police, Royal Air Force Police and Royal The Armed Forces Covenant underlines our commitment Military Police. In addition, 120 cases were investigated to ensuring that all the service community, including by the Ministry of Defence Police. family members and ex-service personnel, receive the One case resulted in prosecution and it led to a support and recognition which they deserve. This includes conviction. work undertaken by the Department of Health to inform The MOD takes detecting and deterring theft very GPs about the potential health problems that veterans seriously. In many cases a suspected perpetrator is not may face and a programme run by the Department of identified or there is insufficient evidence to pursue a Communities and Local Government to ensure that prosecution. Where a suspected perpetrator is identified local authorities give eligible veterans priority in housing. prosecution or internal disciplinary action follows as appropriate. Wildcat Helicopters
Trident Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what weapons systems are expected to be used on the Wildcat helicopter by (a) the Army and (b) the Royal Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Navy; and if he will make a statement. [100500] Defence what the cost to the public purse was in the current spending round of the maintenance of Trident Peter Luff [holding answer 19 March 2012]: We and all aspects of preparation for its successor. [102636] currently expect to be able to use the following weapons systems on the Lynx Wildcat helicopter: Peter Luff: As stated in the White Paper ‘The Future The General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) 7.62 mm and of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent’ (Cm 6994), Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) 12.7 mm for the Army variant—Lynx published in December 2006, the costs of maintaining Wildcat Mk 1 AH (Army Helicopter). the UK’s nuclear deterrent are around 5% of the defence The Sting Ray Torpedo; Mk 11 Depth charge; GPMG; HMG; budget. This is expected to remain the case during the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (FASGW) for the Royal current comprehensive spending review (CSR) period, Navy variant—Lynx Wildcat Mk 1 HMA (Helicopter Maritime which covers the financial years 2011-12 to 2014-15. Attack). 79W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 80W
EDUCATION funding agreement covering all academies in the trust, and a supplementary funding agreement for each individual Academies academy between the multi-academy trust and the Secretary of State. The multi-academy trust is accountable to the Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Secretary of State. Education what information his Department uses to The second is an umbrella trust, set up by two or identify failing schools to be converted to academies. more schools. The umbrella trust (which could be a [102823] charitable trust) establishes an individual academy trust (a charitable company with its own members and governing Michael Gove: Schools are considered to be body) to run each academy. Each academy trust enters underperforming if they are below the floor standards into a separate funding agreement with and is accountable or in an Ofsted category. to the Secretary of State. An umbrella trust, which is less formal than a multi-academy trust, allows individual NEETs academies to keep their own governance arrangements.
Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Academies: Correspondence what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education or training. [102827] (1) what arrangements are in place for academies to reply to letters from hon. Members who have written on Mr Hayes: We are investing over £7 billion to fund a behalf of their constituents regarding admission places; place in education or training for every 16 to 18-year-old and if he will make a statement; [102101] in England who wants one. (2) if he will take steps to ensure that Walsall In addition, we are investing £126 million to provide Academy replies to letters from the hon. Member for a new programme of intensive support for the most Walsall North when he writes on behalf of constituents vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds NEET. regarding admission places; and if he will make a Academies statement. [102102] Mr Gibb [holding answer 27 March 2012]: All academies Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for are required under the Education (Independent School Education what correspondence (a) he, (b) Ministers Standards) (England) Regulations 2010 to have a complaints in his Department and (c) his officials have had with procedure for parents of pupils so they can raise issues (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools in Newcastle with a school or academy. No school is required by law, Upon Tyne Central constituency on academy status; or in the case of academies their contract with the and what representations he has received from primary Secretary of State for Education, to respond to all schools in Newcastle Upon Tyne Central constituency correspondence they receive but all state funded schools on this issue. [102610] are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Our general expectation would be for all schools to respond Mr Gibb: The Department has regular discussions to enquiries from whomever they come. with schools across the country, including in Newcastle, about academy status. Schools that apply to convert to Academies: Private Finance Initiative academy status will be allocated a dedicated contact within the Department to support them through the process. Where a school is underperforming officials Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education will discuss sponsored academy solutions with the local which academies in England and Wales are private authority and school. Information on schools that have finance initiatives. [102069] applied to convert to academy status is available on the Department’s website: Mr Gibb: 30 schools that form part of a private http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/ finance initiative construction contract have become typesofschools/academies/b0069811/open-academies-and- academies, as of 1 March 2012: academy-projects-in-development These academies are: Bristol Brunei Academy; Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Bristol Metropolitan Academy; Education what governance arrangements are in place when two or more schools join together in an academy Clacton Coastal Academy; federation; what governing bodies are responsible for Park Hall Academy; such schools; and where the primary accountability to Gosforth Junior High Academy; the Secretary of State lies. [103063] Hillyfield Academy; Debden Park High School; Mr Gibb: There are two types of academy federation Welling School Academy; with a shared governance structure. The first is a multi- Caroline Chisholm School; academy trust, where two or more academies are part of Wirral Grammar School for Girls; a single charitable company with one set of members, one board of directors (governing body) and a local Malmesbury School; governing body (with delegated executive functions) or Bexleyheath Academy; advisory body (with no executive functions), operating Weatherhead High School; at a local level for each academy. There is a master Salendine Nook High School; 81W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 82W
Harlington Upper School; his Department and (b) Partnerships for Schools; and Oasis Academy Brightstowe; how many. [102449] Oasis Academy Shirley Park; South Leeds Academy; Mr Gibb: The Education Funding Agency is an executive University Academy Keighley; agency of the Department for Education; as such, its staff are employees of the Department rather than of University Academy of Birkenhead; the agency. On 1 April, (a) 30 staff moved into the The Academy at Shotten Hall; agency from elsewhere in the Department; and (b) 120 The Long Eaton School; staff from Partnerships for Schools transferred into the Wootton Bassett School; Department to work in the agency. Prenton High School for Girls; Tuxford School; Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Moor End Academy; Voyager Academy; Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Barnhill Community High School; Education (1) what plans he has for education programmes Samuel Whitbread Community College; for children with (a) Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Lord Lawson of Beamish Community School. and (b) other alcohol-related disabilities; [103009] (2) what support his Department provides to teachers Children in Care: Telephone Services who teach pupils diagnosed with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. [103010] Mr Timpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what consideration he has given to the introduction of a Sarah Teather: The Government have no plans for single national advocacy helpline for looked after children. introducing specific education programmes for children [102729] with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other alcohol- related disabilities. Decisions about the approaches used Tim Loughton: The provision of advocacy support is to teach children are made by schools. important for ensuring that the wishes and feelings of The Department for Education has, however, funded children are at the heart of the care system, particularly the development of materials for schools on teaching where they wish to make representations about the children with complex learning difficulties and disabilities, quality of the care and support provided by their local including Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other authority. A number of different advocacy providers alcohol-related disabilities. These were produced by Schools have contracts with local authorities to support looked Network (formerly the Specialist Schools and Academies after children and some of these have telephone helplines. Trust) and are available for schools who wish to use While it would not be appropriate for the Government them from the Schools Network website: to impose a national helpline on these providers, we are http://complexld.ssatrust.org.uk/ aware that some voluntary sector groups have been Online resources that can be used by teachers, trainee discussing whether it would be possible and beneficial teachers and teacher trainers on supporting children for a single helpline to be set up as part of a national with severe and complex needs, including children with advocacy strategy for vulnerable children. We welcome Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other alcohol-related these discussions and hope that they will lead to better disabilities, have been produced by the Training and provision of advocacy services for looked after children. Development Agency for Schools. These will be available online during April 2012 from the Department for Civil Servants: Codes of Practice Education’s website at: http://www.education.gov.uk Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many investigations into breaches by Free Schools civil servants of the Civil Service Code of Conduct occurred in his Department in each month from May 2010 to March 2012. [103142] Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether free schools are permitted to give independent Tim Loughton: Departments and their executive agencies schools priority as feeder schools in their admissions are responsible for defining standards of staff conduct arrangements. [102381] and ensuring these fully reflect both the Civil Service Code of Conduct and the Civil Service Management Mr Gibb: All free schools must comply with the Code. Investigations are initiated when evidence arises Schools Admissions Code. This requires free schools to that this may not have been the case. operate admissions arrangements which are transparent, The Department for Education conducted a total of fair and not complex. Section 1.9 of the code prevents 19 investigations between May 2010 and March 2012. any school, including free schools, from naming fee In each month there were less than five investigations. paying independent schools as feeders.
Education Funding Agency Free Schools: Teachers
Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Education whether he expects the Education Funding which free schools employ teachers without Qualified Agency to employ any personnel transferred from (a) Teacher Status. [102382] 83W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 84W
Mr Gibb: Free Schools are required to take part in Maharishi Academy statutory data collection exercises, including the School Workforce Census which collects data on teaching staff. Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education The first such data collection exercises for Free Schools whether his Department has designated the Maharishi that opened in September 2011 took place this academic Academy, Lancashire as a religious school. [102380] year. The resulting data will shortly be published on a regional and local authority basis on the Department’s Mr Gibb: No, Maharishi Free School is not designated website. School level data will be published later this as a school with religious character. year. Medicine: Education Further Education: Transport Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to increase the Education pursuant to the answer of 15 November number of students studying medicine. [102124] 2011, Official Report, column 685W,on students: transport, whether all local authorities published a transport plan Anne Milton: I have been asked to reply on behalf of for people of sixth form age for academic year 2011/12; the Department of Health. and what assessment he has made of such plans. The Department of Health and the Higher Education [102070] Funding Council for England (HEFCE) periodically review the total number and distribution of undergraduate Mr Gibb: Every local authority, except one, has now medical students. The last joint medical review was in published their transport policy statement. Publication 2006 and at that time Ministers concluded that the of the outstanding statement is imminent. numbers being trained were about right. DfE are reviewing a sample of 2011/12 transport HEFCE and the Department have agreed that this is policy statements, focusing on changes since the previous an opportune time for a further review of the numbers year and seeking out examples of good practice. We can of medical school places required in the future. Sir Bruce share the results with the hon. Member when these are Keogh, NHS Medical Director, and Sir Graeme Catto, available. Emeritus Professor of Medicine at University of Aberdeen, have agreed to co-chair a review group to oversee this GCSE work and make recommendations. Their report is expected in autumn 2012. Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of recent Nurses: Training trends in the number of pupils (a) requesting and (b) being granted special consideration enhancements at Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for GCSE. [102359] Education what steps he is taking to increase the number of students studying nursing. [102129] Mr Gibb: Ofqual analyse and publish statistics on the number of special considerations applied for and accepted Anne Milton: I have been asked to reply on behalf of in the summer examination series. Ofqual’s report and the Department of Health. the data for the 2011 series were published in October Strategic health authorities (SHAs) are responsible 2011 and can be found on their website: for working with higher education institutions and http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/standards/150/366 individual health care providers to plan and develop The total number of requests for special consideration their workforce, as they are best placed to assess the approved by awarding organisations was 354,200 (2.4% health needs of their local health community and plan of scripts marked, an increase from 2% in 2010). These the workforce required to deliver services for patients. numbers relate to both GCE and GCSE examinations— The SHAs are best placed to commission the education separate figures are not collected. and training programmes, on behalf of providers, to benefit from economies of scale and contract management Less than 1% of grades are changed as a result of expertise. adjustments made because of special consideration. The new education and training system has been designed to give employers greater autonomy and Higher Education: Part-time Education accountability for planning and developing the workforce. They are best placed to determine the skills and capacity Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for they need, to respond to changes in the way in which Education how much his Department has spent on services are being delivered, and deliver better care and financial education for applicants wishing to study health improvement outcomes. higher education courses on a part-time basis since May 2010. [102169] Ofsted
Mr Gibb: The Department for Education does not Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for have any such expenditure; higher education applicants Education (1) if it is within Ofsted’s remit to share hon. fall under the remit of the Department for Business, Members’ correspondence with an organisation that Innovation and Skills. they are investigating; [103133] 85W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 86W
(2) if Ofsted is required to ensure that their contacts Primary Education: Admissions with any person raising concerns about an organisation under their remit will remain confidential. [103134] Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many vacant primary school places Mr Gibb: These questions are matters for Ofsted. there are in (a) Haltemprice and Howden constituency, HM chief inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written (b) East Riding of Yorkshire, (c) Yorkshire and Humber to the hon. Member and a copy of his response has and (d) England in the last five years for which information been placed in the House Libraries. is available. [102295] Letter from Sir Michael Wilshaw, dated 4 April 2012: Your recent Parliamentary Question has been passed to me, as Mr Gibb: The Department collects information from Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for response. each local authority (LA) on the number of available Ofsted’s responsibilities include the regulation and inspection and unfilled primary school places through an annual of social care establishments and agencies registered under the survey. The survey results are published at local authority Care Standards Act 2000, and of childcare providers, registered and at school level but are not available by constituency. on the Early Years arid Childcare Registers. The most recent survey data relates to the position at Once registered, providers, managers and responsible individuals May 2011 and is available at: must comply with any conditions placed on their registration and http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/STR/d001050/ the regulations that apply to each type of provision. Ofsted has a index.shtml responsibility to ensure that registered providers continue to meet the relevant regulatory requirements. The results of the 2010 survey are available at: http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/STR/d000982/ Where Ofsted receives information that suggests a provider is index.shtml not meeting appropriate requirements, we investigate this matter. Where we find non-compliance, there are a number of enforcement The annual survey results prior to 2010 are only steps we can take to bring about compliance, ranging from setting available at LA level and are not published on the non-statutory actions in a notice to improve, to more serious Department’s website. A copy of the 2007, 2008 and steps such as cancelling registration altogether. 2009 results have been placed in the House Libraries. Much of our investigation work will be carried out through a visit to the setting where the concern has arisen. Ofsted inspectors Procurement have a range of powers they can exercise when carrying out such visits in order to gather the evidence needed to decide on the outcome of the investigation, including interviewing staff, seizing Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education documents and taking photographs. how many contracts his Department had with (a) We publish on our website the guidance we use for conducting Capita and (b) Serco in the last 12 months. [103168] investigations in our Compliance, Investigation and. Enforcement Handbook. This covers how inspectors share with the provider Tim Loughton: The Department had the following details of the information that suggests non-compliance. In this main contracts with Capita in the last 12 months: respect, Ofsted’s published handbook; says: the managed delivery of the Teachers’ Pension scheme; ″Unless it would jeopardise the investigation of the police or the delivery of the National Strategies programme; another agency, you should: the managed service for the provision of interim personnel; advise the registered person or manager that you are carrying out a formal investigation into possible non-compliance the Criminal Records Bureau checking service; and explain the situation fully, by covering the nature of the professional service to support sponsored academies, free schools, information that we have received which led to the visit, and an university technical colleges (UTCs) and studio schools in the outline of the investigation process. Be careful and sensitive when pre-opening stages. discussing the source of the information. Do not confirm or deny The Department had the following three contracts any guesses about the identity of the complainant, particularly with Serco in the last 12 months: where that person wishes to remain anonymous professional service delivery to give support to the child poverty explain the options for further action, non-statutory and statutory, work focus services pilots; if there is evidence that the provider is, or has, failed to meet support for the delivery of short breaks for disabled children statutory requirements—or the conditions of their registration—which and their families; and may result in enforcement action.″ professional services supporting the development of children’s The general principle of our policy is that during an investigation centres and the modernisation of services for children and their we must share sufficient information with the provider to enable families. them to respond appropriately to our questions about the concern that has been raised with Ofsted. A complete answer on the total number of contracts The inspector will decide, on a case by case basis, how much with Capita and Serco could be supplied only at information to share with the provider, taking into account the disproportionate cost as the Department does not hold nature of the information given to us, whether it contains personal a central record of all its contracts. data that the provider has no need to see, whether it contains confidential matters that ought not to be disclosed to the provider, Pupil Exclusions: Essex and the extent to which other agencies have requested us not to share particular information which might jeopardise their own investigation. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Inspectors use their professional judgement in deciding how how many students were permanently excluded from much information they need to give the provider about the school in (a) Witham constituency and (b) Essex in the complaint. Some inspectors will read the complaint, word for 2010-11 school year. [101663] word, to the provider; others may give a more general description of the nature of the complaint. Mr Gibb: Information on exclusions for the 2010/11 A copy of this reply will be placed in the library of both academic year is still being collected and will be available Houses. in the summer. Information on the number of permanent 87W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 88W exclusions in Witham parliamentary constituency and (2) what estimate he has made of the cost to academies Essex local authority in 2009/10 is shown in the following of completing a financial management and governance table. evaluation; [101671] Maintained primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1, 2, 3, (3) what estimate he has made of the cost to the number of permanent exclusions4, Essex local authority and Witham Young Person’s Learning Agency of collecting and parliamentary constituency collating financial management and governance 2009/10 evaluations from academies. [101672] Number of permanent Percentage of school 5 exclusions population Mr Gibb [holding answer 26 March 2012]: The Financial Essex local 80 0.04 Management and Governance Evaluation (FMGE) is authority an annual return which academies are required to make Witham **to the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA). It is parliamentary designed to provide the YPLA with assurance that constituency academy trusts have adequate financial systems and * = Less than 5, or a percentage based on less than 5. internal controls for the whole of the academic year. It 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies (including all- is a self-assessment return which was introduced by the through academies). YPLA in 2010-11. It superseded financial monitoring 3 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes visits undertaken by DfE/YPLA to all academies on general hospital schools. opening. 4 Local authority figures were confirmed by local authorities as part of a data checking exercise, figures for the constituency are as The FMGE is also intended to be useful to academies provided by schools. in that it provides an important source of evidence and 5 The number of permanent exclusions expressed as a percentage of assurance to the academy trust in their responsibilities the number (headcount) of pupils (excluding dually registered for monitoring and accounting for public money. It pupils) at January 2010. also enables individual academies to identify strengths Note: Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. and weaknesses in their arrangements and to make Source: improvements where required. School Census There are two forms of return; a full return is aimed The latest data on exclusions was published in the at new academies to help give them assurance that they ’Permanent and Fixed Period Exclusions from Schools are meeting their new obligations and a shorter return, in England 2009/10’ Statistical First Release on 28 July which is more appropriate for established single academies. 2011 at: There are 68 questions in the short return and 154 in the http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001016/ full version. Academies are asked to assess themselves index.shtml against questions covering (1) requirements and (2) best practice and the questions are grouped into five categories. Schools: Birmingham This leads to an overall self-assessed grade. Some of the FMGE returns are subject to an external validation process by the YPLA. Academies are not required to Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for supply evidence supporting their FMGE return to the Education what plans he has to improve the quality of YPLA, although if an academy is selected for a subsequent school buildings in Birmingham, Ladywood constituency. validation visit by the YPLA external assurance team [103004] they will be asked to produce evidence. Mr Gibb: The Department for Education provides The Financial Management Standard in Schools capital funding to all local authorities for investment in (FMSiS), which was abolished in November 2010, had school buildings. It is the responsibility of Birmingham 102 assessment criteria and was evaluated once every city council to prioritise the available funds across the three years. The volume of accompanying evidence was schools in its estate. not prescribed centrally but requirements could be set On 19 July 2011 we announced the Priority Schools by each local authority. FMSiS has now been replaced Building Programme (PSBP). The Department is nearing for maintained schools by the Schools Financial Value the end of its verification of applications received and Standard (SFVS). schools that applied, including those in Ladywood, will The YPLA has not estimated the cost to academies know the outcome of their bids soon. of completing the FMGE return and does not record On 13 December 2011 we announced capital allocations the time spent and cost of collating FMGE returns. to schools and local authorities for 2012-13, including £36 million for Birmingham city council. The council Schools: Sanitation and its schools were allocated £44 million for 2011-12. Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Schools: Finance (1) what parameters will be set against which parents and pupils may judge whether school toilets and washing John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for facilities meet a suitable standard as proposed in the Education (1) what the (a) number of assessment School Premises Regulations; [101833] criteria, (b) frequency of evaluation and (c) volume of (2) if he will make standards for school toilets and accompanying evidence required is in respect of the (i) washing facilities equivalent to those for facilities in the financial management and governance evaluation and workplace by incorporating requirements from the (ii) former financial management standard in schools; Workplace Regulations into the new School Premises [101670] Regulations. [101834] 89W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 90W
Mr Gibb [holding answer 26 March 2012]: The proposed accompanying the Workplace Regulations. Views were School Premises Regulations stress that suitable toilet sought on the wording of the proposed regulation, and and washing facilities must be provided for the sole use an assessment of the responses will be included in the of pupils, having regard to their ages, number, sex and consultation report. This will be published on the any special requirements they may have. The regulations Department’s website in due course. will be supported by supplementary information and guidance. This is still being developed to take account Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for of views expressed in the recent consultation on the Education what assessment his Department has made standards for school premises which closed in January, of the effects of removing the requirement for schools but it will contain sufficient detail so that parents, to provide a minimum number of toilets for a given pupils and school staff, may judge whether school toilets number of pupils. [102478] and washing facilities meet the standards set. The Workplace Regulations cover employees and Mr Gibb: The proposed new School Premises Regulations therefore apply to the toilet and washing facilities in do not include set ratios of toilets to numbers of pupils, schools used by teachers and other staff. Some of their but they do say that suitable facilities must be provided requirements will be included in the supplementary for the sole use of pupils, having regard to, among other information and guidance covering toilet and washing factors, their number. facilities for pupils. Views were sought on the proposed regulation. Such Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for views, and any relevant evidence submitted, will be Education what assessment his Department has made taken into account before the regulation is finalised and of the standard of school washing facilities; and what an assessment of the responses will be included in the assessment it has made of the potential effects of such consultation report. standards on infection control in schools. [102172] Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: A number of organisations have carried out Education what steps are being taken to improve studies in these areas, and did send details of these school toilets. [102479] amongst the responses to the consultation on the proposed new School Premises Regulations. All responses are currently being analysed and relevant evidence will be Mr Gibb: Where steps are needed to improve school taken into account when finalising the requirements for toilets, they need to be taken at a school level. One of school washing facilities. our objectives in revising the current School Premises Regulations was to produce a clear and easily Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for understandable set of requirements. This should make Education if his Department will include clear requirements it easier for schools to assess how satisfactory their for soap and drying facilities in the forthcoming revision toilets are, and to ensure that they do meet the new of the School Premises Regulations for the purposes of standards. setting the same standards for children as adult employees. [102173] Sure Start Programme Mr Gibb: The proposed regulation for toilet and washing facilities within the draft School Premises Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Regulations recently consulted upon does not include Education what data his Department gather on specific requirements for soap and drying facilities. participation in Sure Start programmes (a) overall, (b) Views were sought on whether the proposed wording of in each region and (c) of each socio-economic or the regulation adequately covers requirements. We will income group. [102597] be taking account of where respondents consider that detail is lacking, or that the regulation could be simplified, Sarah Teather: The Department does not routinely prior to finalising the standard. gather information about use of children’s centres. However the Evaluation of Children’s Centres in England (ECCE) Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for is interviewing parents who use children’s centres about Education what assessment his Department has made which services they participate in and their family of studies on the provision of toilet paper, locking circumstances. The evaluation will provide service use cubicles and toilet seats in school toilets; and whether estimates at national level for various groups including the new School Premises Regulations will include different socio-demographic and income classifications. requirements in these areas that are equivalent to standards Owing to the design of the evaluation the estimate will for adult employees in the Workplace Regulations. relate only to Sure Start children’s centres serving the [102477] most deprived areas. The first report will be published at the end of December 2012. Following surveys will Mr Gibb: As part of the consultation on the proposed assess the impact of centre services on families’ outcomes. premises standards, the Department has considered studies in these areas, the largest of which was carried out in 2003. These were referred to by several organisations Teachers: Trade Unions in their responses to the consultation. The proposed regulation on school toilet and washing Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Education facilities does not include requirements for the provision what his policy is on local education authorities reclaiming of toilet paper, locking cubicles or toilet seats, all of resources from a school’s budget for trade union activities which are included in the Approved Code of Practice by teachers. [101355] 91W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 92W
Mr Gibb: Under current arrangements, it is a matter Tim Loughton: I can confirm that the Department for local authorities, in consultation with their Schools awarded one contract to Vodafone in the last 12 months, Forums, to decide what funding, if any, should be made for the provision of mobile voice and data available to support the cover needed for teachers engaged telecommunications services. in trade union activities. The Government intend to review facilities time across the public services. Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what contracts his Department has with Vodafone. Tourette’s Syndrome [103190]
Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Tim Loughton: The Department for Education has for Education what steps he plans to take to improve one contract with Vodafone for the provision of mobile the educational attainment of children with Tourette’s voice and data telecommunications services. syndrome; and if he will make a statement. [101382]
Sarah Teather [holding answer 26 March 2012]: West Exe Technology College Tourette’s Syndrome is an inherited neurological condition and, we know from research, is more common in children Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for with SEN than in the general population. The Department Education (1) what due diligence has been conducted is not carrying out any projects targeted specifically at into governance at West Exe Technology college, Exeter children and young people with this syndrome. However, since the school’s Academy status was given initial the Government are committed to improving the attainment approval in January 2011; [102351] of all children, including those with SEN and mental (2) what guidance his Department issues to (a) health problems and acknowledge the links to good schools and (b) school heads on employment of family academic outcomes and later life chances. Trying to members; [102352] control Tourette’s Syndrome in the classroom can cause a great deal of stress for children and young people with (3) when his Department was first made aware of the the syndrome and this can impede their learning. SEN concerns of Devon Education Authority about governance modules for initial teacher training produced by the and decision making at West Exe Technology college; Training and Development Agency for schools emphasise and what steps his Department took in response to such the importance of recognising and understanding Tourette’s concerns; [102353] and not reacting to children’s tics in the classroom. We (4) what guidance his Department issues to schools are driving forward work to improve the attainment of on (a) company cars and (b) other benefits for staff. all children with SEN and will shortly be publishing our [102354] response to “Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability—A Mr Gibb: West Exe Technology college’s application consultation”. for academy status received initial approval on the basis The Department is also working closely with the that the school satisfied the Department’s criteria. The Department of Health on the implementation of the factors which were taken into account to initially approve Mental Health Strategy, “No health without mental the application to convert were based on: health”. The strategy includes a specific strand of work the school’s last three years exam results and the general to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination, which performance trend; we know can be a significant issue for children and comparisons, both locally and nationally, with exam performance young people who are living with this syndrome. in similar schools, i.e. the percentage of pupils making expected progress in KS2-4 in secondary schools; Vocational Guidance the last Ofsted inspections, taking particular notice of the school’s capacity to improve; its outcomes; and the effectiveness Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education of the leadership team; when he plans to publish draft statutory guidance on other evidence of performance which the school considered to careers guidance. [102031] be significant; and the financial management of the school, including any deficits. Mr Gibb [holding answer 27 March 2012]: The Education As part of the conversion process we would expect Act 2011 places schools under a duty to secure access to matters that could impact on conversion to come to independent and impartial careers guidance on the full light as the Department works with the school and the range of 16-18 education and training options for pupils local council towards conversion, which is what has in years 9-11. Statutory guidance was published on the happened in the case of this school. Department for Education website on 26 March to support schools in preparing for the introduction of the Governing bodies are responsible and accountable new duty from this September. for all major decisions about the school and its future. In carrying out its duties the governing body of West http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/ youngpeople/participation/g00205755/statutory-guidance-for- Exe Technology College has sought advice and support schools-careers-guidance-for-young-people from the Devon county council in respect of the conversion process and on matters relating to pay. Vodafone Group The pay and conditions of teachers in maintained schools are set out in the “School Teachers’ Pay and Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Conditions Document” (STPCD). Under these how many contracts Vodafone has been awarded by his arrangements we look to local authorities and governing Department in the last 12 months. [103189] bodies to implement the statutory requirements of the 93W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 94W
STPCD. The STPCD includes guidance to help schools We have also provided support to eight drug and with these matters and the Department for Education alcohol action teams in England to develop payment by also provides more general help with employment issues results (PbR) models for a pilot to explore how PbR in its “Guidance on managing staff employment in might further incentivise drug and alcohol treatment schools”. and recovery. Schools are also governed by employment and equalities Ambulance Services: Cumbria legislation. These apply to the appointment of all staff and any benefits governing bodies decide to provide in addition to what is covered by the STPCD. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of (a) ambulances and (b) rapid response vehicles in Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency in the latest HEALTH period for which figures are available; and how many such vehicles are on duty at any one time. [102507] Abortion Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health held by the Department. Decisions on the location and what estimate his Department has made of the number level of ambulance and rapid response vehicle provision of repeat abortions performed on (a) married and (b) is a matter for the local ambulance trust. The Department unmarried women aged (i) under 16, (ii) under 18, (iii) has made no estimate of the number of such vehicles in 18 or 19, (iv) between 20 and 29, (v) between 30 and 34 the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency. and (vi) 35 years and over in each primary care trust The hon. Member may wish to approach the chief area in (A) 2010, (B) 2011 and (C) the latest period for executive of North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, which figures are available in 2012. [102086] which might hold this information. Anne Milton: The available information is provided in Art Works tables, which have been placed in the Library. The first shows repeat abortions by age but not marital status. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The second table shows repeat abortions by age and how much his Department spent on artworks in the marital status. last 12 months. [102168] Abortion statistics for 2011 will be published in May 2012 and 2012 data will be published in 2013. Mr Simon Burns: The Department has spent nil on purchasing artworks in the last 12 months. Air Ambulance Services Autism Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the (a) clinical and (b) Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for operational standards for air ambulance services. Health what support his Department provides to [103011] families with autistic children. [102142]
Mr Simon Burns: The Department has no policy on Paul Burstow: The Department has worked closely clinical or operational standards for air ambulance with the Department for Education on their Green services. In England air ambulances are run independently, Paper, ‘Support and Aspiration: A new approach to funded by charitable organisations and regulated special education needs and disability—a Consultation’, independently by the Care Quality Commission. which was published in March 2011. The Green Paper set out proposals to improve provision for families Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs: Rehabilitation where a child or young person has special education needs, including autism or a disability. Suggested reforms Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health include a single assessment process, covering health, what support his Department is giving to drug and education and social care needs and the option of a alcohol rehabilitation schemes in the community. personal health budget, which will help give children, [102680] young people and their families more control and choice about the support they receive. Anne Milton: The Department is providing primary Government also recognise the vital contribution care trusts (PCTs) with central funding of £466.7 million that carers make to society, and have taken action to for drug treatment in 2012-13. Alcohol interventions support them. We set out our priorities in ‘Recognised, and services are funded by the general allocation that valued and supported, next steps for the Carers Strategy’, PCTs receive from the Department. It is the responsibility in November 2010 and are providing additional funding of PCTs to assess the needs of their communities, to of £400 million to the national health service between agree what to prioritise, and to commission services. 2011 and 2015 for carers’ breaks. Over £800 million is We have provided guidance to support local being given to local authorities by the Government for commissioning and delivery of services to tackle dependence the delivery of short breaks for carers including families on drugs and alcohol. As highlighted in the Government’s of children with conditions such as autism. Drug Strategy, a ’whole systems’ approach means On 26 January 2012, we launched the Children and developing close links between providers of community, Young People’s Health Outcomes Strategy, which aims in-patient and residential treatment and rehabilitation to maximise health outcomes that matter the most to services. children, young people their families and the professionals 95W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 96W that support them. It will also show how all parts of the Breast Cancer: Cumbria health system, with partners, will contribute to enabling every child and young person to reach their full potential. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of women in Westmorland Blood Diseases and Lonsdale constituency with suspected breast cancer saw a specialist within two weeks in each of the last five years. [102682] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been diagnosed with a disease Paul Burstow: The Department does not hold cancer that is characterised by (a) excessive and (b) waiting times data in the format requested. insufficient angiogenesis in the latest period for which figures are available. [102919] Information on patients referred urgently by their general practitioner for all suspected cancers within Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cumbria Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) for the Cabinet Office. period April to December 2011 (quarters 1, 2 and 3 2011-12) is shown in the following table: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority All cancer two to reply. week wait Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: (operational standard: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I 93%)— have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question, asking Cumbria how many people have been diagnosed with a disease that is Teaching PCT characterised by (a) excessive and (b) insufficient angiogenesis in Performance the latest period for which figures are available [102919]. Total number (percentage It is well established in the published medical literature that Quarter Total number of seen within two seen within two angiogenesis plays a key role in the growth and spread of cancer. (2011-12) patients seen weeks weeks) However, excessive and insufficient angiogenesis is not routinely recorded on individual cancer registrations and therefore the 01 2,884 2,733 94.8 information requested is not available as a National Statistic. Q2 3,034 2,846 93.8 The latest published figures on the incidence of cancer in 03 2,834 2,707 95.5 England are available on the National Statistics website at: Note: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all- These data are available on the Department’s website at the following address: releases.html?definition=tcm%3A77-27451 http://transparency.dh.gov.uk/2012/03/23/cwt-april-to-december- 2011/ Breast Cancer Source: Commissioner-based quarterly cancer waiting times statistics. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Cancer (1) what proportion of mammogram screenings for women who are under 50, pre menopausal and have Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health dense breasts were analysed digitally in the latest pursuant to the answer of 21 February 2012, Official period for which figures are available; [102935] Report, column 733, on cancer care: for what reasons one year cancer survival rates have been listed as a (2) what the detection rate for mammograms are for potential indicator and not a current indicator in the breast tissue classified as (a) fatty replaced, (b) Commissioning Outcomes Framework. [103069] scattered density, (c) heterogeneously dense and (d) extremely dense. [102954] Paul Burstow: In February 2012, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published Paul Burstow: The report ‘Breast Screening Programme, for consultation a set of draft indicators for the England 2010-11’, published by the Health and Social Commissioning Outcomes Framework (COF). The Care Information Centre on 22 March 2012, shows that consultation said that the one-year cancer survival indicators a total of 81,294 women aged 45 to 49 were screened in were not expected to be technically feasible for measurement 2010-11, and that in April 2010, 29 out of 80 screening at clinical commissioning group population level for services were fully converted to digital technology. Since 2013-14. this date, there has been a significant increase in the number of digital screening systems in use and 48 out of Further work is being undertaken to assess whether 80 services have how implemented the technology. the issues around technical feasibility can be addressed so that the NICE COF advisory committee can consider Statistical reporting for NHS Breast Screening the indicators in May. In making its recommendations, Programme does not record whether women were screened the committee will need to consider the validity and using film or digital systems, breast density or breast reliability of the indicators at clinical commissioning tissue type. group population level. It will then be for the NHS Commissioning Board to decide which indicators to Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health select for the COF. whether data on breast density are routinely monitored and collected by GPs. [102936] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department spent on (a) treatment of Paul Burstow: Data on breast density are not routinely cancer and (b) advice on prevention of cancer in each collected and monitored by general practitioners. year for which figures are available. [103085] 97W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 98W
Paul Burstow: In the following table, programme SunSmart budgeting data for the estimated national health service £ expenditure (£ billion) on the treatment and management 2004-05 72,000 of cancers and tumours in the last five, years have been provided. Expenditure figures are from estimated England 2005-06 145,000 level programme budgeting data, which are calculated 2006-07 150,000 using primary care trust and strategic health authority 2007-08 104,000 programme budgeting returns and Department resource 2008-09 110,000 accounts data. Figures also include an estimation of 2009-10 615,000 special health authority expenditure. Expenditure on some service areas or activities is excluded if it is not Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health possible to make a reasonable estimation of expenditure if he will give the current survival rates for (a) metastatic by specific disease area. For this reason expenditure on kidney, (b) multiple myeloma, (c) metastatic colorectal, general practitioner services, diagnostics and some out- (d) gastrointestinal stromal tumour, (e) metastatic liver, patient services are excluded from estimates of expenditure (f) metastatic lung and (g) metastatic breast cancer on cancers and tumours. when treated by (i) chemotherapy, (ii) radiation and (iii) In order to improve data quality, continual refinements surgery; and if he will estimate how such survival rates have been made to the programme budgeting data would be affected by coupling such treatments with calculation methodology since the first collection in angiogenesis. [103095] 2003-04. The underlying data which support programme budgeting data are also subject to yearly changes. Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Programme budgeting data cannot be used to analyse Cabinet Office. changes in investment in specific service areas between years and it should be noted that significant changes to The information requested falls within the responsibility the data calculation methodology were introduced in of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority 2010-11. to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: Programme budgeting category: Cancers and tumours Gross expenditure (£ billion) As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking 2003-04 3.39 for the current survival rates for (a) metastatic kidney, (b) multiple 2004-05 3.77 myeloma, (c) metastatic colorectal, (d) gastrointestinal stromal tumour, (e) metastatic liver (f) metastatic lung and (g) metastatic 2005-06 4.30 breast cancer when treated by (i) chemotherapy, (ii) radiation and 2006-07 4.35 (iii) surgery; and if he will estimate how survival rates would be 2007-08 4.96 affected by coupling such treatments with angiogenesis. [103095]. 2008-09 5.13 Detailed information about levels of metastasis, treatment of 2009-10 5.86 individual cancer cases and angiogenesis are not routinely recorded 2010-11 5.81 on individual cancer registrations sent to ONS for processing and publishing as National Statistics. For this reason, it is not possible The Department funds a wide range of campaigns to to: provide advice on healthy living, many of which promote 1.) provide survival rates for metastatic cancers when treated lifestyle advice relevant to reducing the risk cancer. by (i) chemotherapy, (ii) radiation and (iii) surgery However, the only campaign that could be described as 2.) estimate how survival rates would be affected by coupling providing specific advice on the prevention of cancer is such treatments with angiogenesis SunSmart. ONS publish one and five-year cancer relative survival (percentage) SunSmart is the national skin cancer prevention in England, for the 21 common cancers. Gastrointestinal stromal campaign run on behalf of the UK Health Departments tumour and liver cancer are not one of the 21 common cancers, by Cancer Research UK. The Department has contributed therefore survival figures for these cancers are not routinely £500,000 in funding to the campaign for 2011-12 and available. this money has supported the production and distribution Table 1 provides the latest one and five-year survival figures of educational materials, a schools campaign, helped available for males and females in England, for (a) kidney, (b) local providers working on skin cancer prevention and myeloma, (c) colorectal, (f) lung and (g) breast cancer. delivered a major targeted marketing campaign in The latest published figures on cancer survival in England are conjunction with the popular music festival ‘T4 on the available on the National Statistics website at: Beach’. Spend in previous years on SunSmart can be http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all- found in the following table: releases.html?definition=tcm%3A77-21521
Table 1: One and five-year relative survival (%) for males and females (aged 15 to 99) diagnosed with cancer in England, for the period 2005-09 and followed up to 20101, 2, 3 Males Females One-year survival Five-year survival One-year survival Five-year survival % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI
Kidney 71.5 70.9 72.1 53.3 52.3 54.4 71.4 70.5 72.2 54.8 53.5 56.0 Myeloma 70.4 69.5 71.3 37.1 35.5 38.8 72.3 71.3 73.3 37.1 35.4 38.8 Colorectal 75.0 74.7 75.3 54.2 53.6 54.8 74.0 73.6 74.3 55.6 55.0 56.2 Lung 29.4 29.1 29.8 8.2 7.9 8.5 33.0 32.7 33.4 49.3 9.0 9.7 99W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 100W
Table 1: One and five-year relative survival (%) for males and females (aged 15 to 99) diagnosed with cancer in England, for the period 2005-09 and followed up to 20101, 2, 3 Males Females One-year survival Five-year survival One-year survival Five-year survival % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI % 95% CI
Breast ——————95.8 95.7 95.9 85.1 84.8 85.4 1 Relative survival is the probability of survival (shown here as a percentage) after correction for other causes of death. 2 Because cancer survival varies with age at diagnosis, the summary survival estimates for all ages combined (15 to 99 years) have been age-standardised to control for changes in the age profile of cancer patients over time. 3 Kidney cancer is defined by the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision (ICD-10) code C64-C66, G68, myeloma is defined as ICD-10 code C90, colorectal cancer is defined as ICD-10 code C18-C20, C21.8, lung cancer is defined as ICD-10 code C33-C34 and breast cancer is defined as ICD-10 code C50. 4 It is not possible to give an age-standardised figure if there are too few patients in a given age group to provide a reliable survival estimate or if very few patients actually died in one of the intervals of time since diagnosis in which survival was estimated. That may happen because survival is very high (there are very few deaths) or because it is very low (most of the patients died). These figures refer to the unstandardised survival.
Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The Framework also reports that the NCIN has pursuant to the answer of 27 February 2012, Official already run a workshop bringing together leading national Report, columns 109-11W, on cancer: health services, and international experts on health economics and will (1) for what reasons his Department does not collect be developing a programme of partnership working to data on cancer that would allow it to identify instances develop and publish information and intelligence on the of the disease, patient numbers and expenditure on health economics of cancer. A copy of the report has treatment broken down by geographical area; [103116] been placed in the Library. (2) what steps his Department has taken to measure In “Improving Outcomes a Strategy for Cancer: First the annual NHS spend on cancer since the publication Annual Report”, published on 13 December 2011, we of the Cancer Reform Strategy in 2007. [103117] have said that continuing to provide the NHS with benchmarked data on variations in services and outcomes as a lever for improvements is a priority for 2012. Paul Burstow: National cancer spend is measured annually via the programme budgeting returns and we Christmas are continually looking to improve data quality. Commissioner level programme budgeting data are also Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health published annually in the form of a benchmarking tool how many Christmas trees were purchased by his that enables commissioners to identify how they spend Department and each of its public bodies in each of the their allocation over 23 disease categories, including last two years; what the cost was of those trees in each cancer, and compare this with other commissioners. year; from where the trees were sourced; what account National programme budgeting data are published on was taken of the sustainability of the sources of the the Department’s website alongside the commissioners trees; and by what process the trees were disposed of. toolkit at: [102318] www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/ Financeandplanning/Programmebudgeting/DH_075743 Mr Simon Burns: In 2010 and 2011, no Christmas In “Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer”, trees were purchased by the Department nor most of its published on 12 January 2011, we highlighted the vital public bodies. The exceptions were as follows: role that information has to play in driving up the The Health Protection Agency purchased one tree in 2010 for quality of services and outcomes and we are committed its Leeds office, costing £25; to improving the quality, transparency and availability The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence of cancer data. In August 2011, the Department and purchased an artificial tree in 2011 costing £50; the National Cancer Action Team published the The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency “Radiotherapy Dataset First Annual Report” to help purchased an artificial tree in 2010 costing £65.97; tackle unwarranted variation in radiotherapy services. NHS Blood and Transplant purchased six Christmas trees, From April 2012 we are also mandating the collection natural and artificial in both 2010 and 2011. The cost was of chemotherapy data. In time, these data collections £373.94 in 2010 and £416.20 in 2011; and will enable us to undertake more sophisticated analyses The Care Quality Commission purchased one artificial tree in around the cost of cancer treatment. 2010 for its London office and another in 2011 for its Nottingham office. The total cost was £79.98. Through the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) we are also supporting work to link existing The trees were sourced from a number of high street data sets to develop new insights into cancer services and local retailers and where possible from sustainable and outcomes. During 2011, the NCIN published 18 sources. Artificial trees have been retained for use in new reports and data briefings that are helping providers future years and, where facilities exist, natural trees benchmark their services against one another and to were recycled. identify where improvements need to be made. Civil Servants: Codes of Practice In December 2011, in partnership with the NCIN, we published the Cancer Intelligence Framework. The Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Framework sets out plans to address existing gaps in how many investigations into breaches by civil servants cancer intelligence and highlights specific areas where of the Civil Service Code of Conduct occurred in his the costing of cancer care needs to be improved, such as Department in each month from May 2010 to March chemotherapy.. 2012. [103153] 101W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 102W
Mr Simon Burns: There have been five or fewer NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): doctors, nurses, midwives and all other staff in Dartford and Gravesham NHS investigations into breaches of the Civil Service Code. 1, 2 These have been launched under the Department’s Trust , as at 30 September each year whistleblowing policy since May 2010. Headcount 2007 2008 2009 20103 20113
Cystic Fibrosis Midwives 90 100 110 133 137 Qualified scientific, 234 252 264 258 267 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health therapeutic and what the average life expectancy was for a person with technical staff (ST&T) cystic fibrosis (a) in 1982, (b) in 1987, (c) in 1992, (d) Qualified ambulance 11112 in 1997, (e) in 2001, (f) in 2005, (g) in 2010 and (h) service staff on the most recent date for which figures are available; and whether his Department has estimated the likely Support to clinical 546 567 570 612 687 life expectancy in (i) 2015, (ii) 2020 and (iii) 2025. staff [102309] Support to doctors 424 434 442 485 534 and nursing staff Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Support to ST&T 106 115 113 113 139 staff Cabinet Office. Support to ambulance 16 18 15 14 14 The information requested falls within the responsibility staff of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. NHS infrastructure 217 229 224 246 205 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: support As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Central functions 141 144 149 166 124 have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the Hotel, property and 20 18 17 19 18 average life expectancy was for a person with cystic fibrosis (a) in estates 1982, (b) in 1987, (c) in 1992, (d) in 1997, (e) in 2001, (f) in 2005, Managers and senior 56 67 58 61 63 (g) in 2010 and (h) on the most recent date for which figures are managers available; and whether there is an estimated likely life expectancy in (i) 2015, (ii) 2020 and (iii) 2025. (102309) Other staff or those 4444— It is not possible provide estimates of life expectancy for with unknown persons who are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis from routine death classification registration data since when a person is diagnosed with a condition 1 Darent Valley hospital is managed by Dartford and Gravesham is not recorded on the death certificate. NHS Trust. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust maintains the UK Cystic Fibrosis 2 Census data is collected at NHS trust level not individual hospital Registry, an anonymous database of all those diagnosed with level. Darent Valley hospital is contained within Dartford and cystic fibrosis in the UK. Mean predicted survival and median Gravesham NHS Trust. age at death figures are published in the latest annual report from 3 The new headcount methodology is not fully comparable with data the registry which is available to download from the Cystic for years prior to 2010, due to improvements that make it a more Fibrosis Trust website: stringent count of absolute staff numbers. Further information on the headcount methodology is available in the census publication. www.cftrust.org.uk/aboutus/what_we_do/care/ukcfregistry Headcount totals are unlikely to equal the sum of components. A few NHS organisations existed within the electronic staff records Darent Valley Hospital database with small numbers of staff as a result of the impact of Transforming Community Services and the resultant system mergers and demergers which were still ongoing at the time of the 2011 Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for census. Health how many (a) doctors, (b) nurses, (c) midwives Note: and (d) staff were employed at Darent Valley hospital Data Quality: in each of the last five years. [101946] The Health and Social Care Information Centre seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing Mr Simon Burns: The information is shown in the the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data following table. quality. Where changes impact on figures already published, this is NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): doctors, assessed but unless it is significant at national level, figures are not nurses, midwives and all other staff in Dartford and Gravesham NHS changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant Trust1, 2, as at 30 September each year analyses. Sources: Headcount Health and Social Care Information Centre Medical and Dental 2007 2008 2009 20103 20113 Workforce Census. Health and Social Care Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce HCHS medical and 233 233 247 270 255 Census. dental doctors Dental Services HCHS non-medical 1,670 1,719 1,722 1,865 1,991 Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for staff Health what (a) requirements and (b) guidelines his Department has put in place in respect of weekend Professionally 903 919 924 1,005 1,099 provision of dental services; and who is responsible for qualified clinical staff providing such services. [102602] Qualified nursing, 668 666 659 746 830 midwifery and health Mr Simon Burns: Primary care trusts (PCTs) are visiting staff responsible for ensuring out of hours urgent care services Of which: are available in their area. They contract with local 103W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 104W high-street dental practices and/or the community dental Dietary Supplements service to deliver this care. PCTs are required by regulation to ensure out of hours services are available. This is part Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health of their general legal duty to commission dental services how many illnesses attributable to the use of food to meet local need. supplements were recorded in the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [102186]
Diabetes: Leicester Anne Milton: The Government do not keep central records of illnesses attributed to the use of food Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health supplements. (1) how many people with diabetes in Leicester Primary Food supplements are regulated under food law, and Care Trust had kidney failure in (a) 2009-10 and (b) must be safe for .human consumption and meet specific 2006-07; [102705] compositional and labelling requirements under European (2) how many people with diabetes in Leicester Directive 2002/46/EC. Local Authority Trading Standards Primary Care Trust had a stroke in (a) 2009-10 and and Environmental Health Departments are responsible (b) 2006-07. [102706] for ensuring businesses comply with the law and that products posing a risk to public health are removed Paul Burstow: The information is not available in the from the market. format requested. Participation in the National Diabetes Audit (NDA), which audits diabetes registrations in Diets primary and secondary care, is not mandatory. NDA in 2009-10 comprised data from 1,929,985 persons with diabetes and 6,507 practices in England. Quality Outcomes Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Framework data are an aggregate return and do not Health what estimate he has made of the cost of poor contain the detail required to respond to this question. diets to the NHS. [102141] Growth in numbers of registrations in NDA needs to be assessed in the context of the growth in coverage for the Anne Milton: The latest estimate of the cost of poor audit. diet was made by Scarborough and colleagues (2011) in their paper, ‘The economic burden of ill health due to The prevalence rate (%) of strokes and renal failure diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol and obesity among diabetic patients registrations included in the in the UK: an update to 2006-07 NHS costs’. This NDA is given in the following table: analysis showed that poor diet related health cost the NHS £5.8 billion in 2006-07. Renal Registrations Stroke failure to the prevalence prevalence Disability Aids: Communication NDA (%) (%)
2009-10 Leicester City 19,094 0.82 0.51 Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State Primary Care for Health what recent assessment he has made of the Trust (PCV) commissioning arrangements for augmentative and Leicestershire 26,032 0.82 0.34 alternative communication aids. [102712] County and Rutland PCT Mr Simon Burns: No separate assessment has been England 1,929,985 0.69 0.38 made. Alternative and Augmentative Communication Aid 2006-07 Leicester City 12,105 0.36 0.27 Services are incorporated into definition five (Assessment PCT and Provision of Equipment for People with Complex Leicestershire 14,219 0.41 0.23 County and Physical Disabilities (all ages)) of the Specialised Services Rutland PCT National Definitions Set. England 1,221,814 0.44 0.29 The Health and Social Care Act enables the NHS Source: Commissioning Board (NHS CB) to take responsibility National Diabetes Audit and linked one year Hospital Episode Statistics for commissioning specialised services which are currently data commissioned at both a national and regional level and as informed by the Specialised Services National Definitions Set. Diabetes: Research No final decisions have yet been taken over which services will be directly commissioned by the NHS CB. Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Ministers expect to be able to confirm this later in the pursuant to his answer of 31 October 2011, Official year after consultation with the NHS CB. Report, column 451W, on diabetes: research, if he will place in the Library data on National Institute for Health Research spending on diabetes in 2010-11. Disciplinary Proceedings [102523] Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Paul Burstow: Expenditure by the National Institute how many of his Department’s officials have (a) been for Health Research in 2010-11 on diabetes research reprimanded and (b) had their contract of employment was £23.8 million. terminated in the last two years. [102387] 105W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 106W
Mr Simon Burns: 10 departmental officials were published a series of fact and summary sheets which reprimanded in 2010 and seven were reprimanded in supported the “Shape of the Medical Workforce: Informing 2011. No officials have had their contract of employment Medical Specialty Training Numbers” report that made terminated for the past two calendar years. recommendations on the number of training posts in We have defined ″reprimanded″ as being either a first each specialty available at: written warning or as the issuing of a formal improvement www.cfwi.org.uk/publications/medical-shape-2011 note. Working with health care employers and the CfWI, the JWG will develop planning guidance for 2013 and Diseases the document will be published in June 2013. This will include recommendations of steady state, increases or Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health decreases in the number of training posts by individual (1) how many (a) males and (b) females in each age specialty. group in (i) Essex, (ii) Southend West constituency and Drugs (iii) England and Wales had (A) cystic fibrosis, (B) muscular dystrophy, (C) severe asthma, (D) primary cilary dyskinesia and (E) other rare lung diseases in Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for each of the last five years for which information is Health what steps his Department is taking to support available; [102330] the pharmaceutical industry and its domestic supply (2) how many (a) males and (b) females in each (i) chain. [101987] age group and (ii) local authority area had (A) cystic fibrosis, (B) muscular dystrophy, (C) severe asthma, (D) Mr Simon Burns: “Strategy for UK Life Sciences” primary cilary dyskinesia and (E) another rare lung launched in December 2011, alongside the NHS chief disease in each of the last five years for which executive’s review “Innovation, health and wealth, accelerating adoption and diffusion in the NHS” sets information is available. [102332] out a range of measures which the Government will Paul Burstow: The information is not held in the undertake to strengthen the environment for life sciences format requested. The NHS Information Centre has including pharmaceutical companies, in the United provided data showing finished admission episodes with Kingdom. a primary diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy Drugs: Prices and asthma broken down by gender and age, 2006-07 to 2010-11. Following clinical coding advice, it is not possible Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to provide any data specifically for severe asthma, primary if he will take steps to ensure that agreements with cilary dyskinesia or another rare lung disease. A copy of pharmaceutical companies and prescribers provide the the information has been placed in the Library. same pricing policy for foundation trusts and those Doctors: Training prescribers in primary care; and if he will make a statement. [102060]
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Simon Burns: National arrangements are in place Health (1) what steps he is taking to increase the for setting the prices of medicines across the national number of doctors specialising in endocrinology; health service. In addition, pharmaceutical companies [102119] may offer discounts or other arrangements to the local (2) what steps he is taking to increase the number of NHS as long as these do not contravene any aspect of doctors specialising in geriatrics; [102120] the pharmaceutical price regulation scheme or any relevant (3) what steps he is taking to increase the number of legal provisions. Decisions on whether to participate in doctors specialising in neurology; [102121] such arrangements and the terms on which they are (4) what steps he is taking to increase the number of offered are matters for the relevant pharmaceutical companies and the local NHS. doctors specialising in radiology; [102122] (5) what steps he is taking to increase the number of Eating Disorders doctors specialising in cardiology; [102127] (6) what steps he is taking to increase the number of Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health doctors specialising in immunology. [102128] how many (a) children and (b) adults were admitted to hospital for a suspected eating disorder in (i) 2010, Anne Milton: The Postgraduate Medical Specialty (ii) 2011 and (iii) the latest period for which figures are Training Numbers Joint Working Group (JWG) which available in 2012. [101792] is part of the Medical Education England advisory structure, recommends and reviews the postgraduate Paul Burstow: The information requested is given in medical speciality training numbers. This is an annual the table. review of proposals from the service for specialty training Finished admission episodes1 with a primary diagnosis of eating posts in programmes that provide training to consultant disorders2 by age, from years 2009-10 to 2011-123—Activity in English level. national health service hospitals and English NHS commissioned The Centre for Workforce Intelligence (CfWI) is activity in the independent sector 18 years Unknown Total for commissioned to advise which specialties are at risk of 0-17 years and over age year over or undersupply and identify geographical imbalances in supply, making recommendations on the number of 2009-10 801 1,263 3 2,067 training posts in each specialty. During 2011, the CfWI 2010-11 798 1,165 0 1,963 107W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 108W
Finished admission episodes1 with a primary diagnosis of eating since it excludes the cost of other diseases and health disorders2 by age, from years 2009-10 to 2011-123—Activity in English problems such as osteoporosis and falls, which affect national health service hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector many older people. 18 years Unknown Total for Eyesight: Testing 0-17 years and over age year
3 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011-12 705 787 0 1,492 Health how many pensioners in Havering have received Notes: free eye tests in each year since the scheme’s inception. 1. A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are [102203] counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in may have more than one admission within the year. the format requested. Information is provided by primary 2. The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 20 (14 from 2002-03 to care trust (PCT) and by strategic health authority. 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the hospital Information on the number of national health service episode statistics dataset and provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. ICD10 code used is F50 = eating sight tests by patient eligibility is available at a local disorders. level only from 2007-08. 3. The data for 2011-12 are provisional, covers the period April 2011 The number of NHS sight tests for persons aged 60 to November 2011, and may contain errors for which no adjustments and over, in the Havering PCT area from 2007-08 to have yet been made. Counts produced from provisional data are likely to be lower than those generated for the same period in the final 2010-11 is shown in the following table. This information dataset. This shortfall will be most pronounced in the final month of is taken from Table C1 of Annex C of the “General the latest period, i.e. November from the April to November extract. Ophthalmic Services: Activity Statistics for England, It is also probable that clinical data are not complete, which may in Year ending 31 March 2011” report and is also available particular affect the last two months of any given period. There may on the NHS Information Centre website at: also be errors due to coding inconsistencies that have not yet been investigated and corrected. www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/gosactivity1011 Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for Number health and social care. 2007-08 13,508 Epilepsy 2008-09 13,883 2009-10 25,379 Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 25,421 Health with reference to the letter from the Minister of State for Care Services to the Co-Chair of Epilepsy Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Advocacy Europe of 8 February 2012, who is undertaking Health how many pensioners have received free eye the scoping study commissioned by his Department to tests in each year since the scheme’s inception. [102204] examine issues regarding late diagnosis; when he expects the study to be available; whether it will be published; Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in whether issues regarding misdiagnosis will form part of the format requested. the study; whether late diagnosis of epilepsy and non- From 1 April 1999, eligibility for a free national epileptic seizure disorders will form part of the study; health service sight test was extended to everyone aged and whether the study will include consultation with 60 or over. patients and patient groups. [102550] The following tables show the number of NHS sight tests for persons aged 60 and over, in England from Paul Burstow: Departmental officials have no knowledge 1999-2000 to 2010-11. This information has been extracted of this letter. from the report, “General Ophthalmic Services: Activity Statistics for England, Year ending 31 March 2011”. Exercise This report is also available on the NHS Information Centre website at: Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/gosactivity1011 Health what estimate he has made of the cost of lack Patients may qualify for an NHS sight test on more of physical exercise to the NHS. [102140] than one criterion. However, they would only be recorded against one criterion on the form. Patients are more Anne Milton: The estimated direct cost of physical likely to be recorded according to their clinical need inactivity to the national health service across the United rather than their age. For example, a patient aged over Kingdom is £1.06 billion. This is based upon five conditions 60, with glaucoma is likely to be recorded in the glaucoma specifically linked to inactivity, namely coronary heart category only. The count by eligibility is therefore disease, stroke, diabetes, colorectal cancer and breast approximate. Patients may also have had more than one cancer. This figure represents a conservative estimate, sight test in the specified time period.
Annex C, Table A1: NHS sight tests, by patient eligibility, in England, as at the specified financial years 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04
Aged 50 and over 0 0 0 3,301,412 3,753,315 4,012,946 4,135,615 4,308,889 Children 0-15 2,353,696 2,385,520 2,458,944 2,425,666 2,404,037 2,374,943 2,284,368 2,236,329 Students 16-18 515,321 507,983 477,013 468,221 454,319 487,882 468,735 456,614 109W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 110W
Annex C, Table A1: NHS sight tests, by patient eligibility, in England, as at the specified financial years 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04
Adults receiving 1,905,505 1,975,057 1,781,740 1,359,767 1,158,854 1,082,048 963,281 953,325 income support1 Adults receiving tax 358,073 335,711 341,887 328,471 360,033 450,475 412,478 474,541 credits Adults receiving 28,983 66,068 176,562 219,654 211,827 230,050 207,703 201,487 JSA2 Low income 331,134 316,700 301,784 226,694 189,899 164,262 166,784 149,033 certificate holders (HC2) Registered blind/ 36,380 40,810 40,914 21,783 19,604 18,948 17,850 19,834 partially sighted Diabetics/Glaucoma 604,841 644,345 685,107 469,375 451,601 432,819 448,147 474,385 sufferers Need complex lenses 84,409 86,276 80,498 66,029 67,462 61,129 66,268 71,418 Close relatives 40 589,347 632,740 647,857 512,341 496,182 491,898 490,820 499,404 and over of Glaucoma sufferers Prisoner on Leave n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Unallocated 22 45 28 0 0 0 0 0 Total 6,807,711 6,991,255 6,992,334 9,399,416 9,567,135 9,807,403 9,662,052 9,845,259
2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
Aged 50 and over 4,303,128 4,450,007 4,518,672 4,860,912 5,015,536 5,191,773 5,305,177 Children 0-15 2,206,853 2,168,542 2,113,479 2,299,159 2,313,500 2,460,089 2,449,831 Students 16-18 463,568 467,487 490,762 507,918 516,837 528,512 543,199 Adults receiving income 1,091,019 1,085,424 1,170,055 1,119,650 1,107,692 1,085,346 1,085,496 support1 Adults receiving tax credits 528,409 538,779 569,833 660,736 675,514 689,091 696,757 Adults receiving JSA2 195,783 218,689 236,126 225,782 239,556 313,205 309,283 Low income certificate 152,534 142,796 133, S80 127,542 119,667 104,549 91,599 holders (HC2) Registered blind/partially 22,227 22,304 28,431 18,764 21,275 21,929 14,385 sighted Diabetics/Glaucoma 589,465 646,628 597,773 591,954 605,302 708,631 723,921 sufferers Need complex lenses 72,312 70,295 86,816 82,476 75,122 62,732 73,297 Close relatives 40 and over 523,680 543,605 539,345 552,997 588,114 644,244 644,450 of Glaucoma sufferers Prisoner on Leave n/a n/a n/a n/a 360 1,550 1,134 Unallocated 0 122 50 0 0 0 0 Total 10,148,978 10,354,682 10,484,922 11,047,890 11,278,474 11,811,651 11,938,529 n/a = Not applicable. Prisoner on Leave was introduced in October 2008. 1 Income support includes patients receiving pension credit guarantee credit as well as income-related employment and support allowance, which was Introduced in October 2008. 2 Job seekers allowance. Notes: 1. From 1 April 1999, eligibility for an NHS sight test was extended to everyone aged 60 or over. 2. Patients may qualify for an NHS sight test on more than one criterion. However, they would only be recorded against one criterion on the form. Patients are more likely to be recorded according to their clinical need rattier than their age. For example, a patient aged over 60, with glaucoma is likely to be recorded in the glaucoma category only. The count by eligibility is therefore approximate. Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care.
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome criteria for all the categories currently described. However, general practitioners are expected by the General Medical Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Council to participate in continuing professional Health (1) what steps the Government are taking to development activities to ensure they remain up-to-date ensure that doctors are trained to diagnose and treat in their practice. foetal alcohol spectrum disorder; [102700] In 2006, the Department announced funding to develop (2) if he will take steps to encourage all medical the curriculum for all new United Kingdom doctors in colleges to include foetal alcohol spectrum disorder relation to substance misuse. Further funding support education in their curriculum. [102703] was provided in 2008 to assist in implementation of this agreed curriculum in English medical schools. This will Anne Milton: Although there is a broad consensus on help ensure that by 2018, around 600,000 doctors will the problems of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, there have been trained to be able to recognise, assess and is not yet full international agreement on exact diagnostic understand the management of alcohol use and its 111W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 112W associated health and social problems, and so that in the Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for future doctors can better advise women on the effects of Health what steps his Department has taken to inform substance use including alcohol, and the impact on the public about drinking in pregnancy and Foetal foetal and maternal health. Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the last year; and what plans he has for such a campaign in the next 12 Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for months. [103008] Health what education programmes for teenagers the Government have put in place on (a) avoiding alcohol Anne Milton: The Change4life campaign, launched in pregnancy and (b) children with alcohol-related in February, focuses on the health harms from drinking brain damage to prevent foetal alcohol spectrum above the lower-risk guidelines. disorder. [102701] The Department’s Start4Life campaign is being broadened to incorporate maternal health and will include Anne Milton: All schools must have a sex and relationship specific messaging on reducing alcohol consumption. education policy.Topics that are covered in the programme, The Department is also working to make digital such as avoiding alcohol in pregnancy, are based on advice and information for parents starting from early helping young people make sensible and informed decisions. in pregnancy more accessible and relevant to the stage The Government continue to support high quality of pregnancy and age and development of their child. personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education Folic Acid as a means of ensuring that all children and young people learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Department for Education (DfE) is currently considering Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State responses to its review of PSHE education and will for Health what his policy is on the fortification of consult on its proposals later this year. foodstuffs with folic acid; and if he will make a statement. [102763] Advice on drinking in pregnancy and possible harmful foetal effects is currently incorporated in departmental Anne Milton: The Department of Health currently public health materials. advises all women who are planning a pregnancy to take a daily supplement containing 400 micrograms Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for of folic acid before conception and until the 12th week Health what steps he is taking to ensure that GPs make of pregnancy, as well as to increase their consumption referrals for foetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnosis. of folate rich foods, to reduce the risk of a neural tube [102702] defect (NTD)-affected pregnancy. The Department promotes the importance of taking Anne Milton: The Department has provided funding folic acid supplements for women of childbearing age to develop the curriculum for all new United Kingdom and folate-rich foods in all relevant mainstream doctors in relation to substance misuse. This will help communications, such as the Pregnancy Book and the ensure newly qualified general practitioners are trained NHS Choices website, as well as a specific leaflet entitled to be able to recognise, assess and understand the “Folic acid: An essential ingredient for making healthy management of alcohol use and its associated health babies”. and social problems. Fortification of foodstuffs with folic acid is a complicated Although there is a broad consensus on the problems issue, with a balance of benefits as well as potential of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, there is not yet full risks. The Department was advised by the Scientific international agreement on exact diagnostic criteria for Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and the all the categories currently described. However, general Food Standards Agency Board in 2007 on fortification practitioners are expected by the General Medical Council options as a measure to reduce the risk of pregnancies to participate in continuing professional development being affected by NTDs. Additional advice on folic acid activities to ensure they remain up-to-date in their and cancer risk was requested by the then chief medical practice. officer and provided by SACN in 2009. The papers underpinning the advice from SACN Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for have not yet all been peer reviewed and published in a Health what programmes he has in place to prevent scientific journal. Ministers would like to see all information women giving birth to children with alcohol-related in the public domain before making any decision and will then make a decision. brain damage. [102704] Food: Safety Anne Milton: Advice on drinking in pregnancy and possible harmful foetal effects is currently incorporated Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in the Department’s public health materials. The National (1) if he will take steps to ensure that food ingredients Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s (NICE) accepted as safe for use in the UK are not prohibited 2007 guideline also includes recommendations for doctors under the provisions of the Addition of Nutrients to and midwives on the advice they should give to pregnant Food Regulation unless a prima facie case has been women about drinking alcohol. made that the ingredient is unsafe and demonstrably There are programmes in place for supporting used in food within the EU; [102772] appropriate training and continuing professional (2) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of development of health care staff, including for medical procedures adopted by the EU under the provisions of undergraduate training. the Addition of Nutrients to Food Regulation for the 113W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 114W addition of substances to lists of (a) banned substances General Practitioners: Working Hours and (b) under scrutiny substances in preventing member states from securing the prohibition of the use of food David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for ingredients that are accepted as safe for use in the UK; Health if he will take steps to ensure all patients who and if he will make a statement. [102773] need it have access to an out of hours GP service; and if he will make a statement. [103123] Anne Milton: Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 provides for a procedure to prohibit, restrict or place Mr Simon Burns: Primary care trusts have a legal under Community scrutiny, a substance other than responsibility to ensure they provide, or secure provision vitamins or minerals, added to foods for a nutritional or of a high quality, sustainable out of hours service for physiological effect, if a potential risk has been identified. their local population. A European Commission regulation establishing implementing rules for the application of the article 8 Genito-urinary Medicine procedure, was agreed at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health meeting on 5 December Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2011 by a qualified majority of member states. The what progress his Department has made on developing regulation is currently under scrutiny by the European its sexual health policy document; and when he expects Parliament, and is expected to be published later this it to be published. [102986] year. The European Commission may only restrict or prohibit Anne Milton: The Department is preparing a sexual the use of a substance following a risk assessment by health policy document and plans to publish the document the European Food Safety Authority and agreement by later this year. member states. United Kingdom officials will be involved in the decision-making process and, if substances are Health Services: Staffordshire placed under scrutiny, there are several consultation steps which will provide member states and any interested Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health party to submit evidence on the safety of the substance. what personal medical service allocation was provided The procedure is as yet untested, but it will be monitored to North Staffordshire in the last five years; what his once it is adopted and implemented into European law. policy is on allocation of resources to areas of high health inequalities; and if he will make a statement. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health [102592] if he will publish a list of the foods that contain high levels of naturally occurring anti-angiogenic chemicals. Mr Simon Burns: Funding for personal medical services [102916] is currently included within the revenue allocations made to primary care trusts (PCTs). These allocations are not broken down by service or policy area. PCTs Anne Milton: The Department does not hold data on commission the services they need locally to meet the foods that are considered to be high in anti-angiogenic specific health care needs of their local populations. chemicals, therefore currently we are unable to publish this information. This information is not captured by Tackling health inequalities is a Government priority our work on nutrient composition of foods because and we are committed to tackling the differences in anti-angiogenic chemicals are not classed as nutrients. access to, and outcomes of, national health service treatment; addressing the wider, social causes of ill health and early death; and improving individual healthy Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health lifestyles. what assessment he has made of the use of foods that contain high levels of naturally occurring anti- From 2013-14, the NHS Commissioning Board will angiogenic chemicals in prevention of (a) cancer and be responsible for commissioning family health services (b) obesity. [102917] including all primary medical services. The board will have a duty to have regard to reducing inequalities in access to, and the outcomes from health care. Anne Milton: The Department is aware that it has Also, from 2013-14, the Department will allocate a been suggested that certain components in food, such ring-fenced public health grant to local authorities, as anti-angiogenic chemicals, may prevent cancer and based on relative population health. We are developing the accumulation of fat cells. Research in this area has a new Health Premium incentive that will reward been conducted in laboratory experiments in test tubes communities for the improvements in health outcomes rather than in people, so we cannot be certain whether they achieve and incentivise action to reduce health the same effects would be replicated in the body. The inequalities. Disadvantaged areas will see a greater incentive causes of cancer are multifactorial and no single food if they make progress, recognising that they face the can prevent the condition from occurring. To reduce the greatest challenges. risk of developing cancer the best advice, continues to be not to smoke or drink too much alcohol, to keep to a healthy weight and eat a healthy balanced diet. Weight Health Visitors gain occurs when more calories are consumed than the body needs, it is unlikely that consumption of foods Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for high in anti-angiochemicals alone would prevent weight Health how many health visitors there were in (a) St gain without reducing energy intake and increasing Helens South and Whiston constituency, (b) Merseyside physical activity. and (c) England in each of the last five years. [103092] 115W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 116W
Anne Milton: Information relating to the number of Hospitals: Admissions health visitors in St Helens South and Whiston constituency and Merseyside is not collected by the Department. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The following table shows the number of full-time how many patients spent a night in hospital but not in equivalent health visitors in England over the last five a (a) hospital bed and (b) ward in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 years. and (iii) the latest period for which figures are available Full-time equivalent health visitors in England as at 30 September in 2012. [101793] each year Number Mr Simon Burns: The information requested is not 2007 8,959 held centrally. The hon. Member may wish to approach 2008 8,644 individual national health service bodies to confirm 2009 8,307 whether this information is collected locally. 2010 8,017 2011 7,941 Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Source: NHS Information Centre for health and social care. what the five most common causes of admission to hospital were for (a) children and (b) adults in (i) This decrease is in line with expectations and a gradual 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) the latest period for which decline in numbers is expected until autumn 2012. From figures are available in 2012. [101794] this date, the results of the recruitment drive will start to be seen as the 2011-12 cohort of health visiting trainees, which is three times larger than the 2010-11 Mr Simon Burns: The information available is shown cohort, begins to enter the work force. in the following table:
Top five1 most frequently recorded diagnosis codes2 as recorded in the primary diagnosis field3 of finished admission episodes (FAEs)4 by age group of patient in years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 to date5 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Rank 0-17 18+ 0-17 18+ 0-17 18+
1 Liveborn infants Pain in throat and Liveborn infants Pain in throat and Liveborn infants Pain in throat and according to place chest according to place chest according to place chest of birth of birth of birth 2 Viral infection of Abdominal and Viral infection of Abdominal and Viral infection of Abdominal and unspecified site pelvic pain unspecified site pelvic pain unspecified site pelvic pain 3 Disorders related Other cataract Acute upper Other cataract Disorders related Other cataract to short gestation respiratory to short gestation and low birth infections of and low birth weight, not multiple and weight, not elsewhere unspecified sites elsewhere classified classified 4 Acute upper Malignant Disorders related Malignant Dental caries Malignant respiratory neoplasm of to short gestation neoplasm of neoplasm of infections of breast and low birth breast breast multiple and weight, not unspecified sites elsewhere classified 5 Dental caries Other disorders of Dental caries Other disorders of Acute tonsillitis Perineal laceration the urinary system the urinary system during delivery 1 The top five is based on a count of the primary diagnosis code and not the number of patients. If the same patient has been admitted on several occasions for an ongoing condition then the appropriate diagnosis code will have multiple counts for that patient. 2 The International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems v.10 as published by the World Health Organisation. ICD-10 codes are available at three-character level, providing major groupings of related conditions, and at four-character level, providing more detail about the specific case in question. Three-character codes have been used in this analysis. 3 The primary diagnosis provides the main reason why the patient was admitted to hospital. 4 A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. 5 Data for 2011-12 are based on months April to November 2011 and are currently provisional and subject to change. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and social care
Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health of Health paper, ‘Emergency readmission rates: further how many people in each age category were readmitted analysis’, in October 2008 and a copy has already been to hospital within three days of being discharged in (a) placed in the Library. 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) the latest period for which figures are available in 2012. [101826] Hospitals: Food Mr Simon Burns: The information requested would require a special analysis of the available data in the Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Hospital Episodes Statistics dataset and could not be what steps his Department has taken to assess patient prepared at proportionate cost. Some limited information satisfaction with hospital meals in the latest period for for years up to 2006-07 was published in a Department which figures are available. [102435] 117W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 118W
Mr Simon Burns: Patient experience must be a key England 2012-13”(published 24 November 2011) reinforces arbiter of all national health service services. The Operating our approach, and sets new objectives to drive further Framework for the NHS in England makes it clear that improvements in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus NHS organisations must ensure there are systems in aureus (MRSA) bloodstream and Clostridium difficile place to capture the views and experience of patients. (C. difficile) infections. This can include acting on complaints, patient comments The objectives seek to achieve a further 29% reduction and local or national surveys. in MRSA bloodstream infections and a further 18% in National patient surveys, co-ordinated by the Care C. difficile infections by April 2013, compared to the Quality Commission, collect feedback on the experiences October 2010 to September 2011 baseline period. Those of people using a range of health services supplied by organisations with the highest rates of these infections the NHS including hospital food. The most recently will be required to make the largest reductions in 2012-13 published adult in-patient survey (published April 2011) with the aim to raise standards across the national asked patients how they would rate the hospital food. health service for all patients in England. Survey results showed that 57% rated the food as being Mandatory surveillance was extended in January 2011 ‘very good’ or ‘good’, an improvement on the previous to Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) year’s figures of 55%. bloodstream infections and in June 2011 to E. coli Since 2000, the quality of hospital food provision has bloodstream infections. also been measured via Patient Environment Action Team Inspections programme. This is being replaced Intensive Care: Greater London from April 2013 by a programme of patient-led hospital inspections that will also include similar assessments. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The importance of good quality food for patients is how many intensive care beds are available at each recognised both in terms of improving their health and London acute hospital; and what recent estimate he in relation to their overall experience of services. has made of their rate of occupancy. [102235]
Hospitals: Infectious Diseases Mr Simon Burns: The assessment of critical care capacity is a matter for the local national health service. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for The most recent data on critical care bed capacity were Health what recent steps he has taken to combat published by the Department on 23 March 2012. The superbug infections in hospitals. [102139] data for London are shown in the following table and can also be accessed at: Mr Simon Burns: The Government have set a zero www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/ tolerance approach to all avoidable health care associated Performancedataandstatistics/ infections. “The Operating Framework for the NHS in EmergencyActivityandCriticalCareCapacity/index.htm
Provider level data Open at last Thursday on Occupied at last Thursday on Percentage of open beds occupied reporting period reporting period No. of No. of No. of neonatal No. of neonatal Neonatal No. of adult No. of critical adult No. of critical Adult critical nonmedical critical paediatric care critical paediatric care critical Paediatric care critical care intensive cots (or care intensive cots (or care intensive cots (or care Code Name beds care beds beds) beds care beds beds) beds care beds beds) transfers
England 3,744 405 1,301 3,198 336 946 85.4 83.0 72.7 72
RF4 Barking, 40 0 11 34 0 8 85.0 0.0 72.7 0 Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust RVL Barnet and 22 0 4 20 0 1 90.9 0.0 25.0 0 Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust RNJ Barts and 72 2 39 70 2 32 97.2 100.0 82.1 0 The London NHS Trust RQM Chelsea and 10 0 38 10 0 36 100.0 0.0 94.7 0 Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 119W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 120W
Provider level data Open at last Thursday on Occupied at last Thursday on Percentage of open beds occupied reporting period reporting period No. of No. of No. of neonatal No. of neonatal Neonatal No. of adult No. of critical adult No. of critical Adult critical nonmedical critical paediatric care critical paediatric care critical Paediatric care critical care intensive cots (or care intensive cots (or care intensive cots (or care Code Name beds care beds beds) beds care beds beds) beds care beds beds) transfers
RJ6 Croydon 12 0 4 12 0 2 100.0 0.0 50.0 0 Health Services NHS Trust RC3 Ealing 9 0 0 8 0 0 88.9 0.0 0.0 0 Hospital NHS Trust RVR Epsom and 18 0 4 16 0 4 88.9 0.0 100.0 0 St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust RP4 Great 0 35 0 0 32 0 0.0 91.4 0.0 0 Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust RJ1 Guy’s and 78 18 16 73 15 15 93.6 83.3 93.8 0 St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust RQX Homerton 6 0 10 6 0 10 100.0 0.0 100.0 0 University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust RYJ Imperial 68 8 27 66 6 20 97.1 75.0 74.1 0 College Healthcare NHS Trust RJZ King’s 68 12 27 63 12 27 92.6 100.0 100.0 0 College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust RAX Kingston 11 1 6 11 0 4 100.0 0.0 66.7 1 Hospital NHS Trust RJ2 Lewisham 19 0 6 19 0 6 100.0 0.0 100.0 2 Healthcare NHS Trust RNH Newham 7 0 2 5 0 2 71.4 0.0 100.0 6 University Hospital NHS Trust RAP North 11 0 3 7 0 0 63.6 0.0 0.0 0 Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust RV8 North West 34 0 5 33 0 3 97.1 0.0 60.0 0 London Hospitals NHS Trust RT3 Royal 83 16 0 58 16 0 69.9 100.0 0.0 0 Brompton And Harefield NHS Foundation Trust 121W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 122W
Provider level data Open at last Thursday on Occupied at last Thursday on Percentage of open beds occupied reporting period reporting period No. of No. of No. of neonatal No. of neonatal Neonatal No. of adult No. of critical adult No. of critical Adult critical nonmedical critical paediatric care critical paediatric care critical Paediatric care critical care intensive cots (or care intensive cots (or care intensive cots (or care Code Name beds care beds beds) beds care beds beds) beds care beds beds) transfers
RAL Royal Free 84 0 2 40 0 0 47.6 0.0 0.0 0 Hampstead NHS Trust RAN Royal 12 0 0 10 0 0 83.3 0.0 0.0 0 National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust RYQ South 33 0 2 32 0 0 97.0 0.0 0.0 0 London Healthcare NHS Trust NT3 Spire 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 Healthcare RJ7 St George’s 46 8 39 44 6 30 95.7 75.0 76.9 0 Healthcare NHS Trust RAS The 9 0 8 9 0 4 100.0 0.0 50.0 0 Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust RKE The 15 0 23 12 0 18 80.0 0.0 78.3 0 Whittington Hospital NHS Trust RRV University 67 0 32 58 0 29 86.6 0.0 90.6 0 College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust RFW West 12 0 4 9 0 2 75.0 0.0 50.0 0 Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust RGC Whipps 9 0 4 9 0 1 100.0 0.0 25.0 0 Cross University Hospital NHS Trust
Internet April 2010 to March 2011 14,655,544 visits Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 49,630,241 page views what the cost of maintaining his Department’s website April 2011 to March 2012 was in each of the last two years. [102440] 14,736,705 visits 46,380,100 page views Mr Simon Burns: The cost of maintaining the Department’s website for the last two years was: 2010-11: £730,662.26 (excluding VAT) Leukodystrophies 2011-12: £928,125.16 (excluding VAT). Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make it his policy to make a test for how many (a) page hits and (b) visitors his Department’s leukodystrophies a part of standard perinatal procedure; website received in the last two years. [102498] and if he will make a statement; [102968] (2) what steps he is taking to promote the early Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s website received: diagnosis of Adrenoleukodystrophy. [102969] 123W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 124W
Mr Simon Burns: The UK National Screening be given by either a general practitioners or a hospital Committee (UK NSC) advises Ministers and the national specialist. No assessment has been made of the cost- health service in all four countries about all aspects of effectiveness of either approach. screening. The UK NSC has not considered either Medicine: Education antenatal or newborn screening for leukodystrophies because of the lack of peer reviewed evidence relating to the test and treatment. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for The UK NSC regularly reviews policy on screening Health what discussions he has had with interested for different conditions in the light of new research organisations on the effect of the provisions of the evidence becoming available. Where stakeholder Higher Education Regulations (Basic Amount) organisations or individuals feel that there is enough (England) 2010 and the Higher Education Regulations evidence published in peer reviewed journals to consider (Higher Amount) (England) 2010 on the arrangements screening for a condition they can submit a policy for tuition fee funding and the NHS Bursary scheme proposal to the UK NSC. for medical degrees from academic year 2013-14; and if he will make a statement. [101809] Early diagnosis is important for any rare genetic condition including Adrenoleukodystrophy. NHS genetics Anne Milton: As part of the discussion on the interim services are among the best in the world and the solution for the funding of students beginning a medical Government continue to support the development and course in 2012-13, the Secretary of State for Health, my adoption of genomic technology in health care. In right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire January 2012, the Human Genomics Strategy Group (Mr Lansley), and the Minister for Universities and published their report ‘Building on our inheritance: Science, my right hon. Friend the Member for Havant Genomic technology in healthcare’. The report (Mr Willetts), asked their departmental officials to take recommended a plan of action to ensure that the United forward joint work to agree the funding arrangements Kingdom maintains its lead in this area. Government for 2013-14. This work is continuing and we plan to be have welcomed this report and the Department of Health at a stage where we can discuss proposals with stakeholder is working with its partners to develop a shared strategic organisations shortly and in advance of an announcement. framework to implement its recommendations. Mental Health Services Manpower Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the cost saving to the how many officials of his Department are in its Exchequer resulting from the Improving Access to redeployment pool. [102188] Psychological Therapies programme; [102769] (2) how many (a) patients were treated and (b) Mr Simon Burns: There are a total of 37 departmental therapists were trained under the Improving Access to officials in the redeployment pool, as at 27 March 2012. Psychological Therapies programme in each quarter of As the Department is going through a period of change the last four years. [102770] and restructuring, it is expected that this number will rise. However, we are not able to accurately predict Paul Burstow: The impact assessment on the Improving future numbers of staff who will be in the redeployment Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme pool, as this is affected by external factors such as staff that was carried out in February 2011 estimated that securing new roles as part of the Department’s restructuring over the four-year period of the spending review from which is currently under way or by transferring to a new April 2011 to March 2015 the IAPT programme will body. create net savings to the national health service of £272 McKinsey and Company million and a total saving of £302 million to the public purse. This figure does not include the cost and benefits of the development of IAPT services for children and Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for young people, people with long-term physical health Health what outstanding contracts his Department has conditions, people with medically unexplained symptoms with McKinsey and Company. [102603] and people with serious mental illness which have yet to be quantified. Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s central procurement system (for core Department of Health and Connecting The following table gives the number of people who for Health) shows no record of open contracts with have entered treatment since the IAPT programme started McKinsey and Company on 26 March 2012. in October 2008. The figures for Quarter 4 2011-12 will be published on the NHS Information Centre website in Medical Treatments: Cortisone June 2012. People entering treatment Gordon Birtwistle: To ask the Secretary of State for Number Health if he will assess the value for money of (a) hospitals and (b) GPs giving cortisone injections. 2008-09 [102317] Q3 17,401 Q4 26,391 Mr Simon Burns: Cortisone injections are used in the treatment of acute hypersensitivity reactions, rheumatic 2009-10 diseases, and soft tissue inflammations. Depending on Q1 23,074 the indication it may be appropriate for the injections to 125W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 126W
People entering treatment provided. This gives the number of patients waiting Number over 18 months at each provider. However, it is not possible to provide reliable data about the longest waiting Q2 21,991 times as data quality issues can lead to unreliable estimates. Q3 61,703 Q4 75,179 These data only give information on consultant-led outpatient activity, and do not include activity carried out by other members of a multi-disciplinary team. The 2010-11 footnotes should be referred to when interpreting these Q1 83,946 tables. Q2 89,775 Q3 92,682 Mental Illness: Prisoners Q4 116,735
2011-12 Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of prisoners Q1 120,844 diagnosed with serious mental illnesses in (a) 2010, Q2 126,949 (b) 2011 and (c) the latest period for which figures are Q3 129,287 available in 2012; and if he will make a statement. The numbers of therapists that have successfully [101789] completed training in the first three academic years of the programme are as follows: 871 in 2008-09, 1,530 in Paul Burstow: The Department does not routinely 2009-10, and 822 in 2010-11; a total of 3,223. In the collect information about the numbers of prisoners current academic year an additional 496 trainees have with serious mental illness. started IAPT training courses (January 2012) and more The 1997 Office for National Statistics survey of the will be starting later in the academic year. psychiatric morbidity of offenders showed that 90% of offenders had a psychiatric problem and that 7% of Mental Health Services: Sexual Offences male sentenced offenders, 10% of males on remand and 14% of female offenders had functional psychosis. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health As part of its work to develop liaison and diversion how many sexual assaults took place in NHS mental services, the Department is considering how best to health facilities in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) the latest establish a new baseline of psychiatric morbidity in period for which figures are available in 2012. [101796] prisoners and the wider offender group and expects to commission a research study later this year. Paul Burstow: The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) receives reports of sexual incidents from mental health hospitals. They received 893 reports in 2010 and Midwives 994 in 2011, which is also the latest available figure. This information is used to inform the need for staff training Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in sexual safety on mental health wards. The NPSA what information he holds on the number of registered does not investigate or validate these reports; this is the midwives who were not practising in (a) 2010, (b) responsibility of the hospital which should investigate 2011 and (c) the latest period for which figures are them and call in the police if it appears that a sexual available in 2012; and if he will make a statement. assault has taken place. [101786] Mental Health Services: Waiting Lists Anne Milton: The Higher Education Statistics Agency is the official agency for the collection, analysis and Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health dissemination of quantitative information about higher what estimate he has made of the (a) average and (b) education. longest waiting times for outpatient psychiatric care in each NHS trust in the latest period for which figures The following table shows the percentage of midwifery graduates who have not started work as midwives in the are available. [102684] national health service within six months of graduation Paul Burstow: This exact information requested is in each year. These are the latest figures available. not held centrally. Percentage not Percentage working as However, the Health and Social Care Information working as midwives midwives Centre is able to provide the mean and median length of time waited (in days) for first outpatient psychiatric care 2008-09 20.4 79.6 attendances in 2010-11 for each provider trust. The 2009-10 18.3 81.7 mean is the average length of wait and the median Notes: 1. Numbers are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of five, so represents the middle value if all the values were placed components may not sum to totals. in ascending order. Neither of these calculations take 2. Percentages are based on unrounded figures and are given to one account of waits recorded as zero. This information has decimal place. Subject information is shown as full person equivalents been placed in the Library. (FPEs) in the table. FPEs are derived by splitting student instances between the different subjects that make up their course aim. The overall breakdown of time waited for first outpatient Source: psychiatric care attendances in 2010-11 for each provider Higher Education Statistics Agency, Destinations of Leavers from trust, by standard time waited groupings, has also been Higher Education Survey. 127W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 128W
Multiple Sclerosis The Department will also be consulting on regulations concerning local authority health scrutiny functions Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health including the matters on which relevant NHS bodies what recent assessment he has made of the quality of and relevant health service providers, must consult local NHS data on prevalence of and mortality from authority scrutiny functions. It is intended that relevant multiple sclerosis. [102447] NHS bodies would include foundation trusts.
Paul Burstow: We have made no recent assessment of NHS: Innovation the prevalence, and mortality from, multiple sclerosis. Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health (1) what assessment he has made of the potential what his policy is on the recording of multiple sclerosis benefits for medical technologies experiencing difficulties on death certificates. [102448] in gaining access to the NHS market of the Specialised Commissioning Innovation Fund in the 2012-13 financial Paul Burstow: Doctors are required under the Births year; [102365] and Deaths Registration Act 1953 to complete the (2) what types of innovation will be covered by the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD) “to the Specialised Commissioning Innovation Fund. [102366] best of their knowledge and belief”. Internationally accepted guidance from the World Health Organisation Mr Simon Burns: ‘Innovation Health and Wealth: requires only those conditions that contributed directly accelerating adoption and diffusion in the NHS’ was to the death to be recorded on the death certificate, and published on 5 December 2011, which recommended whether a condition contributed is a matter for their establishing a Specialised Services Commissioning clinical judgement. Innovation Fund. Books of MCCDs have short notes at the front on how to complete the MCCD and when to refer deaths Development of the scope of the Specialised Services to the coroner. Additional guidance for doctors has Commissioning Innovation Fund is under way. This been produced and it is available to download from the work will develop appropriate criteria for what will be General Register Office website at: covered, which we expect will include all specialised services innovations including medical technologies, www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/medcert/index.asp diagnostics, devices, medicines and service design. Neurology: East Midlands The detailed operating arrangements will be tested later this year, ahead of the Specialised Services Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Commissioning Innovation Fund being fully operational Health what assessment he has made of the progress by from 1 April 2013. NHS East Midlands Specialised Commissioning Group in developing neuromuscular services in the east NHS: Procurement midlands. [102390] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Simon Burns: The provision of neuromuscular Health if he will make it his policy to create a public services is a matter for the local national health service. register of contracts to provide services to the NHS The East Midlands Specialised Commissioning Group that are not subject to commercial confidentiality; and has created a neuromuscular network that includes if he will make a statement. [103045] clinicians, patients, patient groups and commissioners, with the aim of improving services for patients in the Mr Simon Burns: Government contracts worth more region. than £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder. Contracts NHS Foundation Trusts Finder also holds live opportunities with central Government. Departments including their agencies, non- Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health departmental public bodies, national health service bodies when he intends to bring forward regulations under and local authorities, prime contractors to Government section 56 of the National Health Service Act 2006 Departments as well as the wider public sector. relating to consultation by NHS foundation trusts Contracts Finder can be accessed at: seeking to merge. [102938] www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Act NHS: Redundancy 2012 removes section 56(7) of the National Health Service Act 2006 which required the Secretary of State Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for for Health to bring forward regulations relating to Health how many former NHS trusts or parts of trusts consultation by NHS foundation trusts seeking to merge. which have been transferred to new social enterprise The new Act amends section 242 of the NHS Act companies have made their former NHS staff redundant; 2006 to place a duty of public involvement on foundation and how many redundancies have been made for the trusts in relation to matters such as planning of service latest year for which records are available. [102524] provision, proposals for changes in the way services are provided, and decisions affecting the operation of services. Paul Burstow: The Right to Request scheme to establish Foundation trust mergers would be caught by the social, enterprises only applied to staff working for public involvement duties set out in section 242 of the primary care trusts, not national health service trusts. 2006 Act as amended by the new Act. This duty of No staff would have transferred from NHS trusts under public involvement includes foundation trust mergers. this scheme. 129W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 130W
Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health how many employees of (a) primary care trusts (1) what assessment he has made of the potential and (b) strategic health authorities who have accepted impact on health and safety for nursing staff of the redundancy or job termination arrangements have proposed increase to the normal pension age to 68 been (i) reappointed to work elsewhere in the NHS and years for nursing staff; [103174] (ii) employed to work for national agencies which (2) what assessment he has made of the potential provide services to the NHS or his Department. impact on patient care of the proposed increase to the [102525] normal pension age to 68 years for nursing staff; [103175] Mr Simon Burns: Information on the number of (3) what assessment he has made of the potential national health service employees who have received a impact on future recruitment and retention in the redundancy payment or an exit package who have then nursing profession as a result of the proposed increase gone on to work in another NHS role or national to the normal pension age to 68 years for nursing staff. agency that provide services to the NHS or the Department is not collected centrally. [103176] Mr Simon Burns: The decision to link state pension NHS: Training age and normal pension made for public service pension scheme members, was made by the Government in Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for response to the Independent Public Service Pensions Health what estimate his Department has made of the Commission led by Lord Hutton of Furness. cost of the NHS bursary scheme in each of the A tripartite review, included in the proposed final financial years from 2012-13 to 2015-16; and if he will Agreement on reforms to the NHS Pensions Scheme for make a statement. [102444] England and Wales, has been agreed between the Department, NHS employers and the NHS trade unions Anne Milton: The budget for national health service to address the impact of working longer in the national student support funds both NHS bursaries and a health service. This is in particular reference to the staff contribution to student loans. In 2012-13 an estimated working in frontline and physically demanding roles. A £486 million of this budget will be spent on NHS review group is in the process of being established and bursaries and allowances. This is based on an analysis the terms of reference have been agreed. of the 2011-12 outturn and expected student numbers The objectives of the group include determining the in 2012-13. The level of funding for student loans has impact on the delivery of health care to patients if the not yet been agreed. NHS workforce works until the state pension age. The Estimates of the cost of the NHS bursary scheme in review will also assess the impact of working longer on each year beyond 2012-13 will be made as part of the the NHS workforce as well as identifying strategies to settlement of the annual budget in each of those years support the extension of working lives. and the budget will change depending on the number of students and the package of support available to each Nurses: Standards student. Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Nurses: Pensions Health what steps he is taking to ensure that nursing care is delivered to the highest possible standards in Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health England. [102537] for what reasons frontline nursing staff are to be exempt from the provisions made for uniformed Anne Milton: At the heart of the health care reforms services regarding normal pension age under the new is a focus on improving the quality and outcomes of health care for patients. One of the NHS Commissioning public sector pension proposals. [103173] Board’s roles will be to provide national leadership in driving up the quality of care. The board, along with Mr Simon Burns: Lord Hutton of Furness’s final clinical commissioning groups, will have a legal duty to report of the Independent Public Service Pensions secure continuous improvement in the quality of services Commission applied to the uniformed services which and outcomes. The Chief Nursing Officer will have a comprised of armed forces, police and firefighters. specific remit to improve the safety and people’s experience Since 1 April 2008, all new entrants to the NHS of nursing care. Pension Scheme have a pension age of 65. This is the On 6 January 2012 the Prime Minister announced a same for all frontline national health service staff, including series of measures to improve the quality of nursing nurses. care and free up nurses to provide the care patients and Special Class Status whereby nurses and mental health their relatives expect. These include setting up a new officers have the right to retire on an unreduced pension independent Nursing and Care Quality Forum, tasked at 55, in view of the arduous nature of the work, was with ensuring that best nursing practice is spread throughout withdrawn for new members from 6 March 1995. Advances the national health service and social care. in safe handling and other working practices made nursing less physically arduous than it had been in the Older People: Loneliness first half of the 20th century. A tripartite review has been agreed between the Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Department, the NHS trade unions and NHS Employers Health (1) what engagement his Department had with to address the impact of working longer in the NHS. WRVS at the recent Loneliness summit; [103115] 131W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 132W
(2) what steps his Department is taking to reduce Paul Burstow: In the six-month period, 1 September loneliness among the elderly. [103148] 2011 to 29 February 2012, a search of the Department’s records indicates no relevant written representations Paul Burstow: On 15 March 2012, the Department were received on this matter. co-hosted a loneliness summit with the Campaign to End Loneliness (CEL). The event saw charities, businesses, Pay hon. Members and public sector organisations come together to start a conversation about loneliness and isolation in older age and how it could best be tackled. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health CEL has also been commissioned by the Department to what (a) bonuses and (b) incentives were paid to (i) produce a digital toolkit for health and social care consultants and (ii) contractors engaged by executive commissioners to combat loneliness and isolation. agencies and non-departmental public bodies for which The CEL is a coalition of five partner organisations: his Department is responsible in each of the last two Age UK Oxfordshire, Independent Age, Manchester years. [102384] city council, Sense and WRVS, all of whom played an active role at the summit. During the summit, representatives Mr Simon Burns: No bonuses or incentives have been from all of the partner organisations (including WRVS) paid to consultants or contractors engaged by the had the opportunity to engage with the Department. Department’s executive agency and non-departmental The chief executive of WRVS spoke at the event and public bodies in each of the last two years. answered questions as part of a panel with other speakers. Photographs Organs: Donors Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for how much his Department has spent on (a) ministerial Health how many people have registered to be organ photoshoots and (b) the production of videos in which donors in each of the last five years. [102202] Ministers appear in the last two years for which figures are available. [102496] Anne Milton: The information requested is provided in the following table. Mr Simon Burns: Ministers have always had official Number on the organ donor register (ODR), by year 2007 to 2011 photographs, to be used, for example, in official publications. Number on ODR Since May 2010, the Department has spent £537.43 on official photographs of Ministers. Records of any 2007 1,027,422 expenditure on video footage involving Ministers is not 2008 1,127,893 held centrally. 2009 1,062,733 2010 1,106,003 2011 1,065,546 Prescription Drugs Current total—23 March 2012 18,685,363 Source: Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for NHS Blood and Transplant Health pursuant to the answer of 22 March 2012, Official Report, column 800W, on prescription drugs, Palliative Care what steps his Department has taken as a result of meetings held with national supply chain stakeholders Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on the supply of prescription drugs. [102374] what initiatives his Department is taking to enhance palliative care. [102117] Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Paul Burstow: The Government remain committed to Stourbridge (Margot James) on 2 February 2012, Official improving choice and quality in end of life and palliative Report, column 770W. care and we continue to work to implement the Department’s End of Life Care Strategy. Important initiatives we are taking include the national survey of Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health bereaved relatives, the roll-out of electronic palliative (1) whether he has asked the National Institute for care coordination systems, the work on palliative care Health and Clinical Excellence to examine the efficacy funding, support for the national Dying Matters coalition, of anti-angiogenesis in treating (a) cancer and (b) and implementation of the End of Life Care for Adults obesity; [102920] Quality Standard developed by the National Institute (2) what assessment he has made of the use of for Health and Clinical Excellence. anti-angiogenesis for the treatment of cancer. [102934]
Parkinson’s Disease: Prescriptions Mr Simon Burns: The Department has made no assessment of the use of anti-angiogenesis for the treatment David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for of cancer or obesity. Nor have we asked the National Health what representations he has received on ending Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to produce prescription charges for people diagnosed with guidance on this topic separately from the appraisal Parkinson’s Disease; and if he will make a statement. guidance it has published or has been asked to develop [103122] on individual drug treatments. 133W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 134W
Prescriptions: Fees and Charges In addition, we know that some GPs are still unaware of the programme and its objectives. That is why the Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Prostate Cancer Advisory Group has recently developed Health whether he plans any increases to prescription “Five Key Points Every GP Should Know About Prostate charges in the next three years; and if he will consider Cancer” which were published on the website of the providing exemptions for people living with long-term Prostate Action charity at: conditions such as HIV and multiple sclerosis. [103015] www.prostateaction.org.uk in December 2011, with a link from NHS Choices at: Mr Simon Burns: The prescription charge in England www.nhs.uk is reviewed annually. In terms of extending the list of The key points were also published in Prostate Action’s medical conditions qualifying for prescription charge newsletter, which goes out to 4,000 GPs. exemption, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) We know that more can be done to raise awareness of on 4 May 2011, Official Report, columns 856-57W. prostate cancer and the PCRMP. As set out in our Cancer Outcomes Strategy, published on 12 January 2011, the Prostate Cancer Advisory Group (PCAG) is Procurement currently exploring options for making the PCRMP information more accessible to men. The Department is Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health supportive of the principles of the Prostate Cancer how many contracts his Department had with (a) Charity’s “Testing Choices” campaign, and continues Capita and (b) Serco in the last 12 months. [103163] to work with the charity through PCAG, of which the charity has full membership. Mr Simon Burns: The core Department’s central procurement system holds information on the number Radiotherapy of individual contracts awarded between 1 April 2011 and 27 March 2012 to Serco and the following Capita companies which is set out in the following table. Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 28 February 2012, Official Company Number of individual contracts Report, columns 245-6W, on cancer: drugs, if he will reallocate the underspend on the Cancer Drug Fund to Serco 3 help increase access to radiotherapy treatment for Capita Business Services Ltd 7 cancer patients in those parts of England that the Capita Health Solutions 7 National Radiotherapy Dataset Report identified as Colchester lacking adequate radiotherapy treatment levels. 1 Capita Resourcing Ltd 160 [103119] Capita SHG Resourcing 4 Capita Symonds 25 Paul Burstow: The Department is already investing in 1 The Department has signed up to the pan-government DWP the expansion of radiotherapy treatments, underlining CIPHER framework agreement for the provision of non-permanent our broad-based commitment to the provision of workers by Capita Resourcing Ltd. comprehensive cancer treatments. “Improving Outcomes: Connecting for Health have one contract with Capita A Strategy for Cancer” (January 2011) sets out our for the provision of NHS Choices. commitment to expand radiotherapy capacity by investing over £150 million in additional funding over four years Prostate Cancer: Health Education up until 2014-15. This will support increased utilisation of existing Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health equipment, establish new services to increase capacity when he next plans to run a national public information in some areas and ensure that all high priority patients campaign on prostate cancer; and if he will make a with a need for proton beam therapy treatment get statement. [102377] access to it abroad. It is for commissioners to use the “Radiotherapy Dataset (RTDS) Annual Report” (2011) Paul Burstow: Prostate cancer awareness activity is to assess how their radiotherapy services compare with currently managed through the Prostate Cancer Risk other centres and address variations in services to meet Management Programme (PCRMP). Since 2002, the the health care needs of their local populations. PCRMP has been in place to ensure that men over 50 without symptoms of prostate cancer can have a prostate Retinoblastoma specific antigen (PSA) test free on the national health service after careful consideration of the advantages Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for and disadvantages of PSA testing and after a discussion Health what steps his Department is taking to improve with a general practitioner (GP). early diagnosis of retinoblastoma in children. [102995] Although the PSA test is currently the best method of identifying an increased risk of localised prostate cancer, Paul Burstow: Since 2005, “Improving outcomes for it is not perfect. Some men with prostate cancer do not children and young people with cancer”, published by have raised levels of PSA. Two-thirds of men with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence raised levels of PSA, depending on the cut off level (NICE), has supported trusts in planning, commissioning used, do not have prostate cancer. Also, the PSA test and organising services for children and young people cannot distinguish between men with slow-growing prostate with cancer, including retinoblastoma. One of its cancer and those who have a more aggressive disease. recommendations is the establishment of support for 135W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 136W professionals in primary and secondary care in the The latest published figures on the incidence of cancer in recognition and referral of suspected cancer in children England are available on the National Statistics website at: and young people. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all- This guidance is complemented by “Referral for suspected releases.html?definition=tcm%3A77-27451 cancer”, also published by the NICE in 2005, which sets out best practice advice on referral for suspected cancer Table 1. Number of newly diagnosed cases of retinoblastoma, England, in adults and children. The guidance covers a wide Kent and Medway primary care trust, 2005-091, 2, 3, 4 range of cancers, including retinoblastoma, and identifies Registrations (persons) key symptoms and evidence to consider when referring 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total a patient for suspected cancer. England 36 46 44 48 51 225 These sets of guidance are continuing to support the Kent***** 5 commissioning of quality services for children and young Medway ***** 3 people with cancer in the reformed national health PCT service. 1 Retinoblastoma is coded as C69.2 in the International Classification During 2011, departmental officials met two charities of Diseases, tenth revision (ICD-10). 2 Figures are based on boundaries as of February 2012 and exclude for children and young people cancer, with the aim of non-residents. identifying some of the barriers to early diagnosis and 3 Newly diagnosed cancers registered in each calendar year. to discuss potential solutions. This work has been fed 4 Numbers under three have been suppressed, so potentially identifiable into the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative data are not revealed. A cell which has been suppressed for disclosure and will inform future activity in this area. control is denoted by ‘*’. Source: Office for National Statistics Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent studies his Department has commissioned into retinoblastoma; and if he will make Ritalin a statement. [102996] Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Paul Burstow: The Department has not recently with reference to the answer of 6 June 2005, Official commissioned any research studies into retinoblastoma. Report, column 439W, on Ritalin, how many The report of a systematic review funded by the Health prescriptions of methylphenidate hydrochloride have Technology Assessment (HTA) programme of effectiveness been dispensed in England in each year since 2004; and of different treatments for childhood retinoblastoma whether the estimated proportion of such prescriptions was published in 2005. This can be found on the HTA dispensed to children remains around 90 per cent. website at: [101943] www.hta.ac.uk/1410 The Department’s National Institute for Health Research Mr Simon Burns: Information on prescriptions of welcomes funding applications for research into any methylphenidate hydrochloride (including Ritalin) dispensed aspect of human health, including retinoblastoma. These in the community in England from 2004 to 2010, the applications are subject to peer review and judged in latest available year, is shown in the table. open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the proposals made. Number of prescription items dispensed
Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for 2004 359,068 Health what assessment he has made of the number of 2005 389,186 people diagnosed with retinoblastoma in (a) Medway 2006 456,909 Primary Care Trust, (b) West Kent Primary Care 2007 535,328 Trust, (c) Kent and (d) England in each of the last five 2008 573,397 years. [103036] 2009 610,194 2010 661,463 Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Source: Cabinet Office. Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) system The information requested fails within the responsibility The information in the answer of 6 June 2005, Official of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority Report, column 439W, on the estimated proportion of to reply. such prescriptions dispensed to children, was derived Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: from a sample of prescription forms used by the National As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Health Service Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking to inform the Department of the frequency of claims what assessment has been made of the number of people diagnosed for exemption from prescription charges in each exemption with retinoblastoma in(a) Medway Primary Care Trust, (b) West category. Kent Primary Care Trust, (c) Kent and (d) England in each of the last five years. [103036] From December 2007, the NHSBSA changed its processes for pricing prescriptions and for capturing Table 1 as follows shows the number of newly diagnosed cases of retinoblastoma in Medway primary care trust, the county of prescription charge exemption status and therefore cannot Kent and England, for 2005 to 2009 (the latest year available). To reliably estimate the proportion of prescriptions dispensed protect confidentiality, it is not possible to provide figures for according to exemption categories relating to the age of West Kent PCT due to the small number of cases registered. the patient from this date. 137W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 138W
Royal Brompton Hospital Mr Simon Burns: The British Thoracic Society and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network published Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health a clinical guideline on the management of Obstructive whether his Department plans to hold a public consultation Sleep Apnoea (OSA) in 2003 that sets out the common on the changes to the Royal Brompton Hospital’s features of sleep apnoea and the use of the validated respiratory services; what recent representations he has Epworth Sleepiness Scale as a validated method of received on this issue; and if he will make a statement. assessing the likelihood of falling asleep in various [102310] situations. The guideline can be used by general practitioners in helping to recognise the signs and symptoms of OSA. Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not hold The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence consultations on proposals for changes to local health (NICE) technology appraisal for “Continuous positive services. These are locally led, as set out in the National airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep Health Service Act 2006. apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome”, recommended that: The Department received representations from my “The diagnosis and treatment of Obstructive sleep apnoea/ hon. Friend on this specific issue dated 12 March 2012, hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), and the monitoring of the response, enclosing a letter from one of his constituents. should be carried out by a specialist service with appropriately trained medical and support staff.” Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs Advisory The NICE technology appraisal document is available Committee at: www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/TA139Guidance.pdf Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for The National Clinical Directors for Respiratory Disease, Health (1) when he expects the minutes of the Advisory Professor Sue Hill and Dr Robert Winter, are currently Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs considering whether more can be done to ensure that meeting of 9 March 2012 to be published; [R] [102972] the symptoms of OSA are identified and acted upon in (2) what the outcome was of the Advisory Committee primary care. on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs meeting at which the committee reviewed its recommendations on Smoking: Children fresh frozen plasma made in 2009; and if he will make a statement; [R] [102973] Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (3) if he will publish the Government’s response to what progress he has made in reducing the incidence of any further recommendations by the Advisory Committee smoking among 11 to 15-year-olds in the last two on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs on fresh years. [102437] frozen plasma; and what timetable he has set for responding. Anne Milton: Figures are not yet available to show [R] [102974] what progress has been made in the last two years. Anne Milton: The Department expects to publish the 2010 figures for smoking prevalence among 11 to minutes of the Advisory Committee on the Safety of 15-year-olds can be found in the ‘Smoking, Drinking Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) meeting of 9 March and Drugs Use Among Young People in England in after they have been approved by the chair and members 2010’. A copy has already been placed in the Library. of the committee, this is expected by the end of April Figures for 2011 will be published later in the year. 2012. At that meeting, SaBTO reviewed current assessment Smoking: Motor Vehicles of the risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease transmission from blood components and recommended that there Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health should be no extension of the importation of fresh what (a) recent and (b) past estimates his Department frozen plasma (FFP) beyond those for whom it is has made of the number of parents who smoke in cars currently used (those born since 1 January 1996 and with children present. [102534] high-usage adult patients). There are no further recommendations from SaBTO Anne Milton: The Department has not made an on FFP expected at this time. estimate of the number of parents who smoke in cars with children present. However, of the children aged 11 Sleep Apnoea to 15 surveyed in “Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England in 2010”, 19% reported Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health that they were often near people smoking in the car. what information his Department holds on the average A copy of the survey report has already been placed referral to treatment time for a patient with obstructive in the Library. sleep apnoea. [102708] Social Services Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect referral to treatment time data at this level. Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the £648 million allocated Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for primary care trust (PCT) spending on social care if he will take steps to ensure that GPs are aware of the was spent on (a) prevention services, (b) communicating warning signs of obstructive sleep apnoea and are equipment, (c) telecare, (d) crisis response services, screened for that condition using (a) the Epworth (e) maintaining eligibility criteria, (f) re-ablement and sleepiness test or (b) other recognised tests. [102709] (g) mental health by each PCT. [102713] 139W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 140W
Paul Burstow: The Department collected information Patient safety incidents reported to the NRLS involving possible on the use of the funding allocated to support social retained instruments by calendar year care services in September 2011. Data at primary care Calendar year Number of incidents1 trust (PCT) level have been placed in the Library. 2005 9 The returns from PCTs showed that they planned to 2006 27 transfer £642 million of the £648 million made available 2007 19 in 2011-12. 2008 5 Following the survey, we followed up with the two Total 60 PCTs which, at the time of the survey, had not yet 1 Includes retained swabs. agreed the majority of their transfer and sought assurances Source: that plans were in place to reach an agreed position. We National Patient Safety Agency can now confirm that agreements have been made for There was no central reporting system in place prior the remaining £6 million to be transferred to local to 2003 and no such patient safety incidents were reported authorities. in 2003 and 2004. Soft Drinks: Taurine Telemedicine
Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for he will assess the health effects on young people of Health if he will respond to the findings of the Whole levels of taurine in energy drinks. [102378] Systems Demonstrator Project report on the costs per quality-adjusted life year of the Government’s telemedicine Anne Milton: We are advised by the Food Standards programme. [102321] Agency that taurine is a naturally occurring compound which is used as an ingredient in energy drinks. The Paul Burstow: The Whole System Demonstrator (WSD) safety-in-use of taurine was reviewed in 2009, when it is a very complex study comprising of over 6,000 people was concluded that exposure to taurine at the levels across three sites and independently evaluated by six used in energy drinks was not of safety concern. leading academic institutions. Telehealth headline findings were published by the Department on 5 December and At present there are no plans to assess the health show reductions in hospital admissions and mortality effects of taurine. However, the safety-in-use of food can be achieved. There will be more detailed findings additives and ingredients remains under review and published following the. completion of the ongoing should any new information become available this will peer review process in the coming weeks and months. be considered and action taken as appropriate. At the recent Kings Fund International Congress on Surgery: Negligence Telehealth and Telecare, the research team shared some of their findings on cost per quality adjusted life year Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (QALY). The high cost of telehealth at the start of the how many times foreign objects requiring surgical WSD study does have an affect on the cost of QALY removal have been left inside patients following an results, but what is clear is that if the price point for the operation in each of the last 10 years. [102438] equipment is reduced then the cost per QALY will be significantly lower. That is the learning we have taken Mr Simon Burns: The information is not available in from WSD and is precisely the reason for the announcement the format requested. of the 3 Million Lives initiative, which aims to improve understanding, reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. Some information is available regarding patient safety incidents involving the retention of a foreign object, Terminal Illnesses which have been designated as ″never events″ since ″ ″ 2009-10. The definition of this never event does not Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for necessarily mean the foreign object required surgical Health how many patients with terminal illnesses removal. elected to die at home in the last 12 months for which The number of incidents recorded in the National figures are available. [102578] Patient Safety Agency’s (NPSA) National Reporting and Learning Service (NRLS) classified as ″never events″ Paul Burstow: Health care is a devolved responsibility. and falling under the category of retained instruments In England, the Government have confirmed their post-operation in England were as follows: commitment to improving quality and choice in palliative and end of life care in the White Paper “Equity and Number of “never events” excellence: Liberating the NHS”. This includes ensuring Financial year recorded that people have the choice to be cared for and die in 2009-10 7 their usual place of residence. 2010-11 22 About 440,000 people die each year in England. Deaths in usual place of residence now stand at 41.3%, The definition of the ″never event″ changed in 2010-11 with around 23% at home and 18% in care homes1. to include retained swabs, so the data for the two years Progress since publication of the “End of Life Care are not directly comparable. Strategy” (2008) shows a slow decrease in the number of Prior to 2009-10, ″never events″ data were not collected deaths in hospital and a slow increase in deaths at home but the NPSA are able to provide data by calendar year and in care homes. on retained instruments post-operation in England and 1 Office for National Statistics: based on figures from Quarter 3 in Wales. This is given in the following table. 2010-11 to Quarter 2 in 2011-12. 141W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 142W
Training Anne Milton: The information requested is only partially available in the format requested. Such information as Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health is available is given in the following three tables. how many overseas training courses were attended by Table 1: Tuberculosis (TB) case reports for England and Yorkshire officials of his Department in the latest period for and the Humber, for the five-year period 2006-10 which figures are available; how many such officials Number of cases attended each such course; and what the total cost to Yorkshire and the the public purse was of each such course. [102187] England Humber 2006 7,739 670 Mr Simon Burns: Training provided to departmental 2007 7,650 641 staff is delivered primarily through short (half-day or 2008 7,926 637 one-day) training courses, taking place on departmental premises whenever possible. Only in exceptional cases 2009 8,152 692 do staff participate in training outside the United Kingdom. 2010 7,758 636 Since October 2010 two officials from the Department Note: Data for 2011 will be available later this year. Source: Health Protection Agency attended corporately funded training events overseas. In both cases these events formed part of our departmental Table 2: TB case reports for East Riding of Yorkshire unitary Executive Talent Development Programme. The total authority for the five-year period covering 2006-10 cost incurred, including travel and accommodation, Year grouping Average number of cases was £6,481. 2006-08 9 Any training organised locally by teams is not recorded 2007-09 7 centrally. Extracting the necessary data from local sources 2008-10 7 would entail contacting approximately 200 teams and Notes: asking them to search for and retrieve the necessary 1. Data is provided for East Riding unitary authority as data at information. To do so would incur disproportionate constituency level are not available. costs. 2. Three-year average numbers are provided because the number of cases in each local authority per year are often less than five, and Transplant Surgery: Yorkshire and the Humber could result in deductive disclosure of identity. Source: Health Protection Agency Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time for (a) kidney, Table 3: Number of cases reported to have completed treatment within (b) liver and (c) heart transplants was in (i) Hull and one year, in England, Yorkshire and Humber and East Riding unitary authority, for the five-year period 2005-09 East Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust and (ii) Yorkshire and Humber in each of the last five years for which Treatment completed East Riding figures are available. [102300] Yorkshire and unitary England the Humber authority Anne Milton: The information requested is not available in the format requested. Information regarding average 2005 5,488 409 <5 waiting times for kidney, liver and heart transplant is 2006 5,931 498 8 recorded by transplant centres only. I refer my right 2007 6,076 472 <5 hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 22 March 2012, 2008 6,412 480 8 Official Report, columns 801-03W which gives information 2009 6,688 539 5 nationally by transplant centre. Notes: 1. Treatment completion rates are calculated after 12 months as most Travel TB treatment is for six months, but some forms of TB (e.g. drug-resistant or other than pulmonary) may require longer treatment and therefore one year is allowed. The latest available year for which data are Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health currently available are for treatment started in December 2009. Data when he last travelled by (a) bus and (b) taxi in the on treatment completion for 2010 will be available later this year. course of his official duties. [102495] 2. To prevent deductive disclosure of identity, where cases are less than five, they have been expressed as <5. Mr Simon Burns: In line with the Ministerial Code, Source: Health Protection Agency Ministers make regular use of public transport where Tuberculosis: Prisoners practicable. However, details of the mode of public transport used on particular occasions are not routinely recorded. Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has any plans to reinstate a Tuberculosis tuberculosis nurse within the prison health service. [101806] Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people have been (a) diagnosed Paul Burstow: The prevention, diagnosis and treatment with and (b) treated for tuberculosis in the last five of tuberculosis (TB) is a priority for the Department years for which figures are available; [102296] and prisons have been identified as an important setting (2) how many people were (a) diagnosed with and for TB control. TB nurses have an essential role in (b) treated for tuberculosis in (i) Haltemprice and delivering care. Prisons do not usually employ TB nurses Howden constituency and (ii) Yorkshire and Humber directly, with care programmes delivered in partnership in the last five years for which figures are available. between prison-based and community-based health service [102299] providers. 143W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 144W
Commissioning responsibility for prison healthcare Arch Cru transferred from the Prison Service to the national health service in 2006. Since this date, primary care Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer trusts have provided or commissioned health services, what recent representations he has received from investors including prison TB services, informed by a health in Arch Cru. [102576] needs assessment of the prison population. From 2013, the National Health Service Commissioning Mr Hoban: The Treasury has received representations Board will be responsible for commissioning health on this issue from a range of stakeholders. As with services for those in prison and other detained settings. previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to disclose details of all such representations. Vodafone Group Child Benefit Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many contracts Vodafone has been awarded by Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer his Department in the last 12 months; [103229] what estimate he has made of the costs of setting up (2) what contracts his Department has with Vodafone; and administering the process to assess and make payments [103230] of child benefit to individuals whose earnings are between (3) how many times the Permanent Secretary in his £50,000 and £60,000 per year. [102462] Department has met Vodafone representatives in the last 12 months. [103231] Mr Gauke: The Chancellor’s Budget 2012 announcements about child benefit do not change the Mr Simon Burns: The core Department of Health eligibility criteria for child benefit or the process for has not awarded any new contracts to Vodafone within assessing and making payments of child benefit. Where the last 12 months. Connecting for Health have awarded a person is currently entitled to receive child benefit one contract to Vodafone in the last 12 months. they will continue to be entitled to receive payments regardless of whether they or their partner is a taxpayer The core Department has a single contract with with income over £50,000. A new income tax charge, Vodafone to provide and supply mobile devices and levied through existing PAYEand self assessment systems, connectivity as part of the central Government framework will be applied to taxpayers whose income exceeds agreement. £50,000 and who are either in receipt of child benefit or NHS Connecting for Health has a contract with whose partner is in receipt of child benefit. The estimated Vodafone for mobile device services under the Government administrative costs of this new charge can be found in Procurement Service Framework Agreement for Mobile the Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) which Voice and Data services. was published on HMRC’s website: The Permanent Secretary of the Department has not www.hmrc.gov.uk met any representatives of Vodafone in the last 12 months. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people who earned between £50,000 and £60,000 and TREASURY were in receipt of child benefit in each parliamentary constituency in the UK at the latest date for which Alcoholic Drinks: Prices figures are available. [102466]
Mr Gauke: This information is not available. Mr Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the effects of introducing a minimum per unit price for Mr Chope: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer alcoholic drinks on levels of (a) smuggling and (b) whether the high income child benefit charge will be legal purchases of alcoholic drinks in other EU calculated on the basis of income and child benefit countries for private import to the UK. [102510] received in the same financial year. [102970]
Miss Chloe Smith: The Government have assessed Mr Gauke: The amount of the new high income child impacts of minimum alcohol pricing using standard benefit charge will be based on the amount of income modelling methodologies. This included the possibility and child benefit for the same tax year. Further details of some consumption being shifted to non UK duty were published in the Tax Information and Impact paid sources. Description of HM Revenue and Customs’ Note (TIIN) which was published on HMRC’s website: methodology used to model alcohol consumption in the www.hmrc.gov.uk UK is available online at: and in the Finance Bill. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/research/alcohol-consumption- uk.pdf Mr Chope: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Further analysis of the effects of introducing a minimum he will calculate by how much the annual gross yield of per unit price for alcoholic drinks on levels of alcohol the high income child benefit charge would be reduced smuggling and cross border shopping will be performed if child benefit payable in respect of (a) children aged during the consultation process to inform the policy under five and (b) children aged five and over but impact assessment. under eight was exempted from the charge. [102971] 145W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 146W
Mr Gauke: This information would be available only £ million at disproportionate cost. 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Corporation Tax Other welfare -3.2 2.7 0.7 measures Mr Mudie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Total 17.9 22.4 6.0 if he will publish anonymised data on how much corporation tax was paid by each FTSE 100 company No payments were made to devolved Administrations in each of the last five years. [103131] outside of the Barnett formula.
Mr Gauke: We will not be publishing anonymised Economic Growth: Northern Ireland data on the corporation tax paid by FTSE 100 companies. HMRC has a statutory duty to maintain taxpayer Vernon Coaker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer confidentiality and may not disclose information unless what his estimate is of the level of economic growth in the limited and controlled circumstances set out in the Northern Ireland in (a) 2012, (b) 2013, (c) 2014 and statute creating HMRC apply. It is a criminal offence (d) 2015. [102052] for HMRC staff unlawfully to disclose any information about a taxpayer who is identified in the disclosure or Miss Chloe Smith: The Office for Budget Responsibility whose identity can be deduced from it. (OBR) produced the official forecast for economic growth as part of the March 2012 Economic and Fiscal Outlook, Even if the information about the corporation tax published on 21 March 2012. paid is anonymised, it will be possible to match it with other information already in the public domain to identify The OBR forecast that the UK economy will grow in the FTSE 100 company. 2012 and in every subsequent year of the forecast, but they have not published growth forecasts for the devolved Credit Unions countries and regions. Energy: Finance Mark Lancaster: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to encourage the use of credit unions as an alternative lending mechanism. [100401] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcomes were of his discussions with his G20 Mr Hoban: The Government welcome the contribution counterparts at the recent meeting of G20 finance ministers that credit unions make in providing greater choice and and central bank governors in Mexico on energy subsidy diversity in financial services. reform. [101815] The Legislative Reform Order for Industrial and Miss Chloe Smith: At the recent G20 meeting of Provident Societies and Credit Unions came into force Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Mexico on 8 January 2012. It made major changes to the City on 25-26 February a wide range of issues were regulatory and legislative framework for credit unions, discussed, including on energy. At the G20 summit in for example allowing businesses to become members for Cannes on 3-4 November 2011, leaders asked their the first time. These changes will increase the appeal of Finance and Energy Ministers to report back on the credit unions to the local community and help them to progress made in implementing country-specific strategies increase their capacity to lend to their members. at the June 2012 summit in Mexico. Devolution: Finance Fuels: Prices Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which measures announced in the Budget Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer generate a Barnett consequential payment to devolved what assessment he has made of the relationship between Administrations; what the (a) value and (b) purpose the price of (a) oil and (b) petrol and levels of economic of any such payments are; and whether any payments growth; and if he will make a statement. [103046] are to be made to devolved Administrations outside the formula. [102192] Miss Chloe Smith: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is responsible for producing independent economic Danny Alexander: The following Barnett consequentials and fiscal forecasts. In their most recent economic and were given to the devolved Administrations in Budget fiscal outlook (published 21 March), the OBR estimated 2012: that an immediate $50 shock to the oil price would lead to GDP growth in 2012-13 falling from their central £ million forecast of 1.0% to 0.3%. Supplementary analysis by 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 the OBR suggests that a 20% increase in the price of oil reduces actual output by approximately 0.2% compared Housing 17.8 10.9 -2.8 to a baseline scenario. Free advice services 0.0 3.2 3.2 DWP fraud and error 3.0 2.4 1.7 Growing Places Fund initiatives Household welfare 0.3 0.0 0.0 Mr Marsden: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer cap (1) to which financial year he has allocated the increase Tax increment 0.0 3.2 3.2 financing in the Growing Places Fund which was announced in his Budget Statement of 21 March 2012; [101954] 147W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 148W
(2) how much additional funding will be provided Miss Chloe Smith: £7.8 million has been made available from the Growing Places Fund as part of the funding to the Welsh Government as a result of the new funding announced in the 2012 Budget broken down by local announced for the Get Britain Building Fund at Budget enterprise partnerships excluding the £70 million 2012. This is in addition to the £21.9 million made allocated for the Greater London Authority. [101953] available at autumn statement, 29 November 2011, Official Report¸ columns 799-810. Danny Alexander [holding answer 26 March 2012]: The additional £270 million for the Growing Places Income Tax: Pensioners Fund, announced in Budget 2012, will be allocated to Local Enterprise Partnerships in the 2011-12 financial Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer year. The breakdown of additional funding by Local what estimate his Department has made of the number Enterprise Partnership, excluding the London allocation, of pensioners who pay income tax in (a) the North is set out in annex A. West, (b) Liverpool and (c) Liverpool, Wavertree constituency. [102586] Annex A Local Enterprise Partnership Allocation (£ million) Mr Gauke: There were an estimated 603,000 pension (The) North Eastern Local Enterprise 8,198,503 age taxpayers in the North West in 2009-10, of these Partnership 25,000 were in Liverpool and 5,000 were in the Liverpool, Tees Valley 2,788,254 Wavertree constituency. Cumbria 2,162,498 Estimates are based on the 2009-10 Survey of Personal Lancashire 6,286,494 Incomes. Greater Manchester 12,099,215 Liverpool City Region 6,336,851 Members: Correspondence Cheshire and Warrington 4,257,719 York and North Yorkshire 3,043,369 Graham Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Leeds City Region 11,739,899 when the Financial Secretary to the Treasury plans to Humber 2,844,599 respond to the letter of 19 January 2012 from the hon. Sheffield City Region 6,027,853 Member for Weaver Vale on behalf of Caradoc Jones. Lincolnshire 3,185,269 [102988] Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and 8,538,103 Nottinghamshire Mr Hoban: I have replied to my hon. Friend. Leicester and Leicestershire 4,343,040 Stoke and Staffordshire 3,721,421 NHS: Private Finance Initiative The Marches Enterprise Partnership 2,659,812 Black Country 4,701,565 Julie Elliott: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Worcestershire 1,791,486 what estimate he has made of the number of companies Coventry and Warwickshire 4,144,786 in receipt of public funding from NHS private finance Greater Birmingham and Solihull 7,283,524 initiative schemes which are based overseas. [102441] South East Midlands 6,070,478 Northamptonshire 1,915,237 Danny Alexander: For each PFI project, a special Buckinghamshire 2,029,024 purpose project company is established by the private Greater Cambridge and Greater 5,214,464 sector equity sponsors. It is with this project company Peterborough that the public sector authority contracts under PFI for Hertfordshire 5,246,729 the delivery of an asset and services over the project New Anglia 5,912,036 term. South East 15,983,959 For most sectors, the project contract requires the Coast to Capital 7,674,599 project company to confirm that it is a UK resident Enterprise M3 7,021,240 company, and to undertake that it will remain so for the Solent 5,865,727 duration of the contract. Oxfordshire 2,925,449 Treasury does not hold information on any PFI Thames Valley Berkshire 5,163,226 contracts that would indicate that project companies Gloucestershire 2,751,807 have migrated overseas, however Treasury and HMRC West of England 5,527,958 cannot verify this as the Treasury does not hold the Swindon and Wiltshire 3,040,261 names of the special purpose project company for each Dorset 3,126,241 PFI project—this information is held by each procuring Heart of the SW 6,978,179 authority. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly 2,072,352 Julie Elliott: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward proposals to prevent companies Housing: Construction in receipt of funding from NHS private finance initiative schemes basing themselves overseas to avoid being liable for taxation in the UK. [102442] Paul Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the new funding allocated to the Danny Alexander: For each PFI project a special get Britain Building Fund will be spent on housing in purpose project company is established by the private Wales. [102198] sector equity sponsors. It is with this project company 149W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 150W that the public sector authority contracts under PFI for Number Data item the delivery of an asset and services over the project term. 24 Value of employee pension contributions that are not For most sectors, the project contract requires the paid under a net pay arrangement project company to confirm that it is a UK resident 25 Value of tax deducted or refunded from this payment company, and to undertake that it will remain so for the 26 Gross earnings for NICs in this pay period duration of the contract. 27 Employee contributions due on all earnings in this pay period Treasury does not hold information on any PFI 28 Taxable pay to date in this employment including contracts that would indicate that project companies payrolled benefits in kind have migrated overseas, however Treasury and HMRC 29 Total tax to date in this employment cannot verify this as the Treasury does not hold the 30 Employees contributions due on all earnings year to names of the special purpose project company for each date PFI project—this information is held by each procuring 31 Number of hours worked authority. 32 Pay frequency UK resident PFI contractors, facilities management 33 Payment date services and fund management companies, regardless of 34 Weekly period number their shareholders’ registered jurisdiction, are within 35 Monthly period number the charge to UK corporation tax on profits earned 36 Number of earnings periods covered by payment within the UK. 37 Indicator that the payment is a payment after date of notification of contract ending PAYE 38 Irregular employment payment pattern indicator 39 Merger indicator 40 Unique payment ID Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the 41 Payment confidence status Exchequer for each employee in PAYE, how many 42 OCC pen indicator items of data his Department will pass to the 43 Identification that an individual has been on strike Department of Work and Pensions in order for that with the RTI payment period person’s universal credit to be calculated in each 44 Identification that an individual has been on unpaid payment period; and what those items of data will be. absence within the RTI payment period [102218] 45 Value of benefits taxed via the payroll year to date 46 Value of the employees’ pensions not subjected to net Mr Gauke [holding answer 27 March 2012]: HMRC pay arrangements year to date will pass to the Department of Work and Pensions 47 Value of the employee pension contributions paid under NET pay arrangements year to date (DWP) up to 49 data items for each employee who is a universal credit claimant. The data items are: 48 Tax code 49 End of record Number Data item
1 Record type Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the 2 HMRC Office number Exchequer what his most recent estimate is of the cost 3 Employer PAYE ref of implementing PAYE real time information. [102220] 4 Employer name 5 Employer trade name Mr Gauke [holding answer 27 March 2012]: As part 6 National insurance number of the Spending Review 2010, HM Treasury allocated 7 Surname £108 million to HMRC to deliver real time information 8 Forename for PAYE. The latest business case, approved by HM 9 Second forename Treasury in October 2011, estimates that the investment 10 Initials for the whole lifecycle of the programme will be £136.5 11 Date of birth million, with £114.2 million of those costs falling within 12 Gender the current spending review period. 13 Unique employment sequence number 14 Payroll ID 15 Employment start date Poverty: Children 16 Employment end date 17 Taxable pay in this period including payrolled benefits Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the in kind Exchequer what assessment he has made of the likely 18 Value of payments not subject to tax or NICs in pay effects of the measures contained in the 2012 Budget period on child poverty in Wales. [102167] 19 Value of deductions from net pay in pay period 20 Pay after statutory deductions 21 Value of benefits taxed via the payroll in pay period Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury has made no assessment 22 Value of employee pension contributions paid under of the likely effects of the measures contained in the ″net pay arrangements″ in pay period 2012 Budget on child poverty in the UK or Wales. 23 Items subject to Class 1 NIC but not taxed under The new Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission PAYE regulations excluding pension contributions in will provide an assessment of child poverty using a wide pay period range of measures, including income. 151W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 152W
Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland greater number of public sector jobs for the same level of spending, and help local businesses become more Ms Ritchie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer competitive and expand. what the outcome was of the devolved Finance Ministers’ quadrilateral meeting on 5 March 2012; and Paul Murphy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government’s proposed £18 billion budget (1) what assessment he has made of the likely effect of allocation to Northern Ireland was discussed at that changes in public sector pay in disadvantaged regions meeting. [102506] under his proposals on reform of public sector pay; [102205] Danny Alexander: The Finance Minister’s quadrilateral (2) what assessment he has made of the likely effect meeting provided an opportunity to discuss matters of on economic growth in Wales of his proposals on mutual interest and underlines the importance of good reform of public sector pay. [102314] relations between HMT and the devolved Administrations. Issues specific to a devolved Administration are discussed Danny Alexander: Public sector pay in devolved areas bilaterally and not at quadrilateral meetings. is a matter for the devolved Administrations. At the 2011 autumn statement the Government asked Public Sector: Pay the independent pay review bodies to consider how public sector pay can be made more responsive to local Vernon Coaker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer labour markets. The review bodies will report from July. what assessment he has made of the potential effects of A separate process is in place for the civil service. This introducing regional pay on Northern Ireland; and if he is set out in the Civil Service Pay Guidance for 2012-13 will make a statement. [102047] which allows Departments to move toward more local, market-facing pay, when they exit the pay freeze. Danny Alexander: Public sector pay in devolved areas Until formal proposals have been made by review is a matter for the devolved Administrations. bodies, and civil service departments, it will not be At the 2011 autumn statement the Government asked possible to assess the impact. the independent pay review bodies to consider how More local, market-facing public sector pay should public sector pay can be made more responsive to local support local areas, with the potential to support a labour markets. The review bodies will report from July. greater number of public sector jobs for the same level A separate process is in place for the civil service. This of spending, and help local businesses become more is set out in the Civil Service Pay Guidance for 2012-13 competitive and expand. which allows departments to move toward more local, market-facing pay, when they exit the pay freeze. Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Until formal proposals have been made by review whether his policy on regional pay will be based on bodies and civil service departments, it will not be where someone works or lives. [102324] possible to assess the impact on the devolved Administrations. Danny Alexander: At the 2011 autumn statement the More local, market-facing public sector pay should Government asked the independent pay review bodies support local areas, with the potential to support a to consider how public sector pay can be made more greater number of public sector jobs for the same level responsive to local labour markets. The review bodies of spending, and help local businesses become more will report from July. competitive and expand. A separate process is in place for the civil service. This is set out in the Civil Service Pay Guidance for 2012-13 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which allows Departments to move toward more local, how many (a) men and (b) women in each region will market-facing pay, when they exit the pay freeze. be affected by proposals to introduce regional variations Until formal proposals have been made by review in public sector pay; what assessment he has made of bodies and civil service departments, it is not possible to the effect on economic equality between women and give further information. men of such measures; and if he will make a statement. More local, market-facing public sector pay should [102087] support local areas, with the potential to support a greater number of public sector jobs for the same level Danny Alexander: At the 2011 autumn statement the of spending, and help local businesses become more Government asked the independent pay review bodies competitive and expand. to consider how public sector pay can be made more responsive to local labour markets. The review bodies will report from July. Helen Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of variation A separate process is in place for the civil service. This between pay in the private sector and pay in the public is set out in the Civil Service Pay Guidance for 2012-13 sector in (a) Warrington and (b) the North West. which allows departments to move toward more local, [102548] market-facing pay, when they exit the pay freeze. Until formal proposals have been made by review Danny Alexander: At the 2011 autumn statement the bodies and civil service departments, it will not be Government asked the independent pay review bodies possible to assess the impact on men and women. to consider how public sector pay can be made more More local, market-facing public sector pay should responsive to local labour markets. The review bodies support local areas, with the potential to support a will report from July. 153W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 154W
More local, market-facing public sector pay should Notes: help local areas, with the potential to support a greater 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100,000. number of public sector jobs for the same level of 2. A benefit unit is defined as a single adult or a married or cohabiting spending, and help local businesses become more couple and any dependent children. competitive and expand. 3. Earnings comprises income from employment or self-employment. 4. HB and CTB are paid at a benefit unit level. Therefore an At Budget 2012 the Government announced that individual has been assumed to be in receipt of HB or CTB if the they have provided evidence to the pay review bodies on individual’s benefit unit is in receipt of HB or CTB. the economic case for local pay reform. This sets out the 5. The FRS is known to undercount receipt of certain benefits. See impact of existing variations in public sector pay premia, http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/frs/ for more information. and is available on the review body website: Source: www.ome.uk.com Family Resources Survey 2009-10. However, until formal proposals have been made by review bodies and civil service Departments, it will not Stamp Duty Land Tax: Wales be possible to assess the impact on particular areas. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Public Sector: Pensions Exchequer how many properties in (a) Ogmore constituency and (b) Wales will be subject to a 15 per cent rate of stamp duty on sale from April 2013. Dan Rogerson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer [102245] which public sector pension schemes will continue to be uprated using the retail prices index. [102156] Mr Gauke: No such estimate has been made. Data on the movement of residential properties into corporate Danny Alexander [holding answer 27 March 2012]: envelopes are only available at the aggregate UK level. Following the Government’s announcement in the June 2010 Budget, public service pension schemes will be uprated using the consumer prices index instead of the Valuation Office Agency: Trade Union Officials retail prices index. Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Social Security Benefits how many (a) full-time, (b) part-time and (c) full-time equivalent trade union representatives are employed from the public purse by the Valuation Office Agency in Ann Coffey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer the last year for which figures are available; and what what estimate he has made of the number of people the cost to the public purse was of such representatives. whose gross earnings are higher than the tax threshold [101035] for (a) April 2012 and (b) April 2013 and are claimants of (i) housing benefit and council tax benefit, Mr Gauke: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) formally (ii) housing benefit alone and (iii) council tax benefit recognises and consults with trade union representatives alone. [102275] from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) and Prospect unions. The VOA has recently agreed a new Mr Gauke [holding answer 27 March 2012]: The employee relations agreement (ERA) with both recognised latest available information on the gross earnings of trade unions that specifies the amount of time spent on recipients of housing and council tax benefit comes trade unions activities (facility time) in the VOA. The from the 2009-10 Family Resources Survey, based on a new ERA significantly reduces the amount of facility nationally representative sample of 25,000 private time to a total of 10 FTE as of 2012-13 from a figure of households. 22.82 FTE in 2010-11; the last year for which figures are available. Figures are not yet available for the period For the purpose of comparing these 2009-10 gross 2011-12. earnings with the April 2012 and April 2013 tax thresholds, the latter have been downrated to 2009-10 equivalent The figures shown are for the year 2010-11: levels. (The April 2012 threshold of £8,105 is downrated (a) Full-time: to £7,325 and the April 2013 threshold of £9,205 to 1 x PCS trade union representative £8,065.) 1 x Prospect trade union representative Numbers of adults in benefit units in receipt of housing benefit, council tax benefit or both in 2009-10, (b) Part-time: with gross earnings above these levels is as follows: 269 x PCS trade union representatives 33 x Prospect trade union representatives Benefit unit is in receipt of: (c) Full-time equivalent: Earning more HB and HB or The VOA has 15.67 PCS full-time equivalent trade union than: CTB HB only CTB only CTB representatives at a cost of £440,404.
£7,325 per 100,000 100,000 200,000 400,000 There are 7.15 Prospect full-time equivalent trade union annum representatives at a cost of £375,975. £8,065 per 100,000 100,000 100,000 300,000 The overall cost is £816,379 (based on VOA national average annum salaries). 155W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 156W
VAT Welfare Tax Credits: Overpayments
Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with (a) Greggs the Bakers, how much HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) wrote (b) Cooplands Bakery, (c) Newboulds Butchers and off due to an administrative error made by HMRC in (d) Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union surrounding the last five years. [99293] proposals to charge value added tax on freshly baked savoury products. [102301] Mr Gauke: The information is not available and could be researched only at disproportionate cost. Mr Gauke: Treasury Ministers and officials have Write offs due to an administrative error made by meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the HMRC are included in the overall losses figures which public and private sectors as part of the process of are published in the HMRC annual accounts. These policy development and delivery. accounts can be found on the HMRC website at: HMRC are consulting on draft legislation which will www.hmrc.gov.uk give effect to the proposed changes to the VAT treatment of supplies of hot food and catering.
Helen Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Exchequer if he will publish correspondence between Lord Hunt of Wirral and his Department on VAT on Alcoholic Drinks newspapers. [102459] Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Mr Gauke: There has been no correspondence with and Climate Change what the total spending on wine Lord Hunt of Wirral regarding VAT on newspapers. and other alcoholic beverages was by his Department in the last six months. [103127]
Welfare Tax Credits: Birmingham Gregory Barker: The Department does not record expenditure on wine or other alcoholic drinks separately from general refreshments. In order to identify relevant Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the expenditure the Department would need to review each Exchequer how many people were in receipt of (a) individual expense claim and invoice for refreshments, child tax credit, (b) child benefit and (c) working tax entertaining, and hospitality which would incur credits in Birmingham, Ladywood constituency in the disproportionate costs. Any such expenditure is incurred latest period for which figures are available. [100270] in accordance with local hospitality policies which are designed to ensure hospitality is moderate, appropriate Mr Gauke: The information requested is given in the and properly approved. following table. Carbon Dioxide: Pipelines Thousand Child and working tax credits Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for WTC In-work Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made Out- and CTC WTC Child of the cost per kilometre of new onshore carbon of-work CTC only only All benefit dioxide pipelines. [103178] Birmingham 6.1 6.1 1.7 1.8 15.7 16.0 Ladywood Gregory Barker: The Department has not made a general estimate of the cost per kilometre of constructing The tax credits information has been compiled using a new onshore carbon dioxide pipeline. The cost will be the December 2011 National Statistics dataset. The dependent on a number of factors, including the exact HMRC snapshot publication “Personal Tax Credits: specifications of the pipeline, the material selected, the Provisional Statistics—Geographical Statistics” contains associated labour costs of construction and the terrain data on the number of families in receipt of tax credits the pipeline will pass through. and the December 2011 publication can be found at: Carbon Sequestration http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog- dec2011.pdf Table 4 has this information by Westminster Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for parliamentary constituency. Energy and Climate Change what information his Department holds on how many prospective (a) gas The child benefit information is published in the and (b) coal carbon capture and storage projects there HMRC publication “Child Benefit Statistics Geographical are worldwide. [102998] analysis at Country, Region, Local Authority and Parliamentary Constituency levels”. Information for Charles Hendry: The Global Carbon Capture and August 2011 can be found at: Storage Institute publishes an annual report detailing http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/child_benefit/chb-geog- progress made on prospective projects. The 2011 status aug11.pdf report can be found at: Table 6 has this information by Westminster http://www.globalccsinstitute.com/publications/global-status- parliamentary constituency. ccs-2011 157W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 158W
Civil Servants: Codes of Practice Net Total supply imports(thousand (thousand Import Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy tonnes) tonnes) dependency1 (%) and Climate Change how many investigations into 20113 32,119 51,213 62.7 breaches by civil servants of the Civil Service Code of 1Net imports divided by total supply, multiplied by 100. This is Conduct occurred in his Department in each month consistent with the EU definition. from May 2010 to March 2012. [103143] 2 Between 2000 and 2010 the components of the import dependency percentages can be found in Table 2.7, Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2011. Gregory Barker: There have been no investigations 3 The provisional 2011 statistics that have been provided are sourced into breaches of the Civil Service Code of Conduct in from Table 2.1 of the quarterly statistical release, Energy Trends the Department of Energy and Climate Change over March 2012, which was published at 9.30 am on 29 March 2012. The the period from May 2010 to March 2012. statistics used to compile this table can be found on the DECC website: http://decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/source/coal/coal.aspx Coal Fired Power Stations Community Energy Saving Programme Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether any coal power Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for station will be generating in the UK after 2023. Energy and Climate Change what meetings Ministers [103001] in his Department have had with (a) Atlantic, (b) EDF Energy, (c) British Gas, (d) Swalec, (e) E.ON, Charles Hendry: Around 21GW of coal plant in the (f) Npower, (g) Scottish Hydro, (h) Scottish Power, UK have “not opted” out of the large combustion plant (i) Southern Electric and (j) SSE to discuss progress in directive, and are therefore able to remain in operation meeting their obligations under the community energy after 2015. These plant will need to comply with the saving programme and carbon emission reduction requirements of the industrial emissions directive. target. [102914] Which option they choose under the directive, and therefore whether they will remain in operation past Gregory Barker: I last met with representatives of 2023, is a commercial matter for individual operators. EDF, British Gas, E.ON, npower, SSE and Scottish Power to discuss the progress in meeting the carbon Some estimates of future coal generation capacity, emission reduction target (CERT) and Community Energy and the assumptions underlying these estimates, can be Saving Programme (CESP) obligations on 1 February found in the following: 2012. DECC’s Updated Emissions Projections Atlantic, Scottish Hydro and Swalec are all owned by http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/ec_social_res/ SSE. analytic_projs/en_emis_projs/en_emis_projs.aspx DECC’s Carbon Plan Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/carbon_plan/ Energy and Climate Change whether his Department carbon_plan.aspx has received any representations to extend the deadline for (a) the community energy saving programme and Coal: Imports (b) the carbon emission reduction target. [102956] Gregory Barker: The Government have received Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for representations from some obligated energy companies, Energy and Climate Change what proportion of the and representative bodies, to extend the 31 December coal used in the UK was imported in the latest period 2012 deadline for achieving both the Carbon Emission for which figures are available. [102999] Reduction Target (CERT) and Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP). Charles Hendry: The following table shows the percentage of imported coal used in the UK in each year from 2000 Electricity Generation until 2011. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Net Total supply imports(thousand (thousand Import Energy and Climate Change what the generation tonnes) tonnes) dependency1 (%) capacity is of private wire networks in the UK; and how many such generators operate on private wire 2 2000 22,786 59,838 38.1 networks. [102090] 2001 34,992 63,530 55.1 2002 28,149 58,639 48.0 Charles Hendry: DECC does not hold figures for 2003 31,349 62,865 49.9 generation over private wires. 2004 35,531 60,567 58.7 2005 43,433 61,780 70.3 Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006 50,085 67,340 74.4 Energy and Climate Change whether secondees to his 2007 42,821 62,903 68.1 Department were involved in the preparation of the 2008 43,276 58,219 74.3 Final Overarching Energy National Policy Statement 2009 37,520 48,786 76.9 (EN-1) June 2011, Part 3: Section 3.3, subsections (a) 2010 25,806 51,429 50.2 The need for more electricity capacity to support an 159W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 160W increased supply from renewables and (b) Future The Carbon Plan, which was published on 1 December increases in electricity demand and the urgency of the 2011, sets out a range of scenarios to highlight the need for new electricity capacity. [102555] possibilities and the challenges we will face in decarbonising the economy between now and 2050, using currently Charles Hendry: No secondees were involved in the available knowledge. At this stage, it is not possible to preparation of the Final Overarching Energy National predict with certainty the most cost-effective route to Policy Statement EN-1, Part 3, section 3.3 on the need decarbonisation of the power sector and the scenarios for electricity generation capacity. Part 3 was drafted by are not intended to present a definitive assessment of a DECC officials in the light of responses to the consultation particular technology. on the revised draft NPSs. Some estimates of future installed capacity, and the assumptions underlying these estimates, can be found in Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for the following: Energy and Climate Change whether secondees to his DECC’s Updated Emissions Projections Department were involved in the preparation of the http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/ec_social_res/ first bullet point, entitled The demand for electricity is analytic_projs/en_emis_projs/en_emis_projs.aspx likely to rise, on page six of the 2011 White Paper, DECC’s Carbon Plan Planning our Electric Future. [102556] http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/carbon_plan/ carbon_plan.aspx Charles Hendry: The drafting of ’Planning our electric future: a White Paper for secure, affordable and low-carbon Electricity: Meters electricity’ (CM 8099) was led by civil servants. Secondees have, however, assisted with the preparation of proposals on electricity market reform and I refer the hon. Member Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for to the written answer given on 24 October 2011, Official Energy and Climate Change what the timetable is for Report, column 76W,to the hon. Member for Southampton, developing and carrying out the consumer engagement Test (Dr Whitehead). strategy under the smart metering implementation programme; and if he will make a statement. [101655] Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what recent assessment he Charles Hendry: The Government recently published has made of the effect of drought conditions on the a consultation on the consumer engagement strategy generation of electricity. [103097] for the smart meter roll-out. The consultation sets out the Government’s thinking Charles Hendry: Last year the Association of Electricity on the objectives, activities and delivery approach for Producers (AEP) conducted a review that looked at the central consumer engagement. A key proposal is for impact of a nationwide drought, considering in particular energy suppliers to establish and fund a central delivery stations with abstraction licence conditions. body for smart meter consumer engagement. Under a regulated approach, we envisage that the body would be The AEP assessment indicated that the amount of set up no later than the first half of 2013 and publish its generating capacity potentially impacted in the case of first delivery plans in the first quarter of 2014, ensuring a nationwide drought is significant but relatively low that a comprehensive consumer engagement approach compared with total generating capacity. is in place before the start of mass roll-out later in 2014. In March this year the Environment Agency (EA) Earlier implementation could be possible if suppliers published a report: ″Drought prospects for spring and are able to establish suitable arrangements without summer 2012″. The EA supports the AEP’s assessment, regulation. stating The Government will continue to work with stakeholders “..individual electricity generators may be impacted where during Foundation Stage (which began in April 2011 they rely on abstracting cooling water in affected areas however and will continue until mass roll-out begins in 2014) to this is unlikely to affect electricity supply as this may be met by an promote positive smart metering case studies through alternative supplier and balanced nationally...”. the media, counter misinformation and coordinate DECC continues to work closely with industry and consistent messages. other Government Departments to track and ensure energy resilience in this area. Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the proposed budget Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for is for the consumer engagement strategy under the Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made smart metering implementation programme. [101656] of the probable installed capacity of (a) unabated gas-fired electricity generation and (b) unabated Charles Hendry: The Government recently published coal-fired electricity generation that there will be in the a consultation on the consumer engagement strategy UK electricity system in 2025. [103177] for the smart meter roll-out. The consultation sets out the Government’s thinking Charles Hendry: It is difficult to accurately predict on the objectives, activities and delivery approach for the amount of installed capacity for unabated coal and central consumer engagement. A key proposal is for gas in 2025, as (provided they continue to comply with energy suppliers to establish and fund a central delivery environmental legislation) the decision to retire old body to deliver objectives relating to consumer engagement plants, and build new ones, is a commercial matter for for smart meters set out by the Government. The individual plant operators. Government’s current view is that the funding levels 161W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 162W would not be prescribed for the delivery body; instead it Backup copies of DECC’s IT systems are kept for would be for suppliers to decide on the level of funding three months for business continuity purposes. necessary to achieve its objectives. Energy Supply Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for made of the level of consumer awareness and support Energy and Climate Change what steps his for smart metering. [101657] Department is taking to support the energy sector and its domestic supply chain. [101990] Charles Hendry: The Government are carrying out qualitative and quantitative research on consumer attitudes Charles Hendry: The building of a vibrant green to smart metering, the results of which will be published economy and the promotion of the domestic energy during summer 2012. We expect to repeat some of this supply chain are top priorities for this Government. research at six monthly intervals. DECC’s work to strengthen the energy supply chain in the UK aims to support the sector in ensuring there is In addition, we are aware of a number of external capacity in place to deliver required investment, and to assessments of awareness of, and support for, smart deliver on DECC’s objectives, safe and secure energy on metering. The findings vary, but typically the assessments the way to a low carbon future and incentivising low suggest that awareness is fairly low, whereas support for carbon investment and deployment. DECC also works smart metering among those who are aware is higher. to ensure that as far as possible work to achieve these objectives supports UK jobs and growth. Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Last August, DECC, BIS and DEFRA jointly published and Climate Change what alternatives he considered to ‘Enabling the Transition to a Green Economy’. This smart metering; and if he will make a statement. sets out the policies we are using to support the transition [102710] to a green economy and outlines the range of levers we are using to drive green growth. Charles Hendry: The business case for smart metering has been developed by the previous and current Energy: Billing governments over the last four years, supported by extensive analysis, consultation and detailed discussions Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for with stakeholders. This included consideration of an Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of alternative option of rolling out consumer displays and 21 March 2012, Official Report, column 758W, on provision of historical information on energy bills. energy: billing, when the data for the average level of The Coalition programme for government included a debt for domestic customers for 2011 will be published. commitment to roll out smart meters. In addition to [102930] providing consumers with greater visibility of, and control over, their energy use, smart meters will help energy Charles Hendry: Ofgem expect to publish its social suppliers provide improved customer services and deliver obligations annual report for 2011, which will include significant cost savings to industry, which will ultimately this information, before the end of August. benefit consumers. In addition, it will help to facilitate Energy: Prices the development of a smart grid and the uptake of electric vehicles and microgeneration. The impact assessment indicates that the rollout of smart meters Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy will deliver more than £7 billion of benefits to the and Climate Change what assessment his Department country. has made of the merits of collective purchasing in the energy market. [102483]
E-mail Charles Hendry: Collective purchasing and switching has the potential to help consumers get a fair deal on Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy their energy bills. and Climate Change what his policy is on the period DECC has been looking at barriers to the development for which emails sent and received by (a) Ministers, of collective purchasing schemes with industry (b) officials, and (c) special advisers in his representatives, consumer groups and other interested Department are retained; and whether such emails are parties. recoverable from the IT systems in his Department after that period. [102946] Environment Protection: Taxation
Gregory Barker: E-mails sent or received on departmental Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy IT systems that form part of the official record for and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 21 accountability, legal or business purposes, are saved March 2012, Official Report, column 761W, on into the corporate electronic records management system. environmental protection: taxation, what estimate he These are reviewed after eight years when they are has made of the likely effect of his policies on (a) either destroyed, retained if there is an ongoing need medium and (b) large industrial energy bills. [102344] and re-assessed at a future date, or identified for transfer to The National Archives when appropriate. Ephemeral Charles Hendry: On 23 November 2011, alongside e-mails which are not part of the official record are the Annual Energy Statement, DECC published an automatically deleted after 12 months. assessment of the impact of climate change and energy 163W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 164W polices on energy prices and bills for an average household, such we would not be saving the full costs of these medium-sized business user and large energy intensive policies reported in Annex F of the published document. user in 2011, 2020 and 2030. This is available online at: Around a fifth of the UK’s existing generation capacity http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/aes/ will need replacing by 2020 as many nuclear and coal impacts/impacts.aspx plants reach the end of their lives. Policies such as the The headline results for medium-sized business users EMR are designed to encourage the investment in and large energy intensive users are presented in Table electricity plants needed to replace these and avoid the 1. These results do not include the impact of the package risk of costly blackouts at least cost to consumers. of measures for energy intensive industries announced Moreover, without these policies the UK will become in the Chancellor’s 2011 Autumn Statement. On 12 more dependent on imported energy, more exposed to March, the Government launched a call for evidence on volatility in international fossil fuel prices and households, the impact of electricity costs on energy intensive industries particularly the most vulnerable, will not benefit from in the UK to inform implementation of this package of improved energy efficiency of their homes. Furthermore, measures, available online at: we would not meet our statutory emissions reduction http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/business-sectors/low-carbon- targets and EU renewable energy targets if these policies business-opportunities/energy-intensive-industries were discontinued. 1 Table 1: Estimated impact of energy and climate change policies on Other policies include smart meters, the carbon emission reduction average energy (gas plus electricity) bills compared with bills in the target, the energy efficiency commitments, the Community Energy absence of policies Saving programme, Better Billing, the warm home discount and % products policy. 2011 2020 2030 EU Emissions Trading Scheme Medium-sized 18 19 28 business user1 Large energy 3 to 12 2 to 20 11 to 34 Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for intensive Energy and Climate Change what discussions his industrial user2 Department has had with its EU counterparts on the 1 A medium-sized business user is defined by an annual consumption views of (a) China and (b) other non-EU countries on of between 2,778 and 27,777 MWh of gas and between 2,000 and the EU Emissions Trading System and the decision to 19,999 MWh of electricity. The midpoints of these ranges have been used. include international aviation in the scheme. [102650] 2 Energy intensive users are defined as those in sectors covered by Climate Change Agreements. The energy bills for these users are Gregory Barker: International aviation has been included based on a range of three different mixes of gas and electricity consumption (80% gas and 20% of electricity, 50% of each and 20% in the EU ETS from 1 January 2012 as an effect of the gas and 80% electricity). The range of results also encompasses the directive 2008/101/EC, which was approved by co-decision extent to which users may source electricity from on-site generation on 19 November 2008 with strong support from the EU which would not be subject to the support costs of policies such as the Parliament and Council. RO, EMR and FITs. We remain fully committed to the inclusion of aviation Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy in the EU ETS and continue to support the successful and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of 21 implementation of the system. We are working closely March 2012, Official Report, column 761W, on with other member states and with the Commission to environmental protection: taxation, how much an understand the concerns raised by non-EU countries. average household would save each year by 2020 if the A global measure remains our preferred option so we Energy Company Obligation, EU Emission Trading continue to press for an ambitious international agreement Scheme, Carbon Floor Price, Renewables Obligation, in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Green Deal and feed-in-tariffs were removed and This position is consistent with Article 25a of the ETS electricity market reform discontinued. [102672] Directive which makes provision for amendment to the legislation following an international agreement. Gregory Barker: DECC estimates that energy and climate change policies will lead to average household Fuel: Prices energy bills that are 7% lower in 2020 than they would be if these policies were never introduced. This net saving includes the impact of the energy company Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy obligation, EU emission trading system, carbon price and Climate Change what estimate his Department has floor, renewables obligation (RO), Green Deal, feed-in made of the number of people in (a) the UK and (b) tariffs (FITs) and electricity market reform (EMR) as Northern Ireland who spent more than 10% of their well as other policies.1 A breakdown of this net impact income on fuel in the last year. [102753] by policy is available in Annex F at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/aes/ Gregory Barker: Measurement of fuel poverty is based impacts/impacts.aspx on modelled rather than actual spend and is reported on at household (rather than individual) level. In 2009, It is important to take into consideration that even if the latest year for which data are available, the number the RO and FITs were discontinued today, the RO costs of households that were modelled to need to spend relating to large-scale renewable electricity generating more than 10% of their income on domestic fuel to stay capacity already built have been committed and will adequately warm was estimated to be: therefore still be incurred in 2020 and small-scale low-carbon electricity installations eligible for FITs and already (a) 5.5 million in the UK; installed would also still receive payments in 2020. As (b) 302,000 in Northern Ireland. 165W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 166W
The Department does not compile figures on the Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for number of households that actually spend more than Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he 10% of their income on fuel. Fuel poverty among the has made of the number of gas-fired power stations for countries of the UK is measured by each devolved which (a) there is planning consent and (b) planning office. Latest figures for 2010 for the UK and England permission is being sought; and what the likely capacity will be published on 17 May. of electricity which would be generated by power stations in each such category. [102957] Gas and Electricity Markets Authority Charles Hendry: Since 1 January 2007, 18 consents Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for for new gas-fired electricity generating stations or extensions Energy and Climate Change what investigations Ofgem to existing gas-fired stations have been granted under is currently undertaking. [102926] section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 (″S36″) in England and Wales. The total capacity comprised in those consents Charles Hendry: The information requested is a matter is 20,360 MW. In addition, the Scottish Government for Ofgem. The chief executive of Ofgem will write to granted consent for a 1,000 MW gas-fired generating the right hon. Member directly, and a copy of the letter station in October 2011. will be placed in the Libraries of the House. There are currently two live applications for consent under S36 for gas-fired generating stations in England Gas Fired Power Stations and Wales. The total capacity for those proposed stations is 2,155 MW. There are no live applications for consent Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for for gas-fired power stations in Scotland. Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department has made of the electricity generation Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for capacity from gas-fired power stations it expects to Energy and Climate Change whether his Department become operational in each year from 2012 to 2020. has made any estimate of the global installed capacity [102913] of gas-fired electricity generation in 2010 and the likely level of such capacity in (a) 2020 and (b) 2030. Charles Hendry: DECC’s latest ‘central’ updated emissions projections (UEP) scenario, published on 13 [103000] October 2011, shows the following new build of gas generation between 2012 and 2020: Charles Hendry: The following table shows global installed capacity for gas-fired electricity generation for Cumulative new 2009 (the latest year for which actual data are available) New build (GW) build (GW) as well as projected values for 2020 and 2030 under 2012 0.5 0.5 three different scenarios. All of these data have been 2013 0.9 1.4 sourced from the IEA’s ‘World Energy Outlook 2011’ 2014 0.9 2.3 publication. 2015 0.4 2.7 New Policies Current Policies 450 Scenario 2016 1.2 3.9 Scenario global Scenario global global capacity 2017 0.4 4.3 capacity (GW) capacity (GW) (GW) 2018 0.4 4.7 2009 1,298 1,298 1,298 2019 0.0 4.7 2020 1,749 1,767 1,727 2020 0.0 4.7 2030 2,016 2,108 2,014 This data shows net gas generation capacity (i.e. gross generation capacity less the plant’s own use), only The central scenario is the New Policies Scenario, in covers new build by major power producers, and does which recent Government policy commitments are assumed not include additional policies to meet the 4th carbon to be implemented in a cautious manner even if they are budget (2023-27) as set out in the Carbon plan published not yet backed up by firm measures. The Current Policies on 1 December 2011. Scenario assumes no new policies are added to those in The UEP scenario above reflects a gradual introduction place as of mid-2011. The 450 Scenario works back of new capacity currently in construction. This reflects from the international goal of limiting the long-term uncertainty about the exact completion dates for each increase in the global mean temperature to two degrees generating unit. Celsius (2°C) above pre-industrial levels, in order to This scenario is based on a set of assumptions on trace a plausible pathway to that goal. fossil fuel and carbon prices and costs. They do not reflect a desired or preferred outcome for Government. Gas Fired Power Stations: Carbon Emissions Cumulative new capacity from major power producers can be found in annex K of DECC’s updated emissions projections available at: Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/about/ec_social_res/ Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to analytic_projs/en_emis_projs/en_emis_projs.aspx review the level of the Emissions Performance Please note that annex K shows cumulative capacity Standard in line with the commercial and technical from 2011, whereas the cumulative figures above are viability of carbon capture and storage for new gas from 2012. plants. [102303] 167W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 168W
Charles Hendry: The level of Emissions Performance Green Deal provider chooses to include, subject to our Standard for future plant will be reviewed in line with regulations, and what they charge for the various elements. the decarbonisation reports required under s10 of the Some properties will be more straightforward to insulate Energy Act 2010. than others, some customers will include insulation as part of other renovations thereby minimising costs, and Gas Fired Power Stations: Carbon Sequestration some Green Deal providers may make savings from operating at scale within an area; we are not mandating Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for costs or what must be included so this is open to Green Energy and Climate Change what progress he has Deal providers to determine. made on establishing carbon capture and storage As an example, in a typical three-bed semi where demonstration projects for new gas plants. [102339] cavity wall insulation and loft top-up is being carried out at a cost of £800, if we assume additional ancillary Charles Hendry: The new CCS competition, ‘the costs of £200, and a 7.5% interest rate, the payback CCS Commercialisation Programme’, which was launched period would be 10 years with savings continuing to be on 3 April, is open to both coal and gas projects. enjoyed by the customer for the ongoing lifetime of the Further details are available on the DECC website at: measures. www.decc.gov.uk/occs
Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on Energy and Climate Change if he will publish updated requiring new gas plants to be built ready for carbon numbers of (a) hard and (b) easy to treat cavities in the impact assessment to be published alongside the capture. [102343] Government response to the Green Deal and energy company obligation consultation. [102585] Charles Hendry: All new combustion power stations at or over 300 MWe and of a type covered by the large combustion plant directive, including gas, will only be Gregory Barker: Yes, DECC will publish revised consented if they are carbon capture ready (CCR). assumptions on the number of easy and hard to treat cavity walls not yet insulated in the final Green Deal Green Deal Scheme and energy company obligation impact assessment.
Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made ensure that clear and reliable information is available to of the number of remaining (a) hard and (b) easy to those investing in the Green Deal and delivering treat domestic wall cavities. [102587] programmes through the Energy Company Obligation. [102285] Gregory Barker: Estimates of the number of remaining hard and easy to treat cavity wall homes in Great Gregory Barker: Officials are engaging collaboratively Britain were published by DECC in the Carbon Plan. It with industry stakeholders to provide guidance on how was estimated that at the start of July 2011 there were investors and delivery agents can enter the market. 7.5 million existing uninsulated cavity walls remaining. DECC are developing data processes that investors will Of these, 2.6 million were considered easy to treat and be able to use to determine what role they could play. 4.9 million hard to treat. The Department for Communities and Local Government will be opening up access to the EPC Estimates for April 2012 will be published at 9.30 am register from April to authorised participants. This will on 28 June 2012 as part of the quarterly statistical allow Green Deal providers and Energy Company release, Energy Trends. Obligation operators to target properties that can benefit from their services. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for We are working with the energy companies and financiers Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made to publish historic aggregated electricity payment of the potential ancillary costs that the Green Deal will performance data. This will aid Green Deal providers add to the cost of basic loft and cavity wall insulation. and financiers to assess the risk of default in the Green [102588] Deal in the absence of a Green Deal track record, given that Green Deal repayments will be collected via electricity Gregory Barker: DECC has sought views from industry bills. representatives on the potential ancillary costs associated with the installation of certain energy efficiency measures, Insulation: Housing including solid wall insulation. The assumptions will be included in the final impact assessment for the Green Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Deal and energy company obligation. Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the likelihood of loft and cavity wall Intellectual Property insulation meeting the golden rule any ancillary costs are factored in. [102584] Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: Expected savings from insulation Energy and Climate Change whether his Department will vary depending on each specific household or building, has a role in intellectual property policy development. while costs will also vary depending on what costs a [101250] 169W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 170W
Gregory Barker [holding answer 27 March 2012]: Renewable Energy Policy relating to intellectual policy, as a stand-alone matter, is for BIS and the Intellectual Property Office, Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for who are an executive agency of BIS. DECC clearly has Energy and Climate Change how many staff working an interest in ensuring that the intellectual policy is on Electricity Market Reform (EMR) in his Department developed in a way that supports innovation in the have expertise in community-scale renewable energy; energy and climate change fields. We would therefore and if he will give the staff in his Department working work with BIS on this area, as would other Departments. on EMR a remit to ensure that new arrangements Any work with BIS on this area would normally be led encourage community-owned renewable energy schemes. by DECC’s procurement or legal areas. We have consulted [102091] them and they are not aware of any DECC work in the intellectual property policy development area, at this time. Charles Hendry: Community-scale renewable energy forms a key part of the Department’s large programmes. Legal Costs There are 71.5 staff based in the Office for Renewable Energy Deployment, and an additional team working on the renewable heat incentive. Within these wider Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for programmes, a core team of four people focuses on Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of community-scale renewable energy, with additional 23 January 2012, Official Report, column 15W, on assistance from specialists on science and engineering, HomeSun Holdings, what the final legal costs incurred economics and social research. by his Department were in the case of HomeSun Holdings Ltd v. Secretary of State for Energy and In developing the electricity market reform proposals Climate Change. [102609] we are giving consideration to all scales of generation. In addition to drawing on the internal expertise outlined Gregory Barker: The total legal costs to DECC are above, we are working with the Distributed Energy not yet known. The costs incurred by DECC to date are Contact Group to understand their views of the new approximately £83,870. The costs of HomeSun and the arrangements, and how these can support community-scale other respondents have not yet been assessed. schemes.
Nuclear Power Stations Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for answer of 8 March 2012, Official Report, column 1002, Energy and Climate Change whether secondees to his on low-carbon technologies, if he will publish a list of Department were involved in the preparation of the the installed renewable electricity generation he expects subsection of the Final National Policy Statement on to become operational in 2012. [102932] Nuclear Power EN-6, June 2011, Volume 1, Part 2, entitled Policy on the need for new nuclear power Gregory Barker: DECC’s Restats database holds data stations and the benefits of early deployment. [102553] on the status of large-scale renewable electricity generation projects, including those under construction. The intended Charles Hendry: No secondees were involved in the operational date is not captured so it is not possible to preparation of the subsection of the National Policy tell which projects will become operational in 2012, Statement on Nuclear Power published in June 2011, however the date on which generation commenced is Volume 1, Part 2, entitled ″Policy on the need for new recorded. nuclear power stations and the benefits of early A progress datasheet for February 2012 (the latest ″ deployment . The text was drafted by DECC officials in data available) can be accessed at: the light of responses to the consultation on the revised https://restats.decc.gov.uk/app/reporting/decc/datasheet draft NPSs. Oil: Prices Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the oral answer of 8 March 2012, Official Report, column 997, on Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy onshore wind energy, what assessment his Department and Climate Change what discussions his Department has made of the electricity generation capacity for has had (a) at EU level, (b) with the US and (c) with which (a) there is planning consent and (b) planning OPEC countries on releasing strategic oil reserves in permission is being sought for (i) offshore wind, (ii) order to reduce oil prices. [102752] tidal sources, (iii) small-scale hydro-sources, (iv) large-scale hydro-sources, (v) landfill gas, (vi) sewage sludge, (vii) Charles Hendry: The Department of Energy and municipal solid waste combustion, (viii) animal biomass Climate Change routinely discusses a range of oil market and (ix) plant biomass. [102937] issues with representatives of numerous countries, including the EU, US and some OPEC members. The UK, along with the International Energy Agency, and IEA member Charles Hendry: DECC’s Restats database holds data countries, will continue to monitor oil market developments on the status of large-scale renewable electricity generation carefully, but no decision has been taken to release oil projects, including those that have received planning stocks. As IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven consent or are awaiting a planning decision. A progress recently stated, “the IEA was created to respond to datasheet for February 2012 (the latest data available) serious physical supply disruptions, and [we] remain can be accessed at ready to act if market conditions so warrant”. https://restats.decc.gov.uk/app/reporting/decc/datasheet 171W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 172W
A summary of the data is set out in the following Gregory Barker: The Oil Firing Technical Association table: have written to me to request a meeting to discuss the Potential generation capacity of specified renewable electricity inclusion of bioliquids in the Renewable Heat Incentive. generation technologies Due to diary commitments I am unable to meet MW representatives at this present time. I have asked my Planning consent officials to meet with Oftec in the first instance to granted In planning discuss their concerns.
Offshore wind 3,888.7 3,424.0 Secondment Wave and tidal1 40.1 17.5 Small-scale hydro 2— 2— Large-scale hydro 129.6 10.3 Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Landfill gas 36.1 4.5 Energy and Climate Change whether secondees to the Sewage gas 4.5 0 previous Department for Business Enterprise and Waste 940.0 279.3 Regulatory Reform were involved in the preparation of Animal and plant 2,780.0 1,125.1 the 2008 Nuclear White Paper, Cm 7296, Section 2: hiomass3 Subsection entitled Our proposals on nuclear power: 1 Separate data not available for tidal power. the Government’s preliminary view and Government 2 See following paragraph. response. [102554] 3 Separate data not available for animal and plant biomass Source: Restats progress datasheet, February 2012 Charles Hendry: No secondees were involved in the https://restats.decc.gov.uk/app/reporting/decc/datasheet preparation of the subsections of the 2008 Nuclear ″ DECC does not maintain aggregated data on small-scale White Paper entitled Our proposals on nuclear power—the Government’s preliminary view″ and ″Our proposals hydro projects. However, individual projects are listed ″ in the Restats monthly planning database extract available on nuclear power—Government response . The text from was drafted by BERR officials. https://restats.decc.gov.uk/cms/planning-database-reports/ Solar Power: British Overseas Territories Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assistance his Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Department has given to the utilisation of solar power Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of in British Overseas Territories. [102138] 23 February 2012, Official Report, column 906W, on renewable energy: feed-in tariffs, whether his Department Gregory Barker: In recognition of the need to improve has estimated the Government’s potential liability for their domestic energy security, and to reduce their loss of income following the Supreme Court ruling on greenhouse gas emissions, Overseas Territories occasionally its consultation on the feed-in tariff for solar power. seek support from DECC to help identify suitable and [102768] nationally appropriate renewable energy technologies. The Department responds positively to such requests, Gregory Barker: The Government have made no such within resources, by directing the Overseas Territories estimate, as it does not accept that it has any such to both internal and external sources of best practice. liability. From 30 March 2012 DECC will provide a single point of contact through which the Foreign and Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Commonwealth Office will direct questions and requests from the Overseas Territories in relation to energy and climate change issues. Sir Robert Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he plans to make an announcement on the next stage of policy development Vodafone Group for the Renewable Heat Incentive; and whether bioliquids will be included in the scheme. [R] [102560] Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many contracts Vodafone has Gregory Barker: A Departmental Note was laid in been awarded by his Department in the last 12 months. Parliament on 26 March 2012 on support for renewable [103222] heat technologies in the domestic and non-domestic sectors. Further to that note, we will consult in September Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and 2012 on whether to include bioliquids in the non-domestic Climate Change has awarded one call-off contract to RHI and on how we can support renewable heating for Vodafone in the last 12 months under a Government households in the longer term. wide framework agreement (″Buying Solutions Mobile 11″) run by the Government Procurement Service. The Sir Robert Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for contract was awarded on 1 April 2011. Energy and Climate Change if he will meet representatives from the Oil Firing Technical Association to discuss the Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy inclusion of bioliquids in the Renewable Heat Incentive. and Climate Change what contracts his Department [R] [102561] has with Vodafone. [103223] 173W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 174W
Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and farm developers to submit costed programmes for the Climate Change has one call off contract with Vodafone removal of their projects with funds set aside for that under a Government wide framework agreement (″Buying purpose. Initial estimates received from wind farm Solutions Mobile II″) run by the Government Procurement developers indicate a range of figures for potential Service. The contract was awarded on 1 April 2011. decommissioning costs (from £31,000 per megawatt to £200,000 per MW) which reflect the different characteristics Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy of the projects concerned and the lack of practical and Climate Change how many times the Permanent experience to date of decommissioning offshore wind Secretary in his Department has met Vodafone farms around the United Kingdom. representatives in the last 12 months. [103224] Wind Power: British Overseas Territories Gregory Barker: Details of meetings between the Permanent Secretary and external organisations are Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for published quarterly on the Department’s website. Energy and Climate Change what assistance his Department has given to the utilisation of wind power Warm Front Scheme in British Overseas Territories. [102137]
Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: In recognition of the need to improve Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of their domestic energy security, and to reduce their 20 March 2012, on the Warm Front discount scheme; greenhouse gas emissions, overseas territories occasionally how many households which have received help with seek support from DECC to help identify suitable and their energy bills are part of (a) the core group, (b) the nationally appropriate renewable energy technologies. broader group and (c) the legacy spending element of The Department responds positively to such requests, the previous voluntary agreement through social and within resources, by directing the overseas territories to discounted tariffs. [102931] both internal and external sources of best practice. From 30 March 2012 DECC will provide a single Gregory Barker: Information on the final number of point of contact through which the Foreign and households assisted under the scheme from 1 April Commonwealth Office will direct questions and requests 2011 to 31 March 2012 will not be known until Ofgem from the overseas territories in relation to energy and have conducted a review of suppliers’ spending in that climate change issues. year. Around 660,000 households have already received a discount under the core group element of the scheme in 2011-12. The Department of Energy and Climate Change CABINET OFFICE published an impact assessment in February 2011 for the scheme which estimated that: Average Earnings The broader group element of the scheme will assist a minimum of 26,000 households in 2011-12. The legacy spend element of the scheme will assist up to 1.5 Mr Tom Clarke: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet million households in 2011-12. Office how many people earn over £1 million per annum in each parliamentary constituency. [102928] These estimates assume suppliers will spend £130 million on legacy spending. If suppliers choose to spend Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the less than this, they will be required to assist more responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have broader group households this year. asked the authority to reply. Wind Power Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question Mr Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy asking how many people earn over £1 million per year in each and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the parliamentary constituency. (102928) (a) cost of decommissioning windmills on land and ONS’s preferred measure of employee earnings comes from (b) offshore. [101513] the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). ASHE is carried out in April each year and is the most comprehensive Charles Hendry: DECC has not made an assessment source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. of the cost of decommissioning onshore wind turbines. The ASHE sample covers approximately 1 per cent of the UK Where the Secretary of State grants consent for an employee workforce. Given the small number of people with onshore wind farm, he may also grant deemed planning annual earnings of over £1 million, it is not possible to produce permission and include a condition that requires developers reliable statistics for people in this category. to work with the relevant local planning authorities to make arrangements for the removal of wind farms or Average Earnings: Greater London individual turbines and for the land to be restored to an acceptable condition at the end of a project’s lifetime. Mr Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Where local authorities grant planning permission for Office what the average income was of (a) full-time wind farms, they are able to include similar conditions male, (b) full-time female, (c) part-time male and (d) requiring decommissioning of the structures. part-time female workers in (i) Bexleyheath and Offshore, there is a statutory decommissioning scheme Crayford constituency and (ii) London in the last 12 which allows the Secretary of State to compel wind months. [102118] 175W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 176W
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Big Society Investment Fund responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Dan Rogerson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: Office how many applications for funding from the Big Society Investment Fund there have been to date. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, [102504] I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what the average income of (a) full-time male, Mr Hurd: The Big Society Investment Fund (BSIF) (b) full-time female, (c) part-time male and (d) part-time was open from June 2011 to March 2012, and its female workers was in (i) Bexleyheath and Crayford purpose was to build the diversity and resilience of the constituency and (ii) London in the last twelve months. social investment market by investing in well managed, (102118) ambitious and financially-sound social investment finance Estimates of average income are not available for the intermediaries (SIFIs). breakdowns requested, so estimates of average earnings The BSIF received 63 applications from SIFIs over have been provided. Average levels of earnings are this period. estimated from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), and are provided for all employees on adult Business rates of pay whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence. The ASHE, carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings Damian Hinds: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet information in the United Kingdom. Office what estimate he has made of the number of micro businesses in each parliamentary constituency. The following table shows the median gross weekly [103086] earnings for full-time male, full-time female, part-time male and part-time female employee jobs in Bexleyheath Mr Hurd: The information’ requested falls within the and Crayford constituency and London in April 2011. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Median gross weekly earnings for full-time male, full-time female, Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: part-time male and part-time female employee jobsa: (i) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency, (ii) London for April 2011 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking £ what estimate has been made of the number of micro businesses Bexleyheath and in each parliamentary constituency. [103086] Crayfordb Londonc Annual statistics on the number of enterprises are available Full-time male *619.3 706.4 from the ONS release; UK Business: Activity, Size and Location Part-time male X 148.0 at Full-time female **438.2 585.2 www.statistics.gov.uk Part-time female **151.1 179.6 these estimates relate to the count of live businesses in March of a Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was each year. not affected by absence. The latest statistics on the number of enterprises in each b Parliamentary constituency. parliamentary constituency have been provided in the table. The c UK region. table provides estimates for the number of enterprises in each Guide to Quality: parliamentary constituency by employment size. Micro businesses The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, the are defined as businesses with employment between 0 and 9. smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for Copies of the table have been placed in the House of Commons an average of 200 with a CV of 5%, we would expect the population Library. average to be within the range 180 to 220. Key: Census CV<=5% * CV>5% and <=10% ** CV> 10% and <=20% Mrs Main: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office X Unreliable. what estimate he has made of the number of people Source: who have been (a) fined and (b) prosecuted as a result Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics. of not completing the 2011 Census. [102648] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Average Earnings: Kent responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated April 2012: Gareth Johnson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the average income of (a) full-time male, As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which has responsibility for the Census, I have been asked (b) full-time female, (c) part-time male and (d) to reply to your recent question asking what estimate has been part-time female workers in (i) Kent and (ii) Dartford made of the number of people who have been (a) fined and (b) constituency were in the last 12 months. [101947] prosecuted as a result of not completing the 2011 Census. 102648. The prosecution process for failing to complete a 2011 Census questionnaire is still ongoing. As at 3 April 2012, 200 prosecution Chris Grayling: I have been asked to reply on behalf cases have been concluded, with fines imposed in 198 cases. of the Department for Work and Pensions. A further 54 cases where prosecutions were started, have The requested information is not available. resulted in the completion of a census return. 177W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 178W
Details about the number of prosecutions will be published as Electronic Government part of the evaluation of the 2011 Census in due course. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Cybercrime Office whether targets exist for the proportion of Government services which citizens can use online. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet [102259] Office whether he has estimated the prevalence of cybercrime to inform his cybercrime strategy; and how Mr Maude: We have not set targets for the proportion any such estimate has been made. [102015] of Government services which citizens can use online.
Mr Maude [holding answer 26 March 2012]: The UK Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Cyber Security Strategy, published 25 November 2011, Office which Government services can only be accessed combined the UK’s approaches to tackling cybercrime online. [102268] and wider cyber security to create a single, strategic plan to deal with the full range of threats to the UK Mr Maude: The Government Digital Service in the from cyberspace. Cabinet Office is working with Departments to transform The estimate of the scale of cybercrime affecting the their digital services and Departments will publish their UK in the strategy was informed by a number of pieces digital strategies which will set out their services later in of work including a report “The Cost of Cyber Crime” the year. The Government are committed to delivering which was published in February 2011. The report is transactional services digitally by default to ensure digital available at: services are simpler, quicker and easier for citizens to http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/cost-of- use online and making online the channel of choice. cyber-crime However, we are also aware that Government have a duty to ensure everyone has access to services for which Efficiency and Reform Group they are eligible and is therefore committed to ensuring that assisted digital services are in place to ensure that Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Minister for the no one is left behind by the move to digital by default Cabinet Office how many staff of the Efficiency and service delivery. Reform Group were employed (a) in total and (b) at Emergencies each civil service grade and salary band in (i) May 2010, (ii) November 2010, (iii) May 2011, (iv) Paul Flynn: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet November 2011 and (v) on the latest date for which Office what account was taken of lessons learned from figures are available. [102541] the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in the revision of the energy sector risk profiles in the Mr Maude: The Efficiency and Reform Group was 2012 edition of the National Risk Register for Civil created in June 2010. The following table sets out the Emergencies. [102036] full-time equivalents (FTEs) employed in the Efficiency and Reform Group on the dates requested. It shows Mr Maude: The Department of Energy and Climate that the headcount of the Efficiency and Reform Group Change (DECC) and Office for Nuclear Regulation has reduced by 27% since June 2010 and it is operating ″ ″ (ONR) have been reviewing the risks to the energy at the desired steady state number of around 440 sector following events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear FTE. The total cost of running the Efficiency and plant in Japan last year. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector Reform Group has reduced by 38% since June 2010, of Nuclear Installations, Mike Weightman, produced a from around £37 million in 2010-11 to around £23 detailed report on the implications of the Japanese million. earthquake and tsunami for the UK nuclear industry During this time, the Efficiency and Reform Group, which was published in September 2011: working with Government Departments, has already http://www.hse.gov.uk/nuclear/fukushima/ delivered £3.75 billion of efficiency savings in 2010-11. Savings for the current financial year are anticipated to The report includes an appraisal of the protection of be around £5 billion. nuclear installations from natural hazards and current arrangements for responding to nuclear emergencies. June November May November March The National Risk Register will continue to be updated 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 to take account of these findings and the results of work to follow up the recommendations of the Weightman Perm 23111report, but no change was required in the energy sector Sec risk profile in the 2012 edition. SCS3 5 5 2 2 2 SCS2 18 20 12.89 13.89 12.89 Employment SCS1 56.18 56.85 41.88 41.88 38.61 Band A 1517.09 251.29 190.91 168.8 174.19 Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet B2 (or 1— 174.8 136.66 117.5 124.5 Office how many people were employed for each equivalent) person who had retired in each 10-year period for B1 1— 60.83 47.89 35.5 59.29 which figures are available. [102955] C 1— 23.72 22.72 21.1 21.13 Other 1— 0 0 3.6 3.55 Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Total 598.27 595.49 455.95 405.27 437.16 responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have 1 Indicates brace. asked the authority to reply. 179W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 180W
Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: Government Departments: Private Sector As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Minister for the how many people were employed for each person who had retired Cabinet Office what steps his Department is taking to in each 10 year period for which figures are available. [102995] monitor changes in the level of outsourcing of services Specific estimates of the number of people who have retired to private companies by Government Departments; are not available. For this question, an approximation is available and if he will make a statement. [102508] from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) by adding together the number of people aged 16 to 64 who are economically inactive due to retirement and the number of people aged 65 and over who Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office has introduced central are economically inactive. controls that currently allow us to monitor specific types of outsourcing deals. These controls are in the The ratio of the number of people aged 16 and over in employment to this above estimate of the number of people in process of being strengthened to ensure that, in future, retirement is provided in the following table. Estimates prior to all outsourcing deals in Whitehall come through the 1993 are not available due to differences in the LFS questionnaire. Cabinet Office for clearance. This will enable us to look As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to at whether we are using the most appropriate model for a margin of uncertainty. delivering services. Ratio of people in employment to people in retirement1. Three months ending December, 1993 to 2011. United Kingdom, not seasonally Government Departments: Procurement adjusted Ratio Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 1993 2.72 Office whether he plans to review (a) Government 1994 2.74 procurement policies in relation to and (b) the effects 1995 2.77 of Government procurement decisions on small and 1996 2.76 medium-sized enterprises. [101741] 1997 2.79 1998 2.79 Mr Maude: A year ago the Government launched a 1999 2.82 package of radical measures to increase opportunities 2000 2.82 for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to 2001 2.83 allow us to tap into their creativity and innovation. 2002 2.84 Central Government’s direct spend with SMEs is on 2003 2.85 track to double since we took office from 6.5% to 13.7% 2004 2.86 by the end of this financial year. 2005 2.89 On 9 March we published the ‘One Year On’ progress 2006 2.90 report, which gives a breakdown for each Department 2007 2.88 of their total spend and proportion of spend with 2008 2.83 SMEs up to and including the end of December 2011: 2009 2.76 www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/making- 2010 2.76 government-business-more-accessible-smes-one-year 2011 2.70 However, there is an ongoing process to reach our Average for 1993 to 2001 inclusive 2.78 aspiration of 25% of central Government procurement Average for 2002 to 2011 inclusive 2.83 spend being with SMEs by the end of this Parliament. 1 This is the number of people aged 16 and over in employment That is why I announced a further package of measures divided by the sum of (a) people aged 16 to 64 who report that they on 9 March to make the way we do business more are economically inactive due to retirement and (b) all people aged 65 competitive, more transparent, better value and far and over who are economically inactive. Source: simpler than before: Labour Force Survey (ONS) http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/better-deal-smaller- businesses
Government Departments: Databases Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of central Government Mr Denham: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet procurement expenditure was spent with small and Office with reference to the Information Tribunal’s medium-sized enterprises in the latest period for which ruling of 18 January 2012 on access to back-up servers, figures are available. [101743] Case No. EA/2011/0152, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies on retention of data Mr Maude: A year ago the Government launched a on servers after deletion from terminals; whether his package of radical measures to increase opportunities guidance on data retention has changed as a result; and for small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) and to whether he plans to publish guidance to Departments allow us to tap into their creativity and innovation. on data retention. [102963] Central Government’s direct spend with SMEs is on track to double since we took office from 6.5% to 13.7% Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office does not intend to issue by the end of this financial year. any guidance on this matter as ensuring compliance On 9 March we published the ‘One Year On’ progress with requirements of the FOI Act and the environmental report, which gives a breakdown for each Department information regulations (EIR) is a matter for individual of their total spend and proportion of spend with Departments. SMEs up to and including the end of December 2011: 181W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 182W
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/making- Older People government-business-more-accessible-smes-one-year Matthew Hancock: To ask the Minister for the Office for National Statistics Cabinet Office how many people in each (a) region, (b) local authority and (c) parliamentary constituency Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet are over state pension age. [102745] Office what partnership work the Office for National Statistics is currently engaged in. [102307] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the asked the authority to reply. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: asked the authority to reply. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many people in each (a) region, (b) local authority and (c) As Director-General for the Office for National Statistics, I parliamentary constituency are over state pension age (102745). have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what partnership work the Table 1 shows the number of people of state pension age Office for National Statistics is currently engaged in (102307). resident in (a) each region of England and (b) local authority areas within the UK in mid-2010. This is the latest year for which ONS does not hold a central list of all partnership work, which population estimates are available. On 30 June 2010 state pension could include commercial or non-commercial arrangements, age was 65 years and over for men and 60 years 57 days and over concordats, Memorandum of understanding or Service Level for women. Agreements, Key Accounts, arrangements with government departments, local authorities, educational or research organisations. Table 2 shows the number of people aged 65 and over for men and 60 and over for women resident in each parliamentary Examples of partnership working include: constituency within the UK in mid-2010. These age groups are For the recent 2011 Census, ONS worked in partnership with the closest available approximation to state pension age at mid-2010 each of the Local Authority in England and Wales. that can be obtained for population estimates by parliamentary ONS has an on-going partnership with Royal Statistical Society constituency. to support the Centre for Statistical Education. Copies of the tables have been placed in the House of Commons Library. ONS hold contracts with Fujitsu and MITIE who provide IM and property services respectively. In addition, ONS considers the following organisations as Key Accounts: Olympic Games 2012 Bank of England Cabinet Office Mrs Moon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what discussions he has had with the Secretary Department for Business, Innovation and Skills of State for Defence on (a) consulting and (b) Department for Communities and Local Government incorporating UK search and rescue personnel and Department for Culture, Media and Sport equipment in security plans for the London 2012 Department for Education and Skills Olympics; and if he will make a statement. [102431] Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Department of Health Mr Maude: There have been no discussions between myself and the Secretary of State for Defence about Department for Transport consulting with search and rescue personnel, or Department for Work and Pensions incorporating UK search and rescue personnel and Economic and Social Research Council equipment in security plans for the London 2012 Olympics. Eurostat The Home Office is the lead Department charged with the delivery of safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic General Register Office games. General Registry Office Scotland Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs HM Treasury Procurement Home Office Local Government Association Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Ministry of Defence Office how many contracts his Department had with (a) Capita, (b) Serco and (c) ATOS in the last 12 Ministry of Justice months. [103171] National Audit Office NHS Information Centre Mr Maude: Since March 2011, Cabinet Office has Northern Ireland Statistical Research Agency had four contracts with Capita and three contracts with Office for Budget Responsibility Serco. The Cabinet Office has no contract with ATOS; however, it uses the current Department for Work and Royal Statistical Society—Statistics User Forum Pensions (DWP) contract for its services. Scottish Government As part of my Department’s transparency programme, UK Border Agency details of contracts above the value of £10,000 are UK Parliament published on Contracts Finder: Welsh Government http://www.contractsfinder.co.uk 183W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 184W
Procurement: EU Action Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Minister for asked the authority to reply. the Cabinet Office when he expects the European Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: Union procurement review to conclude. [102491] As Director-General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions: Mr Maude: The European Commission expects that In April 2011 ONS introduced four subjective well-being questions negotiations on the new public procurement directives, onto the ONS Integrated Household Survey (IHS). The four which will replace the utilities and public sector directives questions are as follows: (2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC respectively) will be concluded Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays? by the end of 2012 and that the directives will transposed Overall, to what extent do you feel that the things you do in into national law by 30 June 2014. your life are worthwhile? While the UK’s response to the Green Paper is in the Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday? public domain Overall, how anxious did you feel yesterday? www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/ The first two questions ask respondents to evaluate their 0707UKGPpbResponsefinal%20(2).pdf well-being in broader terms than the second two questions, which our negotiating position is not public. However, our ask about respondents to recall the previous day. response to the proposals is contained in the Explanatory On 28 February 2012, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Memorandum to Parliament (reference numbers 18966/11, published a research report entitled ’Analysis of experimental COM(2011) 896 final, 2011/0438 (COD). subjective well-being data from the Annual Population Survey, April to September 2011’ which presents initial estimates of Public Sector: Construction subjective well-being from six months of the Annual Population Survey (APS) carried out between April and September 2011. This report is available from the following weblink: Derek Twigg: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/wellbeing/measuring- Office what steps he is taking to ensure public sector subjective-wellbeing-in-the-uk/analysis-of-experimental- construction projects deliver value for money. [102071] subjective-well-being-data-from-the-annual-population- survey--april---september-2011/report-april-to-september- Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I 2011.html gave to my hon. Friend the Member for North Swindon ONS is looking at a number of ways of assessing well-being. (Justin Tomlinson) on 14 March 2012, Official Report, Those we are currently using are generally about remembered column 332W. ’happiness’, or psychological well-being, rather than ’happiness’ experienced at a point in time or while doing particular activities. Unemployment: Ethnic Groups
Stephen Timms: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Office what the current level of unemployment is among black males aged 16 to 25; and if he will make a statement. [103240] Bill of Rights
Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Minister what recent discussions he has had with the asked the authority to reply. Commission on a Bill of Rights. [102455] Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2012: As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Mr Harper: The Deputy Prime Minister met the have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Commission on a Bill of Rights on 21 March with the what the current level of unemployment is among black males Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, aged 16 to 25. 103240 the right hon. and learned Member for Rushcliffe Estimates of unemployment come from the Labour Force (Mr Clarke), and Lord McNally. They discussed the Survey (LFS). For the period October-December 2011 it is estimated Commission’s recent and future work as well as the that there were 38,000 unemployed men aged 16 to 25 inclusive who reported their ethnicity as Black. current state of play on the Government’s plans to reform the European Court of Human Rights during As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty. It is estimated that the true value is the UK’s current chairmanship of the Council of Europe. likely to lie between 22,000 and 53,000. Constituencies Well-being Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Minister what recent discussions he has had with his Office (1) whether his Department’s measurement of ministerial colleagues on reducing the size of the happiness differentiates between (a) remembered and Executive. [102480] (b) current experienced happiness; [103172] (2) what research the Office for National Statistics Mr Harper: I refer the hon. Member to the answer has conducted on (a) well-being and (b) happiness; given by the Deputy Prime Minister to the hon. Member and whether any such research differentiated between for Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer) on remembered and experienced happiness. [102308] 11 October 2011, Official Report, column 168. 185W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 186W
Devolution co-operation talks alongside Tajikistan. I attended the Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan in November 2011, Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister where regional countries including Tajikistan agreed to what recent representations he has received from the work together in a range of fields up to and beyond Commission on the consequences of devolution for the 2014. We continue to play a part as a supporter of the House of Commons. [102460] Istanbul Process. In addition, senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mr Harper: I have, to date, received no representations officials attended the Fifth Regional Economic from the Commission on the consequence of devolution Co-operation Conference on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, for the House of Commons. on 26 to 27 March 2012, where they met with Deputy Foreign Minister Zohidov. House of Lords: Reform Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Paul Murphy: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government had with the Government of Turkmenistan on the on reform of the House of Lords. [102394] involvement of regional powers in the future of Afghanistan before and after the departure of ISAF Mr Harper: There have been no official discussions forces. [102624] with the Welsh Government on House of Lords reform. Lobbying: Registration Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials regularly discuss Afghanistan with their Turkmen counterparts, and the UK participates in regional Jon Trickett: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what co-operation talks alongside Turkmenistan. I attended representations he has had from (a) charities and (b) the Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan in November trade unions about the consultation on a statutory 2011, where regional countries including Turkmenistan register of lobbyists. [103162] agreed to work together in a range of fields up to and beyond 2014. We continue to play a part as a supporter Mr Harper: The Government published initial proposals of the Istanbul Process. on establishing a statutory register of lobbyists in a consultation document on 20 January. Following the In addition, senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office end of the consultation period on 13 April, the Government officials attended the Fifth Regional Economic will carefully consider all representations received and Co-operation Conference on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, publish their response to the consultation. It would not on 26 to 27 March. be appropriate to comment on representations received to date in advance of this. Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has Primary Elections had with the Government of Uzbekistan on the involvement of regional powers in the future of Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Afghanistan before and after the departure of ISAF with reference to the coalition agreement, what progress forces. [102625] he has made on proposals to fund all-postal primaries. [102481] Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials regularly discuss Afghanistan with their Mr Harper: ‘The Coalition: our programme for Uzbek counterparts, and the UK participates in regional government’ says that all-postal primaries will be “targeted co-operation talks alongside Uzbekistan. I attended the at seats which have not changed hands for many years”. Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan in November 2011, Following legislation last year, the Boundary Commissions where regional countries including Uzbekistan agreed for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are to work together in a range of fields up to and beyond consulting on changes to constituency boundaries, which 2014. We continue to play a part as a supporter of the will have implications for most existing constituencies. Istanbul Process. The Government will take this into account in determining In addition, senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office the way forward on this proposal. officials attended the Fifth Regional Economic Co-operation Conference on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, on 26 to 27 March. We have encouraged Uzbekistan to FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE play a full role in these fora. Afghanistan Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Kyrgyzstan on the had with the Government of Tajikistan on the involvement of regional powers in the future of involvement of regional powers in the future of Afghanistan before and after the departure of ISAF Afghanistan before and after the departure of ISAF forces. [102626] forces. [102623] Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials regularly discuss Afghanistan with their Office officials regularly discuss Afghanistan with their Kyrgyz counterparts, and the UK participates in regional Tajik counterparts, and the UK participates in regional cooperation talks alongside Kyrgyzstan. I attended the 187W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 188W
Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan in November 2011, Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth where regional countries including Kyrgyzstan agreed Office officials regularly discuss Afghanistan with their to work together in a range of fields up to and beyond Pakistani counterparts, and the UK participates in regional 2014. We continue to play a part as a supporter of the co-operation talks alongside Pakistan. I attended the Istanbul Process. Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan in November 2011, In addition, senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office where regional countries including Pakistan agreed to officials attended the Fifth Regional Economic work together in a range of fields up to and beyond Co-operation Conference on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, 2014. We continue to play a part as a supporter of the on 26-27 March 2012. Istanbul Process. In addition, senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign officials attended the Fifth Regional Economic Cooperation and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has Conference on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, on 26-27 had with the Government of China on the involvement March. of regional powers in the future of Afghanistan before The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth and after the departure of ISAF forces. [102627] Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), last discussed Afghanistan with Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on 21 Office officials regularly discuss Afghanistan with their February during her visit to London. Chinese counterparts, and the UK participates in regional cooperation talks alongside China. I attended the Istanbul Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Conference on Afghanistan in November 2011, where and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has regional countries including China agreed to work together had with the Government of Russia on the involvement in a range of fields up to and beyond 2014. We continue of regional powers in the future of Afghanistan before to play a part as a supporter of the Istanbul Process. and after the departure of ISAF forces. [102630] In addition, senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials attended the Fifth Regional Economic Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth Co-operation Conference on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, Office (FCO) officials regularly discuss Afghanistan on 26-27 March. with their Russian counterparts, and the UK participates The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth in regional co-operation talks alongside Russia. I attended Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond the Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan in November (Yorks) (Mr Hague), last discussed Afghanistan with 2011, where regional countries including Russia agreed State Councillor Dai Bingguo during the Strategic Dialogue to work together in a range of fields up to and beyond with China in September 2011. 2014. We continue to play a part as a supporter of the Istanbul Process. Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign In addition, senior FCO officials attended the Fifth and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has Regional Economic Co-operation Conference on had with the Government of India on the involvement Afghanistan in Dushanbe, on 26-27 March. of regional powers in the future of Afghanistan before The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth and after the departure of ISAF forces. [102628] Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed Afghanistan with Foreign Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth Minister Lavrov during their meeting in September Office officials regularly discuss Afghanistan with their 2011, and the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend Indian counterparts, and the UK participates in regional the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington), discussed co-operation talks alongside India. I attended the Istanbul Afghanistan with Deputy Foreign Minister Titov on 26 Conference on Afghanistan in November 2011, where January 2012 during his visit to the UK. regional countries including India agreed to work together in a range of fields up to and beyond 2014. We continue Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign to play a part as a supporter of the Istanbul Process. and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has In addition, senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office had with the Government of Turkey on the officials attended the Fifth Regional Economic involvement of regional powers in the future of Co-operation Conference on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, Afghanistan before and after the departure of ISAF on 26-27 March. forces. [102631] The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Alistair Burt: Senior Foreign and Commonwealth (Yorks) (Mr Hague), last discussed Afghanistan with Office (FCO) officials regularly discuss Afghanistan Indian Foreign Minister Krishna during their meeting with their Turkish counterparts, and the UK participates of 30 June 2011 and looks forward to further discussions in regional co-operation talks alongside Turkey. I attended with Prime Minister Singh later this year. the Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan in November 2011, where regional countries including Turkey agreed Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign to work together in a range of fields up to and beyond and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has 2014. We continue to play a part as a supporter of the had with the government of Pakistan on the Istanbul Process. involvement of regional powers in the future of In addition, senior FCO officials attended the Fifth Afghanistan before and after the departure of ISAF Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on forces. [102629] Afghanistan in Dushanbe, on 26-27 March. 189W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 190W
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth catch levels have been (a) assessed and (b) set in the Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond granting of commercial fishing licences in Ascension (Yorks) (Mr Hague), discussed Afghanistan with Foreign Island. [102130] Minister Davatoglu during the Turkish State Visit in November 2011, and the Special Representative for Mr Bellingham: Fisheries protection is the responsibility Afghanistan and Pakistan met with the Turkish ambassador of Overseas Territory Governments. I understand, however, on 12 January 2012. that the pilot Ascension Island fishery has been selling licences since 2010. Once sufficient catch data have been Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign gathered, they will be assessed in order to allow the and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has Ascension Island Government to develop an informed had with the government of Iran on the involvement of sustainable fishery policy. regional powers in the future of Afghanistan before and after the departure of ISAF forces. [102632] Bosnia and Herzegovina Alistair Burt: In line with our approach to Iran, we have not had direct talks with the Government of Iran Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for on the involvement of regional powers in the future of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Afghanistan before and after the departure of ISAF his Department has had with the Bosnian Government forces, Iran has participated in the Istanbul Process and on establishment and implementation of its Anti-Corruption the Regional Economic Co-operation Conference on Agency in order to facilitate EU membership. [102039] Afghanistan, alongside other regional powers and the UK. Mr Lidington: Our embassy in Sarajevo is in regular contact with the Ministry of Security about developments Alcoholic Drinks on the establishment of the State Anti-Corruption Agency. Our embassy is closely co-ordinating with the EU who Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for are leading on support to the agency through a EUR 2 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total million project, funded through the Instrument for Pre- spending on wine and other alcoholic beverages was by Accession (IPA), that is due to start in mid-2012. Our his Department in the last six months. [103129] embassy is complementing the EU work through conflict pool programme funding to support the effective Mr Lidington: This information is not held centrally implementation of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Anti- and is available only at disproportionate cost. Corruption Strategy at the entity level in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Any such spending is undertaken for business reasons, and expenditure on business hospitality is kept under rigorous scrutiny to ensure value for money and effectiveness British Antarctic Survey and is incurred in accordance with the principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury handbook Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign on Regularity, Propriety and Value for Money. and Commonwealth Affairs how much funding his Department provided to support the work of the Antarctic British Antarctic Survey in the latest period for which figures are available. [102472] Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to Mr Bellingham: The British Antarctic Survey is funded support British activities in the Antarctic region. by the Natural Environment Research Council, through [102471] the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, to provide for the UK a dual mission of world class Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth science and an influential presence in Antarctica and Office leads on overall Antarctic policy and maintains within the Antarctic Treaty System. The Foreign and an influential role for the UK within the Antarctic Commonwealth Office also provides an annual contribution Treaty System. We also take seriously our responsibilities of £500,000 to the British Antarctic Survey to manage to effectively administer the British Antarctic Territory. King Edward Point base on South Georgia, which In this year of Captain Scott’s centenary we will carry supports the administration of the Overseas Territory on working closely with the British Antarctic Survey of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. and others to support their dual mission of science and presence in the region. We will ensure that British British Indian Ocean Territory activities in Antarctica are appropriately supported, but also effectively regulated. We will continue to coordinate interest and activity in the Antarctic alongside other Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Government Departments, including the Department Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total cost for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Ministry of to date is of legal expenditure in respect of defending Defence and the Department for Environment, Food actions brought by Chagos Islanders in respect of the and Rural Affairs. British Indian Ocean Territories. [102369]
Ascension Island Mr Bellingham: Since 2001, the total cost to date of legal expenditure defending actions brought by the Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Chagossians in respect of the British Indian Ocean Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis Territory is £1,826,365.25 including VAT. 191W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 192W
China in the UK. Other diplomats are subject to standard entry clearance procedures as necessary. If allegations Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for of criminal activity of any kind are made against a Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent foreign diplomat in the UK, the Foreign and discussions he has had with his Chinese counterpart on Commonwealth Office can, if appropriate, request the the Chinese Government’s policy on tiger conservation. withdrawal of the diplomat in question or seek a waiver [103137] of the diplomat’s immunity to allow investigations to take place. Mr Jeremy Browne: I wrote to the Chinese ambassador on 3 February about the Chinese Government’s current and planned policy on tiger conservation. To date, I Diplomatic Service: Arabic Language have not received a response. Civil Servants: Codes of Practice Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Arabic- speaking British national diplomatic staff in UK embassies Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and consulates work in (a) Arab and (b) non-Arab and Commonwealth Affairs how many investigations countries. [102964] into breaches by civil servants of the Civil Service Code of Conduct occurred in his Department in each month Mr Bellingham: In support of the Foreign and from May 2010 to March 2012. [103155] Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) Diplomatic Excellence Mr Bellingham: Central records are only held for initiative we are aiming to significantly raise standards Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff who of staff language skills throughout the organisation. have faced formal disciplinary action after investigation We are strategically targeting key positions overseas to for breaching the Civil Service Code of Conduct. Records ensure extra training improves the language capability are not held for investigations where there was no case of staff; especially to be able to negotiate and influence to answer. There were fewer than five cases in each more effectively. The Secretary of State for Foreign and month between May 2010 and March 2012 where FCO Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member civil servants breached the Civil Service Code of Conduct for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) recently announced that resulted in formal disciplinary action. For reasons that the FCO is also opening a new language centre, of confidentiality, and to avoid the possibility of revealing which will train up to 500 members of staff a year. the identities of individual staff, the FCO, in line with Approximately 6% of the overall FCO workforce Cabinet Office guidance, does not disclose more detailed have registered Arabic skills at some level. Of these information when overall numbers amount to fewer Arabic speakers, approximately 21% are in Arabic speaking than five. However, annual figures for 2010 (May to countries overseas with a further 10% in middle east December) were a total of 22 cases; for 2011 (January and North Africa Directorate and Africa Directorate in to December) a total of 22 cases; and 2012 (January to London. The other 69% of our Arabic speakers are March) there have been five cases. based either in overseas posts in non-Arabic speaking countries or other parts of the FCO in London. Correspondence
Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Email and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to respond in full to the letter from Stephenson Harwood Solicitors of 23 February 2012 on behalf of Dr Ahmad Azizi and Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Ali Sedghi. [102542] and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the period for which e-mails sent and received by (a) Ministers, Alistair Burt: The Treasury Solicitors Department (b) officials and (c) special advisers in his Department wrote to Stephenson Harwood on 2 April 2012 stating are retained; and whether such e-mails are recoverable that the Government anticipates providing a substantive from the IT systems in his Department after that period. response by 20 April 2012. The response will be reviewed [102960] by Counsel before it issues because Stephenson Harwood have indicated that they may seek judicial review and Mr Lidington: E-mails, along with other forms of accordingly the response will be treated as pre-action official correspondence, are subject to the Foreign and correspondence. Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) records management Diplomatic Service policies: they must be stored and shared appropriately, and reviewed for possible preservation as part of the Dame Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State public record. The FCO’s submissions, responses and for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his other key information and correspondence, including Department takes in scrutinising the appointment of e-mails, are formally recorded by the relevant FCO diplomats to embassies and high commissions in the department. UK to ensure that such appointments do not provide The FCO’s e-mail systems do not automatically delete immunity to alleged war criminals. [102261] e-mails. E-mails which are not recorded or saved elsewhere are retained until they are deleted by the user and Mr Bellingham: Heads of Diplomatic Missions and recipients. When an individual leaves the FCO, the user Defence Attachés must receive formal approval from account is normally deleted by the FCO’s central help Her Majesty’s Government before taking up their positions desk after six months. 193W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 194W
Hungary On the twentieth anniversary of the formation of the OSCE Minsk Group, we continue to support its efforts Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State to improve the likelihood of a peaceful resolution to the for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conflict by working with the Governments of Armenia discussions he has had with his (a) EU and (b) and Azerbaijan. Hungarian counterparts on the issuance of Hungarian Nuclear Weapons: Proliferation passports to ethnic Hungarians who are not Hungarian nationals or resident in Hungary; and if he will make a statement. [102297] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has Mr Lidington: The UK Government have not discussed made of how the promotion of the peaceful use of this issue either with EU or Hungarian counterparts. nuclear energy assists implementation of the National The UK believes that regulations on citizenship are a Counter Proliferation Strategy 2012-15; and if he will matter for each member state and it would therefore be make a statement. [102714] inappropriate to comment on Hungarian domestic legislation in this area. Alistair Burt: The National Counter Proliferation Strategy 2012-15 is clear that the UK will work in Middle East support of the rules based international system of counter proliferation treaties, regimes and organisations that Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign underpin global security and prosperity—as well as and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his working bilaterally and through ad hoc groupings. Department has made of the Palestinian Authority’s The key international agreement for countering nuclear adherence to its road map commitment to end proliferation is the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty incitement against Israel. [101940] which entered into force in 1970. For its 190 states parties the Treaty aims to stop the spread of nuclear Alistair Burt: The UK is not aware of any specific weapons, ultimately eliminate them and enshrines the evidence of anti-Semitic or anti-Jewish incitement by right to access and develop nuclear energy in a safe and the Palestinian Authority. The road map stipulates that secure environment. a tri-partite committee would look at incidents of Her Majesty’s Government actively supports all three incitement, to which any party can appeal. Treaty Pillars (non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful The UK Government oppose the advocacy of national, use of nuclear energy) and is clear that the National racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to Counter Proliferation Strategy 2012-15 is complemented discrimination, hostility or violence in all circumstances. by the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. I issued a press statement on 23 January condemning Such promotional activities are currently taking place inflammatory words used by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem largely under the umbrella of the International Engagement and others at an event in January marking the 47th Strategy on Civil Nuclear (agreed by Government in anniversary of the Fatah movement. As I said then, the 2011). These include: UK is against any comments that could stir up hatred Engagement with priority countries where commercial and and prejudice in a region that needs a culture of peace political levers can help achieve progress on the National Counter and mutual respect. Proliferation Strategy; We are concerned by any instances of incitement Providing a single point of contact on civil nuclear across which appear in the Palestinian media. HMG—the Cross Whitehall Advisory Group—and creating a closer relationship with Industry and academia. This Group feeds into existing structures, in particular the Counter Proliferation Nagorno Karabakh Implementation Committee that itself is guided by the National Counter Proliferation Strategy; Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Increasing UK engagement with multinational organisations, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will use the such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Energy occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the OSCE Agency, International Framework For Nuclear Energy Co-operation Minsk Group talks over Nagorno Karabakh to urge and the World Nuclear University, and wider political fora, such the co-chairs to increase their efforts to secure the as the EU and G8/G20. Strengthening these organisations and our relationships with them will help ensure that the development withdrawal of Armenian forces in line with UN of peaceful uses globally—not just nuclear power—helps us to Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884. meet the objectives of the National Counter Proliferation Strategy. [102037] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Lidington: The UK fully supports the work of the and Commonwealth Affairs if he plans to provide OSCE Minsk Group and their efforts to resolve the additional resources to the UK diplomatic network to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and calls for both Armenia support implementation of the National Counter and Azerbaijan to redouble their efforts to achieve a Proliferation Strategy 2012-15 announced on 23 March sustainable peace agreement for the stability and security 2012. [102715] of the region. Last December, the co-chairs of the Minsk Group Alistair Burt: The National Counter Proliferation (US, France and Russia) and the Armenian and Azerbaijani Strategy 2012-15 is a cross Government initiative which presidents issued a joint statement reaffirming their draws on resources from across Whitehall to deliver it. commitment to peace and identifying areas of potential The work is co-ordinated through and answerable to co-operation, such as a mechanism to investigate ceasefire the National Security Council, where Counter Proliferation violations. is a priority. 195W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 196W
Counter Proliferation is already a priority area for any discussions with the Palestinian Authority on this the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)’s diplomatic issue. As we do not have any direct contact with Hamas, network. The FCO recently set up a new Department, we cannot make any representations about events taking Arms Export Policy Department, which sits alongside place in the Gaza Strip. the existing Counter Proliferation Department to reflect The Government deplore all incitement to violence. the importance of countering the proliferation of We have strongly supported the Palestinian Authority’s conventional weapons as well as weapons of mass programme of reform of its institutions of state, including destruction. Over 30 staff from British embassies in the security sector. The Palestinian Authority has made priority countries for Counter Proliferation work met in considerable progress in this regard, meaning a more London recently with their Whitehall counterparts to effective government and an improved security situation, discuss implementation of counter proliferation priorities. with the Palestinian Authority meeting its core commitments The FCO’s resources for Counter Proliferation work under the Quartet Roadmap. are kept under regular review and are considered in the context of the increase in overall resources in the diplomatic Somalia network for priority emerging countries.
Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he plans to take Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make following the March 2012 Global Nuclear Security representations to his counterparts in countries surrounding Somalia to act collectively against acts of Summit in Seoul. [102716] piracy. [103014] Alistair Burt: The Deputy Prime Minister led the UK delegation to the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul on Mr Bellingham: Regional engagement is at the heart 26-27 March. He reported significant achievements against of our counter-piracy strategy for piracy off the coast our national commitments from the first summit in of Somalia. This is why we invited representatives from Washington in 2010, and made new commitments for over 50 countries to London in February for the Conference the two years up to the next summit in the Netherlands on Somalia, including high-level representation from a in 2014. number of key regional countries. As Minister for Africa, I have engaged regularly with my counterparts in these These commitments include further provision of financial countries, and in particular I worked closely with my and expert assistance for nuclear and radiological security counterparts in Kenya, Tanzania, the Seychelles and improvements overseas, via our Global Threat Reduction Mauritius to secure a regional burden-sharing agreement Programme and working with the IAEA, the US, and to further our collective efforts to tackle the scourge of other international partners; the use of our 2013 presidency piracy. I am committed to ensuring that this close of the Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons dialogue and cooperation with countries in the region of Mass Destruction to drive forward international continues. co-operation on threat reduction programmes; continuing work through multinational fora such as the Global South Sudan Initiative on Combating Nuclear Terrorism to support the international development of capabilities in nuclear forensics, detection and emergency response; and further Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for work to assist the IAEA in international implementation Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most of nuclear security education and training programmes. recent assessment is of the security situation in South Sudan. [102484] Domestically, the commitments include the further development of plans for the future management of our Mr Bellingham: We are concerned at the ongoing inventory of separated civil plutonium; and the further inter-communal conflicts within South Sudan, particularly improvement of our civil nuclear security governance in Jonglei State and in the triangle between Warrap, through a new Office for Nuclear Regulation. Lakes and Unity States. Protection of civilians should The Deputy Prime Minister also led a statement by be the first priority, and we support the efforts of the 31 countries committing to specific action to improve Government of South Sudan, supported by the UN the security of nuclear information. We will continue to Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in that regard. We lead and assist international efforts in this field. support efforts to disarm communities, but have urged the Government of South Sudan to carry this out in a Palestinians way that does not spark further violence. They should also investigate all allegations of abuses by security Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign forces. and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent We urge the Government of South Sudan to redouble representations his Department has received on the their efforts to defuse tension and find permanent means honouring by the Palestinian Authority of Palestinian of addressing grievances between communities. citizens that have participated in terrorist acts; [102082] We are also concerned about the military actions in (2) what discussions he has had with the Palestinian recent days in the area of the border between the Authorities on the naming of cultural and sporting Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan. events after Palestinian terrorists. [102083] We have called on both governments to cease aggressive acts, to stop all support to armed groups in each other’s Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office territory, and to abide by their Memorandum of has not received any recent representation on this issue. Understanding on Non-Aggression and Co-operation Our officials in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have not had signed on 10 February. 197W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 198W
Sri Lanka Mr Bellingham: We have spoken to both Governments about the importance of protecting freedom of expression Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for and the right of assembly. Our embassy in Khartoum in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has particular holds regular meetings with representatives to visit Sri Lanka. [102131] of faith-based groups, and advocates the protection of minority rights as part of the ongoing constitutional Alistair Burt: There are currently no plans for a review debate in the Republic of Sudan. Freedom of ministerial visit to Sri Lanka. religion is part of the constitution of South Sudan, and South Sudan is a majority Christian country where we Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for see no evidence of religious discrimination. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is strongly supports the enduring presence of church groups taking to encourage dialogue between Singhalese and as crucial partners for peace and development in South Tamil communities in Sri Lanka. [102132] Sudan.
Alistair Burt: The Government firmly believe that the only way to achieve lasting and equitable peace in Sri Syria Lanka is through genuine national reconciliation. The UK engages with all members of the Sri Lankan Sir John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for community who share this goal. We regularly meet with Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information members of the Sinhalese, Muslim and Tamil communities he has as to whether Shorland armoured cars to discuss this and other issues in Sri Lanka. manufactured by Short Brothers and approved for We urge the Sri Lankan Government to take the export to Syria in the 1980s have been patrolling the necessary steps to implement the recommendations of streets of Homs. [102975] their Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission as soon as possible, which would significantly advance Alistair Burt: We are aware of, but cannot confirm, Sri Lanka’s recovery from conflict. reports that Shorland armoured cars have been patrolling the streets of Homs. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has The Government take their arms export responsibilities discussed with his EU counterparts the possible very seriously, and operate one of the most rigorous imposition of travel restrictions on people accused of arms export control regimes in the world. We do not committing human rights abuses in Sri Lanka; and if export equipment where there is a clear risk that it he will make a statement. [102543] might be used for internal repression. We do not issue licences for goods which might be used for internal Alistair Burt: There have been no discussions with repression in Syria. While we can, under certain EU counterparts on possible travel restrictions on the circumstances, revoke export licences, we cannot recall Sri Lankans accused of committing human rights abuses. equipment once exported, especially when the export may have taken place so long ago. In August 2010, the EU decided to suspend its Generalised System of Preferences+ trading agreement with Sri Lanka in response to its failure to comply with Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for a number of international human rights agreements. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of human rights abuses in Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Syria. [102983] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of people who have been Alistair Burt: I condemn the Syrian regime for its removed with escorts to Sri Lanka who have (a) continuing violence against civilians. The UN estimates maintained contact with the British high commission many more than 9,000 people have been killed since and (b) been interviewed or arrested by the Sri Lankan March 2011. The UN’s Commission of Inquiry reported authorities; and if he will make a statement. [103070] that the Syrian regime has perpetrated widespread and systematic human rights violations, including torture Alistair Burt: Since 2008, the British high commission and rape of men, women and children. The UK strongly in Colombo has provided its contact details to around endorses the work of the Commission. UK experts have 250 returnees. In addition, many returnees are involved visited countries neighbouring Syria to collect testimony in community-based projects. from those who have experienced the Syrian regime’s All chartered flight returnees are interviewed by the abuses. We see these accounts contributing to a process Sri Lankan authorities. Six returnees have been arrested where those responsible for these horrifying acts will be by the Sri Lankan authorities, five of them for document held to account for their actions. fraud. The Commission of Inquiry has also reported on abuses being committed by members of anti-government Sudan: South Sudan groups. While it is clear that these abuses are on a far smaller scale than those violations committed by the Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Syrian authorities, this cannot be condoned. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent continues to urge all parties to respect international discussions he has had with the Government of (a) human rights law and international standards, in order Sudan and (b) South Sudan on the protection of to protect the Syrian people, including the growing Christian communities in those countries. [102349] number of internally displaced people and refugees. 199W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 200W
Details of the Commission of Inquiry activities including of Vodafone, twice: once at a business breakfast event their report can be found on the Office of the High on 11 May 2011, and subsequently at a lunch meeting Commissioner for Human Rights website: on 18 July 2011. Mr Fraser has had no other meetings www.ohchr.org with Vodafone representatives in the last 12 months. USA All external meetings (excluding FCO hospitality) are published on the FCO website: Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/publications-and-documents/ Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions transparency-and-data1/hospitality/#Ministers he had on (a) US-UK extradition arrangements and (b) sustainable development and climate change Western Sahara during his recent visit to Washington DC. [102055] Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member 29 February 2012, Official Report, column 399W, on for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), held several meetings Western Sahara, whether any Special Rapporteur, during his recent visit to the US, in addition to those he other than Farida Shaheed, have visited Western attended with the Prime Minister. The issues of extradition, Sahara since UN Security Council Resolution 1979 sustainable development and climate change were not was adopted. [102341] raised during these. Officials continue to work closely with their US counterparts on both of these issues. Alistair Burt: No Special Rapporteurs, other than Vodafone Group Farida Shaheed, have visited Western Sahara since UNSCR 1979 was adopted. Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many contracts Vodafone Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign has been awarded by his Department in the last 12 and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of months. [103192] 29 February 2012, Official Report, column 399W, on Western Sahara, how long Farida Shaheed spent in Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Western Sahara; what sites she visited; and whether she (FCO) has a contract with Vodafone which provides will produce a report before the MINURSO mandate mobile telephones and data services in the UK. This is due for renewal. [102342] was originally signed on 6 November 2009, and recently extended on 5 December 2011 under the Government Alistair Burt: Farida Shaheed visited Dakhla in Western Procurement Service, Mobile Solutions (II) Framework Sahara on 11 and 12 September 2011. She visited the Agreement. local authorities, local handicraft centres and associations The FCO has a network of over 260 posts overseas. working on issues related to the documentation and the Some of these posts will have contracts with local preservation of heritage. mobile telephone providers, of which some will be with Her full report is expected in June 2012, after the Vodafone partners. The information on such contracts, renewal of MINURSO’s mandate by the United Nations and if they were awarded in the last 12 months, is not Security Council in April. Her preliminary conclusions held centrally and would be available only at and observations are available at: disproportionate cost. www.ohchr.org Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contracts his Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Department has with Vodafone. [103193] and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the actions of Moroccan forces in the Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office houses of Saharawi Abdallahi Souayeh, Sid Ahmed (FCO) has a contract with Vodafone which provides Nailad and Bachir Sid Ahmed Mahjoub in El Aaiun, mobile telephones and data services in the UK. Western Sahara, on 11 August 2011; and if he will The FCO has a network of over 260 posts overseas. make a statement. [102741] Some of these posts will have contracts with local mobile telephone providers, of which, some will be with Alistair Burt: We do not have information on these Vodafone partners. The information on such contracts individuals, beyond what is available in the public domain. is not held centrally and would be available only at However, we raise the importance of human rights in disproportionate cost. Western Sahara with the Moroccan authorities on a regular basis and encourage the Moroccan authorities Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for to ensure that channels exist for human rights complaints Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times to be properly investigated. the permanent under-secretary in his Department has met Vodafone representatives in the last 12 months. Yemen [103194]
Mr Lidington: Simon Fraser, the permanent under- Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Commonwealth Affairs when the next Friends of has met Matthew Kirk, Group External Affairs Director Yemen meeting in Riyadh will take place. [103102] 201W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 202W
Alistair Burt: The next Ministerial Friends of Yemen of the military covenant, to discuss how we could meeting will take place in Riyadh on 23 May. This was ensure that housing was a priority for people who announced on 23 March, after the UK hosted a Friends returned from active service for this country. of Yemen Senior Officials meeting in preparation for We are currently consulting on plans to change the the Ministerial. law, by regulation, so that former personnel with urgent housing needs are always given high priority on waiting lists, and that personnel who move from base to base do COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT not lose their qualification rights. We are also consulting on new statutory social allocations Council Tax Benefit guidance for local councils, setting out how their allocation schemes can give priority to current or ex-service personnel, Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for including through the use of local preference criteria Communities and Local Government what estimate he and local lettings policies. has made of the effect on lone parents with (a) one We aim to lay the secondary legislation as early as child and (b) two children in receipt of working tax possible after the consultation period has closed. credit of (i) a 16% reduction in council tax benefit I also refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 20 awards and (ii) an increase in the taper to 25%. [101770] February 2012, Official Report, column 578-79W.
Robert Neill [holding answer 26 March 2012]: The Housing: Prisoners Department published an Impact Assessment on 19 December 2011 Ben Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/ pdf/2053960.pdf Communities and Local Government what housing advice his Department offers to offenders prior to their Council Tax Benefits release from prison. [102152]
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Blunt: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Communities and Local Government what estimate he Department for Justice. has made of likely changes to the number of pensioners The National Offender Management Service provides who will take up council tax benefit if localisation of the majority of housing advice services in prisons. It the benefit is introduced. [101764] commissions these services from voluntary sector providers, such as NACRO, St Giles Trust, St Mungo’s and Shelter, Robert Neill [holding answer 26 March 2012]: I refer save in those establishments where Governors have trained the hon. Member to my answer of 24 January 2012, prison or probation staff available. Official Report, columns 135-36W. In some other prisons trained prisoner peer mentors Growing Places Fund provide housing advice, under staff supervision. Additionally, local housing authorities provide housing Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for advice in the following four prison establishments: Communities and Local Government how much of the HMP Nottingham: Broxtowe borough council were successful Growing Places Fund has been used to build homes to in bidding for Trailblazer funding to provide monthly housing date. [102095] surgeries; this project has expanded, and the housing surgeries are now attended by representatives from as many as 17 local Grant Shapps: The £770 million Growing Places Fund housing authorities is intended to support local infrastructure projects which HMP Lewes: Hastings borough council leads a partnership of unlock housing and economic growth. The original local housing authorities which provide a housing support allocation of £500 million was distributed to respective worker in Lewes prison Local Enterprise Partnerships in February and then in HMPs Holme House and Low Newton: Middlesbrough council March’s Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my has led a partnership for service provision by Teesside-area right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), local authorities. announced an additional £270 million which was distributed A further four housing authorities (Kettering, Melton, to all Enterprise Partnerships before the end of the Sheffield and Stoke) work in partnership with prisons 2011-12 financial year. As we outlined in the Fund’s to offer Housing Options services to serving prisoners. prospectus, this is an unringfenced grant so it will be for local areas to decide priorities and which projects to Land: Auctions support, and we have not set any top-down targets for the number of houses to be built. John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing: Armed Forces Communities and Local Government (1) how many community land auction pilots the Government plans Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for to run; where each will be conducted; in each case, Communities and Local Government what steps he has which local authority or agency will be responsible for taken to support former members of the armed forces managing the auction; which local authority or agency to secure social housing. [101635] will capture the value gain; and when the pilots will commence; [103075] Grant Shapps: I am determined to help current and (2) whether the community land auction pilots former members of the armed forces gain the housing announced in the 2011 Budget will be conducted using they deserve. Last year I held a housing summit, as part (a) publicly-owned land, (b) privately owned 203W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 204W agricultural land and (c) privately-owned industrial or Robert Neill: Although, following the Localism Act non-agricultural land; [103076] 2011, responsibility for the Olympic Legacy will pass to (3) what assessment he has made of the markets for the London Mayor, the Government are keen that (a) housing and (b) land in each of the areas proposed lessons are learnt from the success and future regeneration for community land auction pilots announced in the of the Olympic Park and will continue to engage in its 2011 Budget; and if he will place a copy of any such dissemination as appropriate. This is, however, best assessment in the Library; [103077] done by those involved in the work, and in addition to the Olympic Delivery Authority’s Learning Legacy project, (4) what his criteria is for selecting the areas for pilot the Olympic Park Legacy Company regularly engages community land auctions. [103078] in seminars and other events to explain their approach to developing the Park. Grant Shapps: In the “Laying the Foundations: a housing strategy for England” (November 2011) we set Regeneration to enable growth: a toolkit supporting out that we would undertake a pilot of the land disposal community-led regeneration, published in January 2012: elements of the land auctions model on public land. We www.communities.gov.uk/publications/regeneration/ are working with the local authorities in Hastings and communityledregenerationtoolkit West Lancashire on land owned by the Homes and also outlines the wide toolkit of powers, flexibilities, Communities Agency and the local authority in options and incentives that local councils, residents, Richmondshire on land owned by the Ministry of Defence. local businesses and civil society organisations might The local authorities are taking the leading role in the find helpful as they drive the regeneration of their area, Pilot, working in partnership with the landowners. They strengthen their local economy, and improve opportunities. will make arrangements for applying for development Remploy consents and will sell the sites in open competition, sharing the uplift in land value with the landowners, in Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the way agreed between them. Communities and Local Government (1) whether his As a pilot to test this approach we were keen to have Department has procured any goods from Remploy sites of different sizes and characteristics, but importantly factories in the last three years; and what the value was where local partners wanted to be involved and where of any procurements; [102175] the sites could support local need and objectives for (2) what recent discussions his Department has had housing. The Department will be capturing the learning with Remploy on the procurement of goods. [102176] and evidence from the pilot to inform the Government’s further consideration of ways in which the land auctions Robert Neill: My Department has purchased no goods model could be used more widely. from Remploy factories in the last three years. Mayors: Greater Manchester However, we have contracted with Remploy-e-cycle for the disposal of our former Government Office IT equipment and have spent £7,800 so far in this current Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for financial year (2011-12). The contract was competed Communities and Local Government pursuant to the under the Government Procurement Service Framework answer of 5 March 2012, Official Report, column Agreement and it is on-going. 486W, on mayors: Greater Manchester, if he will bring forward proposals for a mayor of the Greater Our Local Government and Central Procurement Manchester City Region covering all 10 metropolitan group report they have not had recent discussions with districts. [102325] Remploy concerning procurement of goods and services other than above. Details of ministerial meetings with Greg Clark: As I explained in response to the hon. external organisations are published on the Cabinet Member’s earlier question, the Government’s commitment Office website at: is to city mayors delivered through the Localism Act; http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/ministerial- there is no legislative basis for creating city region gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings-external-organisations mayors. Risk Assessment Planning Permission: Chester Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for answer of 20 March 2012, Official Report, column Communities and Local Government if he will publish 653W, on risk registers, if he will list only the risk his response to Mr Reg Barritt’s complaint on the Duty registers compiled by officials in his Department. [98353] to Involve. [101823]
Robert Neill: I shall be writing to Mr Barritt shortly, Robert Neill: The Department’s risk management copying in my hon. Friend. policy requires that each division and directorate must maintain its own risk register. This is managed locally Regeneration: Urban Areas and no central list of risk registers is held. Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Third Sector Communities and Local Government if he will take steps to ensure that learning from the urban regeneration Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for at the Olympic Park is used as a framework for urban Communities and Local Government how much funding regeneration in the UK. [100858] his Department gave to (a) the Stephen Lawrence 205W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 206W
Trust, (b) Magic Breakfast, (c) Barnados and (d) the JUSTICE Children’s Society in (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12; and if Crime: Motor Vehicles he will make a statement. [100540]
Robert Neill [holding answer 19 March 2012]: No Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for monies were paid in 2010-11 and 2011-12 to the Stephen Justice what the highest number was of previous Lawrence Trust, Magic Breakfast or Barnardo’s. The convictions for vehicle interference for an individual Children’s Society received £19,211 in 2010-11, in relation convicted of an offence of vehicle interference without to a project on immigration. being sent to prison in each of the last three years; and how many offences the offender had committed in total at the point of sentence for this offence. [102413] Transport: Planning Permission Mr Blunt: The following table shows the highest number of previous convictions for vehicle interference Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for for individuals convicted of this offence in the years Communities and Local Government (1) how the 2008 to 2010 who received a sentence other than immediate National Planning Policy Framework will encourage custody. It also shows the total number of previous alternative modes of transport, including cycling and offences for any offence at the point of sentence and the walking; [99902] number of previous immediate custodial sentences for (2) what steps his Department is taking to ensure any offence. The figures provided cover vehicle interference new housing developments take into consideration under section 9 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 and cycling and walking when designing transport access. the offence has a maximum penalty of three months’ [99903] custody. These figures have been drawn from the police’s Greg Clark [holding answer 13 March 2012]: The administrative IT system, the police national computer, National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that which, as with any large scale recording system, is planning strategies should protect and exploit opportunities subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. for the use of sustainable transport modes. As part of The figures are provisional and subject to change as this, developments should be located and designed where more information is recorded by the police. practical to give priority to pedestrian and cycle movements, The highest number of previous convictions for vehicle interference, for have access to high quality public transport facilities, an individual convicted of this offence without being sent to prison, in and create safe and secure layouts which minimise conflicts England and Wales in the years 2008 to 2010 between traffic and cyclists or pedestrians. 2008 2009 2010 Number of previous convictions for 14 19 13 vehicle interference Travellers: Caravan Sites Number of previous cautions and 176 70 154 convictions for any offence at time of conviction Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Number of previous immediate 50 38 58 Communities and Local Government whether the custodial sentences for any offence at Traveller encampment at Dale Farm, Essex has been time of conviction valued or banded for (a) council tax or (b) business Source: rates by the Valuation Office Agency. [101036] Police National Computer, MOJ JSAS Criminal Proceedings Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Treasury. Stephen Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for The remaining domestic dwellings at Dale Farm near Justice what representations his Department has made Billericay, Essex are banded for council tax. No non- at an EU level on the sharing of best practice between domestic property is currently identified. member states on pre- and post-trial detention. [101343]
Trees: Planning Permission Mr Kenneth Clarke: No specific representations on best practice have been made at EU level though there are, in practice, direct contacts and sharing of best Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for practice at working level between officials in my Department Communities and Local Government what the average and those in other individual member states. There are time taken is by the Planning Inspectorate to deal with also ad hoc arrangements for best practice sharing at an complaints relating to appeals against decisions on tree EU level; for example, there was in March a meeting of preservation orders in the most recent period for which experts from EU member states to discuss issues arising figures are available. [101377] from the EU prisoner transfer framework decision. More generally, EU level work in this sphere is under Robert Neill [holding answer 22 March 2012]: During way to build on the European Commission’s 2011 Green the current financial year up to the third quarter (April- Paper on the topic, which itself flowed from an earlier December 2011), the Planning Inspectorate responded EU resolution on criminal procedural rights which tasked to complaints relating to tree preservation order appeals the Commission to consider this area. The UK response in an average of 33 working days from the date of to the Green Paper stressed that improving the sharing receipt of the complaint. of best practice at an EU level would be a significant 207W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 208W and pragmatic way forward and we hope and expect Employment and Support Allowance: Appeals this approach will feature in any forthcoming proposal. The UK’s interest here will be to ensure EU activity is Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for directed at improving standards among all member Justice what the cost to the public purse was of employment states so as to promote trust and confidence across the support allowance tribunal appeals in each of the years EU and thereby enable the most effective delivery of from 2008 to 2011. [102551] justice throughout the Union. Mr Djanogly: Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Email Service (HMCTS) hears appeals against Department for Work and Pensions decisions on entitlement to Mr Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice employment and support allowance (ESA). what his policy is on the period for which emails sent The estimated total cost to HMCTS of ESA appeals and received by (a) Ministers, (b) officials, and (c) during the period April 2008 to March 2011 is summarised special advisers in his Department are retained; and in the following table. For each period the estimated whether such emails are recoverable from the IT costs were calculated by multiplying the average cost of systems in his Department after that period. [102949] an individual First-tier Tribunal Social Security and Child Support case in that year by the number of ESA Mr Djanogly: The retention period relating to emails appeals disposed of during the year. sent or received by anyone in the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), including Ministers, officials, and special advisers Total cost of employment and support allowance appeals would be dependent upon the nature of any individual Number of ESA Total cost email. appeals cleared (£ million) Emails held in individuals’ accounts do not necessarily 2008-091 125 0.035 form part of the Department’s record keeping in their 2009-10 70,535 19.8 own right. However, emails which are significant enough 2010-11 176,567 42.2 to form part of the information to be held within an 1 Employment and support allowance was introduced in October electronic or paper file, for example as part of a policy- 2008. making process, are subject to the Department’s Record Retention and Disposition Schedules, and would be Fines: EU Law retained for the length of time the file is retained. The Public Records Act 1958 [PRA] requires Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Government Departments to destroy any of their records Justice how many financial penalties have been transmitted which are not selected for permanent preservation. The by the UK to another EU member state under the Act does not specify when such destruction must take Council Framework Decision on the application of the place but MOJ has Record Retention and Disposition principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties in Schedules (RRDS) setting out how long to retain each each year since it came into force; and if he will make a type of record. The length of time for which any record statement. [103058] is held by MOJ, is determined by two criteria: the business need of the area holding the record; and any Mr Kenneth Clarke: The provisions of EU Council legislative requirements. Framework Decision 2005/214/JHA of 24 February Emails held in MOJ headquarters which are not 2005 were implemented into England, Wales and Northern transferred to corporate files are automatically deleted Ireland law in 2009, through the Criminal Justice and after a period of three years. If deleted before that by Immigration Act 2008. There was a minor amendment the user, emails are still stored elsewhere for a period of made through the Criminal Procedure Rules 2011. In 30 days before being deleted from the system entirely. Scotland the order was made under powers conferred After that any retrieval would be dependent on the type by sections 56 of the Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) of backup which is performed. (Scotland) Act 2007, then implemented by the Mutual Recognition of Criminal Financial Penalties in the Employment and Support Allowance European Union (Scotland) Order (SSI 2009/ 342). The first cases to be sent to and received from member Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for states were in 2010. Justice what the cost to the public purse has been of additional funding for tribunal services in order to deal Number of cases transmitted to with the backlog of appeals against employment and other EU member states support allowance decisions. [103050] 2010 1 2011 21 Mr Djanogly: Appeals against Department for Work 2012 19 and Pensions (DWP) decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance are heard by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Insolvency: Civil Proceedings DWP funds the cost of increased volumes of appeals following welfare reform changes, above an agreed baseline. John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice HMCTS received £1.3 million of additional funding in (1) when his Department expects to outline its plans for 2008-09, £9 million in 2009-10, £20.9 million in 2010-11 the new model for insolvency proceedings as and £26.3 million for 2011-12 to deal with the increased committed to during the passage of the Legal Aid, volume of ESA appeals. Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill; [102225] 209W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 210W
(2) what discussions his Department has had with Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), may authorise the the insolvency profession regarding maintaining and Legal Services Commission (LSC) to grant funding in improving recoveries for the taxpayer and businesses individual excluded cases, where the LSC first requests following his commitment during the passage of the it. For exceptional funding to be granted at a planning Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders inquiry under the existing scheme, the statutory tests of Bill to a new model for insolvency proceedings; means and merits must be met. In addition, the Lord [102230] Chancellor expects one of the following criteria to be (3) if he will provide details on the new model for met: insolvency proceedings as committed to by his there is a significant wider public interest (as defined in the Department during the passage of the Legal Aid, LSC Funding Code) in the resolution of the case and funded Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill. [102231] representation will contribute to it; or the case is of overwhelming importance to the client (as Mr Djanogly: We have received a number of defined in the LSC Funding Code); or representations, including from insolvency practitioners there is convincing evidence that there are other exceptional and their representative bodies, about the implications circumstances such that without public funding for representation for insolvency proceedings of the reforms to civil litigation it would be practically impossible for the client to bring or funding and costs. These reforms were subject to full defend the proceedings or the lack of public funding would lead to obvious unfairness in the proceedings. public consultation and are now contained in part 2 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill. Police and Crime Commissioners We have had a number of discussions with stakeholders as part of that process. We have reached agreement Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for across Government in respect of insolvency proceedings Justice what steps he plans to take to ensure that services that in future these cases will need to proceed without for victims and witnesses are maintained and improved recoverable success fees and insurance premiums. in the event that the commissioning of such services is We are working on a programme for implementing devolved to Police and Crime Commissioners. [102304] this part of the Bill and we will set out the details relating to insolvency proceedings in due course. Mr Blunt: In our consultation document, ‘Getting it right for Victims and Witnesses’, we proposed that the Legal Aid Scheme majority of support services for victims be commissioned by elected police and crime commissioners (PCCs). We Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice believe services should be commissioned in a way that how many applications for legal aid were (a) received more closely reflects the needs and priorities of the and (b) granted by the Legal Services Commission in local community and we think PCCs will be best placed (i) England, (ii) the North West, (iii) Cumbria and (iv) to do this. Under our proposals service providers would Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency in each of the in future be commissioned based on evidence of their last five years. [102679] ability to achieve two outcomes, namely to help victims first to cope with the immediate impact of the crime Mr Djanogly: The information requested is not readily and subsequently to recover from the harm they have available as it involves matching data in different formats experienced. In the consultation document we also from several current and previous schemes. The information announced proposals which aim to raise up to an therefore could be provided only at disproportionate additional £50 million per annum for victims’ services cost. from the Victim Surcharge and other financial impositions.
Legal Aid Scheme: Travellers Procurement
Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice what the policy of the Legal Services how many contracts his Department had with (a) Commission has been on whether its funding could be Capita and (b) Serco in the last 12 months. [103165] used to support Travellers in relation to planning cases for (a) retrospective planning permission and (b) Mr Kenneth Clarke: In the period April 2011 to contesting planning enforcement notices in the last four March 2012, the Ministry of Justice has awarded three years; and what the criteria were for qualifying for that contracts to Capita and seven contracts to Serco. Details funding. [101797] of the contracts are as follows: Mr Djanogly: Under the current civil legal aid scheme, Capita legal advice and assistance on most areas of law, including 1. Provision of interims and specialist contractors planning matters, is available to all clients, subject to the 2. Provision of an authorised pensions administration service statutory tests of the client’s means and the merits of 3. Supply, installation and maintenance of a new digital radio the case. system Legal representation is not usually available for planning Serco inquiries as these inquiries are informal and inquisitorial processes for which legal representation is not necessary, 1. Provision of external support following the launch of NOMS unless there are exceptional circumstances. Under the job evaluation scheme current scheme, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of 2. Prisoner escort and custody services State for Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend the 3. Electronic monitoring 211W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 212W
4. Provision of services to improve the employment prospects Sexual Offences of offenders through NOMS ESF co-financing programme 2009-2011 for the east of England region Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 5. Provision of services to improve the employment prospects of offenders through NOMS ESF co-financing programme (1) how many sex offenders are serving a prison 2009-11 for the south-east region sentence in England and Wales; [102422] 6. Provision of services to improve the employment prospects (2) what the length of sentence was of each sex of offenders through NOMS ESF co-financing programme offender received into prison in England and Wales in 2011-14 for the east of England region each of the last five years; [102423] 7. Provision of services to improve the employment prospects (3) how many sex offenders of each gender were of offenders through NOMS ESF co-financing programme received into prison in England and Wales under 2011-14 for the south-east region. sentence in each of the last five years. [102424]
Sentencing: EU Action Mr Blunt: As at 31 December 2011 there were 10,125 offenders in prison under sentence for sexual offences. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Tables 1 and 2 as follows provide information on the Justice what recent discussions he has had with the immediate custodial sentenced receptions in prison European institutions on sentencing. [102575] establishments in England and Wales by sentence length and sex for sexual offences in each year from 2005 to Mr Blunt: Government Ministers have not recently 2009 (latest annual data available). had substantial discussions specifically on sentencing These figures have been drawn from administrative with European Union institutions. However, sentencing IT systems which, as with any large scale recording points are raised in numerous negotiations on EU system, are subject to possible errors with data entry instruments. and processing.
Table 1: Immediate custodial sentenced receptions into prison establishments, for sexual offences, by sentence length, 2005-09, England and Wales 4yearsormore Less than or Greater than 6 (excluding) equal to 6 months to less 12 months to less indeterminate Indeterminate All months than 12 months than 4 years sentences sentences
2005 2,452 292 125 995 926 114 2006 2,524 279 109 945 848 343 2007 2,578 241 113 925 889 410 2008 2,735 284 120 979 1,026 326 2009 2,512 263 96 866 1,052 235
implementation stages to ensure that the appropriate Table 2: Receptions into prison establishments, under immediate people are informed of any changes. custodial sentence, by sex, for sexual offences, 2005-09, England and Wales We expect that the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Notification Requirements) (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 All Male Female to come into force from summer 2012, subject to other 2005 2,452 2,433 19 parliamentary business. 2006 2,524 2,496 28 2007 2,578 2,560 18 Social Security Benefits: Appeals 2008 2,735 2,706 29 2009 2,512 2,476 36 Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average waiting time was between the submission Sexual Offences: Registration of an appeal against a decision on the award of (a) employment and support allowance and (b) disability living allowance and the date of the appeal hearing in Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for each administrative office in the Greater London area Justice pursuant to the press notice issued by his in (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10, (iii) 2010-11 and (iv) April to Department on 5 March on tightening the law on sex December 2011. [102910] offenders, how his Department intends to inform police forces and magistrates about the requirement for Mr Djanogly: Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals registered sex offenders to notify the police of all Service (HMCTS) hears appeals against Department foreign travel. [101022] for Work and Pensions (DWP) decisions on entitlement to employment and support allowance (ESA) and disability James Brokenshire: I have been asked to reply on living allowance (DLA). behalf of the Home Department. The following table shows the average time taken The Home Office has worked closely with the Association from submission of an appeal to the DWP until the of Chief Police Officers and Her Majesty’s Courts and date of the first appeal hearing at HMCTS for ESA and Tribunals Service throughout the consultation process DLA appeals at the Sutton Processing Centre, which and will continue to do so during the legislative and serves the Greater London area. 213W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 214W
Average waiting times—Employment and support allowance and disability living allowance for processing centre in Greater London 2008-091 2009-10 2010-11 April to December 2011 ESA DLA ESA DLA ESA DLA ESA DLA
Average time in weeks from submission to DWP n/a 7.8 7.4 8.8 8.9 9.6 8.1 7.8 to receipt at HMCTS Average time in weeks from receipt at HMCTS n/a 9.2 14.1 11.8 16.6 17.2 19.5 22.3 to first hearing 1 Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2008 and only 6 ESA appeals were cleared in 2008-09. This low volume means that statistically significant data in not available for this period. Notes: The data provided are taken from management information The data regarding the time from when an appeal is submitted to the DWP until it is received by HMCTS is taken from HMCTS’ database and relies on the date of submission recorded by DWP. The Tribunal does not measure the time from receipt at DWP to receipt at HMCTS and the averages have been calculated by subtracting the time from receipt at HMCTS to first hearing from the total average time.
HMCTS is working hard to increase the capacity of (2) how many contracts Vodafone has been awarded the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal (SSCS) by his Department in the last 12 months. [103201] and reduce waiting times. It has increased hearing rooms; the number of cases listed in each session; and the Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) number of sessions held; streamlined its administrative has not awarded any contracts to Vodafone in the last processes; started running double shifts in its largest 12 months. The MOJ obtains mobile phones from processing centre so that more appeals can be processed Vodafone under the Government Procurement Service each day; started running Saturday sittings in some of Mobile Solutions (2) Framework Agreement. the busiest venues (where there is demand and where it is feasible); set up a customer contact centre to deal with telephone enquiries for the processing sites, freeing Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice up other staff to focus on processing appeals and arranging how many times the Permanent Secretary in his hearings; and recruited more judges and panel members Department has met Vodafone representatives in the to hear more appeals. last 12 months. [103203] All of this is having a positive effect. The number of disposals has increased significantly from 279,000 in Mr Kenneth Clarke: My Department publishes details 2009-10 to 380,000 in 2010-11. Disposals outstripped of meetings between the Permanent Secretary and external receipts in each of the 12 months between January 2011 organisations on its website. Since March 2011 the and December 2011 and the number of cases waiting to Permanent Secretary has not met with Vodafone be heard reduced by over 44,000 between April and representatives. December. The average waiting time has stabilised nationally, and is beginning to fall in many venues. Young Offenders: Greater London
Victim Support Schemes Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many juvenile offenders from (a) the London Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for borough of Barking and Dagenham and (b) the Justice what steps he plans to take to ensure that a new London borough of Havering have been held in (i) a victims code is effectively monitored and enforced. secure children’s home, (ii) a secure training centre and [103103] (iii) a young offender institution in each month since May 2005. [102902] Mr Blunt: In our consultation document ’Getting it Right for Victims and Witnesses’, published on 30 Mr Blunt: The table shows the number of juvenile January, we set out far reaching proposals for improving offenders (aged 10 to 17) either sentenced or remanded services and support for victims and witnesses. A key in custody attached to the (a) Barking and Dagenham proposal is that there should be a new, clearer, Victims’ Youth Offending Team (YOT) and (b) Havering YOT Code and we have sought views on a set of principles on who have been held in a (i) secure children’s home, (ii) which we think the new code should be based. secure training centre and (iii) under 18 young offender The consultation closes on 22 April and we plan to institution in each month since May 2005 to January publish the Government’s response to the consultation 2012. in the summer. These data have been provided by the Youth Justice As we begin to draft the new code we will consider Board (YJB). The YJB holds data at the YOT area how best to monitor and enforce it. There will be a level, not at the local authority level. YOT area data further consultation on the code and on these arrangements may cover more than one local authority area. before we lay it before Parliament. This is based upon monthly snapshot data. Therefore one young person who is serving more than one month Vodafone Group in custody, may be shown in more than one month in the table. Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The data from April 2011 onwards are provisional (1) what contracts his Department has with Vodafone; and will be finalised when the 2011-12 Youth Justice [103202] Statistics are published in 2013. 215W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 216W
These figures have been drawn from administrative Table 1: Young people in custody attached to (a) Barking and Dagenham Youth Offending Team (YOT) and (b) Havering YOT by establishment type in each IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording month since May 2005 system, are subject to possible errors with data entry (a) Barking and Dagenham (b) Havering YOT and processing and can be subject to change over time. YOT Table 1: Young people in custody attached to (a) Barking and Dagenham Youth Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young Offending Team (YOT) and (b) Havering YOT by establishment type in each Children’s Training Offender Children’s Training Offender month since May 2005 Homes Centres Institutions Homes Centres Institutions (a) Barking and Dagenham (b) Havering YOT March 121610 2 YOT 2008 Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young April 111410 6 Children’s Training Offender Children’s Training Offender 2008 Homes Centres Institutions Homes Centres Institutions May 111101 5 May 132101 32008 2005 June 2008 1 1 13 0 1 7 June 2005 1 3 15 0 1 5 July 2008 1 1 11 0 0 6 July 2005 0 3 14 0 1 6 August 121410 5 August 041302 52008 2005 September 021810 7 September 041303 62008 2005 October 021910 5 October 031603 82008 2005 November 021510 6 November 141703 62008 2005 December 02111012 December 041600 62008 2005 January 031210 9 January 051500 52009 2006 February 041211 6 February 141700 52009 2006 March 021301 4 March 151700 62009 2005 April 031111 5 April 161500 32009 2006 May 031513 6 2009 May 041500 8 2006 June 2009 0 2 12 1 3 5 June 2006 0 5 22 0 0 11 July 2009 0 2 16 0 3 3 July 2006 0 2 20 0 0 10 August 021602 5 2009 August 12190012 2006 September 021702 5 2009 September 02230113 2006 October 031903 5 2009 October 23240111 November 031601 2 2006 2009 November 34160114 December 031300 2 2006 2009 December 13170111January 051600 2 2006 2010 January 222001 8February 041300 4 2007 2010 February 211901 8March 142303 4 2007 2010 March 322002 9April 142002 7 2007 2010 April 33180110May 162002 2 2007 2010 May 22190211June 2010 1 5 18 0 0 2 2007 July 2010 1 4 19 0 0 2 June 2007 2 4 18 0 1 8 August 021900 2 July 2007 1 3 11 0 1 7 2010 August 13 9 10 9September 031601 2 2007 2010 September 161010 8October 021501 1 2007 2010 October 121120 9November 011301 1 2007 2010 November 141120 8December 001601 2 2007 2010 December 141210 6January 021601 2 2007 2011 January 121410 4February 021901 4 2008 2011 February 121610 2March 041801 4 2008 2011 217W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 218W
Table 1: Young people in custody attached to (a) Barking and Dagenham Youth Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Offending Team (YOT) and (b) Havering YOT by establishment type in each month since May 2005 how many young adult offenders aged between 18 and (a) Barking and Dagenham (b) Havering YOT 20 years from (a) the London borough of Barking and YOT Dagenham and (b) the London borough of Havering Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young have been held in (i) young offender institutions, (ii) Children’s Training Offender Children’s Training Offender local prisons, (iii) women’s prisons and (iv) other parts Homes Centres Institutions Homes Centres Institutions of the secure estate, in each month since May 2009. April 022001 3 [102903] 2011 May 032400 4 2011 June 2011 0 2 20 0 0 2 Mr Blunt: All young offenders sentenced to Detention July 2011 0 2 25 0 0 4 in a Young Offender Institution (DYOI), which is the August 022301 4most common custodial sentence for this age group, are 2011 held in appropriately designated YOI accommodation September 031901 2within the prison estate. The majority of this 2011 accommodation is in dedicated YOIs, although some October 051700 3 2011 establishments in the estate have a dual designation November 031800 4(designated both as a prison and a YOI) and hold both 2011 adult prisoners and young offenders. December 121400 4 2011 The following tables show the number of offenders January 031502 6aged 18 to 20 years old with a recorded residential 2012 address or proxy in (a) the London borough of Barking Notes: and Dagenham and (b) the London borough of Havering 1. YJB data referring to Secure Training Centres (STCs), Secure Children’s Homes (SCHs), and Under 18 Young Offender Institutions (YOIs). This does who were held in predominant function male Young not include 18 to 21-year-olds held in YOI separate units for which the YJB do Offender Institutions, predominant function male local not hold data. This is based upon monthly snapshot data therefore one young prisons, all female prisons and the rest of the male person who is serving more than one month in custody, may be shown in more than one month in the table. The figures from April 2011 onwards are provisional. estate on a set day in each month where data are 2. Young people are defined as those aged 10 to 17 years of age, however some available since May 2009. 18-year-olds remain in the secure estate for children and young people if they only have a short period of their sentence left to serve, to avoid disrupting their regimes (and are included in these figures). 3. The data comes from the Youth Justice Board’s Secure Accommodation Clearing House System (SACHS). These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and may be subject to change over time.
Number and location of male and female young adult offenders (aged 18 to 20) originating from London borough of Barking and Dagenham 2009 2010 2011 2012 Location May Sept Nov Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Jan
(a) Male YoungOffender 33 11 9 8 11 15 12 16 17 19 Institutions (b) Male local prisons 0 7 15 10 8 14 11 11 11 7 (c)Femaleprisons011122 111 (d) Rest of the male 091312868532 estate
Number and location of male and female young adult offenders (aged 18 to 20) originating from London borough of Havering 2009 2010 2011 2012 Location May Sept Nov Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Jan
(a) Male Young 22452485124 7 Offender Institutions (b)Malelocalprisons166889102610 (c)Femaleprisons100020010 1 (d) Rest of the male 144402111 1 estate
These figures have been drawn from administrative an address to which offenders intend to return on IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording discharge or next of kin address and these figures are system, are subject to possible errors with data entry provided in the table above. and processing. If no address is given, an offender’s committal court Information on offenders’ residences is provided by address is used as a proxy for the area in which they are offenders on reception into prison and recorded on a resident. These figures are also included in the table central IT system. Addresses can include a home address, above. No address has been recorded and no court 219W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 220W information is available for around 3% of all offenders, Table 1: Young people in custody attached to (a) Kensington and Chelsea Youth Offending Team (YOT) and (b) Westminster YOT by establishment type in these figures are excluded from the table above. each month since May 2005 (a) Kensington and Chelsea (b) Westminster YOT Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice YOT how many juvenile offenders from (a) the Royal May 2005- Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and (b) April Children’s Training Offender Children’s Training Offender Westminster City Council have been held in a (i) secure 2008 Homes Centres Institutions Homes Centres Institutions children’s home, (ii) secure training centre and (iii) July 01 6 00 8 young offender institution in each month since May 2006 [102911] 2005. August 02 8 01 8 2006 Mr Blunt: The following table shows the number of September 02 9 00 8 juvenile offenders (aged 10 to 17) either sentenced or 2006 remanded in custody attached to the (a) Kensington October 02 6 0011 2006 and Chelsea Youth Offending Team (YOT) and (b) November 02 4 00 8 Westminster YOT who have been held in a (i) secure 2006 children’s home, (ii) secure training centre and (iii) December 12 5 00 4 under 18 young offender institution in each month 2006 since May 2005 to January 2012. January 13 4 00 5 2007 This data has been provided by the Youth Justice February 03 7 00 5 Board (YJB). The YJB holds data at the YOT area 2007 level, not at the local authority level. YOT area data March 12 7 00 8 may cover more than one local authority area. 2007 April 12 6 00 5 This is based upon monthly snapshot data. Therefore 2007 one young person who is serving more than one month May 21 4 01 8 in custody, may be shown in more than one month in 2007 the following table. June 01 3 01 9 The data from April 2011 onwards are provisional 2007 July 10 5 01 8 and will be finalised when the 2011-12 Youth Justice 2007 Statistics are published in 2013. August 00 5 00 5 These figures have been drawn from administrative 2007 IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording September 00 5 00 5 2007 system, are subject to possible errors with data entry October 00 4 00 5 and processing and can be subject to change over time. 2007 Table 1: Young people in custody attached to (a) Kensington and Chelsea Youth November 02 7 00 7 Offending Team (YOT) and (b) Westminster YOT by establishment type in 2007 each month since May 2005 December 021100 7 (a) Kensington and Chelsea (b) Westminster YOT 2007 YOT January 01 9 00 7 May 2008 2005- Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young February 01 8 00 9 April Children’s Training Offender Children’s Training Offender 2008 2008 Homes Centres Institutions Homes Centres Institutions March 00 5 0011 2008 May 03 7 0013 2005 April 00 6 11 8 2008 Jun 2005 0 2 7 0 0 10 May 00 7 11 8 July 02 7 1010 2008 2005 June 11 7 0310 August 02 9 0013 2008 2005 July 10 7 13 7 September 1 2 10 0 0 11 2008 2005 August 10 6 12 7 October 0 2 10 0 0 10 2008 2005 September 10 4 0112 November 01 7 0011 2008 2005 December 01 5 0011October 10 3 0211 2005 2008 January 01 5 00 8November 00 6 0011 2006 2008 February 01 9 00 9December 01 4 00 7 2006 2008 March 12 6 0110January 01 7 00 7 2006 2009 April 11 5 00 9February 02 7 02 4 2006 2009 May 0 0 10 0 0 10 March 02 7 03 7 2006 2009 June 11 7 00 8April 011103 7 2006 2009 221W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 222W
Table 1: Young people in custody attached to (a) Kensington and Chelsea Youth Table 1: Young people in custody attached to (a) Kensington and Chelsea Youth Offending Team (YOT) and (b) Westminster YOT by establishment type in Offending Team (YOT) and (b) Westminster YOT by establishment type in each month since May 2005 each month since May 2005 (a) Kensington and Chelsea (b) Westminster YOT (a) Kensington and Chelsea (b) Westminster YOT YOT YOT May May 2005- Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young 2005- Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young April Children’s Training Offender Children’s Training Offender April Children’s Training Offender Children’s Training Offender 2008 Homes Centres Institutions Homes Centres Institutions 2008 Homes Centres Institutions Homes Centres Institutions
May 001204 6August 1 0 10 0 5 11 2009 2011 June 011203 5September 1 0 11 1 4 11 2009 2011 July 011302 6October 2 0 12 0 5 13 2009 2011 August 001310 6November 2 0 10 0 5 12 2009 2011 September 001300 5December 11 8 04 8 2009 2011 January 12 5 0211 October 001202 7 2012 2009 Notes: November 011303 7 1. YJB data referring to secure training centres (STCs), secure children’s homes 2009 (SCHs), and under 18 young offender institutions (YOIs). This does not include December 001502 618 to 21-year-olds held in YOI separate units for which the YJB do not hold 2009 data. This is based upon monthly snapshot data therefore one young person January 001001 8who is serving more than one month in custody, may be shown in more than one 2010 month in the table. The figures from April 2011 onwards are provisional. 2. Young people are defined as those aged 10 to 17 years of age, however some February 00 7 11 718-year-olds remain in the secure estate for children and young people if they 2010 only have a short period of their sentence left to serve, to avoid disrupting their March 001010 5regimes (and are included in these figures). 2010 3. The data comes from the Youth Justice Board’s Secure Accommodation Clearing House System (SACHS). These figures have been drawn from administrative April 001310 7IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to 2010 possible errors with data entry and processing and may be subject to change May 001211 7over time. 2010 Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice June 001111 6 2010 how many young adult offenders aged 18 to 20 years July 001011 7old from (a) the Royal borough of Kensington and 2010 Chelsea and (b) Westminster city council have been August 001011 7held in (i) young offender institutions, (ii) local prisons, 2010 (iii) women’s prisons and (iv) other parts of the secure September 00 9 12 5estate, in each month since May 2009. [102912] 2010 October 00 9 22 7Mr Blunt: All young offenders sentenced to detention 2010 in a young offender institution (DYOI), which is the November 001222 8most common custodial sentence for this age group, are 2010 held in appropriately designated YOI accommodation December 001112 6 2010 within the prison estate. The majority of this accommodation is in dedicated YOIs, although some January 001012 7 2011 establishments in the estate have a dual designation February 00 8 12 7(designated both as a prison and a YOI) and hold both 2011 adult prisoners and young offenders. March 0 1 10 1 2 10 The following tables show the number of offenders 2011 aged 18-20 years with a recorded residential address or April 00 9 13 8proxy in (a) the Royal borough of Kensington and 2011 Chelsea and (b) Westminster city council who were May 01 6 13 7 2011 held in predominant function male young offender June 00 8 14 8institutions, predominant function male local prisons, 2011 all female prisons and the rest of the male estate on a set July 00 8 05 8day in each month where data is available since May 2011 2009.
Number and location of male and female young adult offenders (aged 18-20) originating from the Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea 2009 2010 2011 2012 Location May Sept Nov Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Jan
(a) Male young 45 15 12 14 12 10 3 11 12 11 offender institutions (b) Male local 1211110020 prisons (c)Femaleprisons3001000000 223W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 224W
Number and location of male and female young adult offenders (aged 18-20) originating from the Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea 2009 2010 2011 2012 Location May Sept Nov Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Jan
(d) Rest of the male 0231312111 estate
Number and location of male and female young adult offenders (aged 18-20) originating from Westminster city council area 2009 2010 2011 2012 Location May Sept Nov Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Jan
(a) Male young 21 27 43 39 35 36 27 36 35 46 offender institutions (b) Male local 2133424531 prisons (c)Femaleprisons0134456942 (d) Rest of the male 01077666457 estate
These figures have been drawn from administrative within the prison estate. The majority of this IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording accommodation is in dedicated YOIs, although some system, are subject to possible errors with data entry establishments in the estate have a dual designation and processing. (designated both as a prison and a YOI) and hold both Information on offenders’ residences is provided by adult prisoners and young offenders. offenders on reception into prison and recorded on a The following table shows the number of offenders central IT system. Addresses can include a home address, aged 18 to 20-years-old with a recorded residential an address to which offenders intend to return on address or proxy in each local authority area in Lancashire discharge or next of kin address and these figures are who were held in predominant function male young provided in the table above. offender institutions, predominant function male local If no address is given, an offender’s committal court prisons, all female prisons and the rest of the male address is used as a proxy for the area in which they are estate on a set day in each month where data are resident. These figures are also included in the table available since May 2009. above. No address has been recorded and no court information is available for around 3% of all offenders; These figures have been drawn from administrative these figures are excluded from the table above. IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Young Offenders: Lancashire and processing. Information on offenders’ residences is provided by Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for offenders on reception into prison and recorded on a Justice how many young adult offenders aged 18 to 20 central IT system. Addresses can include a home address, years in each local authority area in Lancashire have an address to which offenders intend to return on been held in (a) young offender institutions, (b) local discharge or next of kin address and these figures are prisons, (c) women’s prisons and (d) other parts of provided in the table. the secure estate in each month since May 2009. [102644] If no address is given, an offender’s committal court address is used as a proxy for the area in which they are Mr Blunt: All young offenders sentenced to detention resident. These figures are also included in the table. No in a young offender institution (DYOI), which is the address has been recorded and no court information is most common custodial sentence for this age group, are available for around 3% of all offenders, these figures held in appropriately designated YOI accommodation are excluded from the table.
Number and location of male and female young adult offenders (aged 18 to 20) originating from each local authority area in Lancashire 2009 2010 2011 2012 Originating local authority area in Lancashire Predominant function May Sept Nov Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Jan
Blackpool (a) Male Young —1211————— Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons—————————— (c) Femaleprisons—————————— (d) Rest of the male —————————— estate
Burnley (a) Male Young 26 33 33 33 36 38 30 24 31 30 Offender Institutions 225W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 226W
Number and location of male and female young adult offenders (aged 18 to 20) originating from each local authority area in Lancashire 2009 2010 2011 2012 Originating local authority area in Lancashire Predominant function May Sept Nov Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Jan
(b) MalelocalPrisons————— 1 310118 (c) Femaleprisons1122331332 (d) Rest of the male ———— 1—1124 estate
Chorley (a) Male Young 12443464555 Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons—————— 1— 1 2 (c) Femaleprisons—————————— (d) Rest of the male —————————— estate
Fylde (a) Male Young 4—22242355 Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons———————— 1— (c) Femaleprisons—————————— (d) Rest of the male ————111112 estate
Hyndburn (a) Male Young 51481016167996 Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons——————5436 (c) Femaleprisons 1————————— (d) Rest of the male —————— 1— 1 1 estate
Lancaster (a) Male Young 20442655524 Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons——————2312 (c) Femaleprisons 2————————— (d) Rest of the male ———————— 1 2 estate
Morecambe (a) Male Young — 12 9 11 11 12 10 5 6 4 and Offender Institutions Lunesdale (b) MalelocalPrisons———————— 1 1 (c) Femaleprisons—————————— (d) Rest of the male ———— 1 1———— estate
Pendle (a) Male Young 67888127345 Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons— 1—————221 (c) Femaleprisons—————————— (d) Rest of the male — 1 1——————— estate
Preston (a) Male Young 76 73 69 61 65 70 60 47 43 43 Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons—11—116363025 (c) Femaleprisons—266453243 (d) Rest of the male ————225565 estate
Ribble Valley (a) Male Young 38988107445 Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons———————— 2 1 (c) Female prisons 1 1 1 1 — — — 1 1 — 227W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 228W
Number and location of male and female young adult offenders (aged 18 to 20) originating from each local authority area in Lancashire 2009 2010 2011 2012 Originating local authority area in Lancashire Predominant function May Sept Nov Jan Mar May July Sept Nov Jan
(d) Rest of the male ———————— 1— estate
Rossendale (a) Male Young 3666244113 Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons——11221123 (c) Femaleprisons 1— 1——————— (d) Rest of the male —1——332122 estate
South Ribble (a) Male Young 634334—155 Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons—————— 1— 3— (c) Femaleprisons—————————— (d) Rest of the male ———— 1 1 1——— estate
West (a) Male Young 5667675222 Lancashire Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons— 1——— 1—112 (c) Femaleprisons 1————————— (d) Rest of the male ——————1111 estate
Wyre (a) Male Young 4454322——— Offender Institutions (b) MalelocalPrisons———————— 1 2 (c) Femaleprisons—————————— (d) Rest of the male —————————— estate
Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for These data have been provided by the Youth Justice Justice how many juvenile offenders in each local Board (YJB). The YJB holds data at the YOT area authority area in Lancashire have been held in (a) a level, not at the local authority level. YOT area data secure children’s home, (b) a secure training centre and may cover more than one local authority area. (c) a young offender institution in each month since This is based upon monthly snapshot data. Therefore May 2005. [102645] one young person who is serving more than one month in custody may be shown in more than one month in the table. Mr Blunt: The following table shows the number of juvenile offenders (aged 10 to 17) either sentenced or The data from April 2011 onwards are provisional remanded in custody attached to (i) Blackburn with and will be finalised when the 2011-12 Youth Justice Darwen Youth Offending Team (YOT) (ii) Blackpool Statistics are published in 2013. YOT and (iii) Lancashire YOT who have been held in a These figures have been drawn from administrative (a) secure children’s home, (b) secure training centre IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording and (c) young offender institution in each month since system, are subject to possible errors with data entry May 2005 to January 2012. and processing and can be subject to change over time.
Young people in custody attached to (i) Blackburn with Darwen Youth Offending Team (YOT) (ii) Blackpool YOT and (iii) Lancashire YOT by establishment type in each month since May 2005 (i) Blackburn with Darwen YOT (ii) Blackpool YOT (iii) YOT Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young children’s training offender children’s training offender children’s training offender homes centres institutions homes centres institutions homes centres institutions
2005 May011112103143 June 0 1 5 1 1 8 5 2 44 July 0 0 5 1 2 8 4 3 47 August 0 0 7 2 2 6 5 2 49 229W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 230W
Young people in custody attached to (i) Blackburn with Darwen Youth Offending Team (YOT) (ii) Blackpool YOT and (iii) Lancashire YOT by establishment type in each month since May 2005 (i) Blackburn with Darwen YOT (ii) Blackpool YOT (iii) YOT Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young children’s training offender children’s training offender children’s training offender homes centres institutions homes centres institutions homes centres institutions
September 0 0 7 3 1 5 6 3 56 October 0 0 6 4 1 7 6 3 47 November 1 0 7 0 2 5 3 2 50 December 1 0 7 0 2 6 1 2 49
2006 January 1 0 6 0 1 3 4 2 50 February 0 0 7 1 1 2 5 2 53 March 0 0 7 1 1 3 5 2 43 April 0 0 7 3 2 4 7 3 49 May 0 1 8 1 2 8 7 8 56 June 0 1 8 1 1 6 5 8 56 July 1 0 9 1 1 7 5 7 51 August 1 1 8 1 1 10 2 5 58 September 1 1 8 2 1 9 4 2 53 October 1 1 6 1 0 13 3 5 55 November 0 2 5 1 0 20 2 5 51 December 0 2 3 1 0 20 5 3 45
2007 January 0 3 4 1 1 20 3 4 48 February 0 3 4 1 1 22 6 4 47 March 0 2 4 0 1 19 8 4 42 April 0 1 5 1 1 17 8 6 41 May 0 0 6 2 2 13 4 4 41 June 0 0 1 2 1 18 3 5 44 July 0 0 5 2 1 20 4 6 48 August 0 0 4 2 1 17 6 4 51 September 1 0 7 3 1 15 4 5 49 October 1 1 7 3 1 15 6 3 45 November 3 2 9 3 2 15 5 4 53 December 3 1 8 4 1 13 5 5 53
2008 January 2 1 8 2 1 13 5 3 50 February 3 0 7 2 0 8 5 2 51 March 1 1 10 2 1 9 5 1 54 April11 1242 6 73 51 May121441126255 June 1 2 14 4 1 13 5 3 50 July12 1230 1480 52 August 1 1 10 0 0 14 9 0 42 September 1 1 9 0 0 15 6 0 43 October 1 0 11 1 0 16 7 3 35 November 1 1 6 1 0 18 5 3 49 December 1 0 7 2 0 21 4 5 44
2009 January 1 0 8 2 0 21 7 4 42 February 1 0 8 1 0 17 7 3 46 March101020197144 April 1 1 9 3 0 19 9 4 46 May 1 1 7 3 1 17 10 3 45 June 1 1 7 3 0 13 13 2 39 July 1 3 8 3 0 11 12 2 42 August 1 2 14 2 0 15 11 2 40 September 1 2 11 1 0 18 11 1 42 231W Written Answers16 APRIL 2012 Written Answers 232W
Young people in custody attached to (i) Blackburn with Darwen Youth Offending Team (YOT) (ii) Blackpool YOT and (iii) Lancashire YOT by establishment type in each month since May 2005 (i) Blackburn with Darwen YOT (ii) Blackpool YOT (iii) YOT Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young Secure Secure Young children’s training offender children’s training offender children’s training offender homes centres institutions homes centres institutions homes centres institutions
October 1 2 10 2 1 14 13 3 41 November 2 2 7 1 1 11 13 4 43 December 1 4 6 2 1 11 10 1 36
2010 January 1 4 6 1 0 13 10 2 33 February 1 2 8 3 0 8 12 1 38 March 1 2 8 3 0 12 11 2 35 April 2 2 6 3 1 7 12 1 30 May 2 4 7 2 1 7 11 1 28 June 2 2 9 3 0 7 9 3 25 July 2 1 9 3 0 9 11 2 23 August 1 1 14 5 0 8 9 2 29 September 1 0 15 5 1 8 6 2 25 October 1 0 17 4 1 9 7 3 23 November 1 0 11 5 1 11 9 3 29 December 1 0 8 4 0 6 10 2 25
2011 January 1 0 10 3 0 5 9 3 30 February 1 1 9 1 0 8 10 4 36 March 1 1 7 2 1 6 6 3 36 April 1 1 5 3 0 8 2 3 38 May 1 1 4 2 0 10 3 2 32 June 1 1 5 2 0 7 4 2 27 July 1 0 7 2 0 8 5 1 24 August 0 0 7 3 0 13 5 2 22 September 0 0 7 1 0 9 5 0 28 October 1 1 6 2 1 7 5 1 31 November 0 1 5 2 1 6 6 3 28 December 0 2 6 3 1 6 9 1 25
2012 January 0 1 5 2 0 7 10 2 23 Notes: 1. YJB data referring to secure training centres (STCs), secure children’s homes (SCHs), and under 18 young offender institutions (YOIs). This does not include 18 to 21 year olds held in YOI separate units for which the YJB do not hold data. This is based upon monthly snapshot data therefore one young person who is serving more than one month in custody, may be shown in more than one month in the table. The figures from April 2011 onwards are provisional. 2. Young people are defined as those aged 10 to 17 years of age, however some 18-year-olds remain in the secure estate for children and young people if they only have a short period of their sentence left to serve, to avoid disrupting their regimes (and are included in these figures). 3. The data come from the Youth Justice Board’s Secure Accommodation Clearing House System (SACHS). These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing and may be subject to change over time.
[Continued in Column 233W] 1MC Ministerial Corrections16 APRIL 2012 Ministerial Corrections 2MC Ministerial Correction The full answer given was as follows: Gregory Barker: The latest available figures show that Monday 16 April 2012 there is 14.3GW renewable electricity projects approved but not operational in the UK; of this 8.5GW is in England. Further information on the current installed renewable ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE electricity capacity as well as projects in planning and in construction for each region in the UK can be found on Renewable Energy the DECC website, but unfortunately information below regional level is not available: Sir Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy https://restats.decc.gov.uk/cms/welcome-to-the-restats-web- and Climate Change how many megawatts of renewable site energy capacity had received planning approval in The correct answer should have been: (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) the North East and (d) Northumberland in the latest period for which Gregory Barker: The latest available figures show that there is 14.3GW renewable electricity projects approved figures are available. [101039] but not operational in the UK; of this 8.5GW is in [Official Report, 20 March 2012, Vol. 542, c. 604W.] England. Letter of correction from Gregory Barker: Further information on projects in planning and in An error has been identified in the written answer construction can be found on the DECC website. Aggregated given to the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed statistics are not provided below regional level but project (Sir Alan Beith) on 20 March 2012. Paragraph 2 of the by project details are available which can be filtered to answer makes reference to information below regional provide data at county level: level not being available. In fact project by project data https://restats.decc.gov.uk/cms/welcome-to-the-restats-web- are available at county level. site
ORAL ANSWERS
Monday 16 April 2012
Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 1 EDUCATION—continued Academies...... 9 Home-educated Children ...... 17 Academies and Free Schools...... 8 NEETs ...... 3 Adoption ...... 1 Parental Choice (Schools) ...... 15 Adoption ...... 14 Regulatory Burden (Schools) ...... 6 Apprenticeships ...... 13 Rural Schools (Funding)...... 13 Child Care...... 12 Teaching Performance...... 9 Departmental Relocation...... 7 Topical Questions ...... 18 Funding Formula...... 15 Vocational Education...... 16 GCSE History...... 16 West Exe Technology College ...... 8 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS
Monday 16 April 2012
Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1WS HEALTH...... 11WS National Measurement Office (Performance Consultation on Standardised Packaging Targets)...... 1WS of Tobacco Products...... 11WS
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 2WS Department’s Work (Easter Recess)...... 2WS JUSTICE...... 12WS 1980 Hague Convention on Child Abduction ...... 13WS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 6WS Ex Gratia Payments to Victims of Overseas Legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Terrorism ...... 12WS Games...... 6WS NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 14WS EDUCATION...... 9WS Parliamentary Written Question (Correction)...... 14WS Pupil Behaviour ...... 9WS
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 10WS TREASURY ...... 2WS British Embassy (Bamako)...... 10WS Financial Services Compensation Scheme...... 2WS WRITTEN ANSWERS
Monday 16 April 2012
Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 51W CABINET OFFICE—continued Religious Practice...... 51W Unemployment: Ethnic Groups ...... 183W Serious Fraud Office ...... 51W Well-being...... 183W
CABINET OFFICE...... 174W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 201W Average Earnings ...... 174W Council Tax Benefit ...... 201W Average Earnings: Greater London...... 174W Council Tax Benefits...... 201W Average Earnings: Kent ...... 175W Growing Places Fund...... 201W Big Society Investment Fund ...... 176W Housing: Armed Forces ...... 201W Business ...... 176W Housing: Prisoners...... 202W Census ...... 176W Land: Auctions ...... 202W Cybercrime ...... 177W Mayors: Greater Manchester ...... 203W Efficiency and Reform Group ...... 177W Planning Permission: Chester...... 203W Electronic Government ...... 178W Regeneration: Urban Areas...... 203W Emergencies ...... 178W Remploy...... 204W Employment ...... 178W Risk Assessment ...... 204W Government Departments: Databases...... 179W Third Sector...... 204W Government Departments: Private Sector...... 180W Transport: Planning Permission ...... 205W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 180W Travellers: Caravan Sites ...... 205W Office for National Statistics ...... 181W Trees: Planning Permission ...... 205W Older People ...... 182W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 182W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 1W Procurement...... 182W Arts Council ...... 1W Procurement: EU Action ...... 183W Bed and Breakfast Accommodation ...... 1W Public Sector: Construction ...... 183W Broadband ...... 1W Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT—continued EDUCATION—continued Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 2W Ofsted ...... 84W Civil Servants: Codes of Practice ...... 2W Primary Education: Admissions...... 86W Cultural Heritage: Armed Conflict ...... 2W Procurement...... 86W Domestic Visits ...... 3W Pupil Exclusions: Essex ...... 86W Email ...... 3W Schools: Birmingham...... 87W Mobile Phones: Radio Frequencies...... 3W Schools: Finance...... 87W Museums and Galleries...... 4W Schools: Sanitation ...... 88W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 5W Sure Start Programme...... 90W Radio Frequencies ...... 6W Teachers: Trade Unions ...... 90W Telecommunications: Hearing Impairment ...... 7W Tourette’s Syndrome ...... 91W Unsolicited Text Messages ...... 8W Vocational Guidance...... 91W Vodafone Group ...... 8W Vodafone Group ...... 91W West Exe Technology College ...... 92W DEFENCE...... 62W Afghanistan ...... 62W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 156W Air Force: Working Hours ...... 63W Alcoholic Drinks...... 156W Aircraft Carriers ...... 64W Carbon Dioxide: Pipelines ...... 156W Ammunition: Scotland...... 65W Carbon Sequestration ...... 156W Armed Forces: Cadets...... 65W Civil Servants: Codes of Practice ...... 157W Armed Forces: Council Tax ...... 65W Coal Fired Power Stations...... 157W Armed Forces: Training ...... 66W Coal: Imports...... 157W Armoured Fighting Vehicles ...... 69W Community Energy Saving Programme ...... 158W Bahrain ...... 70W Electricity Generation...... 158W Blue Force Property ...... 70W Electricity: Meters...... 160W Canada ...... 70W E-mail ...... 161W Conflict Prevention ...... 71W Energy: Billing ...... 162W Defence...... 71W Energy: Prices ...... 162W Defence Equipment: Internet...... 72W Energy Supply...... 162W Defence Equipment: Theft...... 72W Environment Protection: Taxation ...... 162W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 73W EU Emissions Trading Scheme ...... 164W Diamond Jubilee 2012: Medals ...... 73W Fuel: Prices ...... 164W Early Retirement...... 73W Gas and Electricity Markets Authority ...... 165W Early Warning Systems ...... 73W Gas Fired Power Stations...... 165W Explosives: Large Goods Vehicles...... 74W Gas Fired Power Stations: Carbon Emissions ...... 166W London Olympics 2012 ...... 74W Gas Fired Power Stations: Carbon Sequestration .. 167W Military Bases: Edinburgh ...... 75W Green Deal Scheme...... 167W Missile Technology Control Regime...... 75W Insulation: Housing ...... 167W Navy: Training ...... 75W Intellectual Property ...... 168W Procurement...... 76W Legal Costs ...... 169W Theft ...... 77W Nuclear Power Stations...... 169W Trident ...... 77W Oil: Prices...... 169W Veterans ...... 78W Renewable Energy...... 170W Wildcat Helicopters...... 78W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 171W Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme ...... 171W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 184W Secondment ...... 172W Bill of Rights ...... 184W Solar Power: British Overseas Territories ...... 172W Constituencies...... 184W Vodafone Group ...... 172W Devolution...... 185W Warm Front Scheme ...... 173W House of Lords: Reform...... 185W Wind Power ...... 173W Lobbying: Registration ...... 185W Wind Power: British Overseas Territories...... 174W Primary Elections...... 185W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL EDUCATION...... 79W AFFAIRS...... 36W Academies...... 79W Agriculture: Storage...... 36W Academies...... 79W Air Pollution: Greater London...... 37W Academies: Correspondence ...... 80W Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Academies: Private Finance Initiative ...... 80W Agency...... 37W Children in Care: Telephone Services...... 81W Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control...... 38W Civil Servants: Codes of Practice ...... 81W Catering ...... 38W Education Funding Agency ...... 81W Civil Servants: Codes of Practice ...... 39W Foetal Alcohol Syndrome ...... 82W Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Free Schools...... 82W Pollution ...... 39W Free Schools: Teachers...... 82W Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000...... 39W Further Education: Transport...... 83W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 40W GCSE ...... 83W Fisheries: Hartlepool ...... 40W Higher Education: Part-time Education...... 83W Flowers ...... 40W Maharishi Academy...... 84W Food: Labelling...... 41W Medicine: Education...... 84W Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Business...... 41W NEETs ...... 79W Horse Passports ...... 41W Nurses: Training ...... 84W Infrastructure and Environment Unit ...... 42W Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— HEALTH—continued continued Doctors: Training...... 105W Low Emission Zones: Greater London ...... 42W Drugs...... 106W National Farmers Union...... 42W Drugs: Prices...... 106W Nitrate Vulnerable Zones ...... 43W Eating Disorders ...... 106W Organic Food...... 43W Epilepsy ...... 107W Packaging: Recycling ...... 44W Exercise...... 107W Procurement...... 44W Eyesight: Testing...... 108W Rural Areas: Finance ...... 44W Foetal Alcohol Syndrome ...... 109W Rural Areas: Housing ...... 45W Folic Acid ...... 112W Rural Areas: Mobile Phones ...... 45W Food: Safety...... 112W Schmallenberg Virus ...... 45W General Practitioners: Working Hours...... 114W Third Sector...... 46W Genito-urinary Medicine ...... 114W Tigers: Conservation...... 47W Health Services: Staffordshire ...... 114W Vodafone Group ...... 47W Health Visitors...... 114W Water ...... 47W Hospitals: Admissions ...... 116W Water Companies...... 48W Hospitals: Food ...... 116W Wind Power: Electricity...... 48W Hospitals: Infectious Diseases...... 117W Intensive Care: Greater London...... 118W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 185W Internet ...... 121W Afghanistan ...... 185W Leukodystrophies...... 122W Alcoholic Drinks...... 189W Manpower...... 123W Antarctic...... 189W McKinsey and Company ...... 123W Ascension Island...... 189W Medical Treatments: Cortisone ...... 123W Bosnia and Herzegovina ...... 190W Medicine: Education...... 124W British Antarctic Survey...... 190W Mental Health Services ...... 124W British Indian Ocean Territory...... 190W Mental Health Services: Sexual Offences ...... 125W China ...... 191W Mental Health Services: Waiting Lists ...... 125W Civil Servants: Codes of Practice ...... 191W Mental Illness: Prisoners...... 126W Correspondence ...... 191W Midwives...... 126W Diplomatic Service...... 191W Multiple Sclerosis...... 127W Diplomatic Service: Arabic Language...... 192W Neurology: East Midlands ...... 127W Email ...... 192W NHS Foundation Trusts...... 127W Hungary...... 193W NHS: Innovation ...... 128W Middle East ...... 193W NHS: Procurement ...... 128W Nagorno Karabakh...... 193W NHS: Redundancy...... 128W Nuclear Weapons: Proliferation ...... 194W NHS: Training ...... 129W Palestinians ...... 195W Nurses: Pensions ...... 129W Somalia...... 196W Nurses: Standards...... 130W South Sudan ...... 196W Older People: Loneliness...... 130W Sri Lanka ...... 197W Organs: Donors ...... 131W Sudan: South Sudan ...... 197W Palliative Care...... 131W Syria...... 198W Parkinson’s Disease: Prescriptions ...... 131W USA...... 199W Pay...... 132W Vodafone Group ...... 199W Photographs...... 132W Western Sahara ...... 200W Prescription Drugs...... 132W Yemen ...... 200W Prescriptions: Fees and Charges...... 133W Procurement...... 133W Prostate Cancer: Health Education...... 133W HEALTH...... 93W Radiotherapy ...... 134W Abortion ...... 93W Retinoblastoma...... 134W Air Ambulance Services...... 93W Ritalin...... 136W Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs: Rehabilitation...... 93W Royal Brompton Hospital ...... 137W Ambulance Services: Cumbria ...... 94W Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs Advisory Art Works ...... 94W Committee ...... 137W Autism ...... 94W Sleep Apnoea ...... 137W Blood Diseases...... 95W Smoking: Children...... 138W Breast Cancer...... 95W Smoking: Motor Vehicles...... 138W Breast Cancer: Cumbria...... 96W Social Services...... 138W Cancer ...... 96W Soft Drinks: Taurine ...... 139W Christmas...... 100W Surgery: Negligence ...... 139W Civil Servants: Codes of Practice ...... 100W Telemedicine ...... 140W Cystic Fibrosis ...... 101W Terminal Illnesses...... 140W Darent Valley Hospital ...... 101W Training ...... 141W Dental Services ...... 102W Transplant Surgery: Yorkshire and the Humber..... 141W Diabetes: Leicester ...... 103W Travel ...... 141W Diabetes: Research...... 103W Tuberculosis...... 141W Dietary Supplements...... 104W Tuberculosis: Prisoners ...... 142W Diets ...... 104W Vodafone Group ...... 143W Disability Aids: Communication...... 104W Disciplinary Proceedings...... 104W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 9W Diseases ...... 105W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 9W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT—continued NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 49W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 9W Boston College...... 49W Asylum: Sri Lanka...... 9W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 49W British Nationality ...... 10W Irish Language ...... 50W Crime: Drugs ...... 11W Crime Prevention ...... 11W TRANSPORT ...... 52W Deportation: Sri Lanka...... 11W Aviation ...... 52W Domestic Visits ...... 12W Aviation: Exhaust Emissions...... 53W Email ...... 13W Aviation: Working Hours...... 53W Entry Clearances: Domestic Service...... 13W Bus Services: Concessions ...... 54W Entry Clearances: Sri Lanka ...... 13W Civil Aviation Bill...... 54W Exports: Metals...... 14W Dee Harbour...... 54W Foreign Workers: Doctors...... 14W Gospel Oak-Barking Railway Line ...... 55W G4S: Public Expenditure...... 14W Heathrow Airport: Air Pollution...... 55W Human Trafficking Ministerial Group...... 15W London Airports...... 55W Immigrants: Detainees ...... 15W Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties...... 56W Immigration: Bexleyheath...... 15W Motor Vehicles: Freight ...... 56W Ketamine ...... 15W Official Cars...... 56W Leena Homes ...... 16W Railway Stations: Islington ...... 57W Licensing Laws...... 16W Railways: Electrification ...... 57W Manpower...... 16W Railways: North West ...... 58W Mass Media ...... 17W Roads: Repairs and Maintenance...... 58W Members: Correspondence ...... 17W Rolling Stock: Procurement ...... 59W Migration Advisory Committee ...... 18W Shipping: Recruitment ...... 60W Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 ...... 18W Taxis ...... 60W Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner . 18W Transport for London ...... 61W Police: Manpower ...... 19W Vodafone Group ...... 61W Police: Voluntary Organisations ...... 33W Proceeds of Crime: EU Action ...... 33W Procurement...... 33W TREASURY ...... 143W Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964...... 33W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 143W Theft: Metals ...... 34W Arch Cru...... 144W Tigers...... 35W Child Benefit...... 144W Vodafone Group ...... 35W Corporation Tax ...... 145W Credit Unions ...... 145W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION ...... 50W Devolution: Finance ...... 145W Theft ...... 50W Economic Growth: Northern Ireland...... 146W Energy: Finance ...... 146W JUSTICE...... 206W Fuels: Prices...... 146W Crime: Motor Vehicles ...... 206W Growing Places Fund...... 146W Criminal Proceedings ...... 206W Housing: Construction...... 147W Email ...... 207W Income Tax: Pensioners ...... 148W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 207W Members: Correspondence ...... 148W Employment and Support Allowance: Appeals...... 208W NHS: Private Finance Initiative ...... 148W Fines: EU Law ...... 208W PAYE...... 149W Insolvency: Civil Proceedings...... 208W Poverty: Children ...... 150W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 209W Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland...... 151W Legal Aid Scheme: Travellers ...... 209W Public Sector: Pay ...... 151W Police and Crime Commissioners...... 210W Public Sector: Pensions ...... 153W Procurement...... 210W Social Security Benefits...... 153W Sentencing: EU Action ...... 211W Stamp Duty Land Tax: Wales ...... 154W Sexual Offences...... 212W Valuation Office Agency: Trade Union Officials .... 154W Sexual Offences: Registration...... 211W VAT ...... 155W Social Security Benefits: Appeals ...... 212W Welfare Tax Credits: Birmingham...... 155W Victim Support Schemes ...... 213W Welfare Tax Credits: Overpayments ...... 156W Vodafone Group ...... 213W Young Offenders: Greater London...... 214W WALES...... 50W Young Offenders: Lancashire...... 223W Police Stations: Gwent ...... 50W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION
Monday 16 April 2012
Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 1MC Renewable Energy...... 1MC 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 23 April 2012
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CONTENTS
Monday 16 April 2012
List of Government and Principal Officers of the House
Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Education
Finance (No. 4) Bill [Col. 27] Motion for Second Reading—(Danny Alexander)—on a Division, agreed to Programme motion—(Angela Watkinson)—agreed to
Midland Main Line [Col. 142] Debate on motion for Adjournment
Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 1WS]
Written Answers to Questions [Col. 1W] [see index inside back page]
Ministerial Correction [Col. 1MC]